Downtown Crowd August 2022

AUG. ‘22

The

Handlebar Returns Pensacola’s Beloved Dive Bar is Resurrected

5 Qs with Creatives: Devin Bonner

The 26th Annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival

New Downtown Eats

Blues Society of NWFL Regional Blues Competition

Also in this Issue:

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DOWNTOWN CROWD August 2022

Editor’s Letter

CONTENTS

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Owner Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Morgan Cole Assistant Editor Nicole Willis

Morgan Cole, Editor

Art Director Guy Stevens Graphic Designer Garrett Hallbauer

If you grew up in Pensacola or lived in the area during the 80s and 90s, you more than likely remember The Handlebar. The iconic dive bar served as the epicenter of Pensacola’s underground music scene, and when the news broke that it was going to be reopened, I was stoked. Social media platforms were buzzing about the good news and there were endless strands of comments and photos being posted by people sharing their fond memories of their time spent at the bar.

Contributing Writer Darien Hardy Design Intern Lauren Barksdale

Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@ballingerpublishing.com For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433.1166 • Fax: 435.9174

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DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing.

I’ll admit it, the Handlebar wasn’t really my typical scene, but the few times I did hang out or go there to catch a show, I always had a great time! The Handlebar stage served as a platform for local and up-and-coming artists to make their mark in the local music scene including several, now worldrenowned, artists like Run-D.M.C., The Replacements and Suicidal Tendencies.

The old brick and mortar building located on Tarragona Street in downtown Pensacola was certainly underwhelming and could easily be passed by if you didn’t know that it was there, but it’s what happened inside that made the bar hold such a special place in the hearts of so many people in our community.

We had a chance to catch up with new Handlebar owners, Kathy Sandstrom and Chris McKean, to learn about what all is in store for the reopening of the iconic local dive. We’ve also brought you details on the Emerald Coast Beer Festival, the Blues Society of NWFL’s upcoming regional blues competition and a roundup of some tasty new downtown eats. As always, I hope you enjoy this month’s issue.

Until next time, Cheers!

Offices located at 21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502

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10 6 5 Questions with Creatives: Devin Bonner 8 The 26th Annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival: The Longest Running Beer Festival on the Gulf Coast 10 New Downtown Eats

16

12 The Handlebar Returns: Reviving a Local Music Icon 16 Bringing the Blues: Blues Society of Northwest Florida to Host Regional Blues Competition 18 August Events Calendar 20 Military Matters

Downtown Crowd is locally owned and operated. It is published monthly for distribution in Pensacola, Florida. All Right Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

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5 Questions With Creatives Devin Bonner, Multidisciplinary Artist

by Nicole Willis

Multidisciplinary artist and owner of Devin Designs LLC, Devin Bonner, is a Pensacola native with a passion for creating. Bonner dabbles in all types of art—everything from photography and illustration to sculpting and digital design. You may have seen his work at Gallery Night in downtown Pensacola, where he recently served as one of the featured artists. Bonner holds a bachelor’s degree in graphic design and business communications from Pensacola State College and is employed as a graphic designer at EW Bullock Associates. Bonner also serves as an assistant professor in the metalworking and fabrication department at his alma mater. Check out more of Bonner’s work on Instagram @DevinDDesigns or on his website, devinddesigns.myportfolio.com. You can also shop his designs on Etsy at etsy. com/shop/DevinDDesigns, where he sells his local brand of apparel called “Pencil Cola.”

How long have you been interested in illustration, design, and photography? How did you first get into creating in this way?

I grew up in a family of car and bike builders and racers, which is where I attribute the beginning of my artistic development.

As a child, my father would have me come to the shop and sketch out the vehicles as a blueprint for him to draw up plans for the builds. Every part had to be there and as close as possible to the original, up to the finest details and finishes. When my family purchased their first PC in 1998, I was introduced to the Adobe Creative Suite, which is what really started my dive into digital design. With more tools at hand to increase speed and productivity, my main objective became to try and make something look as realistic as possible. As you could imagine, this soon turned into a passion for making things look good and fast, and ultimately formed a dream of one day becoming an automotive designer.

What medium or art form would you consider your work to be, and can you tell about some of the different pieces you create?

I consider myself a “jack of all trades, but a master of none.” With that, I would say my art would be classified as “multidisciplinary,” 6 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

being that I work in any and all media that I find interesting. I create everything from photography and illustration to custom metal works and websites. I love being able to see an idea progress from a thought, to so many intriguing things that people would never imagine.

One of my first big projects at my current agency was the design of the Blue Angels water tower. I remember when I announced that I was chosen to do it, so many people in our community reached out to share their excitement. I saw that with the right support and community, even the sky is not the limit. I love looking up and knowing that to my community, this is representing our home.

When I was recently chosen as the featured artist for Gallery Night, I wanted to expand on that feeling and produce something that the people of the city can appreciate. The show was themed “motoring car show” focusing on automotive art. So, I created a Blue Angels sculpture out of automotive scraps such as a brake caliper, spark plugs and an old body panel. The piece is meant to give the viewer the same feel of looking up to the sky and seeing the jet streams breaking through the clouds, while also hurting your eyes from the bright mirrored sky.

What is your favorite subject to capture in your photography and illustrations?

I love being able to tell a story, and when I can effectively do so within my work without narration, I feel accomplished. My photo “broken promises” shows a guy in a cool pose in an awesome car.

However, the story that it doesn’t show is the guy shredding up the racetrack in said car, and with one split second, wrecking it, destroying countless hours of work. It serves as a reminder that when you push things over the limit, you must remember that at any second, it could all break in front of you.

My favorite subject found in many of my works is my wife and best friend Annastasia Bonner, who has been there for me from the beginning. In the times where I didn’t have a subject, she was always there to bail me out.

