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presented by the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida with Artistic Director, Gabe Salazar
Sponsored in part by AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Amazon, Funding Arts Broward, The Maurer Family Foundation and VACAYA
Friday, March 24, 2023, at 8:00 PM
The Lillian S. Wells Hall at The Parker, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Performances by Tropical Wave, GMCSF’s Soloists & Dancers, David Harris and Anthony Velazquez of Dance NOW! Miami, Guest Conductor Paul Rolli, and Sunshine Cathedral’s Rev Dr. Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister as The Narrator
Anthony Cabrera – Assistant Conductor
James Smith – Production Director
Edwin Neimann – Principal Accompanist
Christopher Toth – Accompanist
Diablo Sound – Sound Design
Tom Michalak – Production Assistant
Francois Ratzel – Choreographer
Joseph Fletcher – Costumes & Wardrobe
Bruce Anderson – Costumes & Wardrobe
Craig Hinman – Costumes & Wardrobe
Orchestra
Piano: Edwin Neimann
Keyboard: Chris Toth
Woodwinds: Christine Pascual-Fernandez
Violin 1: Daniela Lemus Castillo
Violin 2: Laura Gonzalez
Cello 1: Maria Karla Llera Soler
Cello 2: Stephanie Jaimes
Electric Guitar: Hugo Fuguet
Electric Bass Guitar: Julian Rauh
Percussion: Felipe Diaz
Drums: Teresa Flores
THANK YOU
Our friends at Sunshine Cathedral: Reverend Durrell Watkins, Senior Minister, Reverend Robert Griffin, Executive Minister, Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager, and M. Tate Tenorio, Theater Manager at The Parker
Book developed and produced through generous support from:
Note: Audio and video recording of any kind and flash photography are prohibited
GABE SALAZAR
We are so thrilled and honored that you have joined us tonight for what will be a spectacular evening of music. It is such a joy to lead this wonderful group of singers, who are so passionate and invested in who we are and what we do as a chorus. Our purpose within and throughout our community is more important now more than ever, and I am proud to stand on the podium knowing that this group, along with so many others, has persevered through many challenges. I am so thankful for all of the leaders before me who have laid the foundation for us to have such an amazing platform to share our stories through song.
When the opportunity arose to be a co-commissioner on tonight’s important work of music, I quickly jumped at the opportunity. Songs of the Phoenix is such a unique work in that it tells a compelling and inspiring story through the lens of several different composers. Songs of the Phoenix is a testimony and reminder that we are resilient and that we will rise again in solidarity for the greater good.
We hope that tonight will bring you feelings of hope, courage, strength, and love. We have come so far, but still have much work to do. I know that with your help we can collectively be a beacon of love for so many people that need it right now.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA A MESSAGE FROM THE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
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 20,000 people are inspired and moved each year by the Chorus’s music, community outreach, and mission, making GMCSF a significant LGBTQ+ nonprofit service organization and a cultural asset in the heart of South Florida. With more than 170 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 not just about singing. It is also about being good role models for our youth, giving back to the community, and offering a helping hand to those who need one. GMCSF serves communities with live music and entertainment in Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach, and beyond!
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 backgrounds of life. Gabe brings to GMCSF 15 years of professional experience as a choral conductor and 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 made his Carnegie Hall conducting debut 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.
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 groundbreaking 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 (CGCC), 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.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
THE ARTISTS
GUEST ARTISTS
TROPICAL WAVE
Under the direction of Assistant Conductor, Anthony Cabrera
Tropical Wave is the outreach chamber 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.
