Half a century of entertaining the community. Five decades of supporting local musicians. Fifty years of lemonade.

The Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series is celebrating its 50th anniversary, with the same style and grace that has become its calling card. This summer season's performances, by bands and artists with a distinct Lancaster County flavor, will be presented every Thursday at 7 p.m. between June 8 and Aug. 3 at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 E. Roseville Road, Lancaster. There will not be a concert on July 6.

"We have people tell us how much they like our concerts," said Sharon Neal, secretary of the Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series board of directors. "They tell us they look forward to the next one. People come out again and again. They're all entertaining. It's not an 'everyone falls asleep' concert. It's a rousing event."

This year's series includes Auscultation Brass on June 8; Silver, Wood & Ivory on June 15; Wheatland String Trio on June 22; Brenten Megee with special guests John Darrenkamp and Grace Milligan on June 29; Darrenkamp and Friends on July 13; Friends and Family on July 20; Reji Woods and Friends on July 27; and Lancaster British Brass Band on Aug. 3. "They're known groups, and some of the bands have a following. But we try to appeal to everyone," Neal said. The concerts will cover the musical genres of classical, jazz, Broadway, contemporary, patriotic and rock 'n' roll.

"Our main goal is to promote musicians and pay them well," said Neal. "Everyone is pretty much from Lancaster County, and we have so much musical talent here."

The 90-minute, family-friendly concerts produce a lively evening of entertainment. Typically, the performances draw audiences of 300 to 600 residents.

A freewill offering is received to offset expenses and pay the musicians. At the end of each concert, the series' namesake, lemonade, is served.

"Music lifts the spirit and gives the audience joy," said Neal. "I enjoy singing, and when I do, music flows through my mind. It's kind of a respite from the rest of the world."

The Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series was born from the work and efforts of the Lancaster Opera Workshop Auxiliary. The initial concert was staged in 1972, and through the years, the series has stayed true to its tradition of promoting local musicians and singers across every genre on a pay-as-you-will basis.

"I'd like to encourage younger people to come to our concerts because musical is universal," Neal concluded. "I'd ask people to come with an open mind and listen. I'd like to cultivate an interest in music in young people."

For additional information about Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series and its 2023 schedule, go to http://www.lemonadeconcerts.org.