Official Media Assets & Press Kit

High-resolution headshot, official descriptions, and performance highlights for Jacob Stensberg and the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus.

Access Press Kit
Jake Stensberg Named an OUTstanding Voice
Jake Stensberg joyfully tossing colorful confetti
Jake Stensberg Named an OUTstanding VoiceSan Francisco Business Times

Jake Stensberg Named an OUTstanding Voice

Since becoming artistic director in 2022, he has led the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus with a focus on artistic growth, community connection, and meaningful performance. The Chorus is known for its holiday concerts, collaborations with the San Francisco Symphony, and national anthem appearances at major sporting events. His recognition by the San Francisco Business Times highlights his commitment to musical excellence and to strengthening and celebrating the LGBTQ arts community in the Bay Area.
June 6, 2024

Press Clips

Selected Press Coverage, Features, and Media Mentions.

Castro Reacts to Dolly Parton’s Passing
KRON4
Castro Reacts to Dolly Parton’s PassingKRON 4

Castro Reacts to Dolly Parton’s Passing

KRON4 was in San Francisco's Castro District on the day Dolly Parton's death was announced, asking locals what they loved most about the music icon. Jake Stensberg: She is the only person I can think of that regardless of politics, or religion, or geography, or identity, she always shows love first and judgment like never.
August 26, 2026
Forum: Remembering Dolly Parton
Remembering Dolly Parton We talk to Parton biographers about the singer’s life and legacy, and what made her an American icon. Aug 25, 2026 Updated Aug 26, 2026 Mina KimMatt ColletteJarrod Sport
Forum: Remembering Dolly PartonKQED

Forum: Remembering Dolly Parton

Jacob Stensberg: You know, she has a way of writing these incredible lyrics that can be both hyper-specific to a moment in time, but also universal. And both of those songs that maybe are about, in a really broad sense, going from dark to light or hardship to the other side of that catharsis or healing — especially in a time when all communities, but especially the queer community, is seeking catharsis, healing and joy —…
August 26, 2026
Remembering Dolly Parton
Remembering Dolly Parton
Remembering Dolly PartonKTVU FOX 2

Remembering Dolly Parton

Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg: Her music and her love for all transcended genres and was a beacon for art lovers. Her ability to take personal stories, like Coat of Many Colors, which is her personal life story, and you know, the chorus, 250 LGBTQ+ singers singing that for a few months, by the end of it, we thought that was our story we were singing.
August 25, 2026
Remembering Dolly Parton: A look at music icon’s huge impact on the Bay Area
Remembering Dolly Parton: A look at music icon's huge impact on the Bay Area
Remembering Dolly Parton: A look at music icon’s huge impact on the Bay AreaABC7 Bay Area

Remembering Dolly Parton: A look at music icon’s huge impact on the Bay Area

Jake Stensberg: Dolly woke up every day, lived her life the way she wanted to with courage to do so publicly. And in doing so, she made all of us believe that we can wake up and do that, too. And I can't think of a better legacy to leave in the world than that innate sense of dignity and belonging that all people deserve. Reporter: ...for human rights and the LGBTQ+ community. In fact,…
August 25, 2026
Dolly Parton remembered in Bay Area for music, advocacy and literacy impact
Dolly Parton remembered in Bay Area for music, advocacy and literacy impactNBC Bay Area

Dolly Parton remembered in Bay Area for music, advocacy and literacy impact

During Pride Month, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus paid tribute to Parton with a performance of her classic hit "9 to 5." "I think the LGBTQ+ community connects with her so much because she woke up every day, decided how she wanted to live and did so courageously and publicly," said Jacob Stensberg, artistic director of the San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus. "And in doing so made us all believe that we could do…
August 25, 2026
Dolly! A Pride Show at the Curran
48 Hills
Dolly! A Pride Show at the Curran48 Hills

