The Classical Crossover Community Facebook group is one of the largest and most active communities where fans of the genre can celebrate their favorite musicians and discover new artists. It was created by American soprano Julie Mae Hales (see our 5 Questions feature) three years ago.
Last year, we joined forces to celebrate their second anniversary and on March 27th will be teaming up once again to present a collaboration concert featuring many wonderful artists including Julie and Scottish soprano Wendy Carr, who will double as the event MC.
Classical Crossover Magazine: Julie, when did you first start performing?
Julie Mae Hales: I first started performing in church, singing hymns and singing at baptisms.
Classical Crossover Magazine: Finding support in the music business can be difficult but a group like CCC is an absolute light. Tell us what made you create it?
Julie Mae Hales: I remember posting my first single to one of the groups and it did not get a lot of likes or comments. So, I decided to experiment and ask a question in one of the groups and the post got a lot of engagement. From there I decided that I was going to create a Facebook group that built a community between artists and fans. My goal was in the first year to be the biggest group with the most likes and comments. I hit that goal in ten months of the group being formed.
Classical Crossover Magazine: What have been some of the highlights for you in managing the group so far?
Julie Mae Hales: My highlights have been forming amazing friendships with several of the artists. Having the opportunity to be a part of Songbirds doing collaboration concerts with Classical Crossover Magazine and putting a concert together with my friends for “Origins”.
I also have enjoyed connecting with so many music lovers and consider the people in this community my friends. It brings me so much joy to be a part of a community where people are so kind and when the artist’s posts get engagement. As artists we work so hard to have our music heard and this community gives the artist a chance to be heard outside of their normal fan base.
Classical Crossover Magazine: The CCC concert will celebrate the 3rd birthday of your group. Tell us a little bit about what to expect?
Julie Mae Hales: I am so excited to celebrate Classical Crossover Community birthday at the end of the month. I cannot believe that we have over three thousand members.
If you have not already please subscribe to this fabulous youtube channel.
This is where the concert will be livestreamed. Please hit the bell to be notified when the concert is live. There are so many amazing artists who are sharing their time and talents with us. Every artist has created a brand-new video that will feature in the concert. It will be hosted by my gorgeous friend Wendy Carr.
Classical Crossover Magazine: Finally, as you are an accomplished soprano yourself, tell us what you are working on and how we can support you?
Julie Mae Hales: Right now I am working on my second album. I will be announcing very soon the concept of the album and behind the scenes to my stars on Patreon. If you have ever wanted to see how an artist creates an album from beginning to end please join me on the patron.
Join Julie on Patreon!
I would just like to say thank you to everyone who has supported this group. As always my wonderful friends, sending you love and light.
