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Diversity makes for a better cocktail party.
The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino presents
with Artistic Director Gabe Salazar “Celebrate The Holidays” is sponsored in part by Amazon, The Grand Resort and Spa, Tito’s Handmade Vodka and Holy Cross Health. Holidays at Hard Rock Live with Amber Riley Wednesday, December 13, 2023, at 8:00 pm Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Hollywood
Holidays at Sunshine Cathedral Saturday, December 16, 2023, at 8:00 pm
Sunshine Cathedral Center for the Performing Arts
Fort Lauderdale
Performances by TROPICAL WAVE and the GMCSF Dancers
PRODUCTION
Anthony Cabrera – Assistant Conductor Edwin Neimann – Principal Accompanist Darren Matias – Accompanist Francois Ratzel – Choreographer Joseph Fletcher – Costumes & Wardrobe Bruce Anderson – Costumes & Wardrobe
James Smith – Production Director Don Thompson – Assistant Production Director Michael Jacobsen – Production Assistant Tom Michalak – Production Assistant Diablo Sound – Sound Design
GUEST CONDUCTOR
Saturday performance at Sunshine Cathedral – Jack Killen
ORCHESTRA
Flute 1: Robert Billington Flute 2: Carol Naviera Oboe: Hoon Chang Clarinet: Christine Pascual-Fernandez Trumpet 1: Luis Carlos Pulido Orjuela Trumpet 2: Juan Guillermo Diaz F Horn 1: Joseph Herring F Horn 2: Anna Kucia Violin 1: Emin Huseynov Violin 1: Sol Ochoa
Violin 2: Laura Gonzalez Violin 2: Jam McCoy Viola: Astrid Jerez Cello: Madalina Macovei Double Bass: Julian Raugh Percussion: Felipe Diaz Drums: Teresa Flores Electric Guitar: Roberto Borbone Keys: Kevin Combs
THANK YOUs
Audrey LaCatis, Sunshine Cathedral: Reverend Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister; Reverend Robert Griffin, Executive Minister; Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager. Haylee Becker, ASL Interpreter. From Seminole Hard Rock: Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs & Specia Events; Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events; Brett Annis, Director of Ticket Operations; Teresa Shum, Director of Public Relations.
Book developed and produced through generous support from:
Note: Audio, video recording, and flash photography are prohibited during the performance.
A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR GABE SALAZAR Dear Family, Friends, and Supporters, As we are in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it is with immense joy and gratitude that I extend a heartfelt welcome to each of you for joining us in our season 14 annual holiday concerts. This celebration transcends tradition and embraces the spirit of unity, love, and, of course, music. Tonight, we come together as a community, weaving the familiar sounds of classic carols and timeless tunes and new and exciting arrangements that will allow you to immerse yourself in the warmth of nostalgia, cherishing the timeless moments that make this season truly magical. Our excitement soars to new heights this year as we proudly share the stage with the incredible Amber Riley for our concert at Hard Rock Live. Her unparalleled talent and spirit embody the essence of our commitment to diversity, inclusion, and the incredible power of music. For The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, music has always been our shared language— a language that transcends boundaries, ignites emotions, and forges bonds. During the holidays, this language takes on special meaning. Through our music, we can find common ground where differences fade away and leaving behind shared experiences of joy, love, and celebration. So, as the concert begins, I encourage you to sit back and enjoy the beautiful sounds you will hear tonight. Tonight will be a source of inspiration, comfort, and joy for you and yours. We are so grateful to you and your unwavering support throughout the years, and we hope that your holiday season will be filled with love, laughter, and beautiful memories, old and new. Sincerely,
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
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THE ARTISTS GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA (GMCSF)
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.
GMCSF brings live music and entertainment to the community through large-scale, main-stage concerts in high-profile venues, community-based engagements, and volunteer projects. More than 25,000 people are inspired and moved each year by the Chorus’s music, community outreach, and mission, making GMCSF a significant LGBTQ+ nonprofit organization and cultural asset in the heart of South Florida. With over 180 singing members, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida is the southeastern United States’ largest gay men’s chorus and one of the country’s ten largest nonprofit LGBTQ+ choruses. Our members are a community of diverse, intergenerational, and multicultural singers dedicated to our mission and a better future for all people. Being a member of the Chorus is about more than just singing. It is also about being good role models for our youth, giving back to the community, and helping those who need it. GMCSF singers serve communities with live music and entertainment in Broward, Miami Dade, Palm Beach counties, and more!
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE ARTISTS GABE SALAZAR, ARTISTIC DIRECTOR Gabe Salazar is an enthusiastic and experienced conductor, tenor, and music educator skilled in fostering the artistic development of musicians from all life backgrounds. 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. In March 2019, Gabe debuted his Carnegie Hall conducting with his Chamber Singers. The group won a prestigious competition to headline a concert in the worldrenowned 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.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE ARTISTS 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. Mr. Cabrera is the Assistant Director of Music Ministries at Coral Gables Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) and the Minister of Liturgical Arts. He is a singer with the Chancel Choir and CGCC’s professional vocal ensemble in residence. Anthony is the Choral Director at the Young Women’s Preparatory Academy—Miami Dade County Public Schools’ single-gender public preparatory academy for girls. He teaches Humanities, AP Music Theory, and AP Human Geography and is the school’s Director of Student Activities. Anthony is the conductor for TROPICAL WAVE, the vocal ensemble of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, designed for special service performances and when a venue has limited space for the entire chorus. They are also frequently showcased in mainstage concerts and community events.
