A LOVELY review!
This review just came through for ‘The Show Tune Show’, my final show with the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus. It’s by Aloha Kai, Commissioner of Senior Affairs for the City of San Diego.
Grateful …
“BRAVO to a Night of Music, Memory, and Magic — A Tribute to Legacy, Love, and Unbreakable Community!
This past weekend, my bestie Rafael and I had the immense privilege of witnessing an unforgettable moment in San Diego’s rich cultural history — The Show Tune Show presented by the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus.
From the moment the curtain rose , we were transported into a world where joy, nostalgia, and pure showbiz brilliance lit up the stage. It wasn’t just a concert — it was an electrifying, fully immersive sing-along experience where the audience wasn’t just watching, but living the music right alongside the performers. Every lyric, every harmony, every playful wink from the stage connected us — heart to heart — in a collective celebration of love, resilience, and pride.
The air was electric with laughter, cheers, and happy tears, as show tunes from across generations filled the theater with timeless magic .It was a night that reminded me how music doesn’t just entertain us — it heals, it unites, it awakens our shared humanity.
Yet woven through the celebration was a profound sense of gratitude and reverence, as this performance marked the final night conducted under the extraordinary leadership of Dr. Charles Beale. For the past three years, Charlie has been a transformational force for SDGMC — expanding its artistic excellence , deepening its community impact , and ensuring that every voice was celebrated and heard. His final bow on that stage wasn’t just the end of a chapter — it was the culmination of a legacy filled with compassion, vision, and love.
Charlie, your leadership has left an indelible mark. Your passion ignited countless voices, including my own.
This incredible experience would not have been possible without the generosity of Mr. Terry Summers together with Pozabilities, who gifted me and Rafael the opportunity to be part of this historic night.
Terry and the Pozabilities team — your kindness opened a doorway to a night that touched our souls. Your commitment to community, compassion, and connection is a gift beyond measure. Pozabilities’ mission is close to my heart. They are dedicated to enhancing and enriching the lives of those living with HIV/AIDS through education , advocacy , and compassionate community support. Their vision is a world where individuals living with HIV/AIDS are empowered, embraced, and uplifted with dignity, respect, and unconditional love.
Their spirit and mission were alive in that theater — an unbroken reminder that through music , advocacy, and community, we continue to create spaces where no one is forgotten, no one is alone, and everyone has a voice.
As the Commissioner of Senior Affairs for the City of San Diego , and a lifelong advocate for dignity, inclusion, and community-driven initiatives,
I am deeply proud to stand alongside organizations like the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus and Pozabilities.
Their unwavering commitment to creating spaces of hope, healing, and belonging embodies exactly the kind of compassionate leadership our communities need now more than ever.
I carry deep, wholehearted support for the mission and vision of the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus as well:
To create a world that celebrates diversity , fosters inclusion , and uses the power of music as a vehicle for healing and hope .
For 40 years , SDGMC has been more than a chorus. It has been a home — a refuge for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies alike, offering a space where artistry, advocacy, and acceptance sing together as one.
And in these uncertain times , this mission matters more than ever.
When the world feels heavy, spaces like SDGMC remind us that we are never alone.
They remind us that our stories matter, our identities matter, and our lives are worth celebrating — loudly, proudly, and without apology.”