FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – On June 12, 2011, the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble will mark their 25th anniversary with a special concert at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in the Amaturo Theatre. Founded in 1986 with just six members in a band member’s living room, the then-named Flamingo Freedom Band was born. Since its inception, the band has been entertaining audiences throughout Florida.

In the past two years, the South Florida Pride Wind Ensemble has joined with the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus and Ft. Lauderdale Women’s Chorus to form South Florida Performing Arts. This parent organization has helped all three groups grow by collaborating on concerts, producing one season-long concert program, recruiting monthly giving donors, and selling season ticket subscriptions.

Each year the wind ensemble performs two major concerts at the Broward Center and appears

at several pride events throughout the state. This year will mark their second year going on a tour of Florida’s west coast with the Ft. Lauderdale Gay Men’s Chorus to raise funds for local charities in Naples and Sarasota.

“Our Anniversary Concert will celebrate 25 years of great music and great collaborations. We are going to pull out all of the stops on this one. Our audience will be treated to our usual fantastic visual effects, guest musicians and other entertainers and, of course, amazing music,” commented Dan Bassett, artistic director.

Tickets are now on sale through the Broward Center box office by calling 954-462-0222 or online at www.browardcenter.org/sflpridewindensemble.