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DOWNTOWN
CROWD
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Josh Newby, editor
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In our sanitized, first-class, largely industry- and technology-dependant world, there are few entities that truly connect us to nature anymore. Sure, there’s the weekly lawn mowing session (which in the heat of summer is more than enough nature for this guy) and there’s even the occasional canoe trip or swimming pool party, but even these experiences are enjoyed within the context of our modern world. In Northwest Florida, where wildlife is plentiful and nature beautiful, this ignorance of the raw world around us is both unfortunate and remediable. Luckily, there are escapes from the doldrums of 21st century life that exist. The zoo is one such escape, and while you contrarians will argue that even this luxury is presented in a sadly repressive and western manner, just go with me here. At the Gulf Coast Zoo, the staff go the extra mile to place these gorgeous animals in a habitat as
4 Summer Speaks Volumes 6 Saenger Classic Movie Series 9 Meeting the Maestro 10 A Walk on the Wild Side 12 Gallery Night Notice
July similar to their native one as feasible, so much so that it feels as if we are in their world, instead of the other way around. Watch tigers swim, bears wrestle and zebras reach high into the sky as you realize how much beauty and majesty exists outside of our carefully manicured lawns and glossily produced television shows. Another simple indulgence that doubles as a summertime favorite is books, and while I may not be the most qualified to make high-brow recommendations (run-of-the-mill suspense mysteries are better than any 700-page Jonathan Franzen opus), I have recruited our own Dawn Gresko (and she has in turn recruited the knowledgeable folks of the West Florida Library system) to point you in the right direction for page-turners and B-sided deep cut musical selections. Not one to leave feature films out of this or any other conversation, I have also provided for your viewing and reading pleasure the Saenger Classic Movie Series choices. They span 50 years of Hollywood magic and encompass a range of genres sure to satisfy any cinephile. While we’re discussing the arts, let’s go ahead and throw the Opera in there, too, which has quite the controversial season coming up. We chat with the executive director about balancing the older population’s desire for the classics with the kids’ need for subversion and controversy. Stay cool out there, and don’t forget to engage with the simpler things in life. At least until Game of Thrones comes back next year.
15 Running of the Bulls 16 Word on the Street 19 Film 20 Dateline Downtown 22 Art • Music • Theatre
Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Josh Newby Art Director Guy Stevens Graphic Design and Ad Coordination Anna Hitchcock Editor + Downtown Crowd Layout Josh Newby Editorial Assistant Dawn Gresko Editorial Intern Melanie Painter Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@ballingerpublishing.com Stephanie Boyce stephanie@ballingerpublishing.com
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 by Ballinger Publishing. Offices located at 314 N Spring St., Ste. A, Pensacola Florida 32501
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 Anna Hitchcock 2 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
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SUMMER SPEAKS VOLUMES
LISTEN
Vamp up your summer with the season’s hottest songs and stories
Whether it’s the summer heat making us lethargic, or the fact we no longer have the chance to look forward to the leisurely days of summer vacation, sometimes we get stuck in a rut and reserve our energy for nights of Netflix binging on the couch. While Netflix and chill is all well and good, there are plenty of other ways to occupy your time and wind down during long summer nights. In fact, Downtown Crowd tracked down local music connoisseur, Eric Jones of Revolver Records, as well as the leaders of several West Florida Public Library book clubs, to get their two cents on what’s hot this season—and should you choose to listen, you’ll hear summer speaking volumes. By Dawn Gresko
READ
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Band of Horses – Why Are You OK? 1
M. Ward – More Rain Grimes – Art Angels
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Iggy Pop – Post Pop Depression
1: ANGELS BURNING by Tawli O’Dell
Not satisfied until you’re in the clutches of spine-tingling suspense? Only by delving into the inner sanctum of these pages will reveal what happens when the past and present collide in “Angels Burning,” a fast-paced thriller centered on small-town police chief Dove Carnahan, who is forced to shine the light on her own dark past as she investigates the murder of a teenage girl in the rural Pennsylvanian countryside.
Explosions in the Sky – The Wilderness
2: BETWEEN THE WORLD AND ME by Ta-Nehisi Coates
How might Americans be free of the burden of a fraught history built on the false idea of “race”? To answer this question and more, Coates imparts the story of his awakening to the truth about his place in the world as an African-American through a series of revelatory experiences in an emotionally-charged letter to his son, all in the hopes of inspiring his son (and readers) to create change and a vision for the way forward.
3: THE DANISH GIRL by David Ebershoff
Follow the remarkable story of Lili Elbe, a pioneer in transgender history, and the woman torn between loyalty to her marriage and her own ambitions and desires in The Danish Girl, a unique blend of fact and fiction turned into an original romantic vision that portrays the unique intimacy that defines every marriage. The Danish Girl has also made it to the big screen, so after you’ve flown through the pages of this passionate and unusual love story you might consider comparing it to the film adaptation.
4: FATES AND FURIES by Lauren Groff
Every story has two sides and, sometimes, it turns out that the key to a great marriage is not its truths but its secrets. Unravel the mysteries of one such marriage, laid out over the course of 24 years in Fates and Furies, a novel about love and creativity stirring the mind and heart in sending its message that things are even more remarkable and more complicated than they seem.
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HOT NEW RELEASES:
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RELIVE RECENT REISSUES OF PROVEN CLASSICS: David Bowie – The Man Who Sold the World The Smiths – The World Won’t Listen The Cure – Kiss Me Kiss Me Kiss Me
5: THE UNNOTICEABLES by Robert Brockway
We are, all of us, truly screwed because there are angels and there are demons and they are the same thing. Now it’s up to two New Yorkers, the rebellious punk Carey and indecisive stunt woman Kaitlyn, to stop them in The Unnoticeables, a tale of the survival of the human race when the angels try solving the problem that is “you” in this funny yet frightening urban fantasy.
Wolf Parade – Apologies to Queen Mary Etta James – Tell Mama
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
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 5
Saenger Classic MOVIE SERIES by Josh Newby
CAT ON A HOT TIN ROOF (July 16): This racy film about cats who get stuck on roofs in the height of the Mississippi summer finds Maggie and Brick playing fast and loose with deception, fortunes and seductions.
THE MAN WHO KNEW TOO MUCH (July 23): Alfred Hitchcock remade his own movie, this time to greater critical acclaim, about a family who gets involved in international intrigue while vacationing abroad. Keep your ears peeled for “Que Sera, Sera,” the infamous song that made its debut in this picture.
KEY LARGO (July 30): This is the film in which Humphrey Bogart finally learned his lesson about staying in hotels, after the ill-fated events of Casablanca. This time, he shares a bed-andbreakfast with a group of mobsters who soon take over the establishment, forcing Bogart to rely on his WWII fighting skills to get out alive. 6 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Each year, the Saenger Theatre transports us back in time to the golden age of cinema. The theatre combines old-world brick and iron railings with state-of-the-art projection and sound for an experience that marries the best of yesteryear and the modern era. As you walk through the doors of the historic Saenger, last century’s penchant for ritzy design greets you as you select your seats and settle in right at 6 pm for a selection from the best Hollywood has to offer. The summer boasts many great things on the Gulf Coast, but one of the best is the opportunity to experience classic cinema in an equally classic setting, for just $5 per person. So let the heat rise and the humidity thicken; we’re going to the movies.
THE MALTESE FALCON (August 6): The voters of this year’s Classic Movies selection must have been big Bogart fans, as this second star vehicle which is also acclaimed as the original film noir finds the leading man investigating a murder and misplaced treasure.
BEN-HUR (August 13): One of the longest mainstream movies ever made (almost four hours), this movie tells the story of the titular Palestinian Jew who is battling the Roman Empire during the time of Christ before being thrown into slavery and ultimately saved during an encounter with JC Himself. Hope you can hold your bladder!
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (August 20): A musical from back when that’s all Hollywood knew how to do, this classic finds Gene Kelly at his most charming, playing an ex-GI who stays in post-war Paris to become a painter, dancer and allaround ladies man. It has glamour and catchy songs to spare.
NORTH BY NORTHWEST (August 27): These vague directions are also the title of Hitchcock’s second summer movie this year. Full of iconic images and daring set pieces, Cary Grant stars in one of the first true action blockbusters, back when Hollywood only made musicals. THE STING (September 3): This 30s-style crime caper holds up better than most movies from the 70s as the story of two bros who are quick on their toes and offer up some last minute twists as they seek revenge on the murder of their friend. CITIZEN KANE (September 10): Speaking of old films that hold up, this one certainly doesn’t, as parts of this story of an egomaniacal businessman drag while bludgeoning us with its moral. The cinematography is beautiful, though, and there are few places better to behold it than the Saenger. GONE WITH THE WIND (September 16): Scarlett will never go hungry again, and you’ll likely never view the antebellum South in the same way again after viewing this post-Civil War masterpiece about love and battle in the time of slavery.
Richard Steinert Artistic Director
ballet pensacola
academy
ENROLL IN FALL CLASSES TODAY!
400 S. Jefferson Street Pensacola, Florida 32502 www.balletpensacola.com · 850.432.9546
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Meeting the Maestro
MONTHLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW
AN INTERVIEW WITH PENSACOLA OPERA’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JEROME SHANNON · BY MELANIE PAINTER
J
erome Shannon has been conducting for the Pensacola Opera for fifteen years. In early 2015, he stepped in as the interim director. Jerome’s experience with the local company and leadership abilities made for a perfect fit in the role. He officially took his place as the new executive director of the Pensacola Opera in August 2015. While taking on the responsibilities as executive director, he continues his longstanding position as music director and principal conductor. With over 30 years of professional experience with the opera, Jerome Shannon loves the work he does and the opportunity to share it with the community. What goes into putting on a production for the Pensacola Opera? Planning starts years in advance. First we do look at titles and the budget. We look at the revenue from the production, including sponsors and ticket sales. Then we find soloists. We rent scenery from other companies. Then comes finding an orchestra and making sure you have a theatre. We have to check with Saenger for dates, as well as the symphony schedule for when they perform. We have Glynn Breed out of the University of West Florida who designs and builds all of our costumes. Once everything is planned, it all goes together rather quickly.
