‘Music to My Ears’: Catch the Long Beach Municipal Band for free starting next week
The summer music series kicks off Tuesday, June 25 with four shows per week through Aug. 2.
The Long Beach Municipal Band is celebrating its 115th season of free outdoor summer concerts beginning next week, with four shows per week through the first week of August.
“The … season showcases a rich tapestry of musical performances, spanning genres from classical to contemporary, captivating audiences of all ages and continues to embody the spirit of unity and celebration that defines Summer in Long Beach,” band Conductor Kurt Curtis said in a statement.
The 2024 season, dubbed “Music to My Ears,” will have a different theme each week, with shows beginning at 6:30 p.m.:
“Night at the Movies” – Music from the silver screen, including tunes from James Horner, John Williams and Hans Zimmer, featuring vocalist Nicole Kubis.
- Tuesday, June 25 – Whaley Park North
- Wednesday, June 26 – Los Cerritos Park
- Thursday, June 27 – Recreation Park (behind Blair Field)
- Friday, June 28 – El Dorado Park West
“Spirit of America” – Though the group is taking July 4 off, the week celebrates U.S. independence with an armed forces salute, featuring vocalist Mark Kopitzke.
- Tuesday, July 2 – Whaley Park North
- Wednesday, July 3 – Los Cerritos Park
- Friday, July 5 – El Dorado Park West
Brandon Richardson was laid off by the Long Beach Post on March 22. Thank him for continuing to cover Long Beach without pay.
“For the Sport of It” – Sport themes from the Olympics to baseball and football to racing will be featured, including an appearance by vocalist L. Young.
- Tuesday, July 9 – Bixby Annex Park
- Wednesday, July 10 – Los Cerritos Park
- Thursday, July 11 – Recreation Park (behind Blair Field)
- Friday, July 12 – El Dorado Park West
“Maestro – Music of Leonard Bernstein” – As the name suggests, this week will pay homage to composer Leonard Bernstein and his iconic works such as “Candide” and “West Side Story.” Vocalist Meloney Collins will close out the concert.
- Tuesday, July 16 – Bixby Annex Park
- Wednesday, July 17 – Los Cerritos Park
- Thursday, July 18 – Recreation Park (behind Blair Field)
- Friday, July 19 – El Dorado Park West
“Constellation of Stars” – This week will showcase current and legendary singers with an appearance by The Swing Kittens (Nicole Perreira, Kaley Griffith and Nicole Kubis).
- Tuesday, July 23 – Bixby Annex Park
- Wednesday, July 24 – Los Cerritos Park
- Thursday, July 25 – Recreation Park (behind Blair Field)
- Friday, July 26 – El Dorado Park West
“Curtain Call” – The final week will feature Broadway hits from “Les Miserables,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Cats” and more, as well as the vocal stylings of Crystal Lewis.
- Tuesday, July 30 – Bixby Annex Park
- Wednesday, July 31 – Los Cerritos Park
- Thursday, Aug. 1 – Recreation Park (behind Blair Field)
- Friday, Aug. 2 – El Dorado Park West
The concert series is sponsored by Partners of Parks and the Friends of the Long Beach Municipal Band as well as various city departments, including Parks, Recreation and Marine, Energy Resources, Environmental Services and the Port of Long Beach.
“Once again, the Long Beach Municipal Band will bring joy and music to the hearts of Long Beach residents all summer long,” Mayor Rex Richardson in a statement. “It is such a pleasure to see families and friends gather for an evening of incredible music, picnicking and creating lasting memories.”
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