The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and The Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort present
Artistic Director GABE SALAZAR
Sponsored in part by The Bears of South Florida, Out South Florida, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Allegro Fort Lauderdale.
Saturday, June 21, 2025, 8:00 pm at The Parker, Fort Lauderdale
Performances by TROPICAL WAVE and the ANV DANCE COMPANY
GUEST CONDUCTOR Harold Dioquino
PRODUCTION
Anthony Cabrera – Assistant Conductor & Tropical Wave Conductor
James Smith – Production Director
Darren Matias – Principal Accompanist
Carina Inoue – Assistant Accompanist
Matthew Wilson – Assistant Accompanist
Emin Huseynov – Violin 1
Sol Ochoa – Violin 1
Laura Gonzalez – Violin 2
Jerome McCoy – Viola
Megan Hagel – Cello
Toby Douthwright – Production Assistant
Joe Pakyz – Production Assistant
Bruce Anderson – Costumes & Wardrobe
Kevin Smith – Costumes & Wardrobe
Paris Kessinger – Choralographer
ORCHESTRA
Luis Carlos Pulido Orjuela – Trumpet 1
Juan Guillermo – Trumpet 2
Adrian Corredor – Trombone 1
Jhonder Salazar – Trombone 2
Roberto Borbone – Guitar
Christine Pascual-Fernandez – Clarinet and Tenor Saxophone
THANK YOU
Teresa Flores – Drums
Julian Rauh – Bass
Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood: Susan Rennesein, Vice President of community Affairs and Special Events, Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events, Brian Gauci, ASL Interpreter; Sunshine Cathedral: Bishop Durrell Watkins, Bishop Robert Griffin, and Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager; The Parker: M. Tate Tenorio, Theater Manager, and The Production Team; Broward Center for the Performing Arts: Tracy Schneider, Director of Ticketing Services & Sales.
The program book is developed and produced through generous support from:
Note: Audio, video recording, and flash photography are prohibited during the performance.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA (GMCSF)
The Chorus is a vibrant community of singers, uniting diverse voices across generations and cultures with a shared commitment to shaping a brighter future for all. Beyond the artistry of music, GMCSF emerges as a formidable force dedicated to transcending social barriers while visibly and powerfully advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Being a part of the Chorus is more than simply singing; it’s a profound expression of LGBTQ+ identity. The members become living embodiments of positivity, serving as role models for the younger generation, actively contributing to the community, and helping those in need.
GMCSF’s impact resonates far and wide, bringing live music to the region through grand-scale concerts in prestigious venues, far-reaching community engagements, and meaningful volunteer initiatives. Boasting over 180 talented singing members, GMCSF proudly stands as one of the top, award-winning LGBTQ+ nonprofit arts organizations in the State of Florida, the largest gay men’s chorus in the southeastern United States, and one of the nation’s top ten LGBTQ+ choruses. Led by Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, the Chorus’s performances captivate more than 30,000 individuals each year, solidifying its position as a vital cultural asset in the heart of South Florida. GMCSF reached a significant milestone in December 2016 when we collaborated with SEMINOLE HARD ROCK HOTEL & CASINO HOLLYWOOD to perform our holiday concert at Hard Rock Live! The two entities have continued this partnership, which is now in its ninth year. Prior guest artists have included Linda Eder, Alan Cumming, Matthew Morrison, Jordin Sparks, Shoshana Bean, Amber Riley, Todrick Hall and Frankie Grande.
MISSION & VISION:
We sing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences that inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts, and affirm our common humanity. Our vision is a diverse world united.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GABE SALAZAR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Gabe Salazar is a dynamic conductor, tenor, and music educator with two decades of experience inspiring vocalists nationwide. Known for his vibrant leadership and inclusive approach, Gabe is passionate about empowering singers and cultivating transformative musical experiences that reflect the diversity of our communities. He earned his Master of Music in Voice from Lee University, with additional studies in choral conducting at California State University, Fullerton. His career spans high-level performance and academic leadership, including roles with the United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks, Grand Canyon University, and Osceola County School of the Arts. Gabe has also performed with the Chicago Symphony Chorus and the Pacific Chorale and has directed award-winning choral programs that have grown exponentially under his leadership. A standout achievement occurred in 2019 when his Chamber Singers made their Carnegie Hall debut after winning a national competition.