Can you take me through your creative process and describe what all goes into creating one of your illustrations?

When creating a car or bike illustration, there is usually something that catches my eye and causes some interest. I think about how I could let others see what I see in this subject and envision the finished project to the most intricate details. Once I can see it in its most complete form, I know the only thing between the finished project and where it currently sits

is all in the amount of hardwork and effort I put into it. My personal car, which is a 1989 Nissan that I purchased for $900, is a perfect example of this. Many people who know my family’s history of car fascination wondered why I would buy something so boring.

However, what they didn’t know was that I had already sketched out a plan of how I knew it would look when it was done. It was only a matter of time until it was exactly how I envisioned it, down to the exact color palette.

So, all in all, it is the use of skills from past experience paired with proper design etiquette in the form of vision, sketches and color samples.

I see on your Instagram page that you have a series called “Manipulation Monday.” Can you explain more about the inspiration behind this piece and your process for creating this mixed-media design?

This started as a fun hobby I had when I was a child and it stuck

with me. I loved finding old advertisements, whether that be trifold brochures in dental offices or sales guides in car dealerships. I loved the original piece and putting my own completely different take on it, while still making it feel as close to a real advertisement as possible. Stock images of nurses would become superheroes with a mustache. A family sedan would turn into the coolest car that people could only dream would ever be released. When I began a career in advertising, I would study “great advertising” to understand what works in these ads. I would then deconstruct each element— such as the imagery, color choices and typography—to gain insight into what ultimately made the piece work. So, “Manipulation Mondays” became a tool to force myself to complete a weekly goal and stay on top of these lessons, but, in addition, to use my skills of digital design to have fun and unwind over good music and a tasty new beer.

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The 26th Annual

Emerald Coast Beer Festival The Longest Running Beer Festival on the Gulf Coast

by Morgan Cole

T

he 26th annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival will return to the streets of downtown Pensacola September 8 through September 9.

Organized and hosted by the Escambia Bay Homebrewers Club and Seville Quarter, the Emerald Coast Beer Festival has earned its reputation as the longest running beer festival on the Gulf Coast.

from more than a dozen regional homebrew clubs as well as several major regional beer distributors.

Attendees will be able to purchase food from a variety of local food truck vendors and enjoy live music performed across several stages.

“Guests can choose from more than 200 different types of beverages to sample at the event, including seltzers, wines, meads and beers,” Martin said.

“We expect to fill all 65 spots for breweries and brew clubs this year, with the one even coming all the way from Missouri. However, a majority of the breweries at this year’s event have been regular attendees for a number of years,” Escambia Bay Homebrewers club Treasurer Jim Martin said.

Since the Escambia Bay Homebrewers took over the beer fest in 1999, it has grown from just 200 attendees in its first year to nearly 2,500.

The Emerald Coast Beer Festival will kick off Thursday, September 8 at Seville Quarter at 7 pm with a fivecourse beer pairing dinner featuring an exclusive assortment of handcrafted beers. On Friday, September 9, the festival kicks into full gear with beer samples and other micro brewed beverages from more than 50 breweries from across the country, highlighting the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions.

The Homebrewers Club star ted with some craft beer lovers in the spring of 1985, back when the craft brew scene only happened in the garages and basements of enthusiasts. Today, it consists of more than 100 members who craft all types of adult beverages including beer, wine, mead and cider. Since its establishment in 1985, the club has developed connections with other homebrew clubs across the country.

The festival will also feature a variety of tasty brews and craft beverages 8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

“We took over the fest from the Florida Brewers Guild with the original purpose of brewers and homebrewers to get together at the end of the summer and have a good time. At that time there were only a few breweries along the Gulf Coast and when we started hosting the festival, there were less than 10 breweries present and only two brew clubs. I expect to see more than 60 for this year,” Martin said.

Tickets for the 26th annual Emerald Coast Beer Festival are currently on sale and can be purchased online at emeraldcoastbeerfest.com, or at one of the following ticket outlets in Pensacola: A Little Madness Brewery, Gary’s Homebrew Supply, Gulf Coast Brewery, Pensacola Bay Brewery, Seville Quarter, Spahr Brewery and Ye Olde Brothers Brewery. General admission tickets are $30 in advance or $40 the day of the event.

A limited number of VIP tickets are also on sale and include early entry into the VIP room at 5 pm with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and access to an exclusive selection of handcrafted

“

Guests can choose from more than 200 different types of beverages to sample at the event, including seltzers, wines, meads and beers.”

beers. VIP tickets can be purchased in advance from an Escambia Bay Homebrewers Club member for $75.

VIP tickets can also be purchased through the festival website or at any local ticket outlet for $80.

All ticket holders receive a souvenir festival beer tasting glass. Proceeds from the 2022 Emerald Coast Beer Festival ticket sales benefit Seville Rotary and the Alfred-Washburn Center.

For tickets and complete event details, visit emeraldcoastbeerfest.com.

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NEW DOWNTOWN EATS

by Morgan Cole and Nicole Willis

South Market Expands to New Location in Former Saltgrass Steakhouse Downtown Pensacola eatery, South Market, has officially moved into its new location at 905 East Gregory Street, which was once home to the former Saltgrass Steakhouse. Hays has repurposed the space to continue building on her vision of bringing a locally-sourced, crafted with love eatery to downtown Pensacola.

menu offerings. Previously located in the Pensacola Historic Village at 232 E. Main St., the newly-designed space can accommodate more guests with almost three times more seating than that of the original location. Hays said that the goal for the new location was to help reduce wait times for customers, especially during weekend brunch.

