By Zandra Wolfgram
No matter your taste in music, Todd Wilkinson, chairman of the concert committee for
Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF), says there are plenty of reasons for everyone to
come out to the MKAF Concerts in the Village.
“It’s a great venue, a great space and a great audience, and always great music,” Wilkinson says. “It’s a perfect way to spend an evening in Destin and it’s just fun.”
Two awesome opportunities remain to show your support for MKAF as the Concerts in the Village close out the summer series.
On Thursday, June 17 Petty Hearts: Tom Petty Tribute Band takes the stage.
“This crowd pleaser is back!” Wilkinson says. “They are a super nice band and put on an
amazing show.”
Tom Petty (1950-2017) was an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer,
and actor. He was the lead vocalist and guitarist of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers,
formed in 1976. His hit singles with the Heartbreakers include “Don’t Do Me Like That”,
“Refugee,” “The Waiting,” “Don’t Come Around Here No More” and “Learning to Fly.”
Petty and the Heartbreakers were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2002.
Petty enjoyed hit singles as a solo act, too some of them include “I Won’t Back Down,” “Free Fallin'” and “You Don’t Know How It Feels.” In his career, Petty sold more than 80 million records worldwide, making him one of the best-selling music artists of all time.
The summer series culminates with the Air National Guard Band of the South on June 24.
“This is like two concerts in one!” Wilkinson says. “They are wonderful and are not
charging Mattie Kelly, so we are not either. This concert is a great way to lead into
Independence Day and totally free of charge!”
Headquartered in Knoxville, Tennessee, the Air National Guard Band of the South is the
official musical ambassador for the Tennessee Air National Guard.
The Band of the South’s Concert Band is the oldest and largest of the Band of the South’s seven performing components. This elite 35-member instrumental ensemble, formed in 1973, has thrilled audiences all over America’s southeastern states as well as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, Maine and Alaska. The Concert Band presents a powerful and diverse program of marches, overtures, popular music and patriotic selections, as well as
highlighting instrumental and vocal soloists.
The Blue Groove Jazz Ensemble generates a unique excitement through the performance of America’s only original art form: Jazz. The ensemble mixes the sounds of yesteryear with the contemporary music of today. From Glenn Miller big band arrangements to more
recent tunes by artists like Justin Timberlake and Bruno Mars, there is sure to be
something for everyone.
Pre-order a beautifully crafted gourmet charcuterie board by Ann Marie at The Board Chef-Artisan Charcuterie. (Be sure to place your order by noon the Tuesday before the concert
by emailing annmarie@theboardchef.com or 512.650.6679.) Tote along a picnic supper or enjoy dinner from a tasty food truck or local restaurant. The gate opens at 6 p.m. and the
concerts start at 7 p.m.
Before the concert and during intermission, don’t forget to enter the weekly raffle drawing.
Proceeds from the Concerts in the Village support MKAF’s mission and ArtsReach
programs. There are many benefits to becoming an MKAF member, including free
admission to all MKAF Concerts in the Village. Now, that is music to your ears, yes?
There are several benefit levels and options, so go to the website to find the one that is best fits you and your family.
For more information on the many MKAF Membership levels and all the concert details, visit MKAF.org.
