Musical Echoes Flute Festival, celebrating Native American culture, art and music, will return to the Fort Walton Beach Landing after a two-year hiatus due to Covid-19. This free weekend event will kick off at 4 p.m. on April 22 and continue on April 23 and 24, beginning at 10 a.m. both days. This is a nonalcoholic festival intended for the entire family. 

Throughout the weekend, a lineup of musicians will bring to life the unique sounds of the Native American flute. A range of acts, from solo performers to full bands, will provide live music from the stage during the entire festival. There will also be dancers performing colorful, rhythmic traditional dances and sharing the meaning of each one. 

The entertainment lineup will include internationally acclaimed authentic Native American musicians and dancers, such as Nation of Change Native American Dancers, Jonny Lipford and the award-winning Shelley Morning Song. A special performance by Michael DeMaria will be another highlight. To see the full lineup of performers, visit Musical Echoes on Facebook.

Handmade flutes for sale

Art and craft vendors will be on hand too, offering custom-made items like jewelry, baskets and leatherwork. Among the festival’s traditional highlights are flute makers selling their handcrafted instruments, collaborating with each customer to find the perfect flute, and providing tips for playing as well. At the main tent, guests can visit the silent auction and raffles and purchase the annual festival T-shirt featuring the butterfly, this year’s totem. The totem image was created by artist Kenneth Maines; festival T-shirts are being produced locally by the TShirt Factory FWB. 

A torchlight ceremony will be held at 6 p.m. on April 23. It will feature the Thunderbird Honor Guard and Poarch Creek Indian Traditional Dancers. Visit MusicalEchoes.org for the complete schedule of events. 

Musical Echoes is co-presented by Musical Echoes Flute Festival Inc., a volunteer-run nonprofit 501(c)3 charitable organization; the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce; and the City of Fort Walton Beach. It is sponsored by Ocean City Bingo. The festival relies on funding through sponsorships and donations.

Location: 139 Brooks St., Fort Walton Beach, FL. For more information, including donation, sponsorship and volunteer opportunities, call 850-685-4428, email Tisha at [email protected] or visit MusicalEchoes.org.