08/11/2026
Today we received one of the most amazing messages. I wanted to share with you all.
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Sincere Sharing, Caring, and Fun
For Lupe and Ashlee
“It’s such a happiness when good people get together.”
—Jane Austen
We gather for more than singing—even more than fun. We gather for comfort in the acceptance and support of one another and the opportunity to be our authentic selves (even if the words we sing were written by someone else). Though, it takes more than a shepherd to herd a Flock of Seagulls and more than a Pied Piper to rouse a swarm of Beatles to “Come Together.” It takes two who care (with a little help from KaraFun) to inspire us with a love for the joy of music and a passion for enthusiasm that supports the bravery and joy of others.
It takes two like Lupe and Ashlee who wholeheartedly support us and each other. After a self-proclaimed catastrophic second attempt at trying to be the next Weird Al Yankovic on karaoke night at Groucho’s, I considered going into hiding. Though, when Lupe said, “I would love to see you back at Groucho’s,” I felt sincerely accepted and welcomed regardless of my karaoke catastrophe. For, with her support and Ashlee’s remembering who I was in greeting me by name, I felt both welcomed and as though I belonged in the company of strangers that are fast becoming dear friends to me.
After having lost my parents, sister, stepfather, stepsister, many other relatives, many friends, and, suddenly, my girlfriend, I have struggled with the confidence of finding where I belong. Since coming to Groucho’s and meeting Lupe, Ashlee, Duane, and many others as well as growing in my friendship with Pat and Dan, I have realized a joyous, hopeful, and comforting confidence in feeling as though, in their company, I unconditionally belong.
With peace, love, and joy,
Michael
"This is the power of gathering: it inspires us, delightfully, to be more hopeful, more joyful, more thoughtful: in a word, more alive."
—Alice Waters
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Thank you Michael for such amazing and kind words. This is why we do what we do.