Dolly! A Pride Show at the Curran

48 Hills reviews “Dolly! A Pride Show,” the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus tribute to Dolly Parton led by Jacob Stensberg, who opened the night reflecting on years of “unprecedented times.”
June 17, 2026
SFGMC’s “Totally 80s” concert was, like, totally awesome
SFGMC’s “Totally 80s” concert was, like, totally awesomeBroke-Ass Stuart

SFGMC’s “Totally 80s” concert was, like, totally awesome

SFGMC’s Totally 80s concert blended high energy pop hits with deeply personal storytelling, creating a performance that was both spectacular and intimate. Under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Jacob Stensberg, the show honored chorus members lost while celebrating a decade of music, community, and resilience.
March 26, 2026
Jacob Stensberg Leads Moving and High-Energy ‘TOTALLY ’80s’ at the Curran
Jacob Stensberg Leads Moving and High-Energy ‘TOTALLY ’80s’ at the CurranBroadwayWorld

Jacob Stensberg Leads Moving and High-Energy ‘TOTALLY ’80s’ at the Curran

BroadwayWorld praised the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus’ TOTALLY ’80s as both joyful and deeply moving, blending iconic pop anthems with powerful storytelling about the LGBTQ community’s experiences during the AIDS crisis. Under the direction of Artistic Director and Conductor Jacob Stensberg, the 300-member chorus delivered a high-energy, emotional performance highlighting themes of belonging, loss, and resilience, bringing new meaning to hits like “Take On Me,” “We Belong,” and “Under Pressure.”
March 23, 2026
“Our Work Is About Making Sure People Don’t Feel Alone”: The Enduring Mission of the SFGMC
Image courtesy of San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus
“Our Work Is About Making Sure People Don’t Feel Alone”: The Enduring Mission of the SFGMCBroke-Ass Stuart

“Our Work Is About Making Sure People Don’t Feel Alone”: The Enduring Mission of the SFGMC

Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg emphasizes the profound connection fostered by the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, stating that their work is ultimately about ensuring "people don’t feel alone" while upholding a legacy of "never minimizing ourselves." He shares specific insights into the group's moving traditions, such as the "fifth section" ritual where singers carry the names of departed members in their pockets—a moment he notes always brings tears—and highlights the scale of their impact, counting…
January 22, 2026
‘Home for the Holidays is about the light and strength within us all.’
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus - Christmas Eve 2025
‘Home for the Holidays is about the light and strength within us all.’KTVU FOX 2

‘Home for the Holidays is about the light and strength within us all.’

At Davies Symphony Hall, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus brought holiday spirit to a packed house with their annual Christmas Eve concert, a tradition for many families across the Bay Area. Audience members described the evening as a meaningful part of their holiday celebration, gathering with loved ones to enjoy music and community. Backed by hundreds of volunteers, the Chorus filled the hall with Christmas favorites and a message of hope. This year’s theme,…
December 24, 2025
Jacob Stensberg: ‘I Want You to Leave the Holiday Spectacular Transformed’
KRON 4 San Francisco Gay Men's Chorus holiday concert
Jacob Stensberg: ‘I Want You to Leave the Holiday Spectacular Transformed’KRON 4

Jacob Stensberg: ‘I Want You to Leave the Holiday Spectacular Transformed’

The SFGMC Holiday Spectacular is a remedy for the winter blues, designed to infuse the season with 'dazzle, shine, and glitter.' By blending holiday classics with pop anthems from icons like Elton John and Lady Gaga, Stensberg aims to create a transformative experience for the 20,000 attendees. His hope is that audiences leave not just entertained, but inspired to treat others with kindness and find moments of joy and self-care in their daily lives.
December 7, 2025
Turning up the heat this winter with 300 singing members
CBS News Bay Area Interviews Jake Stensberg on the Holiday Spectacular
Turning up the heat this winter with 300 singing membersCBS Bay Area

