P E N SACO L A’ S
Take me to Church An Afternoon at St. Michael’s
q+a with pma
A chat with the new Executive Director
all the events, developments and traditions we can’t wait to see in 2016
FREE
bat
your official gallery night guide DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM • NEVER BE BORED. | JAN. 2016
over 100 Flavors of premium e-juice try before you buy!
MIlitary discount available
come play some pool and hang out in our lounge sun - thurs 11-9 • Fri + sat 11 - midnight 850.912.8108 | 5222 N. W St. |batvp.com /batvapor
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 1
11
DTC January
Josh Newby, editor 16
18
I’m writing this from the confines of my nearly-empty office, the gentle pitter-patter of rain against the window practically begging me to shut my eyes for a few seconds. It’s tempting over the holidays and in the immediate aftermath to just go on autopilot, to shut our eyes and let the script of our life do its thing. And while I’ve certainly done my fair share of that over the past little bit, it’s important to not let our life go to voicemail for too long. There’s lots to get excited for - so much that will infuse our otherwise humdrum existence with the jolt of newness and energy we so need after expending our bank accounts and over-filling our bellies. It is in that spirit of looking forward, of waking up, that we offer up more than a handful of awesome events and developments that promise to also shake Pensacola out of its slumber. The disappointments of last year are giving way to the ambitious undertakings of a new era. On page 10, you’ll find a few especially notable issues our staff
4 Downtown Improvement Board 7 Q&A with Raven Holloway 8 de Luna is History 10 Looking Forward to 2016 14 Gallery Night Guide 16 Welcome Back Mardi Gras
is excited for. Feel free to share your thoughts with me, as well, if there’s something you’re especially pumped about that we may have missed. Continuing our trend of new beginnings, our own Dawn Gresko talked with Raven Holloway, the fresh-faced executive director of the Pensacola Museum of Art. She has a vast background in art but with a fresh approach that may just be the kick the institution needs. Of course, the more things change, the more they stay the same. There is no better example of that than Mardi Gras, a celebration that our city takes very seriously. Every year, we give New Orleans a run for its money, and this year is no exception. Find out more, and meet a Krewe new to this year, on page 16. Maybe it’s because of all the Downtown development that’s been happening recently, but I’ve grown weirdly fond of the aging, sometimes leaky building we currently inhabit. I have found myself looking out the window more, through rain-streaked windows down at the lit-up streets below. On one such recent peering-out, I saw St. Michael’s church across the street and realized I knew surprisingly little about this mainstay on Palafox. With my investigative gear in tow, I met with the church’s rector and discovered so much about our past, as well as the structure’s awe-inspiring architecture. I hope you’ll go to church with me on page 18. As we look forward to this year, let’s not do it with eyes shut, thinking we know what’s out there, or content to let autopilot determine our days. The best is yet to come, and 2016 almost guarantees to be a fitting preview of that. I hope you’ll join me in seeing Pensacola with a fresh new energy in the new year.
18 Take Me to Church 21 Film 22 Word on the Street 24 Dateline Downtown 26 Art • Music • Theatre
Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Josh Newby Art Director Rita Laymon Graphic Design and Ad Coordination Guy Stevens Editor + Downtown Crowd Layout Josh Newby Editorial Assistant Dawn Gresko Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@ballingerpublishing.com DIB Executive Director Ron Butlin DIB Board Members Burney Merrill Susan Campbell Teri Levin Jim Homyak John Peacock Deadline for space and information is the 15th of the month prior to publication. For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433-1166 · Fax: 435-9174 DOWNTOWN CROWD is published in cooperation with the Downtown Improvement Board, 41. N. Jefferson St., Suite 401, Pensacola, Florida 32502 by Ballinger Publishing. Offices located at 41 N. Jefferson St., Suite 402, Pensacola Florida 32502
Published by Ballinger Publishing
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.
Cover design by Guy Stevens
2 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
6
$ 99 LUNCH SPECIALS 11am-3pm
The best mornings begin at Blue Morning Gallery. So does the best art. Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today. Become a morning person. Award-winning artists • Local, original art Open 7 days a week 21 South Palafox Place • 850.429.9100 • bluemorninggallery.com
455 W. Main St. Downtown Pensacola (850) 915-8775 WWW.NICKSBOATHOUSE.COM DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 3
Downtown Improvement Board Calling on everybody who is enjoying this year’s display of lights on Palafox, we would love to hear from you. The lights you are
Bed Tax. It was this tax, predominantly paid
including hearing that you brought your family
by out of town visitors, that is to thank for the
and friends Downtown specifically to see the
addition of the beautiful lights Downtown.
lights and then what you did while you were
seeing on Palafox, both in the trees
Now we are looking for stories from
here. Lastly, we would also love to know what
and on the light poles, were funded by
you about how you enjoyed the lights
city you call home. Thank you, I can’t wait to
Escambia County through an allocation
and how they impacted your holidays.
hear some of the fun things that have taken
of the Bed Tax. Short explanation
We will post a few of the most
place. ronbutlin@downtownpensacola.com
is that when visitors to
interesting and fun stories for
41 N. Jefferson St., Suite 401, Pensacola,
Escambia County stay in
all to enjoy. Please email or
FL., 32502
hotels and motels, they pay an extra tax nicknamed the
4 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Ron Butlin, Executive Director, DIB
mail me your stories, we are interested any and everything
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 5
6 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Q + A with Raven Holloway MONTHLY ART & ENTERTAINMENT PROFILE · BY DAWN GRESKO Prior to moving to Pensacola and finding her place at the Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA), Raven Holloway was assistant curator of education at the Mobile Museum of Art. Today, Raven is bringing all her art experience and expertise to the halls of PMA as the museum’s new executive director.
