The Chan National Queer Arts Center

I finally went to a concert - I’ve been considering it for a while. Coldplay and Imagine Dragons are my two favorite bands! I couldn’t say no! The atmosphere is beautiful, intimate and cozy. The musicians did a fabulous job sharing their talent through the songs. I couldn’t stop swaying and moving to the music. I will definitely go back! The best part - they don’t allow pictures and videos during the performance, until the last song. I so appreciated being in the present moment and not having to see a bunch of phones in the air!

We’ve done 2 fever candlelight events and we loved every second of each set. We really like listening to live music and they have really talented musicians play great pieces. The first we went to was in 2021 and they did the classic Vivaldi, 4 seasons. This most recent event we went to in 2024 was a tribute to Beyoncé. The setting is amazing and I’d recommend as a nice date night out. Shows last 1 hour and the musicians also do short introductions to the pieces they’re playing so you can hear a bit about the history and origin.

What a magical experience - singing along to my favorite songs. Felt intimate, romantic, and fun! Would do again - 10/10.

Great event. Marvelous musicians! Great atmosphere. Excellent venue. All of these performances are well worth your time!! You won’t be disappointed!!

The concert is all right. But the photographer is a disgrace. He deliberately misled us of how to pick up the pictures and tied to charge us twice. What a shame! Honestly pay a little bit more to SF symphony would be much more enriched and worthy experience.

Caught a Hans Zimmer candlelight performance here. Lovely, spacious venue with great acoustics in a fun neighborhood.

This was a really cool experience that I plan on attending in my town. Even if you don't know or like the lyrics to a song I would still recommend this if you appreciate an orchestra.

Parking is extremely limited, and the location is not easily accessible for quick stops.

New venue for the ever growing popular Fever's Candlelight concert. This was the Best of Hip Hop on Strings premiere with the Listero String Quartet with a drummer. I was very impressed, I don't normally listen to hip hop, but classical music can turn anything to easy and fun listening experience. I loved the sounds, good mix of old school music with Coolio's Gangsta's in Paradise, 2Pak, JayZ and Eminem to name a few for this one hour set. Remember photos and videos at the last song and stay at your seats. Everyone was well behaved and surprisingly almost full house like 3/4 filled up. These Candlelight concerts are a big money maker to bring people into the classical world and may bring them to the Davies Symphony Hall or the Opera one day. Some of the performers are in the symphony, so say hi to them, they will appreciate it.

Where do I start?! Got to the venue right when doors said it would be open. I was ushered to my seat by the LOVELY Julian. He was so kind and I felt extra welcomed because I was alone. Showed me all of the exits, bathrooms and everything! He made my experience so nice. Then for the main show, I watched Candlelight: A tribute to Taylor swift and my god! The performance was truly amazing. The Quartet was out of this world. Was in awe the whole time. Not to mention the place was decorated so beautifully. Would 100% go again. Thank you Julian and Candlelight! Also a shoutout to security as well for making me feel safe and welcomed :)

We saw a candlelight concert here. It was a lovely space, and the staff was so nice and friendly. I am curious to see what other events they have there in the future.

I love Gay Men's Chorus in San Francisco! It's like seeing Beach Blanket Babylon. I found out that you can volunteer for the Gay Men's Chorus, so I am on that listserv now. I recommend volunteering for Gay Men's Chorus. Gay Men's Chorus has 270 gay men singing. Holigays was a fun show tonight. I had seen the Gay Men's Chorus at SFSymphony. Some people have done this for 10 to 20 years and I met a young man who was in his first year. He was adorable. I met some other gay men's singers as well. This is sooo fun!!

My boyfriend and his family have been religiously going for the past 10 years. This year his parents moved away and I wanted to continue the tradition so I bought him and I tickets. It was my first time going and I absolutely loved it. We got seats on the second floor, which was perfect! I was impressed at how big the group was, not sure what I was expecting but I was impressed at how many men were on stage. Aside from singing, there was a dance show. Everyone on stage truly talented ! You'll get your money's worth ! You are paying for such a beautiful experience. There is some comedy and funny pieces ! The crowd was always respectful and supportive. Towards the end of the show, the conductor gave a few words which made me tear up a little bit. This is was his last year conducting the show after 30 years. I don't want to give much detail away about the show, but it was WORTH IT. They sang a song in Spanish too! Truly made me feel like they were trying hard to make sure everyone felt welcomed. After the show ended, families and friends were waiting to give the performers flowers and gifts. The whole event was LOVE! Hoping to go again next year !

