Sass-a-brass trumpets representation as demand grows for its roving queer street performances
June 18, 2024 | Ben Wolf
When Rosie O’Brien first organized a queer street parade brass band — specializing in Mardi Gras and Pride vibes — the sousaphonist-turned-arts leader had no idea the cultural impact and representation Sass-a-brass could bring to Kansas City.
Members of Sass-a-brass pose at a June performance; photo courtesy of Sass-a-brass
“The first time we got together as a band was for the first Lawrence pride parade in 2018,” explained O’Brien. “It was small, it was cute.”
As word of mouth grew, so too did the band’s roster of musicians — now at about 30 who rotate between events when they’re available. And while O’Brien had initially hoped to play just one or two pride parades each year, Sass-a-brass is now on track to finish 2024 with nine performances — including its recent appearance at Boulevardia — under the band’s belt.
The scale of Sass-a-brass’ shows ranges from KC’s biggest to smaller performances like a recent block party commemorating Womontown, a historic Kansas City safe haven for lesbians in the 1980s and 1990s.
Each member of the band comes from different backgrounds and musical skill levels, O’Brien said, noting that diversity contributes to the appeal and success of Sass-a-brass.
Click here to learn more about the history of Sass-a-brass.
Style and substance
Sass-a-brass is an “unamplified roving street parade band,” O’Brien said. Because band members’ instruments don’t need microphones, they can walk and play at the same time, as well as encouraging crowd participation.
“The general interest from the band is to make fun music that also has a liberatory thesis,” O’Brien explained. “So not only do we play New Orleans-style street parade and jazz music with the improv tradition, but we also do arrangements of protest tunes and union organizing songs.”
“Our mission is to create a supportive environment for queer and women musicians to play and perform together in a band,” O’Brien continued, noting that in Kansas City specifically, a lot of the jazz scene is male dominated.
Click here to follow Sass-a-brass on Instagram.
2024 Startups to Watch
stats here
Related Posts on Startland News
Lawrence cybersecurity startup raises $1.85M pre-seed round led by KC’s Flyover Capital
A startup focused on detecting hidden malware and preventing costly ransomware attacks announced a power-packed pre-seed funding round to push its pending launch — with the backing of a trio of high-profile regional investors. The investment in cybersecurity pioneer Invary was led by Flyover Capital, with additional participation from NetWork Kansas GROWKS Equity program, and…
Pickle and Suede: Sporty new line plays on jewelry brand’s versatility, flexes creative muscle
Nickel and Suede is hitting the court this summer, served co-founder Kilee Nickels. The Liberty-based jewelry brand — which just celebrated its ninth birthday — has released a pickleball paddle in collaboration with Recess Pickleball, along with a line of “just the right” accessories to coordinate. “It’s kind of our stamp of approval,” Nickels said.…
Fund Me, KC: Zanago founders seek support to close funding gap for real estate transparency platform
Startland News is continuing its “Fund Me, KC” series to highlight area entrepreneurs’ efforts to accelerate their businesses or lend a helping hand to others. This is an opportunity for business owners and innovators — like Louis Byrd and Arlene Byrd from the social impact tech company Zanago — to share their crowdfunding stories and potentially…
Smart regulation required as digital assets, blockchain push innovation faster than ever, entrepreneur says
Editor’s note: The opinions expressed in this commentary are the author’s alone. Jy Maze is CEO of Maze Freight Solutions and a ForbesNext1000 2021 Honoree. Kansas has seen much innovation over the past decade, but to continue that growth, we as a state need to look at new economic opportunities to drive business to our…