How long have you been with the PMA? All of 2010 through November of 2013. I began as the director of education and soon took on chief curator and deputy director of the museum. I came back to the museum in 2015 as executive director. What are your responsibilities as executive director of PMA? My biggest charge is to make sure that every department is working together to give each visitor the best experience possible. We want everyone who comes in contact with us—whether that’s online, in the museum, or out in the community—to be inspired by the art and what we do. I also lead fundraising and grant writing, and I serve the community as the face of everything we do at the museum. One of my biggest goals and responsibilities is to spread the news of our wonderful exhibitions and programming outside of the walls of the museum and to other cities in the region and beyond. What are your plans for PMA now that you are executive director? I think Pensacola can become even more of an arts destination than it is right now, and I want the PMA to lead that initiative. What we can do as a museum to support this is bringing in blockbuster exhibitions, offering up the absolute highest quality art education opportunities for children, and making our public programs truly transformative experiences. What makes you a good fit for the position as executive director? First and foremost my background is in art, so I hope my passion for visual and art history aspects comes through in the types of exhibitions I’ll be working with our curator on to bring to the museum. Something unique about me is that I’ve worked at the museum before, so I’ve seen what it takes for each department to be successful, and what has worked and what hasn’t. I’ve personally had a hand in education, curating, fundraising, marketing, and grant writing so I bring an intimate knowledge of how they should work in the big picture, as well as specifically at the PMA. People come to us to experience the visual arts, and that’s what I’m going to focus on to get the most high quality exhibitions and programs going.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE PENSACOLA MUSEUM OF ART
Photo by Phillip Makselan
Are there any PMA exhibits (past or current) that hold a special place in your heart? Damier: Art for the Masses and Nathan Sawaya: Art of the Brick (LEGOs). I was the curator responsible for both of these exhibitions and they were two of our most popular exhibitions to date. Damier is from a local collector in the area named Dr. Patrick Rowe. He has also loaned us several other collections he owns including The Design of War: Flags and Posters from WWI and WWII, as well as Mucha: Master Artist of Art Nouveau. Art of the Brick was a traveling exhibition on loan from the artist and it brought in more people and more revenue than any other exhibition we’ve ever done in the museum’s 61 years of existence. What else should readers know about PMA and your involvement with the museum? I love being so involved with all aspects of the museum, and I love working with people and this incredible community that supports the arts so much. We have a lot of leaders in that respect on our board, and it’s inspiring to see what they do, and, as key players in Pensacola, what they value to further the visual arts. Challenges at our museum aren’t new to the entire industry of museums, non-profits, and arts organizations. Advocacy from the entire spectrum of patrons—young to old, is extremely important to foster in the museum. It’s also a challenge sometimes to educate the public on the value of the arts and how that translates into the cost of admission, and so on. We do a lot with not a lot and we want people to understand and respect that.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 7
deLuna is History Site of first multi-year European settlement in the U.S. identified by University of West Florida archaeology program PHOTOS COURTESY OF UWF The University of West Florida archaeology program recently identified the archaeological site of the Luna settlement – the first multi-year European settlement in the United States – in a developed neighborhood in Pensacola. The artifacts discovered are evidence of the Spanish settlement by Tristán de Luna y Arellano from 1559 to 1561, the earliest multi-year European colonial settlement ever archaeologically identified in the United States. The work began on Oct. 2, 2015, when Pensacola native Tom Garner discovered Spanish colonial and Native American artifacts at a privately owned residential lot within view of the two uncovered shipwrecks in Pensacola Bay, which were also linked to the Luna expedition. In 1983, Garner attended a UWF archaeology field school led by Dr. Judith Bense, founder of the UWF archaeology program and current University president. Garner is well versed in the identification of historical artifacts and aware of areas considered likely candidates for the location of the Luna settlement. After multiple visits and surface collections, Garner brought the artifacts to the UWF archaeology lab on Oct. 30, 2015. Dr. John Worth, associate professor of historical archaeology, is an archaeology and ethnohistory expert and focuses on the Spanish colonial era in the southeastern U.S. “What we saw in front of us in the lab that day was an amazing
8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
assemblage of mid-16th century Spanish colonial period artifacts,” said Worth. “These items were very specific to this time period. The University conducted fieldwork at this site in the mid-1980s, as have others since then, but no one had ever found diagnostics of the sort that Tom found on the surface. People have looked for this site for a long time.” With the cooperation and support of residents and property owners, UWF began test excavations at the site and recovered additional artifacts in undisturbed context. Worth is the principal site investigator and Dr. Elizabeth Benchley, director of the UWF archaeology program, provides administrative and financial support. Garner also recently joined the team as a research assistant and neighborhood liaison for the project. UWF archaeologists recovered numerous sherds of broken 16th century Spanish ceramics found undisturbed beneath the ground surface. They are believed to be pieces of assorted cookware and tableware, including liquid storage containers called olive jars. Small personal and household items were also among the findings – a lead fishing line weight, a copper lacing aglet and wrought iron nail and spike fragments. Additionally, the team recovered beads known to have been traded with Native Americans. These items are consistent with materials previously identified in the shipwrecks offshore in Pensacola Bay.
The artifacts were linked to the Spanish expedition led by Tristán de Luna y Arellano, who brought 1,500 soldiers, colonists, slaves and Aztec Indians in 11 ships from Veracruz, Mexico, to Pensacola to begin the Spanish colonization of the northern Gulf Coast in 1559. One month after they arrived, the colony was struck by a hurricane, sinking many of their ships and devastating their food supplies. After two years, the remnants of the colony were rescued by Spanish ships and returned to Mexico. The Luna settlement inhabited Pensacola from 1559 to 1561, which predates the Spanish settlement in St. Augustine, Fla., by six years, and the English settlement in Jamestown, Virginia, by 48 years. “If the Luna expedition hadn’t been devastated by a massive hurricane and had instead achieved its original goal, the reasons and circumstances surrounding the 1565 establishment of St. Augustine might never have happened,” explained Worth. “If Florida had grown as an extension of New Spain through Pensacola on the Gulf Coast to Santa Elena on the Atlantic, the history of the United States itself could have evolved quite differently.” The winter encampment of Hernando de Soto’s Spanish exploratory expedition to Tallahassee, Florida, from 1539 to 1540, is the only earlier European habitation site positively identified by archaeologists in the southeastern U.S. Two earlier Spanish colonial settlements have
yet to be found – those of Juan Ponce de León near Fort Myers, Florida, in 1521 and of Lucas Vázquez de Ayllón near Brunswick, Georgia, in 1526. However, neither settlement lasted more than a few weeks. The discoveries made at the site of the Luna settlement signify that the two shipwrecks previously discovered in Pensacola Bay were wrecked at the anchorage for the entire Luna fleet. The first shipwreck was discovered by the Florida Bureau of Archaeological Research, and the second was found by UWF. The second shipwreck is currently being excavated by UWF with the assistance of a Florida Division of Historical Resources Special Category Grant. This new information about the location of the settlement may help UWF archaeologists narrow the field of search for the remaining shipwrecks. With the continued cooperation of residents and property owners, UWF archaeologists will continue to examine the neighborhood to determine the extent and organization of the site. “The shipwrecks have provided a tremendous insight into the nature of the machinery that brought Spain to the New World and how they operated this entire vast empire,” explained Worth. “In terms of understanding who they were after coming to the New World, this kind of archaeology at the terrestrial site will provide us that window.”
s n o i t i Aud New Member
BOYS AND GIRLS GRADES 4-12
Tuesday, January 12 • 4:30–6:00 pm BOYS AND GIRLS GRADE 3
Wednesday, January 13 • 4:30–6:00 pm Pensacola Children’s Chorus (Margaret Moore Nickelsen Center)
Located on the First Presbyterian Church Campus 46 E. Chase Street Need based financial aid available. See our website for Fees, Tuition and Financial Aid application.
