Good Morning, Tampa Bay

On October 25, 2024, Kent Nicholas, a standout soloist with the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay, delivered a memorable performance of “Good Morning, Tampa Bay” from the beloved musical Hairspray during the chorus’s concert, “The Good, the Bad, and the Gay,” held at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Margarete Heye Great Room in Clearwater, Florida. The concert, which celebrated the complexities and joys of LGBTQ+ identity, featured a variety of musical styles and moments that explored both the struggles and triumphs of the LGBTQ+ community.

Nicholas’s rendition of “Good Morning, Tampa Bay” was an energetic and charismatic performance that set the tone for the upbeat, celebratory aspects of the evening. The song, originally performed in Hairspray, is a lively and optimistic number that radiates positivity, and Nicholas brought his own unique flair to the piece. With his strong vocal presence and dynamic stage energy, he captured the fun, vibrant spirit of the song, while connecting with the audience on a personal level. His performance was both joyful and infectious, drawing the audience into the upbeat rhythm of the music and filling the room with a sense of communal celebration.

As part of the concert’s exploration of the “good” side of LGBTQ+ life, “Good Morning, Tampa Bay” was a perfect choice to highlight the warmth, hope, and excitement that can come from embracing one’s identity. The chorus’s rich harmonies and Nicholas’s powerful solo created a sense of unity and joy that embodied the uplifting message of the song.

Held in the intimate yet acoustically rich Margarete Heye Great Room, Ruth Eckerd Hall provided the ideal setting for this lively and heartwarming performance. Nicholas’s rendition of “Good Morning, Tampa Bay” was a highlight of the evening, showcasing both his vocal talent and the spirit of celebration that defined the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s unforgettable concert.