If you'd like us to perform at your function, please send a note to [email protected]. Oasis grew out of Fruit Cocktail '85, an annual fund-raising concert for Toronto's Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal. Some cast members decided to form a group, called "Integrated Circus", to sing Broadway, pop and jazz tunes on a continuing basis after Fruit Cocktail. In 1986 the group became known as
Oasis. The number of performers in Oasis has fluctuated from its original 8 to more than 20 in the early 1990s (pictured here) down to its current configuration, and now includes a mixture of gay and straight members. In 1993 with the arrival of new musical director Sara Clarkson, Oasis began a gradual shift from elaborate staging towards a focus on achieving the rich, seamless vocal blend that has become the trademark of Oasis Vocal Jazz today. Over the years, Oasis has particularly enjoyed performing with other entertainers, including Phyllis Diller, recording artists Rita MacNeil, The Parachute Club, Micah Barnes and The Beehive Singers, vocal ensembles such as Singing Out!, Just Friends, Forté, Tone Cluster and Iris, and a host of individual vocalists and musicians in the Toronto area. Cultural festivals in which Oasis has performed on stage include the "First Night" New Year's Eve celebration at Toronto City Hall, Lesbian and Gay Pride in Toronto, ARTSweek, the Kiwanis Festival and the Ontario Vocal Festival. Oasis has performed at hospitals and senior citizens' homes, in downtown plazas and at events at Ontario Place, Roy Thomson Hall and Harbourfront. Twice, Oasis has been beamed coast to coast on Breakfast Television, a morning show produced by CITY-TV in Toronto. Charitable and non-profit organizations which have benefitted from Oasis performances have included the Canadian Hearing Society, Canadian Liver Foundation, Ontario Literacy Council, the Lesbian and Gay Community Appeal, Good Samaritan Hostel for men, Nellie's Hostel for women, Street Outreach Services, Council Fire Native Cultural Centre, Toronto PWA Foundation, Casey House Hospice, Hill House Hospice and Keshet Shalom
