Arts & Entertainment

Ada and the Engine at Long Beach Playhouse

Imagine if, during the Victorian era, the daughter of the most flamboyant and notorious romantic poet is obsessed with the father she never knew, is infatuated with an older man who is a mathematician and together they are in a race with time to invent an “analytic engine” capable of complex computations that today would be called a computer. In this you have Lauren Gunderson’s “Ada and the Engine” June 7 to July 5 at the Long Beach Playhouse.

“It’s sort of Jane Austen meets Steve Jobs,” said Madison Mooney, executive director of the Long Beach Playhouse. “Lauren Gunderson delivers a play that has something for everybody. It’s romantic, witty, based on history and filled with music. It’s absolutely beautiful in its construction and it encourages us all to follow our dreams.”

The play weaves a love story between Lord Byron’s precocious, brilliant and somewhat quirky daughter Ada Byron Lovelace and Charles Babbage, the inventor of two hypothetical machines capable of solving complex mathematical problems. Ada is haunted by the absence of her father and the ways his philandering affected her relationship with her mother.

Set at the dawn of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, the fiery, brilliant Ada, is the author of the first computer program. At 17, she befriends Babbage, inventor of the first mechanical computer. What follows is a tempestuous collaboration as they envision a future where art, science and information converge.

“This play is about a brilliant woman in an era when women weren’t celebrated for brilliance or welcomed into the sciences,” said Sean Gray, producing artistic director for the Playhouse. “Not surprisingly, Ada’s fascination with her father is somewhat mirrored in her relationships with men. Lord Byron’s infidelities brought shame to her mother, yet Ada finds herself caught between her marriage and her love for Babbage.”

Gray chose Kelsey Weinstein to direct the show. In her notes about the production, Weinstein says “There is magic in numbers, poetry in equations and math in music.” And adds, “When you turn on your phone after the show, don’t forget to thank Ada Byron Lovelace.”

The four-member cast includes two returning performers, Brian Pirnat and Giovanni Navarro. Debuting performers are Jenna Palermo French and Holly Jones.

Ticket Prices:

• Friday: Adults are $25, Seniors $20 and Students $20
• Saturday and Sunday: Adults are $30, Seniors $25 and Students $20.
• Tickets are available at www.lbplayhouse.org, or by calling (562) 494-1014, option 1.

Long Beach Playhouse is located at 5021 E. Anaheim St. The Playhouse is community-supported theatre with programs and events that cut across age, gender, ethnic and cultural boundaries.

Performances are 8 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. The box office is open Wednesday-Saturday from 3-8 p.m. and Sundays from 1-2 p.m. on scheduled matinees.

Summer Concerts at LGB

Long Beach Airport (LGB) is turning up the volume on supporting live music with the debut of Airwaves: Summer Concerts at LGB, inviting the public to enjoy three family-friendly outdoor concerts in the pre-security plaza just north of the historic terminal. Four hours of free parking will be available to attendees in Parking Structure B.

Visitors can enjoy the airwaves series on the dates listed below. All concerts take place from 5 to 8 p.m. and are free to attend with online RSVP until capacity is reached.

Saturday, July 12: Sweet Soul. Sweet Soul is a musical genre that blends soulful Motown melodies with smooth vocal harmonies. The headliner will be the Delfonics Experience, a dynamic trio performing decades of soul, R&B and doo wop. The evening’s lineup also includes Maria Sanchez & Midnight Groove as well as Tony Greene.

Saturday, August 16: Rocksteady. Rocksteady is the soulful Jamaican sound that bridged ska and reggae with laid-back rhythms, rich harmonies and a fusion of jazz, Caribbean, African and R&B influences. The evening’s lineup is led by Monty Neysmith, the legendary original member of Symarip. Supporting acts include the bold brass arrangements of Western Standard Time and The Trojanites, delivering a fresh take on classic sounds.

Saturday, September 20: Latin Jazz Funk. This genre incorporates Latin American rhythms and instrumentation with funk music, resulting in a bold and energetic sound. Artists will be announced at a late date.

Each concert will feature two opening acts and a headliner, along with DJ performances between sets. Detailed information about the performers and set times will be available on lgb.org/music as the date approaches.

These free, family-friendly performing arts events invite the public to enjoy live performances by professional artists alongside children’s activities, food trucks and guided tours of the historic terminal. Beer and wine will be available for purchase. Guests are asked to bring their own chairs and relax in the open-air setting while taking in the vibrant atmosphere of Long Beach Airport.

Soulside Productions, a Long Beach-based small business, was selected to curate and manage the first-time concert series.

“Long Beach Airport is proud to offer a new way for our community to engage with the Airport’s iconic space,” said Airport Director Cynthia Guidry. “Airwaves: Summer Concerts brings people together in a relaxed, welcoming environment that showcases the spirit of Long Beach, celebrates our live music scene and contributes to the city’s rich legacy of arts and entertainment.”

