AGP Executive Report

Music Education Win: Key West High grad Matteui Bastillada, an 18-year-old saxophonist, started freshman year at Berklee College of Music in Boston on music and merit scholarships after growing up with the Bahama Village Music Program. Live Music & Community: Fort Myers Symphonic Mastersingers mark their 25th anniversary with a Mozart “Requiem” performance honoring 9/11 victims and first responders. Orchestral Pop Crossover: St. Petersburg’s Mahaffey Theater hosts The Florida Orchestra’s Taylor Swift: The Symphony Era, with 42 Swift songs reworked into full symphonic arrangements. Local 9/11 Commemoration: Suncoast communities held 25th-anniversary ceremonies, including Venice’s Patriots Park event and Sarasota’s stair-climb tribute at Nathan Benderson Park. Food + Music Scene Tie-In: Tampa Bay’s best live music list for Sept. 11-17 highlights what’s happening across St. Pete, Tampa, Bradenton, and beyond. Big-Name Tour Buzz: Foreigner bassist Jeff Pilson spoke ahead of the band’s Georgia shows, including plans tied to the group’s 50th anniversary and new releases.

Florida Live & Local: Florida Atlantic’s Bonfire Music Fest went full “Swaechella” with Neon Trees and headliner Swae Lee, drawing a big student crowd and plenty of Spider-Man hype. South Florida Concert Buzz: Gorillaz’ “The Mountain Tour 2026” lands at Miami’s Kaseya Center Friday, Sept. 18, with Little Simz and Deltron 3030. Country Spotlight: Florida Georgia Line’s Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley are teasing a possible Stagecoach reunion in 2027 after a surprise CMA Fest appearance. Theater & Music Night Out: Florida Repertory Theatre kicks off its season with “Forever Everly,” a rockumentary-style show built around Don and Phil Everly’s harmonies and hits. Community Music Moment: Kenzie Wheeler is set for a Vero Beach acoustic concert at Dignity Ranch on Nov. 7 as part of a homelessness-to-home event presented by The Source. Jazz Film Watch: “Everybody Digs Bill Evans” is getting attention for its jazz-movie take on the Bill Evans Trio’s legacy.

Florida Georgia Line Reunion Buzz: Tyler Hubbard and Brian Kelley teased a possible Florida Georgia Line return at Stagecoach 2027 after a clip showed them rolling in with “Cruise” playing and “FGL LFG” on screen—following their 2026 CMA Fest surprise comeback. R&B Spotlight: Florida singer Destin Conrad accepted Billboard’s 2026 R&B Rising Star Award, crediting R&B as his “foundation” while highlighting releases across jazz (“wHIMSY!”), reggae (“ROADRUNNER”), and R&B (“LOVE ON DIGITAL”). Live Music Add-On: Turnstile tapped death metal heroes Obituary as support for their Sept. 29 Raleigh stop, swapping in after Yves Tumor’s recent controversy. Local Arts & Music Events: Tampa’s Ybor City gets a final-week “Oh Cuore Mia” walking tour tied to the neighborhood’s history, plus Wines of Spain returns Oct. 16 at Centro Asturiano de Tampa to fund preservation. Health Update From a Legend: Billy Joel says he’s recovering after brain surgery for normal pressure hydrocephalus, telling fans “I’m still here.”

Local Live Music: J.P. Soars brings “Fall into the Blues” to Holly Hill with a free Sept. 25 show at MetroHealth Stadium at Pictona, plus a silent auction benefiting Guitars 4 Vets. Jazz Spotlight: The Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz names 11 semifinalists for its International Jazz Vocals Competition, including Miami’s Ashley Pezzotti, with semifinals set for Oct. 10 in Paris. Florida Concert Calendar: A weekend roundup highlights big-name stops and local picks, including Bruno Mars at Raymond James Stadium and Luke Bryan at the Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre. New Music Roundup: This week’s song reviews spotlight releases from Girl Ultra, Madi Díaz, SNENiE and more, with fresh tracks landing across Spotify and Apple Music. Arts & Culture: UrbanFest 360 returns to Orlando Sept. 18–20 with independent film, fashion, music, and a Chadwick Boseman Legacy Award. Music Industry Business: The Country Network expands over-the-air reach via a new distribution deal across four Gulf Coast markets.

