South Bay Leader

Long Beach, CA – The Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate their 114th season this year with free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks, from June 27 through August 4, 2023, with a different theme every week.

"Our Municipal Band holds the prestigious title of being the nation's longest-running municipal band," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "These concerts create an opportunity for neighbors and families to come together, enjoying delightful evenings of superb music, picnicking, and fostering a strong sense of community."

Residents can enjoy performances of the Long Beach Municipal Band on the dates listed below. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free.

• Whaley Park North on Tuesdays, June 27 and July 11
• Bixby Annex Park on Tuesdays, July 18, 25; August 1
• Los Cerritos Park on Wednesdays, June 28; July 5, 12, 19, 26; August 2
• Recreation Park (behind Blair Field) on Thursdays, June 29; July 6, 13, 20, 27; August 3
• El Dorado Park West on Fridays, June 30; July 7, 14, 21, 28; August 4.

“Come join the talented musicians of the Long Beach Municipal Band as we celebrate our 114th season in the parks of Long Beach,” said Long Beach Municipal Band Conductor Kurt Curtis. “This summer’s concerts are sure to bring joy, laughter and a sense of community, as music is what emotion sounds like!”

Descriptions of the weekly themes, provided by the Long Beach Municipal Band, are as follows:

Week 1 (June 27 – 30), “Lights, Camera, Action” – Let’s kick off the summer with great composers from the Silver Screen. Movie music comes to life in the parks of Long Beach through scores from westerns, exciting adventures and what is sure to become a Disney classic. Bring your popcorn, close your eyes and listen to the magic. Accomplished vocalist, Nicole Kubis, along with the Studio Band, kick off the season in style.

Week 2 (July 5-7), “Star Spangled Salute” – Share your Fourth of July week with the nation’s oldest and world’s finest Municipal Band. Patriotic music’s origins are many, its tempos varied, but the message is always clear. Join the band in its 114th season of affirming love of freedom and independence in our great country. After her popular debut last season, the evening will conclude with the uniquely talented, Crystal Lewis.

Week 3 (July 11-14), “World Traveler” – Pack your bags as we travel on a quick musical journey around the world. What an adventure it will be to hear and experience the musically gifted world in which we live! The return of soulful vocalist, Derek Bordeaux, joins forces with the Studio Band for this fun-filled week.

Week 4 (July 18-21), “It’s Showtime!” – When you are an instrumentalist in a Broadway musical, you will be banished to “the pit” to be heard, but not seen. For this week’s concert we are bringing the musicians out in the open so you can see, hear and appreciate their wonderful artistic talents before the final curtain. The evening wraps up with fan favorite, Mark Kopitzke, and the Studio Band.

Week 5 (July 25-28), “Take Flight” – Conductor Kurt Curtis has selected an array of music that will take you to new heights. Buckle up as we launch above the horizon, and beyond, with melodies that will send your spirits soaring. Meloney Collins brings her powerful vocal talent to the stage to close the evening.

Week 6 (August 1-4), “Band-tastic” – This last week of the 2023 concert series promises to be one of the highlights of summer. Your Long Beach Municipal Band presents some of the most defining bands of our time. From Glen Miller to The Beach Boys, Stan Kenton to Chicago, and many more that is sure to end the season with a rockin’ good time! This season’s finale features entertaining jazz artist, Tony Galla, along with the Studio Band.

The Long Beach Municipal Band concert series is made possible with sponsorship from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Department of Energy Resources, Long Beach Environmental Services Bureau, the Port of Long Beach, Partners of Parks and the Friends of the Long Beach Municipal Band.

About the City of Long Beach

Home to approximately 470,000 people, the multiple award-winning and innovative City of Long Beach offers all the world-class amenities of a large metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods nestled together along the California coast. As a full-service charter city, Long Beach is home to the Queen Mary, Aquarium of the Pacific, several museums and theaters, a highly rated school district, Long Beach Airport, the Port of Long Beach, as well as many award-winning City departments such as Health, Parks, Recreation and Marine, Development Services and more. The City also has a highly respected university and city college, two historic ranchos, five hospitals, five golf courses, 166 parks, miles of beaches, marinas, bike paths, and a Bike Share program.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov/. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

About Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine

Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) is recognized for excellence in management practices and programs, having received the National Parks and Recreation Association Gold Medal Award four times. PRM provides leisure programs and services to residents and visitors, which improve quality of life in Long Beach. PRM maintains 166 parks with 26 community centers, 320 acres of open space, and 6.1 miles of beaches; implements the City's Open Space Plan, provides recreational opportunities to meet diverse community needs, maintains public marinas, and provides for public safety and the humane treatment of animals.

For more information about Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine programs and services, visit www.lbparks.org. Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.

Original source can be found here.