Lady of the Week – Sarah Troedson Haynes

Sarah Joy Troedson Haynes, the First

Soprano II

How long have you been in the choir?

Just a little baby bit of 6 months!

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

I love Wildewoman. And Run to the Window.

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

Being part of PFLC makes me feel inspired and hopeful and…happy. And understood. And part of something that matters. And part of something that both fills me up and draws me out in the exact way I have needed filling and drawing at this time in my life, and that says, “hey, we need you here right now. You, yes you.” The more I get to know this group, the more I am impressed and inspired by the joyful, artful variety of one-of-a-kind women I am rubbing elbows with each week, who are doing creative, difficult, purposeful things with their lives or jobs or hobbies. And to be part of a group that pushes each other to be better – gently, firmly, lovingly, with strength and power and vigor and verve and humor and awkwardness. Ha! It’s the feeling you get while standing in a quiet street under a thick, warm rain shower on an early, temperate morning – and good hair and dry clothes be damned. Amirite?

What do you like to do outside of choir?

Karaoke, jigsaw puzzles, crossword puzzles, number puzzles, nature walks with my family, traveling to unusual places both local and international, esp with my family. Watching political youtube clips or religious cult documentaries with my husband. Truthfully I work soooo much. I kind of squeeze in the rest of my life around my job (as International Accounting Manager at CHS Inc). Which I fortunately generally really enjoy my job, but work/life balances is a bit off-kilter.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

Not local, but I am really jonesing on a multitude of David Byrne tunes these days. I also love Richard Thompson, and Guided by Voices is a default setting at our house. Local – I’m an old-time fan of Martin Devaney and I like Atmosphere and was recently introduced to Heiruspecs. I like Roe Family Singers. And Mike Gunther is amazing. Also love local radio! I love radio station Radio K 100.7 FM “real college radio”. It is THE BEST place to hear interesting, weird new music. Not always local music, true – but always fresh and different.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

You’re killing me with the singular nouns here. Karaoke is my hobby, man. My soundman husband has set up karaoke in our basement so we are always at the mic. Depending on my mood, you may hear What’s Up (4 Non Blondes), I Will Survive (Gloria Gaynor), Con Te Partiro (Bocelli/Brightman), My Heart Will Go On (Celine Dion), Colors of the Wind (Pocahontas), Let it Go (Frozen), Candy (Iggy Pop – duet with my hubs), I Dreamed a Dream (and other Les Mis), Don’t Cry for Me Argentina (and other Evita), Heartbreaker (Pat Benetar), Magic Man (Heart) and a small handful of Carpenters and Joni Mitchell and other Disney and B’way showtunes. I can’t choose just one! #divadonna

Describe yourself in three words

Get. Shit. Done.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

I think I would want the movie about my life to be one of those European art house films with all the action occurring in a single room over a period of years, and there’s a lot of important dialogue that drives the plot so if you don’t listen carefully, you’re screwed. So I would need to be played by some lesser-known Euro actress who can get the right blend of quirky self-confidence amid overly-frequent social anxiety. She could have a sexy French accent as a point of artistic license. I would sign off on that.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

At peace with the choices I’ve made.

Photo courtesy of Anna Grinets

Lady of the Week – Leah Drury

Leah Drury

Soprano 1

How long have you been in the choir?

This is my second season

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Can’t Hardly Wait – I’m a longtime ‘Mats fan

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

Harmony – in more ways than one 🙂

What do you like to do outside of choir?

Hang with my hubby and kids (ages 10 & 15); teach Music Together to wee ones; travel; go out to eat (I’m a terrible cook); help folks buy & sell houses – seriously love my job; and disrupt the patriarchy

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

Lizzo, Caroline Smith, Polica, Sims, ska band The Prizefighters

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I love singing with other people (duh) so duets are my favorite – and I’m currently obsessed with finding people to sing “I’ve Had the Time of My Life” from Dirty Dancing with me.  I can also rock either part of “Forgot About Dre,” “The Girl Is Mine,” “Don’t Go Breakin’ My Heart,” “Total Eclipse of the Heart” (not really a duet but it works)

Describe yourself in three words

Outside the box

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Amy Adams

What do you want to be when you grow up?

