Recognizing the importance of childhood literacy, the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus (SGMC) is leveraging its two holiday concerts this year to raise funds for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library in Sacramento County. The Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) has joined forces with the United Way California Capital Region (UWCCR) to expand local literacy efforts through the program, which sends free books to children from birth to age five every month.
Holiday Hits—With a Splash of Sass
Two “Candy Christmas” performances will take place on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center (1301 L Street in Sacramento): the first at 3 p.m. and the second at 7 p.m.
The SGMC will blend holiday classics with the spirit of Dolly Parton’s music, including songs like “Hard Candy Christmas” and “Coat of Many Colors.” The famous sparkle of the Chorus will meet Dolly Parton’s twang in a blend of heart, humor, and holiday cheer, offering a vibrant live performance while supporting local children’s literacy efforts. Audiences are invited to kick off the holiday season SGMC-style—joyful, inclusive, and unapologetically fabulous.
- Purchase tickets online
Tickets also available without fees by calling the Convention Center Box Office: (916) 808-5181
Prize Drawing and Food Donation
In addition to donating a portion of ticket sales, the SGMC is conducting a prize drawing, offering participants a chance to win four Dolly-themed prizes. Inspired by Dolly Parton’s song, “Coat of Many Colors,” the drawing celebrates generosity, joy, and the power of giving. Proceeds will help fund the Imagination Library, with every four tickets sold being enough to send monthly books to one child for the year.
Concert attendees can also receive one drawing ticket by bringing three non-perishable food items to donate to the Sacramento Food Bank.
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
“The Imagination Library is a simple idea with a powerful, transformative impact,” said David W. Gordon, Sacramento County Superintendent of Schools. “By mailing a free book each month to children from birth to age five, we’re giving Sacramento County families the essential tools to build strong reading habits from the very start. Our partners, like the Sacramento Gay Men’s Chorus (SGMC), are helping us champion this vision of literacy and equity across our region. This program is vital to our Sacramento County READS literacy initiative, and reflects our deep commitment to every child’s success.”
Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library inspires a love of reading and ensures children receive new books every month until they turn five years old. Sign-ups to receive free books will be available at the concerts.