LOCAL MUSICAL GROUPS WRAP UP 2023 SEASON

J.W. Arnold

South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble

The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble, the region’s LGBT and allies concert band, concludes its 36th season with “A Night at the Pops!” on May 13 at 7 p.m. at the Broward Center in Fort Lauderdale.

Under the direction of Artistic Director Dan Bassett, the lighthearted program will feature a wide variety of music from the classical era to contemporary pop music, including works by George Gershwin, Barry Manilow, John Philip Sousa and the Rolling Stones.

A special highlight will be a rousing rendition of “Casey at the Bat” with narrator Brian French. Other featured performers include high school flutist Maggie Stuteville, winner of the inaugural FLoatarama Youth Pride band soloist competition, and pianist Ross Salvosa, who will perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto in A minor.

Tickets are $35 at BrowardCenter.org.

Master Chorale Of South Florida

The Master Chorale of South Florida, under the director of Artistic Director Brett Karlin, will conclude its season on May 19 at Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Fort Lauderdale and May 21 at the Florida Atlantic University Theater in Boca Raton with “Light in the Shadows,” a concert to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s Disease.

The program will include popular music by John Lennon and James Taylor, inspirational songs and excerpts from works written about the disease and the experience of patients and caregivers. A portion of proceeds will benefit the Alzheimer’s Association.

“What we’re trying to communicate is that the Master Chorale is the voice of the community. Alzheimer’s affects Florida residents in an unbalanced way and, through unique, engaging music, we hope to raise awareness of the struggles so many face from this disease,” said Karlin when announcing the season last year.

Tickets at MasterChoraleOfSouthFlorida. org.

Nova Singers

The Nova Singers, the community chorus of Nova Southeastern University, wraps up its season with “Music of the Night,” a tribute to the longest running show on Broadway, “The Phantom of the Opera,” which recently closed.

Artistic Director Chuck Stanley will conduct performances on May 19 in Pembroke Pines, May 21 in Delray Beach, and May 23 in Weston. The program will also include selections from “The Music Man,” “Oliver” and “West Side Story,” along with arrangements of familiar spirituals and folk songs and a choral tribute to the U.S. armed forces.

Advance tickets are $20 at Nova.edu/ novasingers/index.html

GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida will debut a new concert that celebrates LGBT life, love, family and pride through the timeless music from the Disney songbook in “Disney PRIDE in Concert,” June 24 and June 25 at the Parker in Fort Lauderdale.

Featuring sparkling new arrangements, curated video clips and personal testimonials from chorus members, the concert will highlight selections from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King” and “Mary Poppins,” as well as newer Disney films like “Coco,” “Zootopia,” “Wreck-It Ralph” and themes from the Disney theme parks.

Artistic Director Gabe Salazar said, “I am so grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Disney to bring a show to our community that aligns with our mission,” and Executive Director Mark Kent added, “Adults and children alike are going to feel inspired and welcome. We are eager for families to know that the LGBTQ+ community is filled with wonderful and loving people.”

Tickets start at $31.50 at ParkerPlayhouse. com.

FIRST DESANTIS CAME FOR TRANSGENDER ATHLETES, AND I DIDN’T SPEAK UP because I wasn’t a Transgender Athlete.

THEN DESANTIS CAME FOR DRAG QUEENS, AND I DIDN’T SPEAK UP because I wasn’t A Drag Queen.

THEN DESANTIS CAME FOR TRANS YOUTH, AND I DIDN’T SPEAK UP because I wasn’t a young trans person.

THEN DESANTIS CAME FOR GAY MEN, BUT I DIDN’T SPEAK UP because I wasn’t A Gay MAn.

THEN DESANTIS CAME FOR BLACK HISTORY, BUT I DIDN’T SPEAK UP because I wasn’t Black.