Sinfonia Gulf Coast is turning up the volume on its 20th anniversary season, launching 2026 with a one-two punch of powerhouse performances and its signature cultural fundraiser — proving that symphonic music on the Emerald Coast is anything but ordinary.
The celebration begins Thursday, Jan. 8, when Simply the Best: The Music of Tina Turner takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. at the Destin–Fort Walton Beach Convention Center. Backed by the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra, this electrifying tribute honors the Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll with Broadway-caliber vocals, symphonic scale and pure, unapologetic energy.
A trio of acclaimed performers brings Tina Turner’s legendary catalog to life, including Shaleah Adkisson, known for her work in Hair and Rent and her commanding presence in all-female tribute productions; two-time Grammy winner Tamika Lawrence, whose Broadway credits include Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, Caroline, Or Change, Beautiful and The Book of Mormon, along with film and television appearances in The Greatest Showman and The Wiz Live!; and Tyler Huckstep, a University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music graduate with an international touring and regional theater career.
Together, the trio delivers iconic hits such as “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and “Simply the Best” — all amplified by the lush power of a live orchestra.
“This concert captures everything audiences love about Sinfonia Gulf Coast — bold programming, extraordinary artists and music that moves you,” said Demetrius Fuller, Music & Artistic Director of Sinfonia Gulf Coast. “Tina Turner’s music was made for this kind of scale and energy, and hearing it performed live with orchestra is nothing short of exhilarating.”
Presented in collaboration with New York–based Spot-On Entertainment, founded by award-winning producer Scott Coulter, the concert blends Broadway sophistication with symphonic force. Tickets range from $40 to $75.
From there, the spotlight shifts to Sinfonia’s highly anticipated annual fundraiser, Crescendo! 2026: A Cultural & Culinary Extravaganza, unfolding across three standout dates — Jan. 23, Feb. 27 and March 1 — and widely considered the pinnacle of the Northwest Florida social season.
Crescendo! launches Friday, Jan. 23, at 11 a.m. with the Kick Off Lunch, Bubbles, Bourbon + More, in the Juniper Ballroom at Hotel Effie in Miramar Beach. The stylish afternoon features high-tea vibes, a seated lunch with bubbles, wine and bourbon craft cocktails, a live DJ and a curated fashion experience highlighting Balmain. Tickets are $175 per person and include lunch, wine and gratuities.
The celebration continues Friday, Feb. 27, at 6 p.m. with the beloved Crescendo! Vintner Dinners — intimate evenings hosted in elegant homes and venues throughout the Emerald Coast. Guests enjoy multi-course dinners pairing celebrated local and national chefs with premier wineries such as Opus One, Promontory, Groth Estates, AXR, Reynold’s Family Winery, Mondavi Sisters Wine and more. Tickets are $500 per person.
The grand finale arrives Sunday, March 1, at 3 p.m. in the Magnolia Ballroom at Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, where the Crescendo! Main Event takes center stage. This year’s special guest is internationally renowned Pink Martini, performing live with the full Sinfonia Gulf Coast orchestra — a first for Crescendo!. Known for its genre-blending style and songs sung in more than 25 languages, the “little orchestra” promises a dazzling, cosmopolitan performance.
“Crescendo! is unlike any other annual event we produce,” Fuller said. “We call it an event extravaganza because we’re intentional in how we bring people together to raise funds and awareness for our music education and community engagement outreach programs throughout Northwest Florida.”
Tickets for the Crescendo! Main Event are $225 per person, with tables of 10 available. Proceeds support Sinfonia’s extensive education and outreach initiatives, including school programs, youth orchestras, free concerts and community partnerships.
Tickets for all performances and Crescendo! events are available at SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or by calling (850) 460-8800.
