3:30pm | There’s lots to do in Long Beach this weekend, but perhaps the biggest draw will be tonight’s summer finale performance from the Long Beach Municipal Band as they close out their annual Summer Concerts In The Parks series with a free show at El Dorado Park.
The conductor’s wand waves at 6:30pm and tonight’s theme is Broadway Review with Janelle Sadler providing vocals. Last week’s La Fiesta theme was a crowd-pleaser and you can be sure the band is putting their all into tonight’s farewell show.
Of course, there’s one more pressing reason to see the band tonight: There’s a possibility that they may not be around next year.
In this era of budget cuts, the Long Beach Municipal Band has always been one of the first things in danger of getting the axe. The city spends more than $400,000 each summer to have the band play its 27 shows at parks around Long Beach, and this year the effects of that cost are being felt heavier than ever. Under the current budget proposal being considered by the City Council, the band will be cut by October 1, effectively ending a 101-year tradition.
But there has been a groundswell to keep the dream alive. A large crowd of supporters showed up at the City Council meeting this week to show support and the issue may be discussed during next Tuesday’s meeting. If there is a way to save the band, especially with the public show of support, the Council will likely do whatever is needed to keep the band for fear of enraging constituents.
But that $400,000 is going to have to come from somewhere. Councilmember Gerrie Schipske has taken to her blog to attempt to draw local businesses into sponsoring the band, while the band itself has been very vocal about asking for support during their shows in recent weeks and encourages listeners to add their names to an e-mail list or drop a dime in the donations bucket.
At the very least, I hope you’ve had the opportunity to enjoy the band this summer and look forward to seeing you there next June. For now, grab your favorite bottle of, err, grape juice and let’s head down to El Dorado.
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