Turning up the heat this winter with 300 singing members

Jake Stensberg appeared on CBS News to share how the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is “turning up the heat this winter” with 300 singers. He describes bringing “more light, more brilliance, more shine” through music from Lady Gaga, Elton John, Cher, and “White Christmas” with their own flair. Audiences can expect kick lines, boas, costumes, dancers, and lights that highlight Bay Area creativity, innovation, and inclusivity. Jake says performing feels like “singing around the…
December 3, 2025
“It Is Our Moment to Shine”
BroadwayWorld
“It Is Our Moment to Shine”BroadwayWorld

“It Is Our Moment to Shine”

Jacob Stensberg unveils SFGMC Season 48, “SHINE,” with the Holiday Spectacular, Totally ’80s, a Pride salute to Dolly Parton and more, celebrating the resilience and warmth of the LGBTQ+ community.
October 9, 2025
“It Has Been an Honor to Serve Alongside Chris”
BroadwayWorld
“It Has Been an Honor to Serve Alongside Chris”BroadwayWorld

“It Has Been an Honor to Serve Alongside Chris”

As SFGMC CEO Chris Verdugo announces he will step down, Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg honors their three-year partnership and Verdugo’s lasting impact on the Chorus.
September 23, 2025
“She Is Fearless”
KQED
“She Is Fearless”KQED

“She Is Fearless”

Ahead of Outside Lands, Jacob Stensberg tells KQED why Big Freedia’s gospel-meets-bounce music creates a spiritual sanctuary, as he prepares 75 SFGMC singers to join her onstage.
August 4, 2025
Sharing Pride and Purpose Through Powerful Music
Sharing pride and purpose through powerful music
Sharing Pride and Purpose Through Powerful MusicKRON 4

Sharing Pride and Purpose Through Powerful Music

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus continues its mission of building community and fostering belonging through the power of song. In an appearance on KRON4’s Live! In the Bay, Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg joined host Rachael Maurer to discuss the ensemble's upcoming summer performances. Stensberg highlighted how the Chorus uses music to champion LGBTQ+ visibility and create a space where everyone’s story is heard and celebrated.
June 20, 2025
National Coverage of the NEA Grant Cuts
SF Gay Men's Chorus, SFJAZZ reeling after sudden Trump administration grant cuts
National Coverage of the NEA Grant CutsWashington Examiner

National Coverage of the NEA Grant Cuts

The Washington Examiner quotes Jacob Stensberg in its national report on federal arts cuts, after the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus lost a $38,000 grant it had received for decades.
June 8, 2025
Pride Concert Debuts at Green Music Center
San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus brings its Pride Concert to Green Music Center for the first time
Pride Concert Debuts at Green Music CenterPress Democrat

Pride Concert Debuts at Green Music Center

Under Jacob Stensberg’s direction, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus is bringing its Pride Concert to Sonoma State University’s Green Music Center for the first time, building on years of sold out holiday performances. The program celebrates and uplifts trans and nonbinary communities with pop songs about resilience, identity, and belonging, including music by Grammy-nominated songwriter Justin Tranter. Jacob also reflects on the chorus’s roots in Holly Near’s “Singing for Our Lives” and its ongoing…
June 4, 2025
Federal Grant Cuts Affect SFGMC
SF Gay Men's Chorus, SFJAZZ reeling after sudden Trump administration grant cuts
Federal Grant Cuts Affect SFGMCKTVU FOX 2

Federal Grant Cuts Affect SFGMC

The Chorus lost its long-time NEA grant. In the interview, Jacob Stensberg said the decision brings “rage, anger, like someone is trying to minimize you, tell you your stories don't matter.” He continues to guide the Chorus as it prepares for its Pride concert and works to support its education programs.
June 3, 2025
“I Wanted It to Be an Act of Solidarity”
BroadwayWorld
“I Wanted It to Be an Act of Solidarity”BroadwayWorld

“I Wanted It to Be an Act of Solidarity”

