Rhinestone Cowboys: Country Music Gets the GMCLA Treatment

Halfway through its 46th season, Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles is preparing for its next show in March, Rhinestone Cowboys, an explosion of sequins, color and everything you never thought would be associated with cowboy.

GMCLA, a nonprofit performing arts organization, sings for a future free from homophobia and all other forms of discrimination. Its chorus and dance troupe comprise nearly 250 members who volunteer through song and dance,performing at events year-round and regularly throughout its seasons.

Rhinestone Cowboys is the second of three mainstage concerts performed by the chorus this season. Hosted at the historic Saban Theatre, the chorus will sashay and sway to the legends, ladies and icons of country music — Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Shania Twain, Johnny Cash, Chris Stapleton, Taylor Swift and more.

“Our chorus hasn’t performed country in a while, so we felt it was time to bring it back—of course, with our own spin,” said Lou Spisto, GMCLA’s executive director and producer. “There’s never been a better moment for this, because country music is everywhere—it’s ubiquitous, it’s omnipresent. Plus, the genre is more diverse than ever, with so many new voices and artists making their mark.”

Rhinestone Cowboys will spotlight today’s hippest and gayest artists and allies who are revolutionizing country including Brandi Carlile, Shaboozyand Chappell Roan.

Voices like Taylor Swift, who started in country and progressed into pop and goes back and forth, and Beyonce, who recently became the first Black woman to win a Grammy Award for Best Country Album, will also be represented during Rhinestone Cowboys, along with Lil Nas X, a queer voice who started his career in country.

New surprises and some old favorites are expected from the chorus as well.

“When we put it all together, it becomes a more diverse, expansive, and compelling take on country than we have ever done before,” said Spisto. “No matter the genre, whether it’s Motown or classic musicals, we always make it our own, infusing it with our signature beauty and humanity.”

While the chorus is preparing for its March production, Spisto said they are eager to come together as a community.

“We have a great advantage in that this ensemble of artists truly wants to be together and connect,” said Spisto. “Beyond the music, it’s about community. In difficult times like these, especially with what happened in LA, people are even more eager to come together and share in the joy of singing.”

During this show, the chorus will be performing Beautiful City by Stephen Schwartz.

“We’ve done this song before, but we’re bringing it back within the context of the fires,” said Spisto. “We always aim to reflect on who we are, what should be, and what can happen as we move forward. This song combines excitement, enthusiasm, music, and heart. We felt it would really resonate if we added it to the show.”

To see GMCLA’s spin on country, Rhinestone Cowboys, tickets can be purchased online for Saturday, March 22 at 8 p.m., or Sunday, March 23 at 3:30 p.m. Saban Theatre is located at 8440 Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills.

in News
Related Posts

Santa Monica Assault Suspect Faces Multiple Charges, Authorities Seek Additional Victims

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Marbra allegedly assaulted a 52-year-old woman on the Strand in Santa Monica, facing a felony count of assault with intent...

Elvis’ TV Legacy in Beverly Hills to be Explored in Upcoming Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

The session will feature rare clips from the Paley Archive, including Presley’s debut TV appearance, his 1968 Comeback Special, performances...

Veterans Tech Group to Launch Los Angeles Chapter with Networking Event

July 14, 2025

July 14, 2025

Founded in San Francisco, VetsInTech operates 20 chapters nationwide and claims more than 60,000 veterans VetsInTech, a national nonprofit that...

County Launches Campaign to Boost Fire-Hit Small Businesses

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

Affected businesses can register for promotional support and resources, while residents are urged to take a Shop Local Pledge and...

One-Acre Riviera Lot Listed for $7.25M After Fire Loss

July 13, 2025

July 13, 2025

The site includes completed Phase I and II plans featuring an accessory dwelling unit, infinity pool, sauna/gym, and sport court...

Sen. Ben Allen Highlights Challenges, Economic Gains for LA28 Olympics

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The remarks came during the first informational hearing of the Senate’s Special Committee on International Sporting Events State Sen. Ben...

Downtown Santa Monica CEO Andrew Thomas to Step Down

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

Thomas, who rejoined DTSM, Inc. in 2022, oversaw the introduction of a private security program, expanded homeless outreach, and boosted...

Mayor Bass Issues Directive to Protect Immigrant Communities

July 12, 2025

July 12, 2025

The order expands access to city resources for affected families and requests records from ICE, including details on arrests Mayor...

USC Initiative Seeks Fire Recovery Stories from LA County Residents

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Two community listening sessions are planned: one on July 19 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at KCRW Headquarters in...

County Supervisors Move to Preserve Measure J Amid Charter Error

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Measure J mandates that at least 10% of the county’s locally generated, unrestricted funds be allocated to community investments like...

Pepperdine Announces 2025-2026 Arts Season with Diverse Lineup

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The lineup includes a mix of dance, music, theater, and art exhibitions across the Malibu campus Pepperdine University’s Lisa Smith...

(Video) Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

To Sign Up Now, Go To Schoolofrock.com Summer Camp at School of Rock West LA Turns Kids Into Rockstars. To...

L.A. Louver Marks David Hockney’s 88th with Exhibit

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

Hockney, a British artist born in 1937, gained fame with the British Pop Art movement and later became known for...

California Seizes $476 Million in Illegal Cannabis

July 11, 2025

July 11, 2025

The operation, described as UCETF’s largest to date, involved support from multiple state agencies The state confiscated $476 million worth...

TONIGHT: Theatre Palisades Debuts Disney’s Descendants Musical

July 10, 2025

July 10, 2025

The plot centers on a struggle to choose between a wicked legacy or a path to goodness A stage adaptation...