Opening Nights at Florida State University has opened the nomination period for its annual award, recognizing a Leon County Schools faculty member who demonstrates outstanding support for arts education throughout their academic career. Nominations will close on April 6.

The Opening Nights at Florida State University Arts Advocate Award celebrates an exceptional Leon County Schools educator who goes above and beyond to inspire students through the arts. Whether they teach music, theatre, visual art, dance or creatively integrate the arts into another subject area, this award honors teachers who make a lasting impact on their students and school communities.

“The Arts Advocate Award shines a light on the educators who strengthen our schools and our community by making the arts a vital part of learning,” said Jordan Phillips, education and engagement manager at Opening Nights at FSU. “Their advocacy ensures students experience the creativity and connection the arts uniquely provide.”

Nominees must be employed by Leon County Schools during the 2025–2026 academic year and demonstrate a sustained commitment to high-quality arts education. Nominations may be submitted by faculty, staff, students, parents/guardians or community members, and self-nominations are welcome.

Being an arts advocate means championing the arts as essential to learning, creativity and student growth. Educators who create meaningful artistic experiences, spark curiosity, build confidence, and ensure all students have access to the arts are ideal candidates for this award.

The award recipient will receive:

• An educational engagement for their class (or school) presented by Opening Nights during the 2026–2027 school year.
• Producer’s Circle Membership benefits for the 2026–2027 Opening Nights season.

Submit nominations at the Opening Nights Arts Advocate Award website now through April 6.

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African drummer, composer, dancer and singer Sidiki Conde will bring his high‑energy performance to Opening Nights at Florida State University.  

“SIDIKI! The Pulse of Africa” will take place on Friday, March 6, in the auditorium at the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, with a reception beginning at 6 p.m. and performance running from 7 to 8 p.m.  

“Sidiki’s performances are exhilarating,” said Susan Baldino of Arts4All Florida who is hosting the musician in Tallahassee. “His musicianship and verve are second to none, but the real power Sidiki has is the uncanny ability to connect with people of all abilities, to make them smile, to temper their trepidations.”  

“When I sing and dance, I am a bright star on the stage, not a dark figure in a wheelchair. When I teach, I help my students transform themselves, too. They become happy, free, lighter and more confident. Their joy comes back to me and assures me that my life has one purpose: to dance and teach.”   

— Sidiki Conde

Conde will be joined by celebrated African drummer Abdoulaye Toure, a former performer with Guinea’s National Ballet Djoliba and current resident musician for Princeton University’s West African dance classes.

Members of Tallahassee’s Ayoka Afrikan Drum and Dance will also perform. The group is committed to making African drumming and dance traditions accessible to the community. Ayoka shares Conde’s belief that “dance and drumming are more than art forms — they are transformative tools for healing, joy and community upliftment.”    

Conde’s life story is inspirational. He grew up in Guinea, West Africa and experienced a life‑changing incident at age 14.  

“Coming from school, I fell down and never stood up again,” he said. “Everything was paralyzed. My back, hand, leg. It was polio.”   

Facing the stigma associated with disability in his community, he strengthened his upper body and learned to walk and dance on his hands. Since then, he has dedicated his life to sharing joy and resilience through music and dance.  

“When I sing and dance, I am a bright star on the stage, not a dark figure in a wheelchair,” Conde said. “When I teach, I help my students transform themselves, too. They become happy, free, lighter and more confident. Their joy comes back to me and assures me that my life has one purpose: to dance and teach.”   

Known for his distinctive dance style and accomplished musical career, Conde has performed with African music icons Youssou N’Dour, Salifa Keita and Baaba Maal. He previously served as a soloist and director of choreography for the respected ballet troupe Les Merveilles de Guinea.  

After touring with the troupe, Conde relocated to New York City, where he founded the Tokounou All‑Abilities Dance and Music Ensemble. The group provides performances and educational programs for people of all ages and abilities, including students with disabilities and veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.  

Conde’s artistic impact includes being named a National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow in 2007, co‑founding Afro‑Jersey with singer‑songwriter Terre Roche in 2008, serving as the subject of Alan Govenar’s 2013 documentary “You Don’t Need Feet to Dance,” releasing the album “Africa in New Orleans” in 2025, and earning a New York Foundation for the Arts Fellowship this past fall.  

