People

Neal Bennington

Founder and Creative Director, Broadway Sings for Pride
Neal Bennington — Photo Credit: Shefik

Photo Credit: Shefik

Founded in the spring of 2011, in response to the tragic suicides within the LGBTQ+ community, Broadway Sings for Pride founder Neal Bennington realized something had to be done to make sure the community, and especially the younger generations knew there were voices out there to support them. Neal had an idea to utilize some of New York's best talent - the theater community and beyond. Reaching out, dozens of performers gladly wanted to help further this. The response was so overwhelming, which resulted in Broadway Sings for Pride's inaugural concert on June 27, 2011. The sold-out concert featured stories and music with many luminaries from television, Broadway, and the music industries. Since then, Broadway Sings for Pride has held their annual winter concerts and Gay Pride concerts, which raised thousands for the Hetrick-Martin Institute and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York City.

Broadway Sings for Pride has received support from from Carol Channing, Neil Patrick Harris, Bernadette Peters, Channing Tatum, Nathan Lane, Joy Behar, Wendy Williams, and many others. Broadway Sings for Pride is a sponsored project of Fractured Atlas, a non-profit arts service organization. Broadway Sings for Pride has raised thousands for the LGBTQ+ community, including the Hetrick-Martin Institute and The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York City. They have performed at Splash Club, XL Nightclub, The Gay Expo, The Long Island Gay and Lesbian Film Festival, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, Bamboo 52, Wagner College, The OW Bar, TADA! Youth Theater, The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center of New York City, and Barry's Bootcamp.

View Website

Last Updated: December 16, 2021


About "Shefik presents Invocation"

Aptly titled "Shefik presents Invocation", the nationally syndicated radio show is a mesmerizing and thought-provoking journey through musical discovery and appreciation that spans the decades. The show is currently broadcast on over 20 terrestrial radio stations and frequencies throughout the United States. Each one-hour episode, executive-produced and hosted by media personality Shefik, highlights one relatable focal point (chosen by Shefik), along with an accompanying playlist of songs (curated by Shefik), encompassing a unique thematic concept that invigorates the audience with creative impact. Top recording artists, actors, business executives, politicians, community leaders, and other special guests are invited to offer their own commentary on the weekly topic, as a supplement to Shefik's engaging mindset. The radio show's online hub at invocation.co serves as a conduit for discussion of the show, while featuring related videos and auxiliary content. The journey continues right here and everywhere.