Free concert for kids set Feb. 16 at Amphitheater

Published February 8th, 2008

FROM STAFF REPORTS

In a first of its kind event, the Count de Hoernle Amphitheatre at Mizner Park, Boca Raton, will be the site for a fun-filled free concert that will introduce young people to a variety of styles of music and dance.

The entertainment takes place Saturday, Feb. 16 from 2-4 p.m. and will also include free ice cream for the kids. The event is being presented by Edith and Martin B. Stein and the city of Boca Raton’s Recreation Services Department.

The afternoon will feature a diverse array of musical genres from hip-hop to Dixieland, Broadway to Americana. This concert is the creation of Marshall Turkin and Martin Stein, who said they wanted the opportunity to introduce the young people of the community to a fun variety of musical styles and to serve as a showcase for the area’s young talent.

“Our goal is to provide a fun-filled afternoon and a free venue, so all parents can bring the children to experience the wonders of music,” said Turkin. “The show will be both entertaining and educational, as we have developed a program that will take the children on a musical journey, from their current favorite songs to styles they may have never heard before.”

Turkin, the former executive director of both the Pittsburgh and Detroit Symphony orchestras and the founder of the Boca Raton Symphonia, is orchestrating the array of young talent who will be performing, in addition to performing himself with his Classic Jazz Dixie Ensemble to introduce the kids to the roots of modern popular music culture.

The lineup of young performers include vocalist Melony Sierra; the dance troupe called the Hip Hop Kidz; The New Young Patriots who march to classic American tunes and Showtime Boca, who will be performing Broadway numbers.

In addition, there will be Charleston and swing dancing performances, a craft and classic cars on display.

“I cannot thank Edith and Martin Stein enough for their generosity in sponsoring this event,” said Turkin. “Their devotion to civic causes and their desire for children to grow up with an appreciation of the arts inspired this event, and it is my fondest hope that people from all over the area will take advantage of this wonderful day to share with their families and enjoy the festivities.”

For more details, call 561-393-7827