A new addition to the long-running LGB Live! music programming, which is geared toward travelers and is typically post-security, this inaugural series marks a new chapter in Long Beach Airport’s commitment to offering enriching, culture-forward programming that reflects the vibrancy of the community. Airwaves invites the broader public to experience Long Beach Airport and to enjoy music and culture in an iconic and historic place, reimagined as a concert venue.

Attendees are encouraged to come prepared for outdoor conditions. For everyone’s safety, bags larger than 12 by 12 inches and coolers are not permitted and clear bags are preferred. All bags are subject to inspection. Service animals are welcome, but pets are not allowed.

More details about event dates, performers and activities are available at lgb.org/music.

Sunset Serenades

This summer, the Long Beach Municipal Band will celebrate their 116th season of free outdoor summer concerts in Long Beach parks. Concerts begin on Tuesday, June 24, with the last one taking place Friday, August 1. Each performance week will showcase a different theme, offering spectators a variety of musical entertainment.

The Long Beach Municipal Band will perform on the dates listed below. All concerts begin at 6:30 p.m. and are free.

Whaley Park North on Tuesdays, June 24 and July 1

Bixby Annex Park on Tuesdays, July 8, 15, 22 and 29

Los Cerritos Park on Wednesdays, June 25 and July 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30

Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park (at Marine Stadium) on Thursdays, June 26; July 3, 10, 17, 24 and 31

El Dorado Park West on Fridays, June 27; July 11, 18, 25; Aug. 1.

“The Long Beach Municipal Band’s summer concert series is a cherished tradition that transforms Long Beach parks into vibrant hubs of music, celebration and a sense of community,” said Long Beach Municipal Band Conductor Kurt Curtis. “This year’s ‘Sunset Serenades’ concerts offer a diverse array of musical genres, showcasing the exceptional talent of the band. Starting in 1909, the 116th Season of the Municipal Band will continue to be a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar.”

Concert goers can look forward to exciting weekly themes for each concert week:

Week 1 (June 24-27) “The Wild Wild West” – Summer kicks off with a high energy performance that brings the spirit of the frontier to life. Set against a backdrop of rustic charm, the Long Beach Municipal Band will transport you to a world of open plains and roaring campfires. From boot-stomping anthems to soulful ballads, the musical lineup embodies the heart and grit of the Wild West. Grammy-nominated singer Crystal Lewis, known for her powerful voice and influential career, joins the Studio Band to kick off the season.

Week 2 (July 1-3; no concert July 4) “Let Freedom Ring” – This week’s concert celebrates American pride through music. With stirring melodies, tributes to veterans and a sense of unity, the beloved band’s patriotic concert is a cherished tradition that honors our nation’s history and spirit. The Studio Band welcomes Meloney Collins this week, a dynamic vocalist noted for her rich, soulful voice and charismatic stage presence.

Week 3 (July 8-11) “The Movie Music of James Horner” – This week’s concert features the movie music of James Horner, one of Hollywood’s most iconic composers. Whether it’s the haunting beauty of Legends of the Fall or the intensity of The Rocketeer and Apollo 13, listeners will be immersed in Horner’s timeless music. Mark Kopitzke, recognized for his classic crooner style, brings vintage swing and jazz standards to life with charm and authenticity to wrap up the night.

Week 4 (July 15-18) “Night at the Opera” A celebration of operatic music featuring powerful arias and overtures from classic operas with a few twists along the way. The evening showcases works from composers such as Verdi, Mozart and Gershwin. Tawanda, bringing her soulful voice and impeccable phrasing, blends musical genres to her exciting debut with the Studio Band.

Week 5 (July 22-25) “Viva La Fiesta” – This week’s celebration of Latin music will bring vibrant rhythms and melodies to life. Salsa, bossa nova and mariachi will showcase the rich harmonies that define the genres. From fiery brass solos to pulsating drumbeats, the concert highlights classics from Latin artists and composers. Becoming an instant crowd favorite last year, L. Young brings his dynamic vocal range and versatility across R&B, soul and pop.

Week 6 (July 29-Aug. 1) “Symphonic Popcorn” – This week’s concert will take audiences on a musical journey from the sweeping themes of Broadway to the infectious beat of rock and concluding with the tradition of classic marches. With virtuosic solos, rousing ensemble moments and a few surprises, we conclude our season with an unforgettable night of exhilarating music. The summer season will conclude with the multi-talented Nicole Kubis fronting the Studio Band with her infectious style, keeping the party going into the night.

The Long Beach Municipal Band concert series is made possible with sponsorship from the Department of Parks, Recreation and Marine, Department of Energy Resources, Long Beach Environmental Services Bureau, the Port of Long Beach, Partners of Parks and the Friends of the Long Beach Municipal Band.