news release

Phenom Jacob Velazquez is firmly on the path to mega stardom, after appearing on the televised variety show competition, America’s Got Talent. But his younger sister, Skylar is quickly gaining recognition of her own. The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra will help the talented duo along by sponsoring the upcoming Jake n’ Sky Show, a live concert at 3:00 PM on Sunday, August 7 at the Emerson Center, 1590 27th Avenue in Vero Beach, 32960. Jacob is a 14-year-old songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from South Florida who, in addition to America’s Got Talent, has performed on numerous national television shows, including Good Morning America, The View, and The Steve Harvey Show. In addition to his orchestral debut and chamber performances with the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra, he has performed alongside Harry Connick Jr., Andrea Bocelli and Kenny G., as well as Gloria and Emilio Estefan. Jacob was diagnosed with a form of autism at the age of four called PDDNOS and has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable organizations. In the last couple of years, Jacob took time to learn six new instruments including guitar, saxophone, cello, bass, harmonica and ukulele. His sister is 10-year-old Skylar Rae. Sky sings and also plays the ukulele. Like her brother, she was diagnosed with autism at a young age and has had many years of therapy including occupational, speech and physical therapy. The two have been performing together at South Florida events, as well as the ‘Broken Boy’ movie premiere and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando. The duo was recently honored in Boston with the Spectrum Family Hope Award for their contributions to the autism community, presented by the Doug Flutie Foundation. Together, Jake and Sky are breaking down barriers to show the world that having autism or another diagnosis doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of great things. Free tickets to the live Jake n’ Sky Show may be reserved online at SpaceCoastSymphony.org. A donation of $10 to $20 per attendee is suggested. For more information, call (855) 252-7276.

Space Coast Symphony Orchestra Conductor and Artistic Director, Aaron T. Collins thinks Central Florida audiences will be inspired and entertained by the immense talent of the two sibling performers. At the upcoming concert, Jacob and Skylar will be debuting their new song, “Behind Blue Eyes,” based on the devastating real life consequences of bullying.

“These two are just incredible talents,” said Collins. “Who knew there was another one at home just like Jacob?  I personally can’t wait to watch them perform.”

Concertgoers aged 18 and under or with a college ID are admitted free to every SCSO concert. For more information about the recently announced Space Coast Symphony 2022-23 season or the Symphony for Everyone ticket program, visit SpaceCoastSymphony.org or call toll-free (855) 252-7276.

ABOUT JACOB VELAZQUEZ —

Jacob Velazquez is a 14-year-old musician and songwriter with PDDNOS (a form of autism similar to Asperger Syndrome). He began playing  piano at the tender age of four, and by five years old was performing on media outlets such as Good Morning America and The View. Jacob taught himself to play drums by watching youtube when he was just eight years old. His other national television appearances include CNN, HLN, CBS News, PBS – Kids Stew, Telemundo, the Steve Harvey Show, the Harry Connick Jr. Show and most recently he was a contestant on season 15 of America’s Got Talent, where his audition reached over 76 million views on Facebook alone.  He made his debut with The Space Coast Symphony Orchestra at just eight years old and has since headlined many orchestras along with performing solo concerts in the United States and abroad. Jacob has helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars for charity with organizations like Autism Speaks, The Friendship Circle, Big Brothers and Big Sisters and St. Jude Children’s Hospital & IRIE Foundation.

Jacob took time during the 2020 quarantine to learn six new instruments  including guitar, saxophone, cello, bass, harmonica and ukulele.  Velazquez’s  music was called “beautiful” by the one and only Taylor Swift who personally invited him to meet her on tour after hearing Jacob play. Jacob had the pleasure of performing in concert for Gloria and Emilio Estefan. He has also performed in concert with Harry Connick Jr, Kenny G and Andrea Bocelli. Learn more about Jacob at www.JacobVelazquez.com.  Connect with him on Facebook, Instagram and Youtube.

ABOUT SKYLAR RAE–

Sky (Skylar Rae), once known as Jacob’s little sister, is also beginning to make waves in the entertainment world.  The 10-year-old aspiring actress, singer and dancer was recently selected to perform with the Broward County Honors Choir after securing the lead role in her school’s musical rendition of Cold Snap.  Sky sings and plays the ukulele. She was also diagnosed with autism at a young age and has had many years of therapy including occupational, speech and physical therapy. But she isn’t letting this stop her from fulfilling her dreams.

After watching Sky shine on stage, Jake invited his sister to join his act and The Jake n’ Sky Show was born.
Their new song, “Behind Blue Eyes,” chronicles the lost life of a 12-year-old boy bullied to the point of suicide.

The brother and sister musical duo have been featured on WSVN 7 (7 Spotlight) and Fox 35 (Good Day Orlando).  They have performed for the Orange Blossom Festival, the ‘Broken Boy’ movie premiere, and the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. In June 2022, Jake and Sky traveled to Boston for an award presentation by the Doug Flutie Foundation, where they were honored with the Spectrum Family Hope Award for their contributions to the autism community. Together, Jake & Sky are breaking down barriers on their mission to show the world that having autism or another diagnosis doesn’t mean you aren’t capable of great things.

ABOUT THE SPACE COAST SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA— The SCSO is a lively and passionate Central Florida orchestra comprised of professional musicians, music educators and mentored amateurs of exceptional ability.  The Orchestra was formed by Conductor and Artistic Director Aaron T. Collins with a two-fold mission: to provide mentoring and performance opportunities for Florida’s finest young musicians as well as to provide professional concerts at genuinely affordable prices. The ultimate goal of the organization is to help ensure the symphonic tradition for the enjoyment of future generations.

Aaron T. Collins is garnering recognition for his achievements.  LEAD Brevard named the ambitious Collins one of their “4 under 40” Young Professionals, the youngest-ever recipient of the honor.  Space Coast Business magazine listed him as one of Brevard’s “100 Most Admired Businesspeople.” Collins is a past recipient of the Richard A. Stark Award for cultural leadership from the Cultural Council of Indian River County. Through his personal involvement with more than a dozen performing arts groups, pioneering reciprocal ad program and social media cross promotions, Collins has gained a reputation for generosity; championing other arts organizations throughout Central Florida for the cultural enrichment of the community. 

School-aged children 18 years and under are admitted free of charge, as are college students with a valid ID.  In keeping with their mission, the symphony provides a unique Symphony for Everyone ticketing program, a “pay-what-you-can” option designed to provide substantially discounted admission to any Space Coast Symphony concert. Relying on a non-traditional orchestra model and a slim budget, the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra is one of only 19 U.S. orchestras to perform year-round. In addition to maintaining the Space Coast Symphony JAZZ Orchestra and Space Coast Symphony Wind Orchestra, the nonprofit organization also has a youth orchestra and provides numerous separate and free ensemble performances. More information about the Space Coast Symphony Orchestra’s upcoming concerts, ticket sales, venues, directions and sponsorship opportunities is available at SpaceCoastSymphony.org by calling toll free (855) 252-7276.