The beginning of June usually signifies two things to the folks at Long’s Park in Lancaster. First, the Sertoma chicken barbecue (once again the world’s largest, according to the Guinness Book of World Records) is behind them. Second, it’s time to get ready for the Summer Entertainment Series.

This year marks the Park’s 100th anniversary and this year’s lineup is by far the most ambitious to date, with Grammy winners, movie stars, Southern music, Celtic music, jazz, classical, and more — and, as always, it’s completely free of charge to the public.

Things get kicked off Sunday, June 4 at 7 p.m. with the Swinging Steaks, a southern rock and country act whose music has been called "the best country-rock out of Boston since Gram Parsons" by Creem magazine. They’ve shared the stage with the likes of Hank Williams Jr. and John Fogerty, and have appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien. A week later, the Latin music craze comes to the Park with the nine-member Rumba Club. Founded in Baltimore in 1986, the band is considered to be one of the best Latin-jazz acts playing in the east right now.

Jazz is in the spotlight on June 18 with The Audubon Jazz Explosion at 7 p.m. This 17-piece jazz orchestra performs the songs of Count Basie and Glenn Miller and features original compositions, as well. June 25 brings the Soul Survivors, a Philly-style rock and soul band that plays music from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s and has toured with The Beach Boys and Smokey Robinson.

Things really begin to heat up, so to speak, on July 2, as The Lancaster Symphony Orchestra takes center stage during the Park’s annual fireworks display, which has been significantly upgraded and promises twice the color and sound of previous years. The orchestra, directed by Stephen Gunzenhauser, will close with William Tell’s 1812 Overture complete with Mayor Smithgall’s percussion accompaniment, always a crowd favorite.

James Taylor’s younger brother returns this summer by popular demand. Livingston Taylor was one of the highlights of the 1998 season and he brings his mix of crowd-pleasing songs and interesting side comments back to the Park on July 9 at 7:30 p.m. A week later, on June 16, Grammy award winners Brave Combo take the stage with their trademark blend of … just about everything. Polka, jazz, salsa, and pretty much anything else goes, as these longtime Chameleon Club favorites come back to town with their mission to "break down people’s perceptions about what’s cool to like in music."

Things take a turn for the theatrical on Saturday and Sunday, July 22 and 23, as Shakespeare in the Park returns. The Theater of the Seventh Sister will once again mount one of the Bard’s plays — this time it’s The Tempest — for everyone to enjoy outside the confines of the typical theater environment. The Tempest should have something for everyone — monsters, clowns, and young lovers abound, all under the co-direction of Mary Adams-Smith, Lou Ziegler, and Gary Smith.

One week after Shakespeare closes, more creative music comes to the Park with Seven Nations, an eclectic blend of Celtic and rock music that drew 15,000 people during the 1998 season. The band has sold over 100,000 records and has appeared on CNN’s World Beat with The Chieftains, and with U2’s Bono. August 6 will see Groove Collective, a 10-member funk outfit from New York City, take the stage at 7:30 p.m. Longtime opener for the Dave Matthews Band, Groove Collective takes funk, jazz, and soul and creates music that is just as easy to sit back and enjoy as it is to get up and dance to.

On August 13, the Park officially celebrates its 100th anniversary … and it is doing it in style. The Amphitheater Foundation and its corporate sponsors will go above and beyond the call of duty in welcoming to Long’s Park, for the first time, The Bacon Brothers. Fronted by actor Kevin Bacon and his brother, Michael, the Bacon Brothers have won universal acclaim for both their live shows and their two albums, their debut disc Forosco — which was nomiated for Independent Album of the Year at the Los Angeles Music Awards — and their follow-up, the current release, Getting There. Here is a unique opportunity to see a band for free that usually plays to sizeable, sellout crowds when they decide to tour. It’s not to be missed, but be sure to arrive early —events start at 3 p.m. with the Bacon Brothers taking the stage at 7:30 p.m.

There’s nothing anti-climactic about the rest of the summer, though. Saffire: The Uppity Blues Women arrive on August 20 at 7:30 p.m. This three-piece, all female acoustic blues act is known for their attitude and energy, as well as their top rate musicianship. And the season comes to a close on August 27 with Buckwheat Zydeco, "the best party band in America" according to the Wall Street Journal. The kings of Zydeco music have opened and closed both of President Clinton’s inaugurations and have been nominated for four Grammy awards in their 21-year career.

Long’s Park is located on the Harrisburg Pike next to Park City Center in Lancaster. If you are visiting the Park this summer, keep in mind that the pedestrian tunnel between Park City and Long’s Park is closed due to Route 30/283 construction. The tunnel will only be open to the public on the July 4th weekend and for the Arts and Craft Festival which takes place over Labor Day weekend. All events are held rain or shine and are free of charge to the public — so get there early and bring a blanket!

For more information call 295-7054 or check out longspark.org.