Downtown Crowd, November 2021

DOWNTOWN CROWD NOV. ‘21

Glazed & Confused Military Matters

Plug into Panhandle Podcasts Symphonic Serenades FREE

Back on the Streets DowntownCrowd.com

There is something special about Pensacola in the Fall. The crisp blue skies, white sandy beaches, coastal breezes, and the cool—yet not cold—evening strolls through our historic downtown area. But maybe, it’s all of that plus the amazing arts, cultural, culinary, historical, and environmental experiences one can enjoy. All you have to do is get here and Discover it All.

Featured Events

JAZZ FOR JUSTICE

SON ET LUMIÈRE: 3D PROJECTION

Nov. 14, 1:00 - 8:00 p.m. | Seville Quarter Tickets: GA-FREE; Reserved $25; VIP $50

Nov. 4-7, After Dark | Artel Gallery | Tickets: FREE

Nov. 4-15 | Multiple Locations | Tickets: FREE

FROM SEA TO SHINING SEA: A SALUTE TO SERVICE

CELEBRATION OF ART: 3D PROJECTION

Nov. 6, 11, 13, & 14 | Multiple Locations | Tickets: FREE

Nov. 11, 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.

Hunter Amphitheater at Community Maritime Park Tickets: FREE

Nov. 11-14, After Dark | The Little Theatre and Museum of Art | Tickets: FREE; Enhanced Experience Tickets for Purchase

GULF COAST QUILT TRAIL

SCIENCE OF STRATEGY STAMPED: LBGTQ FILM FESTIVAL Nov. 12-13, 5:00-9:00 p.m.; Nov. 14, 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Pensacola Cultural Center | Tickets: FREE w/ Reservation

JAZZ FOR JUSTICE

NOV 14, 2021 | 1PM - 7PM

FREE ADMISSION | SPECIAL TICKET OPTIONS AVAILABLE

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Pat Whitehead • Nik Flagstar • Victrolas

WWW.JAZZFORJUSTICE.ORG

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DOWNTOWN CROWD November 2021

CONTENTS

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Owner Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Morgan Cole

Editor’s Letter

Art Director Guy Stevens Graphic Designer Garrett Hallbauer Editorial Assistant Dakota Parks

Morgan Cole, Editor

Editorial Intern Darien Hardy

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

DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing.

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

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.

Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services

by Ballinger Publishing. © 2021

Temperatures are cooling and it’s finally beginning to feel like fall. This wonderful season not only marks the start of what I like to call “sweater weather,” it also serves as the official kick-off to festival season here in Pensacola. From Foo Foo Fest to the Greater Gulfcoast Arts Festival, there’s no shortage of things to keep you busy in downtown Pensacola this fall.

In this issue, we’ve brought you a complete guide to this year’s line-up of Foo Foo Fest events, along with a highlight of some of our favorites. This 12-day extravaganza of arts, culture and entertainment will take over the streets of downtown Pensacola from November 4 to 15, so be sure to check out some, or all, of the upcoming Foo Foo festivities.

In addition to a jampacked line-up of Foo Foo events, you’ll have a chance to read about

some of our favorite local podcasters and what each of their shows are all about. Regardless of what genre you’re into, these local podcasters are sure to provide you with some unique entertainment.

Last, but certainly not least, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra has made its long-awaited return to the Saenger stage for another season of spectacular performances. We had the opportunity to sit down with PSO Executive Director Bret Barrow and Music Director Peter Rubardt to learn more about the 2021–2022 season and what the symphony has been up to, both on and off the stage, this past year.

As always, we hope you enjoy this month’s issue.

Have a wonderful and turkey-filled Thanksgiving holiday.

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7 Foo Foo Fest: Back on the Streets 11 Plug into Panhandle Podcasts 14 Glazed & Confused: Downtown Doughnut Roundup

16 Symphonic Serenades: Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Returns with Packed Season 20 November Events Calendar 22 Military Matters

Cheers,

Follow us on Social Media DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 5

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Back on the Streets

by Darien Hardy

Photo s cou rtes y of FO FO Fest

fter an unfortunate cancellation in 2020 due to the pandemic, one of Pensacola’s most beloved arts and culture events is back and stronger than ever. The seventh annual Foo Foo Fest will take over the streets of downtown Pensacola with its grand umbrella of 20 artistic and cultural events.

“The committee is looking forward to an incredible and much-awaited 2021 Foo Foo Festival.

The team has been working side by side with our festival grantees and Friends of Foo event organizers to ensure we put together two weeks of unforgettable events throughout Pensacola. As the fall festival city of the south, I am excited to see what these organizations have in store and for our community to have the opportunity to This 12-day celebration attracts both locals and experience,” Visit Pensacola Director of Marketvisitors to downtown Pensacola for a series of ing and Communications, Nicole Stacey said. culturally creative happenings and fun events of the highest artistic caliber—all with a touch Festival organizers are taking all necessary of southern sophistication. ​​ precautions to ensure the health and safety of attendees with enhanced outdoor spaces One-of-a-kind performances, art exhibits in to allow for ample social distancing. the streets and even film festivals are all a part of this year’s Foo Foo Fest.

This 12-day smorgasbord of arts, culture and historical events will be held at various While the festival showcases a wide range venues and outdoor spaces throughout the of events each year, it is traditionally rooted city from November 4–15. So come downtown in three of the Gulf Coast’s signature annual to get your Foo Foo on in the fall at some, or all events: the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, the of these great events.

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival and the Blue Angels Homecoming Airshow. Visit foofoofest.com, or follow @foofoofest on This year’s lineup also includes the STAMPED: social media, for updates and more informaLGBTQ Film Festival, Pensacola MESS Hall’s tion about this year’s line-up of events.

