The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Inc. Gabe Salazar – Artistic Director presents
DRIVEN by JAZZ
MEET ME IN THE SKY special events with a view
Friday, March 25, 2022, 8pm at The Parker
Anthony Cabrera – GMCSF Assistant Conductor Edwin Neimann - Principal Accompanist Christopher Toth – Accompanist James Smith - Production Director Scott Hindley – Choreographer Fred Boykin Doug Ferguson Richard Fulks Michael Gillespie
Umberto Veltri - Production Assistant Tom Michalak - Production Assistant Bruce Anderson – Costumes Joseph Fletcher - Costumes
Featured Soloists
Scott Hindley Gregory Johnson AJ Mendini Francois Ratzel
Charles Robinson Jonathan Sanz Don Thompson
Orchestra
Trumpet 1 - Luis Carlos Pulido Orjuela Trumpet 2 - Juan Guillermo Diaz French Horn - Amber Dean Trombone - Alex Walden Alto Saxophone - Christine Pascual- Fernandez
Tenor Saxophone - Jose A. Heredia Vigo Baritone Saxophone - Willy Cardoso Double Bass - Dezmond Rogers Drums - Roberto Cuao Piano - Edwin Neimann
Performances by Tropical Wave and The GMCSF Dancers. Special guest appearances by Matthew Buffalo as Jazz Man Special guest conductor by Paul Rolli, Vice Mayor of Wilton Manors
A very special Thank You to:
The South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble Dr. Jack Gillen and Dr. Zachary Henry M. Tate Tenorio, Theater Manager, The Parker Amber Schooley, Inventory Control Analyst, Broward Center for the Performing Arts Drew Dalzell, Sound Designer Reverend Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister, Sunshine Cathedral Reverend Robert Griffin, Executive Minister, Sunshine Cathedral Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager, Sunshine Cathedral NOTE: Audio and video recording of any kind and flash photography are prohibited. THE SKY TERRACE at
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A MESSAGE FROM OUR ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
GMCSF – CELEBRATED
MORE THAN 130 SINGING MEMBERS Jazz music is very much a part of the DNA of American music. Its rhythmic and emotional arrangements speak to the human experience in a way that no other art form does. Perhaps this is the reason why it has endured for decades. The songs that have emerged from jazz are some of the best-loved compositions in the American songbook. Whether it was originally sung by Billie Holiday or has recently been sung by Michael Buble’, jazz vocal standards celebrate life with its highs and lows. Choosing to do a jazz-focused concert this season was a very intentional choice. As we are emerging from the pandemic, we are finding comfort in familiar things we once enjoyed yet were denied over the past year or two. Going to a club and hearing live music was very much a part of our lives before the pandemic. For our fans, coming out to hear us sing was another way you enjoyed great music with a group of friends. So it seems to make sense that we bring together these two experiences into a toe-tapping evening of jazz standards sung by your favorite gay men’s chorus. We have transformed the stage of The Parker into our own jazz club we are calling “Club Allegro.” It is your place to hang out with friends and enjoy familiar and fun tunes for the evening.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) has become one of the region’s largest and most successful community-based choruses, celebrated for outstanding musicianship, creative programming, and community outreach. Each year, GMCSF reaches over 20,000 audience members with its messages of love and inclusion. Our December holiday concerts launch GMCSF’s 12th season of serving the community. With 130 men on its singing roster, GMCSF is the largest gay men’s chorus in the southeastern United States. Please visit gmcsf.org for more information.
I want to thank everyone who has welcomed me so warmly to the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. I am grateful to be here, and the support of our audiences illustrates how strongly our chorus “family” really does extend beyond the stage to include those who attend our concerts. We could not have been more disappointed to cancel our Hard Rock Live concert. Thank you for your patient understanding of the situation and your return to our audience tonight. I hope you enjoy our slightly different approach to this evening’s concert. We have had a great deal of fun getting ready to perform for you. Affectionately, GABE SALAZAR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR First time conducting the GMCSF at the Holidays 2021 Concert at Sunshine Cathedral, Gabe Salazar. THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
FEATURED PERFORMERS
Gabe Salazar, Artistic Director & Conductor
Gabe Salazar is an enthusiastic and experienced conductor, tenor, and music educator skilled in fostering the artistic development of musicians from all backgrounds of life. Gabe brings to GMCSF 15 years of professional experience in the choral conducting field and as a performer. Gabe completed his Master of Music degree in Voice at Lee University with further studies at California State University, Fullerton. His professional career has included serving as the Director of Music for United Methodist Church of Thousand Oaks in Thousand Oaks, California; the Director of New Life Singers and a member of the Voice Faculty at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, AZ; performing as a staff singer for the Chicago Symphony Chorus as well as the Pacific Chorale in Costa Mesa, California; and as Choral Director at the Champs Charter High School of the Arts in Los Angeles and Osceola County School of the Arts in Kissimmee, Florida. During his last position, the choral program doubled in size in one year and won numerous awards at festivals and competitions.