Chart Watch: Shinedown’s “Young Again” hits No. 1 on the Active Rock chart, marking the band’s 26th chart-topper and a fresh reminder that modern rock still has a Florida-sized backbone. Local Music Scene: Gainesville alt-rock trio Arrows in Action kicks off its tour with back-to-back Orlando dates at The Social—Friday sold out, Thursday tickets moving fast. Live Music Calendar: Orlando Science Center brings back Cosmic Concerts with laser shows synced to big names like Pink Floyd, U2, Metallica, and Taylor Swift (Sept–Dec schedule includes “The Wall,” “Rocket Man,” and more). Theater + Music Crossover: “Come From Away” runs Sept. 10–27 in Miramar Beach, and Boca Raton’s “Beginnings” traces a playwright’s Miami roots. Pop Culture in Court: Kodak Black’s fleeing-and-eluding case gets dismissed by a South Florida judge. Music Industry News: Billy Joel says loud touring worsened his normal pressure hydrocephalus, delaying any return to the road.

New Rock From Florida: Wage War, the Florida metalcore heavyweights, drop their new album Landfall Oct. 9 via Fearless Records and lead with the hurricane-charged title track “Landfall,” built around ominous emergency-broadcast vibes and a metaphor for realizing what’s out of your control. Local Stages, Big Music Energy: Miami’s Arsht Center rolls out a fall lineup that includes Buena Vista Social Club (Sept. 29–Oct. 4), Chucho Valdés’ 85th Birthday Celebration (Oct. 3), and Teatro Real’s Spain tour debut (Oct. 17). Florida Chart Moment: Shinedown’s “Young Again” hits No. 1 on the Active Rock chart, marking the band’s 26th chart-topper. Community + Culture: WMNF spotlights Grant Peeples’ “Sunshine State,” a darkly funny, no-tourist-sheen portrait of Florida. Global Pop With Florida Ties: BTS wraps the North American leg of Arirang with 1.92M fans across 31 sold-out shows, starting in Tampa. Live Music Fundraiser: ParrotPhest returns to Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach Oct. 1–4 as a trop rock weekend with live music and Alzheimer’s Association fundraising.

Local Music & Venues: Rosalía lands in Orlando with “LUX” (Kia Center, Sept. 9) bringing classical textures into modern pop for a big-arena night. Christian Music: Universal Orlando’s Rock the Universe returns Jan. 22–23, 2027 with Elevation Worship, Katy Nichole, and more; tickets go on sale Sept. 15. Florida Arts Funding: Sarasota Ballet received $25,000 from The Exchange for its 2026–27 season, including performances of choreographer Gemma Bond and free school matinees. Community Music Events: Triple Jam Fest (Sept. 19) honors late tennis founder Danyelle Copeland with music and fundraising for YMCA court renovations. Music in the News (Pop Culture): Jelly Roll’s political backlash continues after reports he was uninvited from a Mar-a-Lago law enforcement fundraiser following his Jimmy Kimmel appearance. Music + Culture Beyond Florida: Atlanta indie artist Jiah Star gears up for a Sept. 15 City Winery debut, building on her Florida A&M roots.

Luxury Real Estate Meets Pop Culture: Florida’s ultra-luxury condo boom is leaning into brand partnerships and themed lifestyle marketing, from Aston Martin and Ritz-Carlton-style branding to art-and-music concepts in places like Miami, Daytona Beach, and Sarasota. Touring Spotlight: Hayley Williams’ “The Hayley Williams Show” keeps rolling through the U.S. after kicking off in Florida, with Europe/UK dates landing next summer and support from Magdalena Bay and Rico Nasty. Local Music on the Air: WMNF’s Song of the Day is “We Can Go” by Deep Pine, a Florida-rooted reggae-funk-ska-rock jam-folk blend, with a Tom Petty tribute show on Oct. 3. New Music From Florida: Metalcore band Wage War drops “Landfall” on Oct. 9 and just released the title track, leaning into hurricane-fueled themes of danger and loss of control. Community Arts Calendar: Miami’s Sept. 8–15 performing arts picks include “ONE: The Musical,” Disney On Ice, and “Zombi Manifiesto,” plus a full week of South Florida concerts. Florida Traditions, Music Included: UF’s “Gator Bait” cheer music cue is back after a six-year pause, as fans return to the stadium tradition. Radio Business Move: MARC Media Group expands in Florida via a pending acquisition of Brevard stations, bringing A1A, The Hitkicker, and The Rocket under one umbrella.