Is there an upcoming event that you are looking forward to? Next season, we are doing the Florida premiere of an Opera called Dead Man Walking and that is based on the book by Sister Helen Prejean. It’s about her experience and truly finding her purpose in life which was to be a spiritual advocate for people on death row. I believe it is one of the very best operas I’ve ever conducted and I’ve conducted a lot of them. Also, as part of the Foo Foo Fest in November, we are doing the Florida premiere of an Opera called Glory Denied which is about a Vietnam Christian war hero and his return home to a country he doesn’t recognize. Then we are doing Aida which is an opera we did when we inaugurated the newly renovated Saenger. It tells the story of sort of an ill-fated love triangle. Definitely one of the top ten of operatic titles. How are productions for the Pensacola Opera funded? They are funded by a variety of methods. One of them is ticket sales, but ticket sales will never cover the entire cost. We are very lucky to get funding from the State of Florida Department of Cultural Affairs. We also have production sponsors who donate. Then we are also very fortunate that we have generous individual donors who give donations to the company. Then there are foundations. Usually the foundations concentrate on their support of our programs dedicated to in school education and community engagement. How are the community and school programs funded? Primarily, grants from the department of cultural affairs, money from Arts, Culture, and Entertainment (ACE), and money from foundations. Also, every year at one of our big fundraising events, the Operazzi Ball, we actually do an auction were people put up support for the artists and residence program. It can be a costly program, but it is supported by individuals, grants, and sometimes we are able to get special sponsorships from people that are
interested only in education. The support allows us to go into schools where they never have experience in an art form like opera and we usually do thirty minute operas that are basic fairy tales and love stories, so they know those stories. There is some controversy over Dead Man Walking, what are your thoughts on the production and do you think it will still receive plenty of funding? Yes I do. We already do. Actually as we were considering doing it (Dead Man Walking), we had a series of town hall meetings with our current subscribers and donors and told them what we were planning and wanted their ideas on it. The controversy around it usually comes because of the misconception that the opera has an opinion about the death penalty, and it doesn’t. With the opera, you never feel like you are being preached at. As the executive director, what is a typical day like for you? I guess the typical day is that no two days are the same. You’re dealing with so many elements. You deal of course with what we call development, which is raising money. Then there is how you’re marketing the company. That’s not only press media, but also visual media, and now social media. Then the engagement part of the company. Where are we going to be? How many outreach and in school performances? Then of course board development. Keeping them engaged. Who are the new members and are the other ones leaving? There’s the whole financial part of it. How are we doing with cash flow and payroll? How are we doing when ticket revenue arrives? Where do we need to raise money and how much do we need to raise? You’re just always trying to stay steps ahead. And luckily we have a good staff to keep everything going. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 9
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k l a W on the by Dawn Gresko
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Wild
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Ala bam
aG ulf
Coas t Zoo
t’s time for a walk on the wild side, and, no, we’re not talking about the Lou Reed song. We’re talking about finding your inner lion, tiger, or bear at the Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo, located presently on 7.5 acres of land that over 500 animals have called home since 1989. For the summer, you can look forward to Zoo Camp for kids, daily keeper talks and shows, as well as encounters with the animals that include plenty of play and cuddle time. Since the zoo is located so close to the water, hurricanes and tropical storms have always posed a threat. For this reason, the zoo has been trying to relocate further inland to a bigger facility. The zoo’s prayers were answered when Clyde Weir and his family donated a 25-acre site, which the zoo plans on moving into by the end of 2017. The zoo will bring all the wonderful attractions
and animals from the old site to the new, although there will be some fresh additions, such as rides and restaurants. In this way, the zoo aspires to become so much more than a “zoo.” The zoo design allows for many new event spaces through the park to accommodate everything and anything from family outings and picnics to setting the stage for wonderfully wild weddings, as well as hosting corporate and community events. The majority of land work on the new zoo, which will be located on County Road 6 in North Gulf Shores, has been completed, including the building of a perimeter fence to enclose the 25 acres. The entrance has also been finished and a few exhibits have already been put together.
This opportunity for the zoo to provide larger and more natural habitats will enhance their animals’ daily lives and overall well-being by offering a design that takes into consideration each animal species and their specific needs from birth to old age. Moreover, it will allow the zoo keepers to work more efficiently and effectively for the animals in their care. Also, the zoo ensures its animals are more than just a display: they serve as ambassadors for their wild relatives, including a number of species facing the threat of extinction. This is why one of the most important parts of the zoo’s mission is to provide guests with an educational experience as they explore the grounds, for inspiring visitors to make a difference and join their efforts in conserving our natural world and the beautiful animals we share with it. The zoo’s popularity peaked after its Animal Planet series called The Little Zoo That Could aired in 2005. The show followed the zoo’s trials and tribulations during their efforts to reopen after being battered by three major hurricanes in 2004 and 2005: Hurricanes Ivan, Dennis and Katrina. The series earned the zoo national recognition—making it a hotspot for travelers and vacationers alike. People from around the world sent
Zoo
The
“
is a magical
place
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in encouraging letters, contacted the zoo with media requests, and gifted generous donations to help set the course for the zoo’s future and ensure its longevity. Today, the zoo averages a total of 100,000 annual visitors. “The community embraced us with open arms and came to our aid, which enabled us to keep the zoo going and growing even during our darkest days,” said Patti Hall, director of Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo. “It really does take ‘a village’ to raise a zoo and it takes continuing support on every level to keep us going.” Free educational programs and presentations are also offered weekly on zoo grounds. However, the zoo is always interested in outreach programs that extend beyond the boundaries of its facility. So, if you are looking for a unique presentation for your next event, consider one of the zoo’s programs. A popular program is the annual summer Zoo Camp, which features a full day at the zoo with licensed teachers, volunteers and other campers. Elementary-age kids get to interact with animals, play agespecific games, work on crafts and enjoy some hands-on education with some cool critters. The zoo even has an active presence on YouTube through it’s aptly named channel “Zoo Tube.” This offers you the chance to get to know some of the animal stars before you make the trip out to the facility. Get introduced to new additions like the interesting (and cute) feline named Mystic, who is a young African Serval. Or, simply be entertained by Pumpkin the parrot singing her heart out to “Let it Go,” and prepare for the wave of warm and fuzzies as you watch some sleepy sloth clips—guaranteed to rid you of the Monday blues. Also, the zoo offers several hands-
on activities with the animals called encounters. If you want VIP access to a furry friend, you can sign up to spend time with kangaroos, lemurs, and sloths, as well as several scaly friends in the reptile garden. The cost is only an additional $10 for animal encounters, after you have paid for admission to the zoo. As a nonprofit 501(c3) organization operated by the Zoo Foundation, Inc., the zoo relies on admission fees, memberships and contributions for funding. You can choose to help the zoo move to its new home by either making a tax-deductible donation, adopting a zoo animal, and/or taking your family and friends out to the zoo for a visit! Or, if you’re looking to get more involved in the zoo’s cause, consider donning the halo of a “Zoo Angel.” Every week, “zoo angels” visit the site to offer help through volunteering during tropical storms and freeze,
or through either cash or equipment donations. “The zoo is a magical place, but it takes a lot of hard work to keep a 27 year-old facility like ours looking and feeling this way,” said Patti Hall. “Our motto, ‘the animals come first,’ is reflected in the work my staff does every day, the way they interact with our animals and the customer service they provide to our visitors is astonishing.”
