Between harmonizing like angels and channeling the energy of the Rockettes, members of Colorado Springs’ only gay chorus really know how to put on a show.

“We’re all about spreading joy,” said Abigail Carcich, artistic director and conductor of Out Loud Colorado Springs Men’s Chorus.

“If you come to a concert of ours, you’ll be hooked,” she said. “The joy that is present in our concerts is really infectious.”

Under Carcich’s direction for the past year, the chorus has doubled in size, growing from 25 to 30 or so members to 50 to 60 today.

When the choir was founded with 10 singers in the fall of 2005 by members of First Congregational United Church of Christ, it was for gay men only.

It’s now open to others in the LGBTQ+ community, such as lesbians and transwomen or transmen age 18 and above — with the caveat that they must be able to sing in a tenor-bass range.

“We want to be a presence to the LGBTQ+ community and inspire solidarity,” said board President Rich Valdez, who has been a member for 17 years. “Out Loud is a force for celebrating our collective humanity through song.”

A marker of LGBTQ+ choruses is the members’ shared background, Carcich said.

“It’s finding other people who have similar life experiences and being able to come together in song and lift voices,” she said.

To Valdez, Out Loud is a family.

“I came from the world of gay rodeo, and when I first found out about the chorus, it became another home for me,” he said. “It’s welcoming, the music is fun, and we have a great time singing together.”

The chorus is a separate 501(c)(3) nonprofit but relies on First Congregational for space to rehearse and perform.

The Rev. Lee Ann Bryce, pastor, said her church values the connection.

“Twenty years ago, they were founded at our church, and we’ve been their rehearsal home ever since,” she said. “They bring joy and welcome into any space. Without exception, their concerts are top-notch musically, but they also build community and help create a more inclusive, vibrant Colorado Springs.”

Two concert cycles — in May and December — each have six shows.

The organization’s 20th anniversary holiday production is shaping up to be as exciting as anticipating Santa’s arrival.

Themed “Once Upon a Starry Night,” the narrative behind the music speaks of the organization’s founding. The story follows a small boy who wants to build a house of glass and chronicles his adventures, with a few surprises thrown in.

Ten bright stars will represent the original members and honor them, Carcich said. Two of the 10 inaugural singers are still in the choir.

“We wanted to explore the beginnings allegorically,” she said.

Music selections will include seasonal favorites such as “We Three Kings,” “Silent Night,” “Silver Bells” and “Deck the Halls.” Others featured will be “Let it Go” and a song originally performed by Cher.

Along with piano accompaniment, instruments will include bass, drums, flute and French horn.

This year’s holiday performances will be spread over two weekends in different locations.

The first concerts will be held in nearby cities: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5 at Community Congregational Church of Manitou Springs, 103 Pawnee Ave., in Manitou Springs; 2 p.m. Dec. 6 at First Congregational United Church of Christ, 228 W. Evans St. in Pueblo; and 2 p.m. Dec. 7 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center, 210 E. Midland Ave., in Woodland Park.

The three performances in the second set all will be held at First Congregational United Church of Christ in Colorado Springs, 20 E. St. Vrain St. Dates and times are 7:30 p.m. Dec. 12, 2 p.m. Dec. 13 and 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13.

The chorus also has received bookings for special events, such as performing the national anthem at the Colorado Gay Rodeo Association’s annual event and at a recent breakfast for Inside Out Youth Services.

“We present engaging music,” Carcich said. “I want to share the gift of Out Loud with everyone.”

To purchase tickets, go to https://www.outloudcsmc.com/events.