5:15pm | Vice-Mayor Suja Lowenthal and Councilwoman Gerrie Schipske are each hosting Fourth of July celebrations in parks in their respective districts during the hours leading up to the annual fireworks displays in Long Beach.
Lowenthal’s event will be held at Bixby Park at the Historic Band Shell at 2001 E. First St. and is set to run from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature the Gay Freedom Band of Los Angeles in “Let Freedom Swing!”, an outdoor presentation highlighting American festive music ranging from John Phillip Sousa to the Beach Boys, according to information provided by her office.
The Freedom Band Foundation will also present the Union Station Swing Orchestra, a 1930s- and ’40s-era jazz band.
“What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than to picnic in the park with inspiring music all within view of our fabulous waterfront,” Lowenthal said in a statement.
The Queen Mary’s annual fireworks display can be viewed from Bixby Park, which is located just across Ocean Boulevard from the waterfront.
Schipske’s event will be held at Rosie the Riveter Park and Interpretive Center at the corner of Clark Avenue and Conant Street an is set to run from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m.
The band, Custom Made, will perform music from the ’60s through the ’80s ranging from Mowtown to Top 40 hits. The band has played across the globe, including for U.S. troops overseas in Iraq, according to information provided by Schipske’s office.
The park is located adjacent to Veteran’s Memorial Stadium, where the city hosts its annual holiday fireworks display.
“Bring your own chairs, dinner and non-alcoholic beverages and enjoy the music,” said Schipske in a statement. “You can also walk around the park and learn more about the women who did their part to help keep us free.”