Furman Park concerts return to the delight of residents

Photos by Alex Dominguez

DOWNEY – After an over one-year hiatus, Downey’s Twilight Summer Concerts Series returned on Wednesday, much to the delight of residents and city staff and officials alike.

The return of the city’s summer Wednesday night community outing drew a large crowd to a newly refurbished Furman Park, after the popular city program was forcibly shelved due to the coronavirus pandemic last year.

Mayor Claudia M. Frometa said she was “thrilled to be back at Concerts in the Park.”

“This signals the return to normalcy in our community,” said Frometa. “We are blessed to be able to enjoy each other’s company, our beautiful renovated park, and the music.”

The first concert this year featured the 1st Marine Division Band, consisting of 53 musicians.

Drum Major Staff Sgt. Eric N. Gonzales said he “didn’t know how much he missed performing until it went away.”

“We haven’t had a whole lot of public concerts in a while,” said Gonzales. “To my knowledge, Downey has always had a Marine band every summer, so we’re happy to be part of that and uphold that legacy.”

There are five more concerts scheduled, including performances by Beatles tribute band Hard Days Night, classic soul and Motown tribute band Stone Soul, Latin quartet Conganas, and the Downey Symphony.

There is also a Summer Music and Movie night scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 7, at 4 p.m at Golden Park, featuring Raya and the Last Dragon and musical performer The Tease Band.

The music will continue next Wednesday at 7 p.m. with The Band Fresh, performing their renditions of top 40 hits.