Queer Things to Do: See a Michigan Men's Chorus Perform, Get Festive with Drag Queens
It’s beginning to look a lot like… well, it’s been looking a lot like Christmas since before Halloween at certain retail establishments. Now that we’re officially in holiday mode, you know what that means: too many events and activities to fit into your busy calendar. Some festive options include attending a formal charity gala, shopping for unique local gifts or drinking during a festive drag show.
1. Get into the Holiday Groove with Drag and Drinks
Would it even feel like the holidays without a fabulously festive drag performance? A Drag Queen Holiday Extravaganza & Toy Drive, set for Dec. 11 at The Rust Belt Market in Ferndale, will get you moving in the jolliest of ways, all while supporting a great cause.
The event, hosted by “Queen of Ferndale” Mimi SouthWest, features a three-act show including burlesque performances, a best dressed elf costume contest, giveaways and a special drinks menu. Proceeds will benefit local children in need.
Dec. 11, 7-10 p.m., The Rust Belt Market, 22801 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Tickets available at eventbrite.com.
2. Catch the PRISM Men’s Chorus Holiday Concert
(photo credit info: https://www.facebook.com/prismchorus/photos/a.2776902545869849/2776906872536083)
Reserve your tickets now for the ever-popular PRISM Men’s Chorus holiday concert. This year’s celebration, PRISM Men’s Chorus Celebrates the Season, will take place Dec. 17 at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts and will feature songs “from cozy to camp,” according to the group’s Facebook page. Expect a wide range of genres and holiday tunes representing various religions and plenty of fun surprises.
Interested in joining the group in 2023? New member vocal placement happens Jan. 24 at Prince of Glory Lutheran Church in Madison Heights.
Learn more about PRISM Men’s Chorus and buy tickets to the holiday performance at prism-chorus.org.
3. Enjoy a Charitable Black Tie Affair
LGBT Detroit’s end-of-year fundraiser, aptly called Holiday, has long been a much-anticipated event, but like so many good things, the pandemic has thrown a wrench into the works for the past couple of years. This year, the gala event is back and promises a return to the glamorous and meaningful annual celebration that pays homage to past LGBTQ+ leaders and movements and welcomes what’s yet to come.
The gala has an official theme of black and “sexy silver,” so dust off your best dancing shoes and reserve a table with your stylish, community-minded friends. Proceeds will benefit LGBT Detroit’s programs throughout the coming year.
The LGBT Detroit Holiday event is set for Dec. 10 at the Southfield Marriott Hotel. Reserve tickets and tables at revenue-usa.keela.co/holiday?fbclid=IwAR2yanGx7t_anX1tgs80V6R9TshCo8FX8Crvi8cH7_lW10UDAT-LAA36cJw.
4. Find Unique, Locally Handcrafted Gifts
Earn cred as the best gift giver in your circle of family and friends by doing some of your holiday shopping at the Gutman Gallery Holiday Artist Market. Hosted by The Guild of Artists & Artisans (“The Guild”), the market will offer a wide range of creations you won’t find anywhere else, crafted by local artisans specializing in glass work, jewelry marking, ceramics, printmaking, painting, leather and more. On a budget? You’re in luck — this classy shopping experience includes items priced at “every price point,” according to organizers.
Prefer to craft your own holiday art? Sign up for The Guild’s Watercolor Holiday Cards class led by Michelle Detering. The virtual workshop takes place Dec. 14 from 6-8 p.m.
The Holiday Artist Market runs through Dec. 22 at the Gutman Gallery, 118 N. 4th Ave., Ann Arbor. Learn more about the market and sign up for the watercolor class at theguild.org/gutman_gallery.
5. Virtually Hang with ‘Boys Come First’ Author [caption id="attachment_230587" align="aligncenter" width="369"]
Join SAGE Metro Detroit for a virtual storytelling discussion with PBS NewsHour senior digital editor and journalist Aaron Foley at 1 p.m. on Dec. 11. Foley will lead a discussion on LGBTQ+ stories and representation. He’ll also read from his new novel, “Boys Come First.” The book, which one Twitter user called “The Great Gay Millennial Novel,” follows three gay men as they seek out sex, love and acceptance in Detroit.
Foley, a Detroit native, has written extensively on the city from a nonfiction perspective.. His books on living in the area include “How to Live in Detroit Without Being a Jackass” and “The Detroit Neighborhood Guide.”
Visit sagemetrodetroit.org/social to learn more and to register for this Zoom event.
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