Parks, Recreation and Marine

 
Long Beach Municipal Band 

The Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate its 116^th season in 2025 with free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks.  This summer’s theme “Sunset Serenade” will feature the sounds of patriotic music, movies, pop, jazz, and more. Free concerts begin at 6:30 p.m.

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

June 24-27– "Wild, Wild West - Vocalist: Crystal Lewis 
We kick off the Summer 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 week one!

July 1-3 (No Concert July 4) - "Let Freedom Ring" Vocalist:  L. Young
This week's concert features a vibrant and uplifting performance that brings the community together to celebrate American pride through music. With stirring melodies, tributes to veterans, and a sense of unity, your beloved band’s patriotic concert is a cherished tradition that honors our nation’s history and spirit. Becoming an instant crowd favorite last year, L. Young brings his dynamic vocal range and versatility across R&B, soul, and pop to the evening.

July 8-11 - The Music of James Horner - Vocalist: Mark Kopitzke
This week’s concert features the movie music of James Horner in a breathtaking tribute to one of Hollywood’s most iconic composers. Whether it’s the haunting beauty of Legends of the Fall or the thrilling intensity of The Rocketeer and Apollo 13, this concert immerses listeners in the unforgettable cinematic worlds created by Horner’s timeless music. Mark Kopitzke, recognized for his classic crooner style, bringing vintage swing and jazz standards to life with charm and authenticity wraps up the night.

July 15-18 - "Night at the Opera" - Vocalist: Twanda 
A grand celebration of operatic music, featuring powerful arias and overtures from classic operas, but with a few twists along the way. The evening showcases works that everyone will recognize from composers such as Verdi, Mozart, and Gershwin. Conductor Curtis has programmed a concert that will have everyone singing along. Tawanda bringing her soulful voice and impeccable phrasing, blends musical genres to her exciting debut with the Studio Band.

July 22-25 - "Viva la Fiesta" - Vocalist:  Melony Collins
A high-energy celebration of Latin music, bringing vibrant rhythms and melodies to life. The performance features a dynamic blend of salsa, bossa nova, and mariachi showcasing the rich harmonies that define the genre. From fiery brass solos to pulsating drum beats, the concert highlights classics from legendary Latin artists and composers. The Studio Band welcomes Meloney Collins this week. A dynamic vocalist noted for her rich, soulful voice and charismatic stage presence.

July 29-August 1 - "Symphonic Popcorn- Vocalist:  Nicole Kubis
A tasty pops concert that takes audiences on a musical journey through a wide array of styles. 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. What better way to end the Summer Season than with the multi-talented Nicole Kubis fronting the Studio Band. Her infectious style will keep the party going late into the night!

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 Conductor Kurt Curtis

Kurt Curtis has deep roots in Long Beach, where he serves as conductor and artistic director of
the storied Long Beach Municipal Band, the nation's oldest city-funded municipal band. After performing as the trumpet section leader for 25 years, Curtis was named to replace his father, lifelong mentor, and legendary wind ensemble conductor, the late Larry Curtis. Kurt’s esteemed career includes more than four decades with The Walt Disney Co., where he conducted the world-famous Disneyland Band before retiring in 2022. He collaborated with the Philharmonic Society of Orange County to bring the show, "Disneyland Salutes the American Band," to tens of thousands of Southland second-graders and foster their lifelong interest in music. Curtis continues to serve as a guest clinician for Disney's "Imagination Campus," where he works with middle school and high school bands in the entertainment giant's "Soundtrack Instrumental Workshops." He is a member of the Disneyland Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Walt Disney Legacy Award, the highest honor for Disney cast members. He has recently been appointed Artistic Director/Conductor of the Southern California Brass Consortium, Long Beach’s premier brass ensemble and the largest professional ensemble of its type in America. Curtis received his Bachelor of Music - Performance Degree from California State University, Long Beach. 

About Veteran Municipal Band Members

There are several long-time members of the band that have played for decades. Outside of their work as members of renowned orchestras and working on recording projects and performing with some of the biggest names in music industry, they come together every summer to perform memorable music for thousands of people in our Long Beach parks.

Duncan Massey Bassoonist

Bassoonist Duncan Massey is a longtime member of the Long Beach Municipal Band. He is also the principal Bassoon of the New West Symphony and the Riverside County Philharmonic. He is as a member of the Long Beach Opera Orchestra and the Chamber Orchestra of the South Bay. Duncan has performed with the Minnesota Orchestra, the Houston Ballet Orchestra, and numerous organizations in the Los Angeles area.

Andrew Klein – Bassoonist

Bassoonist Andrew Klein is also a longtime veteran of the Long Beach Municipal Band. He met Duncan Massey as freshman at CalArts and they have been the best of friends since. Andy is a long-time member of the Pacific Symphony’s bassoon section. Andrew has been a music instructor and taught banjo, bass guitar, guitar, music theory and ukulele.

