Have you ever wished you could enjoy all the vibes of summer during a less sweltering season? On April 10 and 11, Sarasota Orchestra is giving audiences a sneak preview of summer with Parrots & Palms: Tropical Rock for Five O’Clock… Somewhere, a festive Outdoor Pops concert that “raises a glass to the power of the surf and the romance of the islands” and pays musical tribute to the Mayor of Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett.  

Conducting Parrots & Palms is Kevin Fitzgerald, a familiar face to orchestra concert-lovers across the region. “This program could just be called ‘Florida!’ as far as I am concerned,” jokes Fitzgerald, who has previously conducted this tropical concert with orchestras including the Jacksonville Symphony, and who already has a few favorite tunes from the program in mind. 

“I can tell you that my two favorites are ‘Blue Bayou’ by Linda Ronstadt and ‘Southern Cross’ by Crosby, Stills & Nash,” he says. “The latter has an incredible and virtuosic orchestration which will absolutely showcase the artistry of Sarasota Orchestra’s musicians.” 

Though Fitzgerald is no stranger to the pops scene, he is also an award-winning composer on the classical side of the repertoire—but his approach to conducting any program always begins with the audience. “My fundamental approach is identical regardless of the style of music: to express the emotional meaning and intention of the original creator (composer or songwriters) for the audience's experience,” he tells us. “Regardless of the style, if the meaning of the music is resonating with the audience, I’ve done my job.” 

And what a job that can be: lighting up the Orioles’ Ed Smith Stadium with treasured music by Jimmy Buffett, Bob Marley, The Beach Boys, and more! For Fitzgerald, it’s about more than the spectacle; he finds a special energy when audiences join together around art. “In Outdoor Pops situations, it is encouraged that folks sing along, and maybe even dance to fully experience the music,” he explains. “I find public displays of joy deeply inspiring and even healing. Singing songs right next to people you don’t know somehow reminds us that we are more similar than we are different.” 

On April 10 and 11, the memorable songs bringing people together include “Come Monday,” “Kokomo,” and “Under the Boardwalk,” brought to life by four wildly talented vocalists—and if that weren’t enough, Parrots & Palms: Tropical Rock for Five O’Clock… Somewhere ends with a sensational fireworks display. It may just be the perfect hint of summer in spring. 

Fitzgerald puts it best: “All of this music mentally transports me to the beach and in the vicinity of a margarita.”  

For two nights of tropical fun in the middle of spring, look no further than Sarasota Orchestra’s Outdoor Pops program Parrots & Palms: Tropical Rock for Five O’Clock… Somewhere on April 10 (7:30 pm) and April 11 (7:30 pm) at Ed Smith Stadium. Tickets start at only $25 and include a fantastic post-concert fireworks display.

To learn more and purchase tickets, visit Sarasota Orchestra’s website or call the Ed Smith Stadium box office at 941-893-6300. All programs and featured artists are subject to change.