These guys really know how to put on a show! SFGMC doesn't disappoint in any aspect of their events. The shows are musically/ artistically rich and full of flair! The last show I went to was The Brits are Coming! Where the choir gave us their take on a number of Brit originals- my favorite of that night was Creep (by Radiohead). The shows are amazing because the SFGMC is so all encompassing- drawing inspiration from all genres of music and areas of history. While they are a powerhouse of an ensemble, they still make room to present the talents of many others- in the last particular show the African American Shakespeare company executed a most riveting performance (I am now a fan and cannot wait to get to one of the shows). SFGMC, has 2 break out crews within the larger choir- The Homo-phonics and The Lollipop Guild: they keep the lineup so fun! These groups usually go the extra mile with full costume, dance routines and funky tunes, such a fresh way to mix up the show! Also, they have tons of swag, merch and often times a full bar during their events- to commemorate the experience. Go see the SFGMC for a lovely night out enjoying the arts, if they happen to be having a show while in town this would be a perfect night out for visiting guests too!

We had the pleasure of attending the SFGMC's performance of Home for the Holidays at the Bankhead Theatre in Livermore yesterday afternoon. As an added bonus one of the performers was our daughters bestie from CAL. So cool to go to our local venue for this. Easy parking, small theater was quick and easy to seat. This show literally sparkles... a broad range of serious and comedic interpretations of the classics, and some original work. LOL skits and dancing with cutting edge humor only this group can do. Gorgeous choral work. A must see! Got to meet our family friend afterwards...all in our current hometown! Would not miss it next year!

In 2014, for the first time ever, the SFGMC put on a matinee show. The Conductor confided that he was certain the audience would contain no more than a handful of his friends and was astonished to look out upon a full house at SF's Nourse Auditorium. I'm not big on holiday cheer but City Box Office sent me an offer for a moderate discount on tickets to this show, a show that none of the people I invited had ever before seen. That right there is incomprehensible: 6 people with (far) more than 100 collective years of living in the City and none of us had ever before seen the SFGMC. Don't let that happen to you. For many, the SFGMC is an annual tradition. They first performed, after only 4 rehearsals, on the steps of City Hall during the candlelight vigil following the murders of Harvey Milk and George Moscone. When the AIDS crisis hit they were there again to bring solace to their devastated community. They performed at the Castro Theater on Christmas Eve and have been doing so ever since. It's currently season 37 and they've been at it for 25 years (I don't understand that math either. Just let it go). The show is a perfect mix of beauty, grace, silliness, lump-in-the-throat, humor, and joy. Its bits of camp are perfectly offset with a counter-balance of seriousness. The show is neither in one court or another, neither too somber nor too silly, nor would I wish it to be. Amongst my group several were brought to tears. I'd not have realized that for when I looked over they were laughing. It's that sort of show. It's obvious that this enormous troupe takes huge pride in being a part of SFGMC. With a mission to "create extraordinary musical experiences that inspire community, activism, and compassion" they continue to do just that. Their shows often benefit local (and nearby) groups responsible for combating AIDS. If you've not yet seen them consider it. They're a class act and one more thing in a seemingly endless list, to love about San Francisco.

I honestly thought I was beyond getting "into the Holiday's spirit", but attending the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus' 22nd annual holiday performance "Joyous, Jolly, and Jingles" really made me get into the spirit for the first time in years. I attended the first show on Christmas Eve, and I was completely blown away. The program's sequence was well crafted and the singing was magnificent - of course. Every act was unique and entertaining, and just when the audience thought that there were no more surprises around the corner, boom, an explosion of melody, harmony, and humor came our way. Perhaps the most enchanting element to this event was the unmistakable feeling of inclusiveness. This feeling touched every moment of the concert from listening to Melody Moore, from the San Francisco Opera , to clapping to Donna Sachet, a celebrity drag queen, to watching Ethan Pope, an ASL Interpreter, sign the entire performance. The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus brought the house down with their second to their last piece, Silent Night, which they did not sing, instead they signed it. There was not a dry eye among the audience. From now on, whenever I can, I will attend the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus Holiday concerts. I may not put up a tree, send holiday cards, or wrap presents, but I'll be damned if I'm not sitting at the front row every year.

