Boston Gay Men’s Chorus is taking their annual benefit gala “Encore” online this Saturday, May 1. And they’re packing in all the elements of the in-person experience: storytelling, a hat competition, plenty of diverse LGBTQ+ entertainment, special guest The Boy Band Project and of course all the great music you’d expect.
Hosting the one-hour event from the Regent Theatre in Arlington is Catherine Peterson, executive director of ArtsBoston and immediate past chair of Chorus America.
“I’m thrilled to host ‘Encore’ and to support the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus. With their powerful videos and dazzling archival material the Chorus has brought solace and smiles to me and thousands of others during the pandemic. I can’t wait to give a little back to BGMC at this fun and fabulous event,” Peterson says.
Show time is 7 p.m., with a pre-show at 6:30 p..m., and tickets for the shindig ($100) are available on the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus website (bgmc.org).
Since “Encore” falls on the same day as the Kentucky Derby, guests will be invited to compete in a virtual hat competition via Instagram. Plus a live chat will allow guests to comment as the show progresses. BGMC Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds, III, will kick off the festivities with a pre-show demonstration of the proper way to make a mint julep.
“Funds raised at ‘Encore’ support our work throughout the year,” said BGMC Executive Director Craig Coogan. “Historically, about 20 percent of the organization’s budget comes from this fundraiser. With the pandemic the percentage will be even higher this year. We can’t wait to interact with our fans, members, and supporters in this new way!”
For all things Boston Gay Men’s Chorus, go to bgmc.org.
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