This summer, the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation presents a series of Thursday night concerts at their beautiful Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village in Destin.

Voted one of the top ten things to do in Northwest Florida by Florida Travel & Tourism Guide, this nine-week outdoor concert series features musical performances in a variety of genres, including rock, R&B, and Motown. The concerts will be held Thursday nights at 7 p.m. through July 2.

“For 20 years the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation has lifted heart and kicked up heels for thousands of families and friends who gather under the stars for one form of art that is surely universal — music! If you haven’t been to the Concerts in the Village or haven’t been in a while, please join us to celebrate two decades of live music, food and fun,” said Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation CEO, Marcia Hull. “This year is surely going to be the best yet.”

The season schedule opened on May 7 with Mingo Fishtrap from Austin, Texas, and will continue with the following performances:

May 14 – Déjà Vu (rhythm and blues);
May 21 – Shades of Blue (jazzy blues);
May 28 – The Mulligans (‘60s and ‘70s dance music);
June 4 – Pieces of Eight (brassy soul meets beachy R&B);
June 11 – The Maxx (a blend of oldies with pop tunes);
June 18 – Mr. Big & the Rhythm Sisters (Motown and jazz);
June 25 – Tyn Tymes (the Southern dance band).

And as has been tradition for many years, singer/entertainer David Seering returns to close out the summer concert series on July 2 with an evening of music celebrating some of American’s famous artists and composers to patriotic songs.

Bring a chair, blanket and picnic or purchase dinner onsite featuring various local restaurants and food trucks serving up delicious dinner menu options. Bring your own beverages or purchase water, soft drinks, beer and wine at the event.

Admission to each of the Concerts in the Village is $10 per person; children under 12 and MKAF members are free. A few remaining VIP event tables are available. Proceeds benefit MKAF’s cultural and education mission.

MKAF honors our men and women in uniform with a Military Appreciation Night on May 28. Admission to The Mulligans concert for those in armed services with valid military ID will be $5 (a 50 percent discount).

For more info, visit Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation or call 850-650-2226.