South Market owner Holly Hays said that once the restaurant officially relocated to the space on Gregory Street, she knew the additional square footage would offer an opportunity to expand the

Hays recently hired local chef, Keith Pardue, to help grow and reshape the restaurant’s current dinner offerings.

Under the leadership of Pardue, the restaurant recently unveiled a new menu

featuring Gulf seafood, fresh oysters and prime steaks. The new South Market will continue offering all of its favorite menu staples for both lunch and dinner, but with an elevated twist.

Pardue’s new menu creations are based around fresh, seasonal ingredients, which include a new fresh catch ceviche, smoked salmon deviled eggs, lamb lollipops and a raw and baked oyster program. Pardue will be keeping several of the South Market classics, including the crab cake benedict, strawberry fields salad and beloved chicken salad recipe, which he believes should be left untouched. However, Pardue brings his own Southern-inspired flair to the already-loved menu, with dishes like his smoked salmon benedict atop a fresh-baked gluten-free biscuit and hand-breaded chicken and waffles with maple syrup.

Café NOLA Expands Into Downtown with Second Location Pensacolians know Café NOLA for their Louisiana-inspired cuisine, such as po’boys and gumbo. After five years of serving Pensacola Beach, the restaurant is now dishing up their Cajun and Creoleinspired offerings at their new restaurant location in downtown Pensacola. In May, Café NOLA owner, Cy Whitney, made the announcement that he would be opening up a second location called Restaurant NOLA. 10 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

South Market is currently open Wednesday through Sunday. Hours are 11 am to 9 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 9:30 am to 10 pm on Friday and Saturday and 9:30 am to 9 pm on Sunday. According to Hays, South Market will eventually transition back to being open seven days a week.

Check out the South Market Facebook page for updates and information.

Restaurant NOLA will also feature some tasty new menu items. Since the kitchen in the new space is much larger in size, Whitney said that customers can expect to see more menu offerings. Café NOLA favorites will remain on the menu at the new location, including raw and charbroiled oysters, gumbos, po’boys and crawfish etouffee. Expanded menu offerings will include new pasta dishes, fresh seafood and steak entrees. Whitney said that the new downtown location will allow the chefs to prepare fresh items on a daily basis for both the downtown and Pensacola Beach locations.

Restaurant NOLA will be located in the former Franco’s building on East Gregory Street, which closed in late 2021 after 23 years of service. According to Whitney, design and construction teams have

been working on renovating both the interior and exterior of the building, which will include the addition of an outdoor dining area.

Restaurant NOLA is scheduled to open this coming September at 523 East Gregory Street. For information on Restaurant NOLA and café NOLA, visit thecafenola. com. Check out @therestaurantnola on Facebook for updates.

New Tapas and Cocktail Bar Coming to Historic Pensacola Village A new tapas and cocktail bar is set to open in the coming weeks at 232 E. Main St. in Historic Pensacola Village. South Market owner and operator, Holly Hays, recently announced her plans to transform the old South Market location into an eclectic tapas and cocktail bar called Kitty Mitchell.

According to Hays, Kitty Mitchell will be set apart from the South Market brand with a concept similar to the popular tapas and cocktail bar in Pace called Bar515.

The new Main Street restaurant will also be run by Bar515 Chef Jason Brewer, however, the menu for the new spot will be completely different.

Hays’ vision for the new space is to create a social gathering place where friends can hang out, be a little loud and try some interesting food and drinks. Hays said that she wants people to be able to come in, let loose and really engage with others around them. According to Hays, the food

will be fun and experimental, consisting mainly of tapas-style dishes along with a few plated entrees to showcase different varieties of meats, like duck and quail.

There will also be a completely separate brunch menu.

be painted with a coat of fresh, green paint, with other accent walls that will be lined with fun accessories, such as fish wallpaper and pink fringe.

Items from the tapas section of the menu will start at around $7, with the larger plated entrees available in the high$20 to low-$40 range. Kitty Michell is anticipated to open by the end of July. For more details and updates on opening day, visit the South Market and Kitty Mitchell Facebook page.

While Hays was searching for the perfect name to capture the funky, eclectic experience she envisioned for the new space, she stumbled across an 1870s folklore legend about the real person who inspired the nickname for the Gulf’s prized speckled hind grouper, “Kitty Mitchell.”

Although everyone seems to have their own opinion about the person who actually inspired the nickname, one predominant theory is that she might have been the first restaurant owner in Pensacola.

Hays plans to revamp the space with feminine decor and accents that resemble the 1870s time-period along with modernday decor. The inside of the space will

New German Restaurant Taking Over The Joint on Palafox Downtown Pensacola’s first authentic German restaurant, Bavaria, is scheduled to open this coming September at 10 Palafox Street, where The Joint was located before permanently closing its doors last September.

Bavaria will feature a variety of modern German cuisines with an Italian twist.

According to Bavaria owners, the restaurant will look nothing like a traditional German beer hall with the Americanized take on German dishes that’s often heavy on the beer and brats.

Instead, Bavaria will deliver a more contemporary, upscale dining experience much like you would have in a progressive northern German city, like Hamburg.

Bavaria owners have also said that they intend to hire actual German chefs to help curate the menu using only the finest ingredients to create dishes like authentic veal schnitzel. The final menu offerings will be solidified closer to the restaurant’s projected opening date in September.

For guests looking for a more familiar, less expensive meal option, owners are planning to make use of a 900-degree, round wood-fired oven to create dishes like flammkuchen, and German flatbread, which will be available for about $15.

The interior will be filled with various wood tones, dim lighting and Europeaninfluenced house music to provide entertainment throughout the evening.

The restaurant will feature a full size bar with a variety of authentic German beers available on draft and by the bottle.

