By John Hayden

Their voices are full and their sound is mighty. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is one of South Florida’s leading LGBTQIA+ organizations, entertaining and building bridges one amazing note at a time.

As they prepare for the new season, they have a new look and sound after more than three dozen singers auditioned over the summer. When they debut this fall, they may be the GMCSF’s most diverse iteration in its history.

The chorus is also making a big change to its schedule. Traditionally they’ve held a spring lunch/brunch event as their main fundraiser. That all goes away this year, as they’re holding their first gala, and it will be much earlier in the season. “The spring is jam packed with so many [galas],” GMCSF Executive Director Mark Kent told OutClique. “We wanted to get out of the crowded time period and come out in the fall.”

With the theme “Chic & Unique”, the gala is Saturday, November 4, 2023, at 8:00pm at the Westin on Fort Lauderdale Beach. Kent says moving from brunch to primetime fits with their usual performance motif. “It sizzles a little bit more. We do our concerts in the evening. This red carpet extravaganza typifies the organization.”

The group began rehearsals just after Labor Day and songs will be selected by artistic director, Gabe Salazar. 

Kent says the “Chic & Unique” vibe is meant to invoke the famous Met Gala, which always brings out amazing and imaginative looks. “For the ‘chic’ part, we want over-the-top formalwear. For the ‘unique’ part, think of the Met Gala.”

Upon arrival, guests will walk a step and repeat where they will be photographed by a throng of paparazzi. Once inside they’ll be treated to a live band, dinner, exquisite drinks, and more.

General admission is still available, and tickets are $200, which includes everything at the main event. Tables are also available for $2,000. After the program, all guests can go to the Westin’s rooftop venue for a fabulous post-party.

Kent is excited about the venue and says the Westin has long been a community partner. “We have worked with them for several years and they’re really good with the nonprofit community. They understand and get what it means to be a non-profit. They try to help us as much as they can to have a successful event.”

While events like this and their holiday concert are among their high-profile events, they do many more appearances throughout the year. “We find going out in community is an important step in bridging gaps between gay and the rest of society.”

Money raised from this fundraiser will help GMCSF do more outreach.