Crowd
SHOUT OUT
A decade ago, a staggering 42% of children in Escambia County were not kindergarten-ready. While we’ve made progress, with readiness rates now at 50%, a critical challenge remains: Half of our children still enter school lacking the essential fundamental skills needed for academic and social success. This preparedness gap significantly impacts their ability to thrive in the classroom and beyond.
John A. List, a noted economist at the University of Chicago, says that to predict the future of a community the key item is the percentage of children who are ready for kindergarten. Together we can make a difference!
or info@studeri.org
Chris Jones
DOWNTOWN CROWD | MAY 2025
Morgan Cole, Editor
It’s hard to believe it’s already May! The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming and we’ve had some real spring weather here along the Gulf Coast for a change. To kick off the spring season, we’ve brought you details on some of our favorite new and returning springtime events. From the debut of the new Sand In My Boots music festival taking place at The Hangout this month to the return of the popular Bands on the Beach concert series, there’s sure to be something fun to get you outside and enjoying all the spring festivities our area has to offer!
This month, you’ll also read about some of the new and upcoming restaurants bringing fresh flavors to the downtown dining scene. Be sure to check out the story on page 12 to learn more about some of the tasty new eateries that have recently opened or are set to open in the downtown area in the coming months.
As always, we hope you enjoy the read!
Until next time, Cheers!
BEYOND, BEYOND, BEYOND An Interview with The Crane Wives
by Chloe Cadenhead
The Crane Wives are an indie rock band hailing from Grand Rapids, MI. Consisting of lead singerguitarists Emilee Petersmark and Kate Pillsbury, bassist Ben Zito and drummer Dan Rickabus, the band has been making music together for the last fifteen years. Their unique blend of classic folk and contemporary rock genres has amassed over a million monthly listeners on Spotify and a growing audience of devoted fans.
Their most recent album, Beyond, Beyond, Beyond, has accrued 7 million streams since its release in September 2024, and The Crane Wives are showing no signs of slowing down. Their upcoming spring and summer tours kick off May 7, which include stops in cities ranging from Pensacola to London. Downtown Crowd had the opportunity to catch up with band members Emilee Petersmark and Dan Rickabus to learn more about the band and bring you details on their upcoming tour.
The Crane Wives’ Pensacola show is on May 23 at 8 pm at Vinyl Music Hall, with tickets starting at $23. To purchase tickets, view other tour dates and learn more about The Crane Wives, visit thecranewives.com and follow them on Instagram @thecranewives.
DTC: Thank you both for taking time out of your busy schedules to talk to me. I have to ask, where does the name “The Crane Wives” come from?
Dan: It’s from a Japanese folk tale called “The Crane Wife.” It’s a story about self-sacrifice, and it’s got some really cool imagery. The main character is a crane who transforms back and
forth from a crane into a woman. We fell in love with the story, which we found from The Decemberists album that we love.
DTC: Were you particularly inspired by the story, or did it have more to do with the folk roots you share with the band The Decemberists?
Emilee: I think it was more just about the vibes. There was something about the story that just felt really beautiful, heavy and honest with the themes of sacrifice, grief and what it means to love somebody. A lot of the songs we’d been writing at the time were telling a similar story.
DTC: You draw a lot of inspiration from traditional American Folk music, yet at the same time, your records remain contemporary. Is this balance intentional or organic?
Emilee: I would call it organic, personally. I feel like when we write music, there’s never any intention to put that song in a box or genre. I think that, naturally, we have very vast and different influences that, when mixed together, create something with folky lyrics and complex vocal melodies, but also more rock roots with the rhythm section and electric guitars. All of that kind of creates an amalgamation of past and present.
Dan: Totally. I think it’s just the tools that are at hand with what everybody is naturally good at. Emilee and Kate are sick electric guitar players, so when we’re working on a song and there’s a space that’s open, the natural thing is ‘What could a guitar do here?’ Zito also has this way of playing bass that acts as a counter-melody with so much movement.
Emilee: And that’s Zito’s background of Ska and Punk, where the bass has a very prominent role. I think it comes from our different influences and backgrounds coming together to make this really unique thing.
DTC: Your fan base is predominantly composed of young people in their teens and twenties. Does this audience inspire or influence you in any particular way when writing?
Emilee: It’s definitely inspiring and a little intimidating. I feel an immense amount of responsibility to our listenership of any kind, let alone young people who are so passionate. I just feel like it’s our responsibility now to create music that serves a role for these people. I find that music always hits harder when it comes from a genuine place, and that young people don’t see a lot of that in the music that they listen to. The word ‘celebrity’ changes a lot and obscures the flaws, but we want to embrace those flaws as who we are. It’s such an amazing thing to have young people listen to us because they’re at this place in their lives where they’re making their best art and discovering their passions; it’s an honor to be a part of that journey.
Dan: Yeah, well said. That’s the vibe. We just feel really lucky to be there, like, it’s our job to be in a band, which is nuts. It’s all really wonderful.
DTC: In several of your past projects, there is a narrative structure to your albums. Is there a story behind Beyond, Beyond, Beyond?
Dan: That’s really fun because the songs came organically from either Emilee or Kate, there’s one I wrote, and then we all co-wrote with a lot
Photo by Hwa Jeen Na
of collaboration. We didn’t start with the idea of ‘let’s have a narrative arc,’ but once we had the collection of songs, it’s like ‘how could we order this to make it flow in a way that the listener can make their own narrative?’
DTC: Beyond, Beyond, Beyond has a much more hopeful tone than your past albums like The Fool in Her Wedding Gown or Coyote Stories, which have a darker ambiance. It also leans more toward the rock genre than the acoustic folk feel you’ve embraced in the past. Is there a specific inspiration for the shift, both thematically and sonically?
