Something else: Auditions for Out Loud, 5 p.m. Jan. 11, First Congregational Church; email Jon Vigne at jonvigne@comcast.net.

Even though it’s an evening of holiday cheer, the Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus hopes to impart a deeper message.

The show will end with the group’s annual rendition of “My Grownup Christmas List,” but this year the predominantly gay chorus will ask for love for communities ravaged by violence and hate.

“We try to be a voice for what’s right,” says James Knapp, artistic director for the chorus. “What we’re going to be singing about on ‘My Christmas List’ is not the rights of gay people, but people in Paris and people in Colorado Springs and the tragedy at Planned Parenthood and the shooting a month ago. We want to be inclusive and be there for the community of Colorado Springs as a different way of communicating social justice issues.”

Thirty auditioned singers will start the show in formal attire and perform a mix of pop and classical Christmas music, including “Do You Hear What I Hear?,” “Still the Holiest Night” and “Nutcracker Jingles” from Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker Suite.”

The guys return for the second act dressed as disgruntled elves working overtime in Santa’s workshop at the North Pole. Due to low toy production they’ve been forbidden to sing Broadway showtunes – only traditional Christmas songs are allowed.

The elves rebel by setting traditional lyrics to Broadway music – “Deck the Halls” is set to a tune from “Into the Woods.”

The chorus began in 2006 with 21 members and has grown to about 40 men. Auditions are held twice a year. The group has become an important part of the community, Knapp says.

“We are a community of guys who come together and make music and change some people’s attitudes through messages,” he says. “It’s a wonderful gathering place for men to come that’s an alternative to a gay bar or gay sports team. It’s a really amazing, loving, caring and nurturing environment.”

Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, First Congregational Church, 20 E. St. Vrain St., $18-$20; 303-325-3959, rmarts.org.