Jersey kicks off 2017 MKAF season

Jersey: A Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band

Kicks Off 2017 Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation Season, April 8

Spring 2017 on the Emerald Coast is going to be “boss.”

Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation (MKAF) and Ocean Reef Vacations & Real Estate partner to co-present Jersey performing a live tribute concert to the music of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.

The concert is set for Saturday, April 8 in the Mattie Kelly Cultural Arts Village, located at 4323 Commons Drive West in Destin. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the concert is at 7 p.m. Jersey simultaneously kicks off the 2017 MKAF season and is expected to rock the launch of the 22nd annual Concerts in the Village series.

The Bruce Springsteen Tribute Band was formed with one goal – to pay tribute to one of America’s greatest musical acts. It takes a massive talent to do justice to “the Big Man.” This seven-piece band travels around the country with endless musical talents on keyboard, guitar, saxophone, mandolin, harmonica and vocals. This versatility opens up the wide range of tunes written by “The Boss.”

In the 44 years since the release of his debut, “Greetings from Asbury Park, N.J.,” singer/songwriting legend Bruce Springsteen has created a catalog of songs nearly unrivaled in the history of rock, from the streetwise drama of his early work, through to the stadium-shaking heights of “Born in the U.S.A.,” and continuing on to his recent socially and politically impassioned efforts such as “High Hopes.” With steady mega hits like “Fire,” “Born to Run,” “Thunder Road,” “Hungry Heart,” “Dancing in the Dark” and “Glory Days,” there’s a reason New Jersey-born Springsteen was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1999) and why he is known simply as “The Boss.”

“For those hardcore Springsteen fans, this is a concert you do not want to miss,” said MKAF CEO Marcia Hull. “This band features a multitude of talent to replicate the music of Springsteen and the E Street Band. Their own Mad Max is referred to as the master of the drum beat and the heart beat (a cardiologist by profession) with his amazingly accurate portrayal of Max Weinberg.”

An al fresco concert under the stars is the perfect way to kick off spring on the Emerald Coast. Pack a lawn chair and a picnic supper with a bottle of wine or purchase dinner and beverages onsite. Don’t miss the chance to enter a charity benefit drawing to win fabulous prizes during intermission.

Jersey is made possible with generous support from the following co-sponsors: BrightView Landscape Services, Mosquito Authority and Harrison Sale McCloy.

Event proceeds from Jersey help to fund MKAF’s cultural season of events and arts education outreach programs that serve populations of students and families, including children and adults with special needs and “Warrior Arts,” serving the wounded warrior population for our returning combat military and veterans suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder.