Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus Puts the 'Color' in Colorado, the 'Sissy' in Mississippi, and the 'Gay' in Gala!

If having two major events just as the hot months begin isn't enough to convince you that the folks at Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus (PSGMC) are committed to year-round music in the desert, the chorus has yet another concert in August. "The chorus is made up of individuals who enjoy the opportunity to sing and perform," explains David A. Sanchez, PSGMC's president.

The chorus' next big event happens Saturday and Sunday, April 26 and 27 at the Palm Springs High School Auditorium and is titled "Optimistic Voices." It's an ambitious attempt to encapsulate musically, on stage in a couple of hours, decades of progress and perseverance toward LGBT equality.

Asked if taking on 40 years of history in one performance makes the PSGMC crazy, Sanchez was matter-of-fact. "Our mission statement says that we are to be a chorus of gay men who are dedicated to entertain, inspire, and educate the diverse community in which we live through musical expression," he said.

The lineup of songs in the first act falls under the banner of "Tribute to the Armed Forces,"featuring music from the Army, Navy, Coast Guard and Marines. "We are going to ask members of the audience to stand and be recognized as they hear the song of the branch of service they participated in,"Sanchez said. From there, he says, each of the songs depict a period of LGBT history, including "...some good, some challenging moments," wrapping up with"...the ultimate win with marriage equality."

April's Optimistic Voices concert features some very familiar songs that the audience will be able to recognize, including, "We Kiss in a Shadow" from The King and I. Sanchez explained, "(It's) a beautiful tribute to forbidden love between two individuals." Also featured is "Do You Hear The People Sing," from "Les Miserables," about fighting for what you believe in, according to Sanchez. " 'Color Out of Colorado' is a play on words," he continues, "but the ending is so true. You can't take the color out of Colorado; you can't take the Mary out of Maryland and you can't take the sissy out of Mississippi or subtract the ten percent out of Tennessee."

The gay choral movement started back in the early '70s, but came of age with the assassination of Harvey Milk, according to Sanchez. "The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus was organized during that time, as a vehicle for men to express their feelings through choral music," he said. "Also around that time other LGBT choruses started organizing and became popular fixtures within their communities. We are all members of GALA, the Gay and Lesbian Association of choruses, and there are approximately 180 choruses from all over the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America."

There's a place for everyone in the gay men's chorus: "We love newbies!" says Sanchez. "We're not looking for professionally-trained singers; rather, men who have the joy of singing and can carry a tune." And for those who don't want to sing with the chorus but still want to be a part of it, they can join a special section called "Section V." Sanchez says,"This is where we get many of our volunteers for our concerts and other community wide events."

With a big gala featuring a big star of stage and screen on the horizon, PSGMC will soon need those volunteers. "We're excited about this opportunity to hold our annual fundraiser celebrating our fifteen years as a community-organized chorus," says Sanchez. "We thought we needed to celebrate in a big way. We were fortunate to be able to secure for that evening of celebration award-winning actor Leslie Jordan. Mr. Jordan will present the Palm Springs premiere of his one-man smash hit, "Show Pony," said Sanchez. "The Gala is going to be a very fun evening and a great way to celebrate fifteen years of choral music with the Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus, Saturday, May 17 at the Hard Rock Hotel."

For more information or to buy tickets call 760.219.2077 or go to psgmc.com