Golden Gate Park Band

06/16/2026

Juneteenth and Father’s Day

Sunday, June 21, 2026
1:00 PM 2:30 PM
Spreckels Temple of Music
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Drive San Francisco, CA, 94118

Celebrate a joyful afternoon of music honoring both Juneteenth and Father’s Day as the Golden Gate Park Band brings a program filled with soul, rhythm, and American musical heritage to the Bandshell. This year the "The Sistas,” a trio from Lorraine Hansberry Theatre’s Soulful Christmas choir, will join the band to perform their special blend of Gospel, R&B, and the Great American Songbook. Featuring Yvonne Cobbs, Robin Hodge-Williams, and Mary Williams, they showcase the richness and resilience of Black music. The program includes Lift Every Voice and Sing—a historic selection they previously performed at the San Francisco Golden Gate Park dedication ceremony. This powerful concert honors freedom, fathers, and the enduring legacy of Black artistry through song.

Band selections will celebrate the music of Black composers and performers highlighting the profound influence of Black composers and performers on the soundtrack of America and the world, including the irresistible groove of Stevie Wonder, the timeless brilliance of Ray Charles, the Ragtime sparkle of Scott Joplin, a heartfelt tribute to Louis Armstrong, and the uplifting contemporary energy of Katahj Copley. The event celebrates freedom, family, and the enduring joy of live music.

Bring your father, bring your friends, and join us for an inspiring afternoon beneath the trees in Golden Gate Park.
Guest Vocalists from Lorraine Hansberry Theatre, featuring Yvonne Cobbs, Robin Hodge-Williams, and Mary Williams
Yvonne Cobbs, Robin Hodge-Williams, and Mary Williams of the Lorraine Hansberry Theatre.

Program:

Lift Every Voice and Sing – James Weldon Johnson and J. Rosamond Johnson

Sir Duke – Stevie Wonder, arr. Naohiro Iwai

Joplin’s Ragtime Follies – Scott Joplin, arr. Warren Barker

The Genius of Ray Charles – Ray Charles, arr. Michael Brown

Golden - Jill Scott (Mary Williams)

Summertime - Gershwin (Robin Hodge Williams)

Stand Up - Cynthia Erivo (Yvonne Cobbs)

Respect - Aretha Franklin (Robin Hodge Williams)

Don’t Mean A Thing - Duke Ellington (Yvonne Cobbs)

All Of Me - as sung by Billy Holiday (Mary Williams)

Oh Happy Day - Edwin Hawkins (Robin Hodge Williams & Mary Williams)

Satchmo! – arr. Ted Ricketts

Halcyon Hearts – Katahj Copley

06/16/2026

06/14/2026

Are you ready for Trombonology? On Sunday at 1 pm, slide into the fun at “Trombonology!” — the Golden Gate Park Band’s brassy, bold, and downright brilliant showcase of our spectacular trombone section. From smooth and soulful to toe-tapping and triumphant, this FREE family-friendly concert puts the power of the slide front and center. This is part of Band Festival Weekend hosted by the Friends of the Golden Gate Park Band, a high-energy celebration of low brass you won’t want to miss. Get ready to glissando into greatness!

Principal trombonist Daven Tjaarda-Hernandez will perform the famous Theme and Variations on The Blue Bells of Scotland by Arthur Pryor. Also featured will be Hot Trombones by Henry Fillmore, a special arrangement of 76 Trombones by N. Iwai, The Elephant and the Fly for trombone and piccolo by H. Kling and much more!


Lawrence Helman San Francisco Recreation & Parks Classical Music News | Bay Area & L.A. 🇵🇭FreePress🇺🇸

06/09/2026

Trombonology!
Sunday, June 14, 2026
1:00 PM 2:30 PM
Spreckels Temple of Music
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DriveSan Francisco, CA, 94118

Slide into the fun at “Trombonology!” — the Golden Gate Park Band’s brassy, bold, and downright brilliant showcase of our spectacular trombone section. From smooth and soulful to toe-tapping and triumphant, this concert puts the power of the slide front and center. Part of Band Festival Weekend and hosted by the Friends of the Golden Gate Park Band, it’s a high-energy celebration of low brass you won’t want to miss. Get ready to glissando into greatness!

Program:

Strike Up the Band - G. Gershwin, arr. W. Barker

Ride of the Valkyries - R. Wagner, arr: R. Longfield

Blue Bells of Scotland - A. Pryor, arr. E.M. Pearson
Daven J. Tjaarda-Hernandez, trombone soloist

Bizet’s Pearl Fishers’ Duet - G. Bizet, arr. J. de Meij

Liberty Bell March - John P. Sousa

Summer Isles from Hymn of the Highlands, Mvt. 2 - Philip Spark
Mike Basta - euphonium soloist

76 Trombones - M. Wilson, arr. N. Iwai

Elephant and the Fly - H. Kling, arr. L.P. Laurendeau

Holiday for Trombones - D. Rose, arr. C.P. Herfurth

Down A Country Lane - A. Copland, arr. Patterson

Hot Trombone - Henry Fillmore

When You Wish Upon A Star - N. Washington & L. Harline, arr. J. Hancock

America The Beautiful - S. Ward, arr. C. Dragon

06/08/2026

Happy Pride! 🌈♥️🧡💛💚💙💜🖤
Thank you to and for joining us for our Pride Program on such a beautiful day!