pensacolachildrenschorus.com For More Information: 434-7760 operations@pensacolachildrenschorus.com
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 9
ALL THE EVENTS, DEVELOPMENTS AND TRADITIONS WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE IN 2016 BY JOSH NEWBY AND DAWN GRESKO 10 10| |DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Do you love wine? We sure do; and the more options the better. Well by the end of 2016, South Ninth Avenue near Veterans Memorial Park will play host to Wine World, which will combine a retail wine operation, a bar with cheeses and gourmet food options, and even a gastropub experience with highend cuisine. Robert Montgomery and Chan Cox are the brains behind the operation, and are promising 30,000 sqft. of wine-dedicated goodness. With 220 seats and 80 in the wine bar, plus outdoor seating with the best views in the city, you’ll never feel pressured to - or want to leave this Mecca for those who enjoy the finer things in life. We’re so ready for Downtown’s next hotstop to open, one that is away from the hustle and bustle of Palafox and is conveniently tucked into another idyllic part of town.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> WINE WORLD > BUBBA’S SWEET SPOT
You know what Pensacola doesn’t have? An affluent candy, ice cream and hot fudge shop for the young and young at heart - that is also co-funded by golf superstar Bubba Watson. You know what Pensacola’s about to get? That. Although the original idea belongs to Rishy Studer, Watson has run with the idea and developed it into a paradise of childhood whimsy, with bright decorations, bold, local flavors, and a space ripe for memorable birthday parties. At first I was against this idea. A candy shop? Is Pensacola ready for that kind of magic? But hey, if someone else wants to foot the bill, I’ll happily grab some artisan candy and fresh ice cream.
> UWF ARGONAUT FOOTBALL Been buried alongside some of Tristan deLuna’s newly discovered artifacts “somewhere” in Pensacola? Because that’s pretty much the only excuse you have for not being hyped about Downtown football, or at least knowing that it is just around the corner. Scrimmages began late last year, and the first official competitive Division II game will occur at Maritime Park in fall of this year. This is a rare time in history, when football fans and UWF alumni/students are excited about the same thing. The games promise an economic boom for Downtown - and that parking will be even harder to come by.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> HARLEM GLOBETROTTERS
As a kid, I remember watching the Harlem Globetrotters on TV and being wowed by their athleticism, ball-handling skills, and general fun demeanor on the court. Fastforward many sports-hating years and the team still holds a special place in my heart, representing, at least to me, how sports should be. There are few things more awful than contract disputes and rape allegations surfacing among some of the most wellpaid humans on the planet. Can’t we just have a good time? The Globetrotters can! Now in their 90th year, the team is even cooler than I originally thought. They deliver family entertainment, help out children in need, give to non-profits and inspire millions of TV-addicted Americans to appreciate the seemingly boundless abilities of the human body. The Globetrotters are coming to the Bay Center on March 31. The event is also an indication of how our seemingly non-remarkable hamlet (according to Gawker) continues to draw big-name entertainers, making our proud city increasingly more remarkable. If you’ve never seen them perform, just cough up the money. You’ll be glad you did. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> PENSACON Everyone’s favorite nerd/fan convention is back for the third year in a row. There were some questions about whether the con would be able to bounce back from the arrest of Ben Galecki, Pensacon’s founder, but the staff has worked hard and we’re delighted to say it looks like this year will be better than ever. With enthusiasm over Star Wars reaching a fever pitch, the crew has responded by booking six guests and fully embracing people’s love for a galaxy far, far away. The late February event will feature other big names, too, from properties like The Walking Dead, Harry Potter and more. There’s lots of related events happening all around town, too, as everyone gets in the spirit. With themed parties at various bars, specials at different restaurants, and even a lip-sync battle at the Rex, you’ll be hard-pressed to not find something that tickles your nerd bone this weekend. I always look forward to this convention, but especially this year, when for a moment it looked like it might not happen. Live long and prosper, Pensacon. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11
> STORM WATER PARK PROJECT WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2016? Storm water is a concern in Downtown Pensacola and recent heavy rains and subsequent flooding have only served to underscore that issue. Many cities deal with this problem by installing attractive, usable parks in their problem areas that also double as storm water pond. Pensacola may soon follow suit with a project expected to complete by late this year. The park site, similar in size and scope to Admiral Mason Park, will be in Pensacola’s Tanyard Neighborhood and include walking paths, benches, lighting, and a basketball court and playground. The money for this proposal would come from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation funds and the city’s share of the BP oil spill settlement.
We all love Pensacola, but sometimes you just need to get away from it all. That’s how the crew at Pensacola’s international airport feels, so they’ve come to our sweaty summer selves’ rescue with expanded flights during the very time we need to escape the heat the most - summer. Beginning in early June and going through to the end of July, Southwest if offering non-stop Saturday flights to Dallas and Kansas City. Starting even earlier in March, the company will bring back Saturday non-stop service to Chi-Town (Chicago). This is in addition to the already-active non-stop Houston and Nashville flights. This is perfect for a long weekend getaway to cities that offer many of the same amenities as our fair town, but more tolerable weather. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> GIGABIT INTERNET The future is now - er, the future is late 2016, because both Cox and AT&T have announced plans to bring gigabit-per-second residential speeds to Pensacola by the end of the year. That means you can download movies like Legally Blonde 2: Red, White & Blonde in just 36 seconds or songs like Flicka Dat Wrist in less than a tenth of a second. That’s basically instant Chedda Da Connect gratification. So get ready for more kitten videos, faster-loading Yahoo! comment sections, and slightly less frustrating Skype calls, Pensacola, because the future has never been available at such a high download bitrate. The cost should be just under $100 a month, or slightly more than you’re already paying for the Internet of the plebs. Time to Upgrade U!
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> CONTROVERSIAL CITY COUNCIL DECISIONS 2016 is the year when all the controversial City Council topics that have been suspended in workshops and indecision - food trucks, a human rights ordinance, homelessness, Uber, and internal chamber problems - finally land, supposedly. Will food trucks become an officially sanctioned thing in Pensacola, or is their assigned placement by City Hall just kicking the can down the road? Will we adopt a human rights ordinance that seeks to make discrimination against transgender individuals illegal (but also makes the process for pursuing action against discrimination more difficult)? And how about homelessness? Will we begin to enforce laws against panhandling now that there is a viable funding alternative (thanks to Leadership Pensacola) that addresses the root causes of true homelessness? Expect lots of Facebook posts, impassioned rants, and warnings re: the end of time to abound! All that doesn’t even touch on some of the internal problems Charles Bare, who was newly elected Council president in late 2015 but whose position actually expires this year, will have to address. Accusations of grandstanding, inconsistent city standards, and rampant indecision and mind-changing abound. Will this be the year City Council figures itself out? We, and all of Pensacola, certainly hope so. 12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
> EXPANDED FLIGHT OPTIONS
>> Eddie and Taryn share the title of Ambassador (from the Greater Pensacola Chamber) but differ in what they’re looking forward to in 2016: Eddie awaits his chance to watch the inaugural season of UWF football kick off at Downtown’s Bayfront stadium, while Taryn anticipates the grand opening of Downtown’s new YMCA on the corner of Tarragona and Intendencia.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>> Cindy and Kathy are major fans of musicals, especially the Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween experience in Pensacola, and they are looking forward to free music at Bands on the Beach when the popular concert series returns in 2016.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>> These two dashing Downtown dwellers, John and Mauldin, are looking forward to the new year and the ushering in of change to the area, which includes the completion of several works in progress like the new Holiday Inn Express and Studer apartment building.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13
Photo: Vincent Anderlucci
OFFICIAL GALLERY NIGHT GUIDE
JAN. 15 Official Gallery Night Guide sponsored by
Cox Business provides voice, data and video services for more than 300,000 small and regional businesses, including healthcare providers, K-12 and higher education, financial institutions and federal, state and local government organizations. The organization also serves most of the top tier wireless and wireline telecommunications carriers in the U.S. through its wholesale division. According to Vertical Systems Group, Cox Business is one of the largest providers of business Ethernet services in the U.S. based on customer ports and has been consistently recognized for its leadership among small/midsize business data service providers. Cox is currently the seventh largest voice service provider in the U.S. and supports one million phone lines. Call Cox Business today at 1-866-866-2644.