Emilee: The reason why we’re having these weird little moments of hope throughout this new era of Crane Wives is just because we’ve been individually, both as songwriters and as humans, doing emotional reflections and therapy work to feel better and be better. Sonically, it came from wanting to expand what we’ve made before. It’s really exciting as a guitarist to pick up an electric that has an infinite amount of possible sounds with different pedals or microphones, it’s like expanding your toybox. I’m grateful for the opportunity to just play, which, as professionals, is something that you forget to do.
Dan: Yeah, it’s really meta with the album itself being about stepping into the unknown and taking a risk to try and grow, which is what we were doing literally. It’s just like, ‘woah, life reflects art.’
DTC: What are some favorite songs from your new album? Are there any you’re particularly excited to perform?
Emilee: This is always hard. I love playing Arcturus Beaming because, as the lead guitarist on that song, I get to improvise a solo at the end, which always gives me butterflies no matter how many times I’ve done it. You just hope it works out, and sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s really freeing to make your own melody out of whatever feels right at the time.
Dan: Yes. It’s fun to get an audience perspective when my parts are really simple, and I get to watch the other band members do crazy stuff. I also work on a lot of other projects, so it’s awesome to come back to the band and experience singing three-part harmonies. It’s just so sick, you don’t get to experience that all the time, it’s sweet.
DTC: Your 2025 tour has some cool stops. Where are you most excited to perform and explore?
Emilee: I mean, I’m really excited to get back to Florida, but I’m also really psyched for the UK— none of us have ever been.
Dan: Yeah, it’s wild that we even have UK fans, it’ll be cool to experience what The Crane Wives looks like in a totally different country.
DTC: What can audience members expect from a Crane Wives show?
Dan: Four humans rocking out. We have a pretty unique show; there’s nothing wrong with backing tracks or click tracks, but we don’t use any of that. It’s just four instruments and three voices. The energy it brings is cool, each show is different and organic. We’re playing a mix of all the old classics, some deep cuts from the old catalog, and, like Emilee said, as much of the new stuff as we can fit in each show.
Emilee: Yeah, get ready to sing along. We have a lot of die-hard fans who know every word, and it feels so good to just scream into a crowd, so be prepared to yell. Bring your earplugs.
DTC: This year marks the fifteenth anniversary of The Crane Wives. How has your music and your perception of making music evolved over the past fifteen years?
Dan: Woah. Every time I get to make music, I learn a little more about it. Music is one of those really cool crafts where you never stop learning. Every tour I learn something different, even just like how to hold my body when I’m playing the drums. There are so many lessons if you can look at it that way.
Emilee: Music is one of those things where no matter how much you learn, you always feel like you don’t really know what you’re doing. I think if you’re in this field, you’re never gonna be an expert.
DTC: Beyond, Beyond, Beyond came out almost eight months ago, and although you’ve been busy with your album release tour and preparing for the spring and summer tours, is there anything we should keep an eye out for?
Emilee: Dan has a project called Moss Manor, and he also has his solo project. Both of those are great. I know he’s working on another record too. I’m also working on some solo music. I go back to the studio at the end of this month to finish that up, which is terrifying and exciting. I think we’re looking at maybe the fall of next year. I know Kate also has her solo music too, so we’re definitely all writing a lot. Hopefully, in the next two years, some stuff other than The Crane Wives will be out too.
Photo by Hwa Jeen Na
by Nicole Willis
Grab your cowboy hats, slip on your boots and crack open a cold one—it’s time for the first annual Sand In My Boots festival!
Sand In My Boots (SIMB) is a brand-new music festival that will take over the white sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama this month. This new three-day music festival was brought to life through a collaboration between country star and Grammy-nominee Morgan Wallen and live entertainment production company
AEG Presents. Hosted May 16 to 18, the SIMB festival will take the place of the widely known Hangout Music Festival (HMF) in 2025.
Wallen, best known for his songs Last Night, Whiskey Glasses and I Had Some Help with Post Malone, has worked alongside AEG Presents to curate the festival of his dreams.
AEG Presents is the same company behind HMF, as well as other popular music festivals
like the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, Stagecoach and Coachella Music & Arts Festival.
“Sand In My Boots is taking the place of the HMF this year. This festival was Morgan Wallen’s vision—he approached us (AEG Presents) to create his own festival, and his description matched perfectly with the beaches of Gulf Shores. Because our team has extensive experience operating in Gulf Shores through HMF, we knew we could help Morgan bring his vision to life. We have the perfect venue and team to do so, so it just made sense,” AEG Presents and SIMB Festival Producer Reeves Price said.
Despite sharing the same location and production company, SIMB and HMF are set to be different festivals with different vibes. The SIMB entertainment lineup, festival activities and overall aesthetic will be much different than HMF.
“We made changes to many of the on-site activities, amenities and art installations to align more with Morgan and his fans’ passions. Patrons who have attended HMF in the past are sure to notice and experience a lot of new things at Sand In My Boots,” Price explained.
The festival grounds will be centered around two main stages—the SIMB Stage Presented by Boot Barn, and the Dangerous Stage Presented by Cody James. Performances will primarily take place on these two stages, apart from DJ sets taking place at the Malibu Oasis.
SIMB features a unique lineup of artists carefully curated by Wallen himself. From country, rock and hip-hop to rap, indie, EDM and more, this festival lineup is stacked with a variety of notable artists spanning a wide variety of music genres.