Now in his fourth season as Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Gabe continues guiding the chorus through extraordinary growth. Under his direction, the ensemble has expanded to 190 singers and produced acclaimed collaborations with artists such as Deborah Cox, Shoshana Bean, Amber Riley, and Todrick Hall. His bold artistic vision helped bring Disney PRIDE in Concert to life, further solidifying GMCSF’s position as a national leader in LGBTQ+ choral excellence. In 2024, the chorus earned widespread recognition for its standout performance at the GALA Choruses Festival in Minneapolis. Gabe also serves as Director of Music at Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale and was recently appointed to the board of directors of GALA Choruses, the premier association supporting LGBTQ+ choral organizations across North America.
ANTHONY CABRERA, ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR
Anthony is the former Artistic Director of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, having held that position for 14 years. Under his leadership, the chorus has introduced groundbreaking choral works for men’s voices, including Through the Glass Darkly (2010), Alexander’s House (2013), and I Am Harvey Milk (2016), which deal with issues integral to the story and history of the LGBTQ+ community. The chorus also witnessed the development and expansion of the MGMC South Florida Choral Festival, which, for five years, featured over 300 singers representing a broad spectrum of communities in South Florida.
Cabrera is the Assistant Director of Music Ministries at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC), where he is also the Minister of Liturgical Arts. He is a singer with the Chancel Choir and CGCC’s professional vocal ensemble in residence. Additionally, Anthony serves as the Choral Director at the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy, a single-gender public preparatory academy for girls within Miami-Dade County Public Schools. He teaches Humanities, AP Music Theory, and AP Human Geography, and serves as the school’s Director of Student Activities. In 2021, Anthony accepted the position of Assistant Conductor for GMCSF and also conducts their vocal ensemble, Tropical Wave.
HAROLD DIOQUINO, GUEST CONDUCTOR
Harold Dioquino brings a rich musical legacy to Church by the Sea in Bay Harbor Islands, where he serves as Minister of Music and leads all the music programs with heart and precision. With a music degree in Piano from the University of the Immaculate Conception in Davao City, Philippines, Harold has spent over 30 years conducting vocal ensembles, including local community choirs and cultural groups. A gifted teacher of piano and voice, Harold is passionate about nurturing the next generation of performers. He is the former Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, where his leadership elevated the ensemble’s musical excellence and community impact. Harold continues to share his artistry with devotion and joy, uplifting all who sing under his direction.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
VOCAL ENSEMBLE, TROPICAL WAVE
Tropical Wave is a GMCSF vocal ensemble led by Anthony Cabrera, the Assistant Conductor. This group performs at special events and venues that are too small for the entire chorus. It is also frequently showcased in mainstage concerts and community events.
TENOR 1
Mark Blackburn
Joanna Grandel-Everett
Ginny McCulloh
Jonathan Sanz
Derek Barbara Rafael Gragert
TENOR 2
David Gray
BARITONE Aaron
Gaston
Charles Robinson
Darren Matias, Accompanist
Ginny McCulloh, Tropical Wave Administrator
GMCSF SOLOISTS
Patrick McLendon Nick Orr
BASS
John Chaffin
Felix Fidelibus
Mark Gracy
John Lewis
Rob Young
Charles
ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS
We thank the following donors who contributed to our production.
DANCERS | Steven Lutz
COSTUMES & WARDROBE | Jose Batalla
SET DESIGN | Phil Cordell
TENOR ONE SECTION
Fred Boykin and Dr. K. David Weidner
TENOR TWO SECTION
Dennis
At Holy Cross Health, we’re proud to foster an open and inclusive environment where everyone can enjoy world-class medical care filled with compassion and kindness. From our diverse health care team to our far-reaching community health and well-being initiatives, we hope to become your trusted health care partner for life. Please call 954-565-7789 for an appointment.
