By Nicole Deschenes
As I write this, just know that I’m smiling to myself as I think of the Wayne’s World singalong of “Bohemian Rhapsody” in Garth’s Mirthmobile.
Choir! Choir! Choir! and every ticket-holder in the National Arts Centre’s Southam Hall will get a chance to sing the gems from Queen’s song catalogue this Saturday. And you, too, can be a part of it all while gaining bragging rights for having performed as the warm-up act for Toronto’s internationally renowned Massey Hall, the next stop for the duo behind C!C!C!
No experience is required, so there’s no excuse to miss out on some good feels. Go with your entourage or go alone to be part of this group of people, united by their love for music, coming together to create something extraordinary.
Daveeed Goldman and Nobu Adilman lead Choir! Choir! Choir! Photo: Vanessa Heins.
The brainchild of Daveed Goldman and Nobu Adilman (a.k.a. Dabu), Choir! Choir! Choir! was born in 2011 in a small bar in Toronto, with about 20 people singing Kermit the Frog. This non-auditioned ensemble quickly grew into an international phenomenon. Goldman described it as inventing a new show without realizing it.
Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, Choir! Choir! Choir! persevered and emerged stronger than ever. They understand that singing together is more than just entertainment; it is a powerful way to connect with others and enhance our mental well-being. It’s a space where you can feel connected to others simply by being there, sharing the experience of laughter, tears, and every emotion in between.
As the soundtracks of our lives, songs have a unique ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, notes Goldman. For his part, Adilman summed it up in a TEDx Toronto talk: “What’s a song but a collection of ideas and emotions? It’s what you do with those emotions. It’s how you express those ideas that ultimately impacts other people. C!3 is creating moments and memories through melody.”
Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer for Queen, connected heavily with fans, as guitarist Brian May once explained, “Freddie made the last person at the back of the furthest stand in a stadium feel that he was connected.” How fitting, then, to be singing Queen’s songs, because that’s precisely what C!C!C! does. They infuse each performance with a sense of joy and excitement, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself swept up in the contagious energy of everyone around you.
Daveeed Goldman and Nobu Adilman lead Choir! Choir! Choir! Photo: Vanessa Heins.
While each show has a theme, Choir! Choir! Choir! loves to throw curveballs and follow the audience’s lead. Goldman reveals that their performances are like conversations, flowing naturally and going off on tangents as the audience guides them through a unique musical adventure. It’s an experience where spontaneity reigns supreme, ensuring that no two shows are alike. This unpredictability creates endless possibilities and keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
Laughter is a vital ingredient in the Choir! Choir! Choir! recipe for success. Goldman says, “Humour unlocks everything,” so when people laugh, barriers are broken, and a genuine connection is formed. Once the audience is on board, there are no limits to where the musical journey can take them. “You have this sense of creating something with these people. We’re performing for ourselves. We are our own audience,” Goldman adds. He says videos of the show don’t do it justice, because it’s about coming together and feeling and celebrating.
Over the years, Choir! Choir! Choir! has had its fair share of memorable moments, from Rick Astley joining them at Toronto’s Clinton’s Tavern for an unforgettable rendition of “Never Gonna Give You Up” to Kermit the Frog joining them for a heartfelt performance of “The Rainbow Connection” at Lincoln Center in New York. These experiences showcase the magical and spontaneous nature of their shows. Goldman is still touched by the quintessentially Canadian moment of leading the national anthem at the 2017 Grey Cup amidst gently falling snow.
Now, it’s time for another epic celebration of music at the National Arts Centre. If past performances are any indication, it’s definitely going to be a kind of magic! Whether you’re a die-hard Queen fan or just someone looking for an exhilarating and uplifting experience, Choir! Choir! Choir! welcomes you with open arms. They have a knack for making you feel like you belong, and you’ll leave their shows with a renewed sense of joy and connection.
It’s looking to be a sold-out show, so if you want to break free and be part of the gathering, get your tickets fast because these are the days of our lives, and wouldn’t Freddie be proud—because the show must go on!
Choir! Choir! Choir! play the NAC’s Southam Hall on Sunday, July 15, at 8pm. Tickets are still available online and start at $20.The NAC’s main accessible entrance is on Elgin Street. The Canal Lobby entrance and Parking 2 and 3 vestibules are also accessible. Seating for wheelchair users, the visually impaired and their companions is available in every performance venue. All NAC public spaces, event spaces, and washrooms are wheelchair accessible. Universal and companion care washrooms are located on the Orchestra level of Southam Hall.
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