The performance is sponsored by Arts4All Florida, a non-profit organization whose mission is to ensure universal access to the arts. Arts4All Florida partners with Opening Nights at FSU, the Augustus B. Turnbull III Florida State Conference Center, and the FSU College of Music with support from The Brady Foundation, the FSU student‑led organization University of Choice and Marjorie Turnbull.  

The event is free and open to the public, with reservations available.  

For more information and to reserve a free ticket, visit openingnights.fsu.edu. 

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Florida State University’s Opening Nights in Class program is inspiring students across Leon County with unforgettable arts experiences. By bringing world-class performers into classrooms, the initiative sparks creativity, curiosity, and an appreciation for the arts among young learners, all at no cost to schools or families.

“Opening Nights in Class provides us with a great opportunity to work with the amazing educators and administrators in Leon County Schools to bring outstanding artists to our community classrooms,” said Jordan Phillips, education and engagement manager for Opening Nights. “This semester’s artists demonstrated just how transformative arts experiences can be for students.”

This fall, nearly 2,500 students connected with artists including Hubby Jenkins, New Jazz Underground, Okorie “OkCello” Johnson and Bassel & The Supernaturals through interactive, curriculum-aligned performances, workshops and master classes.

“Opening Nights in Class is one of the most meaningful parts of what we do,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights. “When students learn directly from world-class artists, you can see their curiosity spark in real time. These experiences expand their sense of what’s possible, not just in the arts, but in themselves.”

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Florida State University students recently learned firsthand how creative ideas become large-scale productions during a guest lecture tied to Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience.

The lecture featured Eric Meier, executive producer of the show, along with conductor Martin Gellner and blues musician Keith Johnson. The event on Oct. 3 brought together students from the College of Music, College of Fine Arts and College of Motion Picture Arts for a cross-disciplinary conversation on the business and artistic dimensions of touring productions.

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Opening Nights at Florida State University will start public ticket sales for its 2025-2026 season, themed “Opening Minds,” on Thursday, Aug. 7. The season features artists, thinkers and performers.

“With our ‘Opening Minds’ theme, we’re inviting the community to experience performances that challenge expectations and inspire dialogue,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights. “Every show in this season has been selected with a purpose, and we are excited to share it with you.”

From iconic names like Jeff Goldblum and James Patterson to innovative ensembles and rising stars, this season promises unforgettable experiences that will engage, inspire and connect audiences across Tallahassee.

To purchase tickets, visit my.openingnights.fsu.edu/ or call (850) 644-7670.

The full lineup of artists for this season includes:

Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra

7:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 5, at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall 

Jeff Goldblum launched the Mildred Snitzer Orchestra 30 years ago. Since then, he and his band have delighted audiences throughout the United States and all over the world by playing contemporary arrangements of classic jazz and American Songbook standards.

James Patterson & Patrick Leddin

2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 28, at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Our world is constantly evolving, and the ability to embrace the disruption that arises from change can be the key to unlocking new opportunities and achieving personal growth. That’s the premise behind “Disrupt Everything,” a new book by acclaimed authors James Patterson and Patrick Leddin. All attendees will receive a signed copy of the new book.

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience: Featuring the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra

7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3, at the Ruby Diamond Concert Hall

Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience is a soul-stirring odyssey through the heart of the Mississippi Delta, where blues music was born. Guided by the legendary voice of Academy Award winner Morgan Freeman, this immersive musical performance fuses the raw, aching power of authentic Delta blues with the grandeur of a symphony orchestra, creating a soundscape that is both deeply rooted and expansive.

Kendell Marvel

7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Opperman Music Hall

Kendell Marvel is a Grammy-winning songwriter and powerhouse vocalist whose gritty blend of outlaw country and Southern rock has made him a standout in Nashville and beyond. Born in southern Illinois, Marvel began performing in bars at age 10 and penned his first major hit, Gary Allan’s “Right Where I Need to Be,” on his first day in Nashville.