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11
Photo by Randy Hamilton
Gallery Night July 15 • FOOD • • FUN • • CULTURE • Street closed till midnight
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 1-866866-2644.
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Learn To Sail With Confidence And Have Fun Doing It!
All Summer sessions offer Beginner to Advanced- Ages 6-17 You will learn: boat rigging, boat handling, basic knots, sportsmanship, sailing fundamentals, and boat responsibility. Participants will have the opportunity to experience windsurfing, catamarans, Flying Scot, 420, Laser, and Optimist dinghy sailing, depending upon ability and desire. Sessions are weekly from June 6- August 5th.
Register on-line at: pensacolayachtclub.org/Jr-Sailing/Summer-Sailing.aspx
Based on the DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture & the book by William Steig
Book & Lyrics by
Music by
David Lindsay-Abaire Jeanine Tesori Originally produced on Broadway by
DreamWorks Theatricals & Neal Street Productions
Director Stephen C. Lott Original Production Directed by Jason Moore & Rob Ashford Assistant Director Brandi Lane Music Director Tom Baroco
- ON STAGE July 29 THROUGH Aug 21 Box Office 850.432.2042 • PensacolaLittleTHeatre.com
Quayside Art Gallery 17 E. Zarragossa Street, Pensacola, Florida 850-438-2363 www.quaysidegallery.com
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13
Creatisphere Summer
Remember When
Creatisphere is the ultimate summer art experience for children age 8-14 who want to create! Each week will be a be a new and different adventure in art making featuring workshops in:
Award Winning Fudge • Glazed Nuts Retro Candy • Salt Water Taffy Novelty Ice Cream Remember When....Kardlets
Art Camp
Glassblowing • Pottery • Photography Painting • Sculpture • Mixed Media • Mural Art Fiber Arts • Collage • Comics and Illustration 3-D Design • Technology Lab And Much More!
For 2 weeks of camp Creatisphere will be joining with the Mess Hall! To see available dates and details for age groups 8-11 and 11-14 look under workshops at Firstcityart.org, or call (850) 429-1222
Sweet Shop
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3731 Navy Blvd. Pensacola • 850-857-9800
g n i n Run of the nie by Mela
Painter
Bulls
Can’t make it to Pamplona, Spain for the Running of the Bulls? Then stick around Pensacola for an event with less danger and large, hairy creatures, but considerably more fun. Seville Quarter hosts the sixth annual Fiesta De San Fermin in Downtown Pensacola from July 21 to 23 at 10 am. This event is Pensacola’s modified version of the annual Running of the Bulls in Pamplona. Local roller derby girls, including the Pensacola Roller Gurlz will be participating, making this event truly one of a kind for our area. As runners (walkers are welcome, too) get through the two-mile track on designated downtown streets, they must do so while being chased by “bulls”—whiffle-bat carrying, bull-horned, derby girls on roller skates. What’s your favorite aspect of the Running of the Bulls event? I love that it’s a chance for us roller girls to interact with the general public in a really fun, light-hearted way. Of course, chasing people with bats and getting to spank them is super fun, too.
preparation into as individuals is our costumes and our horns. When you see the girls out there wearing whatever they are wearing that day, they personally put that together. Most of it is handmade, homemade. They are not store bought, so that takes a lot of preparation.
Is there a lot of preparation and practices for the running of the bulls, beyond your usual practices for competitions? It really doesn’t take any practice as far as the skating aspect because skating is something that most of us do anyway to help with our endurance and skills. But, I think what we put a lot of
One of the rules is that if you go down, stay down. How often do runners actually get knocked down by the hit? I would say, probably not that often. I think more likely people will trip trying to evade a bull and then they try to get up and they are still trying to evade the bull. You’re definitely sore afterwards. I have a couple
friends who did it last year that said they didn’t want to sit down the next day. But, you’re not on the ground that often, if at all. There is a safe zone, so if you don’t want to be hit at all, you just want to run and be a spectator, you stay on the sidewalk. Do you aim for the easy targets or go for the challenge and try to hit the ones that are trying to get away? I want to get them all. Every single one. That’s my goal. If someone is particularly trying to run away from you, it is very satisfying to catch them.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 15
Word o n t h e S t r e e t
Poster competition for 2016 Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is now open
Pensacola Museum of Art now part of the University of West Florida
Here’s a chance to become a part of Pensacola’s art history! The Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival is accepting submissions to its 2016 poster design competition through Aug. 26. The winning artist receives a $1,000 cash award. The winning design will be featured on posters, T-shirts and other GGAF promotional items for the festival. Posters have become a regional collector’s item. Competing artists can find the complete list of rules and requirements at www.ggaf.org/postercontest. Entries need to be mailed or delivered to Duncan McCall Advertising, 4400 Bayou Boulevard, Suite 11, Pensacola, Florida 32503. For more information or to contact GGAF, visit www.ggaf.org.
