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DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 1

DTC March

Josh Newby, editor 8

I was really disappointed by Florida’s three minutes of winter. An unpredictable, rainy season put me in a mood far worse than you can possibly imagine, but as the clouds recede and a narrow sliver of temperate warmth is on the horizon, I’m reminded of the new rejuvenation that Pensacola goes through every year. Ice Flyers games give way to Blue Wahoos games, holiday parades move along and spring events fill their place. Food trucks, Bay Center spectacles, a fresh harvest, and events that welcome our furry friends—all these are an indication that no matter the time of year, Pensacola is ripe with opportunity. Food trucks have been a pain in Pensacola’s side for a long time. On the one hand, if you support free enterprise and innovation, these hip new culinary options should be a welcome addition to Downtown’s growing food sector. On the other hand, should they cannibalize existing restaurants whose owners pay

4 Food Trucks 7 A Song for Pensacola 8 Citrus 11 Pi Day 12 Spectacular Spring 14 Gallery Night Guide 16 Q&A With A Globetrotter

property taxes and have worked hard to usher in that sector. It’s a contentious issue, and one that City Council will certainly not solve any time soon. (One baffling recent development saw Councilwoman Jewel Cannada-Wynn voting for an amendment to a food truck bill—and then against the bill). Nevertheless, City Hall has welcomed the food trucks onto their property, and the response has been great. We detail the ongoing saga on page four. Ever since my wife and I adopted two adorable little mixed dogs, I have been obsessed with doing as much as I can with them. Unfortunately, I could not find a guide that might point me in the direction of pup-friendly locales, events and restaurants. Luckily, our own Dawn Gresko has solved that problem for puppy parents the city over. Check out some options on page 19. March is a month full of events like Smokin’ in the Square, A Bark to Remember and more, many of which Pensacolians are already familiar with. What you may be unfamiliar with, however, is how those events factor in to who you are as a unique snowflake of a person. So to help you find the perfect event that will mesh with your personality, we have put together a helpful flow-chart on page 12 to lead you. Also this month is a guide of what to do Downtown on Pi Day, recipe suggestions for citrus flavors, a profile of the new lowkey brewery near McGuire’s, and even a Q&A with a Harlem Globetrotter. I’ll be out at lots of these happenings, hopefully with my dogs in tow, so come say hi!

19 Dogtown Pensacola 21 Film 22 Word on the Street 23 New Brew on the Block 24 Dateline Downtown 26 Art • Music • Theatre

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Josh Newby Art Director Guy Stevems Graphic Design and Ad Coordination Anna Hitchcock Editor + Downtown Crowd Layout Josh Newby Editorial Assistant Dawn Gresko Editorial Intern Marsha Wood Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@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 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

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DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 3

Feeding the City by

Dawn Gresko

If you haven’t already noticed, there’s a movement taking place in Downtown Pensacola: food trucks are teaming up with Pensacola Cooks Kitchen and City Hall to feed the city. Since Jan. 7, a dozen food trucks have signed up with Pensacola Cooks Kitchen to secure their spot at the City Hall parking lot in Downtown Pensacola (W. 222 Main St.). It’s all thanks to a string of efforts by City Hall and Pensacola Cooks Kitchen, as well as Councilman Larry B. Johnson (who invited food trucks last year to set up at his Azalea Cocktail Lounge). The food truck initiative also owes its smooth sailing to Denise Shelton from Pensacola Cooks Kitchen, who is in charge of coordinating food truck schedules and making sure the trucks have a city business license and meet requirements for fire safety inspection. Food truck owners interested in joining the initiative can contact Denise Shelton via email at denise@ pensacolacooks.com. Although a six-month pilot program for food trucks in Downtown Pensacola concluded on Nov. 15 in 2014, the food truck initiative at City Hall this year is not a drill. City Hall is showing support for the initiative by ensuring the mobile meal makers have a static spot to set up, and, at the same time, the City is showing they have listened to the people of Pensacola who have wanted to see food trucks come to downtown. Although the food truck ordinance on the streets has been turned down for the second time in four months, there are several supporters within City Hall, as well as the community at 4 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Wednesdays: Bellybusters, Old King Colbert Thursdays: Cajun Meat Train, Pensacola Cooks Mobile Kitchen Fridays: Beachy Barista (Breakfast), Busy Bee and Fresh Fruit Infusions (Lunch) Saturdays: March 5 - Old King Colbert, March 12 - Pensacola Cooks Mobile, March 19 - Bellybusters, March 26 - Nomadic Eats

