Thanks to Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation orchestrating a family outing al fresco during the summer is certainly a breeze. And with nine weeks of family-friendly concerts to choose from, making it a musical arrangement is as simple as a-one-and-a-two-and-a-three. Still, this summer’s lineup is not your mother’s Lawrence Welk show. MKAF will have you stepping to the beat of a range of sensational sounds from rock and roll to rhythm and blues and from Motown to your favorite oldies. So, snap to it!
Altogether, the area’s longest running music concert festival will showcase nine local and regional singer/songwriters, musicians and tribute bands May 7 through July 2 on Thursdays as dusk falls at 7 p.m.
The season schedule opens on May 7, Mingo Fishtrap from Austin (pop meets Memphis soul); May 14, Déjà Vu (rhythm and blues); May 21, Shades of Blue (jazzy blues); May 28, The Mulligans (‘60s and ‘70s dance music); June 4, Pieces of Eight (brassy soul meets beachy R&B); June 11, The Maxx (a blend of oldies with pop tunes); June 18, Mr. Big & the Rhythm Sisters (Motown and jazz); June 25, Tyn Tymes (the Southern dance band). And as has been tradition for many years, singer/entertainer David Seering returns to close out the summer concert series on July 2 with an evening of patriotic song selections.
The come-as-you-are music showcase staged in the heart of the Destin’s Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village is easily one of the most highly-anticipated social events of the season. Bring a chair, blanket and picnic or purchase dinner onsite featuring various local restaurants and food trucks serving up delicious dinner menu options. Bring your own beverages or purchase water, soft drinks, beer and wine at the event.
Twenty years ago the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) began an earnest mission to bring art programs, cultural events, art education and lively entertainment to the town of Destin, Florida. This milestone anniversary year provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of the organization.
“For 20 years the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation has lifted heart and kicked up heels for thousands of families and friends who gather under the stars for one form of art that is surely universal — music! If you haven’t been to the Concerts in the Village or haven’t been in a while, please join us to celebrate two decades of live music, food and fun,” said Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation CEO Marcia Hull. “This year is surely going to be the best yet.”
Admission to each of the spring/summer Concerts in the Village is $10 per person; children under 12 and MKAF members are free. Tickets are sold at the gate. Proceeds benefit MKAF's cultural and education mission.
MKAF honors our men and women in uniform with a Military Appreciation Night on May 28. Admission to The Mulligans concert for those in armed services with valid military ID will be $5 (a 50 percent discount).
For more information, call (850) 650-2226 or visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.