San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus : Loud & Proud
By Berto Fernández
When I think of organizations that are pioneering the wave of regaining the power that the Arts have in our community and society in general, the Gay Men’s Chorus, from any city, comes to mind. We are living in unprecedented times. It is no surprise to any of us. Our lives, our identity, our love for each other, are all in jeopardy. The movement spreading kindness and acceptance has been targeted because of our POWER. The Arts are the key to connecting with our greater self and to live in a better Earth.
That’s when community driven organizations, like the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus, come into play. For almost 40 years, this institution has featured members of our city’s vibrant LGBTQ+ family, spreading a message of love and unity, through choral performances all over the nation. The list of prestigious venues and events that the group has performed in is extremely impressive and inspiring. As a past member, I can remember the feeling of standing on that stage with almost 300 members of our community was truly exhilarating. I experienced first-hand how crucial it is to have those connections, not only as choir members, but as audiences. That message of hopeful unity must continue to flow through us.
“We connect, inspire and challenge: our chorus members, by nurturing artistic and personal growth while building a musical family, our audiences, by broadening cultural awareness of important social issues and the bonds that unite us all, and our communities, by serving as a catalyst for individual and social transformation.”- SDGMC Vision.
On Saturday, August 3rd, and Sunday, August 4th, the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus will present LET’S GET LOUD: Singing for Change, a powerful Pride-infused show full of pop anthems, that will surely move audiences to the core. Featuring sets from their sibling choruses, the San Diego Women’s Chorus and Coro Diversidad Tijuana, over 200 queer singers will unite in song in a spectacular all-gender choral community. The joyous evening will feature songs by Beyonce, Billie Eilish, Katy Perry, Coldplay, Avril Lavigne, and more. Jenna Ingrassia-Knox directs, and DJ Mahoney alongside other chorus members will choreograph the concert, bringing the event to the next level, as they all have vast experience in Theatre and Dance.
Going to the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus concerts has truly become a tradition for all families in San Diego. The exchange of love through the magic of music is truly palpable. It is events like these that we are at risk of losing. Coming together as Queer people is not just a concert, it’s a bold message, a protest. They say, when your community is trying to be silenced, we need to be even bolder, even stronger, even louder. The title of the show says it all. They are singing for change. Our voices together can make a huge change. Which reminds me, are you registered to vote? Make sure you are, and that you cast your vote by election day, November 5th, 2024. This year more than any prior. Visit vote.gov for more information.
So, after you verify your voter’s status, buy tickets and bring your family and friends to LET’S GET LOUD: Singing for Change to enjoy the incredible San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus at the historic Balboa Theatre on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at 8pm, and Sunday, August 4, 2023, at 3pm.
For tickets and more information, visit sdgmc.org