Final plans for the new restaurant are still subject to change. For updates and additional information, visit the Bavaria Pensacola Facebook page.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11

Our goal is to bring smaller bands and local acts and re-create the scene that the Handlebar once had.”

“

THE HANDLEBAR RETURNS Reviving a Local Music Landmark

by Morgan Cole & Nicole Willis

If you grew up in Pensacola or lived in the area in the 80s or 90s, you more than likely remember the staple of the city’s underground music scene, The Handlebar. Whether you have only been once to see a big name perform as they passed through town, stopped in occasionally to catch a local band perform or were one of the regulars, you likely ended up staying for the good company, sometimescold beer and great music.

12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

The name “The Handlebar” most likely conjures up images of some sort of biker bar, and rightfully so, but the iconic Pensacola dive was a place for everyone. The truth is that the Handlebar served as a melting pot of styles and genre, with live music that included everything from heavy metal and punk rock, to pop, folk and even country.

The stage of the iconic dive served as a platform for local up-and-coming artists and traveling bands alike. Several artists, now world-renowned, have played on The Handlebar stage during the start of their music career, including the likes

of Run-D.M.C., The Replacements and Suicidal Tendencies.

Since The Handlebar opened its doors in 1983, it has served as a community gathering space for all types of crowds. For most of its life, the local dive was owned and operated by Pensacola-natives, Sue and Jimmy Lamar III. After the building caught fire in 2001, it eventually reopened, but ultimately closed its doors for good in November of 2018. When The Handlebar hit the market, it caught the attention of Kathy Sandstrom and her husband, Chris McKean who are now co-owners of the new space.

Sandstrom and McKean are both Pensacola natives, each with their own connection to the dive. Back in late 80s and early 90s, the couple were regular patrons of the bar, with McKean even performing with his band in some of his own shows at the venue.

In 2019, Sandstrom decided to purchase the bar in hopes to flip it, but was approached by individuals in the community who urged her to restore the building. After recalling her and her husband’s fond memories at the bar, Sandstrom and McKean began the process of restoring the neglected old bar off Tarragona Street back to its original glory, but this time, with a few upgrades.

“Our goal is to bring smaller bands and local acts and re-create the scene that the Handlebar once had,” Sandstrom said.

“We bought the building back in 2019 and at the time it was vacant and the intention was just to trade the real estate,” Sandstrom explained.

She recently retired from an investment firm in Chicago after 25 years and moved back to Pensacola with her husband.

The fond memories that the couple shares and unwavering support from the local community have served as the inspiration behind the restoration.

Back in the day, a typical night at The Handlebar consisted of guzzling down multiple cans of lukewarm PBR, playing a few rounds of pool and chatting with some friends—or making new ones. Perhaps you selected a classic rock song on the jukebox before the band came on.

As you stood around waiting for the show to begin, you would notice the hodgepodge of quirky decor thrown up on the walls.

When the band took the stage, people crowded around them, dancing, singing, and, most importantly, having a good time. The walls shook with every note played. The scent of stale cigarette smoke wafted through the

air, clinging onto your clothes until the next trip to the laundromat. If this scent and a headache from the loud music followed you home, you knew you had a good night.

The bar served wine and beer in a single community room with plenty of open space to provide a clear view of the stage. The building’s simple brick and mortar design was splashed with black graffiti and decorated

We fit a niche that doesn’t exist today for the smaller bands that are touring across the south, we have a venue small enough for them to play.”

“

with vintage photos that hung crookedly on the walls. At the north end of the bar, was a piano that was rarely (if ever) played adorned with a Pet Rose plaque and a skull capped with a Bud Light sign. The true beauty and glory of The Handlebar lied within its imperfections.

New owners Sandstrom and McKean are dedicated to bringing that same familiar feeling into the newly-restored space, and have developed a team to help them in the restoration and re-opening process.

Sandstrom and McKean personally recruited each of the individuals working to bring the bar back to its glory days, includingGeneral Manager Robert Goodspeed, Bar Manager Jess Laws and East Hill Building and Design Creative Director, Adam Myrick. The team’s ultimate goal is to breathe new life into the space, while also capturing the same hole-inthe-wall vibe and fostering that same sense of community present in the dive’s earlier days.

The Handlebar has received a makeover both inside and out, with renovations such as an updated courtyard with additional tables and seating, new branding, a fresh coat of paint, brand new restrooms—four of them to be exact—and, last but not least, an amenity the space previously lacked and everyone is sure to appreciate…air-conditioning!

The outdoor courtyard served as a quiet place for conversation for those that needed a break away from the commotion inside The Handlebar’s walls. It has now been renovated to include room for more outdoor seating. The brick building’s exterior boasts a fresh coat

»

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13

of gray paint that gives the space a modern and contemporary feel.

Things will feel a little bit different inside the building as well. Most notably, the air-conditioner and the additional restrooms. The revamped space will also be smoke free and will feature a newly-designed bar space, complete with full drink menu.

Back in The Handlebar’s glory days, you were lucky if you could get your hands on a beer that was actually cold. Now there will be a full bar offering well drinks, cocktails and a variety of local craft beers, primarily sourced from Pensacola’s breweries. According to Sandstrom, sourcing locally was important to the team and their mission in order to help foster the sense of community and welcoming vibe they want to achieve.

The musical aspects of The Handlebar will remain the same—the venue will serve as a welcoming place that provides a platform for musicians of all genres. Local and traveling artists alike are invited to play at

I think that people will care a lot about us opening again, so the beginning is a good chance for them to relive the old experience and create the new.”