large. With these wheels rolling up to City Hall, and demonstrating they can respect fellow business owners, we may yet see a change in the decision on a food truck ordinance. While City Hall originally wanted to have the parking lot open 24/7 to food trucks, Shelton believed it would be most beneficial to owners to come during certain hours, especially the rush of lunch hour, since the lot did not receive enough foot traffic during dinner times to make it feasible for food trucks to remain stationary from breakfast to dinner. Typically, food truck owners seek out more populated areas, especially areas where there

photo by Guy Stevens

are community events like Gallery Night. “The schedule will continue to be adjusted,” said Vernon Stewart, the City’s public information officer. “Mainly, we want to ensure people are aware of food trucks at City Hall and that Mayor Hayward is in full support of progressing with the food truck initiative. Food trucks are what the people want and it just makes sense for downtown.” For the month of March, food trucks will only be serving lunch Wednesday through Saturday, except on Fridays when breakfast is served.

Richard Steinert Artistic Director

Swing, swang, swung April 29 & 30, 2016 | 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 - $32 May 1, 2016 | 1:30 p.m. 850.432.2042 Pensacola Cultural Center

generously sponsored by Massage envy spa DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 5

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

6 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

A Song for Pensacola

MONTHLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW

AN INTERVIEW WITH CHORAL SOCIETY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR CHARLIE SMOKE · BY MARSHA WOOD What did you do before taking the role of executive director of the Choral Society of Pensacola? Most recently, I served as associate director of Mobile Arts Council (Mobile, AL) and, before that, as Program Director at WHIL-FM (a public radio station, broadcasting primarily classical music, formerly based at Spring Hill College in Mobile). Describe your musical journey, and how you landed to where you are today in the field? My path to the Choral Society has been circuitous. I earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in English with the intention of teaching, and I have taught literature and composition on a variety of levels. I was working as curriculum coordinator for the Upward Bound Program at Spring Hill College when I was hired as a part-time announcer/producer at WHIL, and that changed the course of my career. My job with the station immersed me in the Mobile area arts community, supporting the projects of individuals and groups working in all arts disciplines, by making announcements, conducting interviews, and producing special programs, an experience I found satisfying and stimulating. Because the station broadcast mostly music, I was always listening and learning. My next position, with Mobile Arts Council offered other opportunities for community involvement and increased my experience as an arts administrator, once again, satisfying and stimulating work. I have always been active in music - studying piano, taking music courses, singing in choirs (Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church) and on stage (Mobile Theatre Guild and Mobile Opera) – but I never had any desire (nor did I have the talent) to become a professional musician. I am grateful, however, that so much of my work has been music-related. When I moved to Pensacola last August, I hoped to find a place in the arts community, and, within a month of my arrival, someone informed me that the Society was searching for a new executive director. I applied for the position, and here I am. What are your responsibilities as the executive director? Because we have a very small staff (me and an administrative assistant, Kelly Ryan), I do a little of everything: selling tickets, ordering music, writing grants, soliciting sponsorships, emailing press releases, maintaining our Facebook page. What is most challenging of your role? Building a larger audience for choral music, in part by making this a singing community, a place where, one day, no one will say, “I can’t sing.” What are the benefits of singing with a chorus or choir? One of the most satisfying aspects of choral singing is contributing to something larger than yourself. One’s part may not stand on its own, but it’s essential to the performance as a whole. Singing amidst a huge chorus, especially with an orchestra, is an exhilarating experience. Also, abandoning the telephone, the computer, the television, all the verbal and visual communication that tends to monopolize our days, and immersing oneself in music for a while can be genuinely refreshing and rejuvenating. Finally, some people enjoy the camaraderie, working with a group of people who share their interests.

What type of music does the Choral Society of Pensacola perform? Primarily large-scale classical works, often with an orchestra, but we do present choral arrangements of music in other styles, and we have a smaller ensemble with a more diverse repertoire; for example, at our most recent fundraiser, the group performed a Motown medley and “Over the Rainbow.” What are the roles and responsibilities of the choral members? Members are expected to participate in weekly rehearsals, work on their music outside of rehearsals, and perform in concerts, as well as at some additional events, such as our holiday sing-along. They support the organization through membership fees and purchase of music, some serve as section leaders, and a number take on roles in the production of our concerts and fundraising events. What do you look for in potential choral members? Tell me about the auditions? Requirements? All of our singers are volunteers with a wide range of training and experience. What they share, and what is most important, is a passion for music and a willingness to work hard. Auditions are very informal. Applicants take a short written quiz that allows our artistic director Mr. Chen to gauge their musical knowledge, then they sing for him. They do not need to prepare a song; Mr. Chen works with them for a few minutes to determine their range, their ability to sing on pitch, their musical memory and a few other qualities. How often are auditions held and is there a process? Auditions are held at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters (early August and early January), although interested singers are welcome to contact us at any time, by phone (850-484-1806) or email (charlie@choralsocietyofpensacola.org) to arrange for an audition. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 7

Springtime Citrus F

ew things signal the start of spring more than a cool, fruity drink on days that grow increasingly warm and humid as the sun rises. And while citrus is primarily a plant that blooms in the wintertime, Pensacola offers many options to access this springtime tang when our appetites most desire it— springtime.

