YourClassical MPR's fun, free event Bring the Sing is returning to Rochester! Minnesota Public Radio, Rochester Civic Music, Rochester Downtown Alliance and Threshold Arts are partnering to invite everyone in Rochester and Southeast Minnesota to join in YourClassical MPR’s Bring the Sing at 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, in the Peace Plaza. Join with friends, family and neighbors in singing along with local musicians LaSonya Natividad, Dianna Parks, Mitch Stevenson, Eric Straubmuller and Chris Wessel in a mass rendition of many festive, well-known winter and holiday favorites.

 

Song sheets will be provided. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy musical fellowship in this inviting space. All are welcome. Please join YourClassical MPR as we Bring the Sing.  

Come early and stay late to take in the Winter Market at the Chateau (Dec 3, 2 PM to 6 PM). Join Threshold Arts and The Night Market (Choochoo-ca-Chew) for a magical afternoon at the Historic Chateau Theatre, featuring over forty artists and makers, plus food, drink, and entertainment options for shoppers to enjoy.

Mitch Stevenson, Host - This Texas native arrived in Minnesota two weeks before the Halloween blizzard of 1991, and yet he stayed, moving to Rochester in 1994.  Mitch has spent the last decade in a leadership position with Trader Joe's. He spends his self-proclaimed semi-retirement days playing in either his brass quintet:  Brass Etc., founded 20 years ago, or one of the other bands he plays in. Mitch volunteers his time and effort to several non-profit service organizations: MPR’s Regional Development Advisory Council, Bolder Options, Olmsted Medical Center Board and the yearly NAACP MLK march.

LaSonya Natividad, vocalist - LaSonya Natividad is a Rochester Minnesota based vocal artist hailing from the great state of Louisiana. Her unique sound is a blend of southern gospel with jazz influences. She has a vocal range from mezzo soprano to contralto. Some of her vocal influences include the first lady of song Ella Fitzgerald, Etta James, India Arie, Jill Scott and Mahalia Jackson.

Dianna Parks, vocalist - Dianna Parks is an established vocalist and musician in southern Minnesota. Dianna began playing music in the Rochester region in 2008 and has been performing in bands and theater productions since. Dianna also serves the ministry of Good Earth Village in Spring Valley, as the executive director. She knows that music is a gateway for our spirits and can be incredibly cathartic. She is grateful to play a part in bringing some joy and hope to a troubled world at this time.

About YourClassical: YourClassical® is a collection of curated classical music listening experiences and information produced by Minnesota Public Radio and American Public Media Group. YourClassical provides audiences with the music they love through terrestrial broadcasts and multiple web-based platforms. Nationally syndicated YourClassical programs include Pipedreams®, SymphonyCast®, Composers Datebook® and Performance Today®, and are in addition to the Radio, Lullaby, Relax, Peaceful Piano, and Holiday audio streams that can be found at YourClassical.org. Regional music programming produced by YourClassical MPR®, is a trusted companion for listeners across Minnesota on broadcast radio, web interfaces and live events. YourClassical MPR’s Kid’s Initiatives strives to inspire the next generation of music fans and artists through in-school learning experiences, educational content, and resources for teachers and parents. Each week, nearly 2.75 million people engage with YourClassical. Learn more and listen at yourclassical.org. Media contact: Kay Hocker, khocker@mpr.org

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a Minnesota State Arts Board Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.