“

the venue. The Handlebar’s general continue providing this inclusivity in a manager, Robert Goodspeed, seeks time where we need it most. to keep the musical aspects of the bar consistent with those of the past. “We kept the walls, we kept the stage “We’re going to be that home for the placement and size,” Goodspeed said. local artists and the up and coming “I think when people come in they are artists, in true fashion, the same way going to really feel that we stuck to as that the old Handlebar was,” Good- much of the true shape and style of speed said. the building as possible, and hopefully think that we just made it really cool.”

Sandstrom wants to fill a gap within the scene, “We fit a niche that doesn’t “We want to keep the spirit of the origexist today for the smaller bands that inal The Handlebar, the community, are touring across the south, we have the vibe,” Sandstrom added. “But the a venue small enough for them to building itself needed some major play. There’s not a lot of other places upgrades, and it was time to add a like this one around.” few nice things, like clean bathrooms and an actual liquor license, and just The team’s greatest mission in the do some upgrades.” restoration of The Handlebar is to bring people together. Regardless With the final pieces of furniture of which subculture you fit into, The being brought in and art being hung, Handlebar was a place for every- the bar is set to reopen the second one. The new owners are seeking to week of August.

“The first shows are going to really stick to making sure that we cultivate the local crowd and get those bands playing in front of big audiences. I think that people will care a lot about us opening again, so the beginning is a good chance for them to relive the old experience and create the new,” Goodspeed explained.

The first show to take place on the remodeled Handlebar stage will be headlined by Acid Dad and Cavae, an alternative-rock band from New York that’s about to embark on their tour

14 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

throughout the country with a stop in Pensacola on August 13.

Second on the lineup is pons-hardcore band Vagrants. The band played at The Handlebar numerous times in their early years and are originally from Pensacola. The band performed in their very first show at The Handlebar and were one of the last acts to play on The Handlebar stage before its doors permanently closed in 2018.

Since their start at The Handlebar, the Vagrants have signed with New York-based record label Equal Vision Records, and now tour performing at various venues across the country.

The band will return to The Handlebar to perform on August 19 to commemorate the re-opening of the iconic Pensacola venue, where they held their very first gig.

If you have been keeping up with The Handlebar’s reopening online, you may have noticed that the team has done a complete rebranding on their social media and website. A new, sleek logo provides a professional feel to the venue’s online presence. The all-new website at thehandlebar850.com, has been updated to match the bar’s new branding and revamped logo. The website also features a complete list of upcoming shows and other events, along with the ability to now directly purchase tickets online.

For more information and to buy tickets to the shows mentioned above, visit thehandlebar850.com. Be sure to follow @TheHandlebar850 on Instagram and Facebook to receive the latest updates and potential show additions. 

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Bringing —the— Blues Blues Society of Northwest Florida to Host Regional Blues Competition

by Darien Hardy

The annual Regional Blues Challenge is returning to Seville Quarter in Pensacola on August 20, where top Blues musicians from across the region will perform for the chance to represent the Blues Society of Northwest Florida (NWFL) at the International Blues Challenge on January 23, 2023, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Hosted annually by The Blues Society of NWFL, this regional Blues competition consists of 14 to 15 acts, where musicians perform as part of a

Established in 1983, The Blues Foundation is a nonprofit organization based out of Memphis. Since its establishment, The Blues

band, a duo or a solo act for Foundation has dedicated their chance to advance to the itself to keeping the art of international level. The Blues blues music alive, with annual Society of NWFL will select events such as the Internawinning musicians from each tional Blues Challenge, the performance category to go Blues Music Awards and on to compete in the Inter- the Keeping the Blues Alive national Blues Competition, awards. Per its mission hosted annually by The Blues statement, the Foundation Foundation. “preserves Blues heritage, 16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

celebrates Blues recording and performance, expands worldwide awareness of the Blues and ensures the future of the uniquely American art form.” Today, The Blues Foundation has roughly 180 affiliate societies across the globe, with the Blues Society of NWFL being the only society located within the Northwest Florida corridor.

Blues jam in Florida. Today, the Blues Society of NWFL continues to host its Monday Night Blues jam sessions each week at Seville Quarter.

In 2019, Bounds officially passed the torch on to Riggs and vice president Lee Maskery, who, with the help of multiple legacy donors, got the Society back to its

corporation. According to Scott Riggs, the current President of the Blues Society of NWFL, the original document stated, “The specific purpose for which the corporation is organized is to promote and support blues music in its historic and modern forms through events, publications and education.”

“The jam helps to give newer musicians live stage The earliest official record experience and of the Blues helps them to Society of NWFL dates learn the ropes back to 1998, of the Blues,” when the articles of incorporation were first filed. There was, however, an earlier formation a few years before the society became an official nonprofit

full 501c3 nonprofit status.

Today, the Society’s primary goal remains to keep the Blues alive in Pensacola through their Monday Night Blues jams.

For each Monday Night Blues session, the Society brings in international, national, regional and local blues musicians to perform before beginning the weekly jam session. “The jam helps to give newer musicians live stage experience and helps them to learn the ropes of the Blues,” Riggs explained.

Over the years, the Society has Riggs and the Society’s Board changed lead- of Directors, use specific e r s h i p , w i t h guidelines provided by The Mike Bounds Blues Foundation to orgataking over as nize and conduct the official p r e s i d e n t i n judging for each of the acts 2000. In 2004, competing in the Regional Sam R i c h - Blues Challenge. For the chalardson helped the Society lenge, each act will be allotted launch its popular Monday 25 minutes to perform their Night Blues program, which set, and going over this time is held weekly and serves limit will result in a loss of as the longest running points. Each act will be judged

on blues content, originality, vocals, the Regional Blues Challenge on instrumental talent and stage pres- August 20. The official date for the ence. There will be a timekeeper Youth Blues Challenge is expected and three judges awarding points to be announced at a later date. for each act. The two acts that earn the highest composite score will Musicians interested in performthen advance to the International ing in the upcoming Regional Blues Blues Competition and are guar- Challenge have until August 13 to anteed a spot in the quarterfinals, sign up and should either message which are held on Beale Street in the Society on their Facebook downtown Memphis. page, or speak with Riggs directly during one of the Monday Night Riggs also explained that The Blues Blues jam sessions.

