By Melvin Terry
It doesn’t seem so long ago when I first heard of GALA (GayLa), a sort of choral Olympics where queer folks from around the world get together every four years to celebrate our existence and joyously sing for each other. Well, it was 16 years ago, when I first joined the then Oakland East-Bay Gay Men’s Chorus in 2007.
Fast forward to 2012; inspired by 2008 about 30 members attended GALA in Denver after working very hard to be mostly off book. We showed up in our new outfits of snappy GAP jeans and iridescent vests. The three venues were spectacular, and there were about 5000 attendees.
In 2016 when GALA was held in Denver again, about 6000 attended. Apart from our own set we were joined by the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Chorus performing "Was It the Wind?" which was composed for us by Jack Curtis Dubowsky with lyrics by East Bay poet Ina Coolbrith. That was quite a thrill. (Click below to watch).
After our individual set a group of people were very enthusiastically cheering and clapping when we exited. At first, we weren’t sure what to make of it until they started shouting “Bravo Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus”. When I remember that moment, I get goosebumps all over again.
Another wonderful part of the festivals has been the ability to see all the other choruses perform, from as small as 6 people to the mega choruses from the major cities like NYC, Chicago, Seattle and Minneapolis.
Los Angeles always does some fantabalous production a la Hollywood, San Francisco doesn’t disappoint, and Heartland Chorus of Kansas usually surprises with a craftily organized moving theme concert. Of course, our sets have gotten better and better. (Click below to watch).
There were brave choruses from mainland China and Cuba, whose very presence was heart- warming and inspirational.
Did I mention there are parties? Well, there are quite a few of them. You can let your hair down, have a great time and meet people from all over. Some people have even met future spouses and definitely, some future ex-spouses.
Above and beyond, it has been a great opportunity for chorus members to get to know each other and to experience the cities we visit together. Some chorus members coordinate make side trips either before or after the festival to enjoy the local nature. (Click below to experience some of the highlights)
Unfortunately, GALA 2020 was cancelled due to COVID, so 2024 in Minneapolis will be the first time we will perform at GALA as the Oakland Gay Men’s Chorus and with our new logo.
Previous GALA’s have been so uplifting and life-affirming. 2024 is going to be such a great experience for all of us that we want as many members to attend as possible.
That means that financial means should not be a barrier. There is a scholarship fund for membership and a special GALA fund to assist members who need it to make it to the festival. The costs will be substantial (registration, flight, and hotel).
Anyone who has the means and would like to donate to the GALA fund Please contact Dustin Bankston at dustinbankston@gmail.com or go to our donation website:
https://www.oaklandgmc.org/give
