By Cicero A. Estrella
The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus will honor actress Rita Moreno, singer LeAnn Rimes and Terrance Kelly, the artistic director of the Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir, during a virtual event edition of its Crescendo Voices Rising benefit on April 22 at 6 p.m.
The fundraiser pays tribute to individuals who tirelessly champion and promote LGBTQ+ equality. Legendary Peabody, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony (“PEGOT”) Award winner Morena will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Grammy Award winner Rimes will get the Ally Award, and Kelly the Inspiration Award.
Shangela, an alum of “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” will host the benefit gala, and Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears will premiere his brand-new song, “Last Man Standing.” Rimes will be joined by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus for a rendition of a new song from her forthcoming album, God’s Work.
Crescendo Voices Rising will also feature special performances and presentations by San Francisco Mayor London Breed, Glide Memorial Church Minister of Celebration Marvin K. White, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and SFGMC’s vocal ensemble The Homophonics.
The event will also include a virtual auction, including once-in-a-lifetime experiences, wine tastings, trips, travel packages and more.
Tickets range in price from $25 for a single ticket to $60 for families/households. A limited number of VIP tickets ($250) will also include a multicourse dinner with wine delivered to your home courtesy of Canela Bistro & Wine Bar (San Francisco addresses only).
Patrons unable to afford the ticket prices can use the “COMMUNITY” code for a complimentary ticket, but those who have the means to pay are asked to donate to the Fund the Future effort.
Graton Resort & Casino and the Ariadne Getty Foundation are among the event’s sponsors.
To register for the action, ticket information and more, log on to sfgmc.org.
Photos: All others courtesy of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
