2025 Sing In Exultation

Performed by Tropical Wave, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s vocal ensemble DECEMBER 2025

Sponsored by

GMCSF.ORG

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Full Page Ad 5.5 x 8.5

At Amazon, we believe harnessing the power of art can help build strong, healthy neighborhoods.

We’re proud to partner with the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida as they contribute to a more inclusive and accessible local arts community for all.

To learn more, visit aboutamazon.com

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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.

Mission: 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. Vision: 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

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GMCSF_

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!Happy 16th A n

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Mayor Judy Paul Town of Davie

John Chaffin EdD, LMHC, ACHt Licensed Psychotherapist Clinical Hypnotherapist

2312 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL 33305

786.285.5306 john.chaffin.mhc@gmail.com Most insurance plans accepted

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AUDITIONS JANUARY 3, 2026 10:00am at Sunshine Cathedral

REGISTER For more information, visit gmcsf.org/audition

Fred F. Boykin, LCSW PSYCHOTHERAPIST

2312 Wilton Drive Wilton Manors, FL, 33305 Fboykinmsw@gmail.com 301-404-3602 (c)

Picture Framing Services Rick Vaughan 317-607-7101 walrick2024@gmail.com New items, repairs, and improvements. Simple to full conservation framing.

SLIDING SCALE FEE

GMCSF_

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