What began as a Google spreadsheet of instrumentalists and meetings over pizza has become Iowa Pride Ensembles, a joyful resistance movement led by musicians from across the state.
With a mission to “promote artistic expression, education, community and acceptance through performance,” IPE includes Iowa’s premiere LGBTQIA+ performance groups. The Des Moines-based ensembles include a marching band, concert band and a jazz band.
With their marching band season already underway, IPE’s first gig of 2026 is June 14 at Capital City Pride Fest in Des Moines. This Pride season, Iowa Pride Ensembles will be taking their vibrant talents to Ankeny Pride (June 20), Iowa City Pride (June 20) and Valley Junction Pride (June 28). Their concert band season will begin in the fall…