History

In April of 1984, a small group of instrumentalist came together to create the Denver "Gay and Lesbian Community Band," founded by Bob Brown. Bob's original goal was to provide a forum for men and women, of all backgrounds, to create music together, educate the community, and meet new friends. A few months later, the band’s name was changed to the "Mile High Freedom Band".

The Mile High Freedom Band’s inaugural performance was at the Denver Gay Rodeo of that year and they had 10 performances over their first year of existence. The big public debut was in the 1985 Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  Although the band made no explicit attempt to hide the sexual orientation of its members, it came as a bit of a surprise to the parade organizers. It also garnered a fair amount of media attention.

These were the early days of AIDS, and public scrutiny of LGBT organizations was far from accepting.  In subsequent years, the parade organizers attempted to dissuade the band from performing by placing it as the last unit in the parade.  The band was frustrated, but not discouraged, and continued to participate in the parade each year, along with supporters including parents and partners.

Times have thankfully changed, and the band continues to march proudly each March in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The crowds are enthusiastic and appreciative of the band’s contributions and the organizing committee now places the band early in the lineup.

From these brave beginnings, the Mile High Freedom Band established itself as the premier LGBT instrumental music ensemble in the Denver metropolitan region. The band is also one of the original members of the Lesbian Gay Bands Association, an international organization that encourages and support bands in numerous cities throughout the country, and globe to serve as ambassadors for the LGBT community through musical performance and community outreach.

As a part of LGBA, members of the Mile High Freedom Band have participated in such high profile events as the opening ceremonies for the Gay Games, the inaugural events for President Bill Clinton, the annual Halloween parade in New York, and the parade for Southern Decadence.  Most recently, members joined with LGBA to march in the inaugural parade for President Barack Obama.

Today the Mile High Freedom Band consists of numerous performing groups, including a concert band, marching band, woodwind ensembles, and the recently formed Freedom Swing jazz ensemble.

The band is committed to a wide variety of community performances including the Denver Pridefest parade, Melodies of Pride, our annual concert in the park, and children’s Pride parade, two annual formal concerts, holiday caroling, and supporting many other local and regional organizations like the Colorado AIDS Project’s annual walk, Colorado Springs and Albuquerque Pride.

The band is also busy building a new annual event for LGBT Families and friends entitled Spooktacular! Spooktacular!  A Halloween extravaganza that encourages audience participation and promises spooky fun for all.

The band's purpose remains to this day: to provide educational, cultural and social enrichment for its members and audience and is open to members of any sexual orientation, and musicians of all abilities.