The sounds of summer are the sounds of music. That's because the municipal bands in Cape Girardeau and Jackson are continuing their rich heritage of entertainment.

Together, these two city bands boast of more than 135 years of performances. That's an impressive commitment of musical entertainment. Many of us have grown up on these muny band performances.

The Cape Muny Band is observing its 66th concert season under the sponsorship of the city of Cape Girardeau. The concert season continues tonight, and each Wednesday through Aug.19, at the Capaha Park band shell. Jon Fisher marks his 15th year as director.

Jackson's muny band has an even longer tenure of city sponsorship. The Jackson band is in its 72nd season. It performs each Thursday at the municipal band shell in the Jackson city park. Pat Schwent directs the band.

The Jackson band began in 1920 under the guidance of A.W. Roloff of Jackson. Roloff was encouraged by the chamber, which suggested a young people's band would offer great entertainment. Little did they realize the Jackson Junior Band would develop into such a long-standing tradition. In 1935, the band assumed the Jackson Municipal Band name.

The history of Cape Girardeau's band stretches back to 1881. The first municipal band was known as the Eutonia Silver Cornet Band, organized by W.G. Bock. But it wasn't until 1927 that city sponsorship began.

Both bands boast of about 45 members, many whom loyally return each summer. Most members are college students, active and retired business people, and teachers. They are also professional musicians with real talent. The result is a pleasure to hear each week in area parks. Both muny bands perform about a dozen free concerts, all starting at 8 p.m.

The bands also showcase local musicians, singers and entertainers, offering a chance for many talented people to shine.

Of course, taxpayers can take some of the credit for these fine bands. After all, they are financed by our tax dollars.

It's money well spent to expand our cultural horizons. Cape Girardeau and Jackson offer two of the last municipal band programs in the region. That's partly due to the cost, but much of it is due to the availability of these wonderful musicians.

The municipal band programs in Cape Girardeau and Jackson are musical success stories. The music is as varied as the people who bring their lawn chairs to the park each week. They are Americana at its best, and pure musical entertainment. The public's continued support remains a key to their success. These musical evenings in the park are the sounds of summer that our parents and grandparents enjoyed. They are a tradition well worth continuing.