The Glendale Summer Band will kick off its 56th year next week.

The city’s Summer Band is the longest-running community band in Arizona, according to a city news release, and the ages of the musicians span several generations comprised of about 100 volunteer players.

The free five-week concert series takes place at 8 p.m. each Thursday from June 2 through June 30 at the E. Lowell Rogers Amphitheatre, 5850 W. Glendale Ave., in Murphy Park. The first show in the series features the theme “Together Again.”

Due to the pandemic, Summer Band had no performances in 2020, and played virtual concerts in 2021. The musicians are now looking forward to sharing their renditions of everything from marches to polkas and movie medleys once again to a live audience.

“I am thrilled to finally be back and see the other band members,” said Nicole Krug. Krug is the communications project manager for Glendale Mayor Jerry Weiers, and has played the mallets in the percussion section of Summer Band for 18 years. “We get energy from being together and performing music for those who come out to enjoy our concerts, so not being able to have that interaction was a lonely feeling.”

Other upcoming musical themes in June include A Tribute to Henry Fillmore (June 9); Henry Mancini meets Leroy Anderson (June 16); Broadway, Big Bang and Beatles! (June 23); and Celebrate America! (June 30).

The band was formed in 1966 by founding director E. Lowell Rogers, and originally played at O’Neil Park, prior to their move over to Murphy Park once the amphitheater was built for the band. Lowell directed the band for 22 years.

Visit glendaleaz.com/events.