in the news
from June 2006

Leeds lgbtq youth group, OUT 2 25, proudly present their dynamic an exciting new project, The Rainbow Drummers samba band.

‘The Rainbow Drummers band is the first lgbtq youth samba band in the United Kingdom,’ says youth worker Moni Noszkay, ‘and the members have loved learning new tunes and then performing them with enjoyment and infectious enthusiasm. The band made their debut last October at the Sex, Socks and Sushi young people’s sexual health conference at Leeds College of Music - the acoustics were fantastic and the band played brilliantly. Since then interest in the band has been immense and they have played successfully at a number of events across the City of Leeds including the MESMAC AGM, the Youth Council Annual Conference, the Gay Abandon LGBT History Month concert at The Carriageworks Theatre.’

On Thursday 25th May Rainbow Drummers provided entertainment as part of the programme, at the launch of Leeds City Council’s LGB Staff Network at The Marriott Hotel.

‘Being part of a project like this is an incredible boost to young people’s confidence and self esteem’ says Noszkay. ‘The experience of performing and then providing an instant samba workshop for different groups has proved that drumming is a fantastic medium for breaking down barriers between young people from different backgrounds and identity groups. The band rehearse on Thursday evenings between 6-8pm at Park Lane College in the students’ union space.’

If you’re 13-25 and are lesbian, gay bisexual, transgender or questioning your sexuality and want to try something new then either call in to the college or contact Moni Noszkay (see below).

‘The Rainbow Drummers can provide entertainment for any function or event,’ she adds. ‘The workshops are accessible to all and within twenty minutes, even people who haven’t ever played drums or percussion before will be grooving along with their instrument to a funky samba tune! The Rainbow Drummers create a vibe that makes people smile!’