AMBER RILEY, GUEST ARTIST Amber Riley is a multi-faceted entertainer who has accumulated various titles over the years, including GRAMMYnominated singer, award-winning actress, theater performer, producer, and author! This Compton native rose to success for portraying “Mercedes Jones” on FOX’s critically acclaimed series Glee, where she shined as the show’s powerhouse vocalist. After competing and winning season 17 of Dancing With The Stars, Amber returned to her acting roots and earned roles in both the live TV adaptations of The Wiz Live! & The Little Mermaid Live! She is also most notably known for her critically acclaimed performance as “Effie White” in the West End debut of Dreamgirls in the fall of 2016. So much so that in 2017, she won the Laurence Olivier Award (UK’s version of the Tony Awards) for Best Actress in a Musical. Following her success in the acting world, Amber released her debut EP, titled after her new moniker, RILEY. The 6-track project served as a re-introduction to the woman and artist that Amber has become and how her experiences from growing up in Compton and her transition into Hollywood have shaped her. In February 2022, Amber starred in Lifetime’s Single Black Female, which brought in over 5.1 million total viewers. Most recently, Riley made history by becoming the first celebrity ever to win both The Masked Singer and Dancing With The Stars. Currently recording her 2nd EP with GRAMMY Award-winning producer Harmony Samuels, Amber Riley is not stopping any time soon, and 2024 will see her star shine even brighter!
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE ARTISTS TROPICAL WAVE Led by GMCSF’s Assistant Conductor Anthony Cabrera, our 20-member Tropical Wave ensemble is composed of singers who invest extensive amounts of time to develop and deliver specialized performances. They are also frequently showcased in our mainstage concerts and community events.
Tenor 1 Mark Blackburn, Rafael Gragert, David Pfeffer Jonathan Sanz, Johann Torres
Tenor 2 Jose Blanco, Doug Cureton, Dion Grace Rick Heal, Francois Ratzel, Don Thompson
Baritone John Chaffin, Paul Guariglia, Ronnie Jones Charles Robinson, Rick Vaughan
Bass Felix Fidelibus, Richard Fulks, John Lewis Carlos Torres, Rob Young
Darren Matias, Accompanist John Chaffin, Tropical Wave Administrator
SOLOISTS --Rafael Gragert
|
Aaron Lauer
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David Pfeffer
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Rogelio Snyder
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Jonathan Sanz
GMCSF DANCERS Reynaldo Araque Samuel Martin Alan McKnight
Barry Morgan Carter Poust
David Ralph Francois Ratzel Neal Vardaman
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
As of November 15, 2023
Sandy Allen
Christian Andaya
Bruce Anderson
Reynaldo Araque
David Baier
Derek Barbara
Bob Beaulieu
Aaron Bell
Cesar Benito
Jorge A Bernal-Geschier
Gaston Betoled
Rex Beyer
Peter Bisuito
Mark Blackburn
Jose Blanco
Fred Boykin
Renato Brito
John Burch
Bradley Bush
Darin Bush
Jose Felix Cabrera
John Chaffin
Bert Cohen
Antonio Corrente
Matthew Craig
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
As of November 15, 2023
Doug Cureton
Craig Dannenbrink
Edmound Davis
Zach Dombroski
Daniel Elder
Dustin Ewing
Doug Ferguson
James Ficke
Felix Fidelibus
Joseph Fletcher
Michael Foley
Steven Freeman
Richard Fulks
Gerald Garcia
Michael Gillespie
Jeff Goodwin
Dion Grace
Rafael Gragert
David Gray
Paul Guariglia
Sean Gac-Guerrier
Michael Halpner
Rick Heal
Terry Hirsh
Dean Hitsos
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
As of November 15, 2023
Matthew Hoover
Jim Houser
John Jackson
Michael Jacobsen
Tony Jennings
Fred Johnson
Gregory Johnson
Ronnie Jones Jr.
Aaron Kinchen
Ryan Knepp
Herb Knowles
Peter Konrath
Aaron Lauer
Douglas Leader
John Lewis
Kenny Lewis-Montoya
Mark Lincoff
Ethan Lindley
David R. Littlefield
Aaron Lockley
Colin Ludlow
Brian Lundy
Samuel Martin
Ginny McCulloh
Alan McKnight
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
As of November 15, 2023
Scott Messenger
Glenn Miller
Tony Minella
Alberto Minjarez
Rodrick Minnis
Terry Moore
Robert Murchison
Edward Niese
Miguelanjel ODell-Perez
Jorge Ornelas Jr.
Nick Orr
Billy Parjan
Clayton Paterson
Steven Patterson
Michael Pellicone
David Pfeffer
Michael Ping
Eduardo Pinto
Carter Poust
David Ralph
Francois Ratzel
Scott Raven
Curtis Robertson
Charles Robinson
Raymond Rodriguez
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
As of November 15, 2023
Marcus Saitschenko
Jose Santos
Jonathan Sanz
Jeff Sigler
Patrick Simonelli
Donald Small
Larry Small
Kevin Smith
Rogelio Snyder
Bill Spinosa
Dennis St. Jean
Don Thompson
Robert Thompson
Stegar Thompson
Don Tomasello
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SINGING TONIGHT
As of November 15, 2023
Carlos Torres
Johann Torres
David Van Cleaf
Kely Van Eaton
Neal Vardaman
Rick Vaughan
Rashad Webb
Matthew Whiteside
Aubrey Williams
Tim Yarbrough
Not Pictured Wyatt Gaff, Paris Kessinger Ivan Marrero, Barry Morgan, Titus Tucker
Rob Young
Eric Ziegler
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
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HARD ROCK LIVE PROGRAM
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
DECEMBER 13, 2023 Music by: Felix Mendelssohn Arranged by: Dan Forrest
Ukrainian Alleluia
Music by: Craig Courtney
Let All Mortal Flesh
Arranged by: Craig Courtney
Soloist: Aaron Lauer
Esta Noche
Spanish Traditional Carol Arranged by: John Rutter
Soloist: Rogelio Snyder
ACT ONE
Membership Moments - Traditions of Hanukkah.
Three Hanukkah Songs S’vivon, Nerli, Chanukah, oi Chanukah
Music by: Charles Baker
Tropical Wave
Membership Moments - Sacred Holiday Memories.
