NEGAUNEE — Negaunee City Band plays the first of nine free summer concerts on Wednesday evening at 7:30 at the Performing Arts Center at the east end of Iron Street. Some seating is available, but attendees may wish to bring their own chairs.

Director Lucas Wickstrom has chosen to open the concert with “Michigan on Parade” by K. L. King, one of America’s most well-known march music bandmasters and composers. Also on the program is “Bravura,” one of the best circus marches ever, which the Negaunee City Band often plays while on parade.

“Out of This World,” a medley of John William numbers will sound familiar to the audience, with “Theme from E.T.,” “Space Camp Main Theme,” and “Star Wars.”

The band will play several compositions by Randall D. Standridge, including “Stay” and “Choose Joy.” Both are at times dark, but ultimately hopeful, with engaging rhythms, energetic melodies, and exciting percussion. The latter has hints of Beethoven’s “Ode to Joy.”

“Blue and Green Music” is based on the 1921 George O’Keeffe painting of the same name. “Chant and Jubilo” is a very dramatic work which begins with a sensitive unison chant and explodes with brass and percussion.

“A Festival Prelude” by Alfred Reed is considered one of the giants of standard band literature, while “Antares” is a joyous, vibrant overture which “reaches for the stars.”

The program will conclude with the traditional “Just a Closer Walk with Thee,” with its popular Dixieland-style arrangement.