Florida Music & Live Events: Central Florida is gearing up for a big fall run with 100+ live music dates, including Orlando Philharmonic at Steinmetz Hall, Lalah Hathaway at Judson’s Live, and a Madame Butterfly run at the Dr. Phillips Center. New Music (Florida roots): Wage War drops “Landfall” (Oct. 9) with hurricane imagery and a “not in control” feeling—plus the band’s already shared “Sweet Dreams,” “Blindfold,” and “Songs Of The Swamp.” Local Music Scene: MARC Media Group is expanding in Florida, taking over A1A (107.1), The Hitkicker (102.7), and The Rocket (95.9) under a purchase pending FCC approval. Miami Secret Shows: Sofar Sounds returns to South Beach for a Sept. 17 secret set inside a boxing gym, with a new “Listening Club” for monthly music discussions. Tour/Pop Buzz: Janet Jackson announces “Control 40,” a film of her 1986 album performance recorded Dec. 12 at Amerant Bank Arena in Florida. Industry/Business: AEG and SeatGeek ask a judge to reject an antitrust settlement that would keep Live Nation’s Ticketmaster.

Local Music Education: Stetson University is hosting “NO ONE HERE BUT US,” an exhibition curated entirely by student artists incarcerated at Tomoka Correctional Institution (Sept. 8–Dec. 5), with Stetson’s Community Education Project also teaching music and other arts inside the facility. College Pathways: The free 2026 Florida Music College Fair hits Orlando’s Science Center Sept. 24 (6:30–9:30 p.m.), with an admissions panel and reps from 50+ music and performing-arts programs. Spotlight & Sound: WMNF’s Song of the Day is “Eternity” by shy blossom (Tampa Bay-area indie/alt rock), and Legends Radio spotlights jazz vocalist/trumpeter Chris Santiago. Live & Local Events: Gulf Coast Symphony’s September season leans into genre-spanning concerts at the Music and Arts Community Center, while Fort Myers Beach’s new “Bash on the Bay” brings a Labor Day weekend of live music and waterfront festivities. Pop Culture in Florida: Hayley Williams kicked off “The Hayley Williams Show” in West Palm Beach with Rico Nasty and Magdalena Bay opening.

Florida Music College Fair: Central Florida students can meet reps from 50+ music and performing-arts programs at the free Florida Music College Fair Sept. 24 at Orlando Science Center, with an admissions panel and direct Q&A on auditions, financial aid, and student life. Local Arts in Corrections: Stetson University’s Homer and Dolly Hand Art Center debuts “NO ONE HERE BUT US,” curated by student artists inside Tomoka Correctional Institution, running Sept. 8–Dec. 5. Community Music Education: Deerfield Beach veteran Gene Townsel is expanding youth music access with free piano, voice, and percussion lessons at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church, plus a Sept. 26 dinner concert fundraiser. Theatre for Veterans: Seaside Players Community Theatre brings veteran-written short plays to Jarvis Hall Nov. 11–15, with proceeds benefiting American Legion Post 142. Reggae Spotlight: Ky-Mani Marley ends a long album hiatus with “Love & Energy,” marking a major return for the Miami-raised artist. Music Industry News: Deathcore band All Shall Perish released its first new music in 15 years and launched a Kickstarter for a comeback album.

College Football + Band Culture: UF brought back its controversial “gator bait” cheer during the season opener vs. Florida Atlantic, ending a 6-year ban tied to “horrific historic racist imagery,” with new president Stuart Bell saying traditions matter. Local Live Music Calendar: Pensacola’s Seville Quarter hosts “Monday Night Blues,” while Tuesday’s picks include Major Moment at The Handlebar and Snow Strippers at Vinyl Music Hall. Opera in Florida: First Coast Opera kicks off its 27th season with “Something’s Brewing,” pairing Bach’s “Coffee Cantata” with Donizetti’s “Rita,” running Sept. 10–13 across St. Augustine and nearby stops. Classical Brass: Sheldon Civic Music Association launches its 2026-27 series with Alliance Brass at Bethel Reformed Church on Sept. 11. International Artist Move: Mexican baritone Luis Ledesma has joined Encompass Arts for worldwide representation. Pageant Spotlight (Florida): Miss America 2027 finals hit West Palm Beach’s Palm Beach County Convention Center on Sept. 6, with Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright competing. Music Release Buzz: Collective Soul leans into ’80s new wave on “Touch and Go,” now fully available on digital, CD, and teal-marble vinyl.