TROPICAL WAVE Tropical Wave is an outreach ensemble of GMCSF, designed for special service performances and when a venue has limited space for the entire chorus. They are also frequently showcased in our mainstage concerts.
In March 2019, Gabe made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut with his Chamber Singers. The group won a prestigious competition to headline a concert in the world-renowned Isaac Stern Auditorium. Gabe is thrilled to be the new artistic director for GMCSF and looks forward to building the ensemble’s future with the members, volunteers, and staff.
Anthony Cabrera, Assistant Conductor
Anthony Cabrera is the former Artistic Director of the Miami Gay Men’s Chorus, serving them for 14 years. Under his leadership, the chorus has introduced ground-breaking choral works for men’s voices (Through the Glass Darkly 2010, Alexander’s House 2013, and I AmHarvey Milk 2016), dealing with issues integral to the story and history of the LGBTQ+ community. The chorus also saw the development and expansion of the MGMC South Florida Choral Festival, which, for five years, featured over three hundred 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. He is the Choral Director at the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy— Miami Dade County Public Schools’ single-gender public preparatory academy for girls. He also teaches Humanities, AP Music Theory, and AP Human Geography and is the school’s Director of Student Activities.
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Led by Assistant Conductor Anthony Cabrera
Jose Blanco John Chaffin Tony Corrente Chad Edgar Felix Fidelibus
Paul Guariglia Rick Heal Víctor Jannett John Lewis David Pfeffer
Francois Ratzel Jonathan Sanz Bob Thompson Don Thompson
The GMCSF Dancers All That Razzle Jazz Choreography by Francois Ratzel & Scott Hindley Reynaldo Araque Bert Cohen Chad Edgar
Michael Gillespie Scott Hindley
Gregory Johnson Francois Ratzel
The GMCSF Soloists Charles Robinson Jonathan Sanz Don Thompson Fred Boykin
Doug Ferguson Richard Fulks Michael Gillespie Scott Hindley
Gregory Johnson AJ Mendini Francois Ratzel
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
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MARCH 25, 2022 – THE PARKER
MARCH 25, 2022 - THE PARKER
ACT II
ACT I All That Razzle Jazz Full Chorus Soloist- Scott Hindley
Words: Fred Ebb Music: John Kander Arr: Chad Weirick Choreography: Francois Ratzel & Scott Hindley Dancers: Reynaldo Araque,Bert Cohen, Chad Edgar, Michael Gillespie, Scott Hindley, Gregory Johnson, Francois Ratzel
Come Fly With Me Full Chorus Sway Soloist: Francois Ratzel
Words: Sammy Cahn Music: James Heusen Arr: Mac Huff English Words: Norman Gimbel Music: Pablo Beltrán Ruiz, Luis Demetrio
Here’s To Life Soloist: Charles Robinson
Music: Artie Butler Words: Phyllis Molinary
Summertime
Words: Goerge & Ira Gerswhin and Dubose & Dorothy Heyward Arr: Mark Hayes
Full Chorus
Music: Goerge & Ira Gerswhin and Dubose & Dorothy Heyward Arr: Mark Hayes
Sweet and Low Trio: Scott Hindley, Michael Gillespie, Fred Boykin
Words: Ira Gershwin Music: George Gershwin
Honeysuckle Rose Soloist: Gregory Johnson All The Things You Are Tropical Wave
Words: Andy Razaf Music: Fats Waller Arr: Mark Hayes Words: Oscar Hammerstein II Music: Jerome Kern Arr: Mark Hayes
The Nearness of You Tropical Wave
Words: Ned Washington Music: Hoagy Carmichael Arr: Paul Langfordt
Orange Colored Sky Tropical Wave
Words: Milton Delugg & Willie SteinI Music: Milton Delugg & Willie Stein Arr: Deke Sharon
Save the Last Dance For Me Tropical Wave
I Got Rhythm Full Chorus
Words: George and Ira Gershwin Music: George and Ira Gershwin Arr: Mark Hayes
Cry Me A River Full Chorus Soloists: AJ Mendini
Words: Arthur Hamilton Music: Arthur Hamilton. Arr: Jay Althouse
Mack The Knife Small Ensemble
English Words: Marc Blitzstein German Words: Bert Brecht Music: Kurt Weill Arr: Mark Hayes
A Foggy Day Soloist: Don Thompson
Words: Ira Gershwin Music: George Gershwin
Without A Song Soloist: Richard Fulks
Words: Billy Rose and Edward Eliscu Music: Vincent Youmans
Walk A Mile Small Ensemble
Words: Pepper Choplin Music: Pepper Choplin Arr: Mark Hayes
Losing My Mind Soloist: Doug Ferguson
Words: Stephen Sondheim Music: Stephen Sondheim
Use What you Got Soloist: Jonathan Sanz
Words: Ira Gasman Music: Cy Coleman
They Can’t Take That Away From Me Full Chorus Theme from New York, New York Full Chorus
Words: George and Ira Gershwin Music: George and Ira Gershwin Arr: Mark Hayes Words: Fred Ebb Music: John Kander Arr: Mark Hayes
Words: Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman Music: Doc Pomus & Mort Shuman Arr: Ed Lojeski
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PROGRAM NOTES
BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER JIM LOPRESTI
ACT ONE JAZZ: The Formative Years for America’s Own Music Tonight’s performance encompasses many years of jazz history. However, even the most recently composed numbers in the concert, such as Artie Butler’s Here’s to Life, a modern jazz standard first performed by Shirley Horn in 1991, harkening back to the roots. They all blue the notes and swing the beats. To find out more about other influences that brought jazz from then to now, visit the Chorus Blog on gmcsf.org.