Photos courtesy of Alive Coverage
The lineup includes a mix of well-known acts like T-Pain, Wiz Khalifa, Diplo and 3 Doors Down, as well as up-and-coming artists like Ole 60, John Morgan, Hailey Whitters and Real Estate. The festival will be headlined by popular acts including Wallen himself, as well as Post Malone, Brooks & Dunn and HARDY.
In addition to a stacked artist lineup, SIMB also offers attendees fun on-site experiences and activities. Two main sections of the festival grounds are the ‘98 Braves Park and The Midway. The ‘98 Braves Park provides a tailgate environment that any country fan is sure to enjoy. This section will feature all of your favorite tailgate classics like games of cornhole, barbecue grills, country music and more.
The Midway brings a classic beach boardwalk vibe, including boardwalk essentials and all the best parts of your hometown fair. From shooting hoops to sipping cold brews, The Midway offers plenty of activities perfect for relaxing and hanging out with friends.
Attendees will be able to stay energized at the Monster Beach Club, enjoying music, dancing and of course, Monster Energy drinks. The popular HMF ferris wheel will also be on-site for those looking to take in the pictureperfect views of the beautiful Gulf.
“All of our on-site experiences are curated by Morgan Wallen himself, reflecting the things he loves the most while embracing the one-of-a-kind white sand beaches of Gulf Shores,” Price said.
Due to the festival’s unique location, festivalgoers can take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico to cool off. For those who prefer to keep their festival look fresh, the Sunset Salon offers men’s and women’s hair styling services including braids, space buns, beard trims and more. After getting a fresh look at the salon, attendees can head over to Love Somebody Lane to get hitched!
One of the more unique experiences at the festival will be the Up Down Cap n’ Gown Commencement Ceremony. This activity will celebrate the 2025 graduates, especially those who skipped their graduation ceremonies to attend the festival. Grads are invited to bring their cap to the beach for a commencement ceremony and cap toss.
SIMB knows that all this fun would make anyone hungry, so food and drink options will be located throughout the festival grounds. Gulf Shores’ iconic restaurant, The Hangout, is on-site and will be open for festivalgoers to dine both inside and outside.
In addition to these dining options and activities that every ticket holder can enjoy,
VIP, Super VIP and “Livin’ The Dream” ticket holders will enjoy special access to dedicated viewing areas, dipping pools, private restrooms, premium dining options and more.
“As we gear up for the event and put the finishing touches on everything, I get more and more excited for what will be an unbelievable weekend on the beach in Gulf Shores. The excitement and anticipation from everyone involved has been contagious. From the artists and the vendors to the production team, everyone is really looking forward to this, and I know it will be a very special weekend on the Gulf Coast,” Price said.
Although tickets are completely sold out for SIMB, the festival website provides an official waitlist form for those hoping to secure passes if any become available.
To make the most of your festival experience, be sure to download the Sand In My Boots app. Available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store, the official app allows users to view the festival lineup, register wristbands, view general festival information and more.
For the complete schedule, details on available tickets and more, visit sandinmybootsfest.com or follow @sandinmybootsfest on Instagram and Facebook.
New Restaurants Bring Big Flavor to Downtown Pensacola
by Morgan Cole
From local seafood and Southern fare to a variety of global flavors, downtown Pensacola boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, offering a range of dining experiences from casual eateries to upscale restaurants.
Over the past year, more than a dozen new restaurants opened their doors in the downtown area, bringing a fresh new mix of dining destinations for local foodies to enjoy—and there’s more to come!
Here’s a look at some of the tasty new restaurants that have recently opened or are set to open in downtown Pensacola in the coming months. Bon Appétit!
J’s Bakery & Cafe
Pensacola staple, J’s Bakery & Catering is expanding its footprint with a sweet new location that’s set to make its debut in downtown Pensacola in the coming month.
From its made-from-scratch cookies and decadent pastries to its freshbaked pies and custom cakes, J’s has been delighting Pensacola with its timeless treats for more than 75 years.
Last year, J’s Owner, Ryan Thomas, purchased the new J’s storefront located at 1124 W. Garden St. The building also houses Captain Joey Patti’s Seafood
and Emerald Coast
Company,
the
A bright mural featuring bold, old-school typography spells out some of the bakery’s most iconic treats—such as cookies, cakes and petit fours— pointing the way to the back entrance where the garage-style door leads into the sweet new storefront.
Much like the original J’s, the new location will boast an inviting momand-pop vibe—something the bakery has been famous for since 1946. From the made-from-scratch donuts and petit fours to the signature smiley face sugar cookies, all treats will be crafted in-house using traditional recipes.
J’s Bakery is also in discussion with Emerald Coast Bread Company to sell their artisan breads from their storefront. While both businesses will operate from the same building, separate baking spaces were created to ensure that Emerald Coast Bread Company maintains its kosher certification.
Once the new location is up and running, the bakery also plans to incorporate a few new menu items, such as rotating flavors of cinnamon rolls and more breakfast-friendly pastries to cater to downtown’s early morning crowd.
As of now, Thomas plans for the new location to be open Monday through Saturday from 7 am to 6 pm. Real-time updates and information on the exact opening date and hours of operation will be posted on J’s Bakery’s Facebook and Instagram @Jsbakeryandcafe, and on their website at jsbakeryandcatering.com.
Restaurant
Bread
with
new quaint J’s storefront in the back portion of the building.
The Reservoir
What was once the neighborhood’s historical Malamo Brothers corner grocery store at 524 N. Hayne St. has been transformed into a multi-faceted eatery and event space—The Reservoir. The cafe quietly opened its doors in March for its soft-opening phase, bringing fresh new breakfast and lunch options to the bustling downtown neighborhood.
The project was spearheaded by Reservoir Owner and Operator and Pensacola City Council Member, Casey Jones, who completely reimagined the former Malamo Brothers corner store, which once served as a lively community hub.
