The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus is ready to raise its voice for a new season of music, community and connection. “We Are Austin” host Trevor Scott caught up with his friend and fellow former chorus member Joe Roel to preview “Crescendo,” an intimate cabaret-style fundraiser showcasing the individual talents behind the chorus’s more than 150 voices.
“We Are Austin” host Trevor Scott caught up with his friend and fellow former chorus member Joe Roel to preview “Crescendo,” an intimate cabaret-style fundraiser showcasing the individual talents behind the chorus’s more than 150 voices.
For Scott, the conversation was also personal. After spending a season singing with the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus, he shared how the organization gave him lasting friendships and a firsthand appreciation for the community created through music.
“It’s a place to find community for folks who like to sing or want to learn to sing,” Scott said.
“We Are Austin” host Trevor Scott caught up with his friend and fellow former chorus member Joe Roel to preview “Crescendo,” an intimate cabaret-style fundraiser showcasing the individual talents behind the chorus’s more than 150 voices.
“Crescendo” Showcases the Talent Within the Chorus
The 2026-27 season begins with “Crescendo,” an annual fundraising benefit at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio.
While audiences usually experience the singers as one large ensemble, “Crescendo” puts the spotlight on individual performers.
“The best thing about it, though, is that it’s a showcase of all the talent from within the chorus,” Joe said. “Almost all of the numbers are auditioned from members in the chorus.”
The cabaret-style evening will mix music with comedy, drag and plenty of surprises. The chorus’s smaller ensemble, Take Note!, will also perform.
Austin Gay Men’s Chorus kicks off new season with “Crescendo” cabaret and fundraiser
Kenny Williams Joins the Celebration
Austin performer Kenny Williams will appear as a special guest.
Williams has performed on Broadway and appeared in numerous productions at ZACH Theater, in addition to building a career as a jazz vocalist.
“We could not be more thankful to have him graciously give his time to us,” Joe said.
The evening also includes a silent auction featuring items and experiences ranging from a trip to Hawaii and work by local artists to massages, voice lessons, and a cheese tasting.
VIP tickets include premium seating and an open bar.
Supporting a Full Season of Music
“Crescendo” is more than a season kickoff. Proceeds help the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus continue its performances and community work throughout the year.
Demand has grown enough that the event now features two performances.
“We had standing room only at the back of our one show, so we added a second show,” Joe said.
“Crescendo” is more than a season kickoff. Proceeds help the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus continue its performances and community work throughout the year.
A Special World Premiere for the Holidays
The chorus is already rehearsing for its popular holiday concert, “Only in the Love,” which will include a particularly meaningful world premiere.
The Austin Gay Men’s Chorus will debut a new version of “All of Us” from Craig Hella Johnson’s “Considering Matthew Shepard,” revoiced by the Grammy-winning composer for the chorus.
“We have the incredible honor and privilege of having Craig Hella Johnson revoice that for us,” Joe said. “That’s what we want to put back into the world.”
The holiday production expands to four performances following strong demand last season.
“Crescendo” is more than a season kickoff. Proceeds help the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus continue its performances and community work throughout the year.
Finding Community Through Song
Asked what the chorus has brought into his own life, Joe pointed to the opportunity to give back to an organization that has become an important part of his community.
“To be able to help it move forward, I think, is just one of the most gratifying and incredible things I could have ever not really expected,” Joe said.
“Crescendo” is Saturday, Sept. 26, with two performances at KMFA’s Draylen Mason Music Studio. Tickets for “Crescendo” and the Austin Gay Men’s Chorus’s full 2026-27 season are available through the chorus’s website.
Austin Gay Men’s Chorus kicks off new season with “Crescendo” cabaret and fundraiser