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Cabaret Interview: JASON BROCK (Appearing in IF THIS IS LOVE, “Help Is on the Way” REAF Benefit)
by Chuck Louden | January 24, 2026
in Cabaret, Interviews, San Francisco
(Bay Area)
REAF’S IF THIS IS LOVE —
A ONE-NIGHT CABARET VALENTINE
Big voices, big heart, and Jason Brock right in his element
Since 1995, REAF (Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation) has been bringing amazing voices to San Francisco for decades to raise money and awareness on HIV and AIDS, but this year’s Help Is on the Way: San Francisco Cares concert comes with a little extra VD sparkle. On Monday, February 23, 2026, the Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation hosts If This Is Love: A Musical Celebration of the Month of Love, a one-night-only cabaret evening that leans into romance, joy, and all the messier shades in between. The night is headlined by cast members from the National Broadway Tour of The Notebook—but don’t come expecting a sing-along of the score. This is a cabaret-style lineup, with touring pros choosing their own material and putting it across up close and personal.
Appearing with with cabaret artist Leanne Borghesi and ABC newscaster & vocalist Dan Ashely is special guest and local favorite Jason Brock, an X Factor standout with a cannon of a voice and a proudly camp wink that makes him impossible to miss (or ignore). A four-time “Besties in Cabaret” winner from the San Francisco Bay Area Reporter, Brock has become a REAF regular and a crowd-pleaser in the best way—big sound, big personality, and zero fear of going for broke. Though he also keeps a home base in Japan, Stage and Cinema‘s Chuck Louden caught up with him here in San Francisco to talk about his lively, interesting, and ever-evolving career.
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Chuck Louden: So…the usual first question: where did you first get your start?
Jason Brock: I was raised in East Texas, near Dallas. I come from a musical family. Both my parents and siblings are singers and songwriters. We sang in big mega Christian churches. I was also in the choir in high school. I then went to Pima Community College in Arizona and started out majoring in music. It was my dream to be a singer. While in Arizona, I’d go out with my friends and sing in karaoke bars. I won a singing competition at IBT’s Bar and Dance Club in Tucson. I then went on to win the state competition of the Arizona Gay Idol.
CL: Did this lead to your debut on The X Factor?
JB: The X Factor was an American version of the hit UK show. It came to this country to capitalize on the popularity of American Idol. It was started by Simon Cowell and ran for three seasons. I was on Season 2 in 2012. The judges were Simon, of course, as well as Demi Lovato, L.A. Reid, and Britney Spears. I was a top 12 finalist. The videos of me singing on the show can still be seen on YouTube. Following that was a huge boost to my career. I landed gigs all over the country and made a lot of money.
CL: Were you “out” then, and do you think it impacted your career?
JB: I’ve always been out and never tried to hide it. It’s who I am and it’s a part of my personality. My campy, unique self is a part of my act and I think it helps make my shows fun for audiences. Was it a “factor” when I was on The X Factor? Who knows? Even back in 2012 there weren’t necessarily other “out” singers, but I always remained true to myself and don’t regret a thing.
CL: Fast forward to today…what’s going on with your singing career?
JB: I moved to San Francisco because I always wanted to live in the Bay Area. I have several gigs that keep me busy. I perform regularly at The Academy next to Café du Nord, by Church Street and Market Street. I love getting to work with my longtime friend Dee Spencer, whom I met after moving here. She’s a very talented accompanist and we’ve played together for several years now. I also do special events at Martuni’s (a piano bar off Market Street) for special occasions like Pride Week and I have a whole “Holiday Extravaganza.” I’ve also gotten to perform the National Anthem for the San Francisco Giants, the Golden State Valkyries (women’s basketball), as well as the San Francisco FrontRunners Pride Run. I travel back and forth to Japan where I have a fan base. I perform cabaret there as well.
CL: Your San Francisco fans always look forward to your performance at REAF every year. There are so many talented performers that appear consistently. Do you have any favorite singers there?
JB: I’m proud to participate at REAF. I’ve been a part of it for over 10 years. Paula West and I are good friends. I love and admire Sheryl Lee Ralph and Bruce Vilanch, who is the emcee occasionally. I loved the late, great former Supreme, Mary Wilson.
CL: Are there performers or divas that you don’t care for?
JB: Of course—but I’ll never tell!
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photo and poster provided by REAF
If This Is Love: A Musical Celebration of the Month of Love
The Richmond/Ermet AIDS Foundation (REAF) — One Night Only Benefit Cabaret
Marines’ Memorial Theatre, 609 Sutter St.
Monday, Feb. 23, 2026 at 7:30 (silent auction opens at 6:30)
for tickets ($49-$100), visit REAF or One Night Only
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