Tenor 1: Mark Blackburn, Rafael Gragert, David Pfeffer, Jonathan Sanz, Johann Torres
Tenor 2:
Jose Blanco, Rick Heal, Francois Ratzel, Don Thompson
Jose Blanco
Mark Blackburn
Mun Wye Chng
Reynaldo Araque
Stan Burch
Baritone: John Chaffin, Dion Grace, Paul Guariglia, Charles Robinson, Eric Strom
Bass:
Felix Fidelibus, Richard Fulks, Ronnie Jones, John Lewis, Rick Vaughan
GMCSF SOLOISTS
Doug Ferguson
Dion Grace
Rafael Gragert
Fred Johnson
Zak Laux
David Pfeffer
GMCSF DANCERS
Gregory Johnson
Alan McKnight
Eric Miji
Carter Poust
Jonathan Sanz
Johann Torres
Rick Vaughan
Rashad Webb
Francois Ratzel
Eric Strom
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
ANTHONY VELAZQUEZ Dance NOW! Miami
PAUL ROLLI Wilton Manors City Commissioner
DAVID HARRIS Dance NOW! Miami
REV DR. DURRELL WATKINS, Senior Minister Sunshine Cathedral
THE ARTISTS
BOSFL.ORG J O I N U S ! Pool Partie s • Special Event s • Dinners Theate r • Movie s • Bowlin g • Excursions Stonewall Pride SOCIAL GATHERINGS WITH A CHARITABLE PURPOSE Thanks to all our members and supporters” THANKS TO ALL OUR MEMBERS & SUPPORTERS! To date, BOSFL has proudly donated over $150,000 to other local GLBTQ non-profit organizations TheBearsOfSouthFlorida B E A R S O F S O UTH F LO R I DA 20TH ANNIVERSARY
SONGS OF THE PHOENIX
CORNERSTONE
Soloist: Rashad Webb
Sponsored by Hal Noble
We need more love and compassion in the world.
WE RISE AGAIN
Soloist: Dion Grace
ACT I
Text ran from Psalm 118:22
Arr. by Shawn Kirchner
Words & Music by Leon Dubinsky
Arr. by Stephen Smith
Words & Music by Andrew Lippa
WE RISE
Soloist: Zak Laux
WHO AM I?
Soloist: Jonathan Sanz
WE ARE TREES**
Soloist: Rafael Gragert
Dancers: GMCSF Dancers
MOTHER DEAR PRELUDE 2
SONG OF TOMORROW
Soloist: Rafael Gragert
MUSICA Y SABORES
Soloist: Jose Blanco
PRAYER
Soloists: David Pfeffer, Johann Torres, Mark Blackburn
PRELUDE 1 INTERMISSION
Words & Music by Ingrid Michaelson
Arr. by Dave Volpe
Words by Melissa Li, Music by Kit Yang
Arr. by Bronwen Chan
Words & Music by Ty Defoe
Arr. by Dave Volpe
Words by Siedah Garrett
Music by Andrew Lippa
Words & Music by Andrew Lippa
Words & Music by Joriah Kwame
Arr. by Dave Volpe
Words & Music by Diana Syrse
Words & Music by Patrick & Daniel Lazour
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA PROGRAM* March 24, 2023
PRELUDE 3
ACT II
Words & Music by Andrew Lippa
FLAG SONG
Soloists: Doug Ferguson, Rick Vaughan, Mun Wye Chng
Sponsored by Dennis St. Jean
BLOOM
Soloists: Mark Blackburn, Fred Johnson
Dancers: Dance NOW! Miami
PRELUDE 4
SONG OF THE PHOENIX
I DREAM OF A TIME ***
Soloist: David Pfeffer
Words & Music by Stephen Sondheim
Words by Alexandra Elle
Music by Stephen Schwartz
Words & Music by Andrew Lippa
Words & Music by Andrew Lippa
Words & Music by Tom Nichols & Dan Chadburn
Dedicated by Tom Nichols and Dan Chadburn to the members of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Thank you for your witness of love and family shared so beautifully through music.
LIKE A RIVER IN MY SOUL
Tropical Wave
Sponsored by John Lewis, “Dedicated to my partner, Louis Hemmerich who brings peace, hope and love like a river in my soul.”
LEAN ON ME WITH WE SHALL OVERCOME
Tropical Wave
Traditional Spiritual
Arr. by Tom Osiek, Edited by Dan Forrest Arranged by Mark Hayes
Sponsored by John Chaffin, with loving recognition of Elliot Pilshaw, who introduced me to the numerous joys of small-ensemble singing
(STAND UP &) COME TOGETHER
Sponsored by Jorge Ornelas, Jr.,
We need more love and compassion in the world.
Words & Lyrics by Nick Goldston Arr. by David Maddux
* Please note that any last minute changes to the concert program are at the discretion of the Artistic Director. All orchestrations written by Peter Seibert.
** “As a Native American who grew up on the Pala Indian reservation in California, I naturally identified with Ty Defoe’s “We Are Trees.” The chanting in the music reminded me of the tribal ceremonies I attended as a child. For all of my ancestors who lost their land and had no voice, I became inspired to tell my people’s stories through modern dance. This piece depicts themes of eco-harmony, coexistence with nature, and the resilience of our land.”