Now open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and Saturday brunch, the Reservoir menu features a variety of tasty southern-inspired cuisines, locally roasted coffee, draft beer, cocktails and hand-selected wines. The menu caters to a wide range of price points, with all items made from scratch using highquality ingredients.
Jones designed the cafe to exude a warm and welcoming vibe, with the intent to establish an additional space for the neighborhood to gather alongside the bustling Blake Doyle Skatepark and From the Ground Up Community Garden.
While the Reservoir started out serving breakfast and lunch, the cafe has expanded its hours and is now open for dinner and Saturday brunch. The menu caters to a wide range of price points, with lunch and dinner options that include everything from sandwiches, salads and burgers to tasty sharables like Pimento Poppers, Hayne Street Brussels and their signature garlic herb duck fat fries.
The breakfast menu boasts hearty favorites like the Conecuh Wrecka—the Reservoir’s spin on homestyle biscuits and gravy with smoked Conecuh sausage smothered in rich sausage gravy served on a made-from-scratch buttermilk biscuit.
The Reservoir also offers a variety of specialty beverages, such as handcrafted coffee, tea and locally made Big Jerk sodas.
If you’re looking to quench your thirst with a tasty cocktail, beer or some wine, you’re in luck! The Reservoir also recently rolled out its new happy hour, with $2 off select beer and wines from 4 to 6 pm Monday through Thursday. You can also enjoy bottomless mimosas and chef specials during brunch, which is now offered on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm.
Whether you stop in for a quick lunch with friends, brunch with the family or a romantic date night, the Reservoir offers a warm and inviting atmosphere with tasty menu options that are sure to please any palate.
The cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, along with live music and entertainment hosted at various times throughout the week. The Reservoir is open Tuesday through Saturday, with breakfast and lunch served from 8 am to 2 pm, and dinner from 4 to 8 pm. The new brunch menu is available on Saturdays from 8 am to 2 pm.
To view the full menu and for online orders, visit reservoirpensacola.com. For announcements, weekly specials and more, follow the Reservoir Pensacola on Facebook and @reservoir_pensacola on Instagram.
Pimento Poppers
Day Break Burger
The Drop In
Two locals are resurrecting one of Pensacola’s beloved, and possibly most missed products—Damian’s Frozen Lemonade. That’s right, the tasty, sweet, frozen lemonade drink is making a return!
Local co-owners Rick Emmons and Joe Jacobs, the son of Damian’s founder Tony Jacobs, are reviving the original family recipe to bring the frozen lemonade back to Pensacola at their new business, The Drop In.
It’s been more than two decades since anyone has been able to taste the original Damian’s, but thanks to the creative vision of two long-time friends, the iconic frozen treat is making a sweet return just in time for summer!
Located at 23 W. Cervantes St. in downtown Pensacola, The Drop In will officially open its doors the first week of May, bringing tasty new eats and frozen treats to the downtown area.
The Drop In will serve a variety of custom hot sandwiches, hand-cut fries, other casual food items and, of course, Damian’s Frozen Lemonade. So, if you’ve been waiting to get your Damian’s fix, the wait it almost over!
Since coming up with the concept for reviving the iconic family drink recipe, co-owners Emmons and Jacobs have been busy at work refurbishing the former gas station, both inside and out. The Drop In will offer indoor and outdoor seating, along with a food truck in the back, where sandwiches and other food items will be prepared. Batches of Damian’s Frozen Lemonade will be made from scratch inside the new storefront.
The Drop In is located at 23 W. Cervantes St. in downtown Pensacola. For updates on other upcoming preview events, including hours of operation and opening day announcements, follow The Drop in on Facebook and @thedropinpensacola on Instagram.
Great Harvest Bread Company
Studer Properties recently announced that The Savoy Place apartment building at 501 W. Wright St. will welcome Great Harvest Bread Company (GHBC) as its first ground-level tenant, which is planned to open this coming July.
The GHBC Bakery Cafe will be the first retail tenant to make its debut in the Savoy Place building, which plans to open its lower level to the public this summer, filling the ground floor with a vibrant mix of retailers that will bring additional shopping and dining options to Pensacola’s historic BelmontDeVilliers neighborhood.
GHBC will serve breakfast, lunch and a variety of coffee beverages with anticipated operating hours from 7 am to 6 pm Monday through Saturday. GHBC is widely known for its made-from-scratch bread and fresh food, with each cafe location milling its own wheat into fresh flour onsite daily to preserve the bread’s nutritional value and bring out its flavors.
The apartment building opened in Belmont-DeVilliers back in 2020, with the first floor intended to serve as a marketplace and community hub. Developing the lower level for retail had always been part of Studer Properties’ plans, but the pandemic and rising construction costs made it difficult to lock in retailers.
While each local bakery and cafe creates its own menu, options typically include an assortment of hot and cold sandwiches (including vegetarian options), salads, soups, grain bowls, sweet treats, breakfast sandwiches, biscuits, buns, coffee and espresso-based drinks and more.
While GHBC will open in July as the first stage of Savoy Place’s retail space, more retail tenants are expected to make their debut in the coming year. To learn more about GHBC, including upcoming menu options, visit greatharvestpensacola.com. For now, you can follow Great Harvest Pensacola on Facebook for updates on their progress up to opening day.
Little Tides Oyster Bar
The former Gaby’s Taqueria at 104 E. Gregory Street, which permanently closed its doors last December, is being transformed into Little Tides Oyster Bar, an all-new concept driven by Artisan Restaurant Group.