Music & Lyrics by Ted Koehler and Harold Arlen; Milton Ager and Jack Yellen. Arranged by David Maddux. “Inspired by one of the greatest vocalists of all time. So long, sad times, so long, bad times. We need to get rid of you at last. Happy Days will be here again!” – Sponsored by Mike Pellicone and James Sweeney
Music & Lyrics by Otis Redding. Arranged by David Maddux. Soloist: Charles Robinson
– Sponsored by Dr. K. David Weidner and Dr. William E. Gannon, Jr.
Music & Lyrics by Ariana Grande, Ilya Salmanzadeh, Max Martin, Alexander Kronlund, Savan Kotecha; Anton Zaslavski. Arranged by David Maddux.
“Dedicated to our singers—especially those from Palm Beach and Miami-Dade—who gave extra time, miles, and heart to make this concert a success!” – Sponsored by Jorge Ornelas & Steven Patterson
Music & Lyrics by Billy Steinberg and Tom Kelley. Arranged by Matthew Brown. Performed by TROPICAL WAVE, conducted by Harold Dioquino
“To my fabulous girlfriend and the lovely new friends I have made thanks to GMCSF. Your true colors are beautiful!!”– Sponsored by Tracy Cranz
Music & Lyrics by David Gamson, Alexandra Tamposi, Greg Kurstin, and Jorgen Elofsson. Arranged by David Maddux Soloists: Nick Orr & Patrick McLendon
“When it looks insurmountable, ‘Stronger’ reminds us all that struggle can make us stronger.” – Sponsored by Durward Womack
Music & Lyrics by Ryan Tedder, Evan Bogart, and Beyoncé Knowles. Arranged by David Maddux.
“For the spouses and partners who love us, support us, and allow us to shine. You are our angels.” – Sponsored by Marcus Saitschenko
Music & Lyrics by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar. Arranged by David Maddux.
“For every LGBTQ+ hero who lifted us with love and strength—we sing for you, the wind beneath our wings.” – Sponsored by Tony Minella and Dan Swaine
Music & Lyrics by Mariah Carey, Walter Afanasieff, David Cole, and Robert Clivilles. Arranged by David Maddux. Soloist: Max Sanchez
“Go ahead…look inside. Find some joy and love, and hope to share with the world. That’s heroic!” – Sponsored by David Ralph
Music & Lyrics by Steven Severin, Stefani Germanotta, Susan Janet Ballion, Peter Edward Clarke, John Mcgeoch, and Andrew Wotman. Arranged by David Maddux.
“We dedicate this song to all of the monsters. Put your paws up!” – Sponsored by Justin Robbins
ACT TWO
River Deep, Mountain High | Tina Turner
Music & Lyrics by Jeff Barry, Ellie Greenwich, Phil Spector. Arranged by David Maddux. – Sponsored by Todd Masnicki and Michael Gutierrez
It’s All Coming Back to Me | Celine Dion
Music & Lyrics by Jim Steinman. Arranged by David Maddux.
“Thank you to my new Florida ‘family’ and my GMCSF brothers and sisters for welcoming me with open arms from New England. I’m forever grateful!” – Sponsored by Rob Marino
Send in the Clowns | Barbra Streisand
Music & Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Arranged by Michael Martin. Performed by TROPICAL WAVE, conducted by Harold Dioquino
“To those who’ve loved bravely, lost deeply, and still show up with grace—this is for your strength, your truth, and your beautiful resilience.” – Sponsored by Steven Freeman
Como La Flor/No Me Queda Más/Bidi Bidi Bom Bom | Selena
Music & Lyrics by Pete Astudillo, A.b. Quintanilla III; Ricky Vela; Selena Quintanilla-Perez. Arranged by David Maddux.
Soloists: Joseph Rojas & Rafael Gragert
“Honoring the life and legacy of the beloved Selena!” – Proudly sponsored by Will Portalatin and Mike Trottier,
How Will I Know? | Whitney Houston
Music & Lyrics by George Merrill, Shannon Rubicam, and Narada Michael Walden. Arranged by Saunder Choi.
Soloist: Jason Weston – Sponsored by Todd Masnicki and Michael Gutierrez
Last Dance/Hot Stuff | Donna Summer
Music & Lyrics by Paul Jabara. Arranged by David Maddux.
