The legacy of Long Beach Municipal Band Conductor Larry Curtis will be honored at Marine Stadium Park following Tuesday’s City Council unanimous vote to name a portion of the park after him.
According to an online survey by the office of Councilmember Suzie Price, the proposed location is in the north end of the stadium where municipal band concerts take place.
A proposed park flag sign is estimated to cost $2,300, according to a document from Price’s office. The funding source has not yet been identified.
Until his death in June 2020, Curtis led the municipal band’s summer concerts for 27 years and nearly 700 concerts.
“His role leading the annual summer concerts in the park made him a beloved person for Long Beach residents citywide,” a statement from the office of Price said. “The municipal band is an important part of our City’s history but also a great part of our summers bringing fun, positivity, and community to our parks.”
Long Beach community members have supported the item, according to survey results shared by Price.
Over 92% of the 762 survey responses support the park naming.
Of the 762 survey responses, 59.45% prefer the name to be “Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park” with “Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Grove” in second place at 23.49% of the vote.
At the council chambers, Long Beach resident Dennis Houlihan asked the council to pass the item on behalf of Curtis’ family.
“They are honored beyond imagination,” Houlihan said. “On behalf of the family, and all of us who love that band, and love what it represents. And the joy for the families of Long Beach please vote unanimously.”
Houlihan noted that since the last time he spoke out in support of the item in July, the municipal band was able to put together a two-week season in late August.
“For those of you who attended one of those concerts, you could see all the people sitting there with their families on the blankets having a great time enjoying the music that summer came back,” Houlihan said.
Leading this experience for the Long Beach community was its new conductor—Kurt Curtis, Larry’s son.
The next time Kurt leads the summer concert series at Marine Stadium Park, his father’s name will be gracing the location.
“I cannot wait to attend a concert as the new Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park,” Price said.
The next Long Beach City Council meeting will take place on Tuesday, Sept. 14. at 5 p.m. in the Civic Chambers, 411 W Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802.
