DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Recreation Department’s Music Under the Stars attracted around 1,200 people to the plaza on Whispering Pines Road last weekend.

The three-evening event featured entertainment by six bands, free of charge, and treats from three food vendors. People brought their loved ones and lawn chairs to the open-air concert for a weekend of relaxation and amusement.

Sunday’s event started with The Jazz Guardians at 6 p.m. Big-band embellishments sprang from the stage as about 20 jazz musicians in camouflage uniforms bent with the flow of melodies that rang out of the arena.

The group played several musical numbers such as “Sing, Sing, Sing” — a song made popular by Benny Goodman in 1937 that was featured in the Broadway musical “Swing.” The busy, flapper feel of the piece brought smiles and applause from the crowd.

Staff Sgt. Christopher Hollis — the band’s lead trombone player who joined the group in 2002 — described his love for jazz.

“It’s fun to play,” he said. “Jazz is the only true American art form and music is an international language,” he said of music’s ability to cross cultural bounds and language barriers.

“It’s the complete freedom to express yourself,” he said.

The next performance — The Joe Occhipinti Band — kept the musical and fun-loving spirit alive with numbers including “Cabaret,” “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” “Dead Leaves in France” and “Swanee River,” Florida’s state song, according to Occhipinti.

“Don’t Worry Be Happy” sent a feel-good vibe throughout the crowd and sent one be-bopping child — David Tyson, 3 — into a dance frenzy with his mother. They remained seated in their lawn chairs and held hands with outstretched arms as they bounced to the ear-tickling tunes.

Megan Matrone, recreation programs coordinator, said she’s received positive feedback about the event.

“Flite Time of Mobile and Luther Kent & Trick Bag from New Orleans seem to have been a big hit and huge success. And, as always, the US Army’s Jazz Guardians’ performance on Sunday was a favorite,” she said.

Some attendees seemed to have nothing but praise for the event.

“It’s got good music, a good location, it’s free and there’s good food,” Chris Foreman said.

Foreman had invited Nancy Townley, a friend from Crestview, Fla., to the occasion. She also enjoyed the performance.

Townley spoke of the dedication required to master the instruments: “It’s a life-long commitment and I’m drawn to that. I love jazz because of the passion,” she said.

Jason Linville attended Music Under the Stars for the first time on Sunday.

“It’s great to see so many people put on some style and grace for the city of Daphne, especially in the spring. It gets people woke up from the winter,” he said.

Some people enjoyed the convenience of the event.

“It’s so nice to get to do something that’s hastleless, just enjoyment,” Townley said of the event, referring to the hasslefree arrangements — no advanced tickets or seating arrangements werer required.

Matrone said the event was a positive venture for Daphne.

“I felt that the weekend was a success. … I couldn’t have asked for better weather for Saturday and Sunday. All the bands, volunteers, sponsors, sound production team, emcees and food vendors were incredibly easy to work with,” she said.