San Francisco Pride Band Announces Universal Language Concert

New Artistic Director Matthew Fell to lead the ensemble's upcoming performance.

Published on Mar. 12, 2026

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The San Francisco Pride Band, a community music group that has been active since 1978, will be holding its upcoming "Universal Language - Winter Community Concert" on March 22nd at Herbst Theatre. The concert will be led by the band's newly appointed Artistic Director, Matthew Fell, who has expressed excitement about the musicianship and community engagement of the ensemble.

Why it matters

The San Francisco Pride Band has long served as a platform for LGBTQ+ visibility and fostering understanding across diverse communities through public performances. The appointment of Matthew Fell, an experienced educator, as the new Artistic Director signals the band's continued commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for its diverse group of musicians.

The details

The concert program will feature works by composers Katahj Copley, Omar Thomas, and Michele Fernandez, which Fell says are "rooted in & inspired by human experiences & informed by the links between shape, movement & identity." Fell believes that "music, movement & identity have always been inextricable" and that the concert will celebrate the ways music has been a part of human experiences, whether crossing oceans, seeking opportunity, or exploring identity and hope.

  • The Universal Language - Winter Community Concert will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 3 PM.
  • Matthew Fell was recently appointed as the new Artistic Director of the San Francisco Pride Band.

The players

Matthew Fell

The newly appointed Artistic Director of the San Francisco Pride Band, who has expressed excitement about the musicianship and community engagement of the ensemble.

Chris Hewes

The President of the Board of Directors of the San Francisco Pride Band, who stated that Fell's experience as an educator will help him foster a safe and welcoming environment for the diverse group of musicians.

San Francisco Pride Band

A community music group that has been active since 1978, providing education and musical development for its members, promoting visibility of LGBTQ+ communities, and fostering understanding among diverse communities through public performance.

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What they’re saying

“I have been blown away not only by the musicianship of the ensemble, but by the community & connections I felt in the group before, during & after rehearsals. The San Francisco Pride Band is deeply engaged in the community & I look forward to being a part of it.”

— Matthew Fell, Artistic Director, San Francisco Pride Band (outtakeonline.com)

“Matthew's experience as an educator gives him an understanding of what it means to be a strong LGBTQ+ ally & how to foster a safe, welcoming environment for a diverse group of musicians. We're so excited to get started on this next chapter for the Concert Band!”

— Chris Hewes, Board of Directors President, San Francisco Pride Band (outtakeonline.com)

What’s next

The Universal Language - Winter Community Concert will take place on Sunday, March 22, 2026 at 3 PM at Herbst Theatre in San Francisco.

The takeaway

The San Francisco Pride Band's commitment to LGBTQ+ visibility, community engagement, and fostering understanding through music continues with the appointment of Matthew Fell as the new Artistic Director. The upcoming concert will celebrate the universal language of music and its power to connect diverse communities.