Every year thousands of audience members also experience the other three Lakeside Pride ensembles at venues such as the Center on Halsted, the Chicago Cultural Center, the Chicago History Museum, and the Preston Bradley Center. The marching band entertains nearly a million spectators annually at the Chicago Disability Pride Parade, the Chicago Memorial Day Parade, and the Chicago Pride Parade, among others. The Freedom Band & Color Guard (a marching band), Shhh…OUT Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, and Symphony Orchestra help foster goodwill and promote social acceptance through music. Currently, Lakeside Pride features performances by four major ensembles. Over the years, hundreds of members have contributed to a long tradition of musical excellence. Though the organization has had several names, starting with the Chicago Gay Pride Band in 1979, its mission to bring friends and members of the LGBT communities together through the celebration of music has remained constant. Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles reflects a legacy of Chicago LGBT musical groups that spans more than 30 years. Today, its four major components are still helping to promote LGBT equality and social acceptance through music, frequently appearing in parades and concerts.
Lakeside Pride Music Ensembles, is the umbrella group for a succession of instrumental ensembles that began in 1979 with the Chicago Gay Pride Band.
