Intolerating intolerance

If you’re not sure what an intolerista is, don’t bother looking it up in the dictionary — it’s a made-up word for somebody who doesn’t tolerate intolerance.

And yes, the intellectual conundrum of the definition should make you laugh. After all, that’s what will be happening at the 11th annual Intolerista Wingding, a comedic musical celebration of progressive values, to be held Saturday in Moscow.

The Intoleristas formed around 10 years ago in response to pro-slavery ideas being expressed in Moscow at the time, said Jeanne McHale, an event coordinator and performer. With slavery out of the community conversation, these days the group devotes its energies to “making fun of ignorance, greed and hate” and “celebrating progressives values like inclusion, justice and love” through the yearly musical Wingding event.

Like every year since its inception, the event will feature Roy Zimmerman, a satirical singer-songwriter and musician from California who sings about politics and social issues. Zimmerman may perform a few favorite songs with perennial themes, but many songs will be new.

Satire has a short shelf life, McHale explained, since it is based on current events and the topics of local or national conversation. The humor is in the proximity of the situation and its details. The song she sang about Sarah Palin several years ago, for example, wouldn’t have the same humorous punch today.

McHale will sing a few songs of her own at the event, backed by the Threat Level Purple Singers, comprised of Becky Chastain, Gail Taber and Emily Poor. The name was inspired by former terror threat levels, in which purple was “the color of recovery after disaster,” McHale said.

Given current political issues, she said, the need for satire is both urgent and challenging, providing camaraderie and a means of warding off despair.

“Humor is more important than ever,” she said.

Food from Duke’s Place will be available for purchase at the event, and beer and wine will be sold by the Wine Company of Moscow.