By John Hayden
When they raise their voices, they raise a community. This month they’re raising their profile. Coming off the first ever Community Sing-Along at the end of April, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is at the start of two very big months.
May of 2023 has the chorus out and about in South Florida, starting with the Tropical Wave concert.
“The concert explores the spaces of gender identity, love, and expressions of faith and how they can be connected,” Assistant Conductor Anthony Cabrera told OutClique. “The message: these three can be at peace with each other.” Best expressed in the words of the final song…”I’ve got peace like a river, love like an ocean, and joy like a fountain in my soul.”
Sacred Space: Love, Identity and the Divine is Sunday, May 7,2023, at 6 pm, at Coral Gables Congregational Church, 3010 de Soto Boulevard, Coral Gables.
The show will explore several musical styles including modern choral works, accompanied and acapella, as well as some classical pieces with gospel, jazz, and musical theater vibes.
Fun & Goofy BINGO!
On Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 6pm, the party moves to Hamburger Mary’s in Wilton Manors for Legendary Drag Bingo. “Let me tell you; they have “drag bingo” down to a fabulously fun science,” Kely Van Eaton, GMCSF’s VP of Community Relations said.
The popular Sunday Funday event raises funds for various South Florida groups. While drag entertainers and the GMCSF are both known for music, Van Eaton says don’t look for any impromptu performances.
“No, no singing at this event, but maybe a little screaming! It’s a good ol’ fashion, fast-paced bingo night with bingo cards, colorful dobbers, winners, fantastic prizes, eating, drinking, and drag.” Van Eaton says it’s all part of being visible in the community. “We’re all looking for more connections in our community, and Legendary Bingo is a place where all are welcome. You get to socialize with old friends and make some new ones, and if you’re lucky enough, you’ll walk away with a fantastic prize!”
Play Ball
The chorus wraps up the month May 31, at the Miami Marlins Annual Pride in the Park Celebration. They will be on the field to sing the national anthem before the first pitch. “Singing the national anthem for professional sports teams is always a highlight for the chorus,” Artistic Director Gabe Salazar said. “We have really enjoyed our relationships with these teams and look forward to performing every year.”
South Florida has five major sports teams and all embrace the LGBTQIA+ community in one way or another. For the chorus, this event is a highlight of their calendar. “Every time we are invited to perform, we always have the best time because we get to sing, stay for the game, and have a fun night out. The crowd is extremely receptive and welcoming whenever we perform at a game.”
The chorus and Salazar say nights like this are key to their outreach and embracement from South Florida. “These types of events are so crucial for us as an organization, as well as for our community, and we hope that we will continue to represent the LGBTQ+ community at these types of events for many years.”