14 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM 14 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
t.
Wright St.
PARTICIPANTS Al Fresco - 501 S. PALAFOX ST. Artel Gallery - 223 S. PALAFOX PL. Bank of Pensacola - 500 S. PALAFOX ST. Beef ‘O’ Brady’s - 22 S. PALAFOX ST. Belle Ame’ - 112 S. PALAFOX ST. Blend Lounge - 200 S PALAFOX ST Blue Morning Gallery - 21 S. PALAFOX ST. Dr. Gene Terrezza and Assoc. - 113 S. PALAFOX PL. Emerald Coast Utility Authority GOVERNMENT ST. & PALAFOX ST.
(Jackson’s Steakhouse, Fish House, Atlas Oyster House and the Deck Bar, The Courtyard at Seville Tower)
Chase St.
Garden St.
Downtown Pensacola
- 226 S. PALAFOX PL.
10 S. PALAFOX PL.
The streets will remain closed until Midnight. Per city ordinance no animals and no glass bottles.
P
St. Intendencia P
31 41 8 34 21 16 5 17 13 30 35
15
40 6
t.
P Parking Lots/Garages
14
P
P
29
2
t St. Governmen
9
20 33 18
t.
Zarragossa S
36
P P
t.
28
t.
DeVilliers S
NOM Sushi Izakaya - 410 S. PALAFOX PL. O’Riley’s Irish Pub - 321 S. PALAFOX ST. Old Hickory Whiskey Bar Co. - 123 S. PALAFOX PL. Pen Air Federal Credit Union - 40 S. PALAFOX PL. Pensacola Museum Of Art - 407 S. JEFFERSON ST. Play Pensacola - 16 S. PALAFOX ST. Pure Pilates - 426 S. PALAFOX PL. Quayside Art Gallery - 17 E. ZARAGOZA ST. Ruby Slipper - 509 S. PALAFOX ST. Sam Marshall Architects - 325 S. PALAFOX ST. Seville Quarter - 130 E. GOVERNMENT ST. Stevenson Klotz - 127 S. PALAFOX PL. #100. Subway - 100 S. PALAFOX PL. Susan Campbell Jewelry - 420 S. PALAFOX ST. TCBY - GOVERNMENT ST. & PALAFOX ST. The Tin Cow - 102 S. PALAFOX PL. Urban Objects - 128 S. PALAFOX PL. Voices of Pensacola - 117 E. GOVERNMENT ST. Vinyl Music Hall - 2 S. PALAFOX ST. Wild Greg’s Saloon - 22 S PALAFOX ST. The Wine Bar - 16 PALAFOX PL. World of Beer - 200 S. PALAFOX PL. Zarzaur Law Firm - 11 E. ROMANA ST.
Official Participating Business
P
Jefferson S
Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique - 122 S. PALAFOX PL. Intermissions - 214 S. PALAFOX PL.. Jordan Valley - CORNER OF INTENDENCIA AND PALAFOX Marty Campbell - 126 PALAFOX PL. Meadows Jewelers - 125 S. PALAFOX ST. Mimi’s Bistro - 313 S. PALAFOX ST.
Coyle St.
13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23. 24 25. 26. 27. 28. 29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36. 37. 38. 39. 40. 41.
Romana St.
MAP KEY
12. Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom
98 37 12 24 4 7 38 10 39 22
S Tarragona
10. Global Grill - 27 S. PALAFOX PL. 11. The Great Southern Restaurant Group
P
Palafox St.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.
Reus St.
JANUARY 15, 2016
P
11 19 32
26
23
P
25
Main St.
1 3 27 Cedar
St. P
P
Gallery Night is sponsored by:
Brought to you by the Downtown Improvement Board
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 15
WELCOME BACK MARDI GRAS by DAWN GRESKO
16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
It’s time for Mardi Gras, and we’re not just talking about that one day out of the year when we celebrate by catching the traditional moon pies, beads, and other surprise throws from dozens of decorated floats manned by costumed krewes cruising through the Downtown crowd. Mardi Gras is its own season beyond Fat Tuesday, and the season will kick off in Downtown Pensacola on Jan. 8. For five years, the annual Mardi Gras Kick Off has been sponsored by Wind Creek Casino & Hotel and organized by the small group of volunteers at Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. According to Danny Zimmern, president of Pensacola Mardi Gras, gathering info for the event is a year-round experience and planning starts about six months in advance. Pensacola Mardi Gras works with the City, as well as Escambia County Sheriff’s Office and local Downtown businesses to make the event a safe success. The kick off begins at Seville Quarter and a second line band takes participants and krewes through Palafox, Garden, Government, and Tarragona streets. For five years, the New Orleans Ramblers (led by Tim Jackson) have lent their musical talent to Pensacola Mardi Gras for the second line procession. Although the band plays traditional New Orleans funk and other music inspired by the sounds of the Big Easy, they’ve performed all along the Gulf Coast, which is why their band slogan is “conceived in New Orleans, born on the Gulf Coast.” For more info on the band, check out neworleansramblers. com. The Mayor officially kicks off the Mardi Gras season at Seville Quarter by cutting the
King Cake, which is supplied by Oh Snap! Cupcakes & Gourmet Bakery—one of the event sponsors. The cake is large enough for every member of the crowd to get a slice. Other special guests who are scheduled to appear at the cake cutting and kick off include Knights of Columbus and the chair of the Board of County Commissioners. After the cake has been cut, all krewes and their accompanying floats will be “blessed” for the season. After each blessing, the krewe will join a processional led by the New Orleans Ramblers. The kick off is free to attend and, unlike other parades, Pensacola Mardi Gras celebrations are family friendly and open to all ages. Pensacola Mardi Gras maintains communication with at least 80 krewes, many of which have already signed up for the kick off event. Some of the krewes operate as 501(c3) nonprofits, or they aim to bring awareness to charities, such as Manna Food Bank and Pace Center for Girls. Other krewes like the Krewe de Yayas try to get the word out about important issues, such as breast cancer awareness. If you’re interested in joining a krewe, their floats will be parked on the streets surrounding Seville Quarter on the day of the kick off. Get to know the krewes and their causes, in case you’d like to join the fun, build communal connections, and help out a good cause while you do. “We love the sense of community and energy felt each year at the annual kick off and parades,” said Danny Zimmern. “Last year, the
sheriff’s department reported that the kick off alone drew a crowd of about 6,000 people— excluding the krewe members.” To learn more about Pensacola Mardi Gras and upcoming events, visit pensacolamardigras. com. Or, follow Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. on Facebook for the most up-to-date information for this Mardi Gras season.
