Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates 34th season

The Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus is celebrating its 34th season, and its first year with its new artistic director.

Artistic Director Antonio Lozano and Small Group Section Leader Benjamin Platt joined “Arizona Horizon” to talk about the chorus’s upcoming country-themed show and also lead the chorus in a taped performance.

On June 6 and 7, 2025, the group will hold a country-themed concert called “Rhinestone Rodeo,” at Tempe Center for the Arts.

“It’s basically taking everything country and bringing it to life, our way. You know, putting a little pizzazz on it,” Lozano said. The show will coincide with Pride Month, which is in June.

Through its music and with community partnerships, the chorus addresses issues such as bullying, violence, suicide, parenting, conversion therapy, discrimination, health care and acceptance.

For the chorus as well, recent times have put an even greater focus on providing support for the LGBTQIA+ community and providing a message of welcome for everyone through the power of song.

“Music has a way of kind of opening up your mind and being more accepting to other, more diverse spaces,” Platt said. “I think that the Phoenix Gay Men’s Chorus, and especially the members within the chorus, do an excellent job in being welcome and bringing that to light with music.”

Providing support and acceptance for younger members of the LGBTQIA+ community is also a key goal for the group.

“Our stance is that we’re not going anywhere anytime soon. We’re here, and we’re just as equal as everyone else,” Lozano said. “And our message is, for that youth that is struggling to be themselves, that it’s okay, because you’re not here alone.”

The chorus performed the song, “Seven Bridges Road,” with words and music by Steve Young, and arrangement by Jeremey Johnson.

Get tickets to the performance on the Tempe Center for the Arts website.