CGMC Fundraiser Definitely Not A Drag

By Tony Peregrin in Arts & Entertainment on Nov 3, 2009 5:20PM

What separates Lipstick & Lyrics—the annual fundraiser for Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus (CGMC)—from other boys-in-drag events such as Night of a 100 Drag Queens? “Every performer that takes the stage will be singing their vocals live,” gushes Brandon Vejseli, chairperson of this year’s event. “No lip-synching for us!”

Over the past five years, Lipstick & Lyrics has blossomed into one of the must-see events of the season, and this year Lipstick & Lyrics: BRING IT ON! will feature “fierce fun” and excitement from audience favorites Ethel Bourbon, Evian Waters, Foxy Brown and host Madame X, among others.

“Performing in one of the few non-lip-sync drag revues in the city is a huge deal,” says Vejseli. “While the performers may be putting on a mask by doing drag, they are also sharing who they are as a performer—and that’s something that is very personal.”

Best known for their innovative musical programming exploring everything from matters of the heart to politics, the CGMC has been an integral part of Chicago’s cultural and gay communities since 1983.

The one-night-only performance will take place at Hydrate Chicago, on Friday, November 6. The hosted bar opens at 8 p.m. and the show beings at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance via the CGMC’s Web site or $20 at the door. All proceeds from the event will benefit the CGMC, so yeah, bring it.