Gloria in Excelsis
Dan Forrest
The Christmas Song
Music by: Robert Wells
Soloist: Amber Riley
O Holy Night
Music by: Adolphe Adam
Soloist: Amber Riley
What Christmas Means to Me Soloist: Amber Riley
Words and Music by: George Gordy, Anna Gordy Gaye & Allen Story
Arranged by: Tim Sarsany
INTERMISSION Brand New Day
Arranged by: David Maddux
The GMCSF Dancers
Chanukah in Santa Monica
Music by: Tom Lehrer Arranged by: Joshua Jacobson
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?/ Auld Lang Syne Tropical Wave
Underneath the Tree
ACT TWO
The GMCSF Dancers
Arranged by: Alex Rybec
Words and Music by: Greg Kurstin & Kelly Clarkson Arranged by: David Maddux
Membership Moments - Finding Love During The Holidays.
The Christmas Song
Music by: Bob Wells & Mel Torme
Soloist: Amber Riley
Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man for Christmas) Soloist: Jonathan Sanz The GMCSF Dancers
Words and Music by: Paul Jabara & Paul Shaffer
Arranged by: Chad Weirick
Mary Did You Know?
Words & Music by: Mark Lowry Arranged by: Craig Courtney
Soloist: Rafael Gragert
Silver Bells
Words & Music by: Jay Livingston & Ray Evans Arranged by: Kevin Robison
We Wish You a Merry Christmas Joy to the World
Soloist: Amber Riley
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Arranged by: Randol Alan Bass Arranged by: Erin Billings
SUNSHINE CATHEDRAL PROGRAM Ukrainian Alleluia
DECEMBER 16, 2023 Music by: Craig Courtney
Let All Mortal Flesh Soloist: Aaron Lauer
Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
Music by: Felix Mendelssohn Arranged by: Dan Forrest
Esta Noche
Spanish Traditional Carol Arranged by: John Rutter
ACT ONE
Soloist: Rogelio Snyder
Membership Moments - Traditions of Hanukkah.
Three Hanukkah Songs S’vivon, Nerli, Chanukah, oi Chanukah
Music by: Charles Baker
Tropical Wave
Ave Maria
Music by: Franz Biebl
Soloist: David Pfeffer Membership Moments - Sacred Holiday Memories.
Gloria in Excelsis
Dan Forrest
INTERMISSION Brand New Day
Arranged by: David Maddux
The GMCSF Dancers
Chanukah in Santa Monica
Music by: Tom Lehrer Arranged by: Joshua Jacobson
What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?/ Auld Lang Syne Tropical Wave
ACT TWO
Underneath the Tree The GMCSF Dancers
Arranged by: Alex Rybeck
Words and Music by: Greg Kurstin & Kelly Clarkson Arranged by: David Maddux
Membership Moments - Finding Love During The Holidays.
Dear Santa (Bring Me a Man for Christmas) Soloist: Jonathan Sanz The GMCSF Dancers
Mary Did You Know? Soloist: Rafael Gragert
Silver Bells We Wish You a Merry Christmas
Words and Music by: Paul Jabara & Paul Shaffer
Arranged by: Chad Weirick
Words & Music by: Mark Lowry Arranged by: Craig Courtney Words & Music by: Jay Livingston & Ray Evans Arranged by: Kevin Robison Arranged by: Randol Alan Bass
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PROGRAM NOTES
WRITTEN BY JIM LOPRESTI
GMCSF HOLIDAYS 2023! We diverge from the usual approach to program notes tonight. Holiday songs, whether liturgical, familial, or romantic, are hardly new fare for most concertgoers in this festive season. But there are still some interesting connections we can explore. The following reflections are more like commentary than notes. OF ANGEL CHOIRS, GLORIAS, and ALLELUIAS: Alleluia: Middle English, from Late Latin, from Greek allēlouia, from Hebrew halălūyāh “praise ye Jehovah.” Merriam Webster Studying the history of our cultural benchmarks can uncover otherwise unrecognized connections between seemingly disparate things. Music is no exception to that general rule. And in that case, exploring the repository of faith traditions often leads to such discoveries. Four songs in this evening’s program serve as good examples. ONE: GMCSF has performed a different, but always appealing, arrangement of the Gloria in Excelsis Deo each holiday season. This year’s version, excerpted from Dan Forrest’s 2018 five-movement work Lux: The Dawn from On High, is a more meditative than a celebratory rendition of a portion of this song of the angelic choir heard by the shepherds in Bethlehem [Luke: 2:14]. The appearance of angels is large in the nativity story, and this angelic visit with the shepherds was specifically enshrined in the Roman Catholic Liturgy. TWO: A different account of an angelic choir first appears in the ancient liturgies of the Eastern [Orthodox] churches, probably originating in 3rd-century Jerusalem. This account takes its cues from the Hebrew Biblical prophetic books of Habakkuk and Zechariah, themselves partly linked to worship in the Temple of Solomon. This earliest liturgical text parallels the angels’ praise language in Luke’s Nativity account. But in this instance, the angels sing in worshipful assembly rather than in a field where “shepherds guard their flocks by night.” Furthermore, the Gloria of the Roman Catholic Mass is sung at the beginning of worship. On the other hand, the Eastern Orthodox “Cherubic Hymn” is sung as the ritual event progresses through “the Great Entrance” into its celebratory climax. At that moment, alluding to the eternal gathering about the Heavenly Throne, the angelic choir admonishes: “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” while the angels themselves “with ceaseless voices cry: Alleluia, Lord Most High.” THREE: For centuries, when the Gloria in Excelsis Deo was sung in the Roman Catholic liturgy, it was not usually rendered by the assembled faithful but by a monastic choir that, ostensibly, knew Latin and could learn to sing the plainchant. A similar exclusion is typically true in Eastern rites. After the Reformation, however, all that changed. While some Protestant communities banished music from the sanctuary, other communities gathered to worship with songbooks in hand, and the faithful were taught to sing. The Anglican Church, especially the Methodist offshoot of Anglicanism, developed a tradition of popular hymnody. Hark the Herald Angels Sing was explicitly composed to commemorate the angels’ announcement to the shepherds and songs of heavenly praise for inclusion in Christmas Day worship. It features text contributions from Charles Wesley and George Whitefield, two of the founding ministers of Methodism. This was a new, albeit paraphrased, form of Gloria in Excelsis Deo for their followers.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PROGRAM NOTES