NEW KREWE ON THE BLOCK
“What our krewe supports is Pensacola,” said Madrina Ciano, one of the four founders from Krewe of S.W.A.T. “Our primary goal is to build a diverse fellowship to support Pensacola and whatever the community’s needs may be.” Krewe of S.W.A.T. (Saints With Aggressive Tendencies) has a diverse group of 64 members who by day work as doctors, realtors, teachers and other professionals. Madrina and Mark Ciano along with Brian and Cristina Williams founded the krewe together in 2015. The not-for-profit krewe has helped Pace Center for Girls, Impact 100, and has donated to local drives like Socks for the Homeless. You’ll be able to spot the new krewe easily by looking for their unique float shaped like a SWAT vehicle, which was designed by J.J. Zielinski, built by Steven Spears Mechanics, and glammed up by Joe and Molly Maloney at Fabadashery. Learn more about the krewe by visiting them at the kick off, or visiting their Facebook page.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 17
TAKE ME
CHURCH to
A MORNING AT ST. MICHAEL’S. BY JOSH NEWBY
Pensacola’s southern downtown gets most of the attention regarding historic significance, but toward the north of Palafox is a site rich in culture, religious history, and architectural wonder. The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel— more casually referred to as St. Michael’s church—has had an uninterrupted presence in Pensacola since 1781 and it is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the south. It also features the distinction of being a designated minor basilica, a title of honor bestowed by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. After changing sites several times following fire and other tragedies, the current site was purchased in 1885 for just $3,500 and dedicated in 1886. Much of the 130-year-old construction is still intact, including the structure itself, the altars and the roof, but much has changed, as well. The oak pews, sponsored by families of the church, came in a few years after the dedication and the 25 stained glass windows were installed in 1920 after being custom-made
The bell tower will also feature six new windows along the stairwell to the choir loft that will celebrate St. Cecilia, the patroness of musicians. The church’s historic and spiritual importance is noticed by the Vatican, as well. St. Michael’s is one of only eight dioceses in Northwest Florida designated as a pilgrimage church for the Jubilee Year of Mercy. In early 2015, Pope Francis announced for only the fourth time in church history an extraordinary Jubilee Year of Mercy, a collective answer to the evil in the world and an offering of special graces from the Father of Mercies. The Jubilee Indulgence is received by having passed through the Door of Mercy, something that St. Michael’s boasts, and it is considered a substitute for making a pilgrimage to the Major Basilicas of Rome. Not simply an agent of the Catholic religion, Callipare is very happy to endorse various public initiatives that extend church’s reach beyond its loyal 200 families. “We are open each Gallery Night and during the morning of the Palafox Market for tours,” said Callipare. “I have “OUR GOAL IS TO HELP THOSE ON THEIR a team of 24 parishioners—eight SPIRITUAL JOURNEY TO GOD. WE DO THAT BY teams of three—who work to GIVING THE PRESCRIPTION TO RECEIVE THOSE monitor the church’s exposure BLESSINGS.” to the public. As a result, we’ve received about 2,000 more in Munich. In 1986, the 14 papier-mache and visitors in 2015.” horsehair cross-stations were marbleized. The church has also begun offering concerts. There is more change on the horizon, too. In early 2015, they had double-organ and cello On Jan. 6, work will begin to hurricane-proof showcases, and on Jan. 8 and 9 they will offer and clean the stained glass windows, as well as a joint piano-organ concert. The church staff repair the framework surrounding the windows. also works to provide about 150 sack lunches The renovation will take about four months, to the homeless every month. All of this is part according to the Very Reverend Joseph of a mission to expose the church to those who Callipare, who has been with the church just may not routinely visit. over two years. “Our goal is to help those on their spiritual “Right now, you can’t see into the church journey to God,” said Callipare. “We do that during the day, nor can you see the stained by giving the prescription to receive those glass art,” said Callipare. “This renovation will blessings.” change that, and address some much-needed repair work.”
THE VARIOUS ST. MICHAEL’S LOCATIONS IN PENSACOLA
1781
TWO-STORY WAREHOUSE NEAR WATER’S EDGE IS BLESSED AS CHURCH.
18 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
1821
MEMBERS BEGIN BUILDING NEW CHURCH DURING SPANISH COLONIAL GOVERNMENT.
1831
HURRICANE STRIKES NEW LOCATION. DEBT INCURRED TO BUILD THIRD CHURCH AT THE CORNER OF JEFFERSON AND CHURCH STREETS.
1867
AFTER TRAGIC FIRE, FUNDS WERE SECURED TO BUILD ST. MICHAEL’S AT THE CURRENT T.T. WENTWORTH SITE.
1885
AFTER ANOTHER FIRE, CURRENT LOCATION SELECTED AS NEW PERMANENT HOME OF CHURCH.
THINk YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO bUY A HOME?
tHink again. First time Home Buyer’s seminar January 26th 5:30 - 7:00 Free aDmission Keller Williams Realty Gulf Coast 800 Langley Avenue food will be provided
• Up to $7,500 down payment and closing cost assistance available for those who qualify! • 100% financing available in many areas! • OWNING can be nearly 40% less expensive! reserve space by emailing, text, or call:
simone sands
simone@simonesells.com - 850-293-2292
Lauren schneider
850realestate@gmail.com - 850-516-1993 IF YOU CAN NOT ATTEND THIS FREE SEMINAR, PLEASE CONTACT US AND WE WILL PUT YOU ON OUR MAILING LIST FOR OUR NEXT FREE SEMINAR.