The person who picks music snippets to play in pro sports stadiums… or, a lab-coat-wearing makeup saleslady… or, a touring backup singer 50 feet from stardom

Photo courtesy of Anna Grinets

Lady of the Week – Kelly Wolford

Kelly Wolford

Alto I

How long have you been in the choir?

5 months and loving it.

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

“In the Aeroplane Over the Sea” or “Hive,” can’t decide.

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

Besides loving to sing and being around great, supportive, forward-thinking women, the group introduces me to music venues in the Cities beyond the occasional concert or musical.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

Volleyball, book clubs, karaoke, and eating out at a frequency that far exceeds the Surgeon General’s recommendations.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

I am not hip enough to know anyone other than Jeremy Messersmith and Prince, but I love them both.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

“Son of a Preacher Man”

Describe yourself in three words

Multi-tasker, nap-lover, bookworm

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Maybe Jenna Fischer.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Old.  Very, very old.

Lady of the Week – Anna Decker

Anna Decker

Tenor 2

How long have you been in the choir?

This is my 4th year, but I skipped a year in there, so 3 sweet years!

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Run to the Window

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

The camaraderie and support we all have for one another. And our beautiful sound.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

I serve on the board of Sandbox Theatre, volunteer with Big Brothers/Big Sisters, play board games galore, and try to take sweet road trips when I can.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

Davina and the Vagabonds hold a special place in my heart.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

“Runaway” by Del Shannon

Describe yourself in three words

Curious, silly, impatient

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

I would WANT it to be Allison Janney, but she’s probably busy.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Tough one. I’d really like to be a mother someday, and also have some business ideas floating around in the ol’ noggin. Maybe both, maybe neither! Who knows? I’m not even 30 yet, so anything could happen!

Lady of the Week – Sarina Partridge

Sarina Partridge

Alto I

How long have you been in the choir?

2 years…I think?

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Rebel Girl

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

Collaborating with local musicians…and snack time, and drinking. Also when Val swears.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

Ride my bike while singing musicals…garden…ceramics…play banjo and ukulele…sing whacky Eastern European music with my other choir…teach the children, as they are our future.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

The Cactus Blossoms, Lynn O’Brien, Roe Family Singers, Corpse Reviver

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

“Tell Me Something Good” by Chaka Khan

Describe yourself in three words

Sexy Ms. Frizzle?

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

That floofy-haired one from Broad City

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A back-up singer for Aretha Franklin

Lady of the Week – Dresden Jones

Dresden Jones

Dresden “Hollywood” Jones

Alto II

How long have you been in the choir?

This is my 3rd season but, really, I feel like I’ve been here my whole life

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Green Gultch. It’s a song we did with Aby Wolff. We don’t sing it anymore but it literally moved me to tears although I couldn’t really tell you why.

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

Getting to sing with other ladies who love to sing. Also, the snacks.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

I watch a lot of horror movies from the 1970s. I also spend a fair amount of time napping.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

PRINCE. The Replacements, Lizzo

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Hit Me with Your Best Shot

Describe yourself in three words

Priceless, impatient, accessible

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Maybe like a bigger boned Thandie Newton

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Wealthy

Lady of the Week – Anna Weggel-Reed

Anna Weggle

Anna Weggel-Reed

Soprano 2

How long have you been in the choir?

This is my second year!

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Violet. And Modern Girl. I can’t BELIEVE I’m lucky enough to be in a choir that sings Jeremy Messersmith and Sleater Kinney songs!