Soloist: Derek Barbara – Sponsored by Robert Beaulieu
Pink Pony Club | Chappelle Roan
Music & Lyrics by Daniel Nigro, Kayleigh Rose Amstutz. Arranged by David Maddux.
“Dedicated to the Amazing Board Members of the GMCSF.”
– Sponsored by Fred Boykin and Jack Killen
NOTE: Program content is subject to change at the discretion of the Artistic Director.
Abracadabra. Lady Gaga is an indisputable diva, not only because of her powerful vocals, innovative artistry, and avant-garde fashion but also due to her significant cultural impact and influence on social issues. She has won thirteen Grammy Awards, three Golden Globes, and one Academy Award for Best Original Song (“Shallow” from A Star is Born). “Abracadabra” is Lady Gaga’s most recent hit, both in the U.S. and worldwide. It is an up-tempo, high-energy, dance-pop song. Lady Gaga is a significant ally who has had a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community through numerous philanthropic efforts. In 2012, she founded the Born This Way Foundation with her mother, Cynthia Germanotta. The mission of the Foundation is to empower youth, promote mental health, and foster kindness and inclusivity, with a focus on creating a supportive environment for LGBTQ+ youth, combating bullying, and promoting self-acceptance. She is a supporter of marriage equality, transgender rights, and HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. She has participated in benefit concerts to raise money for LGBTQ+ organizations. The song “Born This Way” has become an anthem for LGBTQ+ pride and acceptance. Both Forbes and Time magazines have recognized Lady Gaga as one of the world’s most influential people.
Como La Flor/No Me Queda Más/Bidi Bidi Bom Bom. Selena was a celebrated Mexican American vocalist who paved the way for other Latin artists in mainstream U.S. music. Billboard magazine ranked her third on its list of “Greatest Latino Artists of All Time.” Selena won the Tejano Music Award for Female Vocalist of the Year nine consecutive times. In 1994, she won the Grammy Award for Best Mexican American Album for her Selena Live! Album. In doing so, she was the first female Tejano vocalist to win a Grammy. In 2021, Selena was posthumously awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. She had many hit songs that crossed several musical genres, including Tejano, cumbia, Latin pop, and R&B. In 1992, she recorded her album Entre a Mi Mundo. It remained number one for eight months on the U.S. Billboard Regional Mexican Albums chart. The breakout song from the album was “Como La Flor” (“like the flower”), which became Selena’s signature song. It is a poignant song about lost love. Selena’s 1994 album, Amor Prohibido, became one of the best-selling Latin albums in the U.S. Two of the number-one singles from the album are “No Me Queda Más” (“there’s nothing left for me”), a song of unrequited love, and “Bidi Bidi Bom Bom,” a fun, upbeat song describing a beating heart when someone falls in love. She broke barriers for female Latin artists in a male-dominated industry. Selena was a passionate advocate for the education of Latino youth. She participated in campaigns that encouraged children to stay in school and that promoted drug and alcohol awareness. Following her death, her family created the Selena Foundation to support education and the arts for underprivileged children.
Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again. Judy Garland was one of the most celebrated and beloved performers of the 20th century. She appeared in numerous films and was an accomplished vocalist. At the age of seventeen, she starred in The Wizard of Oz, immortalizing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” for generations to come. The song was voted the number 1 song of the 20th century by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Some of her other hit records include “The Trolley Song,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “The Man That Got Away,” “Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart,” and “Get Happy.” “Get Happy” is one of Garland’s most memorable and iconic songs, initially performed in the 1950 movie Summer Stock The song’s lyrics, “Forget your troubles, come on get happy, you better chase all your cares away,” with its optimistic and upbeat message, have made the song a gay anthem. At the age of thirty-nine, she received the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in motion pictures. In her later years, Garland had a distinguished career, performing both on TV and in live concerts.
