The San Francisco Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band (SFLGFB) was founded in 1978 by Jon Sims at the height of Anita Bryant’s anti-gay crusade. As the first openly gay music organization in the world, SFLGFB has inspired the formation of lesbian and gay bands, choruses, and performing troupes world-wide. Named the “Official Band of San Francisco” in 2018, SFLGFB has promoted visibility and built understanding between gay and non-gay communities through public musical performances for over 40 years. Each year, SFLGFB presents its award-winning Community Concert services, its beloved fun-filled holiday production, the Dance-Along Nutcracker, and performs at numerous parades and civic events throughout the Bay Area. The Artistic Director of the SFLGFB’s Concert Band is Pete Nowlen.