San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus 2025 Holiday Concerts and a Preview of Upcoming Events

By Jon Finck—

The 2025 San Francisco Gay Men’s ChorusHoliday Spectacular was widely celebrated as one of the Bay Area’s standout cultural events of the season, reinforcing the chorus’ reputation for musical excellence, community engagement, and joyful performance. Audiences packed iconic venues across the region—from San Francisco’s Golden Gate Theatre to Berkeley’s Zellerbach Hall, the Green Music Center in Rohnert Park and Home for the Holidays at Davies Symphony Hall—with most of the eight shows selling out, a clear indicator of the concert’s popularity.

Critics and attendees alike praised the production for its blend of familiar holiday classics, contemporary works, and the chorus’ signature blend of humor, heart, and queer theatrical flair. Under the expert guidance of SFGMC Artistic Director Jake Stensberg, the program’s mix of traditional carols, pop-infused numbers, and newly commissioned pieces resonated with diverse audiences, helping the SFGMC concert series stand out, not just as a holiday tradition, but as a unifying cultural celebration.

From the podium, Conductor Stensberg led the 250+ strong singing members of the chorus, along with a virtuosic 9-piece band, singers from the chorus’ Homophonics and Lollipop Guild, a dozen dancers in all sorts of colorful sparkling costumes—who could give the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes a run for their money—in a performance that was a holiday pageant to be cherished.

Stensberg shared, “This year’s Holiday Spectacular is a celebration of love, joy, and togetherness. In a world that feels dim, we lift our voices in song to remind us that music can capture and heal our pain; laughter and joy are a form of resistance; and belonging is a light that already shines within each of us.”

Community members described the experience as uplifting and inclusive, noting that the performances brought together people from all walks of life to share in the season’s spirit. Local commentary emphasized that the chorus’ energy and commitment to joy were palpable in every note, and that attendees regularly return year after year, highlighting the concert’s role as a cherished holiday ritual.

The success of the 2025 Holiday Spectacular—reflected in enthusiastic crowd response, sold-out dates, and broad positive buzz—underscores the enduring impact of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus as a vital artistic institution that brings light, warmth, and community together through spectacular music-making each December.

Coming Up Next

Andrew Lippa & Friends
Saturday, January 24, 6 pm, One-Night-Only!
Chan Center, 170 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Run Time: Approximately 80 minutes
Age Guidance: 21+
Tickets: $117 premium includes one drink ticket; $70 and $35 general admission

Broadway Tony-nominated composer and performer Andrew Lippa will bring his genius back to San Francisco with Andrew Lippa & Friends. Known for the groundbreaking works I Am Harvey Milk and Unbreakable, Broadway’s The Addams Family, and more, Lippa will thrill audiences with songs, stories, and surprises at the piano. The performance will feature Broadway guest artist Britney Coleman, musicians Tom Regouski (woodwinds), and Billy Liberatore (keyboard), with members of SFGMC. This will be an evening of music and community you won’t want to miss!

Queer Lunar New Year Celebration
Friday, February 20, 7 pm
Chan Center, 170 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Run Time: Approximately 3 hours
Age Guidance: 21+ only
Tickets: $52 general admission includes one drink ticket and light bites

This Lunar New Year, SFGMC is proud to partner with GAPA (GLBTQ+ Asian Pacific Alliance) in celebrating their 38th anniversary! The night promises vibrant entertainment, delicious flavors, and unforgettable performances that will showcase the strength and beauty of our LGBTQ+ Asian Pacific community. Join us as we honor the Year of the Horsewith the Bay’s best and brightest QTAPI (Queer and Transgender Asian and Pacific Islander) voices.

’80s Sing-Along
Thursday, March 12, 7 pm
Chan Center, 170 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Run Time: Approximately 80 minutes
Tickets: $26 general admission (ages 13+); free (ages 12 and under)

Break out the neon and big hair—it’s time to belt your favorite hits at our totally rad ’80s Sing-Along! From pop anthems to rock ballads, we’ll relive the decade of synths, shoulder pads, and unforgettable hooks. Lyrics: provided. Vibes: electric. Dance floor: carpeted, but that’s the ’80s, baby! Join us for a night that’s all that!

Totally ‘80s!

Presenting Sponsor: Richard Atkins and Cindy Samuels
In honor of Bobby and Michael Kim

Saturday, March 21
Curran Theater, 445 Geary Street, San Francisco
Stephen Schwartz: Songs and Stories
Friday, April 17, 8 pm

Saturday, April 18, 8 pm
Chan Center, 170 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Run Time: 2 hours with intermission
Tickets: $125 premium; $70 general admission; $35 general admission

Join us at The Chan National Queer Arts Center for Stephen Schwartz: Songs and Stories, an intimate, once-in-a-lifetime evening with the legendary composer of Wicked, Pippin, and Godspell. At the piano, Schwartz will perform his iconic music, share personal stories from a life in theater, and welcome special guest artists—including the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus—for unforgettable collaborations and show-stopping moments. The celebration is also deeply personal: Schwartz shares a long and meaningful relationship with outgoing CEO Christopher Verdugo, and he’s especially excited to honor Chris and send him off in true star-worthy style.

Crescendo Gala
Saturday, April 25, 5 pm
Westin St. Francis, 335 Powell Street, San Francisco
Tickets: starting at $450, includes cocktail reception and seated dinner

Crescendo is the night where San Francisco shows up loud, proud, and unapologetically fabulous. Think glam looks, powerhouse performances by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, and a ballroom buzzing with joy and purpose. Last year, Crescendo raised over $1.3 million, helping SFGMC to shine as a beacon of light on stage, in schools, and throughout our community. This season, the chorus will be celebrating 20 years of Crescendo. Grab your sequins and get ready for a night that’s nothing short of legendary.

Gilead will be presented with the “Corporate Champion Award” and Christopher Verdugo will be presented with the “Visionary Leadership Award.” The evening’s Special Guest Host is Monet X Change and the Auctioneer is Michael Tate. Crescendo Honorary Co-Chairs are Sheryl Lee Ralph and Greg Sarris and Crescendo Co-Chairs are Bryan Catanzaro and Adrienne Foley.

Shine On: An Ensemble Showcase
Saturday, May 30, 7:30 pm
Chan Center, 170 Valencia Street, San Francisco
Run Time: 2 hours with intermission
Tickets: $50 premium; $35 general admission

Shine On: An Ensemble Showcase will bring the spotlight to the electrifying power of small-group singing—featuring the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus ensembles Homophonics and The Lollipop Guild in a one-night-only celebration of vocal artistry, queer joy, and community. Joining them will be two phenomenal guest ensembles traveling to San Francisco for this special collaboration: Cascade from the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, and Aftershock from the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. Together, these standout singers from across the West Coast will deliver an unforgettable evening of bold harmonies, fresh arrangements, and pure vocal fireworks.

The Chan National Queer Arts Center Season Sponsors: Anonymous, Bruce Carpenter, Terrence D. Chan + Edward Sell, Janet Cluff, Steve Gallagher/Coldwell Banker, and Nick Harper 

Main Stage Supporting Sponsors:
Janet Cluff, Steve Gallagher/Coldwell Banker, Butch Merideth + Ivan Capanzana, and Chris Stevenson

For tickets and additional information about all of these performances and more: https://www.sfgmc.org/

Jon Finck is the Principal Consultant at Encore Communications 2.0
https://www.encorecommunications2.com/

Arts & Entertainment
Published on January 15, 2026