TONIGHT’S COMPOSERS: A FEW SNIPPETS AND SONG FACTS
originally sung by the first Star Search grand champion, Sam Harris. The Life was recently revived Off-Broadway for a short stint and directed by Billy Porter.
Doc Pomus and Mort Shuman At his 1957 wedding, Doc Pomus urged his new wife to dance. He watched her whirl around the floor in the arms of relatives and friends. She and Doc never danced that night or any other. He was on crutches, having lost the use of his legs after a childhood bout with polio.
Fats Waller Unlike so many of his contemporaries in the Jazz Age, the great master of the new Harlem “stride piano” style was classically trained, including a time studying composition at Juilliard. His “Honeysuckle Rose” was first performed in the 1929 revue Load of Coal as a soft shoe dance number.
Arthur Hamilton “Cry Me a River” was originally written for the Jazz Age-set film, Pete Kelly’s Blues, to be sung by Ella Fitzgerald, but it was dropped from the film. The song’s first release, and most famous recording, was by actress and singer Julie London, Hamilton’s high school classmate, in 1955. Ella finally recorded her version in 1961
Artie Butler Artie Butler once said about his childhood love for jazz, “I would have given anything to play the vibes like Lionel Hampton or Terry Gibbs…. I wanted to play the clarinet like Benny Goodman, and I wanted to play drums like Gene Krupa.”
Scan your camera lens on this QR code to read more program notes.
Bertolt Brecht Ever politically motivated in his approach to theater, Brecht said that music achieves its proper value not by furthering the drama but by interrupting the action at the right moments. He used music to break down the action and heighten the chance for social commentary. The Threepenny Opera ultimately makes vivid how the corruption of so-called criminals is no worse than the corruption of those in power, often with more heroism.
Cy Coleman Before beginning his fabled Broadway career, he led the Cy Coleman Trio. They made many recordings and were a much-in-demand club attraction. The song “Use What you Got” is from the 1997 Tony-nominated musical, The Life, and was THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PROGRAM NOTES
ACT TWO Fred Ebb and John Kander On Broadway, Kander and Ebb are best known for two jazz club-themed shows, Cabaret and Chicago. Their theme song for Martin Scorsese’s 1977 film New York, New York became the signature song for the city and superstars Liza Minelli and Frank Sinatra.
George Gershwin Among early to mid-20th century composers, no one has achieved a more prominent legacy for mixing Jazz and classical music forms than George Gershwin. His first big hit “Swanee,” was composed in 10 minutes on a bus in 1920 and made wildly popular by Al Jolson. After that, he moved effortlessly from Broadway to the concert stage to the opera house, taking jazz along with him all the way. His orchestral works, Rhapsody in Blue and American in Paris, have been standard repertoire across the world for decades. However, his ground-breaking folk opera, Porgy and Bess, is considered by most to be his greatest work. And with nearly 25,000 covers, the opera’s opening aria, “Summertime,” is the most covered song in history. Hence, his prominence in tonight’s concert.
Hoagy Carmichael Hoagy Carmichael never studied music outside of a few piano lessons in his early years. He wasn’t very successful in his chosen profession as a lawyer in Florida and Indiana, but as a composer, he has over 50 songs that made the hit lists of his day.
Jerome Kern His 1939 jazz standard “All the Things You Are” from the Broadway musical Very Warm for May has been recorded by nearly three dozen jazz soloists and swing bands. The show got lukewarm reviews, but in a 1987 interview in Time Magazine, Stephen Sondheim told the story that he saw the original production of Very Warm for May at the age of nine. Like a first love, It was the inspiration for his interest in musical theater for the rest of his life.
BY GMCSF CHORUS MEMBER JIM LOPRESTI the five-disc compilation of Elvis Presley’s 70s performances released by RCA in 1995. Elvis’ deeply emotional reaction to the shooting of Martin Luther King very near his home in Memphis gives special meaning to his 1970 cover of the song.
Milton Delugg & Willie Stein Nat King Cole and his trio first released Delugg and Stein’s “Orange Colored Sky” in 1950. It has been covered many times since then, including in 2008 by Michael Bublé. However, perhaps the most touching rendition for many has been the 1991 release by Natalie Cole, in her 7X platinum album “Unforgettable – With Love” that included a remarkable duet of the title song with her father.
