Queer Cleveland

The Cleveland Lesbian/Gay/Allies Concert/Marching Band, a LGBT+ concert and marching band, formed in 2003. The Cleveland Lesbian/Gay/Allies Concert/Marching band’s purpose was to “[improve] lives through music, one note at a time.” To this end, the concert/marching band has performed for various local LGBT+ groups and businesses and in numerous local and national LGBT+ community events over the years, including annual Pride celebrations in Cleveland, “Columbus, Cincinnati, Rochester, and Indianapolis.” In 2007, the Cleveland Lesbian/Gay/Allies Concert/Marching Band changed its name to the Blazing River Freedom Band (in reference to the “historic Cuyahoga River fire of 1969”). The group is a member of the national Lesbian and Gay Band Association (LGBA). In 2009, several members of the Blazing River Freedom Band joined a contingent of Lesbian and Gay Band Association members from across the nation and participated in then-president Barack Obama’s inaugural parade in Washington D.C.. In 2021, the group changed its name from the Blazing River Freedom Band to the Cleveland Pride Band in order to better “align with [other] local [LGBA] chapters” and “reflect the city’s progress.” The Cleveland Pride band holds weekly rehearsals at Lakewood Congressional Church, 1375 West Clifton Boulevard.

---

Additional information coming soon.

Resources

• “About Us.” Cleveland Pride Band.
• “Blazing River Freedom Band Starts Season with Concert & New Name: Cleveland Pride Band.” Cool Cleveland. March 2023.
• Cleveland Pride Band. Facebook.
• “Cleveland Pride Band.” Pride Bands Alliance.
• Glassman, Anthony. “From Feagler to RuPaul, Cleveland Pride Has It All.” Gay People’s Chronicle. Pride Guide 2004. Page A-19.
• Glassman, Anthony. “Ohio Musicians Join Lesbian and Gay Band in Presidential Parade.” Gay People’s Chronicle. January 7, 2009. Pages 1, 10.
• Filipski, Drew. “Cleveland Pride Band Marches Forward With All the Right Notes.” Buckeye Flame. April 12, 2024.
• Kappes, John. “Gay-Straight Band Holds Debut Concert.” Plain Dealer. March 11, 2005.
• Metzko, Brandyn J. “Band’s Third Concert to be A Diverse ‘Potpourri’.” Gay People’s Chronicle. October 14, 2005. Page 7.
• Metzko, Brandyn J. “Musicians Sought by New Cleveland Marching Band.” Gay People’s Chronicle. Pride Guide 2004. Page A-21.
• Metzko, Brandyn J. “The Band Wants You, And So Do the Flag Queens.” Gay People’s Chronicle. Pride Guide 2005. Page B-6.
• Olayas, Robert. “Ready for the Parade.” Gay People’s Chronicle. November 6, 2009. Page 2.
• St. Clair, Joshua. “Concert Features Broadway and Opera.” Gay People’s Chronicle. March 28, 2008. Page 6.
• Yanok, Tim. “Band Concert to Feature Hallelujah Chorus.” Gay People’s Chronicle. December 9, 2005. Page 7.

---

2000s 2010s Lakewood Mixed Gender Spaces Music & Arts