- Francois Ratzel, Choreographer
*** “I Dream Of A Time is a wish for the future and a song of love and gratitude for those in our lives who have become a part of our chosen family. For many who have joined the GMCSF, singing has been a lifeline. We know that we can open our minds and change hearts when we lift our voices together in song. The longing for love and acceptance is as strong today as it was 23 years ago, and we continue to share hope for a future where each voice is heard and we find a place where our love can speak. - Tom Nichols
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
SONGS OF THE PHOENIX
PROGRAM* March 24, 2023
SONGS OF THE PHOENIX: RESILIENCY AND HOPE UNITE US
“Remain true to yourself. But move ever upward toward greater consciousness and greater love! At the summit, you will find yourselves united with all those who, from every direction, have made the same ascent. For everything that rises must converge.” Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, The Omega Point
A TRILOGY IS BORN – In the early days of the pandemic, Tim Seelig, Artistic Director of The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and Broadway composer Andrew Lippa shared thoughts about filling out an incomplete trilogy of works created by Andrew for the San Francisco group. The first two, “I Am Harvey Milk” (2013) and “Unbreakable” (2018), had words and music by Andrew. This time, Andrew offered to curate a work that might address the unique challenge of the pandemic that seemed to change everything everywhere. Crafting his concept from a broader view to catch all the angles, Lippa envisioned a song cycle created by as diverse a group of librettists and composers as possible. Two years later, on April 10, 2022, the men of San Francisco’s chorus premiered Songs of the Phoenix at Davies Symphony Hall in San Francisco. A dozen other choruses signed on to this commission, including the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. While, at first glance, it may seem that he diverged from the powerful themes of the two earlier works, a closer look at each work Lippa wrote or curated tells a different story.
I AM HARVEY MILK – Prophets are often mischaracterized as foretellers of the future. There is a certain kind of truth to that, but it is only secondary. Prophets are incapable of straying from the call to speak truth to power. That is what is essential about their role. When spoken with solid conviction, their words disturb the comfortable and comfort the disturbed, the cast-offs, the throwaways, the ones seemingly shrouded in hopelessness by the powerful. Harvey Milk was one of them, even though he may never quite have claimed the prophet’s mantle. On June 25, 1978, he ended his California Gay Freedom Day speech on the steps of the San Francisco city hall with these words: “So if there’s a message I have to give, it is that I found one overriding thing about my personal election. It’s the fact that if a gay person can be elected, it’s a green light. And you and you and you-- you have to give people HOPE.” Most prophets get in trouble for speaking so boldly. Many die at the hands of those too disturbed by their truth-telling. Harvey was one of them. Historians call his address on that day “The Hope Speech.”
UNBREAKABLE – In June 2022, South Florida audiences raved about the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s production of Andrew Lippa’s Unbreakable, an account of 100 years of LGBTQ+ history. This work, also co-commissioned by GMCSF, lauded the legacies left behind by many other notable lesbian and gay pioneers. But there were other stories told there. Our community’s history is filled with castaways, people huddled together in the darkness. Some of them, like Sylvia Rivera, were also prophets. And sometimes, stories like hers show that our resilience can take center stage. We were compelled to “drag” ourselves out of the closet into the full light of day, saying, “I am what I am.” We are truly “unbreakable.” The hurricane force of hateful winds has bent us, but we do not break. We sprout anew. All just when the time requires it. And then people take notice—no more shadows. Because we are resilient, our hope is unbreakable. It is all about aspirations, not pipe dreams.
SONGS OF THE PHOENIX – The third song cycle, the work of many diverse artists, differs from the first two significantly. First, rather than telling stories to showcase legacies from the past, most of the songs call poetic attention to matters of today that lead us into the future. Second, Songs of the Phoenix embraces the deep narratives of an inclusive American community. That aligns the Queer community’s concerns with those of more diverse groups. That said, Songs of The Phoenix builds on the other cycles’ themes of hope and resilience through the addition of more diverse communities. So how does all that add to our story? Perhaps we can summarize it this way: Our consciousness expands. We are part of other groups of resilient, unbreakable people. Our shared hope will never falter, even when we are “othered” away or diminished by powerful forces. Another prophet, Martin Luther King, said, “no one is free until we all are free.” We do not doubt that someday some among us will see petty divisions wither in flames, whether in the near or distant future. Then like the phoenix, when we rise from there, it will be as one human family united. Can we ever settle for less? Truly, can we?
In a series of blog posts, we will meet some artists and explore some facets of their messages. We will learn about the struggles, hopes, and glorious truths of unbreakable, resilient people rising and converging. From “We Rise,” a song in the cycle by Ingrid Michaelson: “We rise, and we rise/And we rise up like a friend/Or a mother or a lover or a brother/We rise.”