Citrus can refer to lemons, grapefruit, oranges, limes and pineapples, and all fruits in the family are perfect both for the nutrients and the refreshing splash of energy they provide. A great source of Vitamin C—the perfect resource for those early spring days full of exploration and bike rides—as well as potassium, folate,

calcium, niacin and more, the drinks below are the fuel you need to get the most out of this beautiful time of year. Throwing in some kale, yogurt or chia seeds is a great way to diversify the citrus taste while supplying even more vitamins and minerals to your thirsty body. Our city comes alive in the spring.

Countless festivals, outdoor activities, cooking competitions, sporting events and more practically beg people to get out into the longdormant sunshine and enjoy the best in our area. With these drinks in tow, you can be ready for whatever unexpected fun may greet you. Most grocers in the area offer this power food,

though few places feature the standard of organic quality that Ever’man does. You can to pick up the ingredients to make a rejuvenating beverage yourself or buy one ready-made from their Smoothie Bar for a price that won’t break the bank. Fosko Coffee Barre also offers smoothies right on Palafox, so you can refuel and get back out there

to the nearly-constant fun happening on Downtown’s main strip. If you decide to homemake your refreshment of choice, make sure to roll the fruit on a firm counter-top to break apart the juice membranes. Then simply slice apart, squeeze, and enjoy!

GREEN DREAM • • • • • • •

1 frozen banana ¼ cup diced frozen pineapple 1 handful kale 1 handful spinach 1/2 - 1 cup orange juice 1/2 Tbs ground flax seed Blend thoroughly

CHIA FRESCA • • • • •

2 cups water 1.5 tbs chia seeds Juice of one lime 1/2-1 tbs honey Blend

TROPICAL SUNRISE SMOOTHIE • • • • • •

½ cup coconut water ¼ cup pineapple 1 frozen banana 1 small orange, peeled and diced Small handful frozen raspberries Blend

ORANGE CREAMSICLE • • • • • •

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1 frozen banana ½ cup orange juice 1 scoop vanilla protein ¼ cup organic yogurt Handful or two of spinach, if desired Blend

BY JOSH NEWBY / PHOTO BY GUY STEVENS / PRODUCTS BY EVER’MAN

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Day

A mathematical constant that is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter, π can be found all around us, sometimes to a surprising extent. The number’s storied past is matched only by on-going research into its depth, reaching 1 million digits back in 1973. It is used in mechanics to give time period approximations to pendulums, in cosmology as a theoretical basis for the Theory of Relativity, and even in electromagnetism to describe the electric field between two electric charges separated by distance. To celebrate this impressively omnipresent number, we submit for your consideration eight methods of exploring the figure this coming Pi Day, March 14. By Josh Newby

EAT PIE

FIND YOUR LIFE IN PI

RUN 3.14 MILES

SCAVENGER HUNT

ROCK OUT TO KATE BUSH

EAT ALL MANNER OF PI SHAPED GOODIES

You knew this would be our first recommendation, not that anyone needs an excuse to eat pie. You can make your own, or let one of Downtown’s many local eateries go through the toil and trouble for you. We’re speaking, of course, about Carmen’s Lunch Bar, Adonna’s Bakery, Seville Quarter, or any of the numerous other hot-spots to grab a bite of delicious pie for under $5.

Whether it’s along Bayfront or winding through the Historic Village and up to Gregory, there’s lots of options to run what roughly equates to a 5K. If you’re in decent shape, you don’t even need to build up to this length. Your legs may regret running it cold, but it will serve as a great jump-start to Pensacola’s springtime running season!

Have you ever listened to this 90s rocker? Neither have I! But her song Pi, about a man who loves numbers only slightly more than he loves Bush, seems like a great place to start. Bush sings dozens of the Pi digits, so this song also serves as a great associative memorization tool!

WATCH LIFE OF PI

Sure, it has very little to do with the famous mathematical ratio, save for the main character’s name, but its story of discovery, survival and new beginnings are as essential to life as 3.14. Celebrate the themes that make us all human with this movie, as you celebrate an equation ubiquitous in nature.

