Band recruits for wind ensemble

CHARLOTTE — Pick up that fife and flute. The Charlotte Pride Band is recruiting for the first LGBT wind ensemble in the Queen City.

Open to the community and its affirming ally musicians, regardless of background or experience, it welcomes all wind players and percussionists.

A Hot Chocolate Social will be held on Jan. 8, 2011, 5:30-7 p.m., at the Lesbian & Gay Community Center, 820 Hamilton St., Suite B11.

Meet the members of the band as they kick off the second half of their Starstruck 2010-11 season. Enjoy a warm beverage and baked goodies and mix and mingle.

There are two more concerts slated for 2011. On March 5, 2011, the band strikes up for its “Exit, Stage Left” to honor the music from Broadway’s biggest hits. And, on May 14, “The Casting Couch” pays homage to music from the Silver Screen.

For more information, email Mark Taylor, artistic director, at marktaylor@musician.org or visit charlotteprideband.org.

Grant cycle announced

CHARLOTTE — The Charlotte Lesbian and Gay Fund (CLGF), a collective giving and endowment fund of Foundation For The Carolinas and has announced its 2011 grant cycle, as well as the addition of a new grant category. Applications will be available online beginning Jan. 18, 2011.

The CLGF will provide funding to the community in three categories of grants:

• Community Connections Grants

Awards of up to $5,000 to support the creation of programs, projects and events that address the mission of CLGF of cultivating one community that supports lesbian and gay individuals and families.

• Basic Operating Grants

Provide unrestricted operating funds to build the capacity of non-profit organizations serving Charlotte’s LGBT community.

• ADAM Queer Youth Initiative Grants

Awards up to $4,000 to those that target or serve LGBTQ youth of color, young women, transgender and gender non-conforming youth and low income youth.

To be considered for funding, organizations are required to attend a mandatory meeting on Feb. 2, 2010, from 4-6:00 p.m. at Foundation For The Carolinas, 217 S. Tryon St. Also, applications must be delivered to the Foundation by 12 p.m. on March 11, 2011. Those that are incomplete or late will not be considered.

For more information, call David Snider at 704-973-4528, email dsnider@fftc.org or visit fftc.org/clgf.