Find out more about the composers and lyricists by visiting The Chorus Blog on our website.
• We Are Trees - The Back Story From a Floridian’s Point of View
• Who Am I? A Question for Our Personal Phoenix
• Bloom - The Soul Pairing of Alex Elle and Stephen Schwartz
• Prayer and Protest - Ancient to Modern
• Phoenix On A Flag
Written by Jim Lopresti, GMCSF Chorus Member
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
PROGRAM NOTES Written
Lopresti
by Jim
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GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Fidel Aburto Bruce Anderson
Reynaldo Araque
David Baier
Derek Barbara
Andy Barborak
Bob Beaulieu Jorge A Bernal-Geschier
Rex Beyer
Peter Bisuito
Mark Blackburn
Jose Blanco
Fred Boykin
Christopher Bright Stan Bunch
John Burch
Bradley Bush John Chaffin Mun Wye Chng
Bert Cohen
Tony Corrente Roubik Danelian Craig Dannenbrink
SINGING TONIGHT As of February 24, 2023
Daniel Elder Craig Fashbaugh
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Doug Ferguson Felix Fidelibus
Joseph Fletcher
Michael Foley
Susan Foley
Steven Freeman
Richard Fulks Jarrod Gac Jeff Goodwin Dion Grace
David Gray
Paul Guariglia Okan Gunay
Rick Heal Gary Hill
Craig Hinman Terry Hirsh Michael Holtzman
David Hopper Jim Houser
John Ison Michael Jacobsen
Gregory Johnson
Fred Johnson
SINGING TONIGHT As of February 24, 2023
Ronnie Jones Jr.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Donald Kasischke
Justin Knight
Herb Knowles
Peter Konrath Joseph La Valle
Aaron Lauer
Zak Laux
Douglas Leader
John Lewis
David R. Littlefield
Aaron Lockley Colin Ludlow
Tom Ludwiczak
Ginny McCulloh Alan McKnight
Eric Miji Tony Minella
Rodrick Minnis
Terry Moore Orlando Ojeda
Jorge Ornelas Jr.
Nick Orr Billy Parjan
SINGING TONIGHT As of February 24, 2023
Clayton Paterson Steven Patterson
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Michael Pellicone
David Pfeffer
Michael Ping Eduardo Pinto
Carter Poust
Geordanys Ramirez Daniel Francois Ratzel
Curtis Robertson
Charles Robinson Raymond Rodriguez
Larry Rosenberg Jonathan Ruiz
Marcus Saitschenko
Jonathan Sanz
Steven Shapiro
Patrick Simonelli
Donald Small Kevin Smith
Robert Smith Bill Spinosa
Dennis St. Jean Jack Stein Eric Strom
SINGING TONIGHT As of February 24, 2023
Joshua Stuthridge-Heinke Shaun Swearingen
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
William Tedjo Robert Thompson
Don Thompson
Don Tomasello Johann Torres
David Van Cleaf Rick Vaughan Omari Walker Rashad Webb Aubrey Williams
Tim Yarbrough Rob Young
SINGING TONIGHT As of February 24, 2023
Eric Ziegler
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MARK B. KENT
Do you know why there are LGBTQ+ choruses? I posed this very question to my straight twin brother who glibly replied, “Because you love show tunes?” He is a great ally and very smug.
It really wasn’t that long ago that those in our community lived in fear of being arrested or fired, just for who they are. After openly gay San Francisco Mayor Harvey Milk was assassinated in 1978, a group of gay men spontaneously gathered at City Hall and sang. This was the birth of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus. Choruses gained momentum when the AIDS crisis struck in the 80s, because we needed a way to come together and heal from the loss of so many precious lives. Following a national tour of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus in 1981, LGBTQ+ choruses began springing up in cities across the country. Now, more than 200 exist.
The gay choral movement has played a vital role in the advancement of rights for the LGBTQ+ community. Our choruses sing in protest, celebration, and mourning. Now, we are seeing so many of the advances we’ve made being peeled back. At GMCSF we are firmly committed to continuing the legacy of advocacy and community building that are trademarks of gay choruses. This season, we’ve dramatically increased our community outreach performances, expanded our mainstage concert series, and built our membership to more than 170 singers. You can count us to be your voice, spreading messages of love and acceptance to as many people as possible. Through song, we open minds and change hearts.
I ask you to consider making a financial donation. To grow and reach more people, requires resources. The more you give, the more we can do. No matter the amount, every single donation makes a big difference.
