MATTAPOISETT — A ceiling of light blue sky blended to a stripe of violet-orange over the tree line across Mattapoisett Harbor as the music came to an end.

For an hour and a half, listeners encircled the gazebo in Shipyard Park as the Mattapoisett Town Band rattled off melodies of Americana. In the water off the wharf sat countless boats, like distant spectators in deep bleachers.

The Mattapoisett Town Band began its season Wednesday with a program of patriotic tunes on the eve of Independence Day. 

Jayson Newell, the band’s director, said it was “great to see everybody again.”

The roughly 45-strong members of the band are a mix of young and old, teachers, students and pros. 

The Mattapoisett Town Band is “very community-based,” Newell said. It holds no auditions.

“I love the fact that anyone can join the band,” he said.

The band performs Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Shipyard Park into August.

“It’s how we give back as musicians,” Newell said.

As the band played, kids ran constantly around the gazebo. Two young listeners towards the back of the grassy area threw a football.

“Tonight is all about celebrating America,” Newell said at the start of the July 3 concert.

During a pair of interactive portions during the music, the band handed out gift cards to kids for the nearby Seaport Slip on the wharf. From the program’s start to finish, the ice cream joint had a line of 10-plus people. A sturdy, cool breeze blew across Shipyard Park throughout.

“Where else are you going to hang out on a Wednesday night and get a professional-ish concert for free?” Newell said.