A Star-Spangled Savannah Center

Upon first meeting others in The Villages, one of the first commonly asked questions is,

Where are you from?”

Though one might wear a shirt representing their hometown’s football team, drive a vehicle with a different state’s license plate, or debate the use of terms like “rubberband” or “gumband”, we’ve all become a part of The Villages community.

The 4th of July is a time to remember this unity and togetherness, and two groups performing for the holiday are doing just that.

Group leader of The Villages Hometown Band, Hugh Wicks, explains the excitement for their upcoming production of Patriotic Spectacular at the Savannah Center, July 3rd and what their upcoming concert is all about.

“Although our concert has always been an annual event, this year’s concert has been 3 years in the making. We started planning in the Fall of 2019, and are thrilled to finally be able to celebrate together again! The best part about this celebration is the joy and unity we all find in the music.”

This concert will be a combination of bands including The Villages Concert Band, The Villages Hometown Band and The Villages New Horizon band.

Hugh explained all band members were invited to participate in the celebration and this year, they will have just over 100 musicians taking part!

“We love playing together, and this concert in particular brings something special to the audience.”

Group leader of Evolution Dance, Frank Olive, is just as excited for their production of American Pride on June 29th and 30th.

“We have developed several new pieces that compliment some of our past patriotic favorites, giving us a product that we know our audience will thoroughly enjoy.”

Last year, you may have seen this group in their production of Celebrating America. Frank explained a little more in depth the focus of this year’s piece.

“This show will take our audience through a historical journey as a nation. We’ve used an array of great music and wonderful choreography to tell this story. All will enjoy moments of love, tears, joy and respect as we celebrate our men and women that protect our freedom.”

Both productions are sure to be a sparkling success celebrating America through the art of song and dancing. Make sure to get your tickets at the links below, and have a happy holiday!

Sizzling Summer At The Savannah Center

Are you planning to enjoy the quiet summer days here? Are you having family or friends coming to enjoy some time with you? If so, are you in luck! Victory Productions has a sizzling lineup of shows almost as hot as the Florida Summer Sun.  

In the coming months, The Savannah Center has a little something for everyone’s taste in entertainment!  

If you were fortunate enough to catch the official kick-off of The Savannah Center’s summer lineup, with such shows as NuthinFancy: The Ultimate Lynyrd Skynyrd Tribute, as well Winter Dance Party, a tribute to the Big Bopper, Buddy Holly, and Ritchie Valens, then hold on to your hats for more!  

YOU have spoken, and we listened, bringing brand new acts to celebrate a wide variety of music. The Deal Goes On: A Tribute to Kenny Rogers will hit the stage on June 22nd to pay homage to the greatest gambler of all time. Kenny Rogers is revered throughout the world for his distinctive voice, riveting storytelling, and unparalleled command of the stage.  It’s no wonder “The Gambler” became an icon that grew from country star to musical legend. Tim Sells encapsulates all the subtle nuances, passion, and joy experienced at a Kenny Rogers concert.  Tim’s celebration of Kenny always leaves the audience begging for more!

The Deal Goes On: A Tribute to Kenny Rogers takes you on a journey through the career of an artist that sold old over 120 million albums worldwide and racked up some 24 No.1 hits including “The Gambler,” “Lady,” “Islands In The Stream,” “Lucille,” “She Believes In Me” and so many more.

What happens when Bruno Mars meets The Temptations? Evolution: Motown returns for an encore performance on June 24. Due to an overwhelming response after this exciting act debuted at The Savannah Center in April, several audience members are returning for this encore with friends and neighbors in tow! Such comments shared were, “Fabulous show! Don’t miss it!” “This group is amazing! We are going again to see them!” and “These guys can REALLY sing!! They are so entertaining! “

Fronted by four dynamic showmen, Evolution: Motown delivers all the moves, precise vocal harmonies, and fabulous showmanship of the best groups of this classic era. You’ll go on a trip honoring music by The Temptations, Four Tops, James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind and Fire, Bruno Mars, and many more. Fully choreographed and costumed, this is a performance you will not want to miss!

There truly is something for everyone, and it is a Sizzling Summer at The Savannah Center! 

We hope to see you there!

Driving The Dream

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For car enthusiasts and antique fanatics, The Villages Cruise-Ins are the place to be!

On the third Saturday of each month The Villages Special Events and Entertainment teams gather the best line up of vehicles from Resident Lifestyle Car Clubs in The Villages.

Cruise-In’s are the perfect place for those who share an interest in vehicles to gather and enjoy the collections, peruse the cars and cast a vote on their favorites. Even those less interested in the hobby can enjoy the live music and grab a bite to eat from local food vendors!

This month’s event is a little more special. June 18th marks the 25th anniversary of The Villages Cruise-In’s! At the 25th Anniversary Cruise-In event spectators and participants can expect music on the live stage at Spanish Springs where it all began with none other than the classic Rocky and The Roller’s!

Speaking of classics, we were able to talk with some classic groups looking forward to this big event, including group leader of The Villages Classic Automobile club, Will Vermilya.

“Our group has gone through several name changes, but this one has been around probably 7 or 8 years. We have some members though who have been around since the beginning when the whole thing started at Spanish.”

The Villages Classic Automobiles Club gets together to participate in many events throughout the community including car shows, exhibits, and more. They’re next gathering will be June 17th at Watercrest Buena Vista Assisted Living to celebrate Father’s Day.

Will explained a little more on why being a part of a club like this means so much to him and those a part of the group.

“It’s two things that make this hobby so great. One, it’s amazing to share a common interest with others without any other factors interfering. Two, sharing that interest with the public gives us the same feeling an artist has sharing an exhibit. We display our automobiles just the same as they present their art, and we love people enjoying and appreciating it with us and asking questions or wanting pictures taken with our art.”

When speaking with group leader Sandy Turner, president of the British Motoring Club, he explains a similar passion. The reason behind this club’s origin was primarily founded on a niche appreciation Turner wanted to share with The Villages.

“I had an English car that had been in my family over 20 years and when I went to my first Cruise-In at Spanish Springs I noticed there was very few British vehicles. I looked around and said, “Where’s the British Car Club?”.”

That’s when Sandy decided to establish The Villages British Motoring Club in 2019, now a huge hit with over 60 members and about 80 cars to show!

Sandy states,

“Keep your eyes peeled, as there may be events in the future involving the mash up of the ultimate British invasion between our group and The Hooligan’s band as we work with Special Events to get the ball rolling on something really cool!”

For now, make sure to mark your calendars and head over to Spanish Springs on June 18th to enjoy and join in on this historic celebration for The Villages and Cruise-Ins alike at the 25th Anniversary Cruise-In!