Festival of the Arts Boca: Clash of the titans with ‘Star Wars’ and Arturo Sandoval

Consider this weekend’s Festival of the Arts Boca as a clash of the musical titans – lightsaber against jazz trumpet – pitting the soaring music score of “Star Wars: A New Hope” against the freewheeling sounds of Cuban bandleader Arturo Sandoval.

Both events top the bill at the 13^th edition of the Boca Raton festival, a full slate of classical music, sharp authors and smart ideas taking place Feb. 28-March 10 at Mizner Park.

What if you have to choose: “Star Wars” (March 1) or Arturo Sandoval (March 10)? What if you plan to see both? Use our guide below to help you navigate the festival.

Why should we care about Festival of the Arts Boca?

We can think of two reasons. Despite the rarefied air of the Mizner Park setting, the 13-year-old festival itself remains unfussy and fairly inexpensive ($15-$150 per ticket) in its teen years. The festival’s schedule spans 11 days and, for the most part, presents one author reading or concert daily, the kind of unhurried pace that’s rare at South Florida festivals.

Ticketholders can redeem their passes for discounts at Mizner Park bars and restaurants before or after the show. The Dubliner (10 percent off purchases), Ruth’s Chris Steak House (free appetizer with a $20 entrée), Tanzy (free salad or cocktail with entrée or appetizer purchase) and Rack’s Downtown Eatery and Tavern (50 percent off cocktails and wine 4-7 p.m. nightly) are all participating in the deal.

What are the must-see events?

Busy on school nights? So are we. Of the five author appearances on tap at the festival, we’re keen on presidential historian and Pulitzer Prize-winning biographer Doris Kearns Goodwin (7 p.m. Feb. 28; $50) and former poet laureate Robert Pinsky, whose PoemJazz program features a poetry reading backed by a small jazz ensemble.

Topping the music bill is “Star Wars: A New Hope” (7:30 p.m. March 1; $35-$150), with George Lucas’ iconic 1977 movie projected onstage as John Williams’ sweeping space-opera music is re-created by the 81-piece Symphonia Boca Raton orchestra under the baton of conductor Constantine Kitsopoulos.

After “Star Wars,” head to the dreamily surreal orchestral pop of Pink Martini (7 p.m. March 3; $25-$125), presenting a mashup of Latin music, jazz, cabaret and film orchestral scores. Return for Nu Deco Ensemble (7:30 p.m. March 9; $25-$125), the Miami-based chamber orchestra whose music can best be described as classical-meets-Daft Punk. End with Cuban jazz trumpeter Arturo Sandoval and his six-piece band (7 p.m. March 10; $25-$125), performing classics by Dizzy Gillespie and others.

What’s the New Wave Lounge?

A new add-on this year is the snazzy pop-up VIP lounge aimed at young professionals, open Feb. 28-March 10, located on the second floor of the west colonnade at Mizner Park Amphitheater. Lounge passes ($20 per event, $100 for all six performances) include snacks and treats from nearby restaurants, pop-up performances and access to libations before the show and during intermissions. The lounge will be closed during author appearances.

Where are the events being staged?

Most concerts, authors and ideas events will be held at the Mizner Park Amphitheater (590 Plaza Real, Boca Raton), while the rest will take place at Mizner Park Cultural Arts Center (201 W. Plaza Real). For more information, call the box office at 866-571-2787 or go to FestivalBoca.org.

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