Mid America Freedom Band overcomes harsh weather conditions at KC Pride Parade

June 9, 2025

Julian Schnittker,

Gage, Ashton, and Bethany (left to right) play cymbals and snares in the drum line as the parade kicks off. // Photo by Julian Schnittker

Not even torrential rain could stop the Mid America Freedom Band from spreading music, joy, and a message of inclusivity at this year’s KC Pride Parade this past Saturday, June 7.

The Spirit Pep Band, which performed in the parade on Saturday, is just one ensemble in the Mid America Freedom Band. Each year, it also participates in events such as the Kansas City AIDS Walk and the Brookside St. Patrick’s Day Warm-Up Parade.

On Saturday, the band performed a medley of “Pink Pony Club” by Chappell Roan, “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga, and “We Are Family” by Sister Sledge.

When sparse rains turned into a downpour near the end of the parade, crowds continued to cheer for the band’s brazen playing.

Lucas Testin, the interim director of the Spirit Pep Band, said that the KC Pride Parade is the band’s “biggest visibility event of the year,” drawing impressed onlookers to future concerts and even inspiring some to join as musicians or members of the color guard.

Testin stepped into the directorial position just two weeks ago, taking on a new role as the Mid America Freedom Band undergoes multiple staffing changes. It is now looking for a new artistic director.

What remains constant in the organization is the community it fosters. Debbie Farrell has been a flutist in the Spirit Pep Band for three years. She initially joined because the band lacked the pressure of auditioning, and has stayed for the positive atmosphere.

“I remember we had a rehearsal on my birthday a couple of years ago. The whole band sang happy birthday to me, and it was so touching,” she says.

There are now three ensembles in the Mid America Freedom Band, which was established in 2001 as an LGBT performance group with just four members and grew to include a concert band, the Mighty Mo Jazz Orchestra, and the Spirit Pep Band.

Some members of the Spirit Pep Band also participate in the Mighty Mo Jazz Orchestra, which is the only audition-based ensemble of the three. Under the direction of Jessie Davis, it is preparing for its next concert on Friday, June 20. The orchestra will be performing “Harmonious Horizons: Music of Maria Schneider”, featuring selections from the Pulitzer-Prize nominated composer.

“It’s great, especially in jazz, to feature concerts of all works by a female composer,” says Davis. The choice corresponds with the band’s mission to feature underrepresented identities in the arts.

“We try to get out in the community as much as possible,” says Rameka Jennings, vice chair of the band’s board of directors. And most importantly, “We’re not afraid to go out and show our pride.”

All photos by Julian Schnittker: