The Desert Winds Freedom Band Is 'UNITED IN MUSIC' At The Richards Center For The Arts

The Desert Winds Freedom Band is excited to open their 17th season of providing incredible music for the Coachella Valley with the first in the series of exhilarating, themed programs "Unity in Music - The World in Harmony" on Sunday, November 19 at the beautiful Richards Center for the Arts. This vibrant performance of traditional songs from Japan, Africa, Italy, Ireland and China along with a suite of old American dances brings together the best of cultures encompassing the globe. It will be hosted by KMIR-TV's Bryan Gallo and celebrated Palm Springs "Hostess With The Mostest", Brian Wanzek aka Bella Da Ball.

"This invigorating concert will showcase an amazing collection of native songs from countries around-the-world. As we grow our organization, we continually strive to provide our audiences with programming that reflects our bands diversity and range of talent," said Artistic Director, Dean McDowell, DWFB.

Bryan Gallo joined KMIR News as a Weathercaster in August 2015. Weathercasting is a lifelong dream come true for Bryan. As a young adult, he moved from the Bay Area to Los Angeles to pursue a career as professional dancer. Where he had the opportunity to work on MTV and has worked on Soul Train as a dancer. His reputation for gracious hosting earned him the honor of being voted Pasadena's "Best Local Personality" in the Pasadena Weekly's Reader's Poll in 2008, 2009, & 2011.Bryan has recently hosted fundraisers for Food For Thought, LA AIDS Project, "The Center" - The LGBT Community Center of the Desert and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Brian Wanzek, perhaps better known as Bella da Ball, is a recipient of a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, received Safe Schools Desert Cities Champion for Youth Award for LBGTQIA, and PrideNation's Best Entertainer People's Choice Award. He has also won the Community Service Award from AAP, Volunteer of the Year from Greater Palm Springs Pride, named Desert Outlook's Best of the Valley Ultimate Pride drag personality for years, received honors from Desert AIDS Project celebrating Everyday Heroes, received Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce P.S. I Love You award. Bella will be the inaugural "Community Sweetheart" at the Palm Springs 25th Festival of Lights parade December 2.

The band is a very diverse group open to all gay, gay-friendly and straight allied musicians who like to play concert band music. Under the baton of Dean McDowell, Artistic Director, it is comprised of dedicated musicians whose goal is to make great music together serving the greater Palm Springs and Coachella Valley area. DWFB is a 501©(3) tax exempt organization.

To purchase tickets to one of the season concerts or for more information on how to support the Desert Winds Freedom Band visit www.DesertWindsFB.org or call 760-776-2700.