Photo Flash: Andrew Lippa, Mary Lambert and Tyler Glenn Honored at SFGMC's Crescendo Gala

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus' 40th Season Crescendo Gala Fundraiser - The highly-anticipated Crescendo Gala took place on Saturday, February 24, 2018, at The Fairmont San Francisco. Attendees received an evening of unforgettable performances and awards recognizing this year's agents of change.

A portion of the funds raised throughout the evening support the organization's newest educational youth program, RHYTHM: Reaching Youth Through Music, which aims to bring the message of anti-bullying and acceptance to students through music and personal stories and experiences. With themes of pride, individualism and advocacy, RHYTHM brings students and SFGMC members together to share experiences, foster a safe space and grow from the powerful stories of our past.

Mary Lambert (Inspiration Award Honoree; Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter), Tyler Glenn (Trailblazer Award; Neon Trees Lead Singer),Andrew Lippa (Vanguard Award Honoree; Grammy and Emmy-nominated composer), Ken McNeely (Corporate Leader Award Honoree; AT&T President of Western Region), Wilson Cruz (Star Trek: Discovery, 13 Reasons Why), Bob the Drag Queen (RuPaul's Drag Race Season 8) Carson Jones (son of newly elected Alabama Senator Doug Jones and LGBTQ activist), Kelley Jakle (Pitch Perfect), London Breed (President of SF Board of Supervisors), Chris Verdugo (SFGMC executive director), Dr. Tim Seelig (SFGMC artistic director) and more to be announced.

For nearly 40 years, 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, establishing it as an icon among LGBT organizations. Founded in 1978, it was the first organization of its kind and is credited with starting the LGBT choral movement, galvanizing and changing the course of LGBTQ history. It continues to rally and inspire other arts-based community organizations around the world. Under the leadership of Artistic Director Dr. Timothy 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. For more information, visit www.sfgmc.org and @sfgmc (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram).

Photo credit: Gooch for SFGMC