Southeast Idaho Queer Choir finds community, connection through song

BLACKFOOT — A choir unique to eastern Idaho is preparing to take the stage for the second full concert in its young history.

The Southeast Idaho Queer Choir, founded last September by Blackfoot resident Erick Graham-Wood, will present “Echoes of Us: A Queer Concert Experience” on Friday, July 10, at the ARTitorium in Idaho Falls.

For Graham-Wood, the idea for the choir began with something simple: He missed singing.

“I used to sing in elementary school and church choir,” Graham-Wood said. “Last year, I started to miss the opportunity to sing. There’s something so uplifting about being in a group of people who all have the same goal and love for music.”

He began looking for others who might also be interested and said the response exceeded his expectations.

“The response was incredible,” Graham-Wood said. “Quickly, we started putting together a rehearsal time with the hope of doing a Christmas concert last year. Most of us have only a basic history of singing in choir and wanted a place to sing fun songs that aren’t religious in nature.”

With its first Christmas concert last year, the choir has also performed at Pride events in Rexburg and Idaho Falls.

Now in its second season, the choir has continued to grow, forming a board and drawing members from communities across eastern Idaho.

“Our upcoming show at the ARTitorium in Idaho Falls will be a culmination of the work we’ve put in this year,” Graham-Wood said.

According to the concert program, the choir selected songs centered on universal themes, including the fear of being “othered,” the search for love, and the resilience it can take to stand still in a world that tries to move you. The program features music associated with artists including Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga, and Joni Mitchell while exploring themes of isolation, identity, and the “found family” that can change lives.

The choir is described as a safe, supportive space where LGBTQIA+ individuals can find their voices, build connections and express themselves authentically without judgment.

For Kristi Brower, one of the choir’s conductors, that shared sense of experience gives the music additional meaning.

“I love to sing and miss singing in a group,” Brower said. “I love singing with other LGBTQIA people. We have a shared history and experience that brings so much meaning to the songs.”

Brower said singing also offers her a deeply personal form of expression.

“Singing is a way for me to express myself as a queer person and the experiences and emotions that have colored my life,” she said.

Graham-Wood hopes the group will continue to grow.

“I hope more people will come and sing with us,” he said. “We meet every Sunday in Shelley, with people coming from Rexburg and Pocatello. It’s a fun atmosphere, and we are the most caring group of people who just want to feel the thrill of singing together.”

The choir’s fall and winter season begins Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. at the Shelley Senior Center.

“If you love to sing and support the LGBTQIA community, join us,” members said.

Those interested in joining can sign up through the QR code provided by the organization.

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