Jingle Bells Medley
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — The sanctuary at Allendale United Methodist Church was alive with holiday cheer as the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay launched into a joyful and spirited performance of the “Jingle Bells Medley”, arranged by Sam Cardon and Garrett Breeze, during their annual holiday concert “Slay Bells”. Featuring themes from traditional carols by Benjamin Hanby and James Pierpont, this playful, high-energy number lit up the evening with dazzling harmonies, comedic charm, and toe-tapping fun.
From the first bright chord, it was clear the chorus came to sleigh. The medley—an inventive mash-up of holiday favorites like “Jingle Bells”, “Up on the Housetop”, and “Jolly Old St. Nicholas”—was delivered with crisp diction, dynamic stage presence, and enough seasonal sparkle to light a tree. The clever arrangement by Cardon and Breeze provided the perfect vehicle for the ensemble to show off its versatility, moving seamlessly from lighthearted swing to classic choral warmth and back again.
What truly made the performance shine was the chorus’s theatrical flair. With synchronized movement, comedic timing, and just the right amount of camp, the singers brought the medley to life as more than just a musical number—it was a full-on holiday romp. Whether miming sleigh rides, tossing imaginary snowballs, or hamming up Santa’s rooftop antics, the chorus leaned into the moment with joyful abandon.
Vocally, the ensemble was tight and expressive, delivering polished harmonies even in the midst of rapid-fire tempo shifts and lively choreography. The rhythm section, whether live or expertly cued accompaniment, added bounce and drive that kept the energy high and the audience grinning from ear to ear.
As the medley concluded with a flourish of “Jingle all the way!”, the audience responded with enthusiastic applause, laughter, and cheers—clearly delighted by the chorus’s infectious energy and creative interpretation. It was the kind of performance that perfectly captured the spirit of “Slay Bells”: festive, funny, and filled with heart.
With the “Jingle Bells Medley”, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay once again demonstrated their unique ability to blend top-tier choral performance with theatrical showmanship. It was pure holiday joy—wrapped in harmony and delivered with a wink.