Pride Bands selects Laura Blake to lead our Rose Parade band
September 7, 2025
WASHINGTON, DC — Pride Bands Alliance is thrilled to introduce Laura Blake as Band Director for our historic appearance in the 2027 Rose Parade® presented by Honda.
Laura currently serves as Senior Director of Events at Music for All, where she has successfully organized the Bands of America Honor Band in the Rose Parade every four years since 2009. She will lead the Honor Band’s logistics team a fifth time in the 2026 parade before serving as artistic lead for the Pride Bands Alliance massed band in 2027.
A founding member of the Pride of Indy Bands, Laura has contributed to the Indianapolis-based ensemble in numerous capacities and has served as Artistic Director of the Marching and Pep Band since 2010.
Her leadership within Pride Bands Alliance is also long-standing. From 2008 to 2014, she served on the Board of Directors and has taken on key artistic roles for major events including the Gay Games in Cleveland (2014), the 2013 Presidential Inaugural Parade and the 2012 March on Washington.
“Laura’s leadership embodies the heart of Pride Bands — artistry, inclusion, and community,” said President of Pride Bands Alliance David Doan. “She has the vision and experience to make this historic moment shine far beyond Pasadena.”
This depth of experience — bridging both the Tournament of Roses and Pride Bands organizations — made Laura the clear choice to lead our 2027 parade performance.
“I’m incredibly honored to merge my professional and community lives by leading this inspiring group of passionate LGBTQ+ musicians in a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience,” Laura said.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Laura has long been a champion of community and scholastic music. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Music from Butler University and is a Certified Festival and Events Executive (CFEE) through the International Festival and Events Association. She is also a proud member of Kappa Kappa Psi and Sigma Alpha Iota.
“Community bands play a vital role in keeping music alive, offering inclusive spaces where musicians of all backgrounds can share their talents and connect through creativity,” Laura said. “Pride Bands Alliance exemplifies this spirit with a flair that sets it apart, and I’m proud to represent such a remarkable organization on a national stage.”
On New Year’s Day 2027, Pride Bands Alliance will be the first LGBTQ+ community group to march in the Rose Parade’s 138-year history. With Laura’s proven leadership, deep ties to Pride Bands and unparalleled Rose Parade experience, the 2027 Rose Parade promises to be a milestone celebration of music, visibility and pride for the LGBTQ+ community.
“For me,” David said, “watching Laura lead our musicians down Colorado Boulevard will be a powerful reminder of how music unites us, how far our community has come, and how proudly we will step into history together.”
About Pride Bands Alliance
Pride Bands Alliance is a membership organization of LGBTQ+ community concert and marching bands from cities around the world. Formerly Lesbian and Gay Band Association, we were founded in 1982 as Lesbian and Gay Bands of America when seven independent bands met formally in Chicago. For more than 40 years, Pride Bands Alliance has grown to include 37 member organizations in the United States, Canada, Australia and England.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and Rose Parade® presented by Honda
The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 volunteer members supply more than 80,000 hours of manpower, which will drive the success of the 138th Rose Parade, on Monday, January 1, 2027, followed by the 113th Rose Bowl Game. For more information, visit tournamentofroses.com.
Contact:
Board of Directors, Pride Bands Alliance
