Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus Presents: "Kelly: We All Need an Idol" Concert
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus Presents: "Kelly: We All Need an Idol" Concert
Des Moines, Iowa - The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus is thrilled to announce its upcoming March concert, "Kelly: We All Need an Idol," a mesmerizing tribute to the iconic Kelly Clarkson.
Event Details:
Dates: Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: Scottish Rite Consistory, Des Moines, Iowa
Prepare to be enchanted by the fusion of the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus's vocal prowess with Kelly Clarkson's chart-topping hits. "Kelly: We All Need an Idol" promises an evening of joy, inspiration, and fun as the chorus weaves a captivating musical narrative of self-discovery and resilience through Clarkson's powerful repertoire.
In a world filled with challenges, music serves as a beacon of hope and empowerment. Through Kelly's anthems, we invite our audience to breakaway from negativity and embrace the transformative power of music, emerging stronger and more resilient than ever before.
Don't miss this a moment like this. Secure your tickets today and join us for a night that promises to be unforgettable.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Eric Shepard, email artisticdirector@dmgmc.org or call 515-200-2798.
ABOUT DES MOINES GAY MEN'S CHORUS - The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus (DMGMC) is a choral organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through music. They sing music that matters to help foster a world where unconditional love and acceptance are woven into our common humanity.
Founded in 2001, DMGMC provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ and ally members to make music together and build meaningful connections. Through its performances and outreach programs, DMGMC seeks to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences while fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Light of the Season" by Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus Illuminates Hoyt Sherman Place with Messages of Love and Unity
DES MOINES, IA – The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus is thrilled to announce their upcoming winter concert, "Light of the Season," on Saturday, December 2nd, at 7:30 PM at the historic Hoyt Sherman Place.
DMGMC invites the community to join them in celebrating the true spirit of the season. The concert promises an evening of enchanting music that transcends differences, acknowledging various traditions and customs celebrated during this festive time.
Eric Shepard, the chorus's director, emphasizes the power of music to influence a world where unconditional love and acceptance are woven into our common humanity. The concert will feature songs that recognize our differences but emphasize that loving one another is the key to building a better world.
The concert will capture the hustle and bustle of the season through beloved holiday favorites, serving as a reminder that, no matter how challenging life may seem, we are never truly alone. "You are seen, heard, and we hope to be the light that shows you your voice matters," says Shepard. "Shine your light this holiday season and be the joy and inspiration our world so desperately needs."
The concert will echo the message that life gets better, and the future is brighter when we unite through the power of music. Audiences are encouraged to embrace gratitude for what is given and recognize the blessings we all share.
Don't miss this uplifting and inspiring event. Join the Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus at Hoyt Sherman Place on December 2nd at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable evening of music that matters.
Tickets are now available for purchase from Ticketmaster. Don't miss this incredible opportunity to celebrate the season and support the LGBTQ+ community.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Eric Shepard, email artisticdirector@dmgmc.org or call 515-200-2798.
ABOUT DES MOINES GAY MEN'S CHORUS - The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus (DMGMC) is a choral organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through music. They sing music that matters to help foster a world where unconditional love and acceptance are woven into our common humanity.
Founded in 2001, DMGMC provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ and ally members to make music together and build meaningful connections. Through its performances and outreach programs, DMGMC seeks to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences while fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus Announces Annual Gala: A Night of Celebration, Community, and Fundraising
Des Moines, IA — The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus (DMGMC) is excited to announce its most anticipated event of the year, the Annual Gala: An Eat. Drink. Sing. Event. The Gala will take place on National Coming Out Day, Wednesday, October 11, 2023, at the Des Moines Heritage Center. The evening will bring together supporters and allies for an unforgettable night of entertainment, fundraising, and solidarity.
Taking center stage as the evening's emcee will be Jackie Schmillen, local journalist and advocate. The event will consist of a plated dinner, silent and live auctions, a wine pull raffle, performances from chorus members, and an exclusive look at the upcoming 23rd chorus season. All proceeds raised will directly contribute to the DMGMC's vital community outreach and educational initiatives.
"At the heart of the DMGMC Annual Gala is our commitment to making a lasting positive impact on the LGBTQ+ community," said Eric Shepard, Artistic Director of the DMGMC. "The support we receive from our generous patrons directly fuels our ability to extend our reach, engage in meaningful community projects, and provide essential educational resources. Together, we can create a stronger, more inclusive future for all."
The DMGMC’s Annual Gala is an open invitation to all individuals who champion diversity, equality, and the arts. To secure your seat and be a part of this impactful event, register today by visiting the Event Registration Link below.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
Time: 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
Location: Des Moines Heritage Center, 120 E 5th St, Des Moines, IA
Event Registration: https://dmgmc.app.neoncrm.com/np/clients/dmgmc/eventRegistration.jsp?event=35
The DMGMC is immensely grateful for the unwavering support of its sponsors, partners, and patrons, whose dedication enables the chorus to thrive and make a meaningful impact. For inquiries, sponsorship opportunities, or further information about the DMGMC Annual Gala, please email info@dmgmc.org or call 515-200-2798.