Write out as many digits of π as you care to (there is literally an infinite amount, so you could be at this for quite a while), and then try to find your own life reflected in the numbers. I only had to go about 220 numbers deep to find my birthday, then about 270 to find my address. If I had the patience to keep going, I would probably also find my PIN, the last four of my Social Security number, and other numbers of import in my life.

The weather is beautiful and the city is brimming with life, so why not take this opportunity to stroll around Downtown and try to find pi represented in our cityscapes? Can you find Pi Cottage on 314 Alcaniz or Gumbo Art Gallery on 314 DeVilliers? We bet you can, because we just told you where to find them!

How much pie-related food can you think of to eat? There’s the obvious choices: like pizza and pancakes. But what about the wonderful world of puns? Eat some pine nuts, try some pineapple, imbibe a pina colada (or seven). Let your creativity soar as your belly expands.

DO IT ALL AT 1:59

The numbers 1, 5 and 9 follow in succession after the most popular pi digits, so for an added challenge, see how much of the above you can do within the 60 seconds that is 1:59 pm, (or am, if you’re a purist). Listen to Pi while Life of Pi is playing on a nearby television. At the same time, consume some pizza. I don’t recommend attempting to run during all this, but maybe you can do it at a street address beginning in 314.

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spectacular spring NOT SURE WHAT TO DO THIS SPRING? USE OUR HANDY FLOWCHART. ARE YOU A DAYMAN OR ARE YOU A NIGHTMAN?

DO YOU ENJOY BODY ODOR?

WHAT SOUNDS LIKE YOU?

WOULD YOU PREFER TO RUN OFF THE CALORIES OR PUT THEM ON?

DO YOU PREFER JAMS OR JOCKS?

MUSIC MAKES ME LOSE CONTROL

PECS IN MY FACE

HOMOSAPIEN PECS OR CANIS? BEER-DRENCHED IRISHMEN OR ALELADEN KNIGHTS?

DO YOU ENJOY PLAYING WITH ANIMALS OR EATING THEM?

WHO’S YOUR IDEAL RUNNING PARTNER?

PLAYING TWO-LEGGED FREAKS?

FURRY FOURLEGGEDS EATING

RENAISSANCE FAIRE

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McGUIRE’S RUN

RINK OR STAGE?

SMOKIN’ IN THE SQUARE

RINK, BRO

A BARK TO REMEMBER

ICE FLYERS GAME

STAGE, BRUH MUSIC AT VINYL

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March 18th

Official Gallery Night Guide

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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Wright St.

PARTICIPANTS

10 S. PALAFOX PL.

MAP KEY Official Participating Business

The streets will remain closed until Midnight. Per city ordinance no animals and no glass bottles.

St. Intendencia P P

29 6

t St.

Governmen

Parking Lots/Garages

8 25 21 15 13 5 22 23

Jefferson S

16 18 8 24

P P

TCBY - GOVERNMENT ST. & PALAFOX ST. The Tin Cow - 102 S. PALAFOX PL. 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.

Romana St.

Zarragossa S

20 17

24 25. 26. 27. 28. 29.

Downtown Pensacola

1 19 26 10 12 7 4 27 11 9 28

Garden St.

DeVilliers S

O’Riley’s Irish Pub - 321 S. PALAFOX ST. Pita Pit - 1 S. PALAFOX PL. Quayside Art Gallery - 17 E. ZARAGOZA ST. Seville Quarter - 130 E. GOVERNMENT ST. Stevenson Klotz - 127 S. PALAFOX PL. #100. The WES 130 S. PALAFOX PL.

Indigeaux Denim Bar & Boutique - 122 S. PALAFOX PL. Jordan Valley - CORNER OF INTENDENCIA AND PALAFOX Marty Campbell - 126 PALAFOX PL. Mimi’s Bistro - 313 S. PALAFOX ST. NOM Sushi Izakaya - 410 S. PALAFOX PL.

Chase St.

Coyle St.

13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. 21. 22. 23.

S Tarragona

5 1/2 Bar - 5 E GARDEN ST. Al Fresco - 501 S. PALAFOX ST. Artel Gallery - 223 S. PALAFOX PL. 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. Charlie Ford - 321 S. PALAFOX PL. Dog House Deli - 30 S. PALAFOX PL. Fosko - 5 E GARDEN ST. Global Grill - 27 S. PALAFOX PL. Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom

Palafox St.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.

Reus St.

MARCH 18, 2016

Main St.

