'RuPaul' Winner Bob the Drag Queen Headlines Boston Gay Men's Chorus' Annual Gala

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus (BGMC) presents ENCORE, its annual benefit gala, on Saturday, May 6 at 7 p.m. at the Royale Nightclub, 279 Tremont St., Boston. The event will feature headlining act Bob The Drag Queen, the Season 8 winner of "RuPaul's Drag Race," who slayed the competition with comedic wit and unpredictable performances and thus reigns as America's Drag Superstar.

ENCORE also includes a live and silent auction with hundreds of coveted items, including tickets to Broadway blockbusters "Hello Dolly" starring Bette Midler and the acclaimed new musical "Come From Away"; Lady GaGa and Billy Joel concert tickets; a VIP package for a taping of The Ellen DeGeneres Show; a Hawaiian spa getaway; private dinners prepared by celebrity chefs Tiffani Faison and Michael Scelfo; original artwork; and numerous other experiences and opportunities unavailable anywhere else.

"This is going to be a fun and festive night with lots of mixing, mingling, and top-notch entertainment," said Craig Coogan BGMC's executive director. "We won't even try to predict Bob The Drag Queen's performance, but we're pretty sure it's going to be uniquely unforgettable."

A self-proclaimed "Queen for the People," Bob The Drag Queen is the alter-ego of Christopher Caldwell. Appearing on last year's edition of the surprise smash hit TV show RuPaul's Drag Race, in which drag performers compete for the title of "America's Next Drag Superstar," Bob The Drag Queen distinguished himself with his political-mindedness, wit, willingness to toy with the conventions of drag artistry, and his dexterity with wigs. Billboard magazine calls Bob The Drag Queen "witty, stylish, and inventive," while the Village Voice notes that his "respect for black womanhood comes out in his act and is part of what makes it so good."

ENCORE takes place Saturday, May 6 at the newly-refurbished Royale Nightclub at 279 Tremont St., Boston. ENCORE entertainment will employ the Royale's 65 screens and light show. The reception and silent auction begins at 7pm; a live auction will take place at 8pm, and Bob The Drag Queen will perform at 9pm. A special VIP reception including a catered buffet dinner and an opportunity to meet Bob The Drag Queen takes place at 6pm. General admission tickets are $100 and VIP tickets, which include a meet-and-greet at 6:30pm with Bob The Drag Queen, are $250. Purchase tickets online at https://www.501auctions.com/bgmc-encore/tickets?type=6022

About the Boston Gay Men's Chorus

Boston Gay Men's Chorus creates musical experiences to inspire change, build community and celebrate difference. The BGMC is one of New England's largest and most successful community-based choruses. Founded in 1982, the 175-voice ensemble is celebrated for its outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and groundbreaking community outreach.

Under the dynamic leadership of Music Director Reuben M. Reynolds III, the BGMC sings a wide spectrum of classical and popular music and creates social change by providing a positive, affirming image of the gay and lesbian community. The Chorus is heard live by more than 10,000 people each season and thousands more through recording, television and internet broadcasts. In November, 2013, CBS-WBZ named The Boston Gay Men's Chorus one of the top five choruses in the city of Boston. In June 2015 BGMC became the first LGBT chorus to tour the Middle East.

Sponsors

The Boston Gay Men's Chorus is generously supported by Bank of America, JetBlue, Reproductive Science Center, and Manhunt. BGMC is a proud partner of the Massachusetts Cultural Council.