Set to open this summer, the new eatery will feature a vibe that blends sophistication with the relaxed charm of Pensacola’s waterfront culture to create a welcoming space for everything from casual happy hours with friends to special occasions.
Since the debut of the new concept, the restaurant group has been giving the community a taste of what’s to come through a series of small events, starting with a Little Tides crawfish boil hosted in February. Louisiana native and Southern chef, Jean-Paul Bourgeois, kicked off the inaugural crawfish boil by cooking up his signature spicy crawfish with all the fixings.
The development team has been busy at work renovating the new space for its big debut on opening day. Some of the new additions to the space will include a full-service bar large enough for 15 to 20 people and additional dining areas with full-shade coverage that can accommodate around 100 seated guests.
While the menu is still being developed, it’s guaranteed to satisfy anyone seeking a fresh taste of the Gulf. The menu will highlight a daily catch from local purveyors and regionally harvested oysters. In addition to fresh Gulf seafood,
the menu will also feature a complete wine list and a variety of tasty craft cocktails using seasonal ingredients and house-squeezed juices.
For updates on their progress to opening day, including hours of operation and upcoming crawfish boils, follow @littletidesoyster on Instagram.
The Past and Present of Pensacola Beach’s Annual LGBTQ+ Gathering
by Nicole Willis
May brings Memorial Day, a time to celebrate freedom and honor those who bravely served. Here in Pensacola, the holiday also marks a powerful moment of celebration for the local LGBTQ+ community. The city’s largest Memorial Day gathering takes place throughout the weekend on the East side of Pensacola Beach, where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies gather to celebrate love, joy and resilience.
This annual celebration has deep roots in Pensacola’s queer history; with the beachfront tradition tracing back to as early as the 1950s. It all started with Ray and Henry Hillyer, two LGBTQ+ Pensacola locals who wanted access to queer magazines and literature. This mission wasn’t as easy as going to a library or accessing it online, though. At that time, a man reading gay literature would have been heavily condemned, so the Hillyers opened a post office box under the name “Emma Jones,” and had a female friend retrieve the mail for them. The female pseudonym decreased suspicion, allowing the papers to be delivered without any interception from postal employees.
Eventually, the Hillyers began inviting other members of the local LGBTQ+ community over to their home to share and read the literature they received through their undercover post office box. These regular gatherings would become known as the Emma Jones Society (EJS). Founded in 1957, EJS grew steadily over the next few years, eventually going on to host public gatherings for the local LGBTQ+ community, including on Pensacola Beach.
Though these gatherings weren’t held only during Memorial Day weekend, they are attributed as starting the tradition of the annual LGBTQ+ Memorial Day celebration. The EJS beach parties continued on for years, and even grew to be hosted throughout the city, most notably at Pensacola’s Hotel San Carlos. These events would often include dancing, socializing and drag performances.
Unfortunately, in 1974, the celebrations came to a halt when EJS and the queer community were met with local backlash. Since the parties had continuously grown and were receiving more media attention, locals were worried that Pensacola would gain a reputation of being a gay destination, which was heavily stigmatized and denounced by many in the community during this time.
Photos courtesy of Visit Pensacola
After the shutdown of EJS, Pensacola’s LGBTQ+ community sat quiet for a few years. The Memorial Day tradition reignited with small gatherings in the 1980s, which progressively got larger again. By the 1990s, the weekend-long celebration was back in full swing on Pensacola Beach. The parties included all of the elements of original EJS parties—socializing, dancing and drag—as well as music from DJs and other live entertainment.
As the celebration gained popularity, more and more LGBTQ+ people from Pensacola and beyond began flocking to the beach. This significant influx of both locals and tourists spending money on Pensacola Beach provided a significant boost to local businesses.
In 1993, the LGBTQ+ gatherings were once again under attack, with prominent locals and politicians voicing their concern that Pensacola would become the “gay capital of the south. “
Thankfully, many business owners stood with the LGBTQ+ community, likely incentivized by the amount of profit that they made from queer customers. Several businesses and LGBTQ+ visitors themselves began to stamp their cash with a pink triangle or the words “gay money” as a way to symbolize their contributions to the local economy—an estimated $25 million in 1993 alone. This piece of history is how Pensacola’s popular STAMPED Film Festival received its name.
Since the 1990s, the queer community’s Memorial Day celebration has continued to draw tens of thousands of people to Pensacola Beach. The weekend continues to be one of the most lucrative weekends for Pensacola Beach, largely in part due to the spending of the LGBTQ+ community.
According to Visit Pensacola, in 2023, 88 percent of event attendees reported that the Memorial Day LGBTQ+ event was their main reason for traveling to the Pensacola area. More than 33 percent of these visitors traveled from other counties, with a majority frequenting local bars and restaurants throughout their stay. With travel parties spending an average of around $600 per day—about $145 a person—the financial impact of this event has served as a significant boost to the local economy.
With more widespread acceptance and support for the LGBTQ+ community, this festive weekend celebration is here to stay. Today, queer people of all
ages flock to the beach to gather in celebration of their love and individuality. These celebrations still take place on the East side of Pensacola Beach, primarily centered around Park East near Portofino Island Resort.
Today, Memorial Day weekend consists of daytime relaxation and socialization and, of course, plenty of nighttime fun. Daytime is focused on leisure and community. Beachgoers typically set up tents to provide themselves with the shade needed to endure the beach conditions all day long. Throughout the day, attendees can be seen lounging on the beach, playing games in the sand and splashing in the Gulf.
Long after the sun goes down, the real parties begin to kick off. The weekend’s nightlife centers around “circuit parties,” run by promoters who host rave-inspired all-night parties with DJs, pulsing music, flashing lights and plenty of dancing.