The SFGMC "Home for the Holidays" Christmas eve show at the Castro Theater is a wonderful tradition in San Francisco for nearly twenty years. Nothing beats the energy and sweet music! I went to see the show several years ago and then again this year. I am giving them the five stars because of all the wonderful work these men do! But this year's show? Well.... I loved several songs - and some of the cheerfulness was incredible! But... I think we really didn't need the "drag conga line" nor the endless "solstice" songs. (Plus the Cindy Lauper "appearance" was just tacky). And, for once, I'd love to hear a real "Twelve Days of Christmas" instead of the gay-themed one ("....six shots of botox!"). I really hate to sound like such a wet blanket because these guys are truly fun and exciting to watch! Perhaps next year's "Home for the Holidays" can add to the festivities that sense of classiness I know this chorus does so well! But, otherwise Bravo! SFGMC Bravo!

My wife and I saw their 2014 holiday performance this past weekend, and I consider it to be one of the top 3 live performances of my lifetime. For sheer fun and joy, mixed with tears, fabulous storytelling, wonderful sounds (and wonderful silence), it is now going to be part of our family holiday tradition. Nothing better!!! Go see them!!!

Another absolutely fabulous performance last night. What else can I say besides I has tears in my eyes at some points, laughed so hard I had a stitch in my side and it made me think? These wonderful men always manage to amaze me. Last night was no exception.

That was the gayest holiday show I've ever seen. And I mean that as the highest of compliments. Making religious songs tolerable, reviving old standards with plenty of sass, and sharing obscure holiday classics like the Davey Dinckle Song (rhymes with tinkle, do a Google search for the lyrics), the men of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus put on quite the entertaining show. And there is no better venue for them than the historic Castro Theater. Even if they weren't great singers, I'd give them five stars for celebrating who they are, and giving each of us, gay or straight, another reason to celebrate living in such an amazing city.

I wanted to give the SFGMC a one star review because they can't seem to schedule concerts around our visits to SF . We always seem to just miss the choir - what a disappointment, Anyway we are an old straight married couple that come to SF every Christmas simply for the Choir. I find myself choking back the tears because the music is simply beautiful. It moves me so. Kathleen McGuire has a different take on familiar music. I have since loaded my IPOD with music from their CDs and Itunes. Perfection...simply perfection. When I am back in Ohio picking up after the nasty (probably Republican) Canada Geese, I put on my earplugs and am instantly in heaven. Straight or Gay, you simply must attend their concerts.

Some of them, mostly tenors, would sing my praises. But I have nothing but high notes for all of them. They're the best! SFGMC ..open your heart to me!

I respectfully disagree with Quality T. I believe this year to be the best show they've had in quite a while. I feel as though the new director really considered all who attend these shows and portrayed this in this year's performance. It was moving, funny and perfectly festive and, from what I've heard from many mixes of people, the general consensus was that it was moving, fun and festive. Past shows have been great, but this one was inventive, original and thoughtful. I especially enjoyed the song at the very end ("Holy Night") where they finished the song in sign language in pure silence except for the rustling of garments as the nearly 200 chorus members signed the rest of the song. Upon looking over to the sign language translator, he had his hand resting on his heart, looking on. If that's not moving and touching, I don't know what is. A+ to the SFGMC. Superb and well worth the $20-$30 ticket price. Oh, and Melody Moore sings like an angel.

Their Christmas concerts at the Castro theatre are a San Francisco classic. If I am in town, I always try to catch their concerts during the Christmas season. All of their concerts are fantastic. I was first introduced to them through some friends and was glad I learned about them. Now that I know someone in the chorus, I have even more reason to go! Definitely go and check them out. You will have tons of fun!

Aside from the amazing voices engaging in an always eclectic and exciting program, the best thing about a Gay Mens' Chorus concert is seeing last night's leather guy or Levied bear all decked out in a tux, looking like the angel his mama thinks he is.