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Opening Nights at Florida State University has announced its 2025-2026 season themed “Opening Minds,” tying together artists, thinkers and performers, each offering opportunities to connect, reflect and explore new perspectives through the arts.

“This season is about more than great performances — it’s an invitation to see the world and one another,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights. “Through artists who challenge, uplift and inspire, we’re encouraging our community to explore fresh ideas, spark curiosity and connect through the power of the arts.”

The season will open with Jeff Goldblum & The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra (Sept. 5), bringing Hollywood charisma and jazz brilliance to Ruby Diamond Concert Hall. Other headlining events include a live conversation with bestselling authors James Patterson and Patrick Leddin (Sept. 28), with every attendee receiving a signed copy of “Disrupt Everything and Win”; and Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience, featuring the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (Oct. 3).

“This season is about more than great performances — it’s an invitation to see the world and one another. Through artists who challenge, uplift and inspire, we’re encouraging our community to explore fresh ideas, spark curiosity and connect through the power of the arts.”

— Kevin Maynard, executive director of Opening Nights

This season also welcomes VOCES8, the internationally acclaimed British vocal ensemble known for their performances from Renaissance to contemporary choral music (Feb. 14). A wide range of musical voices include OkCello (Nov. 5); Bassel & The Supernaturals (Nov. 12); a new work by Grammy-winner Arturo Sandoval, performed by Imani Winds and Boston Brass (Feb. 3); and Shovels & Rope (Mar. 7).

The season continues to amplify global perspectives and local engagement through events like Songs of the Bulbul. This dance work explores Sufi mysticism and personal freedom (Mar. 13); and a free public lecture as part of our annual Chain of Parks Festival collaboration (April 16).

Performances will take place in a variety of venues across Tallahassee, including Ruby Diamond Concert Hall, Goodwood Museum & Gardens, The Moon and more.

Tickets go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 7. Members receive early access and exclusive benefits. To become a member or view the full season lineup, visit OpeningNights.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University’s College of Music announces its 2025–2026 concert season, a series of performances celebrating musical excellence through both beloved classics and exciting new works.

This season will feature more than 35 concerts, operas, festivals and faculty showcases so audiences can explore music that spans centuries, styles and cultures.

“This season reflects who we are as the FSU College of Music — deeply rooted in more than 125 years of musical and academic excellence while looking into the future of the musical experience,” said Greg Jones, associate dean of the College of Music. “As we celebrate our rich legacy, we also embrace the exciting possibilities that lie ahead, ensuring that our students and audiences are continually inspired by both tradition and innovation.”

The season opens Friday, Sept. 19 with the University Symphony Orchestra, led by Alexander Jiménez, professor of conducting and director of orchestral activities, featuring Ravel’s “Piano Concerto for the Left Hand,” performed by Doctoral Concerto Competition winner Molly Reid, and Respighi’s breathtaking tone poem “Pines of Rome.”

Other fall highlights include the Wind Orchestra’s tribute to legendary FSU Band Director James Croft (Sept. 26), the faculty showcase “May I Have This Dance?” (Oct. 9) and an appearance by jazz icon Helen Sung with the Honors Jazz Combo (Oct. 13).

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Florida State University’s Museum of Fine Arts (MoFA) will host an Opening Nights performance by Grammy Award winning producer and guitar stylist Larry Mitchell in partnership with FSU Center for Autism & Related Disabilities and Arts4All Florida.

“Larry Mitchell and Friends” is led by Mitchell and blends the talents of five acclaimed Florida musicians – regional artists Matt Cravener, William (Yazid) Johnson, Trevor Williams (T-Rev) and Carly Fulcher. The performance will take place from 7 to 8:30 p.m., Thursday, April 3, at the Museum of Fine Arts in the College of Fine Arts.

“We’re honored to host Larry Mitchell and Friends at MoFA, especially on the opening night of our exhibit ‘Conversaciones: Latin American Indigenous Art,’” said Kaylee Spencer, director of the FSU Museum of Fine Arts. “Mitchell’s work — both as a celebrated musician and as a producer of award-winning Indigenous music — resonates deeply with the themes of the exhibition. This evening brings together powerful expressions of cultural storytelling through both sound and image.”

