








Performed by Tropical Wave, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s vocal ensemble


DECEMBER 2025

Sponsored by












The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood presents Presented by CAN Community Health and The Bears of South Florida


Tuesday, December 16, 2025, 8:00 PM at United Church of Christ Fort Lauderdale
CONDUCTOR: Anthony Cabrera
ACCOMPANIST: Darren Matias
GUEST PERCUSSIONIST: Nate Bisco
ENSEMBLE
TENOR 1:
Mark Blackburn
Joanna Grandel-Everett
Ginny McCulloh
Johann Torres
TENOR 2:
Jose Blanco
David Gray
Rick Heal
Clive Ray
BARITONE:
Aaron Bell
Gaston Betoled
Chuck Clarke
Paul Guariglia

BASS:
John Chaffin
Felix Fidelibus
John Lewis
Marc Whitten
Rob Young
TROPICAL WAVE ADMINISTRATOR: Ginny McCulloh


LEADERSHIP
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Gabe Salazar
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mark B. Kent
BOARD CHAIR: Kerry Waldee
CHORUS PRESIDENT: Jonathan Sanz
DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP: Edward Otto Zielke
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: Fidel Garcia
ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR: Anthony Cabrera
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: James Smith
OFFICE MANAGER: Douglas Leib
THANK YOU
United Church of Christ, Fort Lauderdale: Reverand Aaron Lauer and Louis Licitra, Office Administrator.
Seminole Hard Rock: Susan Renneisen, VP of Community Affairs & Special Events, Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events, Sunshine Cathedral: Bishop Durrell Watkins, Bishop Robert Griffin, and Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager.
The program book is developed and produced through generous support from:


Note: Audio and video recording, as well as flash photography, are prohibited during the performance.

A diverse world united.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is a vibrant community of voices, blending generations and cultures in harmony with one mission: to shape a brighter, more inclusive future through music. GMCSF is a powerful force in advocacy, using the universal language of music to transcend social barriers and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.
With a roster of over 160 talented singers, GMCSF is the largest gay men’s chorus in the southeastern United States and one of the top ten LGBTQ+ choruses in the country. Our grand-scale concerts, meaningful community engagements, and volunteer-driven outreach touch lives throughout South Florida and beyond. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, GMCSF captivates more than 35,000 live audience members annually and welcomes over 72,000 visitors to its growing digital platform, gmcsf.org.
A significant milestone was reached in December 2016 when GMCSF partnered with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to present its holiday concert at Hard Rock Live. What began as a landmark event has evolved into a dynamic nine-year partnership rooted in music, visibility, and community impact. Today, Seminole Hard Rock continues to amplify its mission as the Amplified Season Sponsor and host of The Chic & Unique Ball, its signature fundraiser.
The Chorus welcomes singers of all identities who sing in the lower vocal range (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, Bass), with auditions held throughout the season. Our impact reaches from Miami Heat and Miami Marlins Pride Nights to the International Gay Polo Tournament in Wellington and Treasure Coast Pride Fest at the Saint Lucie County Fairgrounds, driven by the heart and dedication of our volunteers. Whether on stage or in service, GMCSF stands united in building bridges and creating space where everyone can live their truth.
ABOUT TROPICAL WAVE
Tropical Wave is a GMCSF vocal ensemble with over 20 members, 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.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Inc. (FEIN #27-3533074) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. You may obtain a copy of the official registration and financial information from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 800-435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.







Tropical Wave Holiday 2025

O Come, All Ye Faithful

From Latin hymn Adeste Fideles | Attributed to John Francis Wade | Translated by Frederick Oakeley
Arranged by Dan Forrest

Angels We Have Heard On High

Music from 18th Century French Carol Gloria | Arranged by Dan Forrest

The Eight Lights Poem by Anonymous | Read by John Chaffin


Light the Legend A Song for Chanukah

Music by Michael Isaacson | Lyrics by Susan Nurenberg | Hebrew Lyrics by Steven Reuben

Wexford Carol

Traditional Irish Carol, 12th Century | Arranged by Elaine Hagenberg

Coventry Carol

Traditional English Christmas Hymn, 16th Century | Words by Robert Croo (1534) | Arranged by Noah Reese

Mary’s Boy Child

Music and Lyrics by Jester Hairston | Soloist: Jose Blanco

When Shadows Lengthen

Poem by Anonymous | Read by Joanna Grandel-Everett

Matunda Ya Kwanzaa

Music by David Maddux | Text from Kwanzaa Founder Dr. Maulana Karenga
Spoken Word: John Lewis, Marc Whitten, Clive Ray

How Great Our Joy

Based on the Traditional German Carol Jungst | Music and Lyrics by Craig Courtney

The First Noel

English Carol from | W. Sandys’ Christmas Carols, 1833 | Arranged by Dan Forrest

When Love Was Born

Words and Music by Bernie Herms, Mark Schultz, and Stephanie Lewis
Soloist: Felix Fidelibus

Children, Go Where I Send Thee

Traditional African American Spiritual | Arranged by Kevin Phillip Johnson | Rap Crafted by Ayana Davis
Spoken Word: Ginny McCulloh | Soloist: Mark Blackburn

Merry Everything

Words and Music by Ernie Lijoi | Arranged by Paul Saccone
Soloist: Mark Blackburn






















Mayor Judy Paul Town of Davie
















