I’m going off topic today to say that summer has always been my favorite time of year. Long days, cool nights, open windows, breezes, morning sun. My husband seems to like it, too. He makes a habit of attending the free concerts in our fair city’s parks during the summer months. (I think the “free” part might have something to do with it, too!)
Wednesday evening we both went to enjoy the Long Beach Municipal Band concert at Los Cerritos Park. We walked from home, about a mile and a half, carrying folding chairs and a few extra blankets for warmth. What a delightful evening! Our neighbors were out in force, dotted all over the grassy natural amphitheater. Children played, everyone ate, dogs begged (and begged), then snoozed. A parrot, complete with perch, bobbed and swayed to the music. Heads nodded, feet tapped. Friends smiled and waved and embraced. Blue Line trains swooshed by behind the stage, and a Fed Ex plane gleamed white overhead in the late-day sun. The day went from warm to cool and jackets came out.
Everyone smiled. The band was just great. These are terrific musicians! The music was from the early years of the last century: 1920’s and 30’s. Ragtime, dixieland, even some blues. Ordinarily this is not the music I would pick to listen to, but on a summer evening, in the hands of these artists, I wouldn’t pick anything else. Being a singer in a community chorus (Camerata), I know a good ensemble when I hear it, and this is one. Balance, tempo, dynamic, and heart – it’s all there! The band played Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue,” and even though I’ve heard snippets here and there, hearing it all laid out from end to end made me realize what a complex, difficult work it is. Our band did it beautifully. Vocal soloist John Ocampo joined the band during the second half of the program – what a lovely, clear voice!
As many know, the band is celebrating its centennial this year. I was lucky enough to go to the big celebratory dinner a few weeks ago. Whimsically, everyone was asked to wear black and white, and the effect in the huge salon was beautiful. That evening was when I realized what good musicians we have here. During its early years, the Band was recognized as being the best in the country, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it could earn that same honor today.
There’s a cloud over every story these days, and this one is no exception. Just yesterday a city council staffer confirmed that in the tough budget negotiations for the City, the summer concerts could be considered for cuts. Surely, it must cost quite a bit to transport all those platforms, instruments, music stands, lights, speakers, and amplifiers from place to place, not to mention paying the musicians for their work. I know city resources are limited and difficult decisions will have to be made. But I also know that the arts aren’t frivolous or negotiable. They showcase the best of us as human beings, and whether a society is wealthy or poor, artists will always express themselves. The summer concerts are a gift we give ourselves, one that builds community and spreads joy, and one that we deserve. I hope we continue to make this investment no matter what.