Shine On: A Concert for Trans Day of Visibility

Friday, March 31, 2023, 7 - 8:30pm

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Shine On

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus—the world-renowned institution and pioneering voice for the LGBTQ community—perform in celebration of International Transgender Day of Visibility. "Shine On: A Concert for Trans Day of Visibility" is hosted by NYC legend, comedian, and international entertainer Murray Hill and features performances by trailblazing actress, singer, DJ, reality star, and activist Peppermint. This free program is part of the Gardiner Foundation Great Hall Forum series.

Visitors must show security proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test by a third party (not home test) within three days of their visit to campus or a negative rapid test result taken by a third party (not home test) on the day of the visit to campus.

The New York City Gay Men’s Chorus (NYCGMC), which was founded in 1980 and held their debut holiday concert that year in The Cooper Union’s Great Hall, is comprised of more than 260 talented singers of various ages, backgrounds, and experiences. Together, the NYCGMC produces a vibrant sound and energy that audiences can feel and connect with. Through the power of this sound, and spectacular performances, the NYCGMC is a fearless champion for love, equality, and acceptance. NYCGMC sings in every style from classical to pop, Broadway to gospel, and from cultures all over the world. Over the years, NYCGMC has performed with an amazing array of performers and artists including: Barbara Cook, Elaine Stritch, Joan Rivers, Stephen Sondheim, Kelli O'Hara, Sia, Alan Cumming, and the New York Philharmonic—to name just a few. NYCGMC is a full member of the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, Inc. (GALA), the world’s only association committed to serving the LGBTQ choral movement.

Murray Hill is Mr. Showbiz. Anointed “Downtown’s New ‘It’ Boy” by The New York Times, he’s a relentless shtick slinger, larger-than-life personality, and freewheeling ad-libber. He plays Fred Rococo in HBO’s "Somebody Somewhere" which was awarded many “Best of” 2022 Awards, including “Best New TV Series” from AFI. He can also be seen on Amy Schumer’s "Life & Beth." This summer, Hill hosts the new reality competition show "Drag Me To Dinner" on Hulu. Hill performed his solo comedy show at Just for Laughs, New York Comedy Festival, and Edinburgh Fringe Festival. His infamous holiday show "A Murray Little Christmas" has been a perennial sold-out destination for a decade at Joe’s Pub in NYC, and for 10 years, he hosted Dita Von Teese’s international tour Strip Strip Hooray. He’s been selected as OUT’s Top 100 influential performers twice; included in New York Magazine’s “Fifty Most Iconic Gender Benders of All Time”; and named one of the Top 12 gender-bending performers in NYC by Time Out. He was recently awarded the Trailblazer Award by Queerty.

A longtime key figure in queer nightlife, Peppermint’s star rose thanks to her smashing success as the first out trans contestant on "Rupaul’s Drag Race" where she finished as runner-up in one of the series’ most-talked-about finales. Soon after, her talent led her to become the first trans woman to originate a principal role on Broadway in the hit musical Head Over Heels. She currently serves on the board of GLAAD and she is the ACLU’s Artist Ambassador for Transgender Justice. She is deeply involved in the fight against HIV/AIDS joining forces with the HIV vaccine trials Network and the M.A.C. AIDS fund. Recent projects include an appearance on Ryan Murphy’s Emmy award winning series “Pose”, a recurring role on the CBS series “God Friended Me” and an upcoming role on the new Fox scripted drama “Deputy” She is currently recording her fifth studio album. and looks forward to breaking new ground and being a positive voice during troublesome times.

Located in The Great Hall, in the Foundation Building, 7 East 7th Street, between Third and Fourth Avenues

  • Founded by inventor, industrialist and philanthropist Peter Cooper in 1859, The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art offers education in art, architecture and engineering, as well as courses in the humanities and social sciences.

  • “My feelings, my desires, my hopes, embrace humanity throughout the world,” Peter Cooper proclaimed in a speech in 1853. He looked forward to a time when, “knowledge shall cover the earth as waters cover the great deep.”

  • From its beginnings, Cooper Union was a unique institution, dedicated to founder Peter Cooper's proposition that education is the key not only to personal prosperity but to civic virtue and harmony.

  • Peter Cooper wanted his graduates to acquire the technical mastery and entrepreneurial skills, enrich their intellects and spark their creativity, and develop a sense of social justice that would translate into action.