Community Focus

BGPB presents…

BGPB Presents is a series of themed, community-focused performance nights created by Big Gay Piano Bar.

These events are designed for singers who want the chance to perform in a welcoming live setting with professional piano accompaniment, as part of a curated evening built around a specific theme.

This is not a turn-up-and-sing open mic, and it is not karaoke. Performers are selected in advance via video submission, with each event featuring up to 20 singers presenting one song each across two themed sets.

The aim is to create a platform for strong community singers — people who care about their craft and would value the chance to perform in a polished, supportive cabaret environment.

How to perform

First read through all the information on this page as well as the specific event details

• Choose a song (or songs) suitable for the theme, try and think away from the most obvious

• Record yourself singing the song (full song please, so I can rehearse along with your voice at home)

• Email me with your stage name, headshot or suitable face photo, recording of the song by the deadline

• If you are submitting for multiple events, make sure the emails are separate with the event title as the subject

• If you’re early, you may not receive a reply until I’ve processed all of the submissions

• Show up and invite lots of people to support the show!

Who it’s for

BGPB Presents is open to anyone who would like to submit, but these events are best suited to:

• theatre and music students

• community theatre performers

• choir members

• emerging singers

• graduates

• people who have sung seriously in the past and want a platform again

• strong amateur performers with real vocal ability and performance instinct

Queer/LGBTQIA+ performers are particularly encouraged to apply, and allies are very welcome.

Successful performers will generally demonstrate strong vocal ability, musicality, and good performance sensibility.

How the night works

Each BGPB Presents event follows a themed format:

• Set 1: community performers

• Set 2: community performers

• Set 3: open, request-based Big Gay Piano Bar set with John Milligan

For our first events, the final set will be an open, request-based Big Gay Piano Bar set with John Milligan and special guest Erin Clare — bringing the night back into the live, singalong spirit of BGPB.

The night is live, music-led, and community-focused — planned in advance, but without formal rehearsal. Once selected, performers will be contacted about song choice, key, and sheet music.

What to expect

• live piano accompaniment by John Milligan

• a curated lineup of up to 20 singers

• a professional cabaret setting at Gingers

• food and bar service available throughout the evening

• a warm, welcoming audience

• a chance to perform one song as part of a themed live event

These nights are designed to feel polished, welcoming and accessible: a space for talented local singers to step into the spotlight, without the pressure of it needing to be their full-time profession.

Important information for performers

• performers are selected via video submission

• audition videos should have you singing the whole song in your key

• multiple submissions are welcome

• performers must be 18+

• performers do not pay to participate

• this is an unpaid community performance opportunity

• performers are encouraged to invite a few ticket-paying guests

• there is no group rehearsal

• if selected, song key and sheet music details will be discussed in advance

FAQ

What kind of singers are you looking for?

We’re looking for people with a level of vocal ability and performance sensibility who will suit the tone of the night. This is not bar karaoke or a casual singalong format. It’s for singers who actively work, or have worked, on their craft — whether through study, community productions, choirs, bands, or other live performance experience.

What happens if I’m selected?

Successful applicants will be contacted and offered a performance spot for one song on the night. We’ll confirm the final song choice, discuss key and sheet music, and let you know where your performance sits within the running order.

What does the evening look like?

Doors open at 6pm for dinner, drinks, and seating.

Set 1 begins at 7pm.

Set 2 begins at approximately 8pm.

The final set from around 9pm–10pm shifts into an open, request-based Big Gay Piano Bar set with John Milligan

Is this for professionals?

These events are primarily aimed at community performers, students, emerging artists, and strong singers who want a platform. Professional performers are welcome to attend, but the focus is on creating space for community participation within a curated format.