The Richmond Mens Chorus offers a bold lesson to all of us artists who struggle with the conflict between presentation and content. (Should a painting speak for itself, or can an elegant frame add to the impact? Does a Pulitzer novel read any better if it has a million-dollar cover? If you have a good main attraction, do you also wants bells and whistles and frills?)

One thing the Richmond Mens Chorus and Lady Gaga have in common is the phrase, “If you got it, flaunt it.” I was there for the Chorus’ 6/11/2011 “Totally 80s” concert in which they twirled and tossed umbrellas to “It’s Raining Men,” did a multi-row synchronized dipping movement to the “way-oh, way-oh” lines in “Walk Like an Egyptian,” and did all that neat choreography – while wearing zombie clothing – to Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Sure, they’re a great choir, but boy are they also great entertainers! All hat and no cattle? NOT!