SPARK BEFORE DARK

See The Porchfest Bands Early @ SPARK Before Dark!!! 

Nero Simon and the Sunsetters

Embark on a musical journey to paradise with Nero Simon and the Sunsetters, an eight-piece band from Atlanta, Georgia performing a mix of Folk, Rock, Funk and Americana with an unmistakable tropical vibe. With a style that gives a nod to the soft sounds of the 70s and 80s and the Yacht Rock era, the Sunsetters' energetic live performance, featuring a blend of original music and solid gold covers, is destined to find a warm, sunny place within the heart of every listener. 

Nero Simon and the Sunsetters released their debut album Treasure Chest on March 18th, 2022.

Mystery Cassette

Mystery Cassette is an indie/alternative rock band from Atlanta GA. This mixed tape made with love puts together two dudes and two chicks... a jangle here, a jagged edge there; both sweet and sour; velvet and underground? you can feel the balance and the tension. Sometimes they'll gently rock your soul and sometimes they'll melt your face. Reminiscent of the Pretenders, PJ Harvey and the Pixies driving rhythm section; dancing will happen.

SPARK Before Dark FAQs 

Q: What is SPARK Before Dark...wasn't it SPARK After Dark?

A: SPARK Before Dark is Springdale Park Elementary School's annual fundraising auction event. It's a great time for our parents, teachers, and administrators to socialize and celebrate our amazing community -- get your babysitters lined up early! Historically this has been an evening event, but this year we've tweaked the timing in hopes of maximizing participation and enjoying our great Atlanta springtime weather! 

Q: What about the potential schoolboard's decision about re-zoning SPARK? 

A: Given that none of us know exactly how the Inman transition will play out at this point, we understand your concern with the uncertainty. However, keep in mind that each year, the vast majority of the funds raised by the PTO are spent on expenses that directly benefit the students and teachers within that school operating year. We expect to continue this next year regardless of the transition outcome, so you can expect that any funds raised from SBD will have a direct positive impact on your child(ren)'s experience in the 2022-2023 school year at SPARK.

Q: Will the silent auction be back?  How can I donate items to the auction? 

A: Absolutely, we're using the same GiveSmart platform we've used in prior years. Please reach out to our PTO Fundraising Chair ([email protected]) if you're interested in donating an auction item or your time to benefit our school's PTO. 

Q: Will there be food and beverages? 

A: Yes! Included with your ticket price, we'll have over a dozen Wild Heaven taps open and a wine bar from Hop City serving throughout the event. We'll also have a full taco bar open to keep you nourished while bidding for our awesome auction items. 

Q: How does this event benefit SPARK & our kids?

A: SPARK's annual operating budget is supplemented by the PTO's fundraising activities. This year, SPARK Before Dark will help raise funds to purchase a STARLAB for SPARK students. The STARLAB is an inflatable, portable planetarium that will allow our kids an opportunity to travel through a world of knowledge that includes astronomy, geology, physical geography, and more. With STARLAB, our teachers can be confident the curriculum they're presenting meets current Next Generation Science Standards while also making learning fun for our SPARK dragons.

Q: Why are we hosting an in-person community event?

A: Throughout the year the SPARK PTO has polled the SPARK community and, while being mindful of the current realities, there has been a consistent desire for more in-person community events. This year's venue - Wild Heaven - features an airy indoor space with operable garage doors, extending into a 1500 sq ft lawn area outside.

Q: How do I buy tickets? 

A: Go to BESPARK.givesmart.com for more details and to buy your tix!