Society of NWFL would like to begin working with more of the younger The Blues Society of NWFL’s 2022 musicians in the local commu- Regional Blues Challenge will be nity. During the main competition held August 20 from 3 pm to 9 pm each year, the International Blues at Lili Marlene’s inside Seville QuarCompetition also hosts a special ter at 130 East Government St. in Youth Challenge. The Society is downtown Pensacola. This event looking to start a separate Regional is free and open to the public. For Blues Challenge for young musi- more information on the upcoming cians to represent them in the Regional Blues Challenge or the Youth Challenge each year. Riggs Blues Society of NWFL, visit the said that this challenge would serve @BluesSocietyNWFL Facebook as a separate competition from page.

August COMMUNITY EVENTS Blue Angels Practice Dates

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 2, 23, 24, 30, & 31 DoD identification card holders and their guests who are able to access Naval Air Station Pensacola and visit the National Naval Aviation Museum can view the Blue Angels practice flight demonstrations from the flight deck. 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.

Cinderella at the Pensacola Little Theatre

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 29 - August 14 Unhappy with her home life and job as a maid, Cinderella dreams of a different life. When it is announced that the Prince is giving a ball, Cinderella wishes to attend, but it seems impossible. With help from her animal friends and her magical Fairy Godmother, Cinderella’s dream of a lovely night comes to life. The classic production of Cinderella is playing at the Pensacola Little Theatre starting on July 29th and running until August 14th. Tickets are available at pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Lee Brice “Label Me Proud” Tour

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 11 Country music star Lee Brice is bringing his “Label Me Proud” tour to the Pensacola Bay Center! Joined by special guests Michael Ray and Jackson Dean, this show is one a country fan won’t want to miss. Doors open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. VIP tickets are available. For ticket information and more, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

Capstone’s 13th Annual Wine Dinner

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 12 Take a seat at the dinner table as a guest of Capstone Adaptive Learning & Therapy Centers, Inc. as they celebrate their 13th Annual “Wine a Little, Dine a Lot!” wine tasting dinner on Friday, August 12th at Sanders Beach – Corrine Jones Resource Center Ballroom!

Eat, sip, and enjoy a delectable four-course dinner prepared by community favorite, Chef Gus Silivos, with wine pairings provided by Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.

Doors open at 5:30 PM and dinner begins at 6:15 PM. Many other event attractions include a silent auction and live auction, live music by Rick Duffy Jr. & Friends featuring Roxanne Nicholson, paddle raise, live art demos, and a cork pull where guests will have the opportunity to win a surprise bottle of wine.

Enjoy a little sparkle with your ensemble? Then test your luck and buy tickets to win a $2,500 shopping spree

Pensacola Blue Wahoos Schedule

Birmingham Barons vs Blue Wahoos - August 9 at 6:35 pm

Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos - August 23 at 6:35 pm

Birmingham Barons vs Blue Wahoos - August 10 at 6:35 pm

Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos - August 24 at 6:35 pm

Birmingham Barons vs Blue Wahoos - August 11 at 6:35 pm

Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos - August 25 at 6:35 pm

Birmingham Barons vs Blue Wahoos - August 12 at 6:35 pm

Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos - August 26 at 6:35 pm

Birmingham Barons vs Blue Wahoos - August 13 at 6:05 pm

Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos - August 27 at 6:05 pm

Birmingham Barons vs Blue Wahoos - August 14 at 4:05 pm

Montgomery Biscuits vs Blue Wahoos - August 28 at 4:05 pm

Saturday Night Fever at the Saenger

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 13 Saenger Summer Movie Series presents Saturday Night Fever! Sing, dance, and experience the disco days with this throwback film. Enjoy watching this classic film in the beautiful historic Saenger Theatre. An hour before the show, Alex Gartner, Executive Director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, will perform music from the film on the Great Saenger Pipe Organ. The show begins at 7 pm. For ticket information and more, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Ever’Market at Nine Mile Road

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 13 As a co-op, Ever’man is committed to ensuring that our community has support for responsible local agriculture and small businesses. This monthly market allows customers to purchase goods from different vendors, including small and responsible local agricultural businesses. The market will occur outside the Nine Mile Road location from 10 am - 4 pm.

Monster Jam at The Pensacola Bay Center

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .August 13-14 Monster Jam is back at the Bay Center! This ultimate motorsports experience features fun, high-flying action. Three shows are scheduled– Saturday at 1 pm and 7 pm, and Sunday at 1 pm. If you want to further the Monster Jam experience, consider participating in a pre-show Pit Party or a VIP aftershow experience. Pit Parties are offered from 10:30 am - 12 pm, before the 1 pm shows on Saturday and Sunday. Pit Party attendees will be able to see the massive monster trucks up close, participate in driver Q&As, watch pre-race interviews

with Beré Jewelers. Tickets are available for $100 and only 100 tickets will be sold. Donors do not have to be present to win and the winner will be announced after the dinner.

Community Partners such as The Riesberg Institute, Circle K, Emerald Coast Granite & Tile, FPL, Sammy’s, Mutual of America and Grey Matters have made this event possible. All proceeds from this event benefit Capstone’s children’s therapy programs where they provide important services such as speech, occupational, physical, and feeding therapies to the children within their care with special needs.