WRITTEN BY JIM LOPRESTI
FOUR: Craig Courtney composed Ukrainian Alleluia in 2007 at a time soon after this devout Baptist composer and music educator served as part of a missionary team in the Ukraine. He was moved by the nation’s long experience of suffering the ravages of persecution, famine, war, and captivity. In his preamble to the publication of his oft-recorded anthem, he notes that “it is a musical portrayal of a quiet voice of faith, praise, and hope in the midst of suffering and tragedy.” That is a uniquely human claim in response to the angelic admonition in Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence. That can be seen in the composer’s commentary on another of his works, Wounded Alleluias [2022], where he explains: “A refrain of Alleluias surrounds [a] prayer for healing…. ‘Lord, heal our wounded alleluias; touch our fragile, simple praise; comfort every troubled wayward song with your gentle grace.’” Alleluia is no longer the privileged word of praise to God sung only by angels, but one exclaimed by wounded mortals alike. In 2022, Courtney transcribed Ukrainian Alleluia for solo piano as an expression of solidarity amid the current Russian invasion of Ukraine. It is a devout musician’s return to the words of Habakkuk and Zechariah, who lent their prophetic voice to the Israelites captive at that time to the mighty Babylonian Empire. They were clear: The suffering of today may be unspeakable, but there is an unconquerable optimism for the future based on the expectation of an ultimate divine victory and the subsequent transformation of the world. ESTA NOCHE: A DISTINCTIVELY BRITISH COMPOSER GOES LATIN English composer John Rutter is revered worldwide for his immense contribution to Christmas choral music. Many of these works have been premiered by his choral group, the Cambridge Singers, and they manifest his distinctive contribution to classic British and French melodic and harmonic styles. But there is another side to the great English master. Commenting on one of his more significant works, the “Magnificat,” Rutter spoke of being secretly influenced by Spanish festivals of the Virgin Mary: “These images of outdoor celebration were, I think, somewhere in my mind as I wrote, though I was not fully conscious of the fact till afterward.” (GMCSF performed a movement from that work in 2015.) The “Spanish festivals” influence is quite overt; however, in his arrangement of “Esta Noche” (this night), a traditional Spanish Christmas song that tells of the birth at Bethlehem and the gentle caress of the Holy Child by the Virgin. Rutter brings a fresh kind of exuberance to the stage: “Alegria!” (Joy!) SILVER BELLS: A HOLIDAY FAVORITE HAS AN INGLORIOUS BEGINNING When longtime songwriting collaborators Jay Livingston and Ray Evans were asked to compose a Christmas song for the 1950 gangster picture The Lemon Drop Kid, they balked at first. In a 2005 NPR radio interview, Evans reportedly bemoaned that there were already too many Christmas songs. What they needed was a chance to write a hit song instead! But they finally obliged. Contrary to the popular belief that the song was inspired by the ubiquitous Salvation Army bells on New York City streets, Evans acknowledged in the same interview that the sound of the small, silver bell that sat in the middle of their two-sided desk started their creative juices flowing. However, the original title and recurring phrase they planned for the song was “Tinkle Bells.” But when Livingston’s wife heard his report of their project, she quickly redirected him, reminding him of what young children would imagine when they heard the word “tinkle!” The renamed “Silver Bells” was first performed by Bob
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PROGRAM NOTES
WRITTEN BY JIM LOPRESTI
Hope and Marilyn Maxwell in the movie, but Bing Crosby’s 1950 Decca recording of the song brought it to a broader audience. Ironically, the royalties were handsome indeed for the songwriting duo. Covers and new arrangements have been recorded by singers and choral groups of every stripe, from Elvis to Diana Ross and Manheim Steamroller. But none of them is more uplifting than the richly textured Kevin Robinson male choral arrangement commissioned by the NYC Gay Men’s Chorus for their 25th anniversary season and performed by GMCSF tonight. UNDERNEATH THE TREE: HOW DID WE GET THERE? For centuries, Holiday seasonal music was all about the Church. And when that most traditional Christmas music hits the airways, it elicits great nostalgia for some and great neuralgia for others as Christmas Eve nears. Secular songs don’t start entering the picture until “Jingle Bells” (1857), which, truth be told, was written specifically not for Christmas but for Thanksgiving. And when Queen Victoria’s beloved Prince Albert brought German traditions to Buckingham Palace in the mid-19th century, home decorating traditions took a new turn throughout the Englishspeaking world. Enter the Christmas tree with presents underneath it. London soon became the great stage set for Holiday stories. Scrooge aside, secular Holiday music didn’t really “take off,” however, until nearly a century later, during the Great Depression, when radio replaced live performances as the primary source of musical entertainment. Iconic holiday standards like “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town” and “Winter Wonderland” were soon followed by a children’s book, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, which inspired a new seasonal song by the end of the next decade. During World War II, Bob Hope and The Andrews Sisters introduced nostalgic standards to the troops, including ”I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “White Christmas.” Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song” [or “Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire”] soon followed. That was in 1946, the year Hallmark began to market Christmas Cards. And “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” considered by many to be the first “romantic” holiday song, was released in 1949. It took over 70 years for many to question the quietly coercive implications of the lyrics. Arguably, romantic Holiday songs reached their high point with the 1994 release of Mariah Carey’s Christmas album. Its lead single, “All I Want for Christmas Is You,” is her most successful international song. She became known as the Queen of Christmas. Her 1994 Holiday hit was one of only two Christmas songs to reach Billboard’s #1 spot on the “Hot 100 List.” Interestingly, the other was sung by a trio of cute little rodents in 1958! Critics have likewise offered lavish praise on Kelly Clarkson’s 2013 Christmas album, Wrapped in Red, and have favorably compared the album’s hit song “Underneath the Tree” to Mariah Carey’s greatest hit. Among them is MTV News’ Jenna Hally Rubenstein, who remarked, “If we may be so bold, it is definitely on par with other impeccable Christmas originals—namely Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas Is You.” “It’s a finger-popping, bell-ringing pleaser that could achieve that rare feat of becoming a new Christmas standard,’ said HitFix’ Melinda Newman: “That hasn’t happened since Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas.” It’s a long way from “Silent Night” to “Underneath the Tree,” but that is the kind of trip music takes. All music, the classics included, was once new.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
MARK B. KENT Good evening. I am so glad you are here. As we gather together in the spirit of celebration, joy, and unity, it is with immense pleasure that I welcome you to our holiday concert, a momentous occasion filled with the warmth of the season and the power of music. In this festive atmosphere, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) extends its arms wide to embrace diversity, love, and the shared experience of togetherness. Through harmonies that resonate with the spirit of the holidays, we aim to create a space where every note is a testament to the beauty of acceptance and the strength found in our unique voices coming together. Join us on this enchanting journey as we celebrate the season with songs that inspire, uplift, and connect us all. Your presence adds an extra layer of significance to the melodies we weave, and we are grateful to have you as part of our audience and part of the GMCSF family. It is my sincerest hope that the melodies we share tonight resonate in your hearts and remind you of the beauty that arises through live concerts like this one, which create a shared human experience among those who attend. I also hope that as you make your end of your donations, you will remember this evening as well as the work our Chorus does throughout the year. Please give to our Chorus and support our mission and our music. Together we do great things. May our music fill your hearts with joy, may the harmonies resonate with the love we share, and may this holiday concert be a memorable experience for each and every one of you. With gratitude and joy,
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
OUR ORGANIZATION Tenor I Thomas Aloi Reynaldo Araque Derek Barbara Derek Baxter Bob Beaulieu Mark Blackburn Jose Blanco Fred Boykin Christopher Bright Bradley Bush Antonio Corrente Matthew Craig Edmound Davis Susan Foley Michael Gillespie Rafael Gragert Michael Halpner Matthew Hoover David Hopper Fred Johnson David Klos Douglas Leader Ethan Lindley Ginny McCulloh A.J. Mendini Nick Orr David Pfeffer Carter Poust Jonathan Sanz Jeff Sigler Ronny Sucre Rashad Webb Matthew Whiteside Tenor II Fidel Aburto Jim Aguilar Christian Andaya Bruce Anderson Steven Atias Cesar Benito Jorge A Bernal-Geschier Miguel Bernard-Rivera Bert Cohen Doug Cureton Dustin Ewing Doug Ferguson Gerald Garcia Walter Gardner Nicola Gavioli Jeff Goodwin Rick Heal John Ison Charles Jennings Justin Johnson
As of November 15, 2023 Aaron Kinchen Peter Konrath Wayne Laubscher Aaron Lauer Zak Laux Kenny Lewis-Montoya Aaron Lockley Samuel Martin Alberto Minjarez Hal Noble Adrian Novello Miguelanjel ODell-Perez Jorge Ornelas Jr. Billy Parjan Michael Pellicone Michael Ping Eduardo Pinto Geordanys Ramirez Daniel Francois Ratzel Louis Silvers Brent Simmons Kevin Smith Robert Smith Rogelio Snyder Dennis St. Jean Andrew Stephens Don Thompson Johann Torres Titus Tucker Guillermo Velandia Baritone Eric Alayon Aaron Bell Gaston Betoled Darin Bush Jose Felix Cabrera John Chaffin Patrick Cuccaro Roubik Danelian Craig Dannenbrink Guy D’Arcangelo Zach Dombroski Daniel Elder Joseph Fletcher Michael Foley Dion Grace David Gray Paul Guariglia Sean Guerrier-Gac Dean Hitsos Michael Holtzman Michael Jacobsen Gregory Johnson Ronnie Jones Jr. Paris Kessinger
