The Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles Concert Band (GFBLA) joins forces with Mariachi Arco•Iris de Los Angeles for an unforgettable evening of music by Mexican composers and arrangers, including Natalia Lafourcade, Lucha Villa, Arturo Márquez, and Carlos Chávez. As immigration policies continue to affect many in our communities, GFBLA presents ¡Bienvenides! as a reminder that Los Angeles is shaped by its immigrant roots, and that its culture is deeply tied to both Mexico and the United States. In music, all are welcome!

Celebrating 47 years, the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles is the second oldest LGBTQ+ community band in the world, serving over 100 members across its Concert, Marching, and Jazz Bands. Mariachi Arco•Iris, the world's first LGBTQ+ Mariachi ensemble, was founded as a safe space for LGBTQ+ Mexican folk musicians in an otherwise "machista" mariachi world. Both organizations are dedicated to providing performances that celebrate diversity and foster inclusion throughout Southern California.

Founded in 1978, the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles (GFBLA) is the second oldest LGBTQ+ band in the world! Originally named the Great American Yankee (G.A.Y.) Freedom Band of Los Angeles, our group was created to promote visibility of the LGBT community and to provide entertainment at pride celebrations. GFBLA was one of the original eight gay bands that founded the Pride Bands Alliance.

The scope of the band has since expanded, focusing now on providing a positive environment for everybody, enriching the community through music, and setting an example of acceptance and camaraderie among all people.

Throughout the decades, GFBLA has witnessed many of the important milestones in gay history. Drawing from the tragedy of the AIDS epidemic and the battles for marriage equality and transgender rights, our musicians bring a deep well of experience to all of our performances.

¡Bienvenides!

By Freedom Band Foundation of Los Angeles

¡Bienvenides!

Team Members