Denver Gay Men’s Chorus Pride Concert to Honor Legendary Female Artists

Denver Gay Men’s Chorus (DGMC) has been an LGBTQ catalyst for change through musical excellence since its founding in 1982, and they are celebrating Pride Month this year with Divas: Icons and Justice Warriors, a tribute concert to the music and performers of legendary women.

Performances will be at Metropolitan State University’s King Center Concert Hall both Friday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, June 10, at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.

“With this concert, we are honoring legendary women who have changed the world,” explains Artistic and Managing Director James Knapp. “From Cher to Lady Gaga, Barbra Streisand to Whitney, and Rhianna to Adele, DGMC will feature some of the most important and talented musical icons of the 50 years. These artists helped teach the gay community how to find their true selves and their community. DCMC will make the thematic connections between these artists’ journey and the LGBTQ experience explicitly by infusing the music with the stories of our lives and how these artists intersected with gay culture and history.”

Other featured artists will include Madonna, Bette Midler, Beyonce, Patsy Cline, and Dolly Parton. There will also be a special tribute to Tina Turner, who passed away last month at the age of 83.

“I hope that audiences will come away in deep appreciation for these female artists who have been great allies and warriors for the cause of social justice in equity, diversity, and inclusion,” Knapp says. “I also hope that the music, dancers, and narration will encourage our listeners to fire up their inner diva and take action this Pride to do something positive for the community as well as party!”

Joining the chorus this year as a special guest will be Denver’s revolutionary drag queen and RuPaul’s Drag Race champion Yvie Oddly.

“Yvie has been a dream to work with,” Knapp states. “I think Yvie has such a unique and special mission in her work with individuals within the LGBTQ community who feel marginalized. She is immensely talented, and we are honored to share the stage with such a force with an enormous heart!”

Additionally, Divas: Icons and Justice Warriors will mark the final concert of Knapp’s decade-long career with DGMC. On June 5, he received a proclamation from the Denver City Council in recognition of his contributions to the LGBTQ community and all citizens of the city over the past 10 years with the chorus.

“This is a bittersweet feeling, but more sweet,” Knapps laughs. “It has been a stellar year for me and the chorus. I am leaving the organization in a much better and stronger place than when I arrived 10 years ago—musically, financially, and administratively. It has been an honor to be at the helm for the last decade. I am retiring on my terms knowing there is a bright, new, and exciting chapter for DGMC to begin upon my departure. After 41 years of conducting, it is time to step out and explore other passions that have been put on hold. I am very much looking forward to returning home to friends and family on Mount Desert Island in my beloved state of Maine with my amazing partner.”

Johnny Nichols Jr. will take the helm this fall to start the 2023-24 season.

For more information and to purchase tickets for Divas: Icons and Justice Warriors, visit denverchoruses.org. Livestreams options are also available. 

Photos courtesy of Seth McConnell and Yvie Oddly