The Long Beach Municipal Band is celebrating its 98th season by declaring “Summer begins…when the music starts!”
The annual outdoor summer concert season returns to Long Beach parks starting Tuesday, June 26, for 31 free performances.
Each of the eight weeks of the season will focus on a different theme and will be performed by the band’s professional musicians. To cap off several performances, concert audiences will be treated to selections from special vocalists–accompanied by the Long Beach Municipal Band’s Studio Band.
The Long Beach Municipal Band is brought to the community by the Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department and Partners of Parks. Performances are slated for 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, Tuesday, June 26 through Friday, August 17.
The Long Beach Municipal Band is the longest running, municipally supported band in the country. These free concerts provide a chance for neighbors and families to gather outdoors for a relaxing evening of picnicking, entertainment and music. An SMG food vendor will be available at each concert in addition to the music. “The old-fashioned concert in the park is one of the finest family entertainment experiences available,” Conductor Lee Curtis said. “Many who attend the concerts bring picnic dinners and blankets or lawn chairs. It’s a very festive atmosphere.”
The band performs at Whaley Park, at 5620 Atherton Street, the first two Tuesdays and Bluff Park, on Ocean Boulevard between 20th and 36th Place, with no concert scheduled for Tuesday, July 10. Each Wednesday the concert is at Los Cerritos Park, at 3750 Del Mar Avenue. Thursdays are at Marine Stadium, at 5255 Paoli Way, and Fridays are at El Dorado Park, at Studebaker Road and Willow Street.
Week 1’s theme is “Strike up the Band.” The uniquely talented Sherwood Sledge joins forces with the Studio Band for the finale.
Week 2 focuses on “An American Salute,” with an appreciation for liberty, love of country, strength and optimism. Bring picnic fare and listen to a musical salute from the pens of the nation’s finest composers. Vocalist John O’Campo closes the concert.
Week 3 brings “Circuses, Side Shows and Carnivals,” as the music of the big top comes to the parks of Long Beach. You will be amazed, entertained and electrified by unusual music originally composed for the world’s greatest acts. The ever popular singing artist Barbara Morrison provides the closing act.
Week 4 celebrates “Happy Feet.” The spirited rhythmic pulsations emitting from the Municipal Band could encourage foot tapping, swaying of torso and flaying of arms. The evening concludes with the vocal styling of the sensational Tony Galla.
“Evening Classics” hit Week 5 with music written especially for the Municipal Band, including some of the great pop classics from the concert stage. The artistry and technical fluency of the band will truly shine. The Studio Band is our featured “artist of the week” on this all-instrumental program.
Music from swash bucklin’, bronco bustin’, high flying romantic heroes of film and screen gallop in to Week 6. Guaranteed to be a crowd pleasing evening of exciting and adventurous music from the brilliant minds of America’s movie composers. Guest vocalist Carol Weisman and the Studio Band add the finishing touch to this great musical evening.
“Toot, Whistle and Boom!” are Week 7’s theme. This concert features music with added sound effects. The late Spike Jones band made an entire career performing this type of music. The Municipal Band goes where it seldom travels as it delves into some of the world’s most unusual music. Come join the fun and be ready to participate. Barbara Morrison returns to the stage.
Week 8’s concert is expected to be a favorite of the summer. If you enjoy the music of the Beatles, Elvis Presley, Stevie Wonder, Barbara Streisand and Frank Sinatra, or the great Broadway musicals of the past, then join us for this memorable evening. What better way to end a great concert season than to bring back Tony Galla and the Studio Band.
For more information on the Long Beach Municipal Band, call (562) 570-1743.
