Boston Gay Men's Chorus Annual Fundraiser Will Show Some Skin

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) presents Crescendo, its annual benefit gala, on Saturday, May 7 at 7 pm at the W Boston Hotel, 100 Stuart St., Boston.

This year's event will feature headlining act The Skivvies with Randy Harrison. The Skivvies performs arrangements of popular tunes-featuring cello, ukulele, glockenspiel, and melodica-while stripped down to their stylish underwear. Harrison, currently starring as the Emcee in the touring production of "Cabaret," is best known for his work on the groundbreaking Showtime series "Queer as Folk."

Crescendo also includes a live and silent auction featuring VIP tickets to Adele's September 15 concert at TD Garden; VIP tickets to a taping of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show"; vacation getaways to San Juan, Puerto Rico and Hawaii; and other unique experiences and opportunities.

EDGE Boston describes Crescendo as "the king (or queen) of fundraisers." Part of what makes the event unique are the silent auction items and the one-of-a-kind, over-the-top baskets assembled by creative Chorus members; these highly sought baskets are simply not found at any other gala in town.

"Proceeds from Crescendo support all of our social change work, including our outreach concerts to faith-based organizations-such as our recent historic concert at the College of the Holy Cross-as well as high school Gay/Straight Alliances in communities across Massachusetts," said Craig Coogan, BGMC's executive director. "We're very excited to introduce Bostonians to The Skivvies, whose stage presentation is as lean and mean (and clean) as their music."

Founded by singers/actors/musicians Lauren Molina and Nick Cearley, The Skivvies have been hailed as "smart, sophisticated . . . ingenious," by the Wall Street Journal and dubbed "a hot musical comedy duo specializing in unexpected arrangements, incongruous mashups, and of course, highly toned displays of skin," by the New York Times. The troupe regularly performs their blend of hip-hop, R&B, pop, showtunes, and standards with featured musical guests such as Harrison for enthusiastic New York City audiences.

About the Boston Gay Men's Chorus

Boston Gay Men's Chorus creates musical experiences to inspire change, build community and celebrate difference. The BGMC is one of New England's largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 175-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach. Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and thousands more through recording, television and internet broadcasts. In November, 2013, CBS-WBZ named The Boston Gay Men's Chorus one of the top five choruses in the city of Boston. In June 2015 BGMC became the first LGBT chorus to tour the Middle East.

Tickets to Crescendo are $150 and can be purchased at http://bgmc.org/music-events/crescendo-may-7-2016 or by calling 617.542.7464