WHAT ARE YOU MADE OF? Teens have the power to create impact beyond themselves. What will you discover in the process? Visit MYCHAINREACTION.ORG
RYAN [16] PSC KIDS COLLEGE SUMMER CAMP
20 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
In which we unfairly judge upcoming attractions based solely on their trailers. By Josh Newby
THE HATEFUL EIGHT RELEASE DATE: January 8 CAST: Jennifer Jason Leigh, Channing Tatum, Samuel L. Jackson THE REVENANT RELEASE DATE: January 8 CAST: Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Domhnall Gleeson What I got from the preview: Based on the unbelievably macabre true story of frontiersman Hugh Glass, this art film features a shocking bear attack (that many early audiences have walked out on) and a story of revenge and violence told with award-winning cinematography and long, single-take shots. DiCaprio plays the titular character, who slowly and methodically follows the hunting party that abandoned him, plotting their death and comeuppance. Most notable for: Alejandro Inarritu (Birdman, 21 Grams) has never been my favorite director, though he is certainly a celebrated one. With this film, he appears to use shocking violence and his signature story-telling patience to possibly lead DiCaprio to his first overdeserved Oscar. Unqualified critical observation: Marketed as a breakneck-pace story of revenge and singleshot rifle gun battles, I have a feeling this is much more a slow burn than audiences expect. I’ll see it in theaters for the sweeping vistas, but I’m fully prepared for the long shots, lack of dialogue, and careful character study that generally comes with these types of pictures.
THE FOREST RELEASE DATE: January 8 CAST: Natalie Dormer, Taylor Kinney What I got from the preview: A women whose sister committed suicide travels to the location of the tragedy with the help of a tour guide. Against the warnings of local townspeople, she heads into the mysterious forest where many others have taken their own lives and confronts her own personal horror. Is this is tale of paranoia and hopelessness, like the excellent The Blair Witch Project, or another run-of-the-mill January horror release featuring a hot TV star hoping to make the transition to film? This trailer leads me to believe the latter. Most notable for: Natalie Dormer (Game of Thrones, The Tudors) finally has her first starring role in a major motion picture, after being a scene-stealer on the small screen and the object of the Internet’s love for many years. Unqualified critical observation: I love Dormer and hope she elevates this dreck to something watchable, even if it warrants more of a Redbox or Netflix investment than a theatre trip. With a PG-13 rating, I’m not expecting much in the scares department.
What I got from the preview: In typical Tarantino fashion, well-spoken but blunt and grisly characters are forced together by fate and must confront the secrets and pasts that each are trying to hide as they attempt to survive the wintry evening in a cabin. This throwback to the golden age of cinema—with sweeping landscapes, an intermission and overture—is a subversive western whose main plot seems to be that of a bounty hunter trying to keep his prisoner safe from those who may want her for themselves; but of course, not everyone is who they claim to be. Most notable for: A Tarantino movie is always a treat, and this is his most overt proof that they just don’t make ‘em like they used to, with a running time
Fi l m
in excess of three hours, old-timey title cards and 70mm showings (for which I am traveling to Birmingham). Unqualified critical observation: I’ll admit that when the script first leaked a few years ago, I was underwhelmed. A western Resevoir Dogs?, I said to myself, before my wife asked why I was talking to myself. When the first trailer came out, I was even more downtrodden. Where’s the creativity and delightful excess that was once Tarantino’s calling card?, I asked myself again. With some early reviews and better-cut trailers, however, I am once again in the Tarantino fanboy camp, happily traveling four hours to see it in glorious, panoramic 70mm!
DIRTY GRANDPA RELEASE DATE: January 22 CAST: Zac Efron, Robert De Niro, Julianne Hough, Aubrey Plaza What I got from the preview: In the weeks before his wedding to a one-dimensional, uptight blonde, Efron’s character is whisked away on a spring break-like trip with his perverted retired Army general of a grandfather, and the two take part in every stereotypical douche-bro activity, because chicks and marriage can be such a drag. Most notable for: When the most notable thing about your movie is the uncanny resemblance its title has to a Jackass movie, you should have just made a different movie, Unqualified critical observation: With The Hateful Eight and The Revenant, my hopes were flying high that this January would be unlike most other Januaries, which are typically a dumping ground for studio garbage. With this and The Forest though, it’s nice to see that Hollywood isn’t changing up their scheduling game too much. I’ll be avoiding this one, great cast though it may have. I suggest you do the same.
KUNG FU PANDA 3 RELEASE DATE: January 29 CAST: Jack Black, Angelina Jolie, Dustin Hoffman, Seth Rogen What I got from the preview: It’s been a while since we’ve seen Po, the absolutely lovable fighting panda that is essentially just Jack Black in animated form. In this sequel, Po reunites with his father as he attempts to graduate from fighter to teacher. But when a supernatural villain threatens to destroy everything Po holds dear, he must teach his newfound family the art of Kung Fu and become the master he always dreamed of being. Most notable for: One of the three great Dreamworks animated properties (the other two being Shrek and How to Train Your Dragon) comes to an end with this iteration, and the whole gang is back together to see it go. Unqualified critical observation: I’ve always loved these films. Their mix of eastern philosophy, bright and poppy animation, and distinctive multi-level humor mixed with a great cast is a fantastic combination. And while this story seems a bit spread out, with no clear through-line, I’ll still give it a solid Po shot.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 21
Word on the Street
EDS Receives $25,000 Kugelman Grant
Episcopal Day School of Christ Church Parish (EDS) in Pensacola, FL is grateful to be the recipient of a $25,000 Kugelman Foundation grant for the creation of an innovation lab. The Kugelman Innovation Lab will be a dedicated space optimized for 21st Century teaching and learning, as well as fostering student success through project-based learning with integrated technology in the classroom. The school will later host a grand opening ceremony and formally name the Kugelman Innovation Lab in appreciation for the generous gift from the foundation. The Kugelman Foundation is committed to continuing its support for the growth and development of the lab for years to come. The addition of the Kugelman Innovation Lab is a critical step in the ongoing transformation of EDS classrooms and outdoor learning spaces so students may most effectively collaborate, think critically, be creative and communicate their ideas. These 21st century skills will be essential in the job market of tomorrow as success is often determined not just by what you know, but what you can do with what you know. Educators must prepare children for jobs that are yet unknown in a rapidly changing world. The Kugelman Innovation Lab will be a dedicated space where students believe they can be dreamers, inventors, and designers. Students will be urged to take risks and to make, invent, program and design. These skills will be reinforced with the study of science, technology, engineering, the arts and math (STEM). The intent is that exposure to these subjects will lead students to become inventors, entrepreneurs, collaborators, and problem solvers.
The Pensacola Children’s Chorus will host New Member auditions as follows: BOYS AND GIRLS GRADES 4-12 Tuesday, January 12 4:30 – 6:00 pm
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Announces New Member Auditions for 2015-2016 Season
22 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
BOYS AND GIRLS GRADE 3 Wednesday, January 13 4:30 – 6:00 pm The audition process is quick and simple and attendees do not need to bring a prepared audition piece. A conductor will listen for the singer’s ability to match pitches, to learn a simple tune, and to hold one’s voice part against others. Youth will be placed in the appropriate choir group based on their skills, maturity and readiness. There is no fee to audition. Auditions will be held at the Margaret Moore Nicholson Center (home of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus) at 46 E. Chase Street, in Downtown Pensacola.
