Mary Lambert to be Honored by the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus at the 40th Season Crescendo Gala
Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees, Grammy and Tony Award-nominated Composer Andrew Lippa and President of AT&T Pacific Region Ken McNeely Will Also Be Recognized
Funds Raised During the Evening Will Benefit the Newly Launched Music Education Program RHYTHM: Reaching Youth Through Music
SAN FRANCISCO, Feb. 20, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus (SFGMC), whose mission is to create extraordinary musical experiences that inspire community, activism and compassion, today announced a stellar lineup of honorees and VIP guests for the 40th Season Crescendo Gala presented by Zendesk. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary, this year SFGMC will honor two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mary Lambert with the Inspiration Award for her achievements in advancing LGBTQ equality. The evening will also honor Tyler Glenn of Neon Trees with the Trailblazer Award, as well as renowned Emmy-winning and Grammy and Tony Award-nominated composer Andrew Lippa with the Vanguard Award. The Corporate Leadership Award will be presented to the President of AT&T Pacific Region, Ken McNeely.
Being held on February 24th at the Fairmont San Francisco, other special guests include Star Trek: Discover and 13 Reasons Why actor and activist Wilson Cruz, RuPaul Drag Race's Bob the Drag Queen, Pitch Perfect's Kelley Jakle, son of newly elected Alabama Senator Doug Jones and LGBTQ activist Carson Jones, acclaimed author and activist Armistead Maupin and President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors London Breed. Guests will be entertained with special performances by Mary Lambert, Tyler Glenn Andrew Lippa, Bob the Drag Queen and members of the Chorus.
This year, significant portions of funds raised will support SFGMC's newest program, RHYTHM: Reaching Youth Through Music. This new educational youth outreach program brings the message of anti-bullying and acceptance through music, personal stories and experiences. RHYTHM brings high school students from all over the Bay Area and members of SFGMC together to share experiences, foster a safe space and grow from powerful stories of coming out and overcoming adversity. This landmark initiative will reach over 3500 By Area students in the next four months.
"In light of our 40th Anniversary, we will celebrate what SFGMC is at its core – family - while paying tribute to three honorees whose own lives and advocacy work have entered around theirs. With RHYTHM, we're aiming to spread the message of love and community to the younger generation. Our ultimate goal is to support them living their authentic lives," said Chris Verdugo, Executive Director of SFGMC.
The 40th Season Crescendo Gala is presented by Zendesk with additional support from partners: AT&T, Chansell Capital Properties, Peter Drake + Jared Moreno, and J.P. Morgan.
Individual and VIP tickets, which include an invitation to an exclusive cocktail reception, are available for purchase at: http://www.sfgmc.org/crescendo/.
About SFGMC
For nearly 40 years, SFGMC has courageously served as the international standard bearer for a powerful and accomplished mix of high-caliber performance, human rights, community activism, empowerment and inclusiveness, establishing it as an icon among LGBT organizations. Founded in 1978, it was the first organization of its kind and is credited with starting the LGBT choral movement, galvanizing and changing the course of LGBTQ history. It continues to rally and inspire other arts-based community organizations around the world. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig, SFGMC has established a heightened level of performance standards receiving audience and choral acclaim, increased its touring and recording profile and broadened its impact and reputation in the community while maintaining its signature blend of humor, personality and high-voltage performances. Visit www.sfgmc.org and @sfgmc (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram).
SOURCE San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus
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