A Concert Recap of our Fabulous Summer 2026 Show
Music by the Bay
By Gabriel Holman
There was glam! There was soul! And even Mother Nature appeared this past weekend at Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus summer concert series “Music by the Bay!”
Featuring music made famous by Journey, The Pointer Sisters, Sylvester, Tower of Power, and more, this high-energy concert delivered rock, funk, soul, disco, and pop favorites that have brought generations together through the power of music.
OaklandGMC continued that tradition as they took to the stage at Valley Center for the Performing Arts in Oakland and the Del Valle Theater in Walnut Creek.
Along with the buttery voices, thrilling choreography, and queer joy that audiences are accustomed to with OaklandGMC concerts, this summer concert featured many firsts. Local legend, Paul James Frantz, had one of his songs featured this weekend, Zombie Muni Rider - reminding audiences that love can find you in the Bay Area even when the bus is late.
We were also thrilled to feature guest artist Stockton Soul! Welcomed to the stage by OaklandGMC’s Artistic Director Dr. Bruce Southard, this Soul Orchestra got both the audience and chorus members aboard the Love Train with their stellar string instrument arrangements and vivacious vocals of Miniya Brisbane. The audience couldn’t help but get up and groove when both ensembles joined together to sing Everyday People.
Audience members were stunned by the juicy harmonies of OaklandGMC’s new small ensemble: Rainbow Resonance. Teased during our recent crowdfunding campaign, Colors of Pride, Rainbow Resonance made their official debut with Lights and Sitting on the Dock of the Bay this concert and were enthusiastically welcomed by the audience.
The final concert of our fabulous 27th season had the audience jumping up to dance in the Disco Heat. OaklandGMC wants to say thank you to our fabulous community, and we look forward to our next season and hope you will continue to join us as we spread queer joy through song!
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