Love Keeps Us Together Adopt -AManatee® this Valentine’s Day Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org
Photo © David Schrichte
Three Missions. One Big Impact. Learn what Pensacola Sports is doing to move our community through world-class athletic event management, sports tourism promotion, and giving back with scholarships and grants through our Foundation.
Be active. Be inspired.
BE MOVED.
850.434.2800 | pensacolasports.org | #BeMoved DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 23
Date l i n e D o w n t o w n
Pensacola Beach Run Half Marathon 10K/5K Jan. 16 Kick off your New Year’s resolution with one of the premier destination road races in the Southeast. The event features a half marathon and a pick your distance 10K or 5K, meaning participants don’t have to decide whether or not to run the 10K or 5K until they are out on the course. For more info, go to pensacolarunners.com.
A.B.C. Beverage Class: Props Brewing Jan. 7 Atlas Oyster House will host the monthly A.B.C. beverage class on Thursday, Jan. 7 starting at 6 pm. Props Brewing is a new brewery out of Fort Walton, and one of their head brewers, Nate Vannatter, will appear as guest speaker for the class. For more information, visit atlasoysterhouse.com. Pensacola’s 12th Night: Mardi Gras Kick Off Jan. 8 The historic streets of Downtown Pensacola will host the annual Mardi Gras Kick Off celebration, which is free for all to attend, starting at 5 pm on Friday, Jan. 8. Celebrate the 2016 Mardi Gras season along with the krewes and their kings and queens. For more information go to pensacolamardigras.com, or visit the Pensacola Mardi Gras, Inc. Facebook page.
24 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Apron Strings: Ties to the Past Jan. 8 This traveling exhibit from Exhibits USA will be at T.T. Wentworth, Jr. Museum in Downtown Pensacola to review the apron’s role as an emotionally charged vehicle for expression with a rich and varied craft history that is still relevant today. The exhibit features aprons dating from the 1900s to present day, and chronicles changing attitudes toward women and domestic work. To learn more, visit historicpensacola.org. 13th Annual Beautiful Beginnings Bridal Expo Jan. 10 Getting married in 2016? Then you won’t want to miss the annual Bridal Expo at Pensacola Bay Center on Sunday, Jan. 10, from 11 am to 4 pm. Over 100 vendors will be on hand with information, displays and samples. Plus there will be a runway fashion show, door prizes and more. Tickets purchased in advance from the Pensacola Bay Center box office are $10 each. Day-of-show tickets will be $12 per person at the door. For more details, visit coastalweddingsinc.com.
Historic Pensacola Trolley Jan. 12 – Mar. 15 Enjoy a 50 minute narrated tour of the historic Downtown Pensacola, known as the “City of Five Flags.” You will hear about the first settlement of 1559 followed by permanent colonization in 1698. The trolley will leave from the Pensacola Visitor’s Center at the foot of Three Mile Bridge. Make tour reservations online at beachbumtrolley.com, or call for availability at 850-941-2876. Tours run from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are limited to 36 passengers.
Dateline Downtown Cooking Demonstrations with Chef Irv: Oyster Obsession Jan. 20 Chef Irv Miller of Jackson’s Steakhouse is hosting monthly cooking demonstrations with a class at 5 pm and 7:30 pm. The focus for January will be “Oyster Obsession.” Each class costs $45 per person, which covers the cooking demonstration, tastings of the recipes, wine pairings, and a takehome recipe booklet so you can try your hand at Miller’s recipes in the comfort of your own home. Reservations are required. For more information, visit jacksonsrestaurant.com. Annual Cordova Mall Ball Jan. 23 Put on your best Mardi Gras gown and get decked out in your tux or best suit for the first and best Mardi Gras party in town held by the Krewe of Les Petits Enfants (the Order of the Small Children) to benefit the sick and injured children and infants at The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart in Pensacola. Tickets are limited. For more information called Sacred Heart Foundation at 850-416-7415, or visit foundation.sacred-heart. org/mallball.
Great Southern Weddings Bridal Workshop Jan. 30 The Palafox House in Downtown Pensacola will host the Great Southern Weddings Bridal Workshop on Jan. 30 from 9 am to 1 pm. The workshop is designed to celebrate and engage a small number of brides and will provide an opportunity for personalized guidance and attention no matter where each attendee is in her own wedding planning process. Special guests will include Great Southern Weddings planner Shannon Reeves, Aislinn Kate of the awardwinning wedding photography studio Aislinn Kate Photography, as well as Shannon Pallin owner of Fiore, the downtown flower boutique, and local artist, Cindy Mathis Lewis. Melissa Bailey of Great Southern Catering & Events will treat attendees to a gourmet lunch. In addition, each attendee will be welcomed to extend a complimentary invitation to their own mother-ofthe-bride, who may observe the day’s happenings and participate in a special session tailored especially for them. Admission cost is $75 per guest. For more on the event, visit palafoxhouse. com.
The Fish House Deck Bar Weekly Music Schedule Sunday: Regional acts at 8 pm. Monday: Open at 4 pm. Tuesday: Lucas Crutchfield from 6 to 10 pm Wednesday: Lucas Crutchfield 5 to 9 pm; at 9 pm a regional band will play until midnight. Regional bands are changed weekly Thursday: Lucas Crutchfield 6 to 10 pm Friday: Lucas Crutchfield 5 to 9 pm; regional band begins at 9 pm Saturday: Regional bands begin at 9 pm
Ar t · M u s i c · T h e a t re
Barry Manilow at Pensacola Bay Center Jan. 28 Barry Manilow will “hit the road” again to perform concerts across North America one last time, and the music legend will begin his tour right here in Pensacola with a live performance at Pensacola Bay Center on Thursday, Jan. 28. The show begins at 7:30 pm, but doors open at 6:30 pm. Ticket prices range from $20.75 to $155.75. To purchase your tickets now, or learn more about Manilow’s upcoming show, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.