Science of Strategy and the Gulf Coast Quilt Trail and DIY Paint Party.

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 7

FOO FOO FEST

Nov. 4–7

Events Schedule

Son et Lumière – Sound & Light 3D Digital Projection

Artel Gallery, 223 Palafox Pl.

Frank Brown International Songwriters Festival

FREE

Son et Lumière (Sound and Light) is a form of nighttime entertainment that is usually presented in outdoor venues of historic significance. This year, a digital projection mapping the old County Courthouse on historic Palafox Street will allow visitors to witness an interactive mashup of technology and history. Scenes, people and imagery from 200 years ago will come to life in a dazzling, interactive yet “undeniably modern” experience.

Nov. 4–14 | Venues along the Florida/ Alabama Gulf Coast (Flora Bama), 17401 Perdido Key Dr.

Ticketed

Gulf Coast Quilt Trail

Nov. 4–15 | Multiple times and locations, visit foofoofest.com for details FREE, Some Events Ticketed

Nov.

6, 11, 13+14

418 E. Wright St. FREE

Pensacola MESS Hall’s mission is to evoke creative problem solving, creativity and experimentation through STEM exploration.

They aspire to develop a community of critical and creative thinkers of all ages who are inspired by and understand the basic principles of science. Join the Pensacola MESS Hall for events throughout Foo Foo Fest, including Games Garden, Games Unplugged Curiosity Day and Clue Murder Mystery with the Improbable Cause Mystery Theatre (ICMT).

Blue Angels Pensacola Beach Homecoming Air Show Nov. 5–6 | 11 am – 2:45 pm Pensacola Beach, 20 Casino Beach Blvd.

FREE

Stella Artois Chalice Painting Nov. 6 from 11 am – 8 pm O’Riley’s Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. FREE

Variation and Virtuosity, Presented by Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Nov. 6 from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St.

Ticketed

Pensacola Women’s Half Marathon

Nov. 7 from 6:40 am – 12 pm Plaza Del Luna, 900 S. Palafox St. Registration Required

“MOMO” Meals on My Own,

by Autism Pensacola

November 9 So Gourmet, 407 S. Palafox St., Unit D FREE

8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Nov. 5–7

Pensacola MESS Hall Events

Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival

Seville Square, 311 E. Government St. FREE

The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is one of the United States’ highest-regarded, most popular art festivals. This three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the Nation’s best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists and craftsmen to the destination each year. Live musicians are featured on the Main Stage with genres ranging from bluegrass to cajun, jazz to classical and more. Children also become artists at the Children’s Arts Festival, with free fun geared toward children of all ages.

Nov. 7

Pensacola Children’s Business Fair

Palafox Market, 121 N. Palafox St. FREE

At the Pensacola Children’s Business Fair, kids are the boss. In a unique one-day marketplace, young entrepreneurs between 6–17 years of age are challenged to develop their own handmade branded products, create a strategy and open business to real customers. These entrepreneurs will invest a portion of their profits into the community by giving back to their favorite charity’s causes.

Nov. 11

FOO FOO FEST

From Sea to Shining Sea: A Musical Salute to Service

Events Schedule

Hunter Amphitheatre, Community Maritime Park

Murder Ballad, Presented by PenArts

FREE

On Veteran’s Day, the Pensacola Opera will host a complimentary concert to celebrate Pensacola veterans. From Sea to Shining Sea: A Musical Salute to Service will be set against the backdrop of Pensacola Bay on the Hunter Amphitheater stage at the Community Maritime Park. The Veteran’s Day salute will feature four vocal soloists and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra performing a variety of patriotic selections along with members of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, Pensacola Opera Chorus, Choral Society of Pensacola and University of West Florida music students. For complete details and to view the program, visit pensacolaopera.com.

Nov. 10 from 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm The Gordon Community Art Center, 306 N. De Villiers St.

Nov.

12–14

STAMPED: LBGTQ Film Festival

Pensacola Cultural Center, 400 S. Jefferson St. FREE

STAMPED Film Festival is committed to giving Pensacola a deep cultural experience through unique films with a specific focus on the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community. Their goal is to promote awareness, inclusion and diversity, building a stronger and more open Pensacola. Guests will view highly vetted films from around the globe. The first day's ratings can vary from PG to mature, but the gears will shift on Sunday, November 14, for a full day of family-friendly viewing. “Family Day” will include a multitude of children’s activities from face painting, balloon art, kid’s snacks and heart-warming films for the whole family.

Nov. 14

Jazz for Justice

Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. GA: FREE | VIP: $50 | Reserved: $25

Legal Services of North Florida will bring live music and high energy jazz to downtown Pensacola for its annual Jazz for Justice event.

This year’s lineup is jam-packed and will feature many returning favorites along with new artists like local band Entropy Machine, Fort Walton artist Nik Flagstar, Blues crooner and Mississippi native Ed Adams and Alabama’s piano sensation, Pat Whitehead. Flow Tribe will once again headline the event, with frontman KC serving as emcee.

Co-headliners for this year’s event will be New Breed Brass Band and Tuba Skinny. Come out and enjoy an evening of jazz as New Breed Brass Band takes the vivacity and pizazz of the secondline brass band tradition to all new heights. For tickets and information, visit jazzforjustice.org.

Tickets: $15

A Celebration of Art: An Immersive 3-D Projection Experience Nov. 11–14 Pensacola Little Theatre (400 S. Jefferson St.) and Pensacola Museum of Art (407 S. Jefferson St.) FREE, Enhanced Experience tickets for Purchase

Bourbon, Bacon, Brews, & Cigars

Nov. 13 from 3 pm – 5 pm O’Riley’s Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St.

