The Brass Queens

Location: Ludington Area Center for the Arts

Address: 107 South Harrison Street, Ludington, MI 49431

Date: 12 Oct

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts (LACA) will host a performance by the Brass Queens, a Brooklyn, New York based 9-piece brass band featuring an all-female horn section with a sound that is deeply inspired by the New Orleans tradition.

Tickets to the 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12 performance are just $30 in advance and $35 at the door. A limited number of pre-sale tickets will be available for purchase prior to June 1 at a discounted rate of $20. Tickets can be purchased at LACA or online at www.ludingtonartscenter.org. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. for attendees to enjoy a cash bar and take in the exhibits on display throughout LACA.

Finding that they shared similar frustrations about the emerging brass band scene in New York City, Brass Queens co-founders Alex Harris and Ally Chapel came together to form a group dedicated to showcasing the talents of female musicians in a landscape that was dominated by male musicians and bandleaders.

After debuting in March 2019, Brass Queens grew to be a fixture in the New York music scene and was even dubbed "the hardest working band in town" by their peers. The Queens gained a dedicated following through busking on the streets of Brooklyn and playing pop-up events in tight-knit communities. Even the pandemic couldn't slow them down, as the band found ways to still bring music and joy to their fans during quarantine. Since then, Brass Queens has gone on to play iconic venues like Blue Note Jazz Club and Brooklyn Bowl, as well as major events like The Met Gala, Governor's Ball Music Festival, Exit Zero Jazz Festival, Good Morning America, and more.

Brass Queens has developed a signature sound that sits right at the intersection of the Big Apple and the Big Easy: their music is deeply inspired by and pays homage to the New Orleans brass band tradition while injecting the upbeat, multifaceted energy of their New York home into each performance. The result is a nonstop party: a Brass Queens show will have you singing along to classic pop hits, dancing your heart out to reggaeton, and feeling like you've been transported to Frenchman Street. In February 2021, Brass Queens released their debut EP Royal Street and on October 27, 2023 they released their first full-length album titled Black & Gold.

The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is a 501c3 Not for Profit that strives to foster a community where arts and culture bring us together, feed the creative spirit, and fuel community growth. Located at 107 S. Harrison St. in downtown Ludington, Mich. LACA offers monthly exhibits, with first Friday of the month opening receptions; and a wide assortment of performances and workshops. Art Shop 107 by LACA serves as the art center’s gift shop and features amazing original artwork from LACA members, perfect for gifts or home décor. Art center hours of operation are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information about LACA visit www.ludingtonartscenter.org.