Florida Keys Community Concert Band Stages Free 'Pops in the Park' Season
ISLAMORADA, Florida Keys — The Florida Keys Community Concert Band brings its upbeat Pops in the Park series of monthly outdoor concerts to Islamorada and Key Largo for another toe-tapping season.
The free-admission performances are set for Saturdays at 4 p.m. Remaining dates for 2024 are March 30 and April 27; then resuming Nov. 27 and Dec 14.
Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets to bask in the light of the Keys’ setting sun overlooking Florida Bay while soaking up the sounds of Sousa and other popular concert band music.
More than 40 volunteer members, ages 18 to 80, are directed through each performance’s repertoire, a compilation of traditional concert band music, popular music, show tunes and marches.
Each performance features fun, interactive activities for the audience as well as some special guests. In addition, play-along instruments are typically provided so attendees can make music of their own.
The Jan. 27 performance in Key Largo was themed “Looney Tunes,” and was filled with frivolity and included music from television and movie cartoon favorites, an animé costume contest and free ice cream.
The concert series moved back to its home base at Islamorada’s ICE Amphitheater at Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside, for the Feb. 17 show themed “Where the Wild Things Are,” with animal-themed and a pet parade.
The March 30 “March Madness” concert at Founders Park is expected to be a rousing event featuring games and puzzles for the audience — including a life-size human checkerboard game. The musical menu is to feature college fight songs and marches as well as sports and game show themes.
The spring season is to wrap up April 27 with “Sci-Fi Serenade” at Founders Park, including selections from “Music of the Spheres” along with space movie music. Spectators are encouraged to come dressed to impress in their sci-fi best for an out-of-this-world costume contest.
After a summer break, Pops in the Park is to stage its final 2024 performances Nov. 30 and Dec 14.
New band members are always welcome to join, even if they are only in the area for a few weeks.
Concert information and schedule: keyscommunityconcertband.org
The free Pops in the Park series of monthly concerts encourages audience participation with play-along instruments and special events.
Concertgoers are welcome to bring lawn chairs and blankets for the 4 p.m. concert events.
The Feb. 17 show features animal-themed music, a pet parade, balloon animals and adoptable puppies.