Encantada, The Band of Enchantment, was founded in 2010 by Gwen-Marie Lerch. In 2020, we celebrate 10 years of making music around New Mexico.
Encantada has grown tremendously from the tiny contingent that marched in the 2010 Albuquerque Pride Parade. Our concert band, pep & marching unit, and jazz ensemble perform for many types of events around the state. Encantada ensembles participate in Pride activities in Albuquerque, Los Ranchos, Santa Fe, Taos, and most recently, Las Vegas NM. We have played at the annual “Twinkle Light Parade,” Habitat for Humanity Chile Festival, IGRA Rodeos, the Albuquerque HIV Walk, and Albuquerque Isotopes and New Mexico United Pride Days.
Encantada has performed in concert with the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus and the New Mexico Women’s Chorus, and co-hosted a Lesbian & Gay Band Association (LGBA) regional event with four other LGBA bands from the Southwest and California.
Committed to making our music accessible to the community, most Encantada concerts are offered free of charge, although donations and applause are always appreciated.
Encantada is LGBTQIAP-friendly, and welcomes anyone, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. We welcome musicians of all experience levels, as long as they can read music. As Gwen-Marie likes to say, “The ‘E’ in Encantada is for ‘Everyone!’”