Nov. 14 | Hotel Effie | 6 p.m.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast continues its stellar 20th anniversary season by presenting An Evening with the Legendary Chaka Khan, a gala celebration on Friday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m. in the Juniper Ballroom at Hotel Effie.
“The Gala Event supports Sinfonia’s most important work in the community: bringing quality music to school children at no cost to them or their schools,” says Sinfonia Gulf Coast founder and music director Demetrius Fuller. “We are thrilled to celebrate Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s 20th Anniversary of bringing the highest quality orchestra, award-winning artists and music education to Northwest Florida.”
With a career spanning more than five decades, Chaka Khan has delivered timeless hits like I’m Every Woman, Ain’t Nobody, Tell Me Something Good, and I Feel for You. A 10-time Grammy Award winner with 22 nominations, she is lauded for her versatility across R&B, jazz, pop, rock, gospel, and more.
General admission tickets are from $250 per person. The evening will include valet service, cocktail reception, dinner, table wine service, gratuities, cash bar, silent and live auctions, and a commanding live performance by Chaka Khan. Full tables seating 10 are also available for purchase.
All proceeds benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast’s mission: music education and community engagement in Northwest Florida, which includes musicians/guest artists in schools, free orchestra concerts, bus transportation for students, Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program, Arts in Medicine initiative with Sacred Heart Hospital, and Link Up concerts for third through fifth graders in partnership with Carnegie Hall.
Sinfonia is committed to entertaining, educating, and inspiring the community through imaginative and innovative musical programming. Its goal is to enrich and expand the traditional orchestral experience through unique artistic disciplines and collaborations, enhancing Northwest Florida’s cultural vitality. Purchase tickets at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling (850) 460-8800.
SAVE THE DATES: 2025–2026 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS
The Toast ’n Jam Sunday brunch series is back with Broadway’s best: Ann Hampton Callaway & Liz Callaway in Broadway Holiday the “Calla-way” on December 7 and Nicholas Rodriguez in Sincerely, Sondheim on February 8.
Main Season Concerts include Sinfonia’s beloved Holiday Pops Spectacular (December 13); Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner (January 8); Classical Connections featuring the world premiere of a new work by Howard Levy, harmonica and piano (February 7); and the Film in Concert will be Steven Spielberg’s thrilling 1975 classic thriller, Jaws (May 15). These events are at the Destin-Fort Walton Beach Convention Center, except Classical Connections, which will be held at Destin High School.
Sinfonia’s signature fundraiser, Crescendo! 2026, kicks off Friday, Jan. 23 at Hotel Effie, followed by Vintner Dinners on Friday, Feb. 27 and the Main Event on Sunday, March 1 in the Magnolia Ballroom at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort.
Also on the calendar: the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra Winter Concert (Sunday, Dec. 14) and Spring Concert (Sunday, May 3) at Destin High School.
Follow Sinfonia Gulf Coast on Facebook and Instagram and sign up for the free e-newsletter at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org to stay current on the season.
For more information and to purchase tickets, go to SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or call (850) 460-8800. To learn how you can sponsor or volunteer, email Sinfonia at info@sinfoniagulfcoast.org or call (850) 460-8800. To donate, visit SinfoniaGulfCoast.org.
