Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Announces Long Beach Municipal Band 2025 Summer Concert Season: “Sunset Serenades”
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Long Beach, CA – This summer, the Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate their 116th season of free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks. Concerts begin Tuesday, June 24, with the last one taking place Friday, August 1. Each performance week will showcase a different theme, offering spectators a variety of musical entertainment all summer long.

"Each summer, the Long Beach Municipal Band brings our community together through the power of music," said Mayor Rex Richardson. "Join us as we gather in our beautiful parks to uplift our incredible local talent, highlight our deep roots in arts and culture, and celebrate this cherished tradition of world-class performances shared with friends, families and loved ones."

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 24 and July 1
  • Bixby Annex Park on Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29
  • Los Cerritos Park on Wednesdays, June 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30
  • Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park (at Marine Stadium) on Thursdays, June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31
  • El Dorado Park West on Fridays, June 27; July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1.

"The Long Beach Municipal Band's summer concert series is a cherished tradition that transforms Long Beach parks into vibrant hubs of music, celebration and a sense of community," said Long Beach Municipal Band Conductor Kurt Curtis. "This year's 'Sunset Serenades' concerts offer a diverse array of musical genres, showcasing the exceptional talent of the band. Starting in 1909, the 116th Season of the Municipal Band will continue to be a highlight of the city's cultural calendar."

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

Week 1 (June 24-27) "The Wild Wild West" – Summer kicks off with a high energy performance that brings the spirit of the frontier to life. Set against a backdrop of rustic charm, the Long Beach Municipal Band will transport you to a world of open plains and roaring campfires. From boot-stomping anthems to soulful ballads, the musical lineup embodies the heart and grit of the Wild West. Grammy-nominated singer Crystal Lewis, known for her powerful voice and influential career, joins the Studio Band to kick off the season.

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Week 2 (July 1-3; no concert July 4) "Let Freedom Ring" – This week's concert celebrates American pride through music. With stirring melodies, tributes to veterans, and a sense of unity, the beloved band's patriotic concert is a cherished tradition that honors our nation's history and spirit. The Studio Band welcomes Meloney Collins this week, a dynamic vocalist noted for her rich, soulful voice and charismatic stage presence.

Week 3 (July 8-11) "The Movie Music of James Horner" – This week's concert features the movie music of James Horner, one of Hollywood's most iconic composers. Whether it's the haunting beauty of Legends of the Fall or the intensity of The Rocketeer and Apollo 13, listeners will be immersed in Horner's timeless music. Mark Kopitzke, recognized for his classic crooner style, brings vintage swing and jazz standards to life with charm and authenticity to wrap up the night.

Week 4 (July 15-18) "Night at the Opera" A celebration of operatic music featuring powerful arias and overtures from classic operas with a few twists along the way. The evening showcases works from composers such as Verdi, Mozart and Gershwin. Tawanda, bringing her soulful voice and impeccable phrasing, blends musical genres to her exciting debut with the Studio Band.

Week 5 (July 22-25) "Viva La Fiesta" – This week's celebration of Latin music will bring vibrant rhythms and melodies to life. Salsa, bossa nova and mariachi will showcase the rich harmonies that define the genres. From fiery brass solos to pulsating drumbeats, the concert highlights classics from Latin artists and composers.  Becoming an instant crowd favorite last year, L. Young brings his dynamic vocal range and versatility across R&B, soul and pop.

Week 6 (July 29-Aug. 1) "Symphonic Popcorn" – This week's concert will take audiences on a musical journey from the sweeping themes of Broadway to the infectious beat of rock and concluding with the tradition of classic marches. With virtuosic solos, rousing ensemble moments, and a few surprises, we conclude our season with an unforgettable night of exhilarating music. The summer season will conclude with the multi-talented Nicole Kubis fronting the Studio Band with her infectious style, keeping the party going into the night.

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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.

These concerts align with the City's 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 and the City's summer activities calendar are available on the City's Summer of Opportunity webpage.

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.

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