PRESS RELEASE

City of Long Beach 
Public Information Office
411 W. Ocean Blvd, 
Long Beach, CA 90802
www.longbeach.gov

6/14/2024
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release # 061424-2
Subject:
Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Announces Long Beach Municipal Band 2024 Summer Concert Season: “Music to My Ears”
Contact:
Jane Grobaty
562.570.3233
Jane.Grobaty@longbeach.gov
Community Information Officer
Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine




Close up of members of the Municipal Band wearing teal matching shirts and playing a variety of musical instruments

Long Beach, CA – This summer, the Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate their 115th season of free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks. Concerts begin Tuesday, June 25, with the last one taking place Friday, August 2. Each performance week will showcase a different theme, offering spectators a variety of musical entertainment all summer long.

“Once again, the Long Beach Municipal Band will bring joy and music to the hearts of Long Beach residents all summer long,” said Mayor Rex Richardson. “It is such a pleasure to see families and friends gather for an evening of incredible music, picnicking and creating lasting memories.”

The Long Beach Municipal Band will perform on the dates listed below. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free.

  • Whaley Park North on Tuesdays, June 25 and July 2
  • Bixby Annex Park on Tuesdays, July 9, 16, 23 and 30
  • Los Cerritos Park on Wednesdays, June 26 and July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
  • Recreation Park (behind Blair Field) on Thursdays, June 27; July 11, 18 and 25 (no concert on July 4); August 1
  • El Dorado Park West on Fridays, June 28; July 5, 12, 19 and 26; August 2.

“The Long Beach Municipal Band's 115th 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,” said Long Beach Municipal Band Conductor Kurt Curtis.

Concert goers can look forward to exciting weekly themes for each concert week:

Week 1 (June 25-28) “Night at the Movies” – This will be an unforgettable evening of music from the silver screen with the captivating melodies of composers James Horner, John Williams and Hans Zimmer brought to life by the Long Beach Municipal Band. Vocalist Nicole Kubis, along with the Studio Band, will kick off the season in style.

Week 2 (July 2-5; no concert July 4) “Spirit of America” Celebrate our country’s birthday and enjoy an Armed Forces Salute that honors the dedication of the brave men, women and their families who safeguard the freedom of our nation. The vocal fireworks of Mark Kopitzke will close this unforgettable night.

Week 3 (July 9-12)For the Sport of It” From the triumphant musical strains of the Olympics to the rhythmic beats of baseball, football and car racing, each piece this week will resonate with the excitement and passion of athletic competition. Vocalist L. Young teams up with the Studio Band for his premiere powerhouse performance.

Week 4 (July 16-19) “Maestro – Music of Leonard Bernstein With his boundless talent and innovative approach, Leonard Bernstein left an indelible mark on both classical and Broadway music with iconic works like “Candide” and “West Side Story.”  The eagerly anticipated Meloney Collins shares her exceptional talent to close off this week’s concert.

Week 5 “(July 23-26) Constellation of Stars” This week’s concert will showcase current sensations and legendary singers from the past, with a diverse array of musical styles from the classic “Moon River” to the iconic rock anthem “Bohemian Rhapsody.” Enjoy the vocal harmonies of The Swing Kittens featuring Nicole Perreira, Kaley Griffith and Nicole Kubis.

Week 6 (July 30-August 2) “Curtain Call” The Municipal Band will close the season with a concert of Broadway hits from beloved classics to modern showstoppers from “Les Miserables,” “Mama Mia” and “Cats.” The Studio Band, along with the unique vocal styles of fan-favorite Crystal Lewis, will bring the house down!

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.

Long Beach recently announced its Summer of Opportunity initiative, a collective impact approach focused on fostering positive development among Long Beach youth while simultaneously addressing youth violence. Highlights of Summer of Opportunity activations to support local youth during the summer months, and the City’s Summer Activities calendar, is available here.

About the City of Long Beach    
Long Beach is nestled along the Southern California coast and home to approximately 466,000 people. As an award-winning full-service charter city, Long Beach offers the amenities of a metropolitan city while maintaining a strong sense of individual and diverse neighborhoods, culture, and community. With a bustling downtown and over six miles of scenic beaches, Long Beach is a renowned tourist and business destination and home to the iconic Queen Mary, nationally recognized Aquarium of the Pacific and Long Beach Airport, the award-winning Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center and world-class Port of Long Beach.

For more information about the City of Long Beach, visit longbeach.gov. Follow us on social to keep up with the latest news: Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube. More information about the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine is available at longbeach.gov/park and on Facebook and Instagram.