South Florida Pride Bands

10/13/2026

Thank you, Out Scuba, Inc., for hosting our VP and Artistic Director at such an awesome party to support a great cause last night. 🧜‍♀️🪸

Curious? Want to join? Ocean lovers and divers of all abilities are welcome at Out Scuba. Learn more about what they do for our LGBTQ+ community and ocean conservation in the lobby of The Parker before SFL Pride Concert Band: Waves and Wanderers presented by the Bears of SFL on November 7th!

10/11/2026

South Florida Pride Bands Kicks Off 41st Season Waves and Wanderers at The Parker. Florida's oldest LGBTQ arts organization begins a new chapter. Sara Cowley steps in as Artistic Director and kicks off Season 41 with Waves and Wanderers, a concert journey through rain, rivers, oceans, and the spirit of discovery. Presented by The Bears of South Florida. Nov 7 at The Parker.

Written by Steven O. Evans, Ph.D. | Photo credit: Brett Hufziger

By Steven O. Evans, Ph.D. I am thrilled to share that the South Florida Pride Concert Band is kicking off its 41st season with Waves and Wanderers on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 7PM at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Presented by The Bears of South Florida, this concert promises an extraordinar...

10/11/2026

By Steven O. Evans, Ph.D. I am thrilled to share that the South Florida Pride Concert Band is kicking off its 41st season with Waves and Wanderers on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 7PM at The Parker in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Presented by The Bears of South Florida, this concert promises an extraordinar...

10/05/2026

As you get set for our Waves and Wanderers concert on Nov. 7th, join our community partner Out Scuba, Inc. on National Coming OUT Day this Sunday!

"Beneath the Sea" is Out Scuba's splashiest night of the year, and this time they're making waves on the most iconic day in the LGBTQIA+ calendar.

Whether you came out last week or last decade, to your mama, your dive buddy, or just to yourself in a wetsuit at 60 feet, this party is for you. And allies, you belong too. Come let us tell you how much you mean to us.

When: Sunday, October 11, 2026
Time: 5:30 to 8:30 PM
Where: The Well, Wilton Manors
Host: Double Dietrich, the Qween of Coral
Tickets: $25 in advance, $30 at the door

Your night beneath the sea:

★ Top-tier drag. Brandy B., Kennedy Waldorf, Star Wilderness Dion and Double Dietrich bring the deep-sea realness, all for a great cause.

★ A free welcome drink for the first 100 guests through the door, and bites from our presenting sponsor, The Well, for everyone.

★ Real merfolk. You dreamed about meeting a mermaid or merman as a kid. Our showstoppers are back by popular demand, and no underwater camera is needed.

★ Door prizes and raffle items all night long.

★ Your community. A room full of LGBTQIA+ divers, friends and the allies who show up for us.

09/25/2026

🎺 MEET OUR SECTION LEADER: ALAIN ORTIZ 🎶

Trumpet Section | South Florida Pride Band

For our next Meet Our Section Leaders spotlight, we’re celebrating someone whose history with the South Florida Pride Band spans an incredible 32 years — Alain Ortiz! 🏳️‍🌈🎺

Alain’s musical journey began in the early 1980s when he started playing euphonium with the Salvation Army in 4th grade before moving to cornet the following year. It was the powerful sound of a brass band that inspired his love of music and eventually led him to the trumpet. Since then, he has performed throughout the United States with the Salvation Army and even studied conducting under renowned composer and conductor James Curnow.

But Alain’s story with SFPB is particularly special. In 32 years with the band, he has missed only TWO concerts! 🤯. ❤️ He’s also a big sports fan — cheering on the Florida Gators, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Dodgers — and enjoys collecting comics, currency and sports cards. And his advice for anyone considering joining the Pride Band is simple:

“Have fun! Be patient with yourself! Be active and look for ways to participate when you can.” Help us celebrate Alain and his incredible 32 years with SFPB in the comments! 👏

09/19/2026

Tuesday, October 27, 2026 at 6PM - 9PM
FREE Movie and Performance with
FAB Reel Connections and South
Florida Pride Jazz Band Get your tickets at www.fliff.org

09/17/2026

📣 We are excited to feature Jennifer McClain, Marie Cowley, and local student Victoria Vasquez as guest vocalists on our upcoming Nov. 7th concert, Waves and Wanderers. Get your tickets today! Link in comments.

09/11/2026

MEET OUR SECTION LEADER: BLAKE VELDE 🎶

Clarinet Section | South Florida Pride Band

This week, we’re excited to introduce you to Blake Velde, our Clarinet Section Leader and a proud member of the South Florida Pride Band for 10 years! 🏳️‍🌈🎶

Blake’s musical journey began all the way back in 1968, when he picked up the clarinet in 5th grade after first falling in love with the instrument at a National Symphony young people’s concert. By 1969, he was studying with MSGT Richard Bassett of the U.S. Army Band, and he continued performing throughout high school and at the College of William & Mary.

And what a journey it has been! Blake has performed at the Kennedy Center, marched with DC’s Different Drummers, participated in both of President Barack Obama’s Inaugural Parades, performed in NFL halftime shows, and played in countless events throughout the Washington, D.C. area. Today, you’ll find him playing E♭, B♭, alto and bass clarinet with us! 🎵This season, Blake says he’s most excited to make music under Sara’s leadership and “see what new horizons she takes us.”

We’re incredibly lucky to have Blake’s musicianship, experience, encouragement, and heart helping lead our clarinet section.

Help us show Blake some love in the comments! 👏🎶🏳️‍🌈

09/09/2026

🌊✨ Get ready to ride the waves and follow where the music takes you! ✨🌊

The South Florida Pride Bands proudly presents Waves & Wanderers — an evening of music inspired by the beauty, power, adventure, and wonder of our world. 🌊⛵🌎

Join us as we journey through sweeping musical landscapes, from crashing waves to far-off destinations, all brought to life by the South Florida Pride Concert Band. 🎶

📅 Saturday, November 7
📍 The Parker Playhouse
🎵 Waves & Wanderers

Mark your calendars, invite your friends, and come wander with us! 💙🌈

08/13/2026