Brass Solidarity Band Brings Joy and Hope to Minneapolis Amidst Grief
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, on May 25, 2025, the Brass Solidarity band led a march commemorating the fifth anniversary of George Floyd's murder. This event highlighted the band's ongoing role in using music to address social injustices and provide solace to a grieving community.
Formation and Mission of Brass Solidarity
Brass Solidarity was founded in 2021 by musicians in response to the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. For over five years, the band has gathered weekly at the site of Floyd's murder, performing civil rights-era songs such as A Change Is Gonna Come and This Little Light of Mine, along with other tunes that resonate with current events. Their tagline, "a sonic occupation for Black liberation," underscores their commitment to social change through artistic expression.
The band now boasts approximately 150 members and welcomes any musician interested in joining. Their inclusive ethos extends to all, regardless of musical expertise, with participants bringing instruments ranging from brass to kazoos and egg shakers.
Expanding Role in Honoring Victims and Protesting Policies
Recently, Brass Solidarity has taken on an urgent new role by memorializing other victims of violence in Minneapolis. After federal agents shot Renee Good just one mile from where Floyd was killed, the band began playing in her memory. They also started performing at the site where Alex Pretti was gunned down by immigration officers.
These performances include events like an "ICE Out" protest on Lake Nokomis, where they led songs and chants, and a demonstration at the Target Center, demanding better protection from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The music serves as both a protest against the Trump administration's immigration operations and an offering of support to a traumatized community.
Community Impact and Emotional Resonance
Tony Randazzo, a sousaphonist with the band, explained that the music addresses ongoing trauma in the Twin Cities, stemming from violent arrests and deportations. Despite claims by the Trump administration about drawing down operations, many residents continue to grapple with fear and loss. Band members themselves have faced harassment and detention by ICE in their communities.
Alsa Bruno, a lead vocalist, noted that ICE's actions have left many too afraid to leave their homes, turning their neighborhoods into virtual jails. The band's performances provide a creative outlet for anger and grief, fostering connection and compassion. Jordan Powell-Karis, who plays bass drum, described it as "a gesture of love and compassion" in times of conflict.
National and International Recognition
In recent weeks, Brass Solidarity has gained widespread attention, with Instagram videos of their vigils and protests in subzero temperatures being shared tens of thousands of times. Residents unable to leave home have expressed gratitude for watching these performances online, finding hope in the band's resilience.
Bruno emphasized that by using songs from the civil rights movement, they honor the legacy of Black artists who fought for freedom. Powell-Karis reflected on the impact, saying that seeing the band play gives people "a little sparkle, something to hope towards."
Personal Stories and Emotional Depth
Randazzo shared a poignant moment from a performance after Pretti's death, where he sang Gnarls Barkley's Crazy and was overwhelmed by emotions, recalling the shock of learning about Good's shooting. This highlights how the band's music helps process collective grief, with members and audiences alike finding catharsis in the melodies.
The band's collaborative spirit integrates elements from Minneapolis's DIY arts scene, including puppeteers, dancers, and percussionists, creating a dynamic and evolving repertoire that adapts to each gathering.
