Atlanta Freedom Bands

08/26/2026

We join with the many people mourning Dolly Parton today. We will miss her wonderful talent and the way she embraced everyone. At the same time, we celebrate her example of quiet generosity that brought joy and light to so many parts of our world.

We were saddened to hear of the passing of Dolly Parton today. Everyone knows of her musical talents and philanthropy. However, less people know that she was a percussionist and majorette in her Sevier County High School Band in Sevierville, Tennessee. Fewer know that she quietly funded numerous band programs over the years purchasing uniforms and instruments for not only her alma mater, but underfunded programs in lower socioeconomic schools. This was done anonymously for many years until it was discovered and reported on in 2022. While certainly an amazing musician, she is beloved because she was an even better person.

08/16/2026

We had a wonderful time this weekend with our friends in the Charlotte Pride Band as they celebrated Pride! We performed twice at the festival yesterday and marched down Tryon Street today for all the crowds. The heat index at step off was 105°, and the music was just as hot! Thanks to our hosts for making us feel so welcome!

08/08/2026

Happy International Cat Day, AFB Fans! We would love to see pictures of our feline fans. Drop a picture of your favorite furry buddy in the comments! 🐱

08/01/2026

We had a wonderful time today at the first-ever Fayette Pride! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️ Thanks Fayette Pride for inviting us to be in your first Pride parade and a part of the festival. We so enjoyed performing for our Fayette County neighbors and meeting everyone this afternoon. We look forward to a return.

The parade was a good workout for our Marching Band and Color Guard as we prepare to take part in the Tournament of Roses Parade just FIVE months from today in Pasadena! Over 330 musicians and performers from bands like ours will come together to appear in the Rose Parade in January, making history as the first-ever LGBTQ+ identified group to march! Stay tuned to our page as we step closer to the date.Rose Paradee

07/04/2026

Atlanta Freedom Bands members have performed on two continents in two months! Gay Games 12 took place this past week in Valencia Spain. Every four years, LGBTQ+ athletes and artists from around the world gather for a week filled with friendly competition and outstanding performances that showcase the best of our community. Our friends in the Pride Bands Alliance worked with presenting partners in Valencia to produce the band festival that took place during the event. They performed at the Opening Ceremonies and finished the week with a stunning performance at the Palau de la Musica alongside local university students. We are fortunate to have opportunities to connect with musicians, athletes, and audiences from around the world. The next edition of the Gay Games takes place in 2030 in Perth, Australia. We were last there in 2002 for the Gay Games in Sydney, and we can’t wait to see our Aussie friends again!

06/28/2026

We had a wonderful time opening the 16th AUGUSTA PRIDE Festival today! With all the downtown construction, the parade did not take place. That gave us a chance to play a full set of music along with multiple equipment changes from the Color Guard. We always look forward to a bringing Pride and Joy to Georgia’s Garden City!

06/25/2026

We all scream for ice cream (and AFB as we march down the street!)

Join us on Thursday from 4p-9p at Handel's Midtown, right next to Trader Joe's and the Beltline for an ice cream fundraiser! Show the flyer below and 20% of your purchase will go to support Atlanta Freedom Bands. We'll see you there! 🍦🍨