Keyword “Wine a Little, Dine a Lot!” tickets are on sale now on our website capstonelearning.org/wine-dine for $125 before August 1 and increase to $135 after August 1. You can also purchase tickets at their office located at 2912 North E Street, Pensacola, FL, 32501. Sponsorship opportunities still available. For more information about the event, email or call Tisha Cornish at LCornish@ capstoneadaptivelearning.org Phone: (850)-432-1596.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 27 Saenger Summer Movie Series Presents Jailhouse Rock! Elvis Presley is Vince Everett in Jailhouse Rock, a story about a criminal turned superstar. While in jail, Everett meets friends who tell him about the music business. After his release, he becomes a singer and learns the perils of the industry. Will Everett be able to navigate fame, money and friendship? An hour before the show, Alex Gartner, Executive Director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, will perform music from the film on the Great Saenger Pipe Organ. The show begins at 7 pm.

For ticket information and more, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

and more. VIP after-show experiences are available after all three shows. VIP tickets give attendees access to the Winner’s Circle Meet & Greet. For ticket information and more, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

JJ Grey & Mofro at Pensacola Saenger Theatre

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 18 Join JJ Grey & Mofro for a night of soulful Southern rock at the historic Saenger Theatre. JJ Grey and his band Mofro bring groovy compositions with a blue-collared spirit. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For ticket information and more, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Champagne Drip at Vinyl Music Hall

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 25 Champagne Drip is a musical endeavor by DJ and producer Sam Pool. Champagne Drip will be bringing an immersive night of drum and bass music to the Vinyl Music Hall. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For ticket information and more, visit vinylmusichall.com.

Mersiv at Vinyl Music Hall

September 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

The Mersiv Experience Tour: In The Flo State will be stopping by the Vinyl Music Hall with special guests Smoakland and SuperAve. Mersiv is the brainchild of producer and DJ Anderson Benoit Gallegos. Mersiv’s creates dark bass music that any EDM fan will appreciate. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.

The Princess Bride at the Saenger

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 3 Saenger Summer Movies Series presents The Princess Bride!

Join Princess Buttercup for a night filled with love and adventure. Catch this classic film in the beautiful historic Saenger Theatre. An hour before the show, Alex Gartner, Executive Director of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, will perform music from the film on the Great Saenger Pipe Organ. The show begins at 7 pm. For ticket information and more, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Gulf Coast Summer Fest - Jazz Edition

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . September 3 - 4

The Feast at Pensacola Little Theatre

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . August 26-28, September 1-3 The Feast is a comedy written by Cory Finley and directed

by Brandon Mayo. The play details Matt and Anna’s relationship. The couple is doing fine until the sewers under their apartment open up and begin to speak. Don’t miss this eerie comedy about what is real, what is not and who knows. For mature audiences only. For showtimes, ticket information and more, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Enjoy hours of nonstop jazz music at the Annual Gulf Coast Summer Fest Jazz Edition. Held at Community Maritime Park, the festival will overlook beautiful Pensacola Bay. Bring your coolers and lawn chairs to relax by the water and enjoy music from acts such as Jonathan Butler, Julian Vaughn, Incognito and more. Gates open at 12:30 pm and the show starts at 1:30 pm on both days. This event is for ages 18 or older. For more information, visit gulfcoastsummerfestjazzedition. com/. Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.

CLASSIC

2022-23 CONCERT SEASON

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MASTERWORKS OPENING NIGHT! SCHUMANN SYMPHONY NO. 3 BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS VERDI REQUIEM SEASON FINALE: DVOŘÁK SYMPHONY NO. 7

POPS! DEC. 31, 2022 CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR! FEB. 11, 2023 CIRQUE SPECTACULAR ADD-ON CONCERT MAR. 25, 2023 BRONFMAN PLAYS RACHMANINOFF’S THIRD NEW SUBSCRIBERS

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Jailhouse Rock at the Saenger

August Home Games at Blue Wahoos Stadium. For more information and tickets, visit milb.com/pensacola

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Fair, Honest, Experienced

Scott Ritchie is the Right Choice for Escambia County Judge Committed to Public Safety Civil and Criminal Experience Lifelong resident of Escambia County Thousands of hours in court

MILITARYMATTERS

MILITARYMATTERS

AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

NASP MILITARY WORKING DOG TO MILITARY RETIRED DOG BY 2ND LT. ANA C. CHIU NAS PENSACOLA

M

eet Honorary 1st Class Petty Officer Dolar, the 4-year-old Belgian Malinois who is about to embark on a journey many would be envious of…retirement.

Dolar’s military service began in 2019 when he was just a young pup.

He was accepted and assigned to Lackland Air Force Base, Texas for Explosive Detection Training and Patrol Training school where he underwent rigorous training in order to become a military working dog.

Upon graduating, he was stationed at Naval Air Station Pensacola. Unbeknownst to him, this is where he would meet his partner and adopted owner Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Petty Officer Jonathon Koop. From Carlsbad, California, Koop enlisted in 2019 and graduated at the top of his class and earned the coveted position as a handler in 2020. Together they would certify as a team and provide safety and security for over 20,000 military and Department of Defense personnel across four installations over their time together here.

20 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Over the years the team has supported many missions to include to the United Nation General Assembly (New York), Edmund Pettus Bridge March (Selma, Alabama) and the Republican National Convention (Charlotte, North Carolina) protecting individuals like President Joseph Biden, Vice President Kamila Harris, former President Donald Trump and Former Vice President Mike Pence.

Koop describes the rewarding experience of being a handler to these loyal companions.

“We have the best partners that you could possibly ask for [because] you are going to have a partner that is going to trust you with its life.”

This trust and confidence was demonstrated over years of responding to incidents.

