Florida Keys Community Concert Band Stages Free 'Pops in the Park' Season

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. Dates for 2025 are Jan. 25, Feb. 22, March 29 and April 19.

Concertgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets, and enjoy the Keys’ famed sunset while soaking up the sounds of Sousa and other popular concert band music.

Most performances are scheduled at the amphitheater in Islamorada’s Founders Park, mile marker 87 bayside. The Feb. 22 show, however, is to be held on the lawn at Key Largo’s Peace Park at the Murray Nelson Government Center, mile marker 102 bayside.

More than 40 volunteer band 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 interactive activities for the audience as well as some special guests.

The Jan. 25 performance at Founders Park, themed “Afternoon Delight,” is to be filled with upbeat animal-themed music along with other classic and pop favorites. Audience members are encouraged to bring their pets to strut their stuff in the annual pet parade. Animal Care Coalition is to bring adoptable pets to the performance.

The theme for the Feb. 22 show in Key Largo is “Kokomo Key,” featuring Florida songs and tropical music, a steel pan demonstration and a conch shell blowing contest. The Mangrove Swamp Band is to be the special musical guest, and REEF Environmental Education Foundation is to bring an educational marine touch tank.

The March 29 concert, back at Founders Park, is themed “Twilight Tunes” and features movie and show tunes. There is to be a special Vivaldi’s Four Seasons sensory experience, breakout ensembles from the Community Concert Band, and performances by special musical guest Ukelele Joy. Plans call for free ice cream pops to add to the festive atmosphere.

A selection of “Conch Classics” rounds out the spring performance season April 19, featuring international music throughout time. Student musicians from Keys school band programs are to be special musical guests, and audience members are asked to bring a favorite stuffed animal to share treats during a Teddy Bear Picnic.

At each concert, play-along percussion instruments are to be provided for attendees to make music of their own.

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

###