Santa Baby
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — With a healthy dose of glam, mischief, and charm, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay delivered a fabulously cheeky rendition of “Santa Baby”—the holiday classic penned by Joan Javits, Phil Springer, and Tony Springer, in a flirty arrangement by Mac Huff—during their “Slay Bells” concert at Allendale United Methodist Church. The performance was a glittering highlight of the evening, blending musical precision with theatrical sass in true chorus fashion.
Decked out in playful costuming and radiating stage presence, the chorus leaned all the way into the song’s sultry humor, transforming the traditionally feminine wishlist into a gleefully queer celebration of indulgence and sparkle. Huff’s arrangement added jazzy harmonies, rhythmic playfulness, and just the right amount of Broadway pizzazz, giving the ensemble plenty of room to strut their stuff.
From the first coy “Santa baby, slip a sable under the tree…” the audience was hooked. With winks, sways, and tongue-in-cheek delivery, the singers brought the iconic tune to life with delicious camp. Yet beneath the surface-level fun, the performance was polished and musically rich. The vocal blend was tight, the timing crisp, and every gesture felt purposeful—proof that humor and high-quality musicianship are not mutually exclusive.
As always, the chorus’s strength lay in its collective personality. The performance wasn’t about one solo star, but about an ensemble fully united in spirit and flair. Whether vamping at the front of the stage or harmonizing in shimmering unison, the singers exuded confidence, comfort, and joy—turning “Santa Baby” into a witty love letter to queer celebration, self-expression, and holiday wish lists that sparkle.
The crowd responded with laughter, hoots, and enthusiastic applause, clearly reveling in the number’s irresistible mix of sass and skill. In a concert that balanced sacred reverence, emotional depth, and sheer fun, this performance captured the heart of “Slay Bells”—a reminder that the holidays can be as bold and fabulous as they are heartfelt.
By the final wink and flourish, it was clear: the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay didn’t just sing “Santa Baby”—they owned it. And in doing so, they gave their audience exactly what the season calls for: joy, sparkle, and just the right amount of naughty with the nice.