We are Vancouver’s Rainbow Concert Band based in British Columbia, Canada. The Band was formed in 1990, shortly after Gay Games III. After seeing the spectacular Lesbian and Gay Band Association performance, it was only a matter of time before a group of local musicians took the first steps to organizing their own Gay and Lesbian Concert Band – the first, and still the only one of its kind in Canada!
Our first concert, “Safe Sex: The Concert,” was performed in 1991 and we have been playing together ever since!
We are a group dedicated to providing an outlet for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit and Allied (LGBTQ2S+) people who are looking for a safe and supportive environment to practice and perform music.
Who Are We?
We are a non-profit community based concert band, run 100% by volunteers, and are active throughout the LGBTQ2S+ community in the Lower Mainland. We provide a safe, supportive and welcoming community in which to practice and perform music. We welcome anyone who plays a concert band instrument and who can read music – it’s okay if you last played 50 years ago, or just started learning!
We thrive on the diversity and openness of our band. We have a multi-talented Artistic Director, Christopher Johnston, a graduate of the UBC School of Music and an excellent artistic director. During our weekly practice on Thursday evenings, we build friendships, have fun and unwind through the power of music and community. Every year we strive to be an active part of the local LGBTQ2S+ community through involvement during the Pride season, various community events and semi-annual concerts.
Join the Band
We are, of course, always looking for new members so if you are an LGBTQ2S+ or Allied individual and you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument and can read music, we would love to hear from you. We welcome instrumentalists of all ages and abilities, no audition required.
Check out our Join the Band page to find out how you can participate in the band’s activities.
In the News
On occasion, the Rainbow Concert Band or their members are featured in the news.
Here is an article from the Daily Xtra, about one of our members and how the band performs a community service that cannot be measured.
Check it out here.