Las Vegas is no question the Entertainment Capital of the World. Every year, dozens of new artists and headliners play for limited stents. But what about entertainment beyond the Strip?
For 30 years, one group has used performance to provide safe spaces for locals and to unite the community through their music. Las Vegas Men's Chorus supports social equity and inclusivity, and their work involves a lot more than just singing.
In 1993, the Men’s Chorus comprised of 10 members who performed for audiences of about 30 people. Now, the group is over seven times larger, with more than 70 active members and audiences larger than 500. Much of that growth happened at the end of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Artistic Director Ryan Duff has a saying: “You are special when you’re a part of something special.”
The Las Vegas Men’s Chorus became a uniting force in the community because it offers that something special. The chorus fosters safe spaces in the community through musical experiences.
“We service members of all walks of life: race, age, gender identity expression,” said Ryan Miller, marketing and communications coordinator. The group actualizes its mission through concerts and community outreach events throughout the year.
Artistic Director Ryan Duff has been tasked with making an impact in diversity, equity, and inclusion in the group’s programming. “That heart is what sets LVMC apart,” he said. “That’s what the patrons feel. That’s what we feel together every time we rehearse. It’s just really what makes us such an impactful and important part of the community.”
Two years ago, the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus transitioned to performances at Ham Concert Hall on the UNLV campus. LVMC President James Koperski said the expansion has been beneficial for the organization.
“Since then, we’ve seen our numbers go up quite significantly with a larger venue, and with more members in the chorus bringing in friends and family.”
Presence in the community is critical for Men’s Chorus.
“Just the word getting spread around that we exist,” Koperski said. “It’s great seeing that visibility pay off.”
The group is celebrating 30 years with a summer concert that promises to pull at the heartstrings with powerful messages of hope, love and fellowship.
The setlist for the upcoming summer concert, We Are One Voice, is a mix of modern, pop, Broadway, gospel and classical sung in five languages with dancers. Some acts include Belafonte’s “Turn the World Around,” “Sing!” by Pentatonix and “Lion King Celebration" from the Broadway musical.
We Are One Voice is Sunday, July 16, at the Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall on the UNLV campus. Tickets are available at https://lvmenschorus.org.
Guests: James Kaspersky, president, Las Vegas Men's Chorus; Ryan Duff, artistic director, Las Vegas Men's Chorus; Ryan Miller, marketing and communitications director, Las Vegas Men's Chorus