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Ryan Knepp Justin Knight John Lewis Mark Lincoff David R. Littlefield Tom Ludwiczak James Mallon Ivan Marrero Scott Messenger Glenn Miller Tony Minella Barry Morgan Robert Murchison Ed Niese Orlando Ojeda Elliot Pilshaw Dylan Roberts Curtis Robertson Charles Robinson Raymond Rodriguez Steven Shapiro Patrick Simonelli Larry Small Bill Spinosa Jack Stein Stegar Thompson David Van Cleaf Kely Van Eaton Neal Vardaman Rick Vaughan Eric Ziegler Bass Sandy Allen David Baier Rex Beyer Peter Bisuito Renato Brito John Burch Craig Fashbaugh Fred Fejes Charles Fernandez James Ficke Felix Fidelibus Steven Freeman Richard Fulks Wyatt Gaff Okan Gunay Gary Hill Terry Hirsh Jim Houser John Jackson Herb Knowles Jim Lopresti Colin Ludlow
OUR ORGANIZATION
As of November 15, 2023 Production Assistant
VP of Community Relations
Rodrick Minnis
ADMINISTRATIVE
VP of Equity, Access & Belonging
Clayton Paterson
Mark B. Kent
Brian Lundy
Alan McKnight Eric Miji
Terry Moore
Steven Patterson
Tom Michalak
Executive Director
Kely Van Eaton
John Lewis
VP of Membership
David Ralph
Director of Marketing &
Marcus Saitschenko
Edward Otto Zielke
Section Administrators
Office Manager & Bookkeeper
Reynaldo Araque–Tenor 1
Scott Raven
Jose Santos
Donald Small
Joshua Stuthridge-Heinke Robert Thompson Don Tomasello Carlos Torres
Aubrey Williams Tim Yarbrough Rob Young
Non-Singing Bob Artale
Cary Giacalone
Ansel Thompson Michael Valdez
ARTISTIC TEAM
Artistic Director Gabe Salazar
Assistant Conductor/
Tropical Wave Conductor Anthony Cabrera
Production Director James Smith
Principal Accompanist Edwin Neimann Accompanists Kevin Combs
Darren Matias Assistant Production Director Don Thompson
Choreographer Francois Ratzel
Costumes & Wardrobe
Joseph Fletcher–Committee Chair Bruce Anderson
Sponsorship
Doug Leib
Office Volunteer
Howard M. Yopp Jr. BOARD OF DIRECTORS Board Chair Fred Boykin
Board Vice-Chair Kerry Waldee Treasurer
Bill Spinosa
John Chaffin–Tropical Wave Michael Ping–Tenor 2
Charles Robinson–Baritone Felix Fidelibus–Bass
Risk Assessment Advisor Dr. Jack Killen
GALA Festival Representative Bert Cohen Librarian
Larry Small
Michael Foley
One Voice
Gala Chair & Chorus
Miguel Bernard-Rivera
Representative
David Gray–Editor
Robert M. Beaulieu
Proofreaders
Directors
John Chaffin
Ronni Arden
Bradley Bush
Tony Corrente Erick Eldridge Johnnie Mejia
John Burch Larry Small
Volunteer Coordinator Kris Jarmann
Tom Nichols
HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Bill Spinosa
Harvey Shapiro
Judy Paul
Committee Chair
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Members
Tony Corrente
Don Croxton
President
Vice President
Tim Yarbrough Secretary
Marcus Saitschenko Treasurer
Michael Foley
Fred Boykin Mike Dager
Dino Georgiou Gary Hoffman
Gerry Kennedy John Olson
Bob Pagano Joe Pallant
Don Tomasello Rick Vaughan
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GMCSF LEADERSHIP
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Fred Boykin Board Chair
Board Vice-Chair
Kerry Waldee
Michael Foley Treasurer
Chorus Representative
Ronni Arden
Bradley Bush
Tony Corrente
Erick Eldridge
Johnnie Mejia
Tom Nichols
Judy Paul
Bill Spinosa
Edward Otto Zielke Director of Marketing and Sponsorship
Office Manager and Bookkeeper
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Director
Robert Beaulieu
Director
Director
STAFF
Mark B. Kent
Executive Director
Doug Leib
HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Howard Yopp
Office Volunteer
Council Chair: Harvey Shapiro Members: Fred Boykin, Don Croxton, Mike Dager, Dino Georgiou, Gary Hoffman, Gerry Kennedy, John Olson, Bob Pagano, Joe Pallant Don Tomasello, Rick Vaughan
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SUPPORTING GMCSF
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
DONOR HIGHLIGHTS
Saying Goodbye to Chorus Pioneering Leader, Doug Pew. It takes a special person with guts to jump into the unknown and build something that not only succeeds, but excels. This describes Doug Pew, the founding board chair of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF). He was integral to our creation and led us through our first seven years of operation. He worked tirelessly with the board and chorus leaders to build an arts institution that has become a cultural asset for the region. Sadly, Mr. Pew passed away on Sunday, September 17. ”Doug was one of those people who believed in possibilities. He had the drive and the passion for this chorus to be able to overcome any obstacles encountered,” states Mark Kent, GMCSF’s executive director. “He was an endless source of inspiration for all of us who worked with him. Without him, we would not be the success we are today.” Doug’s commitment to our Chorus was nothing short of remarkable. He and his husband Don Croxton have generously supported us since our inception. Doug served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the first seven years of our existence and continued to serve on our board of directors for several years after. He hosted social events, he engaged community leaders, and he could often be found walking up and down Wilton Drive, selling ads for our concert program books. He exemplified what it means to be dedicated to a cause. Doug ‘s husband Don also served as a pioneering leader for GMCSF. He was on our board of directors for seven years, bringing clarity, insight, and a strong perspective to our work. Both Doug and Don have been committed advocates of the LGBTQ+ community, supporting several nonprofits with their time, talents, and treasure. They have truly improved the quality of life for the LGBTQ+ community in South Florida and beyond.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
LEVELS OF GIVING VIRTUOSI
Our treasured Virtuosi are truly the consummate artists in philanthropy and generosity. Their support substantially sustains the Chorus and helps build our future.
