Opening Nights in Class connects students of all ages with world-class artists through interactive, curriculum-aligned school-day performances, workshops, and master classes — all offered at no cost thanks to generous donors. Serving Florida State University and the Big Bend region, this program fosters creativity, inspiration, and lifelong curiosity.
2025–2026 Season Artists
- Morgan Freeman’s Symphonic Blues Experience
- Hubby Jenkins
- New Jazz Underground
- OkCello
- Bassel and the Supernaturals
- Nicole Zuraitis
- Andrew Collins Trio
- Imani Winds & Boston Brass
- Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
- Voces8
- Sphinx Virtuosi
- Songs of the Bulbul
- Chain of Parks Featured Artist – Noah Verrier
Upcoming Season Events
Hubby Jenkins is a talented multi-instrumentalist and storyteller who brings the rich history of American roots music to life. A former member of the Grammy-winning Carolina Chocolate Drops, he explores the African American influence on country blues, ragtime, old-time banjo and fiddle music, and early jazz.
New Jazz Underground is a dynamic trio redefining jazz for a new generation. Blending classic jazz elements like swing and blues with modern influences from hip-hop, pop, and Afro-Latino music, their fresh sound has gained viral attention and wide acclaim. With infectious energy and bold creativity, they show students how tradition and innovation can collide to create something entirely new—and deeply relevant.
Okorie “OkCello” Johnson
Engagement Dates: November 3–5, 2025
Recommended Grades: K–12
Okorie “OkCello” Johnson is a groundbreaking cellist and composer who blends classical cello with jazz, funk, reggae, and electronic music. Using live looping and improvisation, he creates dynamic performances that explore African Diasporic stories and challenge traditional ideas about the cello. Through music and storytelling, OkCello invites students to reimagine the cello’s role and experience the power of creativity, culture, and expression.
Bassel & The Supernaturals
Engagement Dates: November 10–11, 2025
Recommended Grades: K–12
Bassel & The Supernaturals blend soulful melodies and funk rhythms to tell the powerful story of Bassel Almadani, a first-generation Syrian-American. Through music and lyrics about identity, love, loss, and the war in Syria, the band explores themes of culture and resilience. Their performances offer students a unique window into the immigrant experience and the power of the arts to inspire understanding and change.
The Andrew Collins Trio brings a high-energy blend of folk, jazz, and “chambergrass” to the stage, led by award-winning mandolinist Andrew Collins. Joined by string masters Mike Mezzatesta and James McEleney, the trio showcases dazzling musicianship, rich vocal harmonies, and a wide range of instruments. Their genre-blending sound introduces students to musical creativity, collaboration, and the art of pushing tradition in exciting new directions.
Paragon Ragtime Orchestra
Engagement Date: January 29, 2026
Recommended Grades: 6–12
Now in its 40th season, the Paragon Ragtime Orchestra is the East Coast’s premiere ragtime band, dedicated to preserving the music of Scott Joplin and other ragtime pioneers. Through lively performances and storytelling, the orchestra brings early 20th-century American music history to life, offering students a fun and immersive journey into jazz’s roots and the cultural landscape that shaped it.
VOCES8 is a world-renowned British vocal ensemble celebrated for their stunning harmonies and wide-ranging repertoire—from Renaissance choral works to modern arrangements. As the world’s top-streaming classical vocal group, they inspire students through the joy of singing and the power of the human voice, showing how music connects people across time, culture, and style.
Sphinx Virtuosi is a dynamic, self-conducted chamber orchestra known for its exceptional artistry and innovative programming. Comprised of 18 top professional string players, the ensemble performs nationally and is a regular highlight at Carnegie Hall. Beyond the stage, Sphinx Virtuosi members are educators and mentors, regularly working with students through workshops, masterclasses, and community engagement—making them an ideal partner for educational programs.