On summer evenings in Long Beach, there’s something you can time your watch by—the deep, resonant chord that rolls out across a park full of families, friends, and neighbors settling into lawn chairs, blankets, and the warm Pacific breeze. That sound? It’s the 116th season of the Long Beach Municipal Band stepping onto stage, free for everyone, and absolutely worth showing up for.
Since 1909, the Municipal Band has gently built a soundtrack for our city. Voters back then decided park concerts were worth funding, and today, more than a century later, they happen in over 20 parks across the city—from Whaley Park North to El Dorado Park West—every single summer. They span themes like “Wild Wild West,” opera, James Horner film scores, and even Latin grooves, all with no admission fee and local families right in the front row.
But the magic isn’t just the music—it’s who’s behind it and who’s in front of it. Conductor Kurt Curtis, stepping into his role after decades leading the trumpet section and following in the footsteps of his father Larry Curtis, anchors the band’s legacy while tending to its future with care and showmanship (longbeach.gov). “We put time in the studio,” he says, “but the real magic happens when we connect with the audience—it’s that emotional rush that reminds us why we play”.
And there’s an audience for it: every show draws thousands, blankets and snacks in tow, soaking up the atmosphere in ways bigger concerts simply can’t replicate. Where else could you bring kids to hear a bassoon solo beside someone fresh from community college? Or see grandparents tapping their toes alongside teens letting the horns hit just right?
Mayor Rex Richardson puts it simply: “The Long Beach Municipal Band brings our community together through the power of music … to uplift our incredible local talent” (longbeach.gov).
Its players are also rooted in purpose. Bassoonist Duncan Massey shares the stage with Andrew Klein, their friendship stretching back to CalArts every summer they come home here. Guitarist Michael Higgins, on board for almost 30 years, says there’s nothing like playing with your old pals in the heart of your hometown (longbeach.gov).
Which brings us back to summer, and sunlit lawns, and shared musical moments that feel like belonging: that’s why folks bring lawn chairs and sandwiches, dogs and grandparents—even when the playlist shifts from cinematic swells to pop classics or jazz standards, that togetherness stays steady.
Want to catch it? The season runs June 24 through August 1, with concerts almost every Tuesday through Friday starting around 6:30 PM. Check the city’s Concerts in the Park schedule to find the park closest to you . And if you want to support further, Partners of Parks keeps the band going strong—donations fuel everything from programs to staff time.
Tuesdays: June 24 and July 1 at Whaley Park North
Tuesdays: July 8, 15, 22 and 29 at Bixby Annex Park
Wednesdays: June 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 Los Cerritos Park
Thursdays: June 26, July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31 at Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium
Fridays: June 27, July 11, 18, 25, and August 1 at El Dorado Park West
When the final horn echoes on that last cool night in August, that’s it. But for the rest of summer, the Municipal Band reminds us of who we are: a community held together by sound, space, and shared moments under the open sky.
Want to help keep this tradition alive? Browse the full schedule at LongBeach.gov and consider donating to Partners of Parks to support their mission.