Johnny Chisholm, co-owner of the now-defunct gay nightclub, Emerald City, has served as the primary host of these local Memorial Day parties since the 1990s. Chisholm initially began hosting the parties because he himself enjoyed attending the annual celebration at the beach. Today, these popular parties attract national entertainers and thousands of lively attendees each year.
The parties are typically hosted under a large white tent at Park East. Many of the parties are alcohol-free for sober partygoers. The events typically start in the late night and run until the early hours of the morning. It is common for the party to still be rolling on while daytime attendees claim their spots in the sand!
From the silenced secrets of the EJS in the 20th century to the high-flying rainbow flags of today, Pensacola’s Memorial Day gatherings are a testament to the enduring strength and resilience of the local LGBTQ+ community. Whether you are an up-all-night party type or just want to connect with your community, there is a place for you at a Memorial Day weekend gathering.
This year’s Memorial Day Weekend celebration will run from May 22 to 26. For tickets and information on Chisholm’s upcoming parties and events, visit johnnychisholm.com and follow @memorialweekendpensacola on Facebook and Instagram.
by Morgan Cole
As the weather warms up and the days get longer, the local music scene comes to life with a series of free outdoor concerts. Whether you’re looking to kick back with your toes in the sand and enjoy live tunes on the beach or soak up the smooth sounds of jazz and bluegrass along the river, there are numerous live concert series hosted throughout the Pensacola area that are sure to have you tapping your toes for more! Check out some or all of these live outdoor concerts taking place across Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in the coming months.
Bands on the Beach
Each year, from April through October, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts on Pensacola Beach. From country to disco, rock to reggae, Bands on the Beach showcases talented regional artists who’ll have you dancing all summer long. Hosted by the Santa Rosa Island Authority and set against the stunning backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach, Bands on the Beach offers free weekly concerts on Tuesday nights from 7 to 9 pm. Cat Country 98.7 will kick off each show and keep the vibe alive with stage announcements and more. Grab some friends, pack the cooler and lawn chairs and head out to the beach for one or all of these free beachside concerts. Dogs and glassware are not permitted. Check out the full lineup of 2025 concerts online at visitpensacolabeach.com.
Upcoming Concerts:
• May 6 – The Astronauts
• May 13 – True Blue Band
• May 20 – On the Rox
• May 27 – Pistol Pearl & The Wester Band
• June 3 – The New Cahoots
• June 10 – Schofield
• June 17 – 9th Avenue Brass Band
• June 24 – Goldmine
Bands on the Bayou
Hosted by the East Hill Neighborhood Association, this free concert series features local and regional bands representing a variety of music genres. Concerts are held on the bank of Bayou Texar at Bayview Park & Community Center located at 2001 E. Lloyd Street in East Hill. Local food trucks and pop-up vendors will be on-site dishing up tasty treats and beverages for concert-goers to enjoy. Now in its fifth year, this three-part concert series showcases local talent while raising money for a group of selected local non-profit organizations. Grab your chair or blanket and come set up on the lawn outside the Bayview Community Center for an evening of live tunes and family-friendly activities. Boat access is also available and guests are welcome to take in the tunes from their anchored watercraft. Through contributions from local sponsors, this popular concert series is free and open to the public. Food trucks and vendors set up at 4:30 pm, and concerts kick off at 6:30 pm. For complete event details and to learn more about this year’s non-profit beneficiaries, visit bandsonthebayou.com.
2025 Concert Schedule:
• May 23 – Nobius
• July 25 – Bay Kings Band
• October 3 – Cowboy Park
Bands on the Blackwater
Held on the west bank of the Blackwater River in historic downtown Milton, the Bands on the Blackwater concert series offers a fantastic music experience for all ages to enjoy. From local favorites to national touring bands, this family-friendly concert series is hosted from 7 to 9 pm on select Friday nights from spring to fall. Whether you’re into folk, bluegrass or Americana, you’ll find something to love as you tap your feet to the rhythm of the river. Guests are also invited to anchor their boats along the river and enjoy the tunes from the river. Blankets, chairs and coolers are welcome. No glass containers are allowed. Bands on the Blackwater is sponsored by the City of Milton and runs from early April to the end of June and then picks back up for the fall season at the end of August through the end of October. Concerts are held at Jernigan’s Landing located at 5158 S. Willing St. in Milton. Check out the full Bands on the Blackwater 2025 concert schedule online at miltonfl.org/427/Bands-on-the-Blackwater.
Upcoming Spring Concerts:
• May 2 – Smokey Jones and the Three Dollar Pistols
• May 9 – The Six Piece Suits
• May 16 – Stormfolk
• May 23 – Nu-blu
• May 30 – Free Range Iguanas
• June 6 – Box of Rox
• June 13 – Disco Kiss
Christopher’s Concerts
Each Spring, St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church hosts its outdoor concert series, Christopher’s Concerts, to bring live music to the community in a fun and family-friendly atmosphere. The free concert series runs from April 24 through June 12 and features a diverse lineup of bands performing a variety of music styles. Concerts are held every Thursday evening from 6 pm to 8 pm on the church grounds located at 3200 N 12th Ave. in Pensacola. Attendees are invited to bring lawn chairs, blankets, food and beverages. Concessions will also be available, including hot dogs, chips, sodas, ice cream treats and more. For complete lineup details and to learn more about Christopher’s Concerts, visit scpen.org/christophers-concerts.html.
