Puget Soundworks presents The Beat Goes On: A Collective Mixtape
$20-$100; limited number of sliding scale general admission tickets available
- Miriam Anderson, conductor
James Harris III / Janet Jackson / Terry Lewis — Rhythm Nation
Imogen Heap — Hide and Seek
TBA — Selected works
Puget Soundworks, Seattle's all-gender LGBTQIA+ centered chorus, is delighted to present its latest concert, "The Beat Goes On: A Collective Mixtape," on April 12-13, 2025. This two-act choral concert journeys through the rich and varied legacies of our singers, blending personal stories with iconic music that reflects shared experiences across the intersection of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC identities, as well as their allies.
2025 has started out extremely turbulent with the rights and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals under attack. Despite this unsettling environment, "The Beat Goes On" reminds us of the resilience, courage, and solidarity within our communities. Through personal stories and collective songs, this concert will serve as a space for reflection, healing, and empowerment—a vital reminder of the enduring strength of love and activism in the face of adversity.
In this one-of-a-kind production, our singers bring their histories to life through a powerful tapestry of music. The concert highlights stand-out moments from our singers' lives—candid, poignant, and often joyful stories illuminated through songs that resonate on a deeply personal level. The lens expands to embrace songs that carry collective meaning, celebrating the broader legacy of courage, love, and activism that ties our communities together.
From chart-topping pop hits like Aretha Franklin's "Respect" and Janet Jackson's "Rhythm Nation," soul-stirring ballads like Imogen Heap's "Hide and Seek," and anthems of liberation, each song in "The Beat Goes On" will shine a light on the journeys of LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals. "Music and collective singing has been used as a form of protest and community strengthening throughout history. We use our voices to spread love, inclusion, and connection in this incredibly difficult time. We can't wait to share our collective mixtape with you," says Miriam Anderson, Artistic Director.
About Puget Soundworks
Puget Soundworks is an all-gender, LGBTQIA+ centered community chorus serving the Puget Sound region. We are here to make the world a kinder, more inclusive place, one song at a time.
https://pugetsoundworks.org/About Miriam Anderson, conductor
Puget Soundworks Artistica Director Miriam Anderson (she/they) has been involved in music her whole life and started studying voice and percussion at the age of 10. She began her studies in both choral and orchestral conducting during her undergraduate years at UC Berkeley. After earning Bachelor's Degrees in Music and Peace and Conflict Studies, she was hired to assistant direct the UC Berkeley Chamber Chorus, and to play principal timpani and run the percussion section for the UC Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. In June 2017 she completed a master’s of music degree in choral conducting from the University of Washington.
Miriam is passionate about using choral music to build community and connection, and as a form of outreach, integrating her backgrounds in music and peace studies. Outside of Puget Soundworks, Miriam currently directs the Seattle Labor Chorus, and the Piccolini and Entrata ensembles of Seattle Girls Choir. She is also a teaching artist at Seattle Opera, teaches private voice lessons, and is the Chorus Manager and a singing member of Choral Arts Northwest. Miriam also frequently gigs in the Seattle area as a percussionist, vocalist, and conductor.
When she is not making music, Miriam enjoys dance, yoga, knitting, cooking, and playing with her cat.
https://pugetsoundworks.org/leadership/