December 11, 2018
'Can You Feel It?' / Providence Gay Men's Chorus
Joe Siegel READ TIME: 2 MIN.
The Providence Gay Men's Chorus exhibited plenty of heart and soul at their latest concert series "Can You Feel It?," which was presented December 6 through 9 at Beneficent Congregational Church.
Under the capable direction of Kim Kuda and with accompaniment by Heather Savage, Peter Hebda, Jonah Hebda, Annette Emerson, and Rick Sadeck, the chorus performed a diverse group of selections which included pop, gospel, and classic Christmas songs such as "Winter Wonderland" and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas."
The show began in style with the jaunty "Here We Come A-Caroling," a traditional English carol.
The chorus performed an elegant "Sunrise, Sunset" from the classic musical "Fiddler on the Roof."
Soloist Miguel Bray delivered soaring vocals on the Whitney Houston classic, "The Greatest Love Of All."
With a nod to the violence and bigotry plaguing our world, the chorus called for love and tolerance with their renditions of "The Peace Carol" and "We Are One."
The show also featured some lighthearted moments, including "Warm Kitty" which allowed the singers to strike cat-like poses, and "The Biggest Brightest Holiday Lights" with the chorus members clutching a variety of props, including candy canes and pink flamingos. There was also an appearance by the Grinch.
The chorus invited the audience to sing along with "Jingle Bell Rock" and "Rainbow Connection" from "The Muppet Movie."
"Can You Feel It?" was a joyful and uplifting experience and a pleasant way to end a tumultuous year.
The PGMC's spring concert, "Rights of Passage" – a tribute to feelings and experiences unique to the LGBTQ community, will be performed next June at the Greenwich Odeum in East Greenwich.
For more information about the Providence Gay Men's Chorus, visit the group's website.
Joe Siegel has written for a number of other GLBT publications, including In newsweekly and Options.