Mitchell, recognized both in the U.S. and internationally, started playing guitar at age 9 and has maintained a musical career since then. He has collaborated with artists such as Miguel Bosé, Tracy Chapman, Ric Ocasek and Billy Squier; won 26 New Mexico music awards; and produced the Best Native American Music Album, Totemic Flute Chants by Robert Mirabal’s Johnny Whitehorse, for the 50th annual Grammys.

“We will weave a distinctive musical tapestry that welcomes listeners with unique rhythms and melodies,” Mitchell said. “The solo, ensemble and group works will showcase the strings and percussion of guitar, cello, piano and African drums.”

Mitchell is also a longstanding mentor for aspiring musicians. In 2020, he led a series of music workshops for FSU’s University of Choice student organization at the College of Music and Leon County schools that culminated in a concert for the FSU Opening Nights Arts Festival.

“Larry Mitchell’s commitment to mentoring young artists is as inspiring as his music. Through performances like this, we celebrate artistry and the power of education, collaboration and community.”

— Kevin Maynard, executive director for Opening Nights at FSU

Whether it is with his guidance at FSU, teaching for Arts4All Florida in K-12 classrooms, or artist residencies at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, he is eager to nurture those who aspire to follow in his footsteps. His commitment to mentorship extends to the “Larry Mitchell Interchange: Music for All” program at FSU, where he helped guide young artists in their musical journeys.

“Larry Mitchell’s commitment to mentoring young artists is as inspiring as his music,” said Kevin Maynard, executive director for Opening Nights at FSU. “Through performances like this, we celebrate artistry and the power of education, collaboration and community.”

Percussionist, saxophonist, pianist and clarinetist Yazid has performed across the U.S. and internationally, working with Marvin Gaye and poet Gil Scott Heron. As a teaching artist for Arts4All Florida, he inspires students in Leon and surrounding counties to learn rhythms and patterns of various percussive instruments. Yazid has also led the FSU African Drumming Ensemble.

Fulcher is an FSU alumna and accomplished cellist who plays with the Gulf Coast Symphony and serves as Artis — Naples education coordinator. At FSU, she was part of the University Philharmonia and president of the University of Choice. In 2023, she was named “Florida Young Soloist” by Arts4All Florida.

Pianist and film composer Cravener, named Florida’s Young Soloist in 2020, has been playing since age 4. He has scored over 30 films and is working on the documentary “Repair the Breach,” which examines the theme of family dysfunction.

Singer-songwriter T-Rev placed second in the Songwriter Sensation contest behind America’s Got Talent finalist Chase Goehring and released the single “See Right Through Me.” He has appeared on “ABC 27 Sunrise Rocks” and was featured musician for Arts4All Florida and the Florida CARD Conference.

The event is free and open to the public, though tickets are required. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., followed by a reception. For tickets or more information, visit openingnights.fsu.edu/events/larry-mitchell-and-friends/.

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Acclaimed singer-songwriter Margo Price has been added to the Opening Nights at Florida State University (ON) 2024-25 season lineup.

Price will perform at the Goodwood Museum and Gardens Feb. 20, for the inaugural Opening Nights Gala, sponsored by Ron Sachs and Gay Webster-Sachs.

Called ‘country’s next star,’ Margo Price comes to Tallahassee as a force in American music and a generational talent, said Kathleen Daly, interim director of Opening Nights.

“We are honored and excited to have her perform at the first Opening Nights Gala at Goodwood,” Daly said. “Her music tells powerful stories that resonate with a wide audience, and her performance is sure to be a memorable experience.”

Hailing from Aledo, Illinois, Price draws inspiration from her rural upbringing and her experiences in Nashville, where she honed her craft.

Price’s debut album, “Midwest Farmer’s Daughter,” released in 2016, catapulted her to stardom and earned her a Grammy nomination for Best New Artist. Her follow-up album, “All American Made,” received a Grammy nomination for Best Country Album.

Tickets for the Margo Price concert will be available to Opening Nights sponsors on Oct. 23, ON members on Oct. 28 and the general public on Oct. 30.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit openingnights.fsu.edu.

