Ninety years ago construction began on Yankee Stadium, the first radio was introduced to the White House, a challenge to the 19th amendment allowing women the right to vote was rebuffed by the U.S. Supreme Court, and the Washington Municipal Band was born.

The band which gives around 10 performances on Thursday evenings during the summer from the Central Park bandstand is counting off to their 90th season beginning this Thursday, and Band Director Tom McNamar says this tenure lends itself to this season’s show theme, “We’re going to try and do things kind of related to nineties. So we’re going to do a piece called ‘Broadway in the ‘90s,’ that’s kind of a fun piece. So we’re going to do some kind of kitschy little tie-ins like that, but basically the focus is for the 90th season. We’re going to have some special treats not only for the band but also for our audience.”

Plans are underway for a concert this summer that will feature all living past directors: Norman Brooks, Bob McConnell, and Gary McCurdy. The band will also perform on the 75th annual Ridiculous Day in downtown Washington from 2:30-3:30 p.m. this Saturday. Regular performances begin at 8 p.m. with popcorn and lemonade sold by the Washington Lion’s Club. You can hear more about the 90th season during Tuesday’s Halcyon House Washington Page on air and at kciiradio.com.