Ticketed

Winter Brewfest

Nov. 13 from 5 pm – 7 pm O’Riley’s Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St.

$20 Advance, $25 Week Before Event

Pensacola EggFest

Nov. 14 | VIP - 11 am, GA - 12 pm – 3 pm Pensacola Blue Wahoos Stadium, 351 W. Cedar St. VIP & Early Bird Discounts + Day of Options

The Pensacola Beach Art & Wine Festival Nov. 14 from 11 am – 4 pm Pensacola Beach Boardwalk, 400 Quietwater Beach Rd. FREE, Wine Sampling Ticketed

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 9

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PLUG INTO PANHANDLE PODCASTS

BY DAKOTA PARKS

reak out your stretchy pants and noisecancelling headphones, it’s podcast season, baby. You heard that right, ‘tis the season of road trips, traffic jams and family gatherings. Whether you’re heading home for the holidays and need the soothing voice of a stranger to keep your eyes open while you drive, a good laugh to pacify your road rage or you’re trying to avoid those annual family feuds, pop on one of these local podcasts and fuhgeddaboudit.

Some folks might be skeptical about podcasts and claim they make you think too much or can’t compare to a good ole Netflix bingewatch, but unlike other forms of media, with podcasts you can multitask and listen from more places than just your couch. Nothing beats mowing the lawn and learning about serial killers or scrubbing a dish listening to a comedy skit. With an estimated two million podcasts and 48 million podcast episodes in existence, as of 2021, there are podcasts on every topic you can think of—from comedy and celebrity interviews to storytelling, business, improv, pop-culture, film and book reviews, politics and investigative journalism. If you can talk about it, chances are there is a podcast about it. We gathered up a handful of our favorite Panhandle podcasts to plug into just in time for the busy holiday and travel season. You can listen to them on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you get your podcasts!

Meredith for Real: The Curious Introvert meredithforreal.com • @meredithforreal Meredith Edwards, a self-identified tice, sex positivity and technology. geriatric millennial plant mom, curi- Listeners, or Curiositers, as Edwards ous introvert and model has spent calls them, can search episodes by the last two years recording her subject matter on YouTube or listen podcast that she calls a “hybrid of to podcast episodes in any order societal, cultural and personal devel- they see fit. opment that is not usually safe for work, always ADD-friendly and short “People are so layered—they are enough to fit your daily commute.” never just one of anything. Just a After spending two decades work- mom. Just a lawyer. If you ask the ing in sales, Edwards decided she right questions with genuine curiwanted to live in a more creative way osity, you’ll find the paradoxes that and channel her imagination into a exist,” she said. “Most guests are a podcast that explores curiosity and paradox of some kind, like the atheparadoxes. Each episode showcas- ist doctor who studied near death es unique guests from around the experiences for 50 years (episode world and topics that range from 93). We have news and social mecults, UFOs and travel to social jus- dia algorithms that serve up exactly

Behind the Grind

business owners and entrepreneurs to inspire listeners and the community at large.

behindthegrindshow.com @behindthegrindshow

For co-hosts Jimmy O’Donovan and Tucker Massey, podcasting was an untapped source to meet and network with other entrepreneurs, mentors and investors. O’Donovan is a realtor for Kuhn Realty and Massey owns a personal training business called Tuck Training. Together, they own Mastered Craft Media, which produces the podcasts Behind the Grind Show and Project: Leaders.

When they started Behind the Grind Show in October 2019, there were no other business podcasts highlighting local entrepreneurs and creating consistent content, so they set

what we already believe. We live and work with the same people every day. The wash, rinse, repeat of our lives create a bubble of re-circulated ideas and experiences. The podcast is my way of offering people a dose of anti-algorithm for bright, meaningful entertainment.”

out to create an entrepreneur think tank, or a body of experts providing advice and ideas on entrepreneurship and what it takes to succeed.

Each episode shares the origin story, growth and background of local

“We’re passionate about sharing our guests’ stories because there’s nothing more rewarding than being able to help our listeners master their craft. Pensacola is a tight-knit community and being able to add a small amount of value to it is what drives us every week” Massey explained.

“We always aim to have an organic conversation with our guests. We don’t cut anything out or edit the podcast too much. We want our listeners to be able to tune in each week to an interview that’s easy to listen to and informative.”

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11

PLUG INTO PANHANDLE PODCASTS

“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to have a silly goose time, learn and grow.”

Some People Suck Podcast @somepeoplesuckpod From listening to the blossoming bromance of co-hosts Kodie Croll and Hylton Davis, you could never guess that they actually started out as retail coworkers that hated each other before bonding over stand-up comedy and becoming best friends. Their comedy podcast is aptly named after a skit by comedian Tom Segura, in which he complains about a crying baby in a movie theatre and the manager replies in retail-induceddeadpan, “some people suck.” Croll and Davis combined their love for comedy, friendship energy and nostalgic interests in the culinary world, MMA, wrestling, whiskey, growing up differently, documentaries, reality TV shows, sports entertainment and everything in between to create their podcast Some People Suck. Rather than topic-specific epi-

It’s All Gone Terribly Wrong iagtw.com • @itsallgoneterriblywrong Co-hosts Jordan Stock and Rebecca Carlson love cats, quirky facts and spirits—both the spooky kind and served over ice. The duo met at work in the financial industry and decided to start their comedy podcast after Stock got Carlson hooked on true-crime podcasts.

Their podcast covers the weirder things in life including absurdities, oddities and obscenities, and in each episode, they surprise each other with a bizarre topic, history, fact or story, which sometimes overlap or have nothing in common.

