Melbourne Municipal Band is old enough to draw Social Security, but the official band of the City of Melbourne, now in its 62nd. season, is more like an active twenty-something when it comes to performance schedule.
Make that several active twenty-somethings, since Melbourne Municipal Band is more than one band, but rather is a conglomerate of musical groups, with the Concert Band as its centerpiece. Then there’s the 21-piece 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra, a full-size big band thatcelebrates the rich tradition of jazz while embracing contemporary arrangements and a wide-ranging repertoire. The 12-member Rock ‘n Roll Revue, complete with male vocalist and Doo Wop trio, pays homage to the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Oh Golly Dixieland Band specializes in interpreting the early subgenre of Dixieland jazz. Sunshine Brass Quintet, a combo of trumpets, French horn, trombone and tuba are into seasonal, pop, blues, Dixieland, Latin, polka, patriotic, rags and even sacred music. Adagio Sax Quartet plays patriotic, gospel, jazz, Dixieland, pop, classical, baroque music and anything else that sounds great with soprano, alto, tenor and baritone saxophones. The Swingtimers Vocal Trio, with back-up combo, sing pop tunes a la Manhattan Transfer.
Even though there is cross-pollination from one group to another, it is still a lot of musical groups playing a lot of concerts…and most of them are free, a price that is hard to beat.
For the 2026-2027 concert season, MMB has crafted a series of concerts that should scratch the musical itch of most.
Rock ‘n Roll Revue gets things shaking at 3 p.m., Sunday, September 13, with its “Rockin’ Autumn” concert at Suntree United Methodist Church, 7400 N. Wickham Rd.
The Concert Band is not far behind with “On the Job,” a symphonic tribute to workers of all shapes and sizes. The musicians have been rehearsing overtime with a playlist that celebrates the “9-to-5” world and beyond. Performances are at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 16 and 17, at MMB’s home venue, the Melbourne Auditorium, 625 E. Hibiscus Blvd.
Suntree United Methodist Church again plays host to an MMB at 3 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 27. This time it’s the Adagio Sax Quartet, which joins forces with the mighty Suntree pipe organ for “Pipes and Reeds,” an afternoon of dynamic musical entertainment.
Scientists call the phenomenon “involuntary musical imagery.” The rest of us refer to it as earworm or brainworm. Whatever you choose to call these tunes that refuse to leave our minds, they will be abundant during 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra’s “Songs that Stick” concert at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, Oct. 7 and 8, at Melbourne Auditorium. Will you be strong enough to not hum some of the playlist for the next few days afterwards? It’s doubtful.
It’s “Two Worlds, One Stage,” as both the Concert Band and the 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra join forces for one super concert. They will play together, and separately, for one night at 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Melbourne Auditorium.
MMB will embrace the holidays with two very different concerts. Rock ‘n Roll Revue provides a head start with “Holiday Favorites” at 3 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 29, at Suntree United Methodist Church. The concert encompasses everything from the classic “White Christmas” to the silly “The Chipmunk Song.” The Concert Band continues the cheer with “Soundtracks of the Season” at 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, Dec. 9 and 10, when the music of favorite holiday movie moments comes to life.
Rock & Roll Revue ends the year with their New Year’s Eve Gala at the Hilton. This dinner-dance, one of the rare MMB events that does charge admission, features a live dinner show followed by dancing to the music of Rock & Roll Revue. In 2027, MMB continues its season with the following concerts, all at Melbourne Auditorium:
- “An Evening at the Jazz Club” 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra, 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, Jan. 13 and 14
- “To Infinity and Beyond” Concert Band, 7 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday, Feb. 17 and 18
- “Sweethearts Dance”(admission charge applies) Rock ‘n Roll Revue, 7 p.m., Feb. 19
- “TV Tunes V” 3-2-1 Jazz Orchestra, 7 p.m., March 3 and 4
The musical groups that are the Melbourne Municipal Band are eager to deliver the “music that moves you,” as MMB’s tagline goes. All you need do is listen.
The Melbourne Municipal Band
Now in its 62nd season, the Melbourne Municipal Band (MMB) provides free, quality concerts to the community and helps nurture the next generation of musicians through youth education and performance initiatives. Founded in 1965, the MMB is an integral part of the Space Coast cultural community, serving more than 21,000 attendees each year through concerts, dances and other ensemble performances. The band’s 80-plus members and auxiliary volunteer 30,000 hours of their time each year in the form of rehearsals and performances.
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