By Debbie Hall
As Southern Nevada settles into another scorching summer, the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus is offering audiences a refreshing musical escape. The nonprofit performing arts organization will close its 33rd season with Fun in the Sun on June 27 and 28 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, transforming the venue into a celebration of sunshine, surf, and community.
The season finale features summer-themed music, dynamic choreography, live musicians, and over 100 voices, showcasing the chorus’s artistic evolution and growth over three decades. This event highlights our commitment to artistic excellence and community impact.
That sense of belonging is reflected in the chorus’s membership growth and also in its musical programming. Fun in the Sun features an eclectic lineup spanning generations and genres, with music from artists including The Beach Boys, Pharrell Williams, and Lady Gaga. Audience favorites such as “Rock the Boat,” “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “Under the Boardwalk,” “Happy,” and “Dancing in the Street” promise an evening filled with nostalgia, energy, and sing-along moments.
The concert’s wide-ranging repertoire reflects the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and artistic excellence while showcasing the versatility of its performers.
Founded in 1993 by a small group of men who shared a passion for singing, the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus has grown from just 10 members to become the largest men’s chorus in Nevada. Today, the organization is a vibrant cultural force that reaches thousands of audience members annually through its Mainstage Concerts and Community Concert Series.
Its values include social justice, inclusion, diversity, and equity.
“We celebrate our authenticity on stage, providing a space where people can be themselves. Our diverse members, including many LGBTQ+ and BIPOC individuals, reflect the rich diversity of the Las Vegas Valley community, making everyone feel seen and valued,” explained Artistic Director Ryan Duff.
“We provide a safe place for our members to feel like they can safely express themselves. We performed at Pride of Nevada, AIDS walk [benefiting Aid for AIDS of Nevada], Fruit Loop inauguration, karaoke nights at Gipsy’s, and other establishments.”
Duff moved to Las Vegas in 2004 as a singer and performer. Originally from Indiana, Duff worked on cruise ships, in theme parks, and in national and regional theater productions. His day job is working as a choir teacher (18 years) with the Clark County School District.
This year’s season finale also highlights another defining aspect of the organization’s artistic identity: original music. Duff, a composer and arranger, traditionally creates a commissioned work for each concert season.
“Every concert, I am commissioned for a work for the group and write a piece for the group to perform as the world premiere,” Duff said. “I’m super excited that this year I was able to do one for the holiday show, and I did one for the Best of the Boys in March, and another one of my newest arrangements will be featured at this concert.”
The performance also serves as a celebration of Duff’s artistic leadership, which has helped guide the chorus through a period of significant growth and artistic achievement.
While Fun in the Sun delivers all the excitement of a summer party, complete with beach-inspired music and lively performances, it also underscores the important role arts organizations play in building connections and fostering acceptance. The chorus continues to create welcoming spaces where performers and audiences alike can experience community, belonging, and shared joy through music.
With more than 100 singers joined by a full band and dancers, Fun in the Sun offers the scale of a major Las Vegas production while maintaining the warmth and authenticity that have defined the Las Vegas Men’s Chorus for more than 33 years.
“I think we really provide them an opportunity to come, unwind, and just listen to some great music, see some family and friends up on stage, while having the absolute time of their lives. standing in their truth, standing in their authenticity, having a great time together.”
The Las Vegas Men’s Chorus will perform Fun in the Sun at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas’ Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall at 7 p.m. on June 27 and 2 p.m. on June 28. Click here to purchase tickets online. Tickets are available at the UNLV Performing Arts Center Box Office from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday. Special pricing on individual tickets is available for senior citizens, military personnel, children, and students. Free parking is available at the UNLV Cottage Grove Parking Garage directly adjacent to Artemus W. Ham Concert Hall, located at 1071 Cottage Grove Ave.
For more information about The Las Vegas Men’s Chorus, visit www.lvmenschorus.org. Follow on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
