Concert Highlights Pride Bands Alliance 2025 Annual Conference
Step out of the shadows and into the spotlight with Something Wicked Presented by South Florida Pride Bands and the Bears of South Florida, which raises the curtain at The Parker on Sunday, October 26 at 7 p.m.
This spectacular Halloween-themed concert will be doubly wicked, featuring three concert bands, with 80 wind musicians in each band, complemented by a full percussion section.
A touch of magic will be in the air as Dan Bassett, artistic director, Sara Cowley, assistant artistic director of the South Florida Pride Band, along with guest conductors from across the nation conduct this thrillingly theatrical concert, the capstone of the 2025 Pride Bands Alliance Conference. This marks the eighth time the South Florida Pride Concert Band has proudly hosted the multi-day conference which is a celebration of musical excellence and unity.
Two commissioned original pieces by renowned composers Julie Giroux and Kelijah Dunton will debut during the concert with additional guest conductors and section leaders from within Pride Bands Alliance taking the stage.
“As the oldest LGBTQ arts organization in the state of Florida, South Florida Pride Bands has always been about more than just music — we’re about visibility, community, and pride,” said Dan Bassett, artistic director of South Florida Pride Bands. “Something Wicked is the perfect way to showcase the incredible talent of our members while also celebrating nearly four decades of history and resilience. We’re thrilled to welcome musicians and audiences from near and far to experience the magic of this season-opening concert and the Pride Bands Alliance Conference.”
The audience will be mesmerized during this season-opening performance featuring recognizable favorites such as songs from Wicked, with vocal soloist; “Dance of the Witches” from The Witches of Eastwick and tracks from Phantom of the Opera; A Nightmare Before Christmas and The Sorcerer’s Apprentice among many others.
More than 300 talented LGBTQ musicians from North America and beyond will gather in Fort Lauderdale for the Pride Bands Alliance 2025 Annual Conference October 22-27, 2025 for a series of musical workshops along with educational and social events. Gary Burton, a seven-time Grammy Award winning jazz marimbaist, creator of the “Burton Grip,” and proud Board Member of South Florida Pride Bands will present the keynote address.
Tickets for Something Wicked are $45 and available at parkerplayhouse.com/events/detail/something-wicked