Blue in the Face Hosts The Largest "Joe Show" Yet

On Saturday, February 4, 2023, GSB musicians graced the PACC stage for a record-breaking talent showcase at Gill’s annual Joe Show.

With nearly four dozen performers unveiling the musical talent found across Gill St. Bernard’s, this year’s Joe Show boasted the largest number of entertainers in the history of the event. With middle schoolers, upper schoolers, and GSB faculty alike joining together in a fully packed theater, Amy and David Southerland, GSB’s Middle and Upper School Music Directors, respectively, believed it was a big success for many reasons.

“In addition to pursuing the more obvious goals of creating an entertaining evening for our community and bringing out the best in our student performers, Amy and I are on a mission to inspire our MS and LS performers to stay in the performing arts throughout their time at GSB,” said Mr. Southerland.

“Honestly, I think we achieved all those goals. We've overheard MS students who saw the show singing one of the Blue in the Face songs in the hallway on Monday morning, and we've heard reports from Lower School parents that their kids are requesting Blue in the Face songs on their car rides to and from school. That's a huge success!"

Blue in the Face, GSB’s Upper School musical ensemble, led and closed out the event with a set of songs by artists such as Fleetwood Mac, Indigo Girls, Echosmith, and KT Tunstall. Senior Aly Ross ’23, a singer in the nine-member band, was thrilled to perform with the close-knit group one last time before graduation.

“This year's Joe Show meant a lot to me,” said Ally.

“This group is just so special. We really are a team. This show put us on the map, and people are interested and it shows. Being a senior, this Joe Show was extra special, and I will be forever grateful for this group and this opportunity.”

After the Blue in the Face set, GSB’s Middle School 5th & 6th Grade Choir took the stage to present three crowd-pleasing numbers including Blue Moon by Billie Holiday, We Go Together from the movie Grease, and the choir’s big hit from this year’s winter holiday concert, Dance Evolution.

“It felt fantastic to be able to participate in the Joe Show,” reflected Anthony Carton ’29.

“The Joe Show to me means family — we all listen to everyone's comments and suggestions and enjoy participating. It also must be exhilarating for the audience because, ultimately, they get to participate in the show as well. The event is a huge part of the GSB Performing Arts Program and it allows all who want to participate the chance to express their talent.”

As a true musical showcase of the GSB community, the night also featured exceptional performances by the GSB Upper School Choir, accompaniments by GSB students and faculty members, piano and cello pieces, and a litany of songs covering artists that ranged from Etta James to Andrew Lloyd Weber, Chopin to Post Malone.

“The show demonstrated that we have a huge roster of talented students, and many people who saw the show remarked about how impressive and entertaining everyone was,” commented Mr. Southerland.

The 2023 Blue in the Face ensemble features Austin Carey ’23, Nataley Kothari ’23, Alia Messina ’23, Aly Ross ’23, James Schadt ’23, Harry Pambianchi ’25, Elsa Racine ’25, Mary Young ’25, Luc Corrado ’26, and special guest Xander Carmona ’25. The GSB Performing Arts program is incredibly thankful for our choirs, musicians, faculty, and parent volunteers for organizing a wonderful display of talent and creativity.

Please enjoy the full 2023 Joe Show photo gallery below!