For four decades, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir has been a beacon of musical excellence, bringing together a diverse community of singers united by their passion for music. To mark their 40th anniversary, the choir recently held a stunning summer concert at Murray High School in June, featuring a captivating repertoire of beloved songs from both stage and screen. Artistic Director Dennis McCracken, who has led the choir for 18 years, conducted a performance that left the audience exhilarated, moved, and entertained with enchanting renditions of classics like “Pure Imagination” from “Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory,” “For Good” from “Wicked,” and “Make Them Hear You” from “Ragtime.” McCracken shared, "Over the years, the men’s choir has explored various genres of music, but we always find ourselves returning to our true passion – Broadway show tunes." The summer concert showcased a lineup of talented soloists, including Darrell Peterson, Buck Patton-Hedger, David Haslam, Berry Payne, and Conor Reese. A standout moment was the mesmerizing performance of “Circle of Life” from “The Lion King,” featuring flutist Jarod Smith and drummers Allen Anderson, Rhys Davidson, and Brad Meehan. In honor of Pride Month, the choir performed touching numbers like “The Rainbow Connection” from “The Muppet Movie,” and added a touch of whimsy with songs like “Lydia, the Tattooed Lady” from “At the Circus” and “Sing!” from “A Chorus Line." Davidson, a six-year member of the choir from West Valley, expressed his joy in being part of such a harmonious group, stating, "We all share a love for singing and I look forward to reuniting with my friends every week. If you appreciate show tunes or acapella music, our concerts are a must-see – it’s pure enjoyment." Known for its ethos of inclusivity and acceptance, the Salt Lake Men’s Choir creates a safe haven for individuals of diverse backgrounds, particularly those who identify as gay or bisexual, offering a sense of community, support, and camaraderie. McCracken emphasized, "We are more than just a choir; we are a family that cares deeply for one another and shares a profound love for music. Our mission is to spread the joy of our music far and wide, showcasing the unity and warmth of our wonderful community." The summer concert featured over 70 choir members, presenting a captivating selection of 18 songs and a lively medley of showstoppers that had the audience on their feet, celebrating alongside supportive family and friends. Reese, a recent addition to the choir from South Dakota now based in Salt Lake, reflected on his experience, stating, "Singing has always been a part of my life, and joining the choir filled a void I didn’t know existed after college. It's been a remarkable journey." Those interested in joining the choir are welcome to attend rehearsals on Thursdays at 7 p.m. at First Baptist Church (777 S. 1300 East). For further details, visit SaltLakeMensChoir.org. Choir member Mitchell Eddards summed it up beautifully, "Our choir is a tapestry of diverse voices and backgrounds, and the magic happens when we come together as one. It's a labor of love that brings together people from every corner of the state, resulting in a truly unforgettable experience."