Halo. Beyoncé is one of the world’s most talented and successful performers. She is known as both a diva and an icon because of her vocal prowess, strong stage presence, confidence, and influence on music, fashion, and culture. Additionally, she is an ally of the LGBTQ+ community, demonstrating her support through various philanthropic activities. Beyoncé began her solo career in 2003, establishing herself as a superstar. Beyoncé is one of the best-selling music artists of all time, with estimated sales of over two hundred million records. Having won 35 Grammy Awards, she is the most awarded and nominated artist in the history of the Grammy Awards. Time magazine named Beyoncé as one of the one hundred most influential people in the world for the third time in 2023. Her song “Halo” is from her third studio album, I Am Sasha Fierce (2008). It is a pop/R&B ballad with a theme of love and hope. Beyoncé has been an active supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement. She has donated to organizations fighting racial injustice and police brutality. In 2023, Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD Foundation partnered with the Human Rights Campaign to host the inaugural Equality Ball in Las Vegas. The event celebrated Black queer ballroom culture, providing services such as HIV testing, voter registration, and information on local LGBTQ+ programs. Beyoncé’s album Renaissance also pays homage to Black queer culture, particularly the ballroom and club scenes. Through her BeyGOOD Foundation and personal advocacy, Beyoncé consistently demonstrates her unwavering support for the LGBTQ+ community.
Hero/Emotions. Mariah Carey is an iconic diva with strong ties to the LGBTQ+ community. During her 30+ year recording career, Carey has sold over 220 million records worldwide and has received numerous Grammys, World Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards. She was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2020. She has been dubbed the “Queen of Christmas” for her recording of “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” The dance-pop song “Emotions” is one of Carey’s earliest and most enduring recordings. It is a joyous love song that shows off her five-octave vocal range. Her 1993 recording of “Hero” has become an essential and enduring anthem, resonating with the LGBTQ+ community due to its themes of self-empowerment, perseverance, hope, and inspiration. In his 2023 Fandom Wire article, Raul Thokchom declares that “Hero” has made Carey a gay icon. He affirms that the song “is now considered a quintessential gay anthem” and that “the song is an emotional track that informs everyone to be comfortable in their skin and be proud of who they are.” In 2016, Carey received the GLAAD Ally Award for her efforts to advance LGBTQ+ equality and acceptance. She has participated in GLAAD’s Spirit Day, standing in support of LGBTQ+ youth against bullying. Carey continues to headline major LGBTQ+ events. She performed at the 2023 LA Pride in the Park and will headline Brighton’s “Pride on the Park” in the UK this coming August.
How Will I Know?
Whitney Houston continues to be recognized as one of the greatest vocalists of all time, earning her the nicknames “The Voice” and “The Queen of Pop.” In addition to numerous awards, she had eleven Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles during her lifetime. In 2023, Rolling Stone ranked Houston second on their list of greatest singers of all time. She bridged various music genres, including pop, R&B, and gospel. Her songs, such as “I’m Every Woman” and “It’s Not Right, But It’s Okay,” became anthems of empowerment. Her music became a mainstay in gay clubs, with songs such as “How Will I Know,” which appeared on her first album in 1985; it was her third hit single from that album. Houston has become a cultural icon not only because of her incredible vocals but also because of her sense of fashion, charisma, resilience, and vulnerability. Throughout her lifetime, she was a staunch advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. In 1989, she established The Whitney Houston Foundation for Children, offering medical assistance to children with HIV/AIDS. In 1991, Houston participated in the Reach Out & Touch Someone AIDS vigil in London, stressing the importance of AIDS research and addressing HIV stigma. In 1999, she gave a surprise performance at the 13th Annual New York City Lesbian & Gay Pride Dance at one of the piers. According to Instinct magazine, as Houston took the stage, a reporter asked her why she decided to perform at the event. Houston replied, “We’re all God’s children, honey.”
It’s All Coming Back to Me Now. Céline Dion did not begin recording in English until the early 1990s; however, she went on to release twelve English-language albums in addition to many French-language albums. In 1997, she took the world by storm with her recording of the Academy Award-winning “My Heart Will Go On” from The Titanic. Dion’s music spans several genres, including pop, rock, adult contemporary, and classical. She is the best-selling Canadian recording artist and the best-selling French-language artist of all time. In addition to receiving numerous awards, seven of her albums have sold at least ten million copies worldwide. Dion has achieved diva status due to her powerful, technical, and emotionally charged vocal style. She has a confident, elegant, and theatrical presence when performing. Her fans relate to her emotional ballads, such as “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now,” which has sold over two million copies worldwide and soared to number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. She remains transparent when it comes to communicating personal struggles, such as the death of her husband and her diagnosis of Stiff-Person Syndrome. Dion established the Céline Dion Foundation in 1999. The Foundation supports children and families in need, especially in the areas of health, education, and social services. Over the years, she has raised money to support the Canadian Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 2012, she performed at Children’s Hospital Boston to raise money for sickle cell disease. In 2018, she launched a gender-neutral children’s clothing line, Celinununu.
