Black Jacket Symphony Brings Journey’s ‘Escape’ to Life May 1
If you’re ready to relive the golden era of arena rock, mark your calendars for Wednesday, May 1, as Black Jacket Symphony takes the stage at the Dugas Pavilion in Destin to perform Journey’s iconic album, Escape, in its entirety. Part of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s (MKAF) Concerts in the Village spring series, this high-energy tribute promises an evening of epic hits, family fun, and good vibes under the stars.
Black Jacket Symphony isn’t your average cover band—they’re renowned for their note-for-note recreations of classic albums, performed with the precision of a symphony and the soul of the original artists. For fans of Journey, that means a front-row seat to timeless anthems like Don’t Stop Believin’, Open Arms, Who’s Cryin’ Now, and Stone in Love. Escape, released in 1981, was Journey’s most successful album, cementing the band’s legacy and soundtracking a generation. Now, Black Jacket Symphony revives it with stunning accuracy and unmatched stagecraft.
This performance kicks off the May lineup for Concerts in the Village, MKAF’s beloved 10-week outdoor live music series in Destin. The picturesque Dugas Pavilion at Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village offers the perfect backdrop for an evening of music, community, and celebration. Gates open at 6 p.m., so come early to snag a great spot on the lawn. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
Don’t worry about dinner—local food trucks will be on-site serving up crowd-pleasers. For May 1, the lineup includes Curry in a Hurry, The Local’s Rollin’ Eatery, and Repicci’s Real Italian Ice & Gelato. You can also order cheese boards from Wine World in advance of the concert and pick them up as you enter. Bring a low-back chair or blanket, gather your crew, and enjoy a picnic-style evening with rock-and-roll flair.
Tickets are $35 in advance, plus a small ticketing fee, and can be purchased at MKAF.org.
Plan to enter the raffle to win gift cards to local restaurants, watersports adventures, concert tickets and more. Two tickets costs just $5. Winners drawn at either intermission or after the concert. You must be present to win!
MKAF members enjoy free and early admission to all concerts. To learn how you can become a member, visit https://mkaf.org/membership/.
Proceeds from the event directly benefit MKAF’s ArtsReach initiative, which provides arts education, outreach, and cultural experiences to K–12 students, individuals with special needs and veterans and military service members across Okaloosa, Walton, and Bay Counties.
This isn’t just a concert—it’s a chance to support the arts, create new memories, and celebrate the music that shaped generations. Whether you’re a die-hard Journey fan or just love a great outdoor concert, this night promises all the feels, all the singalongs, and all the classic rock energy you could want.
So, dust off your air guitar, grab your friends, and don’t stop believin’—because Black Jacket Symphony is about to make May 1 an unforgettable night on the Emerald Coast.
