10-concert live music series to feature premier regional and national musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, reggae, and disco to modern pop

Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) kicks off its highly-anticipated 2023 Concerts in the Village on Thursday, April 20.

The area’s first live concert series is held each spring on Thursday evenings at the MKAF Dugas Pavilion in Destin. This year’s 28th annual family-friendly series will run from April 20 to June 22. The 10-concert live music series will feature premier regional and national musicians and bands performing everything from classic rock, reggae, and disco to modern pop.

Here’s a closer look at the lineup: The series kicks off on Thursday, April 20, 2023, with must-not-miss entertainers Post Modern Jukebox One part celebration of vintage music and culture, one part Saturday Night Live for singers, a Postmodern Jukebox show is an unforgettable trip back in time sure to make Pop Music History in Destin. This isn’t just a concert; this is a must-not-miss music experience. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military.

April 27 features the Roman Street Party Band. Get ready to get on your feet and sway to the beat. Hailing from Mobile, Alabama, Roman Street delivers a lyrical amalgamation of acoustic guitar, classical, gypsy, contemporary jazz, Latin, and nuevo flamenco sounds. There is a reason this mesmerizing music group is a proven local favorite. Tickets are $20 adults/$15 active-duty military.

May 5 Ozomatli takes the stage. A cacophony of sounds melding salsa, jazz, funk, reggae, and hip hop is Ozomatli. This social-minded ensemble rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1995 to give voice to Latinos, fight for workers’ rights, and promote a global unity. After performing around the world, this Latin-pop infusion is ready to rock Destin. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military.

May 11 will feature Lucky Chops – New Day, New Tour. Lucky Chops has been unleashing high-energy brassy funk on the world since forming in NYC in 2006. The intensity of the band’s energy is fueled by their desire to share the healing and inspirational power of music with others. It’s your lucky day to see Lucky Chops live in concert. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military.

May 18 get ready to chill with Yacht Rock Revue: Reverse Sunset Tour. This top-notch group of musicians, presented by SiriusXM, trademarked the term “yacht rock,” both metaphorically and literally (U.S. Registration Number 3834195). From humble beginnings in a basement, they’ve rocked onstage with John Oates, Eddie Money, and now headline sold-out shows across the country. Come chill to the smooth sounds of West coast-inspired ‘70s and ‘80s rock. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military.

May 25 don’t miss Sinfonia Gulf Coast Feat. Morgan James in Symphonic Soul with special guest Ryan Shaw. Morgan James brings the classic sounds of Memphis accompanied by Sinfonia Gulf Coast. This program is a love letter to one of the great American birthplaces of soul, featuring brand-new arrangements of Memphis classics by Al Green, Otis Redding, Ann Peebles, Sam, and Dave, and, of course, Elvis. James rounds out the evening with her own Memphis soul originals and storytelling. Hear your favorite soul tunes come to life in a brand-new way that will have you dancing and singing along! Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military.

June 1 Gotta Groove Band will put a fresh spin on popular cover tunes from the ‘60s to today. With outstanding vocals and top-shelf musicianship, they feature own arrangements and mixing many popular tunes together to create a fun flow of entertaining energy. You will not want to miss the party this Land O Lakes, Florida, band throws down. Tickets are $20 for adults/$15 for active-duty military.

June 8 Adam Ezra Group performs. Fusing folk intimacy and rock energy with soul power and pop charm, the band first emerged from Boston in the early 2000s and quickly garnered widespread acclaim for their bold, insightful songwriting and interactive, euphoric performances. Tickets are $20 adults/$15 active-duty military.

June 15 get ready to jam with Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton. At just 17, Shaun Hague was named “Best Young Blues Guitarist” by The House of Blues. By 21, he was sharing the stage with the likes of blues phenoms such as Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Amos Lee, John Waite, Terra Naomi, and John Fogerty. In honor of his biggest musical influence (Eric Clapton), he and his three-member band have been making waves with their powerful live music performance. Tickets are $25 adults/$20 active-duty military.

June 22 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy swings into Destin. With appearances from the Hollywood Bowl to Lincoln Center, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy continues its decades-long mission to celebrate and revitalize jazz and swing music — America’s original musical art form — and bring joy to audiences around the world. Get ready for a jumpin’, jivin’, wailin’ good time. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military. Enjoy a night under the stars at the most beautiful outdoor music venue on the Emerald Coast. Bring a bottle of wine, your favorite craft beer, and a blanket or chair. Food and drinks are available for purchase from a rotating list of local food trucks. Tickets are $35 adults/$30 active-duty military.

Gates open at 6 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7 p.m. for this come-as-you-are family-friendly outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair, picnic, wine, or purchase food and beverages on-site prepared by featured restaurants and food trucks.

General admission varies per concert. Prices range from $20 to $35 for adults. Discounts offered for active-duty military (must show ID). New this year, patrons purchasing tickets in advance of concert day will save $5 per ticket. Children (12 and under) are free. A limited number of VIP tables (reserved table for eight guests for the entire season) are available for $2,250. Corporate VIP tables are $2,750.

The 2022-2023 season is made possible by generous support from individuals, local businesses, and media partners. Presenting Concerts Sponsor is Hancock Whitney Bank. Classical Connections Presenting Sponsor is Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Presenting Media Sponsor is Visit South Walton. Presenting E-media Sponsor is Sowal.com. Presenting Discounted Military Tickets Sponsor is Eglin Federal Credit Union.

Proceeds will fund the MKAF’s community outreach mission to provide cultural outreach programs serving K-12 students, adults and children with special needs, at-risk youth, and active/veteran military suffering from visible and invisible injuries in our community.

Purchase tickets online at MKAF.org/events. For more information, call (850) 650-2226.

MKAF members enjoy early entry and free admission to every concert as well as discounted pricing to other MKAF events. For more information on MKAF membership, visit MKAF.org.

Concert lineup is subject to change. All sales are final; sorry, no refunds. Pets, tables larger than two feet, and drones are not permitted. Children 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

ABOUT MATTIE KELLY ARTS FOUNDATION Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), a non-profit arts organization comprised of members, volunteers, and community partners building the foundation of arts and culture in the community. Since its inception in 1995, MKAF has inspired more than 337,800 children in more than 75 schools and partner agencies. Through its community education initiative ArtsReach, programming serves K-12 students, at-risk youth, people with disabilities, and the military population with visible and invisible injuries. As a presenting organization, MKAF has showcased its Concerts in the Village each season where the Southeast United States’ most vibrant performing artists and bands perform to more than 15,000 patrons annually. More than 100 artists convene in Destin each year for the Festival of the Arts, which is one the preeminent arts festivals along the Gulf Coast. MKAF has partnered with multiple regional non-profits and school districts in the communities that it serves to ensure access to the arts for all.

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