A series of symphonies and impressive vocals will mesh with the sounds of nature for six weeks this summer for one of the city’s longest-running traditions. After performing a shortened, two-week season last year due to the pandemic, the Long Beach Municipal Band will return with gusto for its 113th season.
The Long Beach Municipal Band is made up of some of the top musicians in Southern California and led by conductor Kurt Curtis, who is entering his first full season conducting. They will be performing a mixture of studio band and guest vocalist concerts throughout six parks in Long Beach from June 28 through August 5, each week following a different theme.
As the longest-standing municipal band in the country, Curtis explains that one of the goals each year is to keep things exciting.
“There’s favorites we’ve played over the years that people love to hear again, but it’s always nice to sprinkle in some brand new things that they’ve never heard before,” Curtis said.
Families have been flocking to Long Beach parks for over a century to enjoy the sounds of live music at parks and beaches. All venues are free, giving the community 24 chances to experience a highly renowned live studio band.
“I think what’s the beauty of it all, is that it brings the community together,” Curtis said. “Everybody brings their beach chairs and their blankets and their food spread. They have a wonderful outdoor evening in the parks and then to hear just an amazing ensemble play music … There’s not really anything quite like this in the whole country, not at this level.”
Curtis also spoke to the “quality of musicianship” among the players on the municipal band. The musicians who plan on planting their chairs atop grassy fields are the same playing for the LA Philharmonic, the Disneyland band, various movie and television scores and teaching throughout Southern California universities.
It’s not by chance that the band has stood the test of time—it survived The Great Depression from 1929 to 1939, and a pandemic that is ongoing—but through dedication from the City. Funds from the Long Beach city council created the first city band in 1889, formally known as the “Long Beach Marine Band.”
The 30-piece ensemble performed in parks, restaurants and skating rinks throughout the year until 1905. Replacing the Marine Band was a city-approved municipal band under the direction of Nicola Donatelli, an Italian immigrant.
In 1909, the city passed an ordinance to create the Long Beach Municipal Band, which became one of the city’s most esteemed attractions. Members of the community took to beaches and parks daily to hear their favorite scores performed.
“It’s kind of based on, really, like what an old town band would have been like,” Curtis said. “If you look back in the late 1800s, towns across the country had town bands, and it was the most popular form of entertainment at the time. They would do just what we’re doing here in the city of Long Beach, they’d go to the parks and hear outdoor concerts […] And we’re going to be doing that same thing. It’s partly what I like about it, it’s just such a great connection to history.”
Themes are meant to intrigue crowds old and young, Curtis explained. Week two will feature sounds from iconic Broadway productions, “certain to bring back fond memories of music that has shaped our lives,” according to a statement from the city. “Give My Regards To Broadway” will also include a debut performance from vocalist Crystal Lewis.
Week four, “Let’s Dance” will get attendees on their feet, as the band will perform dance music “for all appetites” as well as fan-favorite jazz artist, Tony Galla.
Concerts will be located at:
- Whaley Park – June 28 and July 5
- Bluff Park – July 12, 19 and 26
- Veterans Park – August 2
- Los Cerritos Park – June 29, July 6, 13, 20, 27, and August 3
- Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium Park – Thursdays, June 30 through August 4
- El Dorado Park West – Fridays, July 1 through August 5
All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free. A full schedule of concerts, with a short description of each week’s theme can be found on the city’s website.
This article was updated on July 12 to correct the dates for concerts at Bluff Park and to add dates to Los Cerritos Park.