Last Dance/Hot Stuff. Donna Summer had an illustrious recording career and became known as the “Queen of Disco.” Her first hit, “Love to Love You Baby,” was a huge disco hit in Europe before it became a hit in the U.S. in 1975. Summer was the first female artist to record three number-one singles in one calendar year (1979), and she is the only recording artist to have three number-one double albums. Some of Summer’s most popular disco songs include “Last Dance,” “Hot Stuff,” “MacArthur Park,” “Bad Girls,” “Dim All the Lights,” and “On the Radio.” Following the disco era, she had two more hits in the eighties, “She Works Hard for the Money” and “This Time I Know It’s for Real.” She won Grammys in several categories, including R&B, rock, dance, and inspirational. Her recording of “Last Dance,” from the film Thank God It’s Friday, won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1979. Summer has remained a cultural icon because her songs helped define the disco era with themes of freedom, self-expression, and empowerment. Her music remains a staple in pride celebrations and other LGBTQ+ events. In 1998, she performed a benefit concert at Carnegie Hall that raised funds for the Gay Men’s Health Crisis, an organization dedicated to combating
AIDS. Additionally, in 2020, a political action committee used her duet with Barbra Streisand, “No More Tears (Enough Is Enough),” in a campaign to mobilize LGBTQ+ voters. She was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame posthumously in 2013.
Pink Pony Club. Chappell Roan has emerged as a modern pop diva. She is a singer/songwriter known for her camp and drag queen-influenced aesthetic. The song, initially released in 2020, is now included on her album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, which was released in 2023 to critical acclaim. Roan stated in an article in Rolling Stone that the album allowed her to “come to accept my queerness.” She also said that “the album is for the girl in high school who was like, ‘It’s just a phase.’ It’s a phase. It’s a phase.’ It’s for my teenage self.” Chappell Roan is a queer icon who has achieved diva status because of her strong vocals, commanding stage presence, and distinct artistic identity. Her music embraces themes of self-discovery, defiance of societal expectations, and empowerment. Roan was inspired to write “Pink Pony Club” after seeing the go-go dancers at the Abbey, a gay bar in West Hollywood. She stated in a 2020 interview with The Daily Shuffle that she was “enthralled by the go-go dancers and thought about how amazing it would be to be one, so I wrote a song about it.” In November 2024, Roan performed the song on Saturday Night Live. She also performed the song at the Grammy Awards, where she won the Grammy for Best New Artist of 2024. “Pink Pony Club” peaked at number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2024-2025.
Respect. Aretha Franklin will always be known as the undisputed “Queen of Soul.” Franklin recorded over one hundred songs in her career, including seventy-three Hot 100 entries on the Billboard charts. Her bestknown songs include “Respect,” “Chain of Fools,” “Think,” “Rock Steady,” “Jump to It,” “Freeway of Love,” and “I Knew You Were Waiting.” Franklin won 18 Grammy Awards, including the first eight ever given for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. She also received a Grammy Living Legend Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. In 1987, she was the first female to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Franklin is a diva in the truest sense of the word. She is a legend. She had unparalleled star power coupled with an incredible, flawless voice. Her musical style ranged from gospel to jazz, soul, R&B, and pop. Several of her songs have become anthems of empowerment and identity, including “Respect,” “Think,” and “(You Make Me Feel Like) a Natural Woman.” Her music appears in numerous movies and can be found on streaming platform playlists. Her cameo performance of “Think” was a highlight of the Blues Brothers film. Ms. Franklin supported many causes throughout her life. She performed regularly at benefits and rallies for civil rights organizations. She donated to local schools and scholarship programs in her native Detroit. She also provided financial support to historically Black colleges and universities, cancer research, HIV/AIDS organizations, and causes related to mental health and addiction recovery.
