The Columbia Lions Club kicked off its Music in the Park Summer Concert Series in May, and the series will continue on the third Friday of each month through August. Concerts will be held at Locust Street Park, 550 Locust St., Columbia, from 6:30 to 8:15 p.m. A bonus concert will also be held on Sunday, July 13, from 6 to 7 p.m.

Mama Tried Band will perform on June 20. A Columbia favorite, the band is known for delivering a mix of funk, dance and rock. Its lively performances, impressive musicianship and ability to engage the audience ensure a fantastic night of music, said Phil Kresge, who co-chairs Music in the Park with Paul Resch.

On July 13, the Twin Rose Community Band will entertain. The band originally formed as the Long Level Silver Cornet Band, later becoming the Columbia VFW Band. It was reorganized in 2014 as the Twin Rose Community Band. Though the band started in Lancaster County, its home base is now Trinity Lutheran Church in Wrightsville, York County, hence the name "Twin Rose," Resch said. The group's repertoire is wide-ranging, including everything from Beatles and Billy Joel tunes to traditional marches and patriotic selections.

On July 18, Bump City will be featured. This eight-piece funk and dance band features a diverse lineup of talented musicians spanning multiple generations, Resch shared. Bump City is renowned for its ability to perform danceable tunes from the past eight decades, blending funk, soul and R&B into a seamless and infectious groove.

The Central City Orchestra will perform on Aug. 15. The group is a high-energy 10-piece band that specializes in dance hits, from oldies music to today's favorites, Kresge said.

People are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy the concerts. A variety of food trucks will be on-site, serving food and drinks.

 The Music in the Park series is free and open to the public, made possible by the support of local businesses, individuals and donations received during the concerts. The Columbia Lions Club provides the necessary manpower to ensure the success of the concerts, from scheduling and advertising to setup and cleanup.

"This marks the 10th year that the Columbia Lions Club has presented the Music in the Park Summer Concert Series," Kresge said. "The Lions are thrilled to continue this tradition, bringing outstanding live music to our community. Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors and supporters, we can provide these concerts free of charge for all to enjoy."

The kickoff concert on May 16 was dedicated to the late Donald "Granny" Arndt, a longtime Columbia Lions Club member and community leader who passed away in 2023. Arndt made a lasting impact on Columbia as a supporter of youth sports, school programs and community initiatives. A former Columbia Boys Athletic Association (CBAA) basketball coach and Columbia High School girls' basketball coach, he mentored and inspired countless young athletes. His passion extended beyond the court to the Noah Wenger Center, a former armory at 221 Walnut St., which he played a crucial role in acquiring from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, renovating and maintaining. Now the indoor home of the CBAA, the center serves more than 400 children annually for basketball, wrestling, cheerleading, baseball and softball and is also used for fitness programs and worship services. During the May concert, the Lions Club members unveiled a memorial bronze nameplate on the Lions Club plaque at the gazebo in Arndt's honor.

"Granny had a way of inspiring - and sometimes even challenging - others to step up, get involved and give generously to support children and families; student-athletes; and students involved in activities like theater, marching band and leadership programs," said Resch, who is the Lions Club president. "He was passionate about helping young people succeed, whether on the court, on stage or in the classroom. His legacy will live on through the many lives he touched, and we are proud to honor him at this year's Music in the Park series."