The Beginnings
On February 11, 1979, a meeting took place to form a band to march at the 1979 Gay and Lesbian Pride Week parade in Chicago, Illinois. 18 people were in attendance.
On June 24, 1979, the Gay Pride Marching Band Performed in the 10th Annual Pride Parade.
In September 1979, a not-for-profit organization was set up, they were called the Windy City Cultural and Performing Arts (WCCPA).
On October 9, 1979, the Windy City Gay Chorus held its first meeting at the Wellington Church. It's founders were Jerry Carlson, Gordon Chiola, Matt Wycislak, and Don Heering. It's founding director was Richard Garrin, a member of the Chicago Symphony Chorus.
The Windy City Gay Chorus was one of the first gay choruses in the country and is a founding member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA).
The Windy City Gay Chorus' first performance was in December 1979: Don We Now... at Stages Music Hall.