By Charles Baran  

If you’re a fan of sparkly, shiny things that smack of luxury and opulence, (like I am), then the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s Chic and Unique Ball at The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort on Saturday, November 2, 2024, is the place to be! Appropriately subtitled: Crystal Opulence Unleashed, the evening promises to dazzle even the most been-there-done-that partygoer among us. And as well it should! The GMCSF has a lot to celebrate these days. Last year’s 14th season was a smashing success with the spectacular Hooray for Hollywood concert at The Parker Playhouse, followed shortly after by the exceptional multigenerational concert Pride: Then, Now and Forever in June which featured many iconic gay anthems from past Prides alongside an important world premier commissioned exclusively for the GMCSF, We’ve Come Through the Storm by Tom Nichols and Dan Chadburn. Needless to say, that whatever the GMCSF does, they do it with style, charm and a whole lot of pizazzzzz.

That’s why I’m so excited about the upcoming Chic and Unique Ball and can’t wait until November 2nd. The crystal themed gala fundraiser, generously co-sponsored by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood and The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort, will be a fully immersive experience, with every corner of the Westin outfitted in glittering elegance, glamour, and opulent luxury, setting the stage for an evening of good old extravagant fun. Think Palace of Versailles with an LGBTQ twist and a disco ball!

Last year’s Chic and Unique Ball: A Red-Carpet Extravaganza was such a hit, that the newly elected Chorus President and Ball Co-Chair, Jonathan Sanz felt compelled to “build on that success and create an even more fabulous night.” Sanz guarantees that, “From the dazzling entertainment to the exclusive VIP experiences, The Chic & Unique Ball will be an unforgettable evening that supports the essential work of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida.”

The evening begins at 7pm. General admission tickets are $200 per person and will include fine food, live entertainment by Vibe City Music & Entertainment, a robust live auction along with a bountiful silent auction, a post-event dance party with a live band and special surprises throughout the night. Tables are available for $2,000. If you’re looking to “up the glam” experience factor, a limited number of VIP tickets are available at $500 per person and include a pre and post event private reception. Keep in mind, your ticket purchase goes to help support this amazing South Florida treasure of a quality volunteer organization that through music inspires audiences, open minds, changes hearts, and affirms our common humanity. The GMCSF’s official mission is “to sing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences. Our vision—a diverse world united.”  And that’s certainly worth supporting. Get your tickets today at https://gmcsf.org/fundraisers