FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – If you’re on Facebook and we’re connected, you probably got an invite from me. Not to a party, event, fundraiser or activity, but to the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center.
Lovingly known as The Fitz or to us old timers as the Flagler Auditorium, it truly is one of the places in Flagler County where magic happens.
I’ve been fortunate enough to cover this venue first with Lisa McDevitt at the helm, and now with Amelia Fulmer leading the county’s premier performing arts center.
Because it’s located on the campus of Flagler Palm Coast High School, newcomers are sometimes slow to give it a chance. People who graduated from FPC still see it from those days. But the others, those of us who eagerly wait for the showbill to be released each season, and yes, I admit, I’m spoiled by getting a sneak peek while the brochure is in production, get giddy the first time we get a look at who’s coming to town.
I’ve seen shows with as much heart as a Broadway production, and I’ve heard performers that equal any concert I’ve been to, and I’ve been to a lot of shows. I’ve stood in the back of the auditorium and watched 75 and 80-year-old couples transform into their 18 and 19-year-old selves as they sang along and I’ve seen 20-year-olds throw down, dancing in the back. I’ve met gals out for birthdays dressed in pink, crowns and bling celebrating and watched 6-year-olds rush the stage to sing Disney songs they’d never have the chance to experience otherwise.
Sometimes it brings tears to my eyes attending a show and realizing just how lucky we are to have such a place as The Fitz, where seasoned pros and up-and-coming artists can share their love of performing, their stories and even their own challenges with us.
If you’ve never been to the Fitzgerald Performing Arts Center, I invite you to take a look at the lineup. The most wonderful shows are coming this holiday season – a British invasion of a different kind with The Kingdom Choir of Harry and Meghan fame (yes, those royals), and Peter Noone of Hermit’s Hermits with An Olde English Christmas, followed by Sleighbells and the 60’s with Chris Ruggiero and The American Sirens (sooo very cool if you’re into vintage) to close out the year.
And 2025? Sizzling. Hold on to your honey if you go to see Tango Apasionado.
I’m completely stoked to see Crystal Gayle. She’s such a legend. Her performance on January 17th is between two other superstar acts – The Isaacs on January 11th and Lee Greenwood, on January 23rd.
And this is exactly what I’m talking about when I say seasoned pros. Did you ever in your lifetime think you’d get to see these people, all in your very own hometown? And the list goes on and on. “Hamilton” and “Wicked” songstress Mandy Gonzales, The Bronx Wanderers, The Brothers Doobie. And the Olivia Newton John Tribute Show. I can’t wait for her to sing Xanadu.
