Hartford Gay Men's Chorus to Present LIFE IS GAY, AND SO ARE THEY!, 5/17-18

The Hartford Gay Men's Chorus will follow-up its sold-out debut concert with "Life Is Gay, and So Are They!" - a tribute to gay poets, composers, icons, idols and anthems - at 8 p.m. on both Friday, May 17, and Saturday, May 18, at the Unitarian Society of Hartford, 50 Bloomfield Avenue.

A salute to a variety of musical genres, the concert will feature pieces created by composers, lyricists and poets, all of whom happen to be gay. The first half of the performance will include music by such legends as Aaron Copland, Samuel Barber and Benjamin Britten. The second half will feature a boisterous nod to gay pop culture anthems and icons, including Queen and the Village People.

With 29 singing members now, the year-old chorus sold-out all 296 seats to its first concert, "Believe," a one-night holiday celebration in December.

Artistic Director J.D. Bauer said, "We are hard at work on our spring extravaganza. This show includes more staging and has a bit more of a theatrical feel, while maintaining our commitment to choral music. With popular and rousing pieces in the program, we are guaranteeing the audience a fabulous time."

For tickets, visit www.hartfordstage.org or call the Hartford Stage Box Office at (860) 527-5151. All seats are $23, including handling fees.