In honor of Boca Raton’s centennial year of 2025, Festival of the Arts Boca aims to turn back time at its 19th annual celebration of art and ideas. Overarching themes of time travel, remembrances of things past, and the bridging of history with the present ripple across the 10 days of programming.
To that effect, the festival opens Feb. 28, 2025 with the renowned Dallas Brass ensemble, whose lively tribute to the music of America’s past will feature a collaboration with 100 local high school students. For its closing performance, March 9, Professor Kevin Wilt of FAU will premiere a multimedia, jazz-filled celebration of Boca Raton’s 100-year history. In between, audiences will be treated to a choral tribute to Luciano Pavarotti hosted by his widow, Nicoletta Mantovani (March 1); a presentation from Pulitzer Prize-winning presidential historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, who will likely frame our chaotic current events through the long lens of the past (March 3); and, appropriately enough, a screening of the 1980s film staple “Back to the Future” accompanied by live symphonic orchestration (March 7).
“This year’s theme allows us to explore a wide range of artistic eras and influences,” said Executive Director Joanna Marie Kaye in a release announcement this week. “Whether you’re a fan of big band music, classic cinema or contemporary dance, this year’s festival promises something special for everyone. We are really paying tribute to art’s enduring legacy.”
Other highlights include “A NeoDance Story,” a world-premiere fusion of Latin dance and music featuring Grammy-winning flautist Nestor Torres (March 2); a talk from Florida novelist and humorist Carl Hiaasen (March 5); a presentation from Amy Herman on how we can use art to improve decision making and avoid conflict (March 6); and an evening of contemporary ballet with professional dancers (from companies such as Martha Graham and Alvin Ailey), who will reimagine classical ballet for a new era (March 8).
For the complete schedule and to order tickets, which go on sale Nov. 1, visit festivalboca.org.
For more of Boca magazine’s arts and entertainment coverage, click here.