River Deep Mountain High. Tina Turner has the distinction of being dubbed the “Queen of Rock’ n Roll.” Her career spanned from 1960 to 2023, a period that continued until her passing. She is famous for having two musical careers, the first as lead singer with her husband, Ike Turner. Her second comeback career began in 1984 with the launch of her album Private Dancer. During her lifetime, Turner received numerous Grammy Awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. She was the first Black artist and the first woman to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine, as well as the first female Black artist to win an MTV award. Ike and Tina Turner’s first record with famed music producer Phil Spector was “River Deep, Mountain High.” The recording was a groundbreaking blend of soul, pop, and R&B, and it helped to establish her as a powerful vocalist. The recording of “River Deep Mountain High was a turning point in her career. The song was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1999. Turner remains an icon in the LGBTQ+ community. A 2018 article in The Guardian commented on her “swagger, sensuality, gravelly vocals, and unstoppable energy.” Her life story is one of survival, reinvention, and empowerment. “Private Dancer” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It” have become anthems of liberation and freedom.
Send In The Clowns. Barbra Streisand has had one of the most successful and enduring careers, spanning over 60 years. She is the first performer to become an EGOT winner, having won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards. Her career began at the age of eighteen as a nightclub singer at The Lion, a gay club in Greenwich Village. One of her early songs was a slow version of “Happy Days Are Here Again.” Her rendition of the song became a staple in Streisand’s concerts. She has recorded thirty-six studio albums. Billboard ranked her third in the list of top Adult Contemporary Female Artists of all time. Some of Streisand’s most memorable songs include “The Way We Were,” “Evergreen,” “People,” “Memory,” and “Happy Days Are Here Again.” Since her early days as a nightclub singer in New York City, Streisand has always been an ally to the LGBTQ+ community. According to Billboard magazine, Streisand was quoted as saying, “The gay community supported me from the start, and I will always be grateful.” She also stated, “Marriage equality is the law, and that deserves a toast… to all of us because we’re all unique and beautiful in our way and entitled to love and be loved by whomever we choose.” Barbra Streisand appeared as a guest on The Judy Garland Show in 1963. The two divas performed a slow, counterpoint duet of “Get Happy” and “Happy Days Are Here
Again.” (Streisand singing “Happy Days” and Garland singing “Get Happy”). The duet, pairing the 21-yearold Streisand with the veteran Garland, was an unforgettable and legendary performance.
Stronger. Kelly Clarkson has had a stellar career since winning American Idol in its premier season in 2002. In 2013, she won the Best Pop Vocal Album Grammy for her album Stronger, featuring the song you are hearing tonight. Clarkson has received many additional accolades over the years, including MTV Video Music Awards, American Music Awards, and Daytime Emmy Awards for her current talk show. Clarkson is a modern diva, possessing an extraordinary talent and a commanding presence. Many adjectives can be used to characterize Clarkson, including funny, confident, authentic, independent, down-to-earth, and relatable. She stands up for her beliefs and speaks openly about her issues, including her views on body image. “Stronger” is a song of strength, identity, and overcoming adversity, all themes that have endeared Ms. Clarkson to the LGBTQ+ community. She is a true ally. She has performed at LGBTQ+ events and consistently shown support for Pride Month, frequently speaking out in support of LGBTQ+ individuals. She told the Advocate magazine that it is “absurd that anyone would want to oppose their right to love or marry.”
