A June full of Tunes

Hey hi hello!

My name is Lexi, and I am lucky enough to be bringing you June’s edition of the PSP newsletter! I’ve been a Soprano 2 with the group since its creation in November 2021. Outside of a cappella I spend my time playing bar trivia, going on nature walks, playing Baldur’s Gate with my boyfriend, and doing community theatre!

I hope you’re all staying cool in these oppressively hot temperatures. While I’m too pale to be out basking in this sun, I’m still basking in the success of our May debut at One Longfellow Square. Thank you wholeheartedly to everyone who was able to make it!

The Pine State Pitches perform “Sing for Myself” at their annual concert in May. Photo taken by Gregory Shaw.

June has been a busy month for our crew, so buckle up. 

We kicked off the Summer season by performing at the inaugural Acapalooza at Blue Point Church in Scarborough, ME! We joined three other a cappella groups for an afternoon of awesome arrangements  & chill-inducing harmonies. This event reinforced my appreciation for how music unifies us, no matter our age or creed. Shoutout to the Lewiston HS a cappella students who hyped us up during our set!

Holly as Bea in “Something Rotten.” Photo taken by Kathryn Kellogg for Lyric Music Theater.

We have so many talented individuals in our group, it would be selfish to keep them all to ourselves! June brought Holly’s debut at Lyric Music Theater, absolutely crushing the role of Bea in Something Rotten! I had the pleasure of seeing the show opening night and it was spectacular! The show would not have been the same without Holly’s comedic timing & powerhouse vocals.

Rachel H. as Helen in “Fun Home.” Photo by Kat Moraros Photography for Portland Players.

Additionally, this month brought the return of Rachel H. to the Portland Players stage! 

Her conquering of the role of Helen in Fun Home was nothing short of breathtaking. I was expecting this show to make me cry (which it did), but I was not prepared for how thought provoking and side splittingly funny it would be too! Major kudos to Rachel & the cast for sharing this important story in such a stellar fashion.

June is also PortFringe month! We were able to perform at the festival’s annual fundraising event back in April and we all had a blast. PSP member Stacey is a founding member of PortFringe, so if you attend any of the performances you may see her around! Jess performed in the world premiere of Between the Underworld & Sky, a riveting musical looking at Greek mythology through a unique & empowering lens.

Last, (but certainly not least), Happy Pride Month! The Pine State Pitches  wholeheartedly support & celebrate our queer brothers, sisters, and non-binary buddies. Many of our members had the chance to celebrate Pride this year, and some of them were even featured in Portland’s annual Pride Parade! 

PSP Member Lauren M. had the opportunity to perform at Handmade Pride with Lavender Choir– a group that she has been directing for three years.  This event, hosted by the Rainbow Arts Collective, saw the debut of Lauren’s Chappell Roan Medley (I personally hope she lets us sing it too)!

PSP members Erin, Lauren M., Amber, and Bailey enjoy the Pride parade in Portland with friends and family.

That’s all for now folks, we hope to see you at our next performance on July 28th at Fort Williams Park! Visit our website for more details.