The University of West Florida has entered into a gift agreement with the Pensacola Museum of Art to transfer the museum to the University of West Florida – effective July 1, 2016. This agreement will complement art education at UWF as the University assumes responsibility for nurturing an endowment and maintaining the museum’s art collection – including several hundred pieces of 20th and 21st century art on paper, as well as three-dimensional works. The museum’s historic building at 407 S. Jefferson St. was built in Spanish Revival style and is a former jail, the first permanent structure to house prisoners in the community. When the jail outgrew the space in 1954, the city agreed to lease the facility to create exhibition space for an arts center, officially named the Pensacola Museum of Art in 1982. The mission of the Pensacola Museum of Art is to be a bridge to the visual arts for the diverse populations of Pensacola and its surrounding communities. The mutual objectives of the PMA and UWF will continue to be served and advanced through this partnership.
As your full-service cleaning and concierge service, Student Maid can handle anything you throw at us. We can run your errands, walk Spike and make your home spotless so you have more time to perfect that spaghetti recipe. Leave the cleanup to us!
850.696.7461 • studentmaid.com • pensacola@studentmaid.com
Evenings & Sundays Half-Price
T. T. Wentworth, Jr, Museum 330 South Jefferson Street Thurs – Sat, 4-7 p.m. Sun, Noon-4 p.m. All tickets to Historic Pensacola are valid for seven days and include access to all museums and tours. Come explore!
16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
historicpensacola.org | 850.595.5990
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T:4.8”
Now just say what you want, and your TV finds it. Introducing Voice Control on the all-new Contour from Cox. Order your Contour box today and get right to the good stuff.
©2016 Cox Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Available to residential customers in select Cox service areas. Advertised features available with Cox Contour®2 digital receiver. Professional installation required. Broadband WiFi connection required for app-based viewing. Other conditions apply.
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In which we unfairly judge upcoming attractions based solely on their trailers. By Josh Newby
THE BFG RELEASE DATE: July 1 CAST: Bill Hader, Rebecca Hall, Mark Rylance, Jemaine Clement THE LEGEND OF TARZAN RELEASE DATE: July 1 CAST: Alexander Skarsgard, Margot Robbie, Samuel L Jackson, Christoph Waltz What I got from the preview: We all know the story from countless previous iterations, but this narrative promises to pick up where previous versions left off. After settling into a life of aristocracy and full-bodied clothing in London with his partner Jane, our hero must return to his home in the jungle to investigate and hopefully thwart the plans of an exploitative mining company that seeks to destroy his former habitat. Most notable for: I could go on about how it’s only been 17(!) years since the last widerelease Tarzan movie, or discuss how this is one of the most expensive movies of the year, but let’s be honest. There’s one reason to see this movie, and that is the attractive leads. This is eye candy wrapped in special effects in a classic story. There’s nothing wrong with that. Unqualified critical observation: After successfully predicting last month’s domestic flop that was Warcraft, I’m going to try for a twofer and say this will be a similar box office disappointment. Too many parallels will be drawn between this and the superior The Jungle Book. The only qualities that may save it are Skarsgard’s and Robbie’s “charisma.”
THE SECRET LIFE OF PETS RELEASE DATE: July 8 CAST: Jenny Slate, Ellie Kemper, Kevin Hart, Albert Brooks, Dana Carvey, Louis CK What I got from the preview: All over New York City, humans tell their pets goodbye as they leave for the day in this Toy Story-style sendup of what our furry friends do when they’re not around. I know what my dogs do, because I’ve installed a series of cameras throughout the house to capture every moment of their day-long slumber, but the lives of these particular pets go haywire after small-dog Max is forced to cohabitate with big-dog Duke and a white bunny named Snowball builds an army of orphan pets to take revenge on all happily-paired animals and owners. The plot goes from zero to a hundred real quick. Most notable for: The studio responsible for Despicable Me, and therefore all those terrible Minion image macros on your Facebook, is back with what looks like another franchise-starter. Unqualified critical observation: It probably won’t be as layered or multi-faceted as this year’s earlier Zootopia, but I’m betting that this movie will endear all pet-lovers and -owners as they consider what anthropomorphized versions of their own pets might be up to. Mine would still be sleeping.
What I got from the preview: A child wanders lonely orphanage halls before getting kidnapped by a friendly giant in this adaptation of the classic children’s book by Roald Dahl. The kindhearted giant whisks young Sophie away to giant land and immerses her in all the wonder, novelty and danger of his home. The special effects have a storybook quality with a dark edge that somehow manages to immerse us fully nonetheless. Most notable for: After a few years of misfires, Steven Spielberg is hopefully back in the saddle as the country’s most optimistic and commercially viable director. This movie marries his penchant for innocent imagination with a well-
Fi l m
known story and beautifully rendered worlds. Unqualified critical observation: In what is a surprisingly weak July, this film stands alone as a mid-summer gem that appeals to children of all ages and reminds us that family comes in many forms. It also wears the unique crown of being one of the only non-franchise movies of the year necessitating a bigscreen experience. Beat the heat with this sure thing that boasts the voice talents and technical artistry that other pictures this month could only dream of.
