Moon Over Maclay: Have a lark as Scotty Barnhart's jazz fills the park

The air is getting cooler, the moon fuller, and the days shorter.

Handmade scarecrows and paper bag luminaries line the brick pathway at Maclay Gardens State Park, awaiting hundreds who will soon descend upon the park for the Friends of Maclay Gardens 11th Annual Moon Over Maclay Jazz Concert presented by KPMG.

This community concert attracts music lovers, families, couples, and friends to the historic grounds of Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park for a magical night under the moon and stars.

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Attendees are encouraged to bring folding chairs, blankets, a picnic supper, and beverages of choice to enjoy during the show. The concert will be held from 6-9 p.m. Oct. 9 on the front porch of the historic Maclay House, with gates opening to guests at 5 p.m.

The Scotty Barnhart Quintet will be the headliner of this year’s show. A professor of jazz trumpet at FSU, Barnhart is an internationally acclaimed jazz trumpeter who has lectured around the world. He is also a composer, arranger, author, and serves as director of the Grammy-winning Count Basie Orchestra.

Barnhart has performed and recorded with an impressive list of artists including Tony Bennett, Diana Krall, Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, and many more big names in the music industry. As usual, he will be joined by an all-star group of fine musicians.

Getting the night started will be hometown favorites Thursday Night Music Club. This Tallahassee group offers “big band” style music and plays a repertoire of jazz, swing, funk, rock, and Latin jazz.

The talented volunteer musicians come with a variety of professional and amateur experience in the Tallahassee region and beyond, and have played several community events including Springtime Tallahassee, the Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and downtown concerts in Kleman plaza.

Concert attendees may enjoy drink specials with proof of ticket purchase leading up to the show. Local sponsor Growler Country, located at 3305 Capital Cir NE, is offering discounted Crowler and Growler fills to Moon Over Maclay ticket holders on Oct. 9.

If you are a wine connoisseur, bring proof of ticket purchase to The Wine House at 1355 Market St. to receive a discount on wine purchases until Oct. 8. Browse hundreds of wine varieties and pick the perfect bottle before the event! New this year, The Wine House will be set up at the event selling bottles of wine during the show. Cash is preferred for purchases made at the Park.

Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for students with ID. Advance purchase is recommended by visiting the Friends of Maclay Gardens website at friendsofmaclaygardens.org. Attendees may also purchase tickets in person on the day of the event.

All proceeds from ticket sales are used for the Friends’ mission to support and enhance the historic Formal Gardens, Maclay House, and Park through restoration, upgrades, and programming.

If you go

What: 11th Annual Moon Over Maclay concert

When: 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9

Where: Front porch of historic Maclay House, Maclay Gardens State Park, 3540 Thomasville Road

Tickets: $25 for adults and $10 for students with ID. Advance purchase is recommended by visiting the Friends of Maclay Gardens website at friendsofmaclaygardens.org.

Information:  850-666-2078

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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Moon Over Maclay shines with Scotty Barnhart's jazz in the park