Some of the topics they have covered 12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

sodes, Croll and Davis feature guests that they find interesting or can learn something from and have an old-fashioned conversation with them. Occasionally, you can catch the boys on a solo-pod, where they quickly descend into a banter-like-abyss sharing stories and jokes.

“It’s definitely a bromance,” Davis said.

“We met at Zumiez almost six years ago and we originally hated each other. Right off the rip, I thought Kodie was this tattooed a-hole and apparently, he thought I was an f-boy, but we had the same interest in comedy and became best friends. We started the podcast two years ago at a Friendsgiving. We were at our buddy Kitty’s house and he just happened to have recording equipment,

are The Fartiste (a professional farter), weird Pensacola facts and history, the origin of Florida Man and Florida Man stories, the Shanghai Tunnels in Portland and the Chowchilla Kidnapping, to name a few. Their stories are often told accompanying a stiff drink and occasionally derailed by their own insidejokes and camaraderie.

“We always knew alcohol was going to be involved—for better or for worse! We just started talking about weird stuff at work, then at the bar, and naturally, we wanted to share that with the world,” Stock said. “What you hear is exactly what being with us in real life is—just two girls having some drinks, laughing at their own bullshit and talking about weird stuff.”

It’s All Gone Terribly Wrong recently celebrated its three-year podcast-versary,

so we did a rough two-hour podcast of us cutting up and talking like we normally do when we’re around each other.

We really are just two best friends that like making each other laugh because it makes us laugh, and the fact that this many people can get the same joy from it I think makes both of us happy.”

Croll explained that the podcast has grown into what he describes as a friendship-based podcast where two buddies talk to local talented people about who they are and what they aspire to be in life. Both Croll and Davis enjoy learning something new from their guests and making people laugh.

“At the end of the day, we’re just trying to have a silly goose time, learn and grow. We just want to better ourselves through talking, experiencing life and sharing it with everyone,” Croll said.

“We always knew alcohol was going to be involved— for better or for worse! We just started talking about weird stuff at work, then at the bar, and naturally, we wanted to share that with the world.” and as Stock and Carlson explained, the “We love weird stuff and laughing,” name of the podcast, originally a place- Carlson said. “We want to share that holder for a future title has become with everyone, especially now with symbolic of their lives—sometimes it all the pandemic and social unrest. We goes terribly wrong and you just have to try to lighten things up because we all need it.” laugh about it.

Stay On the Line

“Combing my interests in drag and horror helps me bring queer people into the spotlight. A majority of my guests are queer identifying, and I think having us freely expressing our opinions on the genre is important.”

@stayonthelinepodcast Hosted and created by the fierce and charismatic Terrah Card, a Pensacolabased drag queen, Stay On The Line is a horror-genre, comedy podcast that serves tea and throws shade at the best and worst of horror cinema. Whether it’s horror movie reviews, missed connection readings, cryptid research episodes or TV show reviews, the podcast is here to give you a laugh. Card has lived in Pensacola for six years and has been performing professionally for more than three years. She created her podcast in early December 2020 when she needed a creative and emotional outlet.

“I started the podcast for what might seem like a sad thing. I was very depressed,” Card explained. “Being a queer

always something I enjoyed. I remember going to the movies a lot as a teen with my friends to watch horror movies, and it was so fun. For me, it was a way to bring horror back into my life while also reconnecting with people.”

person, the holidays are very depressing for me because I don’t have people around me that I could consider family.

I was very alone, and I started therapy at the time. My therapist thought that doing a podcast would be a good idea. I used it as an excuse to talk with friends for at least an hour or more. Horror was

“Combining my interests in drag and horror helps me bring queer people into the spotlight,” Card said. “A majority of my guests are queer identifying, and I think having us freely expressing our opinions on the genre is important.

Drag in general already combines all Card not only used the podcast as a my interests from sewing, drawing, way to reconnect with friends and fellow photography, comedy and horror. Makdrag entertainers in the midst of the pan- ing it into a horror podcast just gave me demic, but it also allowed her to combine another outlet to express myself and a her interests in drag and horror to review way for listeners to get to know me betand chat about Hollywood classics and ter. I’m not just a doll on stage, I’m also contemporary, queer-horror cinema like a person who likes to talk about cineSpiral, The Perfection and The Boulet matic direction in horror movies while Brothers’ Dragula. cracking some jokes.”

Fearlessly Made You Fearlesslymadeyou.com For author and national speaker Kris- “When I was raped and abused for tie Tobias, her podcast is dedicated to six years of my life from when I was uplifting the voices of other people and 14–20, my voice wasn’t heard. When giving them a platform to share their I tried to prosecute, at the time racial authentic stories. Tobias has spent the injustice and a backwards southern past 20 years as a leader in healthcare community, it resulted in the detecand currently works as a healthcare and tives on my case not believing my business consultant for Huron Consult- story. I felt unheard, unseen and like ing Group, as well as a national speaker my value didn’t matter for a very long and a leader for diversity, equity and in- time,” Tobias explained. “People declusion work. Tobias was empowered serve to be heard, valued and seen, by her mother to share her story about and this podcast allows the stories of rape, abuse and PTSD and began speak- those around us—your story, my story, your whole self to stories of fellow podcasters and business owners. ing and writing about it on a blog before everyone’s story—to be heard.” she was approached by Indigo River Publishing to write her book, also titled For Tobias, no topics are off limits on the “Being ‘Fearlessly Made’ means acknowlFearlessly Made You. As a relatively new podcast. Guests are diverse and share edging that fear exists, and being transpodcaster, Tobias released her book and stories that range from the journey of parent enough to know that fear exists, the first four episodes of her podcast the being a black entrepreneur in a major- but not allowing that fear to own, shape same week in February 2021. ity white society or the journey of being or inhibit your journey,” Tobias said. non-binary and the power of embracing “Fearlessly Made You actually came from

“Being ‘Fearlessly Made’ means acknowledging that fear exists, and being transparent enough to know that fear exists, but not allowing that fear to own, shape or inhibit your journey.” the Bible Verse Psalm 139:14: ‘I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made, your works are wonderful I know that full well.’ My faith has always been important to me, so it was only natural that the inspiration for my book and podcast come from a place of faith and spirituality.”

