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!

To Market To Market…

From Farmer’s Markets to Market Night’s there is plenty for vendors of all trades to buy and sell their product in The Villages.

At the beginning of every single month, during the first full week, there are general Market Night’s starting Tuesday at Spanish Springs, Wednesday at Lake Sumter and Thursday at Brownwood Paddock Square. These have become popular nights where great bands take the stage and vendors can sell their wares.

These events are more geared towards handcrafted items, and you can typically expect to see items such as handcrafted nightlights, golf car equipment, artwork, jewelry and more!

If you are a fan of locally sourced product, the Farmer’s Market’s every Saturday at Brownwood Paddock Square, currently from 9AM-1PM is the place for you to shop around!

At the Farmer’s Market’s one can expect to find everything from the freshest locally sourced tomatoes, lettuce, strawberries and whatever may be in season to homemade guacamole, pies and pastries! Yum!

If being a part of either Market is something that you take an interest in, feel free to apply here for the committee to review. If selected, someone will reach out to you on further details pertaining to requirements and commitment.

Aside from helping to coordinate Market Night’s and Farmer’s Markets The Special Events Team also puts on many other types of events that many are familiar with. One of these includes Hometown Halloween, which they have been prepping for since this February!

With so much work behind it, Villagers are certainly in for spooktacular fun and games at this year’s festival.

If you would like to be a part of the Hometown Halloween event, they are currently looking for extra hands to help out as Special Events Manager Chalsi Cox explains,

“Volunteers would assist with carnival games, tickets and the Haunted House. We are currently on the hunt for “scarers” for our revamped Haunted House this year, featuring 8 rooms and 5 hallways awaiting to fright!”

If you or someone that you know is interested in helping out please contact Melanie.davidson@thevillages.com.

Just The Ticket For You


Summertime brings about an opportunity to fully appreciate a different experience in performing arts in The Villages. Suppose you are new to the community, a seasonal resident extending your time here, have family or friends planning a visit, or just looking for something different to do in the afternoon or evening. In that case, Victory Productions offers just the right ticket for you.

This summer, a delightful surprise is coming to the fabulous Studio Theatre Tierra Del Sol. The Studio is an intimate black box theatre that allows for an up-close-and-personal experience between the performers and the audience. Victory Productions presents four unique shows during their 2022 Summer In Residence series, which runs from May 6 through July 23. 

Route 66 is the first show in the season and will run from May 6 through June 5. The show takes a dollop of Grease, mixes in some Pump Boys and Dinettes, and adds a generous dose of Forever Plaid, giving you the high-octane fun of Route 66! The musical journey takes us from the sounds of 1950s Chicago and travels along the ‘Main Street of America’ to the California coast with the surf music of the 1960s. With this coast-to-coast smash-hit musical revue featuring 34 of the most significant ‘Rock ‘n’ Road’ hits of the 20th century, you will be sure to get your kicks!

 

Next up is a total departure from any experience you’ve encountered in theatre. Lasting Impressions brings Impressionist masterpieces to life in three dimensions: world-class art meets technology at its finest. You not only look into the paintings of great Masters but look out from them for the first time. Thanks to Holographic 3D technology, you will sit with Renoir’s luncheon guests, dance with Degas’ ballerinas, float over Monet’s water lilies, and soar into Van Gough’s starry night. More than a feast for the eyes, this is a delight for the ears with the masterworks of Debussy, Ravel, and other well-known composers. Lasting Impressions also offers a” Paris Package for Two,” which will transport you to a Paris café at your table for two, a bottle of fine wine, light hors d’oeuvres, and delectable petit fours to finish off your Parisian experience. Lasting Impressions runs from May 9 through July 20. 

A total turnabout comes with Nashville Hurricane when 40 years ago a mysterious acoustic guitarist appeared from nowhere, conquered the music industry, and vanished without a trace . . . until now. Chase Padgett embodies a manager, a mother, a mentor, and the guitar prodigy himself as each one tells their side of the rise, demise, and resurrection of the best guitar player you’ve never heard of . . . the Nashville Hurricane. Those who were fortunate enough to see Chase in 6 Guitars at The Studio or the Savannah Center already know the treat audiences will experience — Chase is one incredible talent! Opening night for Nashville Hurricane is June 10 and runs through July 3. 