Military working dogs are often portrayed as confident or intimidating. However, Koop describes Dolar as a happy go lucky dog who likes people. He enjoys pets and playtime as much as any lovable canine.

When a military working dog is retired from active duty service they are no longer in the care of the government and they need a home.

Oftentimes the handler will be the

Honorary 1st Class Petty Officer military working dog Dolar and his adopted family, Master-at-Arms 2nd Class Petty Officer Jonathon Koop and Miranda Koop pose for a photo with his farewell gift of bones, treats and other toys after his retirement ceremony July 21, 2022.

Photo by Joshua Cox.

first to apply for the adoption. If the handler does not want to or is not able to adopt, the canine will be available for adoption to the public. Koop made the easy decision to apply to adopt Dolar when he learned about his medical retirement.

These days, Dolar looks back fondly on his military service and all the adventures that he had. Although he might miss aspects of his job, he looks forward to a well earned retirement at the Koop household. You can bet that his pup will be enjoying the finer things of what household pet life has to offer.

“We did get him toys; probably too many toys. He’s probably overwhelmed by how many toys he has.

He’ll chew on them until he gets really tired and falls asleep,” Koop said.

Although Dolar is only a few weeks into his retirement he has done a lot.

His most recent hobbies are spending his days visiting the beach, running in fields and his favorite pastime, watching golf on TV. His most recent new food adventure was to get a pup cup, a popular dog treat, for the first time. As for his future plans? Dolar will continue to explore the ins and outs of pet life and the prospect of many vacations. There is even talk of a family vacation to California to see snow. Dolar will be turning 5 in September, so please wish the old man a happy birthday while he enjoys retired life.

MILITARYMATTERS

SAILOR’S SERVICE TO YOUTH EARNS AWARD, REGIONAL RECOGNITION

BY ENSIGN ULYSSES R. GRISETTE IV

O

riginally from Clemson, South Carolina, Air Traffic Controller First Class Austin Holliday was introduced to the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida after graduating high school. Through his dedication and volunteering, he was recently awarded the Ron Mobayed Military Big of the Year Award for 2022. Holliday earned the award through mentorship and care for his little brother, DaShawn, over the span of three years.

This award honors Navy Lt. Ronald Joseph Mobayed who volunteered as a Big Brother while he attended flight school in the 1990s. Mobayed was killed, along with his crew, when their aircraft crashed off the coast of Virginia in 1995.

Big Brothers Big Sisters provides a role model to help enhance the lives of young children. After an interview process, volunteers are matched with a young person based on shared interest, hobbies and many other factors.

Volunteers, or “bigs,” are paired with their “littles,” as they are referred to, and spend time together at least twice per month.

“A big brother or big sisters’ impact on a little can last a lifetime and it can also cause a ripple effect,” described Paula Shell, chief executive officer of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. “When you mentor and help a child, you are changing someone’s life. That relationship can have a ripple effect, by helping make the little more

successful and reach their full potential.

Another ripple effect we see is when former littles come back to our program and sign up to be a big and help other children.”

Every little is different. Some have two parents, one parent, or no parents.

Bigs help their littles by providing emotional support, leadership and a sense of belonging. According to the Big Brothers Big Sisters foundation, children with a supporting role model in their life are 75 percent more likely to earn a bachelor’s degree.

“I felt there was a calling for me to be a role model for someone who may be in need,” Holliday, an air traffic controller with Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola said. “When I joined the program, I knew what I was looking for. I wanted to give hope to someone who maybe lost hope in not having a father figure and bringing that person closer to God.” Holliday and DaShawn spent numerous outings together. They included traveling to a trampoline park, eating at the galley and expeditions to the movie theater. Holliday also coaches DaShawn in sports such as basketball and football and hopes that this will help him achieve and maintain good grades in school.

Originally, DaShawn was reserved and quiet when first introduced to Holliday.

“It took a lot of outings for him to get comfortable with me and he only started opening up to me a lot in the past year,” Holliday said.

He further explained how this allowed him to understand his thought

Air Traffic Controller First Class Austin Holliday and fiancé Elaine. Holliday was recently awarded the Big Brothers Big Sisters Ron Mobayed Military Big of the Year Award for 2022. Big Brothers Big Sisters provides a role model to help enhance the lives of young children.

U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Ulysses R. Grisette IV.

processes and help DaShawn formulate better plans to negotiate challenges in the future.

W h i l e H o l l i d ay h a s i mp a c te d DaShawn’s life, Holliday has also learned life lessons as well.

As Holliday spent more time with DaShawn, Holliday’s maturity level grew and helped him handle various situations with greater ability.

Holliday met his fiancé Elaine in New Orleans while he was stationed here.

After keeping a long-distance relationship for two years, Elaine moved to Pensacola to live with Holliday. There she fell in love with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters foundation and has also worked there since November of 2021.

She explained how the more volunteers the Big Brothers Big Sisters acquires; the more grants and scholarships are used to aid the littles.

“You don’t have to be a mom or dad to the little,” Elaine said. “You don’t have to spend the money for the little or take them out on extravagant outings.

That quality time you are providing for that child, that really makes an impact.”

Holliday was advanced on June 29 to his current rank. Holliday continues to support an active role in DaShawn’s life.

Their relationship, which exemplifies that of an older and younger brother, remains to this day.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 21

thank you PENSACOLA! Your support empowers our clients with opportunity, careers & independence.

presented by

raised $105,000 The Crab Cake Cook-Off benefits The Arc Gateway, a not-for-profit organization providing life-changing services to more than 1,200 individuals with intellectual & developmental disabilities, right here in our community.

arc-gateway.org

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Pensacola, FL Scan to see all events 12-day celebration of culturally creative happenings, events, and moments under one banner.

nov. 3-14

, 2022

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