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13

Glazed & Confused

DOWNTOWN DOUGHNUT ROUNDUP

by Morgan Cole

Le Dough Delivering orders and hosting pop-up sales throughout Pensacola have put this mobile bakery in high demand. Their made-from-scratch doughnuts and unique pastries feature a variety of fresh fruit fillings and glazes, and many are also vegan-friendly. The menu rotates frequently with new flavor options. You can find Le Dough parked at 1100 North 12th Avenue on Saturdays from 9 am–12 pm or catch them at one of their pop-up locations throughout Pensacola.

Follow @LedoughPensacola on Facebook or @helloledough on Instagram to find out where the truck will be popping up next. Le Dough is currently closed, but will return to its regular location on November 7.

Parlor Doughnuts This vintage Americana doughnut and coffee shop will open its third Gulf Coast location in the downtown area this fall.

With established locations in Fort Walton Beach and Miramar Beach, the company is best known for its rich, layered doughnuts.

Parlor will offer 20 flavors for you to sink your teeth into, including honey glazed, sandy beach, french toast, turtle, maple bacon, strawberry shortcake, carnival, bourbon caramel, raspberry pistachio, campfire and more! The menu will also feature a variety of artisanal breakfasts and specialty coffees along with vegan, gluten-free and keto-friendly options. The Pensacola location will start as a mobile pop-up shop until its permanent location is established. Check out the menu at parlordoughnuts.com or follow @parlordoughnut on social media.

14 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

S

ince the first doughnut shops began popping up in major U.S. cities in the 1920s and 30s, the classic confections have served as one of America’s most-loved treats.

Today, bakeries across the country are attracting massive crowds with innovative new flavor profiles, unexpected add-ons and unique hybrid

creations. Whether you prefer ‘doughnuts’ or ‘donuts,’ these fried circles of doughy-goodness are the perfect treat for most any occasion.

Here is a roundup of bakeries serving-up some of the most buzzed-about doughnuts (and cronuts) in town.

J’s Bakery & Cafe J’s has been dishing up delicious pastries and doughnuts in Pensacola since 1946. Located on 12th Avenue in East Hill, this iconic bakery may be best known for its custom cookies and extravagantly-decorated cakes, but don’t overlook the doughnuts! The bakery menu features a regular assortment of traditional favorites like glazed, cake and iced with sprinkles, as well as other seasonalinspired favorites. J’s is open Monday–Saturday from 8 am–6 pm and is located at 2014 North 12th Avenue. Check out the menu online at jsbakeryandcafe.com, or follow @jsbakeryandcafe on social media.

Grind & Glaze Doughnut Bar This new craft doughnut shop has people lining up for their signature square-shaped cronuts, made from croissant dough, which typically sell out within the first 90 minutes of opening.

Grind & Glaze opened its first pop-up location last month just outside of Southtowne in downtown Pensacola and people just can’t seem to get enough of their scrumptious hybrid doughnut creation. Each month, the menu rotates to feature six new handcrafted flavor options. Grind & Glaze is scheduled to open its first brick and mortar shop in Southtowne in Spring of 2022. For now, you can catch them at their pop-up location at 170 South Jefferson Street on Thursdays and Fridays starting at 8 am and at the Palafox Market on Saturdays. Follow @grindandglazefl on social media.

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Symphonic Serenades

a M estro eP et r a buR rdt conducit ng h t e eP nsacola Symphony rO chestra

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Returns with Packed Season

by Dakota Parks

f

or attendees, a night at the symphony is about more than a love of music.

It’s also the anticipation of the performance

over dinner, dressing up in your favorite clothes,

greeting the ushers to help find your seats, mingling with your neighbors and reveling in the sheer magic and communal awe of 60 to 80 musicians playing in harmony to pieces that range from hundreds of years old to contemporary compositions. Behind the scenes, the work that goes into producing an evening of music includes the careful selection of pieces, dozens of hours of rehearsal, the lifetime of work and skill of the orchestra and conductor and a full year’s worth of work in hiring staff, gathering equipment and selling tickets. The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra kicked off its 2021-2022 season at opening night on October 16 at the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola.

This season marks the symphony’s return to a full calendar and first indoor full-capacity concerts since February 2020.

16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Executive Director Bret Barrow explained that the symphony is still closely monitoring public health and safety and actively encouraging masks to be worn inside the Saenger Theatre as well as offering six concerts via live stream for those that prefer to watch from home. The fiveconcert Masterworks Series and Russian Spectacular can be enjoyed in-person or virtually.

“I’m most excited about the orchestra being able to perform for more people and with more concerts than we were able to last year,” Barrow said. “The energy from an enthusiastic, live audience is really powerful fuel for us. These past 18 months or so have really made me appreciate the moments of music and the community experiences that make Pensacola such a great place to live. I don’t think I took performances for granted in the past, but I certainly cherish them more than ever these days. Making music with great colleagues and sharing that with

First Violin Burcu Goker Photo by Guy Stevens your friends, family and community is truly a privilege.”

