Join the GFBLA Concert Band for a narrative concert highlighting the journey of trans and gender-expansive peoples. Come early at 6:00pm for a pre-concert talk for a discussion on queer identity in artistic mediums.

In line with GFBLA's history of championing the needs and rights of queer people, this concert will spotlight the trans and gender-expansive community with a program of Concert Band music that evokes transformation and self-expression. Masks & Metamorphosis takes on themes of historical triumph and discrimination, freedom of expression, “othering” and dysphoria, community, acceptance of an authentic self, and the frustrations and bliss of transformation.

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.

Masks & Metamorphosis

A Narrative Concert on Transformation