MIKE AND DAVE NEED WEDDING DATES RELEASE DATE: July 8 CAST: Zac Efron, Anna Kendrick, Aubrey Plaza, Adam DeVine What I got from the preview: After they are single-handedly responsible for a wedding reception disaster, two brothers place an online ad to find dates they hope will calm their more nefarious tendencies. The ad goes viral and soon the two lads pick up a pair of precocious and rebellious roommates who only act the part of nice girls to achieve contactfame. Bad slapstick and raucous jokes ensue, in a movie that is hoping the charm of its cast compensates for the lack of its quality. Most notable for: It would honestly be difficult to think of a more winning selection of Hollywood’s young A-list than Efron, Kendrick, Plaza, and DeVine, each of whom has come into their own in the past few years. Unqualified critical observation: ...unfortunately, star vehicles rarely ever live up to the talent of their roll sheet, and while I really want to like this movie, it just seems derivative, uninspired, unfunny, and frankly a little ugly, much like this year’s Dirty Grandpa, another Efron and Plaza property. I hope they each get better agents soon. My sleeping dogs could probably sniff out more worthwhile projects for each.
GHOSTBUSTERS RELEASE DATE: July 15 CAST: Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Kate McKinnon, Leslie Jones, Chris Hemsworth What I got from the preview: As ghosts invade New York City, terrorizing the rich and poor alike, only one ragtag team of metaphysical investigators and inventors can stop them--and they retired 30 years ago. So it’s up to this new bunch to tackle the supernatural evil, each bringing their own expertise of comedic chops and technological proficiency in this long-awaited(?) sequel that looks...pretty okay. Most notable for: Recast of women and reboot of a three-decade-old property aside, this movie has garnered the kind of hate and premature criticism that can only come from combining both of those qualities in the Internet age where everything is up for hyperbolic opinions. Seriously, I don’t pretend to know why this movie is so hated, but it’s probably a combination of olefashioned misogyny and a “muh childhood!”mindset. That, and the first trailer was awful. Unqualified critical observation: I’m honestly not a big fan of the first one, and I’ve never seen the second one, so suffice it to say I’ll save this one for the Redbox. I love Wiig and McKinnon, and I don’t love McCarthy or Jones, but some of the jokes are funny in an obvious sort of way, some of the effects are fun in a theme park sort of way, and some of the storyline is surprising in a subversive sort of way, so I’ll give it a try. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 19
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Hill Kelly Drive-In Movies Series July 8 Get reeled into Maritime Park for the Hill-Kelly’s annual Drive-in Movie Series. This month, fall in love all over again with Despicable Me’s cute and quirky yellow sidekicks, whose popularity earned them their own spotlight in the titular film: Minions. The show begins at 8:15 pm, but you might want to get there early when parking begins at 6 pm. No pets or glass are allowed, but concessions will be available and picnic baskets are welcome. Get your blankets and chairs and prepare for plenty of laughs as you snuggle under the stars and try to decipher the minions’ gibberish. Muak muak muak? Jacksonian Guard Colors Ceremony Every Saturday Fancy yourself a history buff? Make your next summer weekend outing to a Colors Ceremony by Pensacola’s Jacksonian Guard, a re-enactment group of Jacksonian era soldiers who perform in Plaza Ferdinand on Saturdays, starting at 6 pm. The ceremony commemorates Pensacola’s 195th birthday and Florida as a U.S. Territory. For 25 minutes, soldiers, fifers and drummers perform in 1821 uniforms and offer military salutes along with displays of manual of arms, fife and drum music, and the lowering of a replica 23-star flag that first flew over the plaza. For more details, follow Jacksonian Guard on Facebook, or call 850.466.5220. 20 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
The Blues Are Back July 15 & 16 After the tragedy of Capt. Kuss, the Blue Angels are back with a modified five-plane show on July 16 for the Pensacola Beach Air Show, which begins at noon while the Blues will fly at 2 pm both days.
Community Wellness at the PMA July 11 & 18 Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) thinks art and wellness make the perfect couple, which is why PMA is offering Experience Pilates and Experience Yoga at the Museum once every month. Enhance your creative focus and flow by engaging in two mind-body exercises while surrounded by eyecatching exhibits at the Museum. Come together with yoga instructor Nancy LaNasa on July 11 for a yoga session suitable for all levels. Don’t forget to join Pure Pilates owner and master trainer Susan Clark at PMA on July 18 at for pilates training, also welcome to all levels. Remember: bring your own mat and a water bottle. Cost is free to PMA members, and free to non-members with admission to the Museum. All classes begin at 5:30 pm. For more, visit pensacolamuseum.org. Red, White and Blues Week July 13 – 16 Suit up in your favorite red, white and blue gear to show some spirit while you witness the exhilarating and heart-stopping stunts and maneuvers at the annual, summertime hit: Red, White and Blues Week. Breakfast with the Blues should be overhead around 8 am on July 13, while rehearsals and practice flight demonstrations begin at 2 pm on July 14 and 15. On July 16, the Pensacola beach Air Show is scheduled to kick off at noon, but the Blues won’t take flight until 2 pm. Get