Last but certainly not least in the Summer In Residence series is the hysterical  I DO! I DO! This uproarious nostalgic memoir of two soul mates, Michael and Agnes, navigating the perils of life, is set to a tuneful, charming score. Beginning on their wedding day, the story takes the audience through fifty years of marriage, happiness and sorrow, good times and bad, childbirth, parenthood, and the eventual sadness from the now empty nest. This warm, sentimental journey reminds Michael and Agnes that love, the through-line in their life together, is at the forefront of their smiles and tears. And in the end, they face the future together while remembering their past. This story will resonate on some level with all who take this journey. I DO! I DO! opens on July 5 and runs through July 23.

Click here or visit or any Villages Entertainment Box Office for further information on show dates, times, and ticket purchases. 

And, don’t forget to check out details on all the Victory Productions’ live concert events this summer at the Savannah Center.

We hope to see you there!

A Chat With Emmet Cahill

Pre –pandemic there were plenty of cultural opportunities to be seen throughout The Villages Entertainment. Whether it be the Savannah Center stage for an Irish Ballad, an Opera musical at The Sharon L. Morse P.A.C., or Latin music at the Town Square for Cinco de Mayo Celebration, there was plenty to choose from before the world turned upside down, forcing curtains to close for a bit.

Now that Entertainment is back in full swing the opportunity to bring back cultural entertainment is more abundant than ever and many are excited to get back to the stage!

Among these performers is Emmet Cahill, a highly trained vocalist and skilled musician. He has a baritone voice and is a principal singer with Irish vocal group Celtic Thunder.

Cahill remains a part of the famous group, with their Youtube channel, “Thunder Tube”, receiving millions of views and over a quarter million subscribers. Within recent years he began carving his way out as a talented solo artist, and been very successful in doing so.

Born in Mullingar in County Westmeath, Cahill took up music from an early age. He started piano lessons when he was just five years old and began voice training at the age of seven. In an interview with Cahill, he spoke on how family was a huge inspiration in his love for music.  

“My dad was a piano teacher, my mom a singer so there was always music in the house. We had a family quartet and would travel all across ireland performing as children and through our teen years. My parents remain my greatest inspiration in music, and in life in general. They were a wonderful example for me and encouraged me to work hard at my talents.”

His hard work as a child led him to receive several awards including a scholarship to the high school in Mullingar. While there, he took the opportunity to study various instruments and continue with vocal training and went on to get a degree in Music Performance from the Royal Irish Academy of Music.

Although the classical music he studied remains in the roots of his foundation, in an interview with Irish Music Daily, he explains that he enjoys many other genres as well:

“In terms of modern music, I really enjoy folk and country music, but then again you can’t beat a bit of swing and jazz!”

A fun fact about Cahill is that he is also a massive sports fan! He is grateful to have had the chance to perform at top Irish venues singing the Irish National Anthem at rugby games in Aviva Stadium in Dublin and at Croke Park, a Gaelic games stadium in Dublin to nearly 90,000 spectators!

Having been to The Villages to perform in the past, Cahill explains a bit about why performing here is so different than other venues he has performed at,

“ My last performance was in spring 2020 and we had a wonderful time. We had a packed house and everyone sang along with their favorite Irish songs. There is such an affection for Irish music because so many people have the same heritage as myself. The legacy of Irish tenors in America has been ever present in the audiences life so they always make me feel so welcome. My fans from celtic thunder always come to the shows and get everyone excited about the music.”

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this talented artist perform at the Savannah Center on April 24th at 7pm. Selling out at New York’s Carnegie Hall, he is sure to turn heads here in The Villages with his impressive vocals and Irish classics.

Click here to get your tickets

Behind The Scenes with DIVAS Leader Sue Schuler

Those of you who went to see Disney’s Beauty and The Beast Production at the Savannah Center may have seen DIVAS group leader Sue Schuler in the production cast as Madame de la Grande Bouche, the wardrobe. This classic tale was brought to life with an outstanding wardrobe attire and brilliant choreography to boot.

“…we had many Villagers bring their grandchildren to see the show. It was so cute to see the kids surrounding Belle in the lobby at the Savannah Center after the show..” states Sue.