Thank you for your support and for being a fan of the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida. Together, we can build a better future for all people.
And for the record…I just LOVE show tunes!
Get Involved!
www.gmcsf.org
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA A MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
STAFF
HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Council Chair, Harvey Shapiro, Fred Boykin, Don Croxton
Mike Dager, Dino Georgiou, Gary Hoffman, Gerry Kennedy, George Kling
John Olson, Bob Pagano, Joe Pallant, Doug Pew, Don Tomasello, Rick Vaughan
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA GMCSF LEADERSHIP
Fred Boykin
Tony Corrente
Johnnie Mejia
Tom Nichols
Kerry Waldee
Ronni Arden
Judy Paul
Bob Beaulieu
Adam Barber
Bill Spinosa
Michael Foley
Erick Eldridge
Rick Vaughan
Mark B. Kent
Edward Otto Zielke
Doug Leib
Howard Yopp
Board Chair Director Director Director
Board Vice-Chair Director Director
Secretary/Chorus Representative Director Director
Treasurer Director Director Executive Director Director of Marketing and Sponsorship Office Manager and Bookkeeper Office Volunteer
OUR ORGANIZATION
Charles Swan
Robert Thompson
Don Tomasello
Michael Valdez
Aubrey Williams
Tim Yarbrough
Rob Young
Non-Singing
Bob Artale
Joe Cannon
Philip Morris
Keith Muller
Ansel Thompson
Umberto Veltri
ARTISTIC TEAM
Artistic Director
Gabe Salazar
Assistant Conductor
Anthony Cabrera
Production Director
James Smith
Principal Accompanist
Edwin Neimann
Accompanists
Kevin Combs
Christopher Toth
Choreographer
Francois Ratzel
Costumes & Wardrobe
Joe Fletcher–Committee Chair
Bruce Anderson
Craig Hinman
Production Assistant
Tom Michalak
GMCSF STAFF
Executive Director
Mark B. Kent
Director of Marketing & Sponsorship
Edward Otto Zielke
Office Manager & Bookkeeper
Doug Leib
Office Volunteer
Howard M. Yopp Jr.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Board Chair
Fred Boykin
Board Vice-Chair
Kerry Waldee
Secretary & Chorus Representative
Bob Beaulieu
Treasurer
Michael Foley Directors
Ronni Arden
Adam Barber
Tony Corrente
Erick Eldridge
Johnnie Mejia
Tom Nichols
Judy Paul
Bill Spinosa
Rick Vaughan
LEADERSHIP TEAM President
Tony Corrente
Vice President
Jonathan Sanz Secretary
David Pfeffer Treasurer
Michael Foley
VP of Community Relations
Kely Van Eaton
VP of Equity, Access & Belonging
John Lewis
VP of Membership
Bill Spinosa
Section Administrators
John Chaffin - Tropical Wave
Doug Ferguson - Tenor 1
Rick Heal - Tenor 2
Joe Fletcher - Baritone
Aubrey Williams - Bass
Volunteer Coordinator
Kris Jarmann
Risk Assessment Advisor
Dr. Jack Killen
GALA Festival Representative
Bert Cohen
Music Librarian
Tim Yarbrough
One Voice Newsletter
David Gray–Committee Chair
Miguel Bernard-Rivera
John Chaffin
YOUTH PRIDE CHORUS
Artistic Director
Gabe Salazar
Executive Director
Mark B. Kent
Marketing Director
Edward Otto Zielke
Program Development Coordinator
A.J. Mendini
Youth Engagement Coordinator
Andrew K. Stephens
HONORARY ADVISORY COUNCIL
Council Chair
Harvey Shapiro
Members
Fred Boykin
Don Croxton
Mike Dager
Dino Georgiou
Gary Hoffman
Gerry Kennedy
George Kling
John Olson
Bob Pagano
Joe Pallant
Doug Pew
Don Tomasello
Rick Vaughan
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
As of March 1, 2023
GERRY KENNEDY AND PAUL SMITH
Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith retired from very busy careers in Washington DC and have lived in our community for eighteen years. They jumped into volunteer roles as soon as they were settled.
As a licensed clinical social worker, Paul worked for years as a volunteer clinician with Sunserve providing therapeutic services, including psychotherapy and clinical instruction, as well as supervision of Masters-level students who were interning at Sunserve. Paul served on the board of directors of the Pride Center at Equality Park for seven years.