Pablo Beltrán Ruiz Mexican composer and bandleader Pablo Beltrán Ruiz is most famous for composing the Spanish song “¿Quién será?.” With English lyrics by Norman Gimbel, it was an international hit made famous by Dean Martin as “Sway” in 1954, and later by Bobby Rydell in 1960.
Steven Sondheim Dorothy Collins first performed “Losing My Mind” in the original Broadway production of Follies. Sondheim has acknowledged that the song is a pastiche of George and Ira Gershwin’s “The Man I Love.” Out Lesbian comedian and jazz singer Lea DeLaria gave what Variety tagged an “edgy performance” of “Losing My Mind” in the June 2001 revue Sondheim and Jazz: Side by Side.
Vincent Youmans Paul Whiteman’s orchestra featuring Bing Crosby recorded “Without a Song” in 1929. Perry Como recorded it twice. The first was in 1951. The second was a 1970 live performance at the International Hotel, Las Vegas, Nevada
Jimmy Van Heusen and Sammy Cahn The composer-lyricist team of Van Heusen and Cahn is one of the most productive and award-winning in American theater and film. Cahn alone was nominated 31 times for an Oscar, and all but two of Van Heusen’s 10 Oscar nominations were for collaborations with Cahn. And “Come Fly with Me” is one of two “fly” songs that made it to the top 10 in Playback-FM’s list of most played Sinatra recordings. The other takes the listener to the moon!
Joe South His “Walk a Mile in My Shoes,” like his Grammy award-winning song “Games People Play,” is a call for tolerance and understanding. The song title was also the title for THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
DONOR HIGHLIGHTS
Douglas Pew & Don Croxton Exceptional Donors and Visionary Leaders In twelve short years later, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida has become the largest LGBTQ+ chorus in the Southeastern U.S., making us one of the top 12 LGBTQ+ choruses in the nation. The success of our organization would not be possible without the exceptional work and generosity of Douglas Pew and Don Croxton. Both Doug and Don have been instrumental in the successful growth of GMCSF. Their efforts have allowed our organization to evolve from performances in smaller, more intimate spaces to performing in world-class venues. Don was a founding singing member of the Chorus and a member of our board of directors for 11 years. Doug worked tirelessly as Chairman of the Board of Directors for seven years and subsequently as a general board member. At the end of our 2020-2021 season, Doug and Don decided it was time to step down from singing and serving as board members. However, they continue to bring their wisdom and guidance to our growth as our Honorary Advisory Council members. Doug & Don have been partners for more than 53 years, tying the knot in Toronto, Canada, the first week that same-sex marriage became legal. Doug was a prominent attorney for various subsidiaries of United Technologies Corporation. As an experienced attorney, Doug formed GMCSF as a corporation and spearheaded the work to obtain our 501(c)3 status, allowing GMCSF to begin building financial stability immediately. Doug recalls those first days as being the perfect convergence of generous donors, dedicated members, and passion for the mission of the Chorus. Doug and Don’s ambition, talent, and generous contributions gave the Chorus a strong foundation to grow into today’s success. Doug and Don are shining examples of generosity and community service. They are undeniably improving the quality of life in South Florida through generous and transformative contributions. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida not only counts itself lucky to have them as leads in our giving but also to count them as valued members of our chorus family. They inspire us to bring the community our absolute best, season after season. THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PEGASUS SOCIETY
WE’VE COME SO FAR IN OUR LIFETIME. Let’s Keep the Momentum Going! Many of us still recall the days when television would never show two people of the same gender share a kiss… or even hold hands. Now we live in a time when the U.S. Supreme Court has ruled in favor of marriage equality. We’ve accomplished so much, yet there is so much more to do. Since the late 1970s the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement has been a crucial tool for advocacy, unity and education. The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is proud to continue this legacy through our music. We are proud to serve as cultural ambassadors for our community and provide a voice for those who do not have one. Help ensure this work continues by joining The Pegasus Society planned giving program. By including the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida in your estate planning, you can help sustain our organization and keep our voices carrying long into the future. We invite you to join the members of The Pegasus Society today. Contact us at: (954) 763-2266 ext. 109 or mkent@gmcsf.org for more information.
