Members of the Charleston community, including local musicians are encouraged to come celebrate the start of the area’s fourth of July festivities.

In their fourth concert this year, the Charleston Community Band will perform Thursday at 7:30 pm in the new $40,000 bandshell and pavilion in Kiwanis Park.

The Charleston recreation Department is sponsoring the free outdoor event.

John Daum, director of the Charleston Community Band, said community members should bring a lawn chair and enjoy the concert.

“On the fourth itself, the band will be riding on the truck, performing in the parade,” Daum said.

Daum has been director of the band since its inception 25 years ago.

Daum said, musicians ranging from former band directors, retired college instructors, Eastern professors, high school students and a select number of outstanding eighth graders will play the concert.

“Anyone that wants to participate and is at the high school level may also play,” Daum said.

This concert marks the fourth event the Charleston Community Band has participated in this year.