SFYS to present free Halloween concert at Historic Lyric Theater Miami’s Community News

The South Florida Youth Symphony (SFYS), one of the nation’s premier youth music organizations, will present a “Spooky Tunes” Halloween concert on Sunday, Oct. 30, at the Historic Lyric Theater, 819 NW Second Ave. in Overtown.

The concert, which will feature musicians in their Halloween attire, begins at 3:30 p.m. with doors opening at 3 p.m. It is the opening event of the organization’s 52nd year in South Florida.

“We’re very excited to be able to do this Halloween concert at the Historic Lyric Theater for the second consecutive year,” said Marjorie Hahn, the Youth Symphony’s musical and executive director. “We think this is a great opportunity to showcase the talents of our performers for the families of Overtown. We hope this performance inspires some future young musicians in our audience.”

To assist in that inspirational effort, a half hour before the concert — presented by the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club and the Shutts LLP law firm — the SFYS will hold a “Meet and Greet” with the community in the theater lobby and courtyard, giving youngsters the opportunity to meet the musicians and learn about the instruments.

In addition, the City of Miami Police Department will be joining in the community-oriented event. After the concert several police officers will be handing out “goodie bags” to kids attending the concert during a “Trunk or Treat” in the theater’s plaza area.

Since 1950, the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis Club (Biscaynebaykiwanis.org), a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, has fostered leadership and provided artistic, cultural and science-centered educational opportunities for children primarily in the underserved areas of Allapattah, Overtown, Little Havana and Downtown Miami.

The club’s very successful programs include an in-school reading program to help second graders pass the EOY (End of Year) Exam, funding of summer swim lessons, lessons in etiquette, civics, and life skills, and guided tours/field trips to Everglades National Park. The organization also proudly mentors high school Key Clubs teaching leadership through service at Miami Springs, Miami Jackson, Booker T. Washington, Law Enforcement Officers Memorial and iPrep Academy.

During the past six years the club has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships throughout Miami-Dade County, including full college scholarships to a deserving Booker T. Washington senior.

“Presenting activities such as these concerts is just another way in which we give back to our community,” said Nellie Hernandez, incoming president of the Biscayne Bay Kiwanis. “We’re proud to be part of the effort to bring the South Florida Youth Symphony to Overtown.”

Tickets to the free concert are being distributed to Overtown families through several elementary schools, including Phillis Wheatley and Frederick Douglass.