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2026 The American Song Book

Page 1


The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida and Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood presents

Harmony of a People

Saturday, May 9, 2026, 7:00 PM at the United Church of Christ in Fort Lauderdale

CONDUCTOR: Anthony Cabrera

ACCOMPANIST: Darren Matias

MUSICIANS: Julian Rauh - Bass | Roberto Borbone - Guitar | Teresa Flores - Drums

ENSEMBLE

TENOR 1:

Brandon G. Barker

Mark Blackburn

Joanna Grandel-Everett

Ginny McCulloh

Johann Torres

TENOR 2:

Jose Blanco

David Gray

Rick Heal

Clive Ray

BARITONE: Mick Ainger

Aaron Bell

Paul Guariglia

John Lewis

Charles Robinson

BASS: John Chaffin

Felix Fidelibus

Carlos Torres

Rob Young

TROPICAL WAVE ADMINISTRATOR: Ginny McCulloh

LEADERSHIP

ARTISTIC DIRECTOR: Gabe Salazar

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mark B. Kent

BOARD CHAIR: Kerry Waldee

CHORUS PRESIDENT: Jonathan Sanz

DIRECTOR OF MARKETING & SPONSORSHIP: Edward Otto Zielke

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT: Fidel Garcia

ASSISTANT CONDUCTOR: Anthony Cabrera

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR: James Smith

OFFICE MANAGER: Douglas Leib

THANK YOU

United Church of Christ, Fort Lauderdale: Reverend Aaron Lauer and Louis Licitra, Office Administrator. Seminole Hard Rock: Susan Renneisen, VP of Community Affairs & Special Events, Erick Eldridge, Director of Special Events, Sunshine Cathedral: Bishop Durrell Watkins, Bishop Robert Griffin, and Kurt Litzenberger, Facilities Manager.

The program book is developed and produced through generous support from:

Note:

ABOUT TROPICAL WAVE

Tropical Wave is the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida’s vocal ensemble with an estimated 20 members, led by Anthony Cabrera, the Assistant Conductor. This group performs at special events and venues that are too small for the entire chorus. It is also frequently showcased in mainstage concerts and community events.

ABOUT THE GAY MEN’S CHORUS OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Mission: We sing so that LGBTQ+ people can live their truth through quality music experiences that inspire audiences, open minds, change hearts, and affirm our common humanity. Vision: A diverse world united.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) is a vibrant community of voices, blending generations and cultures in harmony with one mission: to shape a brighter, more inclusive future through music. GMCSF is a powerful force in advocacy, using the universal language of music to transcend social barriers and uplift the LGBTQ+ community.

With a roster of over 160 talented singers, GMCSF is the largest gay men’s chorus in the southeastern United States and one of the top ten LGBTQ+ choruses in the country. Our grand-scale concerts, meaningful community engagements, and volunteer-driven outreach touch lives throughout South Florida and beyond. Under the direction of Artistic Director Gabe Salazar, GMCSF captivates more than 35,000 live audience members annually and welcomes over 72,000 visitors to its growing digital platform, gmcsf.org.

A significant milestone was reached in December 2016 when GMCSF partnered with Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood to present its holiday concert at Hard Rock Live. What began as a landmark event has evolved into a dynamic nine-year partnership rooted in music, visibility, and community impact. Today, Seminole Hard Rock continues to amplify its mission as the Amplified Season Sponsor and host of The Chic & Unique Ball, its signature fundraiser.

The Chorus welcomes singers of all identities who sing in the lower vocal range (Tenor 1, Tenor 2, Baritone, Bass), with auditions held throughout the season. Our impact reaches from Miami Heat and Miami Marlins Pride Nights to the International Gay Polo Tournament in Wellington and Treasure Coast Pride Fest at the Saint Lucie County Fairgrounds, driven by the heart and dedication of our volunteers. Whether on stage or in service, GMCSF stands united in building bridges and creating space where everyone can live their truth.

The Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida, Inc. (FEIN #27-3533074) is a nonprofit 501(c)3 corporation. Contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. You may obtain a copy of the official registration and financial information from the Division of Consumer Services by calling toll-free 800-435-7352. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

Photos Credit: Ginny Dixon Photographics

Tropical Wave Spring 2026

Irving Berlin: From Rags to Ritz

Music and Lyrics: Irving Berlin | Arr. Audrey Snyder

They Can’t Take That Away From Me

Music and Lyrics: George and Ira Gershwin | Arr. Mark Hayes

I Got Rhythm

Music and Lyrics: George and Ira Gershwin | Arr. Mark Hayes

Summertime

Music and Lyrics: George Gershwin, DuBose and Dorothy Heyward, and Ira Gershwin Arr. Mark Hayes

Someone to Watch Over Me

Music and Lyrics: George and Ira Gershwin (assisted by Howard Dietz, who wrote the title)

Soloist: Brandon G. Barker

Rhapsody in Blue

Music: George Gershwin | Darren Matias, piano

Poinciana (Song of the Tree)

Music: Nat Simon | Lyrics: Buddy Bernier | Arr. Anastasio Rossi

Soloists: John Chaffin, David Gray, Paul Guariglia, Ginny McCulloh

The Way You Look Tonight

Music: Jerome Kern | Lyrics: Dorothy Fields | Soloist: Carlos Torres

All the Things You Are

Music: Jerome Kern | Lyrics: Oscar Hammerstein II | Arr. Mark Hayes

Orange Colored Sky

Music and Lyrics: Milton DeLugg and Willie Stein | Soloist: Mark Blackburn

God Bless the Child

Music and Lyrics: Arthur Herzog, Jr. and Billie Holiday | Arr. Steve Zegree

A House is Not a Home

Music: Burt Bacharach | Lyrics: Hal David | Arr. Mac Huff | Soloist: Charles Robinson

The Summer Knows/Autumn Leaves

Music: Michel LeGrand | Lyrics: Alan and Marilyn Bergman

Music: Joseph Kosma | Lyrics: Johnny Mercer (English lyrics) | Soloist: Anthony Cabrera

Cry Me a River

Music and Lyrics: Arthur Hamilton | Arr. Jay Althouse

I’ll Be Home For Christmas

Music: Walter Kent | Lyrics: Kim Gannon | …together we sing!

I’ll Be Seeing You

Music: Sammy Fain | Lyrics: Irving Kahal | Soloist: Charles Robinson

Over the Rainbow

Music: Harold Arlen | Lyrics: E.Y. Harburg

Escape the every day and indulge yourself in a truly extraordinary getaway with limitless possibilities.

• 1,271 luxury guest rooms and suites

• World-class spa spanning 42,000 sq. ft.

• Dining concepts for every taste

• 18 acres of pools and a lagoon

• 30 minutes from Miami International Airport PARADISE MEETS PLAYGROUND.

• 26,000 square foot retail promenade

• Brand standard amplified service

• 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport

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