The Pegasus Society
John Burch Bob Pagano Charles Nicoll Don Tomasello Donald Croxton Doug Pew George Kling Mitchell Grant Gerald Kennedy Greg Futchi (in loving memory) Fred Boykin
Jack Killen John Hohl (in loving memory) Marty Kaplan Christopher Chouinard Paul Smith Peter Kimball Robert Beardsley Mark & Robert Benson Ralph Stivali & Al LaMorges (in loving memory)
“ Being a member of The Pegasus Society is important to us because we believe and support the mission of the Chorus to open hearts and change minds and because music has always been a very important part of our lives.” —Don Tomasello and Bob Pagano THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
Bruce Anderson Reynaldo Araque
David Baier
Bob Beaulieu
Rowan Benenfeld
Fred Boykin
John Burch
Craig Celek
Rex Beyer
Jose Blanco
John Chaffin
Bert Cohen
Antonio Corrente Guy D’Arcangelo
Doug Ferguson
Frank Ferri
Andrew Fletcher
Ethan Fletcher
Joseph Fletcher
Michael Foley
Steven Freeman
Richard Fulks
Brian Garrett
Michael Gillespie
Chad Edgar
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
SINGING TONIGHT
David Gray
Paul Guariglia
Rick Heal
Scott Hindley
Terry Hirsh
David Pfeffer
François Ratzel
Jason Rawls
Peter Reinoso
Charles Robinson
Dean Hitsos
David Hopper
John Ison
Michael Jacobsen
Victor Jannett
Jonathan Sanz
Steven Shapiro
Donald Small
Robert Smith
Bill Spinosa
Gregory Johnson
Mark Kasper
Peter Konrath
Wayne Lasbscher
Aaron Laurer
Dennis St. Jean
William Tedjo
Lucas Testin
Bob Thompson
Don Thompson
John Lewis
Jim Lopresti
A.J.Mendini
Rodrick Minnis
Terry Moore
Don Tomasello
Kely Van Eaton
Rick Vaughan
Aubrey Williams
Tim Yarbrough
Singing, But Not Pictured Sean Guerrier Andrew Stephens Jason Simon-Kean Hal Noble
Jorge Ornelas, Jr.
Nick Orr
Clayton Patterson Steven Patterson
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Rob Young
Eric Ziegler
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
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Happy Holidays
OUR ORGANIZATION
A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT OF GMCSF CHORUS MEMBERS
We are so happy to see you here tonight for our spring concert, Driven By Jazz. Our chorus has been so dedicated in their work both in concert preparation and in the community. We are a mission driven group that is dedicated to “opening minds and changing hearts”. We are continuing our outreach efforts for the rest of the season. We have sung the National Anthem for the Miami Dolphins, the Florida Panthers hockey team, and soon for the Miami Heat. Thanks also goes to our DEI committee who helped us by inspiring our members during rehearsals in February celebrating Black History Month. Even as we seem in Florida to see our legislators pass resolutions in our state to silence LGBTQ+ voices in our schools, our chorus is finding ways to support our local youth despite these heinous dictates. Next week is the initial organizational meeting of our new youth chorus, the Gay Pride Chorus of South Florida. If you know high-school aged young people who would like to sing with us, please go to our website at gmcsf.org to get further information. This choir will be open to any teenager, who is LGBTQ+ or an ally. We hope to have you hear them sing with us soon! In addition, please plan on attending our Annual Fundraising Brunch on Sunday, May 15th at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach. It will be a fun and beautiful day to celebrate and help raise needed funds for our chorus. I can’t wait to see you there! The committee has created a lovely day for you, full of great auction items, music, and entertainment! There are people in the lobby who can help you purchase your tickets or answer any questions you may have. Tonight, please relax and enjoy our concert in the beautifully redesigned Parker. We are proud of this amazing show and our singers who made it possible. And to you our audience, we thank you for your continued encouragement and support over the years. If you are interested in joining our chorus, please go to our website at gmcsf.org and sign up for our auditions to be held next month. You do not need an extensive musical background to sing with us, but some choral experience is recommended.
Fred Boykin
GMCSF President
Tenor I Reynaldo Araque Bob Beaulieu Jose Blanco Rodney Bolton Fred Boykin Tony Corrente Chad Edgar Doug Ferguson Andrew Fletcher Michael Gillespie Matthew Hoover David Hopper Mel Melendez Arthur Mendini Nick Orr Jonathan Sanz Ansel Thompson Tenor II Bruce Anderson Alvaro Buchelli Bert Cohen Kevin Combs Doug Cureton Jacob Duijnhouwer Walter Gardner Rick Heal John Ison Peter Konrath Wayne Laubscher Aaron Lauer A Ray Lockley Daniel Marques Harold Noble Miguelangel O’Dell Perez Jorge Ornelas, Jr. Anthony Orville Parjan Alan Pashley David Pfeffer Eduardo Pinto Francois Ratzel Jason Rawls Mason Rivera Brent Simmons Robert Smith Dennis St. Jean Andrew Stephens William Tedjo Lucas Testin Don Thompson Johann Torres Jason Weston Joshua Williams
