Festival of the Arts Boca Celebrates Boca Raton’s Centennial in Grand Style with a Jazzy Journey through Time

An Unforgettable Concert on March 9 to Honor Boca’s 100-Year Legacy, Featuring Iconic Music, Photos & Voiceovers from the City’s Archives, and a World Premiere by Composer Kevin Wilt

Boca Raton, FL – Get ready to time travel through the music that helped shape Boca Raton’s first century. On Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 7 p.m., at the Mizner Park Amphitheater, 590 Plaza Real, the Festival of the Arts Boca concludes its star-studded lineup with a grand celebration of Boca Raton’s Centennial, culminating in an unforgettable concert experience that combines live jazz, multimedia, and Boca’s rich history. The Boca Raton Centennial Celebration concert will feature the Festival Boca Jazz Orchestra, conducted by Kyle Prescott, performing timeless classics from artists such as Frank Sinatra, Tommy Dorsey, KC and the Sunshine Band, and Glenn Miller.

Tickets range from $30 – $120 at www.festivalboca.org.

This special event will transport audiences through music from nearly every decade of Boca’s past, from the 1920s to the 1990s. The performance will be accompanied by a stunning multimedia presentation, showcasing captivating historical images from the Boca Raton Historical Society’s archives, paired with an archival voiceover narration that tells the story of how this beloved city grew from its humble beginnings to the vibrant, thriving community we know today.

“We’re thrilled to honor Boca Raton’s 100 years through this immersive, musical journey,” says Joanna Marie Kaye, Executive Director of Festival of the Arts Boca. “This concert is not only about the music, but also about bringing Boca’s rich history to life in a way that resonates with both longtime residents and newcomers. We’re excited for this collaboration with the city and the Boca Raton Historical Society, and we hope it inspires everyone to reflect on how far we’ve come and where we’re headed.”

Boca Historical Society will also be on-site, offering Dream City, their exclusive, special-edition coffee table style book that chronicles Boca Raton’s fascinating evolution, with personalized copies available for attendees.

The evening will highlight a world premiere: a specially commissioned piece by Kevin Wilt, a composer from Florida Atlantic University, created exclusively for the occasion. This new work promises to add a unique flair to the evening’s festivities, blending contemporary sounds with the city’s historical narrative.

The concert promises to be a truly unforgettable night, mixing nostalgia with contemporary artistry to create an experience like no other.

Festival of the Arts Boca, a 19-year tradition, continues to elevate the cultural landscape of South Florida with performances and events that celebrate the arts in all its forms. This year’s Back in Time theme, which runs from February 28 to March 9, 2025, promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all who attend.

For more information about the Festival or to purchase tickets, visit festivalboca.org or call (561) 571-5270.

Since 2007, Festival of the Arts Boca has been enriching the cultural life of Boca Raton, North Broward, and Palm Beach County. This internationally recognized festival features world-class music, dance, literature, and film. It has been named Social Magazine’s No. 1 Cultural Event for 2022 and continues to attract thousands of attendees each year.

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