The Joker
On October 25, 2024, the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay captivated the audience at Ruth Eckerd Hall’s Margarete Heye Great Room in Clearwater, Florida, with a unique and dynamic mashup performance that seamlessly blended four iconic songs into one unforgettable moment. The performance, part of their concert “The Good, the Bad, and the Gay,” featured a trio of talented soloists—Oliver Anson, Vic Omila, and PJ Yarosh—who brought their individual flair to a medley of “The Joker” by the Steve Miller Band, “Angel” by Shaggy and Rayvon, “Red, Red Wine” by Neil Diamond, and “Angel of the Morning” by Chip Taylor.
The mashup was an unexpected yet perfectly crafted combination of classic rock, reggae, pop, and soul. Anson, Omila, and Yarosh’s vocal harmonies blended beautifully, each soloist bringing their unique voice to the various styles of music. The first segment, featuring “The Joker” with its playful and laid-back vibe, set the tone for the performance, while transitioning into “Angel” introduced a smooth reggae feel, filled with warmth and rhythm. The group then moved seamlessly into “Red, Red Wine,” with its mellow, sing-along quality, before ending with the heart-wrenching beauty of “Angel of the Morning,” a song of longing and vulnerability.
The combination of these songs created an emotional rollercoaster, echoing both the “good” and “bad” aspects of love, loss, and self-discovery. The powerful harmonies and stage presence of Anson, Omila, and Yarosh brought each song to life, while the unexpected transitions kept the audience engaged and excited. The performance was an example of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Tampa Bay’s ability to craft an innovative, emotionally charged musical experience that resonated with their diverse audience.
The intimate acoustics of the Margarete Heye Great Room amplified every note, ensuring that each song—whether filled with joy, melancholy, or passion—touched the audience deeply. The mashup of “The Joker,” “Angel,” “Red, Red Wine,” and “Angel of the Morning” was undoubtedly one of the most memorable and thrilling moments of “The Good, the Bad, and the Gay.”