Live music close to home

Edgewater residents looking for a nearby night out have a new option just up the road in New Smyrna Beach. Mary James, known professionally as Mean Mary, is scheduled to headline a New Spirit Café performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 23, at the Joan Harris Blackbox at the Atlantic Center for the Arts, 1414 Art Center Ave.

The show is part of Positively Florida’s Jazz & More series, according to event information published by Hometown News Volusia. The performance is billed as a mix of folk, rock and bluegrass, giving local audiences a chance to catch a touring-style act without leaving southeast Volusia.

Why it matters in Edgewater

While the concert is not in Edgewater itself, it is the kind of neighboring-town event that can still be useful to local readers. New Smyrna Beach is one of the closest cultural hubs for many Edgewater households, and performances at the Atlantic Center for the Arts often draw attendees from across the area.

For residents who regularly look north for dining, arts and weekend entertainment, this is a practical heads-up about a nearby community event. It may especially appeal to music fans interested in acoustic-driven performances and smaller venues rather than larger festival settings.

Venue and event context

The Joan Harris Blackbox at the Atlantic Center for the Arts is known as an intimate performance space, which typically offers a different experience from outdoor concerts or bar-stage shows. That setting can make singer-songwriter and string-based performances feel more direct and personal for the audience.

The New Spirit Café series has long served as a recurring live-music outlet in New Smyrna Beach, helping connect regional audiences with touring and specialty acts. For Edgewater readers, that means another reminder that some of the area’s most accessible arts programming remains just a short drive away.

What to know before going

The published event notice lists the show for Saturday, May 23 at 7 p.m. at 1414 Art Center Ave. in New Smyrna Beach. Anyone planning to attend should check with the venue or event organizer for ticket availability, seating details and any last-minute updates before heading out.

With weekend calendars filling quickly this time of year, the concert stands out as a straightforward local entertainment option for Edgewater-area readers who want something close, indoor and music-focused. For those seeking a short trip rather than a long drive, this New Smyrna Beach performance may fit the bill.