Desert Winds Season 21 Jazz Band Concert and Gala Fundraiser
The Desert Winds Freedom Band Jazz Ensemble, under the direction of Dean McDowell, played to a sold out crowd at the Band's annual fundraiser on February 26, 2023. Performing with the Jazz Ensemble were guest vocalists Hope Diamond and Patrick Barnitt. Musical selections included The Summer Wind, Here's to Life, Days of Wine and Roses, Fly Me To the Moon, I've Got You Under My Skin, Girl From Ipanema, That's Life, Cry Me A River, Moonlight in Vermont, Summertime, Georgia On My Mind, It Don't Mean a Thing, and Night and Day. Besides the musical entertainment, an excellent dinner was served and there was a silent auction of many items including a 'Wall of Wine'.
Desert Winds Season 21 Fall Concert
'California Dreamin'
On November 19, 2021 the Desert Winds Freedom Band performed their Fall Concert 'California Dreamin' to a near sell-out crowd at the Richards Center in Palm Springs. The Concert Band included over 100 musicians for this concert of music all about California. The Jazz Band performed California Themed music as well, with assistance from vocalists Keisha D and Charles Herrera. Complementing the music were some amazing videos created by James Ditchfield and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway showing scenes from the Coachella Valley and surrounding natural areas projected on a large screen behind the band.
Palm Springs PRIDE 2022!
The Desert Winds Freedom Band joined hundreds of other marchers on Sunday, November 6 for this year's Pride Parade. The band fielded an impressive contingent including our musicians, color guard with flags and rifles and a twirler! There are more pics from the parade below!
(Thanks to Band friend Fran Potaski for the great photos)
(Thanks to Band friend Fran Potaski for the great photos)
Desert Winds Freedom Band President Wins
'Pillars of Pride' Award
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The Band is very please to announce that our President, Dencil White was awarded the 'Pillars of Pride' award at the Annual Meeting of the Pride Bands Alliance in Chicago. Desert Winds Freedom Band is a long time member of the Pride Bands Alliance, an association of 36 LGBTQ bands world wide.
Pride Bands Alliance gives the Pillars of Pride award to a group or individual each year at it's annual meeting "to recognize outstanding service or contributions to the growth and development of Pride Bands by one its members." Dencil has been President of Desert Winds Freedom Band for 6 years, and served as Secretary prior to that. He has guided the Band through COVID and amazing growth in Band membership. He is also one of the founding members of the Washington, D. C. band, 'D.C.'s Different Drummers'. |
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Desert Winds May Concert of Pop and Jewish Music
On May 1st, the Band performed a free afternoon concert of Pop music and Jewish music jointly sponsored with Temple Isaiah. The music was well received by the audience which filled the auditorium. Afterwards, band members mingled with the audience for light refreshments.
Desert Winds 20th Anniversary Spring Concert 'Infinite Hope'.
The Band performed an evening and a matinee performance of our 20th Anniversary Spring Concert at Temple Isaiah on March 26th and 27th to a nearly sold out house. Artistic Director Dean McDowell led the Symphonic Band and the Jazz Ensemble in music appropriate to the concert theme 'Infinite Hope'. Guest Composer/Conductor Brian Balmages conducted two of his works, and Band Founder Gary Moline conducted a march. Helping the Band celebrate it's 20th Anniversary Season, members from some of the men's choruses performed with the Band for the concerts closing number. A highlight of the concert was the premier performance of the work 'Ascent from Darkness', commissioned by the Band and composed by Band member Rosano Galante. The Band awarded five music scholarships to local High School seniors at this year's concert. Please check out some Concert photos below!
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Jazz Band Concert Fundraiser 'Isn't It Romantic?'On February 27th, the Desert Winds Jazz Ensemble held its Gala Fundraising Concert at Temple Isiah. The concert was SOLD OUT! Almost 200 people enjoyed dinner, dancing and a concert by the Jazz Ensemble, led by Artistic Director Dean McDowell. They were joined by four very talented guest vocalists.
The Band truly appreciates this great show of support from our audience, as well as the hard work by the Jazz Ensemble and vocalists in preparation for the concert. |
Our 2021 Fall Concert, 'A Night on Broadway'The Desert Winds Freedom Band returned to performing live after a two year hiatus. The first concert of the Band's 20th Anniversary Season, "A Night on Broadway '', SOLD OUT with over 650 audience members enjoying a great evening of music featuring the Concert Band and Jazz Band, along with two wonderful vocalists under the baton of our Artistic Director, Dean McDowell.
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We would like to introduce you to our 2021 Fall Concert Band
Palm Springs Pride Parade 2021
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On November 7, 2021, the Desert Winds Marching Band and our new Color Guard were among the lead units in this years Pride Parade. It was a perfect day, and there was a large and appreciative crowd lining the parade route. The Band was honored to have visiting members of Pride Bands Alliance join them in the parade from Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, New York, Florida, Illinois, and many southern California cities.
Many thanks to Band friend Fran for the great photos and videos! |
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AIDS WALK 2021 Palm Springs
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On Saturday October 30th, the Desert Winds Pep Band performed outside on the plaza beside Starbucks to give a burst of energy to the walkers as they passed by. The band played an assortment of pop tunes and rousing marches. As you can see by the photographs, everyone had a wonderful time!
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