Announcing the Chorus’s Pride return to the Curran, Jacob Stensberg explains why the concert stands in solidarity with trans and nonbinary people, tracing it back to SFGMC’s very first song in 1978.
April 10, 2025
“Joy, Camp, and Classic Broadway” SFGMC celebrates show tunes
“Joy, Camp, and Classic Broadway” SFGMC celebrates show tunesBay Area Reporter

“Joy, Camp, and Classic Broadway” SFGMC celebrates show tunes

The Bay Area Reporter previews “Broadway, Our Way,” a dynamic San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus concert celebrating classic musical theater through a joyful, queer lens. Led by Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg, the production blends iconic Broadway songs with contemporary arrangements, humor, and emotional depth. The article highlights the Chorus’s vocal excellence, theatricality, and commitment to storytelling that reflects LGBTQ+ history and lived experience. Performing at San Francisco’s historic Curran Theater, the concert affirms the Chorus’s…
March 16, 2025
Broadway, Our Way Comes to the Curran Theatre
BroadwayWorld
Broadway, Our Way Comes to the Curran TheatreBroadwayWorld

Broadway, Our Way Comes to the Curran Theatre

BroadwayWorld announces “Broadway, Our Way,” the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus debut at the Curran Theatre, where Jacob Stensberg says the Chorus will both honor and lovingly skewer one of America’s greatest art forms.
January 17, 2025
“There Is No Better Time to Create Family and Togetherness”
Bay Area Reporter
“There Is No Better Time to Create Family and Togetherness”Bay Area Reporter

“There Is No Better Time to Create Family and Togetherness”

Jacob Stensberg tells the Bay Area Reporter how the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus 2024 Holiday Spectacular brings its season theme, “Together,” to life through community, love and connection.
November 25, 2024
“Queer Spaces Are as Important Now as They Ever Have Been”
San Francisco Chronicle
“Queer Spaces Are as Important Now as They Ever Have Been”San Francisco Chronicle

“Queer Spaces Are as Important Now as They Ever Have Been”

In the San Francisco Chronicle, Artistic Director Jacob Stensberg explains why the Chan National Queer Arts Center matters as it announces its winter 2025 season with Lea DeLaria, Cheyenne Jackson and Melissa King.
November 22, 2024
Jake Stensberg Named an OUTstanding Voice
Jake Stensberg joyfully tossing colorful confetti
Jake Stensberg Named an OUTstanding VoiceSan Francisco Business Times

Jake Stensberg Named an OUTstanding Voice

Since becoming artistic director in 2022, he has led the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus with a focus on artistic growth, community connection, and meaningful performance. The Chorus is known for its holiday concerts, collaborations with the San Francisco Symphony, and national anthem appearances at major sporting events. His recognition by the San Francisco Business Times highlights his commitment to musical excellence and to strengthening and celebrating the LGBTQ arts community in the Bay Area.
June 6, 2024
“When We All Come Together With a Shared Goal, Anything Can Happen”
“When We All Come Together With a Shared Goal, Anything Can Happen”San Francisco Bay Times

“When We All Come Together With a Shared Goal, Anything Can Happen”

In an interview with the San Francisco Bay Times, Jacob Stensberg reflects on his first holiday season as Artistic Director of the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus and the collective energy driving the Chorus forward. The article previews the SFGMC Holiday Spectacular, featuring beloved holiday classics alongside multilingual selections and new works by contemporary composers. Stensberg speaks about building community through music, the excitement of returning to in-person performances, and the deep support he feels…
December 1, 2022
Jacob Stensberg Named Artistic Director
Jacob Stensberg Named Artistic DirectorSan Francisco Chronicle

Jacob Stensberg Named Artistic Director

The San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus selected Jacob Stensberg as its new artistic director after a national search. He brings experience leading choirs at Purdue University and a commitment to new music and emerging composers. His appointment reflects the Chorus’s ongoing work to expand access and welcome all singers who perform in the tenor and bass range.
April 24, 2022