The Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, DC have continued their annual tradition of offering a seasonal holiday performance.
This year’s event took place at Lincoln Theater on U street, and featured 220 choral members, along with five ensemble groups. On Dec. 14, those groups included GenOut, the youth chorus; Rock Creek Singers, a chamber ensemble; 17th Street Dancers, GMCW’s dance troupe; Potomac Fever, an a capella harmony pop ensemble; and Seasons of Love, a gospel group. The five concerts also feature World Music Collective, an instrumentalist chamber ensemble.
The chorus shined in sparkly silver and white, while harmonizing beautifully. Their rendition of “Silent Night” was the most poignant of the night. It included a completely silent verse, with all chorus members reciting in unison via sign language.
“Twelve Days,” the Straight No Chaser staple, was aptly performed by the Potomac Fever ensemble. The youth chorus, GenOut, performed a stirring “I’ll be Home for Christmas,” that — coming from children using the arts to express themselves — couldn’t help but conjure up thoughts of those LGBT youth who may not have a home to go to this holiday.
Watch the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington DC perform “The 12 Rockin’ Days of Christmas” on YouTube:
Others shared personal stories of holiday memories from across cultures. South Korean Samilet Lee’s story stood out. The South Korean native educated the crowd by saying that the holidays in his native country are celebrated much like they are here in the States. Even Mariah Carey’s earworm made the journey.
A fun rendition of “The Man with the Bag” saw the 17th Street Dancers dressed as Santa, children sleeping, and even an elf.
It was the gospel group Seasons of Love that blew the roof off the Lincoln with the powerful “Give Love on Christmas Day.”
The show closed in as festive a manner as possible. The dancers rejoined in skimpy red sequin shorts and black tank tops for a rendition of ….. well, I should leave it a surprise. But I’ll say this: what’s a show with hundreds of gay men without a little Beyoncé? Tis the Season to Sleigh!!