Founded 1978, The Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles (GFBLA) is the second oldest LGBTQ+ community band in the world. GFBLA provides public concerts throughout Southern California, offering a wide repertoire of music ranging from classical to contemporary.
Our Mission
To promote acceptance and celebrate diversity by bringing together musicians from across Southern California for performance and educational opportunities that embrace equality, inclusion, and the love of music.
Latest News
- LA Wildfires Response & ResourcesDear GFBLA Community: The GFBLA Board of Directors and Staff hopes this message finds you safe and well amid the ongoing challenges posed by the wildfires occurring across Los Angeles County. We are heartbroken at the devastation these fires have caused across the county. We encourage you to prioritize your safety as well as the… Read more: LA Wildfires Response & Resources
- Fallin’ For Jazz Wrap UpJazz Band says, “Step aside, Pharrell, okayyyy”💁🏽💁🏾♀️💁🏼♂️ Of course we jest, but for real, how fun was our show at The Mayflower Club (@themayflowerclub) last Thursday!? The room was vibrant and the audience raved about the energy, the songs, and the solos! Thanks so much if you came out and better yet, if you donated… Read more: Fallin’ For Jazz Wrap Up
- The Ol’ Song and Dance Wrap UpAlmost a month ago we were able to return to the legendary The Huntington Library for our latest Concert Band performance “The Ol’ Song and Dance”. Such a special evening of music showcasing songs that make you wanna dance and dances that make you wanna sing. Thanks so much to Candace Hansen (@candohando), our amazing emcee, for… Read more: The Ol’ Song and Dance Wrap Up
Happiest holidays from our @gfbla fam to yours! Here are a few shots from our end of the year shindig and awards banquet! Congrats to these deserving recipients!
Michael Herlache Most Valuable Band Member:
Jessica Hoover
David Murphy Spirit of GFBLA Award:
Leonard Dootson @leonarddootson
Fran Long Marching Excellence Award:
Joey Orpilla @joey5610
New Member of 2024:
Demi Tupua
Section manager of the years:
Andy Nunez and Thomas Colby @filmstarcolby
Outstanding Soloist:
Tommy Purdy @tomfoolery10
Most Prominent Social Media Poster:
Bobby Toledo @bobbywithasmile
GFBLA Emerging Conductors:
Jessica Hoover
Nick Keufler
Katherine Monroe
Kelsi McGlothin @heartshapeddog
Don’t mind us…just getting into the holiday spirit over here! 🎄🎁🕎🎅🧑🎄🤶
Thank you, thank you to all of you who came to our Winter Wonderband performance on Sunday night at @immanuelpresla. We love playing this program and sporting our favorite festive fits!
We at @gfbla hope you and your loved ones have the happiest holidays and are so grateful for our members, supporters and donors! ❤️
@gfbla marching band joined up with our friends at @desertwindsps earlier this month to keep the #pride celebrations going! Happy @palmspringspride everyone! We love this parade and this band so much!
Thanks to communications committee contributor @bobbywithasmile for this content!
#palmspringspride #marchingband #gfbla #lgbtq
🎉✨ @gfbla Marching Band is jazzed to bring some musical magic to the wacky, weird, and wonderful @doodahparade in Pasadena! 🥁🌈
Come celebrate the sublime absurdity of this iconic event where anything goes—a playful, joyous contrast to Pasadena’s other famous parade. 🌹🎭 😉
📅 When: Sunday, Nov. 24th, 11am
📍 Where: Old Pasadena
Expect vibrant energy, fabulous tunes, and all the quirky fun that makes Doo Dah a true original. Let’s march to the beat of our own drum—see you there! 💖🎷
#DooDahParade #GFBLA #PrideInMotion #MarchingBand #LGBTQMusic @doodahpreservationsociety
@gfbla Jazz Band says, “Step aside, Pharrell, okayyyy” 💁♀️💁💁♂️
Of course we jest, but for real, how fun was our show @themayflowerclub last Thursday!? The room was vibrant and the audience raved about the energy, the songs, and the solos!
Thanks so much if you came out and better yet, if you donated to the band while you were there! We ❤️ ya!
If you can’t get enough #jazz, the band will perform at our holiday concert, Winter Wonderband! Now we’re not promising anything, but you will hear a Christmas Fav (hint: 🥜)
Link in bio for tix or just hit up GFBLA.org/events. See ya then!
Almost a month ago we were able to return to the legendary @thehuntingtonlibrary for our latest @gfbla Concert Band performance “The Ol’ Song and Dance”. Such a special evening of music showcasing songs that make you wanna dance and dances that make you wanna sing. Thanks so much to @candohando, our amazing emcee, for bringing history and fun to the night as well! And congrats to our Brass Quintet who had their debut performance that night as well. Stay tuned for more Chamber Ensemble performances in the coming year!
🙏 to our 📸: @aroodphoto for these awesome shots!
Next performance is Winter Wodnerband on 12/8 at @immanuelpresla. Tickets avail via the link in our bio - see ya then!