ready to spot the Blues completing complex aerial acrobatics over the Gulf of Mexico during this weekend of high-flying fun. While we celebrate, we also remember to honor those faithful Angels who’ve been lost, but not forgotten, along the way. For more, visit blueangels.navy.mil. Vive la France July 14 Join Jackson’s Steakhouse for the evening of July 14 to honor Bastille Day, a national French holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, which led to the conclusion of the French Revolution and beginning of French Revolution. With Bastille Day serving as the inspiration for the tasting, Elodie Cardon (a native of Lyon, France) has hand-slected four stellar French wines to complement a selection of classic French dishes prepared by celebrity Chef Irv Miller. For reservations, call 850-469-9898 or visit jacksonsrestaurant.com. Sip, savor and Viva la France! Experiment in Survival with Author George July 16 Join the National Naval Aviation Museum for its free Discovery Saturday event on July 16, featuring author George Sigler—who will discuss his book, Experiment in Survival. The former navy carrier pilot and his sailing partner Charlie Gore tested survival equipment, techniques and human
Dateline Downtown endurance by willingly becoming castaways at sea for two months in a rubber boat with only six pounds of food and no water. Did we mention they traveled from San Francisco to Hawaii? Although the Navy declined to endorse the trip officially, when the pilots turned castaways were just over 125 miles from Hawaii the Navy then declared them “an official navy project.” The event will begin at 10 am in the Blue Angels Atrium. Visit navalaviationmuseum.org for more details. Flavors of New Mexico with Irv Miller July 20 If you agree that everything tastes great in New Mexico, then don’t miss this month’s cooking demonstration by Chef Irv on July 20, when he shows how the pleasures of Southwest cooking are as big and bountiful as the state of New Mexico itself. Chef Irv will highlight different regions through preparation of a diverse selection of foods and recipes that bring a fusion of cultural influences to the table. Dishes will include those using famous Texan techniques for slow-cooking beef and making fiery red barbecue sauce, as well as Tex-Mex cuisine characterized by its heavy use of shredded cheese, meat, beans and spices in addition to Mexican-style tortillas. Seats fill fast and reservations are required, so make yours ahead of time by calling 850.217.2347. Boo Fest 2016 July 22 – 23 It’s the return of Boo Fest: PGA golfer Boo Weekley’s annual charity golf tournament, making its way to the Pensacola Bay Center for the weekend of July 22 to 23. There will be a silent auction at 8 pm on Friday with live entertainment by Brigitte London, Kris Colwell, Jamey Johnson, Lance Miller and more. For Saturday, the entertainment starts at 7 pm and will feature guests like Tracy Lawrence, James Dupre, Ira Dean, Tracy Byrd and Dallas Davison. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the entertainment starts at 7 pm. Proceeds from the event go to benefit Santa Rosa Kids House, My Father’s Arrows, Air Commandos Association, Fisher House Foundation, Christ’s Starfish Foundation and local schools. Tickets range $34.50 to $100, and each ticket is good for both nights. To get your tickets now, or for more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.
Running of the Bulls July 23 The Bulls are taking over Downtown Pensacola, keeping the summer sizzling with Seville Quarter’s annual tribute to Pensacola’s Spanish heritage, which will be staged July 21 to 23. This year the event will benefit the USO of Northwest Florida. The weekend will officially begin with a Spanish wine dinner, pairing food with wines selected by connoisseur, Bill Carlton. The cost is $70 per person. The opening celebration will take place Friday night, featuring a procession to honor St. Fermin, the patron saint of Pamplona, Spain. The main event, of course, in the encierro, a safe re-enactment of Pamplona’s bull run. The Bulls are local Pensacola Roller Gurlz and other ladies from the roller-derby leagues. The only rules are: run at your own risk, do not touch the Bulls, stay down if you go down, do not stand still, and for those who don’t want to be hit—use the sidewalk! Spectators may watch for free, but runners (or walkers) may register before July 8 for $20, which includes St. Fermin t-shirt and wristband for complimentary beer and soft drinks. After July 8 the cost will be $25. For more, visit sevillequarter. com.
Take Me Out to the Ball Game What do Shuckers and Braves have in common? Each will rival against the Pensacola Blue Wahoos this month during the team’s home games at the Blue Wahoos Stadium. So, be a good sport and come out to root for Pensacola’s home team. Call 850-934-8444 to reserve your seats for any one (or all) of the upcoming home games. Visit bluewahoos.com for more details on upcoming games. July 9-13: v. Biloxi Shuckers July 20-24: v. Biloxi Shuckers July 31: v. Mississippi Braves 41st Annual Coin and Currency Show July 30 & 31 Buy, sell and trade currency, coins, pocket watches, tokens and other collectibles at this annual show on July 30 from 9 to 5 and July 31 rom 9 to 3 at the Hadji Temple. Fresh homecooked meals and drinks will be available. Admission is $1 per person, and tables are $160 for the 59-table show. Visit pensacolacoinclub. com.
Hops & Harvest July 28 Enjoy handcrafted beer and food at the Fish House for the Hops & Harvest on July 28 starting at 5:30 pm. Three beers from Fairhope Brewing Company will be featured at the event, and both Lindsey Engel (Lewis Bear Company) and Megan Edwards (Fairhope Brewing Company) will be on hand to discuss the beers and how they are made. Inspired by the handcrafted beers, Chef Jason Hughes has prepared a mouth-watering, five-course harvest menu in celebration of the event. Admission is $65 per person, which includes four handcrafted beer and five courses. Reservations are required, and you may make yours today by calling the Fish House at 850433-9450.
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Ar t · M u s i c · T h e a t re Robert Cray Band July 9 Pensacola, it’s time to offer a warm welcome to Blues Hall-of-Famer, Robert Cray, and his band in concert at Saenger Theatre on Saturday, July 9, when the show starts at 7:30 pm. The fresh and familiar sound of Cray’s music carries American roots, celebrating the vibrancy of rocking “rootsy” blues, soul-filled ballads and timeless R&B. In just over 40 years, Cray and his band have recorded over 20 studio releases and have played concert halls and arenas around the world—now to include a special performance in our own Downtown Pensacola. Reservations are required and tickets range $29.50 to $79.50. Find out more, or reserve your seats online, by visiting pensacolasaenger.com.