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Florida State University has appointed Kevin L. Maynard as the new Executive Director of Opening Nights following a national search. Maynard brings more than 15 years of experience in arts administration and a proven track record of success in enhancing cultural landscapes. He will start Nov. 4.

Maynard joins FSU from Quad City Arts in Rock Island, Illinois, where he served as executive director. During his tenure, he led a dedicated team and launched community-engaging initiatives that significantly increased revenue and community involvement. His strategic planning and innovative marketing strategies were instrumental in these achievements.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kevin Maynard to the Florida State University family,” said Eric Friall, chair of the Opening Nights Development Council. “His extensive experience and passion for the arts make him an ideal leader for Opening Nights. We are confident that he will continue to elevate our performing arts series and enrich the cultural life of our community.”

In his new role, Maynard will administer and implement strategies that advance the organization through the presentation of world-class programming, dissemination of educational opportunities in the arts, and creation of meaningful community engagement while achieving annual revenue goals.

“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to lead Opening Nights at Florida State University,” Maynard said. “I look forward to contributing to the vibrant cultural fabric of the university and the Tallahassee community.”

In his previous role at The Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, Illinois, Maynard led efforts that resulted in a 31% increase in revenue and the elimination of over $80,000 in debt. His leadership in launching a successful capital campaign that raised over $1 million in four months showcases his ability to foster collaborative relationships and drive organizational success.

Martin Bragg & Associates facilitated the university’s search.

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Opening Nights at Florida State University’s 2024-2025 Season lineup consists of 29 world-class artists, bringing a variety of genres to the Tallahassee area.

“With performances taking place in eleven different venues throughout our community, Opening Nights has a season of offerings that will reach a broad range of interests in performances,” said Michael Blachly, interim director of Opening Nights. “My hope is to give our local audiences the opportunity to be enriched by talents from North America and beyond.”

The season will kick off with two-time Grammy winner Lauren Daigle on Sept. 29. Other featured artists include Lyle Lovett and his Large Band (Oct. 6) and KC and The Sunshine Band (Oct. 12).

This season will spotlight a range of folk music. The Henhouse Prowlers (Oct. 15) are a bluegrass quartet with a robust repertoire of traditional American music. Twisted Pine (Jan. 16) describes their sound as Americana Funk. The Six One Five Collective’s (Jan. 30) sounds are steeped in a musical mix of country, Americana, folk and pop.

FSU Jazz Trumpet Professor and two-time Grammy Award winner Scotty Barnhart will direct The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra on Feb. 28. Fans of jazz will also enjoy vocalist Samara Joy (Oct. 20), the joint performance of Imani Winds and Boston Brass (Jan. 22), and “Hollywood’s hottest little big band” Phat Cat Swinger (Feb. 18).

This season showcases artists representing a variety of different cultures. Cirque Kalabanté (Jan. 13) pays homage to the West African nation of Guinea through high-level acrobatics and innovative choreography. Doolin’ (Feb. 25) is France’s premiere Celtic band that will bring the sounds of Ireland to Tallahassee. Anoushka Shankar (Mar. 23) and American Patchwork Quartet (Apr. 11) both draw influence from traditional Indian music. DakhaBrakha (Apr. 1-2) turns “Ukranian folk-pink” into an epic stage production.

Fans of classical music will enjoy pianist Isata Kanneh-Mason (Oct. 9), Vitamin String Quartet performing the music of Taylor Swift, Bridgerton, and Beyond (Feb. 4), The Music of Billy Joel Starring Michael Cavanaugh with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra (Feb. 14), and string trio Time for Three (Mar. 19).

You can enjoy award-winning dancing and acting with Urban Bush Women (Oct. 24 & 25), New York Gilbert and Sullivan Players in “H.M.S. Pinafore” (Jan. 29), Twyla Tharp Dance (Mar. 6), and the family-friendly performances of “Treasure Island” (Mar. 19). Comedian Henry Cho will also take the stage at The Moon on Nov. 7.

Tickets will go on sale to the public at 11 a.m. on Aug. 5. Members get early access. To learn more, visit openingnights.fsu.edu/give/membership/.

To order tickets and view the full season lineup, visit OpeningNights.fsu.edu.

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