One of Lawrence’s most enduring summer traditions returns to South Park on Wednesday.

As they have for decades, members of the Lawrence City Band will take the stage of the South Park gazebo, tune up their instruments and provide a free concert. Their audience will range from young to old and pretty much cover the socio-economic spectrum of Lawrence. Music in this year’s programs will include show tunes, the requisite Sousa marches and, of course, the closing finale featuring the 1812 Overture complete with fireworks and cannon fire.

The concerts, which will take place at 8 p.m. every Wednesday night through July 14, are a simple pleasure of summer in Lawrence. Amid all the electronic communication that surrounds our lives, there’s something special about going to the park and hearing a local band playing some of the same music the Lawrence City Band might have played more than 100 years ago.

The concerts are a wonderful part of Lawrence’s past and present and a great way to spend a Wednesday evening. Come on down.