Pitch party: NM Gay Men's Chorus holds movie sing-along to sounds of ABBA

Sing along to some hits by ABBA while watching a classic movie set in the Greek islands with the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus and ABBAquerque.

The sing-along movie fundraiser benefits the NMGMC’s 44th season and its four campus college tour in Spring 2025.

Attendees can relive the magic of a beloved film adapted from Broadway to screen with a music score set to the songs of ABBA. Eventgoers will let their inner “Dancing Queen” shine while singing along with the movie and members of the NMGMC who will be in the audience.

Pitch party: NM Gay Men's Chorus holds movie sing-along to sounds of ABBA

The sing-along starts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 8, at the KiMo Theatre. It is the chorus’ fifth sing-along.

“We we went away from our more traditional, sit down banquet, silent auction, kind of fundraiser, because we thought we’re a singing organization, ‘Why not do something singing related?” said Jerry Matthews, NMGMC board of directors chair and marketing liaison. “We started doing these movie sing-alongs and this will be the fifth one we’ve done at the KiMo. They’re a great partner to work with. And so what we do is, we show the movie, the words to the songs are projected on the screen and it’s one of those times that you’re not hushed when you try to sing along. You’re encouraged to sing along. And so everybody just kind of gets into it. It’s a lot of fun.”

Eventgoers are encouraged to dress for the Greek islands or in their favorite ABBA inspired garb. There will be prizes awarded for the best costumes.

Attendees can also purchase raffle tickets for a chance to win a gift basket and other fun prizes.

“Because this is our fundraiser, each of the sections of the chorus put together a raffle basket that we’re raffling off,” Matthews said. “And then, we’ve got these mystery boxes where for $10 you buy a mystery box and you either win a great prize or like the lottery, you may not win anything, but we’ve got some great prizes this year.”

Individual NMGMC performance tickets and donated artwork also are up for grabs. One of the grand prizes is two season tickets to NMGMC performances. The other is four cases of wine that were donated to the chorus’ cause. The cases of wine will be delivered straight to the winner’s door by members of the chorus.

“It’s a collection of reds, whites, rosés and sparkling wines,” Matthews said.

Pre-gamers will want to attend the VIP reception that takes place at 6 p.m., prior to the sing-along. It will feature a private concert by local ABBA tribute band, ABBAquerque in the KiMo Theatre as well as food from The Range Cafe. Tractor Brewing Company also will be serving craft beer and cocktails. The chorus also will set up a full concession stand with candy and popcorn. VIP ticketholders also will receive premium seating for the movie, a gift bag, a drink ticket and other exclusive items.

The chorus’ mission is to foster a vibrant, inclusive community through the power of music, celebrating the rich diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the state, according to a NMGMC news release. It is dedicated to creating a space where everyone feels valued and heard, using performances to challenge stereotypes and promote equality.”