OurSong, Atlanta’s only mixed gay and lesbian chorus, is readying for its upcoming performances on June 3-4 to celebrate being “Outside Ourselves,” a concert that uses songs about water and nature to celebrate the wonderment of Earth as well as songs that tackle drug addiction within the LGBT community.

“The concert has two halves — the first half deals with water, earth, songs that deal with life,” explains Robert Glor, artistic director.

Song selections for the first half of the concert include “Rain, Rain, Beautiful Rain” by Ladysmith Black Mambazo; as well as Carly Simon’s hit “Let the River Run Wide” and the Eagle’s “Seven Bridges Road.”

The second half of the concert takes on the issue of drug abuse, specifically crystal meth abuse that has greatly impacted the gay community, Glor explains.

Songs for the second half of the shows include Coldplay’s “Fix You” and Dolly Parton’s “Light of the Clear Blue Morning” as well as some fun and humor through songs like “Rehab” by Amy Winehouse.

“Crystal meth — people in our chorus are familiar with those who have dealt this addiction,” Glor says. “The entire concert causes a lot of self reflection.”

OurSong is now in its ninth season and has raised money for several other nonprofits, including the Atlanta Food Bank and the national Trevor Project. Proceeds from the “Outside Ourselves” concert will likely be donated to an area that has been impacted by the recent tornadoes and flooding, in line with the concert’s first theme of water and life, Glor says.

“The music is top-notch and has a spiritual core,” he says about why people should attend. “Plus, I think they just sound pretty damned good.”

As OurSong enters its 10th season, it has raised $10,000 to commission three new works specifically for the choral group to perform next year that will center around themes of nature and love, Glor says.

Top photo: OurSong, Atlanta’s mixed lesbian and gay chorus, will hold its ‘Outside Ourselves’ concert on June 3-4. (Courtesy photo)