Livin’ La Vida Loca
On May 16, 2025, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay brought the house down with a fiery and fabulously fun performance of “Livin’ La Vida Loca” by Ricky Martin, accompanied by the ever-versatile Kevin Wu on piano, as part of their dynamic spring concert, “Tyler’s Suite / I Love the 90s”, held at Allendale United Methodist Church in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Originally released in 1999, “Livin’ La Vida Loca” exploded onto the global pop scene, ushering in the Latin pop crossover wave and turning Ricky Martin into an international icon. With its driving rhythm, brassy instrumentation, and irresistibly catchy chorus, the song became an instant party anthem. For LGBTQ+ audiences, it has long held extra resonance—not only for its campy energy and dance-floor appeal, but also as a triumphant moment of visibility for queer Latinx performers in mainstream pop.
The chorus took this high-octane hit and ran with it—infusing it with bold vocals, theatrical flair, and a dose of tongue-in-cheek swagger. From the first blaring piano chords, the energy in Allendale United Methodist Church shifted into full celebration mode. With choreographed movement, bright expressions, and irresistible charisma, the ensemble turned the sanctuary into a dance club—equal parts Miami nightlife and Broadway revue.
Kevin Wu, on piano, played with infectious drive and rhythmic sharpness, masterfully translating the big-band sound of the original into a piano-led arrangement that still packed a percussive punch. His accompaniment gave the chorus plenty of room to groove, shout, and belt, while keeping the Latin-inspired energy alive from start to finish.
The vocal delivery was as bold as the song itself—playful, high-voltage, and filled with attitude. The singers leaned into the theatricality of lyrics like “Woke up in New York City in a funky cheap hotel” and “She’ll make you take your clothes off and go dancing in the rain”, reveling in the song’s over-the-top character and seductive flair. The performance was as much a celebration of queer joy and performance as it was a tribute to the genre-bending, culture-shaping music of the late ’90s.
As one of the final numbers in the “I Love the 90s” half of the program—which followed the moving and reflective Tyler’s Suite—“Livin’ La Vida Loca” served as a powerful release of energy and emotion. It was an invitation to shake off sorrow, embrace spectacle, and remember that living loud, proud, and a little crazy is a revolutionary act in itself.
In the affirming and vibrant space of Allendale United Methodist Church, known for its strong support of LGBTQ+ inclusion, the performance wasn’t just entertaining—it was empowering. With every note and every hip-shake, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay reminded their audience that queer identity is not just about survival—it’s about celebration.