Members Seek to Save Freedom Band

The members of the Great American Freedom Band will soon launch their first recruitment drive--a bittersweet effort to save a group that has lost more than half of its members to AIDS.

Formed in 1978 to improve the image of the gay community, the band once had 120 members. About 60% have died over the years as a result of AIDS. Today, along with other membership losses, only 15 musicians remain and the group is considering shutting down. The band practices Tuesday evening in West Hollywood’s Plummer Park.

The Freedom Band was formed when members of the gay community were searching for alternative social activities.

“It used to be that social outlets were confined to bars and sex clubs and places that have negative connotations to them,” said Leonard Dootson, the band’s marching director. “The band is a wholesome place for people to get together and at the same time it sort of creates community.”

But before they packed up their instruments for good, however, band members decided to embark on a recruitment campaign. They are hoping to attract attention during West Hollywood’s Gay Pride parade in June, where they will be marching and staffing a sign-up booth.

“That parade will make or break us,” Dootson said.