06/02/2026

A Celebration of Pride and Community
Sunday, June 7, 2026
1:00 PM 2:30 PM
Spreckels Temple of Music
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DriveSan Francisco, CA, 94118United States

Featuring MC Per Sia, Drag Laureate of San Francisco, and performer Lambert Moss, the Golden Gate Park Band proudly presents a joyful PRIDE concert celebrating our community and neighbors. This uplifting program honors the spirit of belonging, friendship, and shared celebration that brings us together. Through powerful anthems, heartfelt ballads, and exuberant favorites, the afternoon shines a spotlight on unity, resilience, and the vibrant tapestry of people who make our city extraordinary. Join us for a spirited musical celebration of connection, pride, and community in the heart of the park.

Program:

Overture to Candide - L. Bernstein, arr. Beeler

A Musical Toast - L. Bernstein, arr. Clare Grundman

Commando March - S. Barber, arr. James Curnow

I Love Being Here with you - P. Lee & B. Schlugr

Fever - E. Cooley & O. Blackwell

Guess Who I Saw Today - Elisse Boyd, Marie Grand

You've Got To See Mama Every Night (or You Can't See Mama At All) - B. Rose & C. Conrad

A Mother of a Revolution - Omar Thomas

Music For A Carnival - Clare Grundman

True Colors - B. Steinberg & T. Kelly, arr M. Brown

Fascinating Rhythm - G. Gershwin, arr. N. Tailor

Over The Rainbow - H. Arlen, arr W. Barker

Quadrille (from "Can-Can”) - Cole Porter, arr. Philip Lang

Sondheim! - arr. Stephen Bulla

I Left My Heart in SF - G. Corey & D. Cross, arr. R. Rogers

05/30/2026

Thanks to for hosting and on the show! We’re so proud of the partnerships the band has built over its 144 year history.
us on Sunday at 1 pm through the summer and fall for free concerts of great band music!

05/27/2026

Songs and Dances
Sunday, May 31, 2026
1:00 PM to 2:30 PM
Spreckels Temple of Music
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden DriveSan Francisco, CA, 94118

The Golden Gate Park Band presents a lively program celebrating songs and dances from around the world. The afternoon features the complete Pineapple Poll, the graceful “Pavanne” from American Symphonette, and the irresistible Themes from Zorba the Greek. Festive favorites like “Wedding Dance,” “Amazing Grace” and Simple Gifts add warmth and charm, while the sparkling Clarinet Candy brings a virtuosic flourish. It’s a joyful journey through melody and movement you won’t want to miss!

Program:

Liberty Bell - John P. Sousa

Simple Gifts - Frank Ticheli

Portrait of a Trumpet - Sammy Nestico
featuring principal trumpet Mark Nemoyten

Themes from Zorba the Greek - Mikis Theodorakis / arr. Ken Whitcomb

Pineapple Poll - Gilbert & Sullivan / arr. Charles Mackerras

Clarinet Candy - Leroy Anderson

Amazing Grace - Frank Ticheli

Wedding Dance - Jaques Press / arr. H. Johnson F. Fennell

Sounds of Simon and Garfunkel - P. Simon/ J. Burdon

Pavanne, from American Symphonette - Morton Gould

Golden Gate March - Edwin Franko Goldman

05/25/2026

It was such a beautiful day to celebrate Armenian heritage and culture! Thanks to the Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Association for joining us today. And shoutouts to the dancers from the Araz Dance Group, the Khatchadour Khatchadourian who performed traditional Armenian songs, and the KZV Armenian School Students who shared Armenian choral works.
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05/20/2026

A Celebration of Armenian Culture
Sunday, May 24, 2026
1:00 PM 2:30 PM
Spreckels Temple of Music
50 Hagiwara Tea Garden Dr San Francisco, CA 94118

The Golden Gate Park Band lights up the stage for a vibrant celebration of Armenian culture, joined by special guests from the Hamazkayin Armenian Cultural and Educational Association. This special concert features stirring music, colorful traditional dance, and dynamic performances that showcase the richness of Armenian heritage. Join us for an unforgettable afternoon where music, movement, and community come alive in the heart of the park.

Program:

From the "Gayne Ballet" 1. Dance of the Rose Maidens; 2. Sabre Dance - Aram Khachaturian/arr. E. Leidzen

Armenian Folk Dances by Araz Dance Group

‍ ‍Directed by Ms. Flora Bagdasaryan

“Djegouydig”- Pinkies

“Karoon” - Spring

Traditional and Folk Musical Selections (Voice & Duduk)

performed by Khatchadour Khatchadourian

Tapor No. 1 - Alan Hovhaness

Waltz from Masquarade - Aram Khachaturian/arr. van Yperen

Armenian Folk Dances by Araz Dance Group

‍ ‍Directed by Ms. Flora Bagdasaryan

“Shoortchbar” - Circle Dance

“Sokhag” - Nightingale

Armenian Choral Selection

Performed by KZV Armenian School Students

“Arzhani” - Worthy

Gallop - A. Khachaturian

Armenian Dances - Khachaturian /arr. R. Satz