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

That’s so hard to choose! The type of music we sing. The friendships made. Being surrounded by a room full of only women at least once a week. Collaboration. Kindness. But above all else, snacks. Our snack game is on POINT.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

I am a radio producer for The Current. I am also an improviser with ComedySportz. And I craft with wild abandon.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

Oh man!!! Prince (forever and ever). Lizzo. Cloud Cult. Dessa. Lucy Michelle. So many!

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Gangsta’s Paradise” and “(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman”.

Describe yourself in three words

Silly. Interested. Joyful.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Tina Fey! (in my DREAMS)

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A cool-ass grandma!

Photo courtesy of Nate Ryan

Lady of the Week – Alissa Jones

Alissa Jones

Alissa Jones

Soprano 1

How long have you been in the choir?

6 years

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Porchlight- our original songs are awesome!

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

Connecting with women and coming together to create music that entertains and touches others.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

Snuggle with my dog Moxie Mae, read, international travel, and get as much Vitamin D as possible outside of the winter months

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

Cloud Cult!!!

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Karaoke isn’t my thing. Instead, I change the lyrics to songs and turn every day conversations in to my own musical, which may be accompanied by dance moves and jazz hands. That’s just how I roll on a daily basis.

Describe yourself in three words

Silly. Caring. Passionate.

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Amy Schumer…with a little less sailor.

What do you want to be when you grow up?

A badass researcher- solving the world’s problems one study at a time. Or a museum curator in Mexico.

Lady of the Week – Lisa Heyman

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Lisa Heyman

Soprano 2

How long have you been in the choir?

4 years

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Violet and Whip It

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

We are a fabulous group of ladies of all ages who come together to sing.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

I like to travel, hike, bike, go out to hear live music and spend time with my family and dogs.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

Jeremy Messersmith, Aby Wolf, Chastity Brown, Dessa, Lizzo, Caroline Smith, Cloud Cult, The Honeydogs, Niki Becker, Lucy Michelle, Herschel and the Detainees, Rogue Valley and any band my kids or their friends are in.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

Jackson

Describe yourself in three words

Optimistic, determined, sensitive

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Tina Fey

What do you want to be when you grow up?

An astronaut or a singer in an all women over 50 punk band.

Photo courtesy of Angela Aird

Lady of the Week – Kinzy Janssen

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Kinzy Janssen

Soprano II

How long have you been in the choir?

Since February of 2015…but I’d been stalking the PFLC audition page for at least a year before that.

What’s your favorite PFLC song?

Can’t Hardly Wait. It’s so bright and brassy and fun. My heart is split cleanly between that and Erghan Deda.

What’s your favorite thing about being in this choir?

I love that it’s a DIY choir and that everyone brings a different talent to the table. I also appreciate the wide variety of music that we embrace.

What do you like to do outside of choir?

Writing. And reading, to keep the music of good sentences in my ears. I also sing (obviously) and rock-climb and bake and brew beer and spend time in nature.

Who are your favorite local bands/musicians?

Hmm, having lived in Minnesota for barely two years, I have some catching up to do in the local music scene. Ummm, Prince? Haley Bonar. Caroline Smith. Har Mar Superstar is hilarious. And I feel like I’m already a distant fan of Anna‘s band, Herschel and the  Detainees. even though I have yet to make it to a show.

What’s your go-to karaoke song?

I’ve always wanted to sing “I Can’t Stand the Rain” by Ann Peebles but they NEVER HAVE IT. Shame on them. But I’m slowly building up my repertoire…”How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore?” by Alicia Keys. “Chain of Fools” and “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin. “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)” by Cher. “Criminal” by Fiona Apple. “Rescue Me” by Fontella Bass.

Describe yourself in three words

Word-lover, easily fascinated, uncertain

Who would play you in a movie about your life?

Lisa Kudrow or Zooey Deschanel, in order to capture my weirdness…but in a mainstream way. I want it to be a blockbuster, right?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

I want to be so many things! A memoirist/essayist, a linguist, a singer, a Mom, a painter, a Master Gardener. A baker and a candle-stick maker, but not a butcher.

Photo courtesy of Angela Aird