Maestros ($20,000+) All benefits below, PLUS: Photo and biography in program once each season Invitation to sit with the Chorus during a rehearsal Composers ($10,000 - $19,999) All benefits below, PLUS: Private dinner with GMCSF’s Artistic Director and Executive Director Featured donor e-blast at least once each season Customized naming opportunity for the season Divas ($5,000 - $9,999) All benefits below, PLUS: Name announced at concerts Invitations to exclusive Virtuosi events Invitation to the Chorus’s end-of-year dinner Producers ($2,500 - $4,999) All benefits below, PLUS: Concierge ticketing service Invitation to a rehearsal and wine reception VIP parking at Sunshine Cathedral concerts Invitations to exclusive Virtuosi receptions and events
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
The Conductor’s Circle is a passionate community of supporters who generously invest in our season, enabling us to spread our messages of love and inclusion through song. Benefactors ($1,500 - $2,499) Friends and Supporters benefits, PLUS: Invitation to select donor events
Supporters ($300 - $1,499) Friends benefit, PLUS: Priority access to the best seats for our concerts
Friends ($1 - $299) Listing in concert program books and GMCSF’s website
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY As of 12 months ending 11/15/2023
VIRTUOSI
*Denotes chorus members
MAESTROS ($20,000+) Douglas Pew (of loving memory) and Donald Croxton, LGBT Trust Fund at The Our Fund Foundation Dan Chadburn and Tom Nichols Richard and Emilio Quadracci Cabrera, The Windhover Foundation Fred Boykin* and Jack Killen COMPOSERS ($10,000 - $19,999) Joseph Fletcher* and Kerry Waldee DIVAS ($5,000 - $9,999) Christopher Ambs and Scott Clearwater, Charitable Fund at The Our Fund Foundation Ronni and Jonathan Arden Steve Boucher - Boucher Brothers Ginny Dixon and Gisella Oliveira William Elliott and David Bacher George “Dan” Prigmore and Marcia Hayes Paul Rolli and Bennett Quade PRODUCERS ($2,500 - $4,999) Brock Boyd and Doug Spellberg Joseph Grano Tyler Healis Mark Kent and Kevin Daft Harold Noble* and Douglas Peachey Steve Oden and Mike Greer Judy Paul Harvey Shapiro and Michael Dager, Stronger Together Fund at The Our Fund Foundation William Spinosa* and Frank Molano Dennis St. Jean* Donald Tomasello* and Robert Pagano Richard Vaughan* and Walter Sherman Preston Watkins and Philip Cross
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
BENEFACTORS ($1,500 - $2,499) Anonymous Rex Beyer* and Nick Meyer Donald Braun David Hohimer Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith John Klomp and Joseph Brannen Steven Lutz Ron MacDonald Michael Ping* and Brad Winnie Don Thompson* and Gene Ramey Fred E. Tokowitz and Gary Hochberg
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY
SUPPORTERS ($300 - $1,499)
B.J. Albright and Philip Morris
R. M. Kurlander
David Baier*
Gregg Kurek, In memory of George Brown
Dave Bayer
Jeffrey Lammers and James A. McLaughlin
Steven and Thomas Begert-Clark
Warren LeBlanc
Stephen Bender
Thomas Lenihan and Ian Cohen
Cesar Benito*
David R Littlefield*
Michael Berry
James Mallon*
Bryon Bowlby and Robert Baldwin
Erwin Mayer
Edward Breeden
Virginia McCulloh*
Allan Carp
Johnny Mejia
John Chaffin*
Scott Messenger*
Christopher Chouinard and Harold Rodriguez
Tony Minella
Wes Clark
Orlando Ojeda*
Larry Cohen
Chuck Panozzo
Bert Corona and Rob Russo
Mimi Pink
Antonio Corrente* and Douglas K. Leib
Dr. Runar Polluson and Robert Pinsky
Roberta Corrigan
Ronald Reck
Jason Cummings
Raymond Rodriguez*
Douglas Braun and Mark Corsale
Marcus Saitschenko*
Craig Dannenbrink* and CJ Jensen
Rick Shapiro
Harold Dioquino and Marty Childers
Larry Small* and David Burba
Erick Eldridge
Stephen Smith
Stephen Fallon
Constance St. Jean
Stephen Ferrante
Murry Stegelmann
Kenneth Flick and D.C. Allen, No Gay Hate Fund at
Stegar Thompson*
The Our Fund Foundation
Michael Valdez* and Jeffrey Thomas
Michael Foley* and Tommy Zhang
Jerry Vroegh
Chris Gauld
Dr. K. David Weidner and Dr. William E. Gannon, Jr.,
Marc Grossman
In honor of Fred Boykin
Gary Hoffman
The Jane L. Wexter Revocable Trust
David Hopper*
Tim Yarbrough*
Michael Jacobsen* and Bob Thompson*
Howard Yopp, Jr.
David Jobin and Angel Burgos
Robert Young*
J. Mark Kasper
Eric Ziegler* and Ross Kemp
Matthew Kent and Brenda Moons
Edward Otto Zielke
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY FRIENDS ($1 - $299) Eric Alayon* Shabnam Alibhai Christian Andaya* Bruce Anderson* Jeff Antaya Beth Barbuto Stephen Barnhart Derek Baxter Robert Beaulieu* Charles Beavin Bill Bechman Aaron Bell* Charles Bell Alyssa Bennett Miguel* and Ronald Bernard-Rivera Robert Billington Peter Bisuito* and Mark Flanders Susan and Jeffrey Bogatin, In honor of Steve Patterson Robert Boo Ayana Boucher Leon Boyce George Burgan Bradley Bush* Darin Bush Tina Caines and Larry Belezzo David Cangelosi and Manuel Garcia Joseph Cannon Doug Carl and Sumner Riddick Robert Caruso Oliver Chen Cindy Christie Christopher Collins Dorothy Correnti and Lance Miller, In honor of Tony Corrente and GMCSF Maggie Davidson Beth Davis Broderick Davis Linda and Dr. Fausto De La Cruz Phillip Derby Marc Dickerman Toby Douthwright Richard Ducham and Guy Martinez Charlie Egan Colleen Fallon Douglas Ferguson* Mark Ferrante Curt Finfrock Melody Fiore Andy Fischman Peter Flyzik and William Beck Susan Foley* Matthew Freeman Steven Freeman* Zachary Freeman and Adam Rosen Kathy Friend Sean* and Jarrod Gac-Guerrier William Garneau Brian Garrett