2025 Band Schedule:
• May 1 – Crosstown Band
• May 8 – The Lads
• May 15 – John Hart
• May 22 – Mirage
• May 29 – The Blenders
• June 5 – NOBIUS
• June 12 – JoyRide
MAY COMMUNITY EVENTS
May Home Games at Blue Wahoos Stadium
For more information and tickets, visit milb.com/pensacola
April 4 at 6:05 pm - Biloxi
Shuckers vs Blue Wahoos
May 13 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City
Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos
May 14 at 11:05 am - Rocket City
Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos
May 15 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City
Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos
May 16 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City
Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos
May 17 at 6:05 pm - Rocket City
Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos
May 18 at 1:05 pm - Rocket City
Trash Pandas vs Blue Wahoos
May 20 at 6:05 pm - Birmingham
Barons vs Blue Wahoos
May 21 at 6:05 pm - Birmingham
Barons vs Blue Wahoos
May 22 at 6:05 pm - Birmingham
Barons vs Blue Wahoos
May 23 at 6:05 pm - Birmingham
Barons vs Blue Wahoos
May 24 at 6:05 pm - Birmingham
Barons vs Blue Wahoos
May 25 at 4:05 pm - Birmingham
Barons vs Blue Wahoos
Trail to Oregon! @ PLT
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May 2-11
Trail to Oregon is a lively and humorous musical that follows the misadventures of a quirky pioneer family as they journey westward along the Oregon Trail in the 19th century. Led by the bumbling but well-meaning Father, the family encounters a series of obstacles and colorful characters along the way, including bandits, buffalo stampedes and the dreaded dysentery. This show contains mature themes and language. The Pensacola Little Theatre is located at 400 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.
Plantapalooza at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten
May 3
If you’re passionate about plants, the 2025 Spring Plantapalooza is for you! Hosted at Gary’s Brewery & Biergarten, Plantapalooza brings plant-lovers together to celebrate all things plants. The event will feature indoor plants, outdoor plants, tropical, plants rare plants, handmade pots, and other natural or organic handmade items. A variety of food trucks will
be on-site serving up delicious bites. Be sure to check out the specialty Plantapalooza Pale Ale—made only for this event! Plantapalooza runs from 11 am to 5 pm. This event is free and open to the public, including dogs and kids. For more information, visit facebook.com/garysbrew.
Blue Angels Practice Dates
.May 6, 7, 13, 14, 27 & 28
The world-famous Blue Angels can be seen practicing over the National Naval Aviation Museum at NAS Pensacola on select days throughout the year. Watch them soar and visit the museum for free. The gates will open at 9:30 am. The practice flight demonstrations can also be viewed outside of NAS Pensacola including Fort Pickens, boat cruises, and various points throughout downtown. The Blue Angels will take off around 10:30 am and the practices last for about 55 minutes. The National Naval Aviation Museum is located at 1750 Radford Blvd. in Pensacola. Practice schedules are subject to change. For more information, visit navalaviationmuseum.org/blueangels.
Cinemas in the Sand
May 9
The Santa Rosa Island Authority (SRIA) will be hosting “Cinemas in the Sand,” free familyfriendly movie nights. Held at the Gulfside Pavilion on Casino Beach, Cinemas in the Sand allows families to come together and enjoy the beautiful beach and a wholesome movie. Get out your beach chairs, pack the cooler and head out to the beach for some family fun. On May 9, the SRIA will be showing Moana 2. The movie will begin at 7:30 pm on a giant inflatable outdoor movie screen. For more information, visit visitpensacolabeach.com.
Come Roll with Us – Sushi Rolling 101
May 15
Learn the techniques and history behind sushi with this fun, hands-on demonstration at The Fish House. You’ll learn all the necessary skills to make sushi rolls and sashimi, including how to select sushi-grade fish and ingredients. The Fish House master sushi rollers, Michael Goza and Gerald Beaulieu, will conduct the class, as well as Dot Chap, former owner of Khon’s on Palafox, former head sushi chef Bonsai at the Hilton Pensacola Beach and current head chef of Betty’s on Belmont. Each participant will create a California roll, tiger roll and tuna nigiri. Each dish will be paired with a selection of beverages to complement them. The event begins at 5:30 pm. For tickets and more information, visit greatsouthernrestaurants.com
Pensacola Beach Art and Wine Festival
spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon strolling the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, enjoying the fall air while sampling wines and perusing the works of some of the Gulf Coast’s most talented artists. Starting at 11 am and lasting until 4 pm, the festival will highlight amazing local artists and more than 30 wine selections. Wine tastings will begin at 1:00 p.m. and last until 4:00 p.m. The festival is free to the public, however, to participate in the wine tastings, festival-goers must purchase a ticket and receive a wristband. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolabeachchamber. com/art-wine-festival.
Night on the Tracks
. May 10
Night on the Tracks is a multi-venue arts and music event series along the railroad tracks in the artsy, gritty Old East Hill neighborhood. Organized by 309 Punk Project, the event will be an evening of fun, running from 2 to 11 pm. Local venues invite folks to come out, mingle and move throughout the neighborhood for art, music, a carnival, puppetry, food and drinks. Each of the seven participating venues is offering something unique. Join Pensacola’s art community in a fun Night on the Tracks! For more information, visit 309punkproject.org.
2025 GUMBO YA-YA
May 17
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida is excited to announce their 2025 Gumbo Ya-Ya. Hosted at Seville Quarter in downtown Pensacola, the cook-off will run from 4 to 6 pm and feature some of the best gumbo in Pensacola. Amateur and professional cooking teams will compete, making gumbo from scratch. Judges will then have the very difficult job of deciding which teams will win each category—taste, smell, color and consistency. Trophies will be awarded to the top three winners. Attendees will also get the chance to visit the chefs’ tables and sample dozens of delicious gumbo varieties, making it a true feast for the senses! All proceeds will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. For tickets and more information, visit bit.ly/ILoveGumbo.