Many move to The Villages to continue the passions and hobbies that they love, such as performing in theatrics like this one.

For Sue Schuler, immersing herself in her passion is what moved her here.

“I have lived in The Villages since 2009 and have performed with The Villages Musial Theater, KC Productions, Questar, Broadway Bound Players, The Villages Pops Chorus, and many other variety shows that I have produced”

One of the highlights of living in The Villages is that you can make your thoughts, ideas and dreams a reality. For Sue, upon moving here she noticed that there was just something missing from most theatrical performances and decided to establish her own group to change it.

“When I moved to The Villages I noticed that the ensembles in the musical were being cast with separate dancers and singers. I wanted to form a group to teach singers and dancers to do both at the same time. So, I established DIVAS (Dancing In The Villages And Singing) to help some of the ensembles in different musicals to learn this skill.”

Many of the performers that are in the group will be performing in an upcoming Savannah Center show, Just The Way You Are, as well as Sue and Villages iconic singer and performer Clark Barrios.

“The show will have all of the wonderful music from these two iconic performers (Clark Barrios and Sue Schuler) singing Wind Beneath My Wings, You May be Right, The Rose, Uptown Girl, etc…all the songs you remember from the radio.”

This production will also feature special guests, Dance Synergy group. This dance group was started by Sue six years ago for dancers that may still be working full or part time jobs during the day, but still want the opportunity to participate in a dance program.

“Most of the performing dance groups here have their rehearsals during the day, and it isn’t available to those that are still working. I am still working full time myself, and can sympathize with those that want to participate at night.”

This group has rehearsals Monday nights at Canal Street Recreation Center and focuses primarily on contemporary, modern as well as jazz. Sue wants people to know that the group is always looking for new dancers and if anyone is interested they are welcome to come see if Dance Synergy is a fit.

Click here for The Villages club leader contact information.

When asking Sue what she is most excited about for the upcoming production a combination of the excitement to take the stage once again with performer Clark Barrios and the opportunity to perform here in The Villages. Being the third tribute show that Clark and Sue will do together, this one is a tribute to the music of Bette Midler and Billy Joel.

“I am most excited about getting back on the stage again with Clark, we always have such fun performing together, and we have been waiting a couple years to bring this production to the stage.”

Sue also comments on the availability of the performing arts in The Villages and why she loves performing here.

“The audiences here in The Villages are very receptive. It is also very nice to perform so close to home. I moved here from Metro Detroit… and I did many professional dinner theater shows and wouldn’t get home until almost 1am. We are spoiled to have so many performing venues right here!”

Don’t miss out on the show Just The Way you are at the Savannah Center April 23rd at 7pm.
Click here to get your tickets.

Clown Around With us at Blueberry Festival!

You may have seen the smiling painted faces of a few funny fellow strolling around at many of the past Special Events.

Clown Alley #179 has been attending The Villages Special Events for years to bring smiles to all, and has been established as a group far far longer!

When speaking with Clown Alley #179 Member Annemarie, she was excited to share that the group has been together since 1994!

“It was a group who liked to get together and make others smile.”



More than just making others smile, the group has extended their reach outside of The Villages and into the community in tremendous ways.

“We have visited Nursing Homes and Elementary Schools in the area including Wildwood and The Charter School of course…we also go to Orlando once a year to participate in Kids Beating Cancer” Anne Marie states.


Although this funny business seems all laughter and giggles, they don’t clown around when it comes to joining their group! In order to be a part of Clown Alley you must be a certified clown.

That’s right. No average class clown will do!

Luckily, The Villages Enrichment Academy offers classes twice a year the opportunity to take the clown course. Once passing you can present your certification to the group and visit the Club Listing to call group leader Annemarie Prioriello to join the Resident Lifestyle Group.

When speaking with Annemarie she also mentioned the group’s most recent achievement in receiving the Alley of The Year award from The World Clown Association! They will receive the plack this Monday, April 11th from the District Representative.

When asked what her favorite part is about being a clown Annemarie’s response was none other than those who started the foundation of their group,

“We just love making people smile… young and old!”

This group will be strolling at The Blueberry Festival at Brownwood on April 22nd and is sure to carry balloons along with happiness to all.

23 Years of Rockin’ The Squares

Twenty-three years ago, Rocky and The Rollers performed at the restaurant known as Katie Belles, and the rest is “Rock and Roll history”.