Local Live Music: Jacksonville’s Southbank Riverwalk is getting its monthly groove back with Third Thursday Sip & Stroll returning Sept. 17 (5–8 p.m.), featuring live music, food trucks, and Latin music/dance kickoff partner Rio Latino Jax. Classical & Community Concerts: First Coast Opera opens its 27th season with “Something’s Brewing,” pairing Bach’s Coffee Cantata with Donizetti’s Rita across St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, and Amelia Island (Sept. 10–13). Brass Band Spotlight: Sheldon Civic Music Association kicks off its 2026–27 series Sept. 11 with Alliance Brass at Bethel Reformed Church, mixing classical, pops, and jazz standards. Hip-Hop in Florida: Lil Baby and Kodak Black headline Fall Fest 2026 at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise on Sept. 5, with YFN Lucci, Yung Miami, 42 Dugg, Rob49, YK Niece and 1900rugrat. Music Culture & Film: Cinema Diverse returns Sept. 17–20 and Sept. 24–27 for its 19th LGBTQ+ cinema showcase in Palm Springs, spotlighting documentaries and shorts. Music History Note: A look at how the Allman Brothers’ “Ramblin’ Man” was shaped by Dickey Betts’ childhood moving between Florida coasts.

Space Coast Music & Venues: Developers want to bring a major 8,000-seat soccer stadium and concert-ready events complex to Melbourne’s Space Coast, with permits filed and a 2028 opening target. Jacksonville Live-Music Push: A proposed Westside venue called “The Grounds” would seat 50,000+ and cost $120M+ to lure big touring acts. Local Concerts (Sarasota): Venue 1927 in downtown Sarasota is set for a grand opening, plus other notable area shows this weekend. Vinyl-Only Florida Artist: Central Florida guitarist/composer Nick Scout drops a limited, vinyl-only solo album with no streaming—an intentional throwback. Tour Spotlight: Rod Wave’s 2026 “Don’t Look Down Tour” includes two Barclays Center dates in late October after his St. Petersburg roots. Labor Day Music Picks (Orlando/Disney Springs): Raglan Road’s Great Irish Hooley runs at Disney Springs, and Jack Harlow headlines House of Blues for a rare Florida stop. Community & Culture: FAU’s campus poster sale brings pop culture and music aesthetics back to student life.

Sarasota Live Scene: Venue 1927 in downtown Sarasota is celebrating its grand opening with a Grammy-nominated act, while Encore Live and Venice’s Troll Music are also bringing in local and visiting performers for the week. Tampa Comedy Fundraiser: Ybor City co-founder Justin Peters (The Commodore) is battling grade four glioblastoma, and the Tampa comedy community is hosting a benefit concert to help with treatment costs. Gainesville Arts & Community: The Gainesville City Commission approved a major renovation plan for the T.B. McPherson Center, including new multipurpose rooms, outdoor patio areas, trails, and upgrades to courts and the playground. Music in Florida’s Institutions: FIU’s Wertheim School of Music & Performing Arts is marking 30 years with a 2026–27 season kickoff featuring the FIU Symphony Orchestra and Mozart’s “Paris” Symphony, plus an October FIU Music Festival. Reggae Release: Paul Kastick dropped “My Reggae Rockin’ Journey, Vol 2,” a 19-track reggae covers album featuring takes on Foreigner, Michael Kiwanuka, Lionel Richie, and more. Local Talent Spotlight: Miss America 2027 week continues in West Palm Beach, with Miss New Jersey Kylie Gene Wright representing the Garden State.

Miami-Dade vs. GTA 6: Miami-Dade officials are pitching Rockstar on an “immersive arrival” at Miami International Airport and GTA-style branding across parts of the county, but law enforcement leaders are pushing back hard—saying it promotes a fictional version of Miami tied to crime and violence. Breast Cancer Care Run: Partners Pink Run returns Oct. 10 at Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers with a 5K and 1-mile walk, plus music, games, and pink-themed fundraising for no-cost breast care. Southwest Florida concert series: Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre in Fort Myers is launching a new off-season concert run starting Sept. 4-5 with Yacht Rockin’ featuring local musicians and hits from Ambrosia, Toto, Steely Dan and more. Labor Day jazz in Orlando: The 9th Annual Labor Day Jazz Festival moves to the Timucua Arts White House on Sept. 7 with tenor saxophonist Eric Alexander headlining. KATSEYE lightsticks for Miami: The K-pop group’s Wildworld Tour hits Miami Oct. 13, and fans are gearing up with official “Eyelighter” lightsticks. AI music lawsuit (Florida link): Jason Isbell leads a class action against Suno; Florida-based jazz saxophonist Eduardo Calle is named among the plaintiffs. Local culture at the Arsht: Adrienne Arsht Center rolls out a pay-what-you-can model for gospel, Pride and hip-hop-adjacent programming, including Ground Zero Crew.