BADDIES
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, October 6, 2024 | 2:00 p.m.
Riffe Center | Studio 1
77 S. High St., Columbus, OH 43215

The Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus (“CGMC”), central Ohio’s premiere TTBB vocal organization, is kicking off its 35 th season with concerts at the Riffe Center’s Studio One Theatre starring CGMC’s ensemble, VOX.

VOX’s “Baddies” show fits with the upcoming Halloween holiday. While we certainly give our due to some villainous fun, we’re also singing songs that will be sure to fire up our audiences and leave them feeling ready to take on the world!

“October is the dark witchy season where we explore our darker sides,” said CGMC’s Artistic Director Brayton Bollenbacher. “This show explores just that, but in our queer way. It's a great start to October.”

“Audiences can expect an upbeat concert that shows how our singers are Baddies. Whether it is being portrayed as a villain or living your life to the ‘baddest’ version, this music explores our independent side. In true CGMC fashion, we queer up the experience with great harmonies, dances, and incredible renditions of your favorite music that make you want to be bad. VOX is dressing to slay for the evening, and we are encouraging our audience to dress wearing your favorite attire that makes you feel the most attractive,” Bollenbacher said.

“As we celebrate our 35th season, we couldn’t be more excited to kick it off with the 'Baddies' concert,” said CGMC Executive Director Donovan Jones. “For 35 years, the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus has been a beacon of love, inclusivity, and artistic expression in this community.” “Our longevity speaks to the vital importance of creating spaces where LGBTQIA+ voices are heard and celebrated. We are honored to have touched so many lives, and we look forward to continuing to uplift and inspire for many years to come,” Jones said.

While there will certainly be lots of humor and scary fun as part of the Baddies show, there is a larger message CGMC wants to deliver to audiences with this music. “CGMC is continuing to work to showcase the beauty of queer choral Arts in central Ohio,” Bollenbacher said. “During this difficult time in our world where so many LGBTQ communities feel pressure and attacks, we are still thriving and showing that LGBTQ communities are not going to bend under pressure and will continue to vibrate at our highest frequencies.”

Since 1990, CGMC has been an outlet for LGBTQ+ community members who love to sing in a non- auditioned, inclusive environment. The chorus has grown in its over 30 years to a consistent
composition of well over 100 members of multiple sexual orientations and gender identities. It is now the largest TTBB (tenor, baritone, bass vocal range) chorus in Ohio. CGMC is a nonprofit organization, and 100% of all contributions go directly to the support of its mission: “Inviting All With Voices Raised, Lives Changed.” To purchase tickets for BADDIES and learn more about
the chorus, please visit www.cgmc.com.