Park City Institute presents the SAN FRANCISCO GAY MEN'S CHORUS

Park City Institute presents The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus, as part of the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights Concert Series at Deer Valley Resort, Sunday, August 6, 2017.

"When we heard, shortly after the election, the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus had cancelled their international tour, to create The Lavender Pen Tour in the U.S., we knew we wanted to be part of it," said Teri Orr, Park City Institute Executive Director. "Their message of hope and unity was heard loud and clear from our Main Stage last year, and we are honored to present it in the beauty of the Deer Valley hillside."

Under the direction of Dr. Timothy Seelig, Artistic Director, and Chris Verdugo, Executive Director the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus will launch its whistle-stop tour this fall, to crisscross significant areas of the United States where there has been an observable spike in anti-LGBTQ rhetoric, including Alabama, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee. Guests at the SFGMC performance at the St. Regis Big Stars, Bright Nights Concert Series will see a preview of the tour.

"The 300-plus members of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus have, along with the entire LGBTQ community, been navigating our collective way through feelings of shock and despair," says Seelig. "We hope our presence and our music will encourage our brothers and sisters, educate others and challenge those communities to think differently."

Founded in 1978, SFGMC is credited with starting the LGBT choral movement, galvanizing and changing the course of LGBT history, while establishing itself as international standard-bearer for a powerful and accomplished mix of high-caliber performance, human rights, community activism, empowerment and inclusiveness. The Lavender Pen Tour is meant to harness the power of the SFGMC's message of equality and inclusiveness, and the value in treating all individuals with dignity.

"We, as a country, have a long road to travel," adds Verdugo, "Our LGBTQ youth fear what their future might look like. We have a duty and obligation to protect them and the freedoms we have rigorously fought for over the last eight years. We believe the tour is a step in the right direction that will build bridges of understanding, compassion and empathy."

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus 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. It is an icon among gay organizations, and it continues to rally and inspire other arts-based community organizations around the world. Under the leadership of Seelig, SFGMC has in recent seasons 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. Known for their whimsical approach to everything from standards to pop, this is a choir that will have you up on your feet.

Tickets for this show start at $41 (lawn) and $56 (reserved). Gates open at 5:30 PM and the show begins at 7. For tickets, call 435-655-3114 or visit parkcityinstitute.org In-person purchases may be made at The Mega Genius Supply Store and IQ HQ, 435 Swede Alley, or the Deer Valley Signatures Store, 625 Main Street.

Membership and sponsorship information can be found at parkcityinstitute.org, or by calling the box office.

MEDIA: Press inquiries, interview and ticket requests:

Bari Nan Rothchild barinan@parkcityinstitute.org, 435-513-0741

Park City Institute is a non-profit organization, dedicated to bringing world-class performances and new ideas to the community. Since 1998, PCI has presented internationally renowned and cutting-edge musicians, actors, authors, comedians, dancers, speakers and film at The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Center for the Performing Arts (a joint-use facility with the Park City School District). The organization will embark on its 14th season of headliner concerts at Deer Valley Resort, this summer. PCI is dedicated to introducing young people to the arts through free student outreach workshops. Since 2010, PCI has offered a free after-school literacy program to students in grades one through 12 at the thinky and engaging retail-fronted tutoring hub, the Mega-Genius Supply Store and IQ HQ (located at 435 Swede Alley in Old Town). The organization continues to illuminate with Curiosities evenings and thoughtful salons.