Michael Higgins – Guitarist and Banjo Player

Michael Higgins has been the guitarist/banjo player for the Long Beach Municipal Band for the past 29 years. He met the band’s drummer Gordon Peeke and pianist David Witham when they were students at Cal State Long Beach. Michael says he feels blessed to be playing with his best friends and that they are still making music together. He has performed with Maynard Ferguson, Eddie Harris, Frank Sinatra, Tom Kubis, Bill Watrous, David Clayton Thomas, Barbara Morrison, Michael Tilson Thomas, The Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra, The L.A. Opera, Shirley MacLaine, Jeffrey Osborne, and the original 5th Dimension. Higgins has five CDs of original music available on cdbaby.com. His first recording was on Maynard Ferguson’s High Voltage album. Higgins received a B.A. in Music from CSULB and a master’s degree in Studio Jazz Guitar From USCULB and a master’s degree in Studio Jazz Guitar From USC.

Mike Whitman - Alto and Soprano Saxophones and Flute

Mike Whitman is a Grammy Award winning musician with over 40 years of experience in the entertainment business. He was a member of Poncho Sanchez' band for the Grammy award winning live album Latin Soul and has performed at the Grammy Awards, the Golden Globe Awards and three Academy Award shows. Mike has performed with artists Jack Sheldon, Stan Kenton, Sarah Vaughan, The Pacific Symphony, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Nancy Wilson, Lou Rawls, The Temptations and The Four Tops. His performances with celebrities include Vanessa Williams, Frank Sinatra, Glen Frey, Huey Lewis, Michael Bolton, Joe Williams, Don Rickles, Merv Griffin, Billy Crystal, Rob Reiner, Sammy Davis Jr. and Queen Elizabeth II.

Gordon Peeke - Drummer

Gordon Peeke has played drums and percussion with The Woody Herman Band, Stanley Clarke-George Duke Project, Jeffrey Osbourne, Isaac Hayes, Michael Jackson, DEVO, Christina Aguilera, Cher, and The Los Angeles Philharmonic. He has played Broadway shows such as Sister Act, Spamalot, Flower Drum Song, Mask, Stormy Weather, Drowsy Chaperone and Dream Girls. Gordon has played on over 70 major movie soundtracks including Bottle Rocket, Rushmore, Royal Tenenbaums, Life Aquatic, Thirteen, Rocky and Bullwinkle, Herbie Fully Loaded, Nine, and Burlesque, along with numerous TV shows and jingles.

Dave Witham - Pianist

Pianist Dave Witham studied piano with Jaki Byardat the New England Conservatory of Music, and Alan Broadbent in Los Angeles. His writing and performing associations include saxophonist Ernie Watts, bassist  and composer Jay Anderson, the Jeff Gauthier Goatette, and percussionist Luis Conte.  He was Musical Director for George Benson from 1990-2007, and a producer for Tom Scott and Grover Washington.  His recording and performance credits include Barbra Streisand, Patti Austin, Lee Ritenour, Jose Feliciano, John Patitucci, Bluezeum, Joao Bosco, Larry Carlton, Randy and Michael Brecker. More recently, he was an assistant conductor for the musical version of Lion King, and the associate conductor for the show Wicked at the Pantages Theater in Hollywood.

Jane Green - Oboist

Jane Green has been a freelance musician in Southern California since1982, performing with the Long Beach Opera, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Pacific Symphony, and the Glendale Symphony.

She was also an instructor at Biola and Azusa Pacific Universities.

Previously she performed with the Detroit Symphony and was a member of the Michigan Opera, Toledo Symphony, and the Houston Ballet. Jane joined the Municipal Band in 1983 and is where she met Teri Christian. They began carpooling from Whittier and became fast friends. Jane took a break from the band but rejoined in 2001, under former Conductor Larry Curtis. "The Municipal Band has been my absolute favorite group", she says. "The audiences are incredible and their reaction to our performances make it incredibly exciting for us as performers. "

Teri Christian - Flutist

Flutist Teri Christian, a resident of the Artcraft Manor neighborhood of Long Beach, began playing with the Municipal Band in 1984 along with fellow band member oboist Jane Green.  One of the greatest joys of being in the Municipal Band, aside from the obvious pleasure of working with talented fellow musicians, has been the enduring friendships formed with generations of regular concert goers at each of the concert venue parks. Teri met her husband, Municipal Band Sound Engineer Bob Christian, while working with the band. They have been married for 18 years. Teri has played with, among others, Idina Menzel, Patti LuPone, Bebe Neuwirth, Michael Crawford, Dennis DeYoung (Styx), Lalo Schifrin, and David Benoit as well as with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Riverside Symphony, San Bernardino Symphony, and Center Theatre Group.