Providence Gay Men's Chorus :: "The Colors Of Our Lives"

The Providence Gay Men's Chorus hit all the right notes with their latest show, "The Colors of Our Lives."

The performances on June 5, 8, and 9 at the Met School were held to coincide with the state's Gay Pride celebration.

The theme of the show was celebrating the diversity of not only the LGBT community, but humanity itself.

The chorus, under the expert direction of Kim Kuda, not only put on an entertaining show, but a socially conscious one as well.

The song selection featured a plea for racial tolerance ("Colors of the Wind "from the 1990s Disney film "Pocahontas"), classic show tunes by Richard Rodgers ("My Favorite Things" and "Blue Moon"), "The Star Spangled Banner," and a traditional Zulu dowry song, "Amavolovolo."

The individual performances were flawless.

Soloist Angelo Garcia gave an impassioned vocal on "White Horse," written by Taylor Swift. The song was presented to draw attention to the large number of gay and lesbian victims of domestic abuse. Images of battered men and women were displayed on an overhead screen during the song.

Soloist Mark Lima had a seductive quality as he sang "La Vie en Rose," the classic Edith Piaf song.

Kevon Tucker-Seeley, David J. Lombardi, Karl Doerflinger, and Erik Hanson excelled on the moody, elegant ballad "Sapphire Blue," with music and lyrics by Kuda.

During the show's second half, the chorus performed a trio of songs which paid solemn tribute to gays and lesbians serving in the military and to fallen soldiers from all wars.

"Johnny Has Gone for a Soldier," "When Johnny Comes Marching Home" and "Blades of Grass and Pure White Stones" were achingly poignant and passionate.

The chorus showed their light side, with their irreverent version of The Beatles' "Yellow Submarine," and "Java Jive," a loving tribute to everyone's favorite beverage.

The show concluded with the high-spirited "Appalachian Celebration," a victory chant for the state of Rhode Island's recent passage of marriage equality including the refrain "We will live in peace and harmony."

What was most impressive about the latest PGMC concert was the level of artistry on display. The chorus always takes their audiences on a whirlwind rollercoaster of emotions, changing from zaniness to serious in the blink of an eye. They continue to take risks and try out material which explores the depth of human emotions.

The Providence Gay Men's Chorus was established in 1995. Last year the chorus traveled to Denver, Colorado to perform alongside LGBT choruses from all over the world in the International Gala Festival.

For more information about the Providence Gay Men's Chorus, go to www.provgmc.org.