Following his career in finance, Gerry volunteered as Treasurer and board member at Wilton Station Condominium, Treasurer and Board member of GMCSF from its inception, and later as Chair of the GMCSF Board. They are continuing to volunteer their services at John Knox Village in Pompano Beach, where they now live.
Gerry and Paul have long been very generous donors to many of our local LGBTQ+ organizations. They have given to Our Fund, Latino Salud, Sunserve, The Pride Center, Island City Stage, Equality Florida and GMCSF. Earlier this month, at GMCSF’s annual fundraising brunch, Gerry and Paul were honored for their service to the community and were presented the annual Al Lamorges Award.
THE MAURER FAMILY FOUNDATION
Through its charitable gifts, the Maurer Family Foundation aims to provide financial assistance to those organizations and institutions whose goal is to enrich their communities and the lives of their patrons through programs of cultural value. This includes, but is not limited to, fine art, experimental art, applied and decorative art, film, television, music, literature, poetry, architecture, theater, dance, opera, and folk traditions; in short, the entire realm of creative human endeavor.
We are grateful to The Maurer Family Foundation for their generous sponsorship of tonight’s concert.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA DONOR HIGHLIGHTS
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 donor 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: Priority access to the best seats for our concerts
Supporters ($300 - $1,499) Friends benefit, PLUS: Patron’s Club membership
Introducing THE PATRON’S CLUB
Friends ($1 - $299) Listing in concert program books and GMCSF’s website
The GMCSF Patron’s Club is an annual membership program with an annual fee of $300 ($25 a month). Members of the club get the benefits listed for our “Supporters,” level of giving, dedicated e-blasts that give updates on the chorus and our progress, a GMCSF T-shirt, and access to a special event. GMCSF donors of $300 or more who renew for the 2022-2023 season are automatically enrolled in the Patron’s Club.
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
As of 12 months ending 3/1/2023
VIRTUOSI
MAESTROS ($20,000+)
*Denotes active singing members
Douglas Pew and Donald Croxton, LGBT Trust Fund at The Our Fund Foundation
Dan Chadburn and Tom Nichols
COMPOSERS ($10,000 - $19,999)
Fred Boykin* and Jack Killen
Joseph Fletcher* and Kerry Waldee
Richard and Emilio Quadracci Cabrera, The Windhover Foundation
Richard Vaughan* and Walter Sherman
DIVAS ($5,000 - $9,999)
Ginny Dixon and Gisella Oliveira
William Elliott and David Bacher
Matthew Gill
Michael Kalb
Mark Kent and Kevin Daft
Paul Rolli and Bennett Quade, The William Bennett Quade and Paul Rolli Donor
Advised Fund at The Our Fund Foundation
PRODUCERS ($2,500 - $4,999)
Ronni and Jonathan Arden
Joseph A. Grano
Tyler Healis
David Jobin and Angel Burgos
Gerry Kennedy and Paul Smith
Steve Oden and Mike Greer
George “Dan” Prigmore and Marcia Hayes
Harvey Shapiro and Michael Dager, Stronger Together Fund at The Our Fund Foundation
William Spinosa* and Frank Molano
Mimi Pink
Dennis St. Jean*
Donald Tomasello* and Robert Pagano
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE
BENEFACTORS ($1,500 - $2,499)
Anonymous
Bruce Anderson*
Brock Boyd and Doug Spellberg
Brian Burress and Chris De Los Santos
Christopher Chouinard and Harold Rodriguez
Antonio Corrente* and Douglas K. Leib
Stephen Ferrante
Michael Foley* and Tommy Zhang
Cary Giacalone* and Kris Jarmann`
Matthew Kent and Brenda Moons
John Klomp and Joseph Brannen
Steven Lutz
Ron MacDonald
Harold Noble* and Douglas Peachey
