DESTIN — The Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents the 21st annual installation of Concerts in the Village series. The event is a family-friendly, outdoor presentation.

Gates open at 6 p.m. and concerts start at 7 p.m. Thursday from May 5 through June 30 at the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive, Destin.

Bring a lawn chair, picnic and wine, or purchase soft drinks and dinner prepared by a featured restaurant or food trucks on site. Admission is $12 for adults; children age 12 and under and MKAF members get in free of charge.

A limited number of first come, first served VIP tables are available to foundation members for the nine-week season for $950 (includes admission, reserved table and seating for up to eight guests). Call 650-2226 to inquire about membership or to purchase a table.

 Some of the finest local and regional touring artists will hit the Dugas Pavilion stage to perform everything from Motown to rhythm & blues, jazz, and funk to classic and modern rock.

This year’s showcase roster includes a variety of talented bands paying tribute to music legends from Santana and Joe Cocker to Journey and Johnny Cash — even Elvis is expected to make an appearance!

The schedule is as follows: May 5, The House Rockers (Mississippi blues); May 12, Moos Bros. (Emerald Coast’s premier party band); May 19, Emerald Gold (Motown revue); May 26, Supernatural (Santana tribute band); June 2, Lava Lamp (‘70s soul, funk and disco); June 9, Faithfully (Journey tribute band); June 16, The Joe Band (Joe Cocker tribute band); June 23, The Maxx (a blend of oldies with pop tunes); June 30, Todd Allen Herendeen: Legends in Concert (tribute to legends such as Roy Orbison, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly and Elvis).

“Music is an art form that connects us all. If you haven’t come to the Concerts in the Village or haven’t been in a while, we invite you to gather with us among family and friends for a true summertime celebration of music, food and fun,” said Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation CEO Marcia Hull.

“No question about it, the arts are integral to having a whole community. All of MKAF’s signature cultural events go a long way towards funding empowering arts programming for children, youth and adults with special needs, and emerging therapeutic programs for our local disabled veterans,” said Hull. “Our one-of-a kind outreach program, All Kinds of Art, is truly dedicated to serving all kinds of populations with impactful arts experiences.”

Other signature events for MKAF’s 2016 season are the eighth annual Labor Day Weekend Concert (Sept. 4); the 21st Annual Festival of the Arts (Oct. 29-30) and the 21st annual holiday offering, Sounds of the Season (Dec. 2), at Village Baptist Church in Destin.

Concerts in the Village is made possible by the generous support of local individuals, businesses and media partners. To join 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 650-2226 or visit www.mattiekellyartsfoundation.org. 

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation sets concert series

DESTIN — Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation is calling all dancing queens (and kings) to kick up their heels in support of a great cause this spring.

In partnership with Ocean Reef Vacation Rentals & Real Estate, the foundation kicks off its 21st season with a special performance by ABBAFAB, a critically acclaimed tribute band for the Swedish pop group sensation, ABBA.

The concert is 7 p.m. April 9 in the Dugas Pavilion, located in the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, 4323 Commons Drive West, Destin.

Making its Northwest Florida debut, the band's two-hour, multi-media tribute includes ABBA’s popular chart-topping hits from the 1970s and 1980s — “Mama Mia,” “Dancing Queen, “SOS,” “Waterloo,” “Honey Honey,” and "Fernando,” among others.

Tribute band members Anne Davies, Chelsea Faulds, Nick Davies and Scotty Pearson have traveled the globe earning praise and accolades for their “intoxicating” talent and spot-on ABBA performance.

In addition to many memorable ABBA hits, this “Technicolor journey” features choreographed dancing, colorful costumes and plenty of audience participation.

“There’s really nothing like it,” says ABBAFAB singer Anne Davies who formed the band in 2008. “We’ve had audiences from ages 5 to 95 and they all get into dancing and singing. This music is so upbeat and uplifting … who doesn’t like to feel happy?”

Attendees may bring a chair, blanket and picnic, or purchase dinner prepared onsite from food trucks and local restaurants. Bring your own beverages or purchase water and soft drinks at the event.

Tickets for this benefit concert are $25 for adults or $20 for MKAF members. There is no charge for children younger than 12. Purchase concert tickets at mattiekellyartsfoundation.org or pay at the gate, which opens at 6 p.m.

VIP tables are first-come, first served, seat up to eight and cost $250 for non-MKAF members and $225 for members. Purchase by calling 650-2226.

Proceeds from the event will benefit MKAF’s mission to support cultural events and education programs for all ages.

For more on the MKAF and membership, call 650-2226 or visit the website.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Mattie Kelly foundation season starts with Abba tribute benefit

FORT WALTON BEACH — Stage Crafters Community Theatre, Inc. will present "The Music Man," directed by Directed by Craig Ewing and Nancy Kruzek.

Performances are 7:30 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays March 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 at Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium, 107 Miracle Strip Pkwy SW, Fort Walton Beach.

The cast includes Crestview residents Brad Atherton and Bryce Harper, who play a traveling salesman and a River City kid, respectively. 

Originally opening on Broadway in 1957, the musical is the story of conman Harold Hill, who poses as a boys' band organizer in order to sell naive Iowa townsfolk band instruments and uniforms, promising to train the members of the new band. But Harold is no musician and plans to skip town without giving any music lessons.

DOWNLOAD information on the cast in FILES/LINKS, at left

Marian the librarian sees through the con but when Harold helps her younger brother overcome his lisp and social awkwardness, she can’t help but fall in love. Harold risks being caught to win her.

With songs such as “Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Till There Was You,” and “Lida Rose,” this award-winning classic boasts a brilliant, nostalgic score of rousing marches, barbershop quartets, and sentimental ballads that have earned a place among musical theatre’s most cherished standards.

Tickets cost $20, and can be purchased at P S Gifts, 29 Walter Martin Rd NE, Fort Walton Beach; Bayou Book Co., 1118 E. John Sims Pkwy, Niceville; by phone, 243-1101; on online at http://www.StageCrafters.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview residents among 'The Music Man' cast members

NICEVILLE — Northwest Florida State College's film club will screen, "Cinema Paradiso" 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 22 in the film classroom of Mattie Kelly Arts Center's Arts Wing.

In the 1988 Italian drama, rated PG, a Sicilian boy's deep love of films moves him to leave town and pursue his passion for film-making.

The event is in building 110, room 328 at 100 College Blvd., Niceville.

Free food and a movie raffle are planned. Feel free to bring your friends.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: NWFSC film club students to screen 'Cinema Paradiso'

FORT WALTON BEACH — The Pastel Society of North Florida will meet 9:30 a.m. to noon Friday, Feb. 19 in the Fellowship Hall of the Church of Christ, 232 Hollywood Blvd., Fort Walton Beach.

Carrie Raeburn, the group's president, will present a DVD of her October 2015 trip to China, where she attended the First China Pastel Festival in Suzhou, participated in an Alan Flattmann workshop, and then traveled on to Beijing. 

She also plans to share a DVD presentation of paintings accepted into the Pastel Society of America's Annual "Enduring Brilliance" exhibition last September in New York City.  

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Florida pastel society schedules DVD presentations

NICEVILLE — The Northwest Florida Ballet will present the beloved fairytale, 'Cinderella', with Sinfonia Gulf Coast, led by Maestro Demetrius Fuller, providing live orchestral accompaniment.

With choreography by NFB Artistic Director Todd Eric Allen music by Serge Prokofiev, the timeless classic will be presented in three acts 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 2:30 p.m. March 6 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Northwest Florida State College, 100 College Blvd., Niceville.

Tickets for the Niceville performances go on sale Feb. 5. They cost $35 for adults and $17 for children 12 and under. Purchase online at www.nfballet.org or  call 664-7787.

In addition to its two public performances, NFB will also perform for area school children and special needs groups 10 a.m. March 4. Contact the NFB office for additional information or to purchase tickets for a class or group.

THE HISTORY BEHIND THE FAIRY TALE

"Arguably one of the most beloved fairytales of all time, Cinderella doesn't just speak to children. There is a part of her story that touches people of all ages. Although we find Walt Disney's animated classic and last year's feature film versions the most familiar, Cinderella's origins can be traced back to ninth century A.D. Chinese folklore that praised the virtues and loveliness of women with tiny feet, " said Allen.

While the story has taken on many forms in cultures across the globe, Charles Perrault, a 17th century French writer and political figure is credited with the original story that most Americans have come to know. The first staging of Cinderella as a ballet was conceived by Sir Fredrick Aston in 1948 for London's Sadler's Wells Ballet and was hailed as an instant classic. The weary post-war audiences were eager to be enchanted and were thoroughly charmed by the rags-to-riches story about a young girl's magical journey from struggle and heartbreak to the ultimate happy ending.

NFB company dancers Brooklyn Burbidge and Jonathan Carter portray the roles of Cinderella and her handsome prince.  To get to her prince, Cinderella has to get past her cruel stepsisters, hilariously performed by Wayman Ezell and Preston Dyar.  NFB's Assistant Artistic Director Sharon Allen will play the part of the conniving wicked stepmother and Jeff Prescott will portray Cinderella's overwhelmed father.

Also featured in this year's production will be NFB company dancers Ella Brummett as the Fairy Godmother and Jason Bailey as the comical Jester.  NFB Company dancers Alex Trum, Victoria Garofalo, Sabrina Lobner and Payton Beason will play the roles of the fairies of the seasons.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Cinderella' ballet to feature live music

NICEVILLE — Upcoming Northwest Florida Ballet performances are as follows:

●"Dracula," 7:30 p.m. Oct. 30 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 1, Northwest Florida State College, Mattie Kelly Arts Center, 100 College Blvd., Niceville. Tickets: $32 for adults and $15 for children (12 and under).

●"The Nutcracker," 7:30 p.m. Nov. 20 and 21, 2:30 p.m. Nov. 22, Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets: $35 for adults and $17 for children (12 and under).

●"Cinderella," 7:30 p.m. March 5 and 2:30 p.m. March 6, Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets: $35 for adults and $17 for children (12 and under).

Tickets to individual performances are available four weeks before performance dates.

Visit www.nfballet.org and NFB's Facebook page for updates on dates and times, season subscriptions, tickets or additional information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'Dracula' leads upcoming Northwest Florida Ballet performances

NICEVILLE —  The Pastel Society of Northwest Florida will host an exhibition and reception from 2-4 p.m. Oct. 18 in Northwest Florida State College's Goetsch Gallery. Admission is free.

A framed pastel, valued at $500, is a door prize for the event, which takes place on the Student Services Center's third floor, 100 College Blvd., Niceville.

The 16- by 20-foot hydrangeas painting is by nationally known artist and Pastel Society of America member Marilyn Simpson.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Pastel Society of Northwest Florida hosts exhibition, reception