A special welcome from Governor Gavin Newsom, with musical guests Carnie and Wendy Wilson Hosted by Melvin Robert of Spectrum News.
(LOS ANGELES) – March 17, 2021 – On Saturday, March 20 at 8PM, almost a year after it was to perform a program titled The California Sound onstage at Alex Theatre in Glendale, GMCLA will stream this love letter to California and its musical heritage. The concert features 90 GMCLA members led by Music Director & Conductor Ernest H. Harrison in individual performances woven together and edited into a virtual concert which, with additional video footage and commentary, becoming a narrative that is both timeless and current. This is the story of our love for California, its music, why as members of the LGBTQ community we came here, why we stay here, and where we stand today.
The 45-minute program celebrates the sound and artists of California from 60’s classic harmonies like The Beach Boys’ Surfin’ USA and God Only Knows and The Mamas and The Papas’ California Dreamin’, to current California artists with Aloe Blacc’s Wake Me Up, Billie Eilish’s mega hit Bad Guy, and Shawn Kircher’s I’ll Be On My Way.
Special guests Carnie and Wendy Wilson, daughters of Beach Boy Brian Wilson and chart-topping members of Wilson Phillips, will sing their father’s Surf’s Up. Governor Gavin Newsom will make a special appearance and welcome as part of this program honoring California.
Melvin Robert anchor of Spectrum TV news will host the concert.
“We are thrilled that the Wilson sisters, whose name and talent is synonymous with the California Sound are with us” remarked GMCLA producer Lou Spisto. “We could not have found a more perfect pairing of artist and program — they are the direct descendants of these classic harmonies and tremendous artists in their own right.” Spisto continued “We are incredibly honored that Governor Newsom is making an appearance on the program. Our Governor is one of the LGBTQ communities strongest long-standing activists and champions. We could not think of celebrating California without inviting the Governor and we are so deeply touched that he made time to be with us.” Spisto concluded “our dear friend Melvin Robert is once again hosting. As a former singing and Board member, Melvin has become quite famous these past few years and we thank him for continuing to support GMCLA.” GMCLA members have continued to rehearse and perform virtually throughout the pandemic shutdown. The Chorus’s December 2020 Holiday concert reached over 10,000 people in the Los Angeles region and throughout the globe. RESERVATIONS FOR THE CALIFORNIA SOUND, which is streaming free, can be made HERE. Those who sign up will receive a link to stream the concert at 8pm on Saturday, March 20, and then be able to re-play it for 48 hours.
This presentation is supported in part by an arts grant from the City of West Hollywood and additional support by US Bank.
Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles (GMCLA) Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic GMCLA completed an historic 40th Season appearing at Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and Walt Disney Concert Hall. The Chorus’s last live performance was February 2020 — for the nationally-televised Film Independent Spirit awards — where the song it sang became a viral sensation and was viewed over 7 million times. Under the leadership of Executive Director & Producer Lou Spisto and Ernest H. Harrison, Music Director & Conductor, GMCLA continues to rehearse and perform in virtual settings to reach as many music lovers and students as possible, and remains deeply rooted in promoting civil rights, inclusion, and acceptance through music. Founded in 1979 during the emergence of the gay civil rights movement, critics have proclaimed the Chorus “inspired,” “expressive, innovative, and utterly moving,” and hailed it for presenting “meaningful entertainment.”
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