Riverside Resistance Revival Chorus: Still Singing

I will be your standing stone; I will stand by you.

These words represent the complete lyrics of a soothing choral piece, one of the Riverside Resistance Revival Chorus's most moving performances.

In the fall of 2017, professional musician and choral director Jerri Mendivel called a meeting here in Riverside to address the need for a musical approach to a growing movement of peaceful resistance to unpopular and worrisome changes occurring in the USA at the time. It was there that the Riverside Resistance Revival Chorus was born.

That initial meeting gave birth to a board of enthusiastic community women who then personally recruited more singers. Since then, the group has met for an average of two monthly rehearsals (except for the COVID-19 interruption).

The Chorus rents rehearsal space at Riverside's Trinity Lutheran Church. The group has sung at marches, demonstrations, special events, concerts, and celebrations in Riverside and beyond.

RRRC singers dress all in white, a nod to America's suffragists. The songs are often rousing, all performed in multi-part harmony, with and without instrumental accompaniment.

The RRRC is grateful for its connection with renowned Oakland-based chorus director, performer, and songwriter Melanie DeMore. DeMore has come to Riverside several times for choral gatherings/workshops, and several of her own songs, including Standing Stone, are part of the RRRC repertoire.

In an unexpected speed bump, the Covid pandemic took its toll on membership. Many members avoided large group settings, and mask-wearing made performance and practice difficult.  When Jerri Mendivel relocated north last year, Kris Lovekin took over the choir direction with the continued help of the remaining board members. The core group of singers is decidedly smaller than it used to be, so leaders are focusing on growing the group again.

A local extension of the movement that began in New York City with the original Resistance Revival Chorus collective, the RRRC is a multicultural group of women singers who perform music that reflects the continuing quest for freedom, justice, and peace in America and beyond.

If you like to sing and want to help promote women's rights, fight racism, reverse global warming, and defend our Constitution, please get in touch. Look for us on Facebook or email us at Rivrrchorus@gmail.com.

By Annie Chesnut