###
ABOUT DES MOINES GAY MEN'S CHORUS - The Des Moines Gay Men's Chorus (DMGMC) is a choral organization dedicated to promoting and supporting the LGBTQ+ community through music. They sing music that matters to help foster a world where unconditional love and acceptance are woven into our common humanity.
Founded in 2001, DMGMC provides a welcoming and inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ and ally members to make music together and build meaningful connections. Through its performances and outreach programs, DMGMC seeks to educate, inspire, and entertain audiences while fostering a greater understanding and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
The World is Your Runway: Celebrating PRIDE
It doesn’t matter who you love, you were born this way.
The queer community has utilized clothing as an unapologetic symbol of self-expression and a way to communicate their true selves to the world. Queer fashion is a culture all its own, derived and adapted from the LGBTQ+ people who came before us. The types of clothing we wear affect our behaviors and our confidence.
Begin with loving yourself and everything that you are.
Being LGBTQ+ has historically meant being unaccepted, clothing and fashion have helped the community use certain accessories or styles of dress to communicate their sexuality, even secretly or without "mainstream” society understanding the meaning.
Some inspiring queer fashion moments include:
· In the 1890’s, Oscar Wilde famously wore a green carnation,
· In the 1920’s, when women began dressing more masculinely, many queer women adopted styles with trousers.
· In the 1970’s, the ‘anti-fashion’ began as a way to dress against male attention. It included attire like bowties, suit jackets, and baggier items.
· In the 1980’s, gay men used pierced ears cast a clue into their identity- a single piercing in the right ear signified queerness. The lack of safety for gay men meant that secrecy was crucial, so these piercings were a form of communication that allowed them to recognize one another without having to out themselves.
You are beautiful just the way you are.
Join the DMGMC as they hit the runway at The Temple for Performing Arts for our Pride Cabaret, “The World is Your Runway This year.”, hear their voices crescendo to all new heights as they awaken everyone’s inner style and glamour, from denim and drag, to glitter and go-go boots, you’ll be vogueing along admiring the nails, hair, hips and heels. Featuring gay anthems from your favorite pop advocates, with show tunes, dance-offs, ballads, disco, glitter and fun! With exclusive runway and cabaret table seating selling quickly, reserve your seat today!
New Artistic Director and Conductor Starts January 1
The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus announces Eric Shepard as its new Artistic Director and Conductor starting January 1, 2022. During his conducting career, he has received numerous vocal and choral awards at local Des Moines and Regional choral competitions. He currently raises voices as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant and Practitioner. “I work to find ways to ensure that every voice is heard, respected, and valued. I am excited to realize those goals through song with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus!” he stated in regard to his new appointment.
The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus announces Eric Shepard as its new Artistic Director and Conductor starting January 1, 2022.
During his conducting career, he has received numerous vocal and choral awards at local Des Moines and Regional choral competitions. He currently raises voices as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Consultant and Practitioner. “I work to find ways to ensure that every voice is heard, respected, and valued. I am excited to realize those goals through song with the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus!” he stated in regard to his new appointment.
Eric has led ensembles across the United States with appearances at the Cathedral of St. John and 9-11 Memorial site - NYC, The Encore Theatre - Branson, MO, American Gardens Theatre - Epcot Center, to name a few. He has toured internationally in Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, England, Ireland, and France, where he led, performed or assisted Midwest choirs and/or Opera troupes.
A Des Moines native, Eric received his Bachelor’s of Music degree in Education with an emphasis in musical theatre and conducting from The University of Nebraska-Lincoln, a Certificate in Diversity and Inclusion from Cornell University, as well as two certificates from the University of South Florida - Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Workplace and Inclusive and Ethical Leadership.
Eric Shepard will become the chorus’ third Artistic Director and Conductor since its inception in 2001. Founding Artistic Director and Conductor Dr. Randy Buikema created the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus with many original members of the Des Moines Men’s Chorus that existed between the early 1980s and the mid-90s. The first concert found standing room only for its audience in June of 2001, with a massive 76 singers performing.
Dr. Rebecca Gruber was appointed to the position in the spring of 2006. For 15 years under her direction, the Chorus realized a distinct expansion in its repertoire and recognition around the community. Most notably, the Chorus performed at numerous Matthew Shepard Scholarship Dinners, the Inauguration of Governor Vilsack, the Celebration of Life Ceremony for Chief Justice Cady, and public rallies celebrating marriage equality both in Iowa and nationally.
The Des Moines Men’s Chorus boasts a non-auditioned group of 40-60 singers who have banded together as community champions singing to promote harmony, ignite hearts, and move minds. Anyone who sings in the tenor, baritone, and bass ranges is accepted, regardless of gender identity and sexual orientation. The Chorus produces a three-concert series each season and, together with their small ensemble group HarMANY, performs at many community outreach events. These performances highlight the gifts and skills of LGBTQ+ people and declare the dignity and worth of all persons through music that matters.
The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus has also developed “Out in the Schools,” a completely free curriculum of equity and inclusion for every school in Iowa. The “Out in the Schools” course may provide a much-needed way to address the needs of students who are struggling with identity and self-esteem and of those students who are looking to be allies in support of a more understanding and accepting school. This curriculum is available by request for free to any educator.