Baritone* Eric Alayon Christian Andaya Bob Artale David Baier Rowan Benefeld Shawn Berry Craig Celek John Chaffin Christopher Chouinard Guy D’Arcangelo Frank Ferri Ethan Fletcher Joseph Fletcher Michael Foley Brian Garrett Cary Giacalone David Gray Paul Guariglia Sean Guerrier Craig Hinman Dean Hitsos Shawn Hysell Michael Jacobsen Gregory Johnson Stephen Kaplan Zak Laux John Lewis David R. Littlefield James Mallon Mark Mattson Orlando Ojeda Peter Reinoso Charles Robinson Steven Shapiro Jason Simon-Kean Larry Small Bill Spinosa David Van Cleaf Kely Van Eaton Rick Vaughan Eric Ziegler Bass John Bennett Rex Beyer John Burch Jerry Day Richard Ferguson James Ficke Felix Fidelibus Steven Freeman Richard Fulks Scott Hindley Terry Hirsh Victor Jannett
Bradley Johnson Jim Lopresti Alan McKnight Wallace Mealing Rodrick Minnis Terry Moore Clayton Paterson Steven Patterson Jason Pitt Charlie Siegel Jose Santos Donald Small Robert Thompson Don Tomasello Michael Valdez Aubrey Williams Tim Yarbrough Rob Young Non-singing Members Philip Morris James Smith Umberto Veltri In Memoriam: Anthony Alacca Gregg Bennett Bob Blount George Brown Johnny Butler Gary Corbitt Alex Crotts Greg Futchi Ronald Hess John Hohl Ray King Al LaMorges Karl Lütgens John Murrow Patrick Ott Skip (George) Panse Dave Quackenbush Steve Ratzel Brian Ricci Bob Rose Elvin Ruiz Pat Seddon Gregory Stanton *Baritone section sponsored by Lee Sider in loving memory of Greg Stanton
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GMCSF LEADERSHIP
OUR ORGANIZATION
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF
Rick Vaughan
Mimi Pink
Michael Foley
Bill Elliott
Mark Kent
Board Chair
Board Vice Chair
Treasurer
Secretary
Executive Director
Fred Boykin
Larry Small
Ronni Arden
Adam Barber
Edward Otto Zielke
Chorus President
Chorus Representative
Director
Director
Director of Marketing & Sponsorship
Bill Spinosa
Kerry Waldee
Boggy Wang
Doug Leib
Director
Director
Director
Office Manager
CHORUS LEADERSHIP TEAM
ARTISTIC TEAM
CHORUS STAFF
Artistic Director: Gabe Salazar Assistant Conductor: Anthony Cabrera Principal Accompanist: Edwin Newmann Accompanists: Kevin Combs Chris Toth Production Director: James Smith Choreographer: Scott Hindley
Executive Director: Mark B. Kent Director of Marketing & Sponsorship: Edward Otto Zielke Office Manager/Bookkeeper: Doug Leib Office Volunteer: Howard Yapp Usher Program Coordinator: Kris Jarmann Chorus Photographer: Ginny Dixon
CHORUS LEADERSHIP TEAM President: Fred Boykin Vice President: Tony Corrente Secretary: Jonathan Sanz Treasurer: Michael Foley Vice President Membership: Bill Spinosa Vice President of Community Relations Bob Thompson
Vice President of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: John Lewis Tenor One Administrator: Doug Ferguson Tenor Two Administrator: Rick Heal Baritone Administrator: Joe Fletcher Bass Administrator: Aubrey Williams
Fred Boykin, Chorus President; Tony Corrente, Chorus Vice President; Michael Foley, Treasurer; Jonathan Sanz, Secretary; Bill Spinosa, VP of Membership; Bob Thompson, VP of Community Relations; John Lewis, VP of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Doug Ferguson, Tenor 1 Section Administrator; Rick Heal, Tenor 2 Section Administrator; Joe Fletcher, Baritone Section Administrator; Aubrey Williams, Bass Section Administrator
HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL Council Chair: Harvey Shaprio, Louis Benvento, Don Croxton, Mike Dager, Dino Georgiou, Gary Hoffman, Gerry Kennedy, George King, John Olson, Joe Pallant, Doug Pew, Rick Vaughan
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
DONORS & SPONSORS (as of FEBRUARY 9, 2022) MAESTRO ($20,000 Pluts) Douglas Pew & Donald Croxton Richard and Emilio Quadracci Cabrera, The Windhover Foundation COMPOSER ($10,000 to $19,999) Fred Boykin and Jack Killen Dan Chadburn and Tom Nichols Joseph Fletcher and Kerry Waldee Richard Vaughan and Walter Sherman DIVAS ($5,000 to $9,999) William Elliott and David Bacher Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith Mark Kent and Kevin Daft Marianne Pink Paul Rolli and Bennett Quade PRODUCER ($2,500 to $4,999) John Bowles Tyler Healis James Mallon George “Dan” Prigmore and Marcia Hayes Harvey Shapiro and Michael Dager William Spinosa and Frank Molano Lee Sider, in memory of Greg Stanton Donald Tomasello and Robert Pagano Zhenlei Wang DIRECTOR ($1,500 to $2,499) Ronni and Jonathan Arden Brock Boyd Christopher Chouinard and Harold Rodriguez Harold Dioquino and Marty Childers Frank Ferri and Tony Caparco Matthew Kent and Brenda Moons John Klomp and Joseph Brannen Ron MacDonald Stephen MacLaughlin Steve Oden and Mike Greer Larry Small and David Burba Dennis St. Jean K David Weidner and William E. Gannon, Jr., M.D., in honor of Fred Boykin Raymond Willey STAKEHOLDERS ($1,000 to $1,499) Adam Barber and Bryan Yarchan Steven and Thomas Begert-Clark Philip Cordell
