Gay concert band turns 20

Vancouver's Rainbow Concert Band Canada's first

The gay band geek may be a marginal figure in the social hierarchy of some high schools, but after graduation many of these queer musicians become valued members of our community, instruments and all.
On Nov 28, Vancouver’s Rainbow Concert Band will celebrate its 20th anniversary with a special performance at the WISE Hall and a raucous Bohemian Rhapsody sing-along.

Established for the 1990 Gay Games in Vancouver, Canada’s first gay concert band is still going strong despite losing members, switching conductors and having to move its practice space from the West End to the Oakridge Seniors’ Centre.
Watch the musicians rehearse for the concert and recount the hardships and the triumphs of keeping the band together for two decades.

Keep Reading

A flaming torch

‘Survivor’ helped me climb a volcano

Instead of training for a gruelling day-long hike, I listened to podcasts about my favourite TV show. It paid off
Michaela Coel and Anne Hathaway

‘Mother Mary’ nails how devastating a first lesbian breakup can be

In A24’s new pop star drama, Anne Hathaway captures the physicality of a tormented ex-lover aching for answers—and deliverance
The cover of Afternoon Hours of a Hermit; Patrick Cottrell

In ‘Afternoon Hours of a Hermit,’ Patrick Cottrell writes a protagonist who does everything wrong—again

The pseudo-sequel to Cottrell’s acclaimed first novel brilliantly retraces old ground
Myki Meeks with an up arrow behind her; Darlene Mitchell with a down arrow behind her

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 18, Episode 16 power ranking: Three of hearts

We take one last look back at our final three queens’ journeys
Advertisement