Step into spring 2023 with a song in your heart. Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) announces the lineup for its 2023 Concerts in the Village.
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.
The series kicks off on Thursday, April 20, 2023, with must-not-miss entertainers Post Modern Jukebox promising an unforgettable trip back in time to celebrate vintage music and pop culture.
The highly anticipated season features a range of regional and national musicians and bands including a new Memphis-infused show by Broadway singer Morgan James accompanied by Sinfonia Gulf Coast; fan favorites, Roman Street Party Band, Adam Ezra, and the Gotta Groove Band; as well as Latin-fusion pop sensation Ozomatli; the high-energy brassy funk of Lucky Chops; the chill sounds of Yacht Rock Revue and gifted guitar player Shaun Hague in Journeyman: playing tribute to guitar legend Eric Clapton. The series caps on Thursday, June 22 with a powerhouse performance by the incomparable Big Bad Voodoo Daddy.
"This is a great lineup of live music performed in a beautiful venue at an affordable price for a great cause," says MKAF CEO Demetrius Fuller. "When you purchase a concert ticket, you are enabling us to provide the highest quality of arts education and community engagement throughout Okaloosa, Walton and Bay Counties. If you are an MKAF regular, welcome back, if you’re not yet a MKAF member, please consider joining. We have a great time and as we like to say, your support keeps arts FUN-ded."
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.
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.
The 2023 Concerts in the Village schedule is as follows:
Thursday, April 20 | Post Modern Jukebox
Thursday, April 27| Roman Street Party Band
Thursday, May 5 | Ozomatli
Thursday, May 11| Lucky Chops – New Day, New Tour
Thursday, May 18 | Yacht Rock Revue
Thursday, May 25| Symphonic Soul: The Magic of the Memphis Sound – Morgan James with special guest Ryan Shaw and Sinfonia Gulf Coast
Thursday, June 1 | Gotta Groove Band
Thursday, June 8| Adam Ezra Group
Thursday, June 15 | Journeyman: A Tribute to Eric Clapton
Thursday, June 22 | Big Bad Voodoo Daddy
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.
Purchase tickets online at MKAF.org/events.
