By Zandra Wolfgram
Hey there, music lovers, it’s your “lucky” day! The New York-based brass band Lucky Chops has captivated audiences worldwide with its unique fusion of brass, funk, jazz, and rock for over a decade. On Thursday, May 11, they are coming to Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Cultural Arts Village in Destin!
But before they take the stage, Lucky Chops will lead a performance “master class” for high school band students in two Okaloosa County shools, as part of MKAF’s ArtsReach program. The band will perform “unplugged” compositions, provide commentary and engage in a dialogue with attending students.
Under the direction of Melanie Moore, ArtsReach, has served more than 100,000 in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. Since it was established in 1995, MKAF estimates its outreach has impacted more than 400,000.
Lucky Chops was formed in 2006 by friends who shared a passion for brass music. They started out playing on the streets of New York and quickly gained a following for their infectious energy and dynamic performances. They’ve since gone on to play at clubs and festivals all over the world, captivating audiences with their electrifying music.
One of the band’s most popular performances is their cover of Stand by Me, which has been viewed over 25 million times on YouTube. The video features the band playing the classic song on the streets of New York, with their powerful horn section and improvisational solos. Their high-energy performances are known for engaging the crowd, with members often jumping off the stage to dance with the audience.
Their willingness to experiment with different genres sets Lucky Chops apart from other brass bands. They’ve covered songs by artists as diverse as Justin Bieber, Outkast, and Taylor Swift, putting their unique spin on each track. Their latest album, Walter, features a mix of funky instrumentals and introspective tracks that showcase the band’s versatility.
With their infectious energy, unique sound, and willingness to experiment with different genres, they will keep you dancing all night long. So, join us at Concerts in the Village for a night of amazing music and good vibes! The gates open at 6 p.m., and the concert starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are available at MKAF.org. Proceeds benefit MKAF and ArtsReach — its educational community outreach initiatives.
MKAF members get in early and FREE … so sign up today. Learn more at MKAF.org.
