SOMERVILLE – More than 400 strangers became friends – and choir members – Saturday night at the Armory in Somerville.
Gaia Music Collective
For the first time, “Gaia Music Collective,” a New York-based “pop-up choir,” came to Massachusetts. The organization, which is run by volunteers and funded solely by donations, was founded in 2021 by Sharon native Matt Goldsein as “friendly, connecting music spaces” that welcome everyone. The organization has grown explosively online, with hundreds of thousands of followers on both TikTok and Instagram.
“So I saw it on Instagram and I really wanted to go to New York and try one,” says Rachel Remington of North Smithfield, Rhode Island. “It’s great. Singing in big groups is so much fun. You feel the energy and you get goosebumps.”
Pop-up choir sings ‘Defying Gravity’
More than 700 people showed interest in the Somerville event on Saturday, with more than 400 people filling the halls for three hours to sing in six-part harmony. No auditions or skill level required.
For his home choir, Goldstein chose “Defying Gravity” from the popular musical and new movie “Bad,” partly because the song is about taking risks for what you believe in, he told the audience.
Strangers in the room become friends, sharing not only music but personal stories of triumph and loss over the sounds of low harmony.
“It’s clear there’s a need for it,” said participant Kenny Kelleher of Winthrop. “There’s all this talent, there’s people who love it. I just think it sounds so much better than I could imagine.”
Participants posted listings on a “community wall” of local music groups and arts events to encourage people to get involved in the local arts community.
“This is crazy,” said founder Goldstein. “It’s really special…I think there are just good people everywhere who want to come out and sing.”
Kristina Rex