Murry Stegelmann
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY
GMCSF CHORAL SOCIETY
SUPPORTERS ($300 - $1,499)
B.J. Albright and Philip Morris
Christopher Ambs and Scott Clearwater, Charitable Fund at The Our Fund Foundation
Adam Barber and Bryan Yarchan
Robert Beaulieu*
William Beck and Peter Flyzik
Steven and Thomas Begert-Clark
Stephen Bender
Don Camarda
Doug Carl and Sumner Riddick
John Chaffin*
Philip Cordell
Dorothy Correnti and Lance Miller, In honor of Tony Corrente and GMCSF
Roberta Corrigan
Jimmy Cunningham and Jerson Velasquez
Craig Dannenbrink and C.J. Jensen
Broderick Davis
Janis DiMonaco
Mark Dobosz
Andy Fischman
Melody Fiore
Kenneth Flick and D.C. Allen, No Gay Hate Fund at The Our Fund Foundation
Richard Fulks* and Chris Wilcox
Michael Goodman
Robert Graziano
Marc Grossman
Carlos Guerra
Richard Higgins
Terry Hirsh*
Gary Hoffman
John Ison*
Carl Jennings and Lawrence Gammons
J. Mark Kasper
George Kling
Eric Alayon*
David Allen
Frank Alvarez
Christian Andaya*
Anne Anderson
James Antenucci and Jerry Day*
Chesley Austin
Vance Avinger
David Baier*
Douglas Bandol
Dana Banker
Jeff Banning
Stephen Barnhart
Charles Beavin
Charles Bell
Gregg Kurek, In memory of George Brown
Jeffrey Lammers and James A. McLaughlin
Warren LeBlanc
Thomas Lenihan and Ian Cohen
Jeanine Lombardo
James Mallon*
Brian McNoldy
Tony Minella*
Orlando Ojeda*
Dianne Orr
Judy Paul
Raymond Rodriguez*
Dr. Runar Polluson and Robert Pinsky
James Profino-Bond
Francois Ratzel*
Orlando Santiago and Robert Wilt
Larry Scott and Frank Zurek
Rick Shapiro
Ronald Sierpien and Willard Jordan
Larry Small* and David Burba
Stephen Smith
Constance St. Jean
Jack B. Stein* and Peter Meccariello
Ralph Stivali
Don Thompson* and Gene Ramey
Michael Valdez* and Jeffrey Thomas
Kely Van Eaton*
Wesley Walker
Charlie Walter*
Preston Watkins and Philip Cross
Dr. K. David Weidner and Dr. William E. Gannon, Jr., In honor of Fred Boykin
Raymond Willey*
Howard Yopp
Eric Ziegler* and Ross Kemp
Edward Otto Zielke
FRIENDS ($1 - $299)
Alyssa Bennett
Scott Bennett, Charitable Fund at The Our Fund Foundation
Miguel* and Ronald Bernard-Rivera
James Berry
Rex Beyer* and Nick Meyer
Jose Blanco*
Susan and Jeffrey Bogatin, In honor of Steve Patterson
Robert Boo
Bryon Bowlby and Robert Baldwin
Edward Breeden
Richard Brennan and Terrence Brennan
Alvaro Bucheli
Carla Buonanno and Jack Stein
John Burch*
George Burger
Darin Bush
Mark Byrd
Joseph Cannon*
Allan Carp
Anthony Castaldi
Cindy Christie
John Coffin
Butch Culbertson
Robert Cullinane
Mary Davenport-Yant
Michael DeSarro
Marc Dickerman
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
Walter Dickey
Harold Dioquino and Marty Childers
James Easom
Chad Edgar*
Charles Egan
Yadin Elcon
Erick Eldridge
Steven Evans
Henry Fabian and Jason Rawls*
Michael Fahim
Stephen Fallon
Jack Faraci
Richard Farrar
Lance Fein and Lynete Van Heyzen
Douglas Ferguson*
Frank Ferri*
Ethan* and Andrew* Fletcher
Steven Freeman*
Matthew Freeman
Zachary Freeman
Kathy Friend
Jarrod* and Sean* Gac-Guerrier
William Garneau
Brian Garrett
Virginia Gascoigne
Doreen Gauthier
Constantine Georgiou
Jack Gerard
John Gillen
Michael Gillespie* and Tom Gutman
Kathleen Gleeson
Billie Goldstein
Bruce Gottsch
Deborah Graham
Peggy Gregorovic
Peter Grossman and Lawrence W. Timmins
Paul Guariglia*
William Haas
Cynthia Hall
Patrick Harris
Karen Hartnett
Fredrick Heal II*
Steven Herman
Doris Herrera-Pol
Keith Hickman
Linda Hindley
William Hines
David Hopper*
Andrew Horvath
Charles Horvath
Jim Houser*
Richard Huitema
William Hyman
Walter Jackson
Michael Jacobsen* and Bob Thompson*
Valerie Jacques
Victor Jannett*
Bradley Johnson* and Wayne Laubscher*
George Johnson
Michael Johnson
Kevin Jones