Brit Floyd @ Saenger Theatre
.May 21
The Grand Dame of Palafox’s 100th Birthday Street Party
May 24
The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is celebrating its 100th birthday with a street party! While the celebration was originally slotted for April 6, the event was postponed due to poor weather. The celebration will go on with a street party on Palafox and Intendencia Street, with portions of the street being closed from 12 to 6 pm. Enjoy food trucks, vendors, street entertainment, a music stage, give-aways and lots of fun. The event features two screenings of The Phantom of the Opera starring Lon Chaney showcasing music on the 1925 Saenger Pipe Organ at 4 and 7 pm. This free community event is suitable for all ages. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 S. Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. For complete event details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
Exotic Car Show Brunch
May 25
What better way to kick off your week than with brunch bites, mimosas and exotic cars? Enjoy a delicious Sunday morning brunch with a view at O’Riley’s Irish Pub in downtown Pensacola. From 10 am to 2 pm, the front of O’Riley’s Irish Pub will be full of exotic cars— from Lamborghinis, Ferraris and McLarens to Porches, GT-R’s and more. O’Riley’s Irish Pub Downtown is located at 321 South Palafox St. in downtown Pensacola. For more information, visit orileyspub.com/featured-events.
Umphrey’s McGee @ Vinyl Music Hall
May 29
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May 10
Sip, stroll and shop your way around the Pensacola Beach Boardwalk when it turns into an artist and wine lover’s paradise at the Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival. The Pensacola Beach Chamber of Commerce invites the public to
Formed in 2011, Brit Floyd performances are supported by an immaculately curated stateof-the-art production, reverently emulating the stunning soundscapes and visuals of Pink Floyd’s iconic catalog. Brit Floyd is a celebration of authenticity, featuring musicians handpicked by Damian Darlington and occasionally including guest musicians from Pink Floyd’s studio and road line-ups. Come hear your favorite Pink Floyd classics at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre this month. The show begins at 8 pm at 118 S. Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and complete show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
Umphrey’s McGee is stopping by the Vinyl Music Hall as part of their Cruising Altitude Tour. In the 27 years since eclectic improv-rock band Umphrey’s McGee formed, their sound has been an amalgamation of genres, moods, and tempos. The band’s latest release, Asking For A Friend, showcases more evolved songwriting and thoughtful arranging from a band continuing to grow and mature with their droves of die-hard, longtime fans. Catch the band at Vinyl Music Hall on May 29. Doors open at 6:30 pm and the show begins at 7:30 pm. Vinyl Music Hall is located at 2 S Palafox Street. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.
Grand Fiesta Parade
May 30
Catch some beads, hear the sounds of marching bands and enjoy beautiful floats parade through the downtown streets. Kicking off at 7 pm, the Grand Fiesta Parade provides family-friendly fun for everyone. Bring the entire family to one of Pensacola’s favorite Fiesta events. In addition to the dozens of local krewes parading, special appearances will be made by a masked DeLuna, his Queen and their court. For parking details and more information, visit fiestapensacola.org.
MILITARYMATTERS
AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION
NAS PENSACOLA-AREA LEADERSHIP SIGN SAAPM PROCLAMATION
Naval
Air Station (NAS) Pensacola-area commanding officers signed a joint proclamation on April 4 to reaffirm the base and tenant command’s commitment to preventing sexual assault and providing resources for survivors of sexual assault during Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month (SAAPM).
“We need to ensure our Sailors, Marines and civilian employees are aware of the process and resources available,” NAS Pensacola Commanding Officer Capt. Chandra Newman said. “I’m committed to ensuring that each and every service member and employee here, regardless of rank or position, joins me in eliminating sexual assault from our organization.”
The 2025 SAAPM theme, ‘Step Forward. Prevent. Report. Advocate,’ campaign is a call to action for all individuals to use their personal and collective strength to advance meaningful change in preventing and responding to sexual violence.
Newman, along with other NAS Pensacola-area leadership, signed the proclamation to convey their intent to reinforce the Department of Defense’s (DoD) focus on creating an appropriate culture to eliminate sexual assault and requiring a personal commitment from all service members and civilian employees.
The Step Forward campaign, launched in 2023, was designed to increase awareness of sexual assault and resources to enhance response. The campaign also focuses on changing harmful behaviors, providing support to victims of sexual assault and encouraging sexual assault prevention initiatives throughout the year.
Newman said that NAS Pensacola’s FFSC’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARCs) are engaged in training command representatives as Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates. SARCs serve as the primary point of contact for coordinating victim care services while Victim Advocates are volunteers with specific training in properly assisting victims of sexual assault.
“I want to make sure that survivors know they are not alone and that resources are available,” Newman said. “Our Sexual Assault Prevention and Response (SAPR) Victim Advocates at NAS Pensacola constantly provide training within the command and work with survivors to promote positive change regarding sexual assault.”
Active-duty Victim Advocates, individuals who have undergone the certification process through the National Organization of Victim Advocates (NOVA), are ready to immediately respond and Newman said that victims of sexual assault can report to either a SARC or Victim Advocate whether a restricted or unrestricted report is ultimately filed.
To report a sexual assault, call the toll-free DoD Safe Helpline at (877) 995-5247 or Naval Air Station Pensacola 24/7 SAPR Duty Victim Advocate at 850449-9231 or Naval Air Station Pensacola Civilian Victim Advocate at 850-293-4562 or the NAS Pensacola Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at 850-554-5606. Individuals in immediate danger should call 911.
PHOTO BY GARRETT DIPUMA
STORY BY ENSIGN CLARABELLE KNYZHOV, NAS PENSACOLA
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