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 piano with your family,” where every person plays a critical role, and he hopes audiences leave the concert “transformed.”
https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/video/the-san-francisco-gay-mens-chorus-is-back-with-its-2025-holiday-spectacular/
“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.
“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.
jacobstensberg_7iatndSeptember 23, 2025
“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.
jacobstensberg_7iatndAugust 4, 2025
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.
https://www.kron4.com/live-in-the-bay/sharing-pride-and-purpose-through-powerful-music/
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.
jacobstensberg_7iatndJune 8, 2025
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.
https://www.ktvu.com/news/sf-gay-mens-chorus-sfjazz-reeling-after-sudden-trump-administration-grant-cuts
“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…
jacobstensberg_7iatndApril 10, 2025