This community focus is at the heart of what the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra strives to do both on and off stage. Through the “Beyond the Stage” programs, the symphony utilizes community engage- small ensemble of musicians ment programs to bring musi- in different parks and outdoor cal education, performances venues. These free concerts and mentorships to individu- will continue this season and als in schools, hospitals and are scheduled for April 3 and neighborhoods. Throughout May 8, 2022. the pandemic, the symphony also relied on technology and “Our mission is to foster its program “Virtually Together” the musical culture of this to broadcast music on YouTube community,” Barrow explained. for the community. One of the “We want to eliminate barriers other innovations born out of to participation and we also the pandemic are the commu- want an authentic experience nity concerts called “PSO in that speaks to young people, the Park,” which feature a and to older people. Orchestral

Season Calendar Nov. 6, 2021 • 7:30 pm Masterworks – Variations & Virtuosity

Dec. 31, 2021 • 7 pm Pops! – Celebrate the New Year!

Mar. 26, 2022 • 7:30 pm Masterworks – American Classics

Nov. 7, 2021 • 1:30 pm Free Community Concert - Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Seville Square

Jan. 15, 2022 • 7:30 pm Masterworks – Beethoven & Blue Jeans: Poetry, Prose & Verse

Apr. 3, 2022 • 3 pm Free Community Concert - PSO in the Park, Museum Plaza

Nov. 11, 2021 • 3:30 pm From Sea to Shining Sea: A Musical Salute to Service - presented by Pensacola Opera, Hunter Amphitheater

Feb. 12, 2022 • 7:30 pm Pops! – Come Fly with Me: Music of Sinatra and More

Apr. 23, 2022 • 10 am Special Event Music for Families

Nov. 28, 2021 • 3 pm Special Event Home for the Holidays Featuring Ashley Brown

PSO in the Park music ranges from film score and video game soundtracks to the storied masterpieces created hundreds of years ago, and we like all of it. It all resonates differently depending on your own experiences and background. That’s why we work to share experiences that connect with children, families, adults, and seniors, and often those concerts are widely different in order to do so. I’m excited about the future of our orchestra and the ways in which we’re exploring opportunities for greater service across generations and throughout the community.”

Echoing that same sentiment, Peter Rubardt, celebrating his 25th anniversary as the Music Director of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, explained that choosing the music for the season is a delicate balance between variety and context.

“Audiences like to hear their personal favorites, yet at the same time, everybody is also

interested in hearing something new and intriguing,” Rubardt said. “The goal is to capitalize on that variety by placing works together in a context where they illuminate each other. Most programs start with a single piece that is speaking to me, or that I feel would be a particularly

“

will draw people in by nurturing their engagement with this amazing art form.”

Rubardt also explained that diversity in the orchestra field and in programming itself is of the utmost importance to better represent entire communities.

I strive to balance the styles and nationalities across the concerts as a whole, leading to a season that will draw people in by nurturing their engagement with this amazing art form.” ~ Maestro Peter Rubardt

good fit for the orchestra and the audience. From there, I set other “Diversity has been top of mind pieces around it that resonate, in the orchestra field, and it is paying attention to length, diffi- an important topic that we’ve culty, expense, audience appeal, been discussing at all levels of orchestra size, etc. I also strive the PSO. I believe that a diverse to balance the styles and nation- society is richer and stronger, alities across the concerts as a and the arts can be a powerful whole, leading to a season that agent for that,” he said. “One

Feb. 19, 2022 • 7:30 pm Chamber Orchestra Concert Mozart Madness Mar. 5, 2022 • 7:30 pm Add-On Concert – Russian Spectacular

Apr. 30, 2022 • 7:30 pm Masterworks – Sounds Triumphant May 8, 2022 • 3 pm Free Community Concert - PSO in the Park, Museum Plaza

path is programming music “Another path is to use the arts of composers who are minor- to put a topic on the table for ities. We are playing music reflection, and that’s what led

by George Walker and Duke me to Charles McCaskill and Ellington this season, and I’m his poem that reflects on John excited to share these pieces Sunday, an important chapter with Pensacola. Another path of Pensacola history. I’ve invited is to plant seeds through more Charles to read his poem while work in music education. The we play the George Walker’s path to being a member of a Lyric for Strings. It is my hope professional orchestra starts that the arts of music and verse with elite training at a young will combine in a way that is age. Far too often that excludes meaningful to performers and people of color, leaving us audience members of all backtrying to nurture diversity while grounds,” Rubardt said. the orchestra on stage remains nearly all white. All of these Creating these meaningideas are on the table right ful performances and sharnow, and I’m quite sure they will ing music with the community impact our path going forward.” is what drives the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra. With a In addition to musical selections packed season calendar and by jazz greats like Duke Elling- several free community concerts ton, Ella Fitzgerald and Spen- scheduled, there are plenty of cer Williams, the Pensacola opportunities to hear the orchesSymphony Ochestra will also tra on stage at the Saenger be melding music and poetry Theatre, cozied up on a blanket at together this season during the a local park or virtually from the popular Beethoven and Blue comfort of your couch. Season Jeans performance with read- tickets are still on sale, and more ings from local poets Jamey information can be found at Jones and Charles McCaskill, Jr. pensacolasymphony.com. || DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 17

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November COMMUNITY EVENTS Pensacola Ice Flyers Schedule

For more information and tickets, visit pensacolaiceflyers.com.

