San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Present Concert Benefitting Fire Victims

Today, San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus(SFGMC) Artistic Director Dr. Timothy Seelig and Executive Director Chris Verdugo announced a benefit concert for those ravaged by the fires in Northern California on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at 5 p.m. at 170 Valencia Street in San Francisco. A minimum donation of $25 is requested. Tickets are available now at Eventbrite. 100% of the proceeds from the benefit concert will be split between the North Valley Community Foundation and the music department at Paradise High School in support of replacing their music library, concert attire, and more.

Featuring Bay Area singer-songwriter Bobby Jo Valentine, as well as SFGMC's two ensembles-HomoPhonics and The Lollipop Guild-the benefit concert will feature an evening of uplifting music. In addition, SFGMC is excited to welcome special guest Shawn Howell, music teacher at Paradise High School. As The Town of Paradise was ravaged by the fires, the choir has continued to provide support for the young people...and they are still singing!

Bobby Jo Valentine has been touring across the globe for the last six years. Having lost his own home in the fires that blazed through Northern California in October 2017, Valentine has been performing benefit concerts throughout December and January to raise money for fire victims. To date, over $50,000 has already been raised from these concerts. The concert on January 27 will be the final benefit event.

Says Valentine: "I would have been lost without the support of my community. I decided to take December and January to perform benefit concerts for the community to raise money for those who've lost their homes in the most recent Butte County fires. We need your help to continue supporting the fire victims after the news cycle has taken its eye off this tragedy."

"We have been looking for a way to make a difference for our friends devastated by the fires," says Seelig. "When the opportunity came along to present Bobby Jo Valentine, we were thrilled. He is one of the most heartfelt, authentic singers I have heard. His own experience imbues richness and understanding into every note. No one will go away untouched by his singing. We are also incredibly happy to be able to assist the music programs of Paradise High School."

Adds Howell: "Paradise High School students are a resilient group. In the face of absolute devastation, a school remains, and a music program continues to unite and inspire. The Paradise High School Chorus would like to thank those who have been so kind and supported us in our time of need. Funds raised will go a long way in helping us rebuild our music library and replace damaged equipment such as risers and keyboards."

On December 27, The Los Angeles Times released a video featuring the choir of Paradise High School. It tells the beautiful story of how music and their choir have brought them together.

Photo courtesy of SFGMC