Larry Curtis Concert Park

FAMILY MEMBERS of late Municipal Band Conductor Larry Curtis and city officials celebrate the dedication of the Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park at Marine Stadium on Saturday, Oct. 30. From left to right, Curtis’ children Kurt Curtis, Heather Curtis Anderson, wife Linda Curtis, Mayor Robert Garcia and Councilwoman Suzie Price. Around 100 people turned out on the cool, overcast morning to honor the conductor’s 27 years of service to the Muni Band as well as his musical teaching career, which includes 25 years as Director of Bands at Long Beach State. The naming of the park came with support from the Friends of the Long Beach Municipal Band and residents Kay Cofield, Dennis Houlihan and Laura Spino, said Muni Band fan Suzie Price, who brought the park-naming idea to the City Council, which approved it. Mayor Garcia spoke kind words of Curtis and presented a proclamation to Curtis’ family. Garcia, who studied music and plays trombone, has marching band conducting experience and was invited to guest conduct a future Muni Band concert. Curtis’ son Kurt Curtis, a Disneyland Band conductor and Muni Band musician, was previously named the new Long Beach Municipal Band Director.