In early April, 2024, the Gay Men’s Chorus of South Florida (GMCSF) became the first nonprofit LGBTQ+ arts organization to endow funds with JSEF under the “Drive For 35” campaign. They will be receiving a 35% cash bonus on top of their invested funds. Welcome to Jon Sims Endowment Fund. GMCSF is the second choral group to join JSEF, following the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus.
The GMCSF is a very large and successful chorus, based in Wilton Manors, FL (adjacent to Fort Lauderdale), having been founded in 2010, and now boasting 180+ singing members plus a full staff. This organization has achieved a LOT in a relatively short period of time.
Their most recent concert was “Hooray For Hollywood” on March 22, 2024 and sold out the Parker Theater in Fort Lauderdale. Their next concert, “Pride: Then, Now, and Forever – A Multigenerational Concert Celebration,” will be at The Parker Theater in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, June 29, at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale at gmcsf.org/concerts. Audiences will experience the anthems that have resonated in pride parades of the past, such as “It’s Raining Men,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Y.M.C.A.” Alongside fresh beats that echo the dreams of a new generation, the concert isn’t just a showcase of melodies but a heartfelt tribute to diverse journeys, shared struggles, and the boundless joy of the LGBTQ+ community. #gmcsf #gaymenschorus #southflorida #lgbtqmusic #pride #prideconcert. TICKETS: https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0D005F5EE2431BF5
On April 29, an orientation meeting was held at the very impressive suite of GMCSF offices attended by Joel Shapiro (JSEF Treasurer), Doug Litwin (JSEF President), Mark Kent (GMCSF Executive Director), Fidel Garcia (GMCSF Development Manager), and Gabe Salazar (GMCSF Artistic Director).
left to right: Fidel Garcia, Doug Litwin, Joel Shapiro, Gabe Salazar, Mark Kent
The GMCSF will also be sending dozens of its singers to Minneapolis July 11-14 where they will perform at the huge GALA Choruses Festival. Best of luck there!