Meet the Houston Pride group

Houston, Texas — For more than four decades, the Houston Pride Band has served the community through concerts, parades and performances. The group unites LGBTQ+ and allied musicians through a shared love of music and provides an inclusive and fun social experience.

“The Houston Pride Band was founded in 1978. We are in our 45th concert season this year,” said Jason Svatek, president of the Houston Pride Band. “At that time, it was difficult to do things as a group, so it was done more in secret. But over the years, they became very visible by participating in the Montrose Pride Parade, which became the Houston Pride Parade, and slowly grew in audience and increased in numbers.

In addition to marching in the Houston Pride Parade each year, the group performs four concerts a year. Members have also performed at notable events including presidential inauguration parades, the Gay Games, Houston Astros games, and conferences around the world.

“One of the great messages of the Houston Pride Band is that music is the same for everyone, no matter your background, your age, your race, your sexual orientation,” Svatek said. “That’s one of our missions, to bring this message of love and music to our audience and to show that no matter who makes the music, music can still be enjoyed by everyone.” »

Members love the group for its community spirit and fun, and some have been with the group for over 30 years.

“My experience with the band has been nothing short of incredible,” said band member Eduardo Arredondo. “I get to play alongside some very talented people and play music in front of audiences, which is something I really enjoy doing. I never thought I would be welcomed by people I didn’t even know, and in such a short time, I feel like I’ve gotten closer to them than ever before.”

“What I love most about this group of people is that they become my family,” said band member Jen Rodriguez. “We rehearse on Wednesday nights and even if I’m tired from a long day of work, once I get here, just being able to play music and play music with your friends, it’s very inspiring.”

The Houston Pride Band is open to musicians of all abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities/expressions. For more information, visit houstonprideband.org.