Antonio Corrente and Douglas K. Leib Douglas Ferguson Kenneth Flick and D.C. Allen Paul Guariglia David Jobin and Angel Burgos Steven Lutz Rudy Molinet and Jeffrey Scott Shearer Gabe Salazar Lois Sider Michael Valdez and Jeffrey Thomas Umberto Veltri BENEFACTOR ($500—$999) B.J. Albright and Philip Morris Christopher Ambs and Scott Clearwater Bruce Anderson Scott Bennett Rex Beyer and Nick Meyer Joseph Cannon John Chaffin Ginny Dixon and Gisella Oliveira Michael Foley and Tommy Zhang Marc Grossman Gary Hoffman George Kling Gregory Kurek Jeffrey Lammers and James A. McLaughlin John Lee and Tim Flenner Janis Light Judy Paul Amina Perunko Marissa H. and Raymundo Sibucao Stephen Smith Peter Steinman and Todd Geringswald David Stubbins Fred E. Tokowitz and Gary Hochberg Preston Watkins and Philip Cross Eric Ziegler and Ross Kemp PATRON ($250 to $499) Frank Alvarez Dana Barber Charles Beavin Bryon Bowlby and Robert Baldwin Edward Breeden George Burgan Doug Carl and Sumner Riddick Brice Carnahan and Lloyd Songal Joyce Castro Craig Eicher and William Mesis Jack Gerard
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
DONORS & SPONSORS David Gray Terry Hirsh Dwight Joyner Mark Kight and Robert Morrow Greg Kubiak Howard Kurzweil N. Kyrus, in memory of Steve Urry Lisa Morris and Marty Ourand Donald Oravec and James B. Harper Laurie Schecter Constance St. Jean Josel Suarez and Steven Piper Howard Yopp Robert Young SUPPORTER ($100 to $249) Sally Beach Bill Bechman and Tom Garlock, celebrating 35 years together Carla Buonanno and Jack Stein John Burch Tina and Larry Caines Cheryl Cohen Daniel Copher Broderick Davis Jerry Day Douglas Dempsey Felipe Diaz Richard Ducham and Guy Martinez Michael Ekman Daniel Elder Stephen Fallon Lance Fein Teresa Flores Peter Flyzik and William Beck Richard Fulks Douglas George and Ray Weider Cary Giacalone and Kris Jarmann Michael Gillespie and Tom Gutman Bruce Gottsch Kevin Graver Ruth and Charles Greenfield Sean Guerrier Scott Hall Terry Hardacre David Harvey Fredrick Heal II Steven Herman Doris Herrera-Pol Richard Huitema Valerie Jaques Bradley Johnson and Wayne Laubscher
Daniel Jordan Kevin Kane and Keith A. Smith Marcie and Chris Kent Stacey A. Koltonow, in honor of Ronni and Jon Arden Peter Konrath Christopher M. Kron Diane and Gary Kurek, in memory of George Brown R. M. Kurlander Christopher Larkin Ronald Lett John Lewis and Louis Hemmerich Robert Lindsay Nicholas Longo and Nicholas Wiktorski James Lopresti Erwin Mayer Michael McPherrin and Andre Lopes Betsy Melamed Michael Mendillo Melanie Merriman Thomas Michalak Lance Miller and Dororthy Correnti, in honor of Tony Corrente and GMCSF Keith Muller and Stephen J. Pescia Evan Nelson Jorge Ornelas Scott Orr Clayton Patterson Steven Patterson Harrison Pierson David Poole Mary A. and Frank Reiss The Mark B. Rinder and Dennis R. Ferioli Family Irwin Rosen Michael Ross Kenny Russell Susan and Doug Rutherford Richard Sanders Paul Schlegel Jerrold Segal David Sherman and Roberto I. Benitez Paul F. Skowronski and Kenneth J. Arruda Ralph Stivali Rob Strusinski Delores Sullivan Greg Tefft and Ed Stehle Teresa Thompson Robert Thompson and Michael Jacobsen Karl Trappe
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
DONORS & SPONSORS Dannielle Vizzini Derek Warner Sharon and Edwin Wigutoff Aubrey Williams and Christopher Michaels Bria Winder FRIEND ($1 to $99) Nancy Allard Timothy Annunziata and Dahisha Jacques, in honor of Tony Corrente and Doug Leib Reynaldo Araque Andy Armano Hebert Bachman and James Eberle David Baier Robert M. Beaulieu and Andrew E. Pereira Charles Bell Gregg Bennett Robert Boo Anthony Cabrera David Cangelosi Anthony Castaldi Daniel Cotlowitz Doug Cureton Derek Daniels Mary Dickens Marc Dickerman Chad Edgar Richard Ferguson Stephen Ferrante David Fry William Garneau Constantine Georgiou Deborah and Paul Graham Peggy Gregorovic John Hand Patrick Harris Linda Hindley David Hopper Joe Hudson Glen Jack and Michael Zefran Walter Jackson Hillary Josephs Timothy Kandel Michael Kane Lee Kaplan William Kramek Normand Leclair Robert Lee Paul Lemire