Hillary Josephs
Debra M. and Robert H. Joslin
Kevin Kane and Keith A. Smith
Michael Kane
Rubin Kaplan
Robert Kay
Faith Keady
James Kelly
Mark Kight and Robert Morrow
Patricia and Dean King
Stuart Kisselovich and Steven Patterson*
Mary Beth Koeth
Peter Konrath*
Greg Koslowski
Greg Kubiak
R. M. Kurlander
Laura Lanou
Linda and Douglas Lanou
Aaron Lauer*
Maurice Lawrence
John Lee and Tim Flenner
Robert Lee
Charles Leib
John Lewis* and Louis Hemmerich
Robert Lindsay
David R Littlefield*
Donald LoCascio and Robert L. Murphy
A. Ray Lockley* and Marty Onieal
Dorothy J. Lombardi
Nicholas Longo
James Lopresti*
Ken Manford
Derek Mann
Joseph Mannino
Erwin Mayer
Donna Marshalll
James McBride and John Harold
Brian McComak
Virginia McCulloh*
Georgia McGill
Richard Mcnany and Leonard Herbert
Michael McPherrin and Andrew Lopes
Betsy Melamed
Michael Mendillo
Arthur Mendini*
Melanie Merriman
Bob Miller
Rudy Molinet and Jeffrey Scott Shearer
Terry Moore*
Keith Muller and Stephen J. Pescia
Edwin Neimann*
Claudia and Ray Niles
Patricia Opper
Alan Parshley*
John Patrick
Clayton Patterson*
Stein Pederson
Caroline Pfeffer
Roberta Phillips
Harrison Pierson
Michael Ping*
Vicki Ploscowe
Patrick Quillen and Bert Cohen*
Daniel Geordanys Ramirez*
John Ramos
Michael Randich
Asa Ratliff
Terry Regnier
Peter Reinoso*
Lee Rickles
Rhonda Ritchie
Charles Robinson*
Irwin Rosen
Kenny Russell
Parivash Russell
John Russo
Richard Sacher
Marcus Saitschenko*
Gabe Salazar*
Richard Sanders
Thomas Santaniello
Jose Santos*
Jonathan Sanz*
Paul Schiminsky
Kim Nickelson Sguros and Louis Sguros
Steven Shapiro*
Jason Simon-Kean*
Henry Smith and William Sandrik
Jonathan Smith
Matther Sparks and Scott Hindley
Carrie Spencer
Andrew K. Stephens*
Van Stewart
John Stull and Michael Bracchi
Eric Sullivan and Randy Holland
Greg Tefft and Ed Stehle
Karl Trappe
Lawrence Turk and Stephen Draft
Jerry Tvrdik
Umberto Veltri
Steve Visano and Vaughn Brison
Dannielle Vizzini, Hair By Dannielle & Co.
Jerry Vroegh
Tony Walsh and Richard Johnson
Ric Wanetik
Troy Watson
David Welsh
Fred and Christopher West
Michael White
Pamela Whitman
Sharon and Edwin Wigutoff
Jay Wiley
Aubrey Williams* and Christopher Michaels
Michael Williams
Gwen Williams
William Willmitch
Stanley Wilson
Louisa Yanez
Tim Yarbrough*
Robert Young*
Sarah Young
GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA
GMCSF CHORAL 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 new threats have emerged. 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 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 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 Our Fund Foundation, contact Mark Blaylock at 954-565-1090 or email MBlaylock@Our-Fund.org.
MEMBERS
Bob Pagano
Charles Nicoll
Christopher Chouinard
Don Tomasello
Donald Croxton
Doug Pew
Fred Boykin
George King
Gerald Kennedy
Jack Killen
John Burch
Mark Benson
Robert Benson
Marty Kaplan
Mitchell Grant
Paul Guariglia
Paul Smith
Peter Kimball
Robert Beardsley
Ralph Stivali
IN REMEMBRANCE:
Al LaMorges
George V. Brown
Greg Futchi
John Hohl
PEGASUS SOCIETY
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT HOW THE OUR FUND FOUNDATION CAN HELP YOU ESTABLISH A LEGACY PLAN, EMAIL LEGACY@OUR-FUND.ORG. LIFTING UP SOUTH FLORIDA’S LGBTQ COMMUNITY OUR-FUND.ORG
WITH LEGACY GIVING, WE ENSURE THAT A DONOR’S EXPRESSED VALUES + WISHES
ARE ALWAYS MET.
"The Sunshine Cathedral is a different kind of church where the past is past and the future has infinite possibilities!"
All people have sacred value. God is omnipresent Love. Rooted in the Christian tradition and the Gay Rights Movement, we are an inclusive church for ALL kinds of people.
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