The Vineyard Haven band is celebrating its 150th anniversary with a gala concert on August 9 at the Tabernacle in Oak Bluffs. If that sounds like a long and storied career you are correct. In fact the band is the second oldest continuously performing concert band in the country. It was formed shortly after the end of the Civil War by 18 Union and Rebel soldiers.

Originally an all-male band, it went co-ed in the late 1960s. Currently musicians of all ages make up the roster, including high school and middle school students.

Performances are traditionally Sunday evenings throughout the summer alternating between Ocean Park in Oak Bluffs and Owen Park in Vineyard Haven. Rehearsals are Monday evenings and open to everyone.

The concert at the Tabernacle on Thursday begins at 7:30 p.m. Visit mvcma.org for more information.