Sisters
St. Petersburg, FL – December 6, 2024 — In one of the most delightfully unexpected and crowd-pleasing moments of the evening, Steve Florio and Josh Smith of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay took center stage for a duet performance of Irving Berlin’s “Sisters”, using the beloved arrangement from the classic film White Christmas. Their performance, part of the chorus’s holiday concert “Slay Bells” at Allendale United Methodist Church, was equal parts comedy, charm, and vocal finesse—a playful nod to old Hollywood glamour with a fabulously modern twist.
From the moment they stepped forward—channeling the iconic Andrews Sisters aesthetic with a wink and a smile—Florio and Smith had the audience in the palm of their hands. Their chemistry was instant and infectious, their timing sharp, and their comedic flair effortlessly balanced with solid musicianship. Each gesture and glance was filled with character, drawing hearty laughter and applause from the crowd, who clearly relished every second of their campy, charismatic rendition.
Vocally, the pair delivered with polish. Their tight harmonies and crisp enunciation honored the original while injecting it with their own fresh energy. Whether playfully trading lines or joining in sweet unison, they brought musical precision to the humorous number—never letting the theatrics overwhelm the integrity of the performance.
The arrangement, lifted from White Christmas, allowed plenty of room for both vocal playfulness and visual antics. With just the right dose of theatrical flair—hints of drag, cheeky choreography, and perfectly timed expressions—Florio and Smith turned the song into a mini cabaret set within the larger concert.
The moment was a perfect reflection of what “Slay Bells” as a whole delivered: high artistry wrapped in sparkle, wit, and unapologetic joy. While the evening included powerful ballads and moving sacred works, this number reminded everyone that holiday music can also be about laughter, love, and letting loose.
As the final note rang out and the duo struck their final pose, the sanctuary erupted in cheers and laughter. It was, by every measure, a highlight of the night—proof that when talent and theatricality meet in just the right way, holiday magic happens.
Steve Florio and Josh Smith didn’t just sing “Sisters”—they slayed it.