Brass Queens is a female-led, New York-based brass band that has been dominating the brass band scene since 2019.
Finding that they shared similar frustrations about the emerging brass band scene in New York City, 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 local music scene and was dubbed “the hardest working band in town” by their peers.
The band has developed a signature style that sits right at the intersection of the Big Apple and the Big Easy. Their sound 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.
Recent highlights include Carnegie Hall, New York City Pride, and multiple performances with the living icon, David Byrne. Brass Queens has played major events like The Met Gala and for notable clients including New Balance, Chanel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Tiffany & Co., Bombas, Perrier, Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.
Featuring:
Alex Harris, trumpet
Ally Chapel, alto sax
Ashley Baier, drums
Caitlin Cawley, percussion
Jenna Murdoch, tenor sax
Minerva Johnson, trumpet & aux percussion
Nora Nalepka, sousaphone
Stephanie King, trumpet
Stephanie Young, trombone