November 6 at 7:05 pm . . . . . . . Birmingham vs Ice Flyers November 13 at 7:05 pm . . . . . . . . Huntsville vs Ice Flyers November 19–20 at 7:05 pm . . . . Quad City vs Ice Flyers November 24 at 7:05 pm . . . . . . . . . . . Macon vs Ice Flyers December 3 at 7:05 pm . . . . . . . . . . . . Macon vs Ice Flyers Constant Coffee Poetry Night . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 2, 9, 16 & 30 Join Pensacola Poetry at the longest running open mic in Pensacola at Constant Coffee & Tea, located at 615 Scenic Highway. Every Tuesday, poets and creatives come to flex their voices through poetry, rap and spoken word. Come out and support the local arts community and hear a beautiful bricolage of words. Doors open at 6 pm and mic starts at 6:30 pm. Follow Pensacola Poetry on Facebook for updates and information.

2021 Blue Angels Homecoming Show . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 3-6 The roar of the engines, the streamers of smoke, every formation in perfect symmetry. Whether they are flying high at practice or soaring through a spectacular air show, it is always a thrill to see the Blue Angels cut across Pensacola skies.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the 2021 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show will be moved to Pensacola Beach.

2021 Pensacola Beach Homecoming Air Show Schedule (weather permitting): Wednesday, Nov. 3 Breakfast with the Blues for circles and arrivals.

Thursday, Nov. 4 Arrival Day and Dress Rehearsal

Friday, Nov. 5 Homecoming Air Show Day 1

Saturday, Nov. 6 Homecoming Air Show Day 2

The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 5–7 The three-day, juried art show draws more than 200 of the country’s best painters, potters, sculptors, jewelers, graphic artists, craftsmen and other artists. It is held each year beginning on the first Friday in November. Featured festival art ranges from classical to whimsical with everything from traditional painting, photog20 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

raphy and sculpture to yard art, musical instruments, clothing, and jewelry. It’s the perfect time and place to begin holiday shopping or to treat yourself to a handmade treasure. The festival is held Friday and Saturday 9 am to 5pm and Sunday 10 am to 4 pm at Seville Square Park.

Island Fights 70 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 5 The most sought-after prospect in combat sports, the 4-time All American, 3-time National Champion Wrestler from Penn State, Bo Nickal (1-0) makes a quick return back to ring against the 2 time SEC Middleweight Champ & Famila BJJ owner Billy Good (5-3). Don’t miss it live on Friday, November 5th at the Pensacola Bay Center for Island Fights 70, starting at 7 pm! *Fights to be announced and subject to change. For more information and tickets, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

Hot Rods ‘N Coffee . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 6

ymphony.com. The symphony is held at the Saenger Theatre from 7:30-9:30 pm.

BrunchFest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 7 Join the first-ever BrunchFest benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast presented by Cox Media and StarPoint Screening is on Sunday, November 7th, at Seville Quarter in Downtown Pensacola! Competing teams provide samples to attendees and compete for the Best Brunch in Town! All proceeds from this event go to the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, which works in our community to promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging, and influence through its programs focused on academic success, good character, citizenship, and a healthy lifestyle.

Pensacola Children’s Business Fair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 7 Young entrepreneurs between 6-17 years of age are challenged to create their own startup business at our unique one-day marketplace in downtown Pensacola, FL. This event will be held at the Palafox Market from 12 pm to 3 pm. Participants learn about financial literacy and get to practice skills in the real world by launching their first businesses. Every year our kid vendors take a portion of their profits and reinvest in the community giving back to their favorite charitable causes.

Bumpin Uglies & Tropidelic with The Ries Brothers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 9

The trajectory of Bumpin Uglies started over a decade ago, making music with Calling all car enthusiasts! Join this lo- friends, playing backyard parties and anycal car club for their monthly meetup where else they could get a gig. Fresh featuring vintage cars and trucks. All are off the successful release of full length, welcome and attendance is free. After the “Keep your suitcase packed,” they are in coffee and chit-chat, you can join the club the midst of a new project called “The for breakfast or lunch after. This month’s Never Ending Drop.” The concept is simple, meet up is at Chicken n the Egg at 6707 yet groundbreaking. Bumpin Uglies will Pensacola Boulevard from 8 am to 11 am. be at the Vinyl Music Hall on November 9; doors open at 7 pm, and show starts at Pensacola Symphony Orchestra 8 pm. For more information and tickets, Presents Variations & Virtuosity visit vinylmusichall.com.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 6

Experience a celebration of incredible music and artistry! The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will be joined by violinist Geneva Lewis for Dvořák’s Violin Concerto, a brilliant, virtuosic work with irrepressible energy. The program also includes Ravel’s light yet reflective Le Tombeau de Couperin and Ginastera’s Variaciones concertantes, inspired by Argentine folk music. In-person and virtual tickets are available. For additional information, visit PensacolaS-

Tides of Change Film Premiere . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 10 Join the City of Pensacola at the Hunter Amphitheater in Community Maritime Park at 301 W. Main Street for a special premiere of the film Tides of Change, hosted by the Escambia County UF/IFAS Extension Office and PLACE:SLR. Tides of Change is a short film explaining the impact of sea-level rise in Northwest Florida and how residents can support

community flood resilience. The film covers understanding future risks, working with natural systems, responding to flood hazards, planning for future sea-level rise and preparing local businesses. Open house is at 4 pm, and the film will premiere at 6 pm.

Pensacola Opera Presents From Sea to Shining Sea: A Musical Salute to Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 11 Set against the backdrop of the beautiful Pensacola Bay on the Hunter Amphitheater stage, Pensacola Opera presents a special Veterans Day concert to celebrate and honor our community’s veterans. The concert will be held at Hunter Amphitheater from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.

Mahabhuta Yoga Vegfest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 12–14 The Mahabhuta Yoga Festival’s mission is to celebrate yoga, elevate consciousness, unite communities, create abundance and inspire greatness. This year’s event will be held at Sander’s Beach. For more information, visit mahabhutayogafestival.com.

