Hey Jude
As the second-half of the “Say My Name!” concert by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay continues on March 22, 2025, at the Jaeb Theater in Tampa’s Straz Center, the audience was treated to a joyful, soul-stirring performance of The Beatles’ classic anthem “Hey Jude.” Reimagined with an upbeat choral arrangement, the number was led by dynamic soloists Josh Smith and PJ Yarosh, whose heartfelt delivery and magnetic stage presence helped transform the timeless ballad into a full-blown communal celebration.
Opening with Smith’s smooth and inviting vocals, the song began with the familiar melody—but this version had a fresh sense of momentum and brightness that hinted at the energy still to come. Yarosh joined soon after, bringing a warm, emotional timbre that complemented Smith’s tone perfectly. Together, they traded verses and harmonized with ease, offering a grounded, emotionally rich take on the lyrics that felt both nostalgic and newly resonant. Their connection was palpable—not just with each other, but with the audience, drawing them into the heart of the song’s message of encouragement and healing.
Behind them, the full chorus entered gradually, layering in harmonies that expanded the emotional texture of the piece. As the tempo picked up and the arrangement blossomed into something more spirited, the energy in the Jaeb Theater lifted. The arrangement, brightened with contemporary rhythm, reframed “Hey Jude” from a melancholy ballad into a rousing anthem of resilience, hope, and chosen family—perfectly aligning with the evening’s themes of identity, affirmation, and self-expression.
By the time the iconic “na-na-na” coda arrived, the entire theater was clapping along, many audience members swaying, smiling, even singing from their seats. Smith and Yarosh, now energized and playful, urged the crowd forward while the chorus filled the space with vibrant sound, building toward a joyous crescendo that felt like a collective release—a musical embrace between performers and audience.
In the context of “Say My Name!”, a concert devoted to celebrating the power of names, identity, and visibility, “Hey Jude” served as a perfect emotional capstone. The song’s central message—“take a sad song and make it better”—took on added depth when sung by a proud, resilient LGBTQ+ chorus. It was more than a performance; it was an invitation to move forward, together, with hope and harmony.