Menalive Marks 25 Years as Orange County's Choral Community Expands

MenAlive, an Orange County chorus, began in September 2001, after Rich Cook made a promise that if at least 12 men showed up, he would start the group. Thirteen individuals walked through the door for that initial rehearsal, and what followed has grown into an organization comprising more than 100 singers and volunteers. Over the past 25 years, MenAlive has developed into a community that provides voice, visibility, and a sense of belonging for LGBTQIA+ people across Orange County.

From its inception, MenAlive has served as more than just a chorus; it has been a crucial resource. In a county where many have reported feeling unseen or unheard, the chorus has cultivated a powerful, safe space. Through its musical endeavors, MenAlive has extended connection, healing, and hope. Members and audience members alike have shared personal accounts of finding light in challenging times and, sometimes for the first time, experiencing a sense of belonging upon entering a rehearsal or performance.

Executive Director Valerie Ousley states that over the years, the organization has witnessed firsthand how music can impact lives. Ousley notes that the chorus has become a place where individuals not only find their voice but also discover themselves and a supportive community that ensures they do not stand alone.

This strong sense of purpose has propelled MenAlive to perform on some of the world’s most celebrated stages. The chorus has appeared alongside artists such as Leslie Jordan, Bernadette Peters, and Liza Minnelli. Its performances have graced iconic venues, including Walt Disney Concert Hall, Segerstrom Center for the Arts, and the Hollywood Bowl. These milestones are described as reflecting not only artistic achievement but also the increasing visibility of queer voices on stages where they once were not commonly heard.

Despite its expanding spotlight, the core mission of MenAlive remains steadfast: a group of individuals uniting to create something meaningful for themselves and for others. As it celebrates its 25th-anniversary season, MenAlive is honoring its past achievements while also stepping boldly into future endeavors.

The 25th anniversary is marked by a landmark concert calendar for 2026. This season begins with its anniversary showcase, MenAlive25: Finding Our Voice, scheduled to take place this May at the Irvine Barclay Theatre. Later in the year, the chorus is set to perform for the sixth time at the Hollywood Bowl in September, opening for The Concert: A Tribute to ABBA. Additional performances include Battle for Broadway in October and the holiday concert Celebrate! From Our Hearth to Yours in December.

Music Director Gavin Thrasher expressed his honor in joining the chorus for this significant anniversary season. Thrasher remarked that building on a quarter-century of creating community through choral music, MenAlive is actively expanding its reach and welcoming new members, ensembles, and volunteers into its family. He shared his excitement for creating meaningful performance experiences and fostering connections through music as the group continues its growth.

A major step in this expansion is the launch of PrideAlive in August. This new ensemble, introduced under the newly formed VoicesAlive umbrella, is identified as Orange County’s first mixed-voice queer chorus. This expansion is rooted in the same fundamental belief that initiated MenAlive: there is always room for more voices, more stories, and more people seeking connection.

For Executive Director Valerie Ousley, the mission’s impact is not just professional but also deeply personal. Having spent more than 20 years with the organization, Ousley recounted watching it grow in ways she never could have imagined. She highlighted the profound experience of seeing her own son perform on stage as a member of MenAlive, stating that in such moments, it becomes clear that “this is more than music. This is legacy.” She added that it represents creating a space where the next generation knows they belong exactly as they are.

What began with 13 voices has blossomed into something far greater than a chorus. It has become a community, a haven, and a movement built on the simple yet powerful idea that everyone deserves to be heard. Twenty-five years in, MenAlive continues to sing, grow, and make space for anyone who needs a place to belong.