Virginia Gascoigne Jorge Ornelas, Jr.* Erica Gassen Dianne Orr Doreen Gauthier Nick Orr* Constantine Georgiou and Scott Orr Bryan Blevins Harvey Owen and Bill Kreidler Cary Giacalone* and Kris Jarmann Alan Parshley John Gonzalez Clayton Patterson* Bruce Gottsch Stein Pederson Deborah Graham Michael Pellicone* David Gray* Philip Petri Paul Guariglia* Caroline Pfeffer Carlos Guerra James Porter John Hand Carter Poust* Doris Herrera-Pol Kristi Prigmore Mary L. and William Hines Patricia Purtell Terry Hirsh* David Ralph* Hal Horneffer Asa Ratliff Matthew Hoover* Francois Ratzel* Richard Huitema Lee Rickles Glen Jack Joel Risch John Jackson* Rhonda Ritchie Valerie Jacques Charles Robinson* Charles Jennings* Freddy Rodriguez Bradley Johnson and Wayne Laubscher* Andy Rogow and Lloyd Stevens Fred Johnson* Irwin Rosen Gregory Johnson* Aaron Rosenberg Alan Jones Daniel Rosenblatt Foundation Hillary Josephs Kenny Russell Jody Kaminsky The Safir Foundation Kevin Kane and Keith A. Smith Gabe Salazar Stuart Kisselovich and Steven Patterson* Richard Sanders Esther Klaaijsen Phil Santomaso George Kling (of loving memory) Thomas Santaniello Charles Klucka Jonathan Sanz* Christopher M. Kron Alise and Alan Schultz Greg Kubiak William Schultz Laura Lanou Kim Nickelson Sguros and Louis Sguros Suzanne LeBel Jeff Sigler* Robert Lee Steven Some Angelica Leone Jack B. Stein* and Peter John Lewis* and Louis Hemmerich Meccariello Kenny Lewis-Montoya* Andrew Stephens* Robert Lindsay Gloria Stevens-Clark Donald LoCascio and Robert L. Murphy Van Stewart Patrick Lombard Ralph Stivali Dorothy J. Lombardi Novlet Tapper Derek Mann Karl Trappe Deborah and Joseph Mannino Kely Van Eaton* Georgia L. McGill Lynette Van Heyzen Roque Medina Kevin Veilleux Ryan Meehan Wayne Weiszbicki Betsy Melamed David Welsh Michael Mendillo and Michael Albericci Sharon and Edwin Wigutoff Melanie Merriman Chris Wilcox and Richard Fulks* Thomas Michalack Jay Wiley Bob Miller Aubrey Williams* and Christopher Michaels Keith Muller and Stephen J. Pescia Michael Williams Volkmar Neeb and Herbert Hohman Stanley Wilson Antony Nenopoulos Robert Wilt and Orlando Santiago Patricia Opper
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PEGASUS SOCIETY WE’VE COME SO FAR IN OUR LIFETIME Let’s Keep the Momentum Going! So many of us recall when television would never
show two people of the same gender sharing a kiss… or holding hands. Now, we live in a time when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of marriage equality. We’ve accomplished so much, yet there is much more to do. Since the late 1970s, the LGBTQ+ Choral Movement has been a crucial tool for advocacy, unity, and education. GMCSF is proud to continue this legacy through our music. We are pleased 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’s planned giving program. By including GMCSF 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. If you would like to amend your current estate, contact Mark Kent at (954) 763-2266 ext. 109 or mkent@gmcsf.org. Establish a Legacy Fund with our community partner, The Our Fund Foundation; contact Mark Blaylock at 954-565-1090 or email MBlaylock@Our-Fund.org.
MEMBERS Robert Beardsley Mark Benson Robert Benson Fred Boykin John Burch
Christopher Chouinard Donald Croxton Mitchell Grant Paul Guariglia Marty Kaplan
Gerald Kennedy Peter Kimball Jack Killen George King Charles Nicoll
Bob Pagano Paul Smith Ralph Stivali Don Tomasello Charles Walter
In Remembrance: George V. Brown Greg Futchi John Hohl Al LaMorges Douglas Jackson Pew
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
WITH LEGACY GIVING, WE ENSURE THAT A DONOR’S EXPRESSED VALUES + WISHES ARE ALWAYS MET. THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION is South Florida’s LGBTQ community foundation. We help individuals plan their estates, so that their philanthropic giving can continue for years—even generations—after passing away.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION CAN HELP YOU ESTABLISH A LEGACY PLAN, EMAIL LEGACY@OUR-FUND.ORG.
1201 NE 26TH ST. SUITE 108 WILTON MANORS FL 33305 954.565.1090 | OUR-FUND.ORG
LIFTING UP SOUTH FLORIDA’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY
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Dean J. Trantalis, ESQ Attorney at Law 2301 Wilton Drive, Suite C1-A, Wilton Manors, FL 33305 The hiring of a lawyer is an important decision that should not only be based on advertisements. Before you decide ask the lawyer to send you free written information about their qualifications and experience.
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1942-2023
Dedicated by his husband
In loving memory of our friend
DOUGLAS JACKSON PEW May 19, 1942 – September 17, 2023 Doug lived his life with such optimism and determination. He believed we should all be able to live our own TRUTH in this diverse world and have a moral obligation to be change agents by creating a better future for LGBTQ+ people in whatever way we could. Doug's mission in life was “to help pave the path so that the future of LGBTQ+ people can live their truth.” Like the Gay Men's Chorus of South Florida, Doug “inspired people, opened minds, changed hearts, and affirmed our community” by giving of himself emotionally, physically, and financially. South Florida Gay Community Organizations benefited greatly from Doug’s philanthropies. It is probably safe to say that we would not be sitting here tonight without Doug. For those of us lucky enough to have known Doug as a friend… Forever remembered, Forever missed, Forever in our hearts. To the one person who shared Doug’s life the longest and most intimately, his husband, Don Croxton, you both built a legacy to be proud of! Doug’s life lives on through that legacy. Don, no words can take away your sorrow. May you find comfort and peace knowing that others are here for you. Doug has taken a little piece of all of our hearts. Words fail to describe how much he will be missed. “So, goodbye, my friend. I know I’ll never see you again. But the time together through all the years will take away these tears. It’s okay now. Goodbye, my friend.” - Linda Ronstadt Goodbye, Our Dear Friend.
Runar and Bob
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Season 14 Sponsored by
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GMCSF.ORG Concert Presented by
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