May 11, 2024 - Cincinnati Masonic Center - Starting at 6:30pm
Join YPCC as we dive into the world of Pure Imagination along side our super special guest conductor, John Morris Russell! Spend the evening reveling in music that brings wonder, and support this wonderful organization.
Come with me and you'll be in a world of musical enchantment at Young Professionals Choral Collective's annual gala, "Pure Imagination," led by Cincinnati Pops conductor John Morris Russell. Hear about this exciting event from the maestro himself:
"Hello Cincinnati! I’m thrilled to be joining YPCC for their annual gala 'Pure Imagination.' For those of you who know…you know…and for those of you who don’t, THIS is one of Cincinnati’s most joyous celebrations of life, love and exceptional singing. Cabaret, cocktails, choral singing, food, and dance at the splendid Masonic Center highlight an evening of fun and frivolity, in support of the inspiring musical mission of YPCC. We’ll be performing an eclectic mélange of classics from Broadway, Pop, Gospel, and Jazz by composers including Stephen Schwartz, Mitch Leigh, Rosephanie Powell, Louie Armstrong, and John Lennon. I look forward to seeing you there—leading the YPCC in song, and celebrating one of Cincinnati’s treasured ensembles." -JMR
Evening Events:
Our annual gala will be filled with music, dancing, and delicious food & libations. Attendees will be able to bid on items from local vendors during a silent auction, take a chance on a bottle pull, put their tickets in for a split the pot, and much more! Gala attendees should also feel free to dress up in whatever “Pure Imagination” means to them— the options are limitless!
VIP Doors Open 6:00
VIP Cabaret and Dinner 6:30
General Admission Doors Open 7:30
YPCC Concert 8:30
After Party 10:00 - Midnight
A champion of American musical style, John Morris Russell has devoted himself to redefining the American orchestral experience. His passionate embrace of America’s unique voice and musical stories has transformed how orchestral performances can deeply connect and engage with audiences worldwide. In his thirteenth season as conductor of the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra, Mr. Russell continues to reinvigorate the musical scene throughout Cincinnati and across the continent through the wide-range and diversity of his work as a conductor, collaborator, and educator. In addition to the Cincinnati Pops, he serves as Music Director of the Hilton Head Symphony Orchestra in South Carolina, and Principal Pops Conductor of the Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra. Mr. Russell is a popular guest conductor with many of the most distinguished orchestras in North America, and this season makes debuts with the Florida Orchestra and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, returns to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, and celebrates his tenth year with the National Orchestral Institute.
Julie Spangler has been the keyboardist for the Cincinnati Pops Orchestra since 1991, under the batons of Erich Kunzel and John Morris Russell. She is also a faculty member at the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music, where she serves as a music director, arranger, and accompanist in the school of Musical Theater. A part of CCM for over 27 years, she music directs many MT musical productions, and the graduating class’s showcase every spring in New York City. Julie loves performing all genres of music and collaborating with many artists, especially Cincinnati chamber groups such as concert:nova, CSO Chamber Players, and the Cincinnati Poptet, the Pops orchestra’s rhythm section.
Veronda "Vee" Gibson is a seasoned entertainer known for her captivating presence in music, theater, and television. Her talent has graced screens on CBS's "Its Showtime At the Apollo" where she claimed victory three times, and BET's "The Way We Do It" hosted by Rickey Smiley. As a SAG-AFTRA member, she boasts three national theatrical tours and has shared stages with industry luminaries like Derrick Hodge and Vanessa Bell Armstrong. With her strong vocals and versatile acting, Vee has portrayed diverse characters in productions such as "For Colored Girls…" and "A Raisin In the Sun." Despite near-misses like being considered for a leading role in a Tyler Perry production, she remains undeterred, showcasing her talent worldwide. Vee's performances extend beyond television and theater, with notable appearances alongside prestigious musical ensembles like the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and The Cincinnati POPS. In addition to her professional endeavors, Vee finds fulfillment as a Worship Leader at Crossroads Mason. Her commitment to touching lives through her artistry is reflected in her heartfelt quote: "I have a gift, and it's up to me to be responsible with it. Whether I touch one or one million – it doesn't matter to me – as long as I touch people's lives for the better."
“The Collective” is a Cincinnati based party band that is best known for their high energy shows and energetic moves. The band is comprised of Jayda Klink (vocals), John Towles (guitar), Kevin Patrick (bass), and Nathan Hoeweler (drums). The Collective is often seen with various artists around town at venues and events such as Tin Roof, Hard Rock Cincinnati, Pirates Cove, and Taste of Cincinnati. From Stevie Wonder to Beyoncé, and Tyler Childers to Cyndi Lauper, this band is sure to bring the celebration to all events with their versatile repertoire.
“Cincinnati’s “Statuesque Moose”, as she is known, is no stranger to any stage. She has a performance resume as long as her legs, and a heart as big as her brassiere! Her easy-going charms, sharp wit, and bawdy humor have made her one of Cincinnati’s most sought-after entertainers, and as long as her knees don’t fail her, she has no interest in slowing down!
Her willingness to support important causes has earned her several distinctions, including The Lydia Grant Humanitarian Award, 2021 Entertainer of the Year by the ISQCCBE, as well as serving on their 2022 Royal Family as Imperial Crown Princess Royale. In 2022, she was honored by The Cincinnati Sisters for her community efforts, and given the title of “Saint Phaedra the Defender”, their highest honor, and a rank achieved by only seven Cincinnatians, to date. She also holds a seat on the Board of Directors for Queen City Charities.
Fun fact: She was once purred at by Eartha Kitt!”