Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus Joins Forces with San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for "All You Need is Love & Music" Concert in Des Moines
Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 9, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM
Location: The Lauridsen Amphitheater and Killinger Family Stage at Water Works Park
(DES MOINES, IA - June 23, 2024)—The Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus (DMGMC) is thrilled to announce a special partnership with the renowned San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus (SFGMC) as part of their "Love Tour". This collaboration will culminate in a powerful and uplifting concert titled "All You Need is Love & Music", set to take place on July 9, 2024, at the Lauridsen Amphitheater and Killinger Family Stage in Des Moines. The concert is open to the public and is free of charge – no tickets or registration necessary.
The "Love Tour" by SFGMC aims to bring their message of unity, love, and hope to various communities in the heartland. From July 7-9, 2024, the 300-member Chorus, led by Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, will tour Iowa and Nebraska, partnering with local LGBTQ choruses and advocacy groups at each stop. The tour will conclude with a headline performance at the 2024 GALA Chorus Festival in Minneapolis where the Des Moines Gay Men’s will also be performing.
In Des Moines, the SFGMC will join the Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus on stage, creating a vibrant and inclusive musical experience. This concert will not only feature exceptional musical performances but also highlight local LGBTQ+ nonprofits, including Iowa Safe Schools, which will help create a VIP Experience for children and ensure a memorable event for all attendees.
In light of increasing anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and hate crimes, this tour is especially significant. SFGMC has chosen to visit Iowa and Nebraska, states currently facing numerous anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Their mission is to counter intolerance through the transformative power of music, fostering dialogue and healing within communities.
SFGMC has a long history of using their voices to inspire change and respond to adversity. Their past tours and performances have helped shift hearts and minds across the country, including their 2017 tour through the Southern United States, which was featured in the award-winning documentary "Gay Chorus, Deep South".
"We are incredibly fortunate to partner with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for this event," said DMGMC Artistic Director Eric Shepard "Their dedication to spreading love and unity through music aligns perfectly with our own mission. We look forward to sharing the stage and creating an unforgettable experience for our community."
Funding for the “All You Need is Love & Music” free concert was provided by the Polk County Board of Supervisors and Prairie Meadows. The concert is sponsored by Downtown Disciples.
For more information or to schedule an interview with Eric Shepard, email artisticdirector@dmgmc.org or call 515-200-2798.
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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.
