They gather around the shiny black Steinway like boy scouts approaching a campfire, playfully bumping elbows and trying to make each other laugh with funny faces and inside jokes. But with the first strike of the piano key, a visual transformation takes place. Shoulders go back, diaphragms rise up and eyes lock front and forward.
It’s a Tuesday night and the nine young men find themselves once again reuniting as the “Mood Swings,” the San Diego Gay Men’s Chorus (SDGMC) premier small ensemble. Tonight, they are rehearsing two songs for their Dec. 13 and 14 Holiday Spectacular at the historic Balboa Theatre, “Boogie Woogie Hanukkah” and a tale about a reindeer whose nose has gone red.
“These guys are some of the most incredible singers I’ve ever met,” says Assistant Artistic Director BJ Robinson, a baritone from Normal Heights. “And it’s more than just talent, it’s also showmanship. They take the music to a higher, more emotional, more exciting level.”
Tonight’s rehearsal is even more demanding as noted choreographer John Diaz, Talmadge, enters the room. Tall and slender with classic dancer’s legs and swept back raven hair, Diaz’s job is teaching the talent trifecta of singing, dancing and acting—all made to look effortless and easy when executed before an audience.
“John has this amazing ability to translate music into movement,” says second tenor Joe Gregore who lives in Hillcrest. “He knows how to combine the space, stage and dance into a unique form of emotional expression.”
Taking ownership of a stage is nothing new for these singers. Second tenor Jacob Sensano, Otay Ranch, began performing in the second grade and bass Steve Uhrman of North Park began even earlier in preschool and was performing professionally by the age of 16. And if there’s any question of collegial one-upmanship, baritone Paul Fishman from Valley Center claims he “came out of the womb singing.”
While these guys were born to perform, their dedication to their group and the chorus goes much deeper. For first tenor Erik Swanson, North Park, the chorus is “one of my creative outlets where I’ve made amazing life-long friends. It’s one of my San Diego families”—a sentiment repeated over and over again by his fellow singers.
“It’s all about the brotherhood and music for me,” adds first tenor Chris Chiles of Normal Heights. “I love the community it supports.” Sensano agrees pointing out that the chorus “started out of necessity for coming out—and I feel like that ‘community of comfort’ is one of the many reasons the gay men’s chorus is so important.”
That importance is especially true during the holiday season as the role of families and friends take on extra meaning.
“I auditioned for chorus during the height of the recession when I needed to surround myself with music to help uplift my spirit,” says bass Matthew Perry, Hillcrest. “I continued singing with the chorus because of the friendships I made and the sense of community that grew from being in the group.”
For tickets to see the Mood Swings perform at SDGMC’s Holiday Spectacular, go to www.sdgmc.org or call the Balboa Theatre at (619) 570-1100. Tickets start at $28 and range to $70 for preferred VIP seating. A $4 discount is available for seniors, students, active-duty military and groups of 10 or more. Save per ticket fees by purchasing in person at San Diego Theatres Ticketing Services at Third Avenue and B Street across the plaza from the Civic Theatre weekdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
The Balboa Theatre is located at 868 Fourth Avenue adjacent to the Horton Plaza shopping center in San Diego. Prepaid parking for $10 is available when purchasing tickets or in the theatre lobby.
The Mood Swings will also make a special guest appearance at December Nights on Friday, December 5 at 6:45 p.m. from the Balboa Park Spreckels Organ Pavilion stage along with the full SDGMC chorus.
SDGMC has entertained San Diego audiences for nearly 30 years. With more than 200 members, it is one of the largest gay choruses in the world. The group’s official mission is to create a positive musical experience through exciting performances that engage audiences, build community support and provide a dynamic force for social change.
