Decades after the worst of the AIDS crisis in San Francisco, SFCM faculty and students are working to make sure the city honors those we lost.

Professional Development faculty Thomas Kurtz handled the music and live performances for the Light in the Grove gala, a November fundraiser for the National AIDS Memorial. This is the third year he's been involved with the event, an interdisciplinary experience that includes lights, dancers—and SFCM musicians.

The annual Light in the Grove gala (Credit: Onyx & Ash Photography).

Calling this year's edition "my most immense undertaking yet," Kurtz explained that the musicians and dance company Dance Generators from the University of San Francisco, "[brought] to life several works by composers whose music is inspired by HIV/AIDS or queer identity [and weaved] their voices into a shared performance."

Cat Hill performs at the annual Light in the Grove gala (Credit: Onyx & Ash Photography).

Students Cat Hill and Emmett Van Leer performed during the gala. Hill, a soprano studying with Susanne Mentzer, says, "This was my second year having the privilege of performing at the Light in the Grove Gala, commemorating and bringing attention to World AIDS Day. As a proudly queer musician, participating in events like LITG makes my life feel whole and I know that I’m doing something truly meaningful! It’s amazing to see our community come together and celebrate while also keeping the memories of our lost loved ones burning strong."

The 2025 Light in the Grove Festival (Credit: Onyx & Ash Photography).

Aside from his regular courses, Kurtz's Queer Music History Tour of San Francisco returns this year to SFCM for its Winter Term, an annual period in which students are encouraged to take "outside the box" courses and projects that cover everything from microphone-making to the history of the Grateful Dead. Kurtz's course looks at musical examples that celebrate queer artists, audiences, and composers in San Francisco and features a walking tour visiting historical locations for SF's queer community, including the GLBT Historical Society in SF's Castro neighborhood.

U.S. Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi delivers remarks at the 2025 Light in the Grove gala (Credit: Onyx & Ash Photography.)

One of the most notable attendees at Light in the Grove was U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, who delivered remarks to the hundreds of guests. Pelosi, the first woman elected as U.S. House speaker, made AIDS advocacy and support a priority from her first term in office. She co-authored the Ryan White CARE Act marking dedicated funding for AIDS/HIV treatment and services, signed into law by President George H. W. Bush in December 1990.

"Light in the Grove is unlike any other event," Kurtz said. "Even if you’ve never been part of the AIDS Memorial community, you'll feel welcome; it's a space that invites you to reflect, connect, and simply be present."

Learn more about the Professional Development and Education Center or Winter Term at SFCM.