After two plus decades performing in The Villages, it’s no surprise that Rocky and his gang have gained stardom on the squares. The Villages Entertainment is more than delighted to host Rocky’s 23rd Anniversary Party that is quickly approaching.

**updated**May 7th  from 4pm to 9pm, we will celebrate Rocky and The Rollers on the Brownwood Paddock Square stage. In honor of the event, our bars will offer our drink special, The Rockin’ Rocky!  

Not only will attendees have the chance to party with Rocky, but you may recognize some other faces doo wopping with Rocky and the crew on stage.

“We are so appreciative of all these entertainers coming to share in our anniversary day at Brownwood and [we] look forward to hitting the stage with all of them and making this night a very special one!”

You can expect to see Joey Dee and The Starlighters, Peggy March, Kathleen Kane, The Leesburg Blues Brothers, Dawn Dinome, Johnny Wild, Clark Barrios, Uncle Bob’s Rock Shop’s Dave and Mack Saunders… not to mention a few other surprises.

When asked  what he would like to say to followers, fans and those who have been there through this journey and joining in the celebration Rocky states,

“Thank you, thank you and thank you for 23 years following the fun here in The Villages with us! We travel[ed] all over the world performing for the last 45 years and our fans and friends have made us feel like this is our home – this is home to us!”

Click here to learn more about this event and don’t forget to visit Brownwood Square, Saturday May 7th to ROCK the square and be a part of this amazing accomplishment and celebration!

Good Times in Our Hometown

Entertainment Galore

From Strawberry Festivals to Electric Light Parties, Villagers know how to have a good time! 

The Villages is never lacking on the opportunity for entertainment. If you haven’t seen some of our recent events this video does a great job summing up what a great time everyone had who was able to attend.

More to Come

We’ve got so much more to come!

Just around the corner, April 2nd, at Brownwood Paddock Square rock out with a celebration of 23 years at Rocky and The Rollers Anniversary Party  !

April brings many more events too! Some include the 19th Annual BBQ Bash, Arts and Craft Show, the April Cruise-In featuring The Villages Vintage Car Club and wrapping up with Blueberry Festival. 

So whether your thing is cars, the arts, bbq, or sweets and music, we’ve got all the bases covered for our Villagers to continue to enjoy The Villages Lifestyle!

Find more about all of the special events coming up here

Let the Festivities Continue!

Living the Lifestyle

The Villages is known for the extensive list of ongoing clubs and activities that are all a part of the lifestyle.

The Villages Special Events team never fails to disappoint with the singers, dancers, stilt walkers all aside from the delicious food truck options and more at their festivals and special events!

Over the past few weeks you may have noticed that they have been BUSY! February and March tend to be the most jam-packed with events including Strawberry Festival, Mardi Gras Celebration, St. Patrick’s Day Festivals on top of Cruise-ins and the car shows, which are now back after a long remission due to the pandemic.

Some Highlights

Those who attended may have noticed that there were some new additions to the latest events.

This year’s Strawberry Festival was extended to two days, and between the combination of sunshine and fun, the event was a huge success! There was non-stop entertainment 10am-4pm for both days including The Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Show, Sunshine Strollers, Stilt Walkers, a photo booth and carnival games! There was also plenty of strawberry shortcake to go around, which many took great advantage of!

One of the biggest highlights of this month was the first-ever Mardi Paw March!

Over 100 dogs registered for the paw-fect parade with proceeds supporting Your Humane Society SPCA.  Those who registered received fun swag including a Mardi Paw tshirt and of course, a Mardi Paw bandana for the pup!

It was certainly a spectacle for the books and the team looks forward to continuing the additional event in the future.

So What’s Next?

If you have missed out on any of the other events over the past few weeks, don’t worry, the fun will continue!

Over the next few weeks you can look forward to the second St. Patrick’s Day Festival at Spanish Springs for some green beer or the March Cruise-In at Spanish Springs with entertainment MPIRE on stage. Following close behind in April will be the annual Blueberry Festival at Brownwood Paddock Square with Greg Warren Band onstage and bar hut specials Blueberry Daiquiri’s and Blue Bombers!

If you are interested in learning more about the upcoming special events schedules click here.