Jazz Jam Jan. 4 The Jazz Society of Pensacola sponsors Jazz Jam the first Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at La Brisa Cafe -- located in the Quality Inn as you enter Gulf Breeze from Three-Mile Bridge coming from Pensacola. Doors open at 5:30 pm. Admission: $10 for JSOP members and guests, $12 for non-members, $5 for students with ID, and free admission for military in uniform. Join the JSOP at this event, and admission is free. For membership and information, call 433.8382 or visit jazzpensacola.com. Saenger Theatre presents The Producers Jan. 5 As a big Broadway musical, The Producers once again sets the standard for modern, outrageous, in-your-face humor. A scheming producer and his mousy accountant aim to produce the biggest flop on Broadway in Mel Brooks’ laugh-out-loud spectacle, coming to the Saenger on Tuesday, Jan. 5 starting at 7:30 pm. For more information, or to reserve your tickets, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
26 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Quayside Art Gallery’s Feature Artist Show: New in the Q Jan. 6 Quayside Art Gallery is welcoming its New at the Q artists: Deb Chilote (watercolor and acrylics), Amber Dawn (portraits in acrylic on plexiglas), Irmi Presutto (seascapes in acrylics), Ginger Osborne (watercolors with all sale profits going to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation), Kat Bush (seascapes and pet portraits in oil), Cathy Painter (stained glass and one-of-a-kind kaleidoscopes), Joyce Williams (glass engraving), Karin Gundmundson (acrylics) and JC Findley (photography). The artist show reception will be held on Friday, Jan. 8 from 6 to 9 pm. For more information about the upcoming artist show, visit quaysidegallery.com. Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Beethoven & Blue Jeans Jan. 9 The Saenger Theatre will host a performance of Beethoven & Blue Jeans by the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra on Saturday, Jan. 9 starting at 7:30 pm. The dress is distinctly casual (orchestra and conductor will be in denim) and the audience is encouraged
to sport their favorite pair of blues jeans, too. The program is delightfully unpredictable, and Beethoven will be represented with his second symphony, a piece that is both youthful and groundbreaking. For more information on the program, or to purchase tickets, visit pensacolasymphony.com. PMA present Annual Youth Art Focus Jan. 9 – Feb. 13 The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) presents the 62nd annual Youth Art Focus exhibition in partnership with Escambia County School District and in recognition of the National Youth Art Month. It highlights the best works from over 500 art students and educators within Escambia County schools, celebrating their strong artistic achievements and our area teachers’ dedication to art education. Opening reception for middle and high school students is on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 5 to 7 pm. The opening reception for elementary school students is on Friday, Jan. 22 from 5 to 7 pm. For more on the upcoming exhibition, visit pensacolamuseum.org.
Ar t · Music · Theatre 40 for 40 at Quayside Gallery Jan. 9 Help save history during “Second Saturdays at Quayside:” 40 original works of art will be on sale for $40 each at Quayside Gallery on Saturday, Jan. 9. The 143-year old historic building, which contains Quayside Gallery, requires major repairs so the members of Quayside are asking for your help. The artists are donating their art for sale with 100 percent of proceeds going to repair the historic building. There will be jewelry, pottery, paintings ranging from traditional to modern conceptual works, as well as photography and woodwork. You will be doing your part to help us preserve a wonderful part of Downtown Pensacola history. Admission is free, and for more info visit quaysidegallery.com. The Capitol Steps at Saenger Theatre Jan. 15 The Capitol Steps have been a Washington, D.C. institution for over 30 years. The group provides a unique blend of musical and political comedy to our Nation’s capitol and more. Each show has tasteful lampooning guaranteed to leave both sides of the political spectrum laughing. For more on the show, or to reserve your seats, go to pensacolasaenger.com. PLT presents Love, Loss and What I Wore Jan. 15 – 17, 21 – 23 Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) will present Love, Loss and What I Wore starting on Jan. 15. Many have loved and many have lost and what they wore can recall such stories. Love, Loss and What I Wore tells its tales using clothing and accessories along with the memories they trigger to tell funny, yet often poignant stories, which all women can relate to, creating one of the most enduring theatre-going experience throughout the land. To learn more, or to purchase your tickets now, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.
La Traviata at Saengar Theatre Jan. 22 & 24 One of the world’s most performed operas, Giuseppe Verdis’ La Traviata, tells the true story of a scandalous love affair between a famed Parisian courtesan and a nave nobleman. Tragic characters and powerfully moving melodies will break your heart as the ill—fated lovers are torn apart by societal pressures, misunderstanding, and ultimately death. Performed in Italian with English supertitles at the Saenger Theatre on Jan. 22 and 24. Ticket prices start at $25. For more on the upcoming show, or to reserve your tickets now, visit pensacolaopera.com.
PLT presents Quilters: A Musical Jan. 29 – 31 Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) will show Quilters: A Musical on Jan. 29 through Jan. 31, when illuminating tales contained within various quality patches will be told with music, dance and drama. The stories depict women on the American frontier through girlhood, marriage, childbirth, spinsterhood, twisters, fire, illness and death. But in these stories you will find love, warmth, lively humor and the moving spectacle of simple human dignity. In the end, when the patches are assembled, the effect is a breath-taking masterpiece, which will linger in the mind and memory. To purchase tickets, or find out more on the show, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com. Saenger Theatre presents Girls Night: The Musical Jan. 30 Follow five friends as they visit their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious night out and you’ll recognize yourself in each one of them. For more show or ticket information, please visit pensacolasaenger.com. Sixth Annual Kids and Kritters Parade Jan. 30 The Sixth Annual Kids and Kritters Parade kick off from Casino Beach parking lot in Pensacola Beach on Jan. 30. Registration is at 1 pm, and the parade begins at 2 pm. Kids are free, but entry fees for pets are $5 each. Kids and Kritters Parade is a family-friendly Mardi Gras walking procession. The theme is “Up in the Air!” and prizes will be awarded to best costumed pets and best mini float made from a stroller or wagon. Participants must be costumed and provide their own throws. Pensacola Beach’s Krewe of Kids and their royal court will lead the parade. Spectators are encouraged to attend. More information, fliers, and registration forms: pensacolabeachmardigras.com. PMA presents Collection in Context: Women Creating Through Feb. 27 Pensacola Museum of Art will display Collection in Context: Women Creating, an exhibition from the museum’s permanent collection that highlights female modern and postmodern artists through a variety of media including photography, oil on canvas, and etchings. Public programs including a gallery talk, panel discussion and film accompany this exhibition. To learn more, go to pensacolamuseum.org.
Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Games Who’s ready for hockey season? Join the Pensacola Ice Flyers as they hit the ice and make a run for the President’s Cup this season. The team is scheduled to play five home games in December at the Pensacola Bay Center. Get in on the action today and purchase your tickets or season passes by visiting pensacolaiceflyers.com. Jan. 8: vs. Mississippi River Kings Jan. 23: vs. Macon Mayhem Jan. 24: vs. Macon Mayhem Jan. 31: vs. Macon Mayhem
At Seville Quarter This Month Seville Quarter hosts a variety of entertainment from a wide array of genres. For more information check out SevilleQuarter. com. Vinyl Music Hall Performances Vinyl Musical Hall will be hosting a variety of musical performances throughout August, all beginning at 7 pm. General admission is standing room only. An additional cash surcharge is charged at the door those under 21 and attendees under 16 must be accompanied by an adult guardian who has purchased a ticket. For more information call 607.6758. Jan. 7: Strangelove - Tribute to Depeche Mode Jan. 8: Big Deal Burlesque Jan. 13: Reverend Horton Heat, Unknown Hinson, and Nashville Pussy Jan. 14: Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue Jan. 15: Kottonmouth Kings Jan. 19: Galactic Jan. 22: Jesco White & Friends Jan. 23: Humming House Jan. 26: Ana Popovic Jan. 28: Dumpstaphunk
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 27
28 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM