Now in its 43rd year, the Upper and Middle Keys Concert Association (now the Florida Keys Concert Association since combining efforts of the two areas) is to kick off its 2012 season Jan. 16 and 17 with a big band performance, an introduction to its slate of rich musical concerts this winter.
What began as a simple quest to bring music to the Marathon and Upper Keys communities has grown into an annual tradition of musical excellence and philanthropy for the volunteer, not-for-profit organization. The 2012 season is to include six presentations, each representing different genres and cultures.
The kick-off performance is scheduled for Jan. 16 in Marathon and Jan. 17 in Islamorada as the Guy Lombardo’s Royal Canadians, led by Al Pierson, continue the tradition of one of the most listened to, talked about and imitated bands of all time.
Today’s orchestra includes in its program classics such as Ain't She Sweet andBye Bye Blues. In addition, a musical tribute is planned as part of the January 2012 centennial anniversary of the completion of the Keys’ historic Oversea Railway.
Additional performances include a piano, violin and cello concert Jan. 23 and 24 with Trio Solisti, and a piano performance by Marina Lomazov set for Feb. 13 in Marathon.
For a foot-stomping, hand-clapping good time, the Foothills Brass quintet is scheduled to perform Saturday, Feb. 18 in Islamorada and Monday, Feb. 20 in Marathon. A 17-year-old prodigy, Conrad Tao, brings his superstar talent to the stage March 5 and 6 with a repertoire of Mozart and more.
The association’s season finale is scheduled March 19 and 20, with the String Orchestra of New York City performing cherished classics and New World music.
Tickets for each Monday evening concert at San Pablo Catholic Church in Marathon go on sale at 6 p.m., doors open at 7 p.m. and performances begin at 7:30 p.m. Season tickets are $85 per person for general seating and $150 per person for preferred seating.
Admission to individual performances is priced at $25-30 per person at the door, on a space-available basis. Centennial Bank branches, Key Largo Art Gallery and Artamorada also sell individual tickets.
Islamorada concerts will be held at the Island Community Church, mile marker 83 bayside, at 7:30 p.m., a new and earlier start time for this year. Also new for this year, homemade refreshments are to be sold at intermission by the students of Island Christian School as fundraising for its various organizations.
A portion of the proceeds from ticket sales and donations helps fund the association’s annual scholarships to local college-bound high school students seeking a degree in the arts. Students, also, are admitted free when accompanied by paid adult, as space allows.
For more information, visit www.floridakeysconcerts.com or call Lynda Berrigan at 305-743-4687 or in the Upper Keys: Joyce Peckman at 305-451-0665 or Mary Lee Singer at 305-240-0061.
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