New Hampshire Gay Men's Chorus

Member Bio: Paul (the Painter) Mazgelis, baritone

Baritone Paul Mazgelis, affectionately known to the chorus as “Paul the Painter” ― the actual name of his very successful Seacoast painting business ― joined NHGMC in September, 2010. He is the newest member of the chorus’s notorious Seacoast carpool delegation.

Paul the Painter, currently an eligible bachelor, resides in York Beach, ME. He grew up in Brockton, MA, and attended the Brockton public schools, where his interest in singing began in his elementary school choir. Paul’s casual interest in singing continued as an adult. Four years ago, he enrolled in a local adult-education singing class with follow-up private singing lessons. Last year, he realized the time had come to find a chorus to call home. In the summer of 2010, via his involvement in the Seacoast Gay Men (SGM) social group in Portsmouth, he began hearing a lot of great things about NHGMC. He actually met several chorus members on the famous SGM annual Portsmouth Harbor cruise. Their descriptions of the chorus ― the rehearsals, concerts, the fun and camaraderie with a bunch of wild and crazy guys ― intrigued Paul and ultimately convinced him to sign up in September.

Last fall, Paul experienced an epiphany of sorts, when, for the first time, he performed solo in front of an audience in a talent show at the very popular Gay Men Together (GMT) Maine weekend retreat. “They had this talent show as part of the program, so I decided to sign up to sing. I was so nervous, because at the time I didn’t think I had that much talent. But I did fine, and the audience really liked it. They stood and applauded. It was a nice, emotionally satisfying experience for me, putting myself out there like that.”

After Brockton High School, Paul attended Massasoit Community College, the University of Vermont, and ITT Technical Institute. He worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard back in the 80s as a radiological technician. He also got his real estate license at the time and sold properties. But the housing collapse of the late 80s turned him away from the real estate business. Then one summer in the early 90s, he worked for a friend, painting homes, interiors and exteriors. He liked it so much, he decided to start his own painting business. “I have a knack for being precise, and that trait was perfect for painting, which requires a lot of precision and patience. It was very natural for me. The business really took off. I had a reputation for being a trustworthy businessman because I was already well-integrated in the community and well known in social circles.” At first, the name of Paul’s business, which included his last name, became problematic. Not the type of name that would stick in a customer’s mind. So Paul, in a stroke of genius, decided to call his business what customers were already calling him ― “Paul the Painter!” Catchy and simple.

Included in Paul’s repertoire of interests: Sewing and making clothes, reading fiction, travel, body-energy work with chakras, and photography. He describes himself as a “museum junkie” and loves to browse through museums of all kinds. Paul’s favorite type of music is jazz vocals. He loves contemporary jazz vocalists like Cassandra Wilson, Abbey Lincoln, and Stacey Kent. Paul owns thousands of jazz CDs. He also likes opera, blues, and some rock and country. His favorite movies are “American Beauty” and “Avatar,” and his favorite TV shows are Mad Men, True Blood, and Six Feet Under. He loves well-done dramas and comedies. He also loves Indian food and is a regular at Tulsi’s restaurant in Kittery. He goes to Sculler’s jazz club in Boston whenever he gets the chance to hear his favorite jazz performers. His favorite color is blue.

During his 23-year relationship with his ex-partner, Roland, Paul owned and operated the Judge Wilder Inn in Weston, VT. The inn also showcased a nice restaurant and bar. “Running such a place was very challenging and rewarding, though hard work. It was like we were hosts to a big party every day, with all different guests at the inn. Plus we had all the local regulars in the restaurant and bar. Actors and actresses from the local Weston Playhouse also stayed at the inn.”

Over the years, living in Vermont and Maine, Paul and Roland found great satisfaction and joy in renovating a number of properties and transforming them from seriously deteriorating structures into lovely homes.

Paul’s thoughts about his first season with NHGMC: “I enjoyed the first season very much and the whole process from start to finish, how we practiced, learned, perfected, and ultimately performed,” says Paul. “I very much enjoy the social aspects of the chorus and getting to know the different personalities.”

As for the Seacoast carpools: “It’s a great chance to get to know the seacoast guys more intimately. I especially like the smaller cars, the close quarters in the back seats, the intimate conversations, and all that hot breath on my neck! LOL!” What happens in the Seacoast carpool stays in the carpool?

The qualities Paul values most in a potential partner: Intelligence, trustworthiness, humor, maturity, and openness. Paul’s a high-quality catch, especially with those bedroom eyes and nice hair. Paul’s also a member of the half-century club. Hard to believe!

The main theme that has governed Paul the Painter’s life: Personal growth. “I’ve always tried to find myself, find my interests, find my talents and strengths. This has guided my love of learning new things, in museums and through home renovations. My own personal journey is what has intrigued me the most ― self discovery and personal growth. A very long time ago, I used to take a lot of pictures to document my life. But then I realized I need to live my life, not just document it. And that’s what I am doing now in full measure.”

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