Long's Park has a history with music in Lancaster.

It's a history of culture. It's a history of diversity. It's a history of symbiosis.

It's a history that continues to evolve.

The 62nd season of the Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation's (LPAF) Summer Music Series is upon us. More than bigger and better, this Summer Music Series is as varied as ever.

"What we're trying to do is bring diversity in genre and people from different areas of the world to Lancaster," said Kristin Chronister, LPAF's president-elect. "I think rather than top ourselves each year, we're looking for high-end music we haven't showcased in a while. We're looking for different themes in order to bring different kinds of music to Lancaster. It's more about, 'Let's do something different and have fun.'"

This summer's music series, which includes 12 concerts at Long's Park Amphitheater, 1441 Harrisburg Pike, Lancaster, will feature artists performing genres of music from American rock to gospel rock, from the blues to bluegrass, from country to pop rock. All of the shows will be performed on Sundays starting between 7 and 8 p.m., and most of the concerts last from 90 minutes to two hours.

The sponsor-supported, publicly funded, all-weather shows are free to attend.

"As a foundation, we believe that music is not only important to a community but vital," said Chronister. "Art is meant to be consumed, whether you can afford it or not. The summer series can enable people to experience music without leaving their community and not spending any money. We regularly have people thanking us because that particular artist got them through a hard time. That's important to us. We believe music is part of every thriving community."

LPAF's 2024 concert lineup kicked off on June 2. The Summer Music Series will feature soul/funk group Snacktime at 7:30 p.m. on June 16; Carolyn Wonderland's blues at 7:30 p.m. on June 23; the U.S. Army Band's patriotic performance at 8 p.m. on June 30; the three-act "A Night in Nashville," featuring Jeff Cohen, Brett Sheroky and The Close at 7 p.m. on July 7; American singer/songwriter Marc Broussard at 7:30 p.m. on July 14; Canadian/Colombian world music artist Ramon Chicharron at 7:30 p.m. on July 21; the three-act Watkins Glen Tribute at 7 p.m. on July 28; gospel rockers The Sensational Barnes Brothers at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 4; the high-flying United States Air Force Band at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 11; and the all-female bluegrass band Della Mae at 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 18.

Local artist PA Mambo Orquesta will perform a 45-minute opening set on June 16, as will locals Los Monstros on July 21.

"Each night brings a new flow," said Chronister. "You shouldn't expect to sit there and have a chill night. There's excitement just to be there. It can be infectious, and the excitement permeates. You want to jump up. You want to move your body. The vibe is alive. It's something that gets stronger as the evening goes on."

On average, about 3,000 spectators make up the audiences for each performance.

"There is such a deep history with the Summer Music Series. It's almost Lancaster lore," said Chronister. "Not long after Long's Park was founded, the amphitheater was built. The mission of the foundation became, 'We've got this amazing venue, so let's see what we can do to bring music into Lancaster.' From an evolution experience, we've grown it and then maintained it. We've taken cues from the public about what they want to hear."

For additional information about Long's Park Amphitheater Foundation and the Summer Music Series, go to http://www.longspark.org.