The chorus has improved dramatically under their new director, Tim Seelig. These guys are great! The recent show they did with the cast of "Beach Blanket Babylon" was loads of fun.

Good singing. nice gay guys. They do charity work also. Support a good cause.

Attended my first rehearsal for the SF Gay Men's Chorus. After singing with the NYC Gay Men's Chorus for over 5 years, I was so impressed with this group. Tim Selig made the rehearsal so much and everyone was so great welcoming me to the group. As a potential new member, they also gave all of us newbies special time to ask questions and to help us get comfortable with the audition process. These guys sound amazing and really seem like an extended family. There's even a Lollipop Guild - so what could be better than that. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that get to become a part of this amazing Group of guys!

I saw these guys for the holiday show. Simply awesome.

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus is the best. Check out come of their older concerts on CD. My favorite is the compilation of QUEEN music when I need my spirits lifted and Exile when I need to cry. The Christmas concert is legendary. Cabaret always clever. I love these chous boys...

Best performance EVER today April 1 Paradise Found; especially after a dear loss Friday night of a member. A perfect event.

I went to my first SFGMC concert not really knowing what to expect. Country and gospel music, line dancing, tacky but fun skits, cloggers, drag queens, yellow roses, and dozens of warbling men wearing lots and lots of denim and plaid. Oh, and lets not forget the visit from Patsy Cline and her oh, so amazing cocktail gown that seemed to have it's own pocket dimension (she produced almost a dozen items from it including a pitchfork!). All that and some really terrific music to boot. Needless to say, I had a blast at Hotenanny. I just wish I hadn't gone to closing. Then, I could have recommended it to friends.

Great music !! My good friend from German is one of the head people and they are amazing. Just like in the old country!!

The San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus just put on their first 2011 Christmas concert in Santa Rosa a few days ago and knocked the walls down while raising thousands of dollars for a local community organization. Many in attendance commented on how enthusiastic and invigorated the chorus sounded under the baton of the chorus' new artistic director, Dr. Timothy Seelig. OK, in the interests of full disclosure, I may be biased since I just joined the chorus but I swear the reviews were off the charts, including one which read Dear......, I saw the SFGMC give its most remarkable chorus and with that sound and all those gorgeous men, it made me regret being straight that night! Come here them whenever and wherever they sing. Masonic Auditorium on December 8th and 3 shows @ The Castro Theater on Dec. 24th, 5,7@9pm. Other performers include world renowned Soprano, Melody Moore, the Contra Costa Wind Symphony, Velocity Bells, Vocal Minority, The Lollipop Guild and much much more.

I went to the Dec. 8th show at the Masonic Center.....all I can say is WOW!!!!! I didn't know what to expect but what a great Christmas Surprise....A friend at work recommended this performance and it did not disappoint!!!!! There was every genera of music....classical....church hymns and funny silly sing alongs...... If you have not had the pleasure of attending one of the SF Gay Men's Christmas Performances.....you definitely need to go....I hear they have 3 more performances on Christmas eve at the Castro theater...........This is going to be an annual Christmas tradition for me and my family from now on!!!!!!!

The Christmas concert at the Masonic Auditorium on Wednesday, December 7, 2011, was absolutely beautiful. The SFGMC under the musical direction of Dr. Tim Selig sounded like they never have. We were touched by their various complex chord progressions, musical arrangements, choreography, and great sense of humor. Their guest soloist, opera star, Melody Moore, sang in her gorgeous full voice; she also has a wicked sense of humor which added a lot of joy to the concert. The guest ensemble, Velocity Handbell Ensemble, and their impressive bell ringing added a wonderful timbre to the chorus. The Velocity Handbell group performed their beautiful rendition of Handel's "Messiah." The Contra Costa Wind Symphony was a joy to hear with the chorus. You know how when you leave a concert hall and had the feeling that you just experienced something really special? We both felt that way. We sure that the original founder of the SFGMC is smiling from heaven and his creation under the direction of Dr. Tim Selig. Thank you, SFGMC, for an impressive evening of great choral music. Best wishes and Happy Holidays!