DONORS & SPONSORS Donald LoCascio and Robert L. Murphy George Longobardi Kevin Mahoney Oscar Marin Vivian McElveen Maureen and Kenneth Meier Donald Mills Carol Naveira Karen Oliva Marty Onieal Patricia Opper Jerome Overton John E. Patrick Paul Petrella Anthony Petronella and Edmund Gerhardt Roberta Phillips Thomas Pietrogallo Corinn Potter Blanca Puerta Tim Pyron Judith Reichman Robyn Riccardo Lee Rickles Kristen Rumble William Sandrik and Henry Smith Alan Savada, in honor of Ronni and Jon Arden David Saylor Fred H. Schieferstein and Kenneth A. Shanahan Mike Shasky Lori and Joe Shield Charlie Siegel and Don Cook David Sisson John Spazzerinni Ken Steffea and Paul Geisinger Van Stewart Jeffrey Tenen Lindsey and Kyle Urry, in memory of Steve Urry Gerry Vergason and Tom Hadley Stephen Waters Troy Watson Willford White Robert Wilt and Orlando Santiago James Yager
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GOVERNMENT FUNDING PROVIDED BY
CORPORATE VOICES GMCSF is grateful for the financial support from the following businesses
FOUNDATION SUPPORT Programming and operations generously supported by the following foundations
GULFSTREAM PHILANTHROPIC FOUNDATION
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THANK YOU FOR THE MANY YEARS OF SUPPORT & PATRONAGE
IN L OVING ME M OR Y
Jerry Desmarais S EPT 21, 1945 - SE PT 2 8, 20 19
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539 North Birch Road, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304 800.818.1211 • 954.630.3000 • 954.630.3003 Fax Broward House Success
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OUR HOLIDAY 2021 CONCERT AT SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL.
THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
“Broker Joe” Grano, REALTOR® 954‐931‐0031
2/2 Santa Barbara House 2CG Updated 3/3 Middle River Close to Beach $542,000. Close to Wilton Drive$549,000.
NEWLY LISTED
NEWLY LISTED
I am responsive. I do have agents, but I am the Broker.
I listed, showed and sold these properties in 2021. “Joe jumped in when I had a time crunch and worked VERY quickly to get the listing up in ONE DAY! He also listed it higher than we thought realistic, which was a good move given the market. Joe really listens and immediately understood the special value of this property and highlighted that in the listing and showings, ensuring we received excellent offers. Joe did a great job of managing my expectations, so I was always prepared for what was coming. Joe worked closely with the purchaser's realtor, smoothing the process. We got a very good price.” ‐ Row Iliescu, Ft. Lauderdale Since 1985 “I will be your Partner and Friend in success.” My listings receive walk‐through videos available to share by text. First Atlantic Realty, Inc. 1881 NE 26th St Suite 212 Wilton Manors, Florida 33305 Licensed Real Estate Brokerage
Bona Italian REstaurant
Join us before or after the show Reservations 954f-565-7222
From Beethoven to Broadway, Bach to Bernstein, The Chorus performs works by the full range of beloved classical and contemporary composers.
Residential, Commercial, Auto & Boat Insurance
Providing South Florida’s insurance needs for over 15 years.
1881 NE 26th St. Suite 80 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305 954-727-9900 954-727-9901 FAX info@jandlinsurance.com
Based out of Wilton Manors. It’s founders have over 25 years of experience in the retail insurance industry and an extensive knowledge of South Florida area. This wealth of expertise, along with the full line of insurance products allows them to provide you with superior cost-effective insurance coverage. We provide the best in insurance coverage with professional and friendly customer service.
WWW.JANDLINSURANCE.COM
“Majestic”
oil on canvas,
JOHN BYGOTT Paintings in Oil Studio: NE th Terrace, Suite , Oakland Park, FL www.johnbygott.com | -- | jbygott@gmail.com ~ studio visits welcome ~
Fred F. Boykin, LCSW PSYCHOTHERAPIST
2312 Wilton Dr. • Wilton Manors FL, 33305 Fboykinmsw@gmail.com • 301-404-3602 (c) PPO
SLIDING SCALE FEE
Chantilly Realty Residential, Commercial & Property Management
Sean Guerrier
Licensed Real Estate Associate
c: +1 (609) 937-0123 sean.guerrier@gmail.com chantillyrealtors.com
Lightship is proud to support the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida Happy Holidays!
LET'S
Lightship Studios is a full-service
creative agency
& National Emmy award-winning video production company.
! E V A H E B S I M Join Us for our Annual Gala Brunch Sunday May 15th at 11am
Tickets $90 / Full Table Hosts $1,200 Enjoy Sumptuous Plated Brunch - Live Entertainment Fabulous Live & Silent Auction Complimentary Vodka, Wine & Champagne Bar Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort 321 N Fort Lauderdale Beach Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
For more info
GMCSF.ORG lightshipstudios.com
954-621-1350
hello@lightshipstudios.com
@lightshipstudios
954-763-2266
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