20th Annual MKAF Concerts in the Village Thursday Nights

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents the 20th Annual Concerts in the Village music concert series Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. (May 7 through July 2) at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin. The come-as-you-are music showcase staged in the heart of the Destin’s Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village has become a popular summertime tradition for Northwest Florida locals and visitors.
 
Concerts in the Village will showcase nine local and regional singer/songwriters, musicians and tribute bands performing a range of live music from rock and roll and rhythm and blues to Motown and oldies. 
 

20th Annual Concerts in the Village Nine-Week Outdoor  Concert Series Thursday Nights

 
May 7 - Mingo Fishtrap brings its melodic pop-meets-gritty-Memphis-soul sound, with a twist of New Orleans funk.
 
May 14 - Déjà Vu fills the evening with R&B and dance music from the ‘70s to the ‘90s.
 
May 21 - Shades of Blue perform a smooth blend of jazz/blues along with their signature pop songs and selections from the ‘70s.  
 
May 28 - Local favorite The Mulligans entertain with the sounds of the ‘60s and dance music from the ‘70s.
 
June 4 - Pieces of Eight delivers an evening of brassy soul and beachy R&B.
 
June 11 - With energetic choreography and an eclectic sound The Maxx entertains with classic oldies from yesterday and today’s pop tunes.
 
June 18 - Party band Mr. Big & the Rhythm Sisters heat up summer with sizzling Motown and jazz.
 
June 25 - Dance the night away under the starts with Tyn Tymes, the South’s favorite dance band.        

July 2 - Popular local singer/pianist/entertainer David Seering presents “An American Celebration,” to close out the MKAF Concerts in the Village series.

“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.”

 
Bring a lawn chair, blanket, picnic, and beverages to enjoy music under the stars. Dinner options will be available for purchase onsite from local restaurants and food trucks, as well as water, soft drinks, beer and wine.        

Concerts take place on Thursday evenings from 7 - 9pm (entrance opens at 6 pm). Buy tickets at the door $10 per adult and FREE to MKAF members and children under 12. No pets allowed. Sorry, VIP tables are sold out for 2015 concert events. Proceeds benefit MKAF's cultural and education mission.

MKAF is celebrating with concerts and events all year round. Here are some of the highlights coming to the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village this year:     

In recognition of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation's 20th anniversary, the non-profit will present Bluegrass at the Beach. An invitation only concert event will be held Sept. 11 followed by a full-day Bluegrass music concert on Sept. 12 in the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village. Award-winning and chart-topping band Blue Highway will headline the concert. Tickets for Bluegrass at the Beach will be available online beginning May 1.

 
Other signature events include the 7th Annual Labor Day Weekend Concert (Sept. 6) featuring the soul stirring sounds of the Heather Hayes Experience in a tribute to Ms. Hayes’ late father, Isaac Hayes; the 20th Annual Festival of the Arts (Oct. 24-25) and the 20th Annual Sound of the Season (Dec. 4).
 
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.
 
To purchase tickets or for more information on how you can become a member of MKAF, gain benefits as an event sponsor, provide a donation or explore opportunities to get involved on a committee of the Board of Directors, call (850) 650-2226 or visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org.      

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), a non-profit charitable arts organization, was founded in 1995 on the cultural, educational and spiritual beliefs of the late Destin Matriarch, Mattie Kelly. The champion of cultural arts and education in Northwest Florida, MKAF's vision is to impact lives through art and culture.