The Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series (LLCS) is cool, it's refreshing, it's delightfully delicious - not unlike the summertime drink bearing its name and served at the end of each performance.

The Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series is back, as big and entertaining as ever. Quite frankly, it's a great way to spend warm Thursday evenings in Manheim Township.

"It's held in a church setting, and the air conditioning makes it a cool atmosphere," said LLCS board member Kathy Seaber. "People are talking, but they're very attentive during the performance. It's every informal. It's very relaxed. People come casual. It's very charming. It's a fun evening."

Conducted at Highland Presbyterian Church, 500 E. Roseville Road, Lancaster, LLCS is a series of eight concerts given mostly by local musicians and bands on Thursdays at 7 p.m. The popular summer series will kick off on June 13 with Auscultation Brass and will conclude on Aug. 8 with a performance by Lancaster Marimba Ensemble.

There will be no show on July 4.

The performances, which are typically 90 minutes in length, are free to attend, and good will offerings are received during the intermission of each one.

"The musicians enjoy performing; that's why they want to come back the next year," said Seaber. "I think it's that homey atmosphere. The performers know that people appreciate their talent. That has to make you feel good as a performer. What performer doesn't appreciate applause?"

This year's LLCS will also feature Celtic Americana band Rizzetta's Tones on June 20, Shaun and Kayla Ressler accompanied by A. Scott Williams on June 27, John Darrenkamp & Friends on July 11, "I Got You Babe: Let's Duet" featuring Reji Woods on July 18, the New Holland Band on July 25 and the Lancaster British Brass Band on Aug. 1.

"Some of the bands have quite the following," said Seaber. "People know about our concerts in the summer on Thursdays. It's kind of established; it's familiar and regular. Each show is a variety of songs, maybe even something you don't know. The audiences like when the performers talk to them. That makes it personal and familiar. But all of the performers are good in their own way."

While the variety of LLCS' music is wide and familiar, the series places an emphasis on patriotic music, including marches, Broadway show tunes, operatic music, Irish songs, movie and television show themes and popular music. Typically, between 200 and 400 people attend the concerts.

"The median age of the audience is probably 60 or older, but we do get some families," said Seaber. "It gives people something to do in the summer."

This season will mark LLCS' 51st series of concerts. LLCS can trace its origins to the early 1970s and the Lancaster Opera Company Associates.

"It continues a tradition of supporting local talent and providing entertainment in the summertime that appeals to a wide audience," said Seaber. "We're still here. We're sponsoring another season, and it's going to be a good season. Finding the groups, calling the groups and organizing is hard work in January, February and March, but then it kind of runs itself."

For additional information about the Lancaster Lemonade Concert Series, go to http://www.lemonadeconcerts.org.