This summer, Steel Magnolias — and a plethora of other groups — have been enjoying one of Long Beach’s most treasured traditions:

The Long Beach Parks, Recreation and Marine Department’s Summer Concert Series — featuring the Long Beach Municipal Band.

“These free concerts are a wonderful gift to our community, bringing neighbors together to enjoy outstanding music in our beautiful parks,” said Steel Magnolias President Sue De Rosa.

“They also provide the perfect opportunity for Steel Magnolias to introduce our organization to the community,” she added, “and to share our mission of supporting children served by the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.”

To do so, De Rosa said, the Steel Magnolias are trying to attend shows at a different park every week.

(The author of this column is a founder of Steel Magnolias, though she didn’t join the organization at the concerts.)

They were joined recently by the Steel Magnolias Auxiliary, known as the Magnolia Blooms, an all-volunteer group within the organization that focuses on supporting the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center.

The first stop of the Magnolias was Los Cerritos Park on July 8, where the Magnolia Blooms created a spectacular gathering space beneath the Steel Magnolias canopy. Members relaxed together, enjoyed another outstanding Municipal Band performance — the theme this week was  “The Music Behind the Magic,” featuring Disney music — and visited with concertgoers throughout the evening.

The following week, on July 16, the Steel Magnolias gathered at Conductor Larry Curtis Concert Park (at Marine Stadium) for another beautiful evening of music and fellowship; this week’s theme was “Songs for the One You Love.” Once again, members enjoyed connecting with one another while introducing visitors to Steel Magnolias and the mission.

The final Long Beach Municipal Band summer concert will be at Marine Stadium on Thursday, July 30, with the theme being “Legends of Vinyl: The Bands That Defined An Era,” featuring music from the 1960s and ’70s.

President Sue De Rosa concluded, “Come enjoy the music,” De Rosa said, “and discover how you can make a difference with Steel Magnolias.

“If you’ve ever wondered what Steel Magnolias is all about,” she added, “this is a wonderful opportunity to meet our members, learn about the children we support through the Stramski Children’s Developmental Center, and discover how you can become part of an organization that combines friendship, fun, and meaningful service to our community.”

Seen at the Scene: President Sue De Rosa, Renae Waestman-Furlow (who initiated the Blooms Auxiliary), Stephanie Davis, Tyler Luckey, Christy Luckey, Karen Smitheran, Helen Mendoza, Christy Beranek, Sarah Kirk, Stephanie Everson, Tobin Kirk, and Jacquie Ferneau, Marianne Gastelum, Debbie Martin-McMullin, Sherry Loos, and Maryam Odabae, as well as past Steel Magnolia Presidents Theresa Brunella, Denise Dahlhausen and Bobbie Fesler.

News of Social events with charitable purposes may be sent to Shirley Wild at spwild@verizon.net. Please include a contact phone number. Send high-resolution jpeg photos, by attachment, to spwild@verizon.net and include group name and identification of individuals from left. Call Shirley at 562-594-9468 for more information.