Friday June 3, 2022

BELLE OF CINCINNATI - BB RIVERBOATS

Danielle Cozart Steele, Artistic Director

Jenny Spring, Executive Director

Shiloh Roby, Accompanist

SCHEDULE & EVENT INFORMATION

GREETING FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Two years ago, I had just begun my tenure as Artistic Director of YPCC. Covid was in full swing, and the first time I met most of my staff and board members was months after my official hire. We were at an outdoor, masked concert where then-ED Scotty McEvoy and his band the Sunburners were playing. Everyone was trying to do the right thing - sitting distanced, wearing masks, being careful about physical touch - but even with all the caution surrounding large gatherings and the trepidation many of us felt (should we even be here?!!!!), the giddiness of being in a group of our friends was overwhelming, and we inevitably started talking about our dreams and schemes for YPCC. I forget who said it, but one of the board member spouses (I lovingly call them “SOBs,” for “spouses of board”) said, “Wouldn’t it be fun if we had a pirate gala?!”  And if you know me, you know that’s all it takes. The seed of an idea gets planted and BOOM! I begin to see the fully-formed end-product in my mind. Pirate gala has been two years in the making, and every element of it was something that we cackled about while planning - from the Tik-Tok-famous sea shanties on tonight’s program to the constant stream of dumb pirate puns in our communications (give us your booty! arrr!) to coordinating with the Opera (who is presenting Pirates of Penzance later this summer!) for performers. 

And here we are - you’re on a riverboat, WITHOUT MASKS, Y’ALL!!! - and we’re keeping this organization afloat. If you’ve ever worked in the non-profit sector, you know that we survive on a wing and a prayer, with lots of love and effort from volunteers, and through the generosity of people like you, sitting here right now, reading this program. 

YPCC is designed for young professionals - we’re out here hustling, starting our careers and our families, trying to make friends, make meaning, find our way. And one way we’ve found of making meaningful connections is through music. Whether it’s something silly and fun like sea shanties and drinking songs or we’re plunging full-steam ahead into Latvian choral music, YPCC is where so many of us find fulfillment, find our home. 

Post-pandemic, when everything seems a little (ok, a lot) harder, when the world isn’t quite back to normal but we’re so desperately longing for normalcy, keeping organizations like YPCC financially healthy is vital so that we can help rebuild our community and continue to provide a space for young professionals to find belonging and joy. 

You may be thinking at this point, “Dan, I’ve already paid for a ticket, and I, too, am a broke young professional!” And this is where I go all NPR pledge drive announcer on you and say: every bit counts. Everything you do to help YPCC matters. You matter. We’re a grassroots organization. We started 10 years ago to meet a need in the lives of Cincinnati YPs, and we’ve weathered a lot. The fact that you’re here is a victory, and we can’t wait to see you at our future shows (which are gonna totally rock, btw, just you wait). So, can you make an additional $10 donation? YOU ARE AMAZING. THANK YOU! Are you the person who can make a $5000 donation? YOU ARE AMAZING, TOO, and we are so grateful for your generosity, whatever dollar amount that might be. 

Thank you for being here tonight. Thank you for being a part of the YPCC legacy. Thank you for watching us learn and grow on this journey. Thank you for sharing music and connection with us. We look forward to many more years serving Cincinnati YPs, connecting them to local arts and businesses and continuing to help our city thrive. 

-Danielle Cozart Steele

CONCERT LINEUP

TONIGHT’S PARTNERS

Sponsors

Jos. Forbes Peacock

Artistic Partners

Special Thanks

B&B Riverboats

Joe Peacock 

Paolo Salamone

Gregg Kottyan and Hyde Park Pediatrics

Joseph Knox Distillery and Michelle Hobbs

Nigel Cotteril and Below Zero Lounge

Patrick Deavy

SILENT AUCTION DONORS

Greg Rasp

The Soper Family

Tomas Navarro

Laura Vedder

Dominique Mix

Kelsey Eilers Lynn

Bridge of Healing, Velvet Byrne

ABOUT YPCC

Young Professionals Choral Collective:
Our Story

YPCC is an innovative choral ensemble that combines Cincinnati’s love of singing, socializing, and culture for young professionals ages 21-45. YPCC is comprised of over 1,200 singers who create and share high-quality music in an accessible, fun, and social way. The ensemble brings together young, energetic people to create quality choral music and connect in a fun, social, accessible, and low-pressure environment. YPCC also creates strong connections to local businesses and arts organizations through post-rehearsal outings, unique concert collaborations, and shared resources with stellar Cincinnati arts organizations.

GEMS OF THE QUEEN CITY SingerS

UPCOMING YPCC EVENTS

Illuminations
YPCC Chamber Singers Season 10 Spring Concert
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 - 7 PM
ARCO

A concert inspired by the medieval scribes whose fantastical visions and depictions still engage and inspire after hundreds of years.  Join YPCC and guest conductor Krista Cornish Scott in historic West Price Hill at the newly renovated ARCO (arts + community) space. ARCO is a former Masonic lodge with beautifully restored architecture and ADA accessibility. Wine will be available for purchase. Seating is limited - reserve your tickets soon! 

Sing In!
Tuesday, Aug. 23, 6:30-8:30PM
Location TBA - Check our website for details in August!

On Call choir is BACK! Preceding our official Season 11 kickoff, this is an optional and fun music learning opportunity for folks who want to explore YPCC and do some extra gigs around town. Join your favorite YPCC peeps for an evening of merriment and music making. We'll explore four to six new but easy-to-learn pieces to add to our repertoire for run-out performances at festivals, weddings, features with other arts organizations, and to be a presence at major events like the Flying Pig Marathon or Cincinnati Reds games. 

Sing Out!
Tuesday, Aug. 30, 6:30-8:30PM
Location TBA - Check our website for details in August!

After we get the new rep under our belts, invite your friends and family to hang with us for this casual evening while we consume a beverage or two and host a low-key, no pressure performance of our new On Call music. This gives YPCCers a chance to reconnect before the new season, introduces YPCC to new folks, and shows off all the cool music we can bring to our community. 

Sin and Decadence
YPCC Season 11 Fall Concert
Tuesday, October 18, 2022 - 7 PM
Joseph Knox Distillery

YPCC Season 11 fall concert kicks off the season with dancers from PONES dance company as we explore what it means to indulge: love and lust, avarice and charity, leisure and pleasure. Enjoy custom cocktails made with liquors crafted at the venue, and sample the unique and delicious wares of Joseph Knox Distillery, Central Parkway's newest addition to the Cincinnati distilling scene! Lovely outdoor seating and the gloriously spacious, welcoming indoor venue will make this an evening where you want to linger.