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at PLT July 16 – 24 The story begins with Snow White, a girl who takes refuge in the forest in the home of seven dwarfs as she hides from the wrath of her evil stepmother: the Wicked Queen. Envious of Snow’s title as “fairest in the land,” the Queen uses a poisoned apple to cast Snow into a deep sleep. But, is she lost forever? Find out if “love’s first kiss” will be enough to wake Snow from her slumber. Bring the whole family along to enjoy Pensacola Little Theatre’s take on this classic fairytale, showing the weekends of July 16 to 17 and July 23 to
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24. For more details, or to get your tickets now, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com. Jazz Gumbo features Holly Shelton July 18 For its Monday, July 18, Jazz Gumbo, Jazz Pensacola features vocalist Holly Shelton. The event is 6:30 to 9 pm at Phineas Phogg’s in Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Doors open at 5:30 pm.
The Life and Art of Mary Petty July 22 – Oct. 8 Who is Mary Petty? Find out at this month’s opening reception of The Life and Art of Mary Petty on Friday, July 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This exhibition is organized by the Syracuse University Art Collection and features the works of Petty—the creator of the Peabody family, featured on over 40 covers for The New Yorker Magazine. Petty was an illustrator of books and magazines, and she was known for her satirical depiction of New York City’s Victorian era society. Working in watercolor, Petty meticulously drew her characters and scenes using a limited palette of roses, blues, greens, browns and gold. For more, check out pensacolamuseum.org.
Shrek: The Musical July 29 – Aug. 21 This musical adaptation of the major motion picture follows the ogre named Shrek, an unlikely hero who finds himself on a life-changing journey alongside a wise-cracking donkey and a feisty princess who resists rescue. If you know what you’re taking the kiddos to see at the Pensacola Little Theatre this summer, then reserve your tickets to Shrek online at pensacolalittletheatre.com. Bands on the Beach Tunes and toes in the sand, what could be better? Soak up the summer even after the sun sinks down over the water by checking out Bands on the Beach every Tuesday at 7 pm. For safety, keep pets and glass at home. But, aside from that, bring your own chairs, blankets and enough concessions to last until the show ends. For more details, call the SRIA at 850.932.2257, or tune in to Cat Country 98.7 to hear the latest updates. July 12: The Rowdies July 19: Swamp Dog Honey July 26: Kyle Parker Band August 2: Hot Sauce Band Vinyl Music Hall Every month, Vinyl Music Hall hosts a wide variety of acts, events, performances and more that draw a
Ar t · Music · Theatre diverse crowd to Downtown Pensacola’s go-to venue. This month is no exception, so don’t miss out on any one of the upcoming shows including the Comic Book Party on July 15, a precursor to Pensacola Para Con coming in August. Get your tickets now, or find out more on July’s calendar of events, by visiting vinylmusichall.com. July 7: Chris Thomas King (King of 21st Century Blues) July 15: Jukebox Superhero - Comic Book Party July 27: Leon Russell July 30: Bust Out Burlesque’s Bad Girl of Burlesque 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 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. July 1: The Molly Ringwalds July 2: The Gills July 2: High Horse Band July 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27: Mike Quinn July 8 & 9: The Modern Eldorados July 14 - 16: Jordan Richards Band July 15 & 16: The Red Field July 15 & 16: Bad Habits July 22 & 23: Banana Republic July 29 & 30: Grand Theft Audio
PENSACOLA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
M A S T E RW O R K S
OPENING NIGHT!
CONCERT SEASON POPS!
KOBRIN PLAYS BRAHMS
10.1.2016 • 7:30PM
CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR!
11.5.2016 7:30PM
12.31.2016 7:00PM
with Alexander Kobrin, piano with Wycliffe Gordon, trombone
BEETHOVEN & BLUE JEANS with Bella Hristova, violin DVORAK Three Slavonic Dances SIBELIUS Violin Concerto RAVEL Alborada del gracioso DEBUSSY Iberia
1.14.2017 • 7:30PM
C.P.E. BACH Symphony No. 1 in D Major
with Jon Nakamatsu, piano
STRAVINSKY Pulcinella Suite
BEETHOVEN Piano Concerto No. 4
ROSSINI William Tell Overture DE FALLA Ritual Fire Dance
BRAHMS Piano Concerto No. 2
RAVEL Une barque sur l’ocean
M A S T E RW O R K S
and more!
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
MAHLER SYMPHONY NO.3
RUSSIAN SPECTACULAR
4.1.2017 • 7:30PM
3.4.2017 • 7:30PM
with Susan Platts, mezzo-soprano UWF Women’s Chorus Pensacola Children’s Chorus
THE MOVIE MUSIC OF JOHN WILLIAMS 2.11.2017 • 7:30PM
BERNSTEIN & BEETHOVEN 4.29.2017 4.29.2017 • 7:30PM
with Frank Almond, violin DANIELPOUR Celestial Night BERNSTEIN Serenade after Plato’s Symposium BEETHOVEN Symphony No. 7
with William Eddins, conductor BORODIN Polovtsian Dances RIMSKY-KORSAKOV Suite from Mlada TCHAIKOVSKY Symphony No. 5
A L L C O NC E RT S PE R F O R M E D AT T H E SA E NG E R T H EAT R E
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850.435.2533
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POPS!
ARTISTS AND REPERTOIRE SUBJECT TO CHANGE
Your favorite movie music in concert