Music is food for the soul. A painter paints pictures on canvas.
Performers express ideas through rhythm, melody and harmony. Music is a phenomenon that crosses all borders of nationality, race and culture by arousing emotions and feelings. Music is far more powerful than language. Where words fail, music speaks. We are very fortunate here in South Florida to have a great cornucopia of excellent musical outlets.
From choruses, to orchestras, to Pride Bands which includes the standout South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble. OutSFL reached out to Diana Hanford, Press Agent for the group with more than 17 years of corporate and agency experience specializing in public relations, marketing and branding.
This is what she had to say: "The S.F. Pride Bands is celebrating its 38th season as the oldest LGBTQ+ arts and cultural organization in our state. As a cultural pillar of the community, our concerts are not only musically and artistically masterful, they are a true treat for audiences with ticket prices that remain accessible to all. We provide a safe, inclusive and educational environment where LGBTQ+ musicians, youth and their allies can come together to create and perform quality music for the greater South Florida community.
“The organization was created in 1986. The Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble and Marching Band regularly produced two major concerts per year at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. In 2025, we proudly moved to the parker Playhouse, where every seat is a great seat. While the band has definitely grown and changed throughout the years, one thing remains constant: our primary function is to entertain audiences in South Florida and support the community through our various performances which include the Concert Band, Youth Band, Steel Drum Band and Marching Band among several.
“We frequently collaborate with Broadway stars and renowned performers who join us as special guests artists. Some notable names include Tony Award-winning vocalist Frances Ruffelle, Tony and Grammy nominee Max von Essen and Lea DeLaria. Other notable collaborators include Ashley Espinoza, known for her work with the acclaimed a cappella group Voctave and Disney's Voices of Liberty. One of our most illustrious board members is the legendary seven time Grammy Award Winner Gary Burton who has performed alongside jazz greats like Pat Metheny, Dizzy Gillespie, Sarah Vaughn and Diane Reeves. We are thrilled to be hosting, this coming October, the Pride Bands Alliance 2025 conference for the 8th time. The three-day event will bring hundreds of talented musicians to Greater Fort Lauderdale for a weekend of performances, connections and mentorships."
Hanford added, "Having Out South Florida as a trusted news source is vitally important for the entire community. Entrusting OutSFL with the Pride Concert Band's precious advertising budget is a clear indicator of the respect we have for its editorial integrity and high standards. We are proudly aligned as community partners, working together for the greater good."
1750 E Oakland Park Blvd, Oakland Park
(954) 667-9228
southfloridapridebands.org
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