True Colors. Cyndi Lauper recorded her debut album, She’s So Unusual, in 1983. The album was a worldwide hit. The album spawned several hits, including “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” and “Time After Time.” Her second studio album contained the LGBTQ+ anthem “True Colors.” The song has resonated with the LGBTQ+ community because of its message of self-acceptance and pride. Lauper has performed it throughout her career at Pride events and fundraisers. Lauper has recorded twelve studio albums, including Memphis Blues, Billboard’s most successful blues album of 2010. In 2013, she composed the music and lyrics for the Broadway musical Kinky Boots, winning a Tony Award for Best Original Score. In 2014, she also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album. In addition to two Grammy Awards, Lauper has been awarded a Primetime Emmy Award, MTV Video Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards, and American Music Awards. In 2015, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Lauper has been an ally throughout her career. She has stated that her close relationships inspired her support of the LGBTQ+ community with gay friends and family members, including her lesbian sister. In 2008, Lauper co-founded the True Colors Fund to address homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth. The fund’s focus remains on advocacy, education, and community building. Lauper has received several awards for her advocacy work, including the Human Rights Campaign’s National Equality Award and GLAAD’s Excellence in Media Award. In 2024, she was honored with a Lifetime Ally Icon Award by WeHo Pride. This award recognized Lauper’s continuing dedication to LGBTQ+ advocacy and her significant impact on the community.
We Can’t Be Friends/Into You/Break Free. Ariana Grande is a defining vocal artist and diva of her generation. She has won numerous significant awards, including Grammy Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, People’s Choice Awards, and American Music Awards. Some of her notable songs have become gay anthems, including “Into You” and “Break Free,” two of the songs included in this medley of her hits. Ms. Grande has had nine number-one singles spanning a recording career that began in 2014. She covers a wide range of musical genres, including pop, R&B, hip-hop, soul, and Broadway. She boasts a powerful four-octave vocal range. Grande is regarded as a prominent ally and icon within the LGBTQ+ community. In 2022, she launched the Protect & Defend Trans Youth Fund to support organizations that advocate for the rights of transgender youth. In 2016, MAC Cosmetics partnered with the organization for the Viva Glam campaign, with all proceeds benefiting the MAC AIDS Fund, which supports HIV/AIDS research and LGBTQ+ organizations. In 2017, Billboard named Grande the “gay icon of the generation,” citing her empowering music, LGBTQ+ advocacy, and staunch support for the community.
The Wind Beneath My Wings. Bette Midler is the consummate entertainer. She has received numerous awards throughout her five-decade career, including Golden Globes, Grammys, Emmys, and Tonys. She was also a Kennedy Center Honoree in 2021. Early in her career, she performed at the Continental Baths, a gay bathhouse in New York City. This was the start of her lifelong relationship with the gay community. In 1998, when Midler recorded the album Bathhouse Betty, she was quoted in The Houston Voice as saying, “I’m still proud of those days. I believe I was at the forefront of the gay liberation movement, and I hope I played my part in advancing it. So, I kind of wear the label ‘Bathhouse Betty’ with pride.” Some of her hit songs from her fourteen studio albums include “The Rose,” “Do You Want to Dance,” “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy,” and “From a Distance.” Her recording of “The Wind Beneath My Wings,” from the movie Beaches, earned her a Grammy for Record of the Year and Song of the Year in 1990. The soundtrack album from Beaches is Midler’s best-selling album, reaching number 2 on Billboard’s Hot 100. In 1995, Midler participated in the “AIDS Walk: Live at Home virtual benefit, raising funds for HIV/AIDS organizations. In 2019, she performed at the World Pride event in New York City, benefitting LGBTQ+ charities in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. In 2020, she joined Cyndi Lauper’s Home for the Holidays benefit concert aimed at ending homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth.
MARK B. KENT
As we close our unforgettable 15th anniversary season, I am filled with gratitude for the voices that have sung with us, the stories we’ve shared, and the community that continues to lift us higher. This year, we honored our past, celebrated our progress, and stood proudly in harmony with one another and with you.
But we’re just getting started.
Next season, we’ll take bold new steps with powerful performances that speak to resilience, joy, and the shared journey of LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Our stage will welcome new voices, new collaborations, and new reasons to celebrate what makes our chorus—and our community—so vital.
As a community-focused organization, we have a vital role to play, right now. We are here to uplift our community and give people hope. Next season, we will fulfill that role with exciting and essential performances that tell our stories and celebrate our collective strength.
Your support has brought us this far. As we look ahead, I invite you to help us grow stronger. A gift today ensures that our music continues to inspire, empower, and bring people together. Whether it’s $15 to honor 15 years or a larger amount, I ask you to help us shape the future—we sing because of you.
With pride and gratitude,
Mark B. Kent Executive Director
