"Color me Colorado!"

CGMC explodes onto the scene at the GALA Festival 2012 in Denver with unparalleled success!

After a few days of watching performances by talented organizations across the country and beyond, I am struck by the realization that every four years, the Chicago Gay Men's Chorus comes home. No matter what the host city, GALA festivals are a part of CGMC and in our blood. Surrounded by song and family we renew our strength and determination by this participation; to borrow the phrase, "voices raised, lives changed!" This is our legacy--not one that is merely honored through past memories but alive and strong. This is what CGMC gives to each of its members and what we share with our audiences.

Nothing more clearly exemplified this than the Youth Invasion performance last night.  Several bold and talented youth choruses from around the country came together to offer song and theatre for their peers and predecessors. What a perfect cross-section of what GALA (and CGMC) is all about. From the seasoned and polished numbers by cities like New York and Seattle to the gentle, first-time performance of only 6 young voices from Kansas City, the gay choral movement is alive and well. In a heartwarming and unscripted moment during Kansas City's final number, the young and somewhat timid performers were joined by the entire auditorium in singing "We Shall Overcome". As the voices grew and then people stood joining and raising hands, I was completely overwhelmed the the intensity of it all.

This is what GALA is about--this is what CGMC stands for... humor and camaraderie blended seamlessly with healing and encouragement. I realized that across our ages and cities, our stories may be different but our message of hope and perseverance remains undimmed.

What an amazing experience! I will return to the Windy City with a renewed sense of pride and energy to continue doing what CGMC does best: entertain, inspire, motivate and comfort!