EntreCon® 2021: Business and Leadership Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 17–18 EntreCon® is more than a conference: it creates a chain reaction of positive impact, elevating leadership skillsets and growing organizations rooted in purpose.

With incredibly affordable ticket prices and exceptional speakers, EntreCon® is THE business and leadership conference you can’t afford to miss. Join hundreds of thought leaders either in-person in beautiful downtown Pensacola, or virtually on-line and be guaranteed a great experience. This year’s event will take place at the Pensacola Little Theatre from 8 am to 4 pm each day.

Creek Indian Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 20–21 Creek Indian Fest will take place on Saturday & Sunday at the Santa Rosa Creek Tribe, 4750 Willard Norris Rd., Milton, FL 32570. Residents are invited to celebrate Native American Traditions with wholesome family activities. Festival hours will be from 9 am to 5 pm both days. Creek Fest is two full days of fun, activities and entertainment. There will be live Native flute music, Native Dance, food, Replica Native American Village and Trading Post, arts and craft vendors, face painting, and various games and activities for children.

Craft vendors and artist will be exhibiting throughout the festival. Admission is $5.00 per person with children under 12 free. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the Tribal Kitchen.

Tech N9ne’s Strange New World Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 23 Tech N9ne is many things, not all of which neatly align with the image of a rapper who’s named for a semi-automatic pistol. He’s an icon in the horrorcore genre, yet cites his religious faith as one of his primary influences. He’s known for his stinging chopper delivery, but claims The Doors as a major musical inspiration. Tech N9ne will be at the Vinyl Music Hall on November 23; doors open at 7 pm and show starts at 8 pm. For more information and tickets, visit vinylmusichall.com.

Gulf Coast Blues Fest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 26–28 Feel the soul at the annual Gulf Coast Blues Fest held at Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds. This three-day festival offers a lineup of talented musicians like L.J.Echols, Big Pokey, Dee Dee Simons, Till 1 LeBrado, Willie Clayton, J-Wonn, Walter Waiters. The schedule includes Friday Night Blues Southern Soul Concert, Saturday Night Blues Southern Soul Concert and Sunday Evening Blues Bus Casino Trip. For more information and tickets, visit gulfcoastbluesfest.com.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Home for the Holidays Featuring Ashley Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . November 28 It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join the festivities as the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra celebrates the return of Broadway sensation and Gulf Breeze-native Ashley Brown for this special holiday concert. With traditional favorites and holiday hits, and a special appearance by the Pensacola Children’s Chorus, it will be a joyful occasion for all to share. The symphony is held at the Saenger Theatre starting at 3 pm. To learn more or purchase tickets, visit PensacolaSymphony.com.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .November 17 Do you remember the first time you heard the Christmas sounds of Mannheim Steamroller? You can again celebrate the holiday magic of Mannheim Steamroller in 2021 when they bring their annual holiday tour to fans throughout the country on November 17 at 7:30 pm at the historic Pensacola Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola.

This year’s show will feature all of your favorite original classic Christmas hits from the first Mannheim Steamroller Christmas album, along with multimedia effects in an intimate setting.

December 17-19 • Saenger Theatre balletpensacola.org

850-595-3880

MILITARYMATTERS AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

LOCAL VETERAN AWARDED THE SILVER STAR HONORING ACTIONS DURING THE 1993 BATTLE OF MOGADISHU Down.” The review board determined that upgraded awards were in order for 60 of the soldiers involved. Col. Perino was originally awarded a Bronze Star for his heroic actions.

At the time of the battle, Perino was a platoon leader in B Company, 3-75th Ranger Regiment and a member of Task Force Ranger. During the operation, Perino and his platoon participated as part of a blocking force during a raid. As the task force was about to leave the target area, one of the Blackhawk helicopters providing aerial support was shot down by rocket-propelled grenade fire. As a result, the original mission turned into a rescue mission to recover the crew of the downed helicopter.

What started out as a planned one-hour raid mission turned into a fierce 15-hour battle.

Photo Courtesy of EW Bullock

R

et. Army Col. Larry Pe r i n o o f G u l f B re e ze, w a s p re s e n t e d with the Silver Star Medal on October 1, 2021 in Fort Benning, Ga. As the thirdhighest military combat award, the Silver Star is awarded in recognition of a courageous act performed during combat

operations while under fire from enemy forces.

Earlier this year, Perino was informed that the U.S. Army had reviewed the actions of more than 150 special operators involved in the October 3, 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, commonly referred to as “Black Hawk

“I am beyond humbled to be recognized again for this battle that occurred 28 years ago.

The events that day shaped and influenced my military career which has spanned over two decades and continues today,” Perino said. “It was an honor to serve as a member of Task Force Ranger. I feel that this Silver Star is really a tribute to

the entire group, especially to the 17 soldiers who gave their last full measure that day.”

A native of Globe, AZ and the son of a registered nurse and a WWII Marine veteran, Perino attended the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., where he was commissioned as an Infantry lieutenant.

Perino’s military career spanned 25 years where he served in key positions with multiple operational assignments at all levels from tactical to strategic to conventional to special operations commands. These positions took him across six continents for deployments or training. Assignments included Operations Officer of a Stryker Infantry Battalion in Iraq; Special Operations Planner at U.S. Northern Command; Commander, 6th Ranger Training Battalion; Chief of Staff, Asymmetric Warfare Group; Director, Force Management, ISAF Joint Command (Afghanistan); and Strategy/Leadership Instructor, Air War College.

Perino currently lives in Gulf Breeze and serves as the manager of program development in Business Solutions at Navy Federal Credit Union. 

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