Queer Heroes Northwest 2018:
Rose City Gay Freedom Bands

Since forming in 1990, the Rose City Gay Freedom Bands has been a place for LGBTQ musicians and friends to play, perform, and participate in Portland's musical community. Today, RCGFB is comprised of the Portland Gay Symphonic Band (a 58 member symphonic wind ensemble), Rose City Swing (a sixteen-piece swing band), the Portland Pride Band (a 70+ marching/pep band and colorguard), and several smaller performing groups. We are currently in the process of organizing the Bridge City Youth Band which will debut in 2019.

RCGFB History
The Portland Lesbian and Gay Community Band began in 1982, survived the 1980’s, and transitioned into The Rose City Gay Freedom Band in 1990 when the band earned its non-profit status and became a member of LGBA. RCGFB has made steady progress to expand its audience and community influence.

Portland Gay Symphonic Band performs a variety of musical styles ranging from classical to contemporary and popular music. PGSB produces at least four concerts per year and has collaborated in concerts with the Portland Gay Men’s Chorus, Portland Lesbian Choir, Seattle Rainbow City Band, and the Rainbow Concert Band of Vancouver, BC, as well as numerous community events and yearly participation in the Oregon Adult Band Festival. Our current conductor, Joseph Accuardi-Gilliam is celebrating his 13th year as our conductor and artistic director.

Rose City Swing, formed in 1993, is our traditional 16-piece swing band. RCS has produced dances and has focused on community outreach. We have performed throughout Oregon and Washington at various Pride events as well as for numerous benefits and fundraisers throughout our community.

Portland Pride Band participates in Portland’s annual Pride Parade as well as other community events, such as AIDS Walk Portland, Bat’N Rouge (both fundraisers for Cascade AIDS Project) and the Portland Marathon. 2017 marked the 26th year of marching in Portland’s Pride Parade.
Each year we perform in front of over 20,000 people with our community outreach events. Each performance is a celebration of diversity and deepens the LGBTQ community’s role as a fundamental part of our whole community.

RCGFB Mission Statement
Our mission is to promote and preserve artistic expression and education within the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual,Transgender (LGBT) community and its allies through instrumental music performance.

We begin announcing a hero per day on June 1, and the heroes' posters are unveiled in a reception at Q Center on June 7, 2018, 5-8PM. The public is invited. Queer Heroes' posters are displayed all year at Q Center.

Queer Heroes Northwest 2018: Rose City Gay Freedom Bands

Queer Heroes Northwest 2018:
Rose City Gay Freedom Bands