Cedar St. P

Gallery Night is Sponsored by:

Brought to you by the Downtown Improvement Board

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Q+A WITH A

GLOBETROTTER How long have you been with the Globetrotters? I’ve been with the Globetrotters for nine years now. Before that I was with Nike and made various basketball appearances. That’s actually how I got discovered by the team. I wanted to a Globetrotter since I was six-years-old. I knew I was either going to solve mysteries or play for the Harlem Globetrotters. The first time around, I sent the Globetrotters a tape and they turned me down. But I kept striving and eventually became known as one of the best dribblers in the world. I was recruited by Nike and starred in a commercial for them that sort of became a worldwide phenomenon. I did a couple more commercials, including one with Lebron James. Then the Globetrotters reached out to me and recruited me. So I got my dream. Tell me about the training process. We’re always looking for the best of the best—the best dunkers, shooters and dribblers. We are avid recruiters. Once you’re a part of the team, and if you’re a great player and a great person, we can teach you the rest—the stuff like the theatrics and the comedy. When’s your season? We play everyday from Christmas until about May 2, and we train for about an hour or two before each game, then we go overseas and play for the troops. I’ve been to all 50 states and 77 countries. We play 300 games a year between training camps, overseas games and more, so we stay busy. How long does it take to become that proficient? It’s a lifelong process, I’m not going to life. I’ve wanted this since I was six. I was one of those kids who always had a basketball in my hands, and to this day I still do. That hasn’t changed. From a very young age, I would watch tapes and videos of Trotters. I mean it when I say it was a dream of mine. I had to be the best that I could and now I have to stay that way. I still have that basketball with me at all times Tell me about some of the charity work they do. More than just great ball-players, we want to be great role models for kids. We really are ambassadors of goodwill, so we visit hospitals and we speak to schools. In fact, I’m just finishing at a school in Maryland. And it’s our 90th anniversary, so we’ve begun what we’re calling the Great Assist. Basically you go to greatassist. com and nominate a cause in your community in need of a smile. For each city we go to, we try to accommodate that request. It’s been great. Who do you play when you’re on the road? Well, for the longest time, we had a touring team called the Washington Generals, but they recently retired. So, now we tour with a team called the World All-Stars they put together to tour across the US.

For someone who’s never been, what can they expect? Well it’s our 90th anniversary like I said, so everything is going to be taken up a notch. That means high-flying slam-dunks, great comedy, and something that a lot of families will really treasure. We make memories that’ll last a lifetime. It doesn’t matter how old you get or where you go, you’ll always remember the day you saw the Globetrotters. That’s why we can’t wait to get down there to Pensacola. We just can’t wait to have a good time. You don’t have to be a basketball fan; you don’t even have to have kids. I guarantee just a really fun time for everyone.

MAR BAY CECH 31 · 7 PMNTER · by josh newby

This Spring, Make Some New Friends

Saturday, April 2nd Cordova Mall

VIP Entry 12-1 pm General Admission 1-3 pm

2016

Adopt-A-Manatee® Call 1-800-432-5646 (JOIN) savethemanatee.org

2016 Tickets: $20 VIP Access $15 General 850.595.5800 PensacolaChocolateFest.com

DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 17

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N W O T G O

A L O C A S EN D

There’s a group from the Downtown Crowd who doesn’t always get recognized, despite their global recognition as man’s best friend: our fourlegged crowd members whose wagging tails will tell you how much they approve of the petfriendly places and pastimes we’ve found in Pensacola. We’ve outlined a few petfriendly parks, places to eat, and community events, so your faithful Fido can enjoy a time out on the city as much as you. If your doggie isn’t water shy, and likes the company of other canines and the freedom to roam, then you might consider an outing to the Bayview Dog Park and Beach. Do they like to accompany you on your morning run, or weekend hike? Navy Point Walking Trail and Bay Bluffs Park have dog-friendly trails where you are encouraged to bring your furry friend along for a healthy jaunt. Just don’t forget your waste bags! While you’re out and about, strolling down Palafox Place in Downtown, don’t forget you and your pooch can make a pit stop for a snack at Pensacola Bay Brewery, Jaco’s, and Hopjacks. These restaurants have outdoor seating where (leashed) four-legged friends are welcome. While people food is plentiful, canine treats are not, so you might want to pack a picnic of pet-approved

N b y DAW

GRESKO

snacks. Anticipate glaring eyes of disapproval from your canine companion (and us) if you don’t! As for upcoming events, there’s the annual A Bark to Remember scheduled for April, as well as Running of the Chihuahuas coming in May and Barktoberfest returning in—you guessed it—October. Follow any one of these events on Facebook to see when this year’s dates will be announced.

A Bark to Remember

After witnessing the positive impact animals, especially dogs, had when interacting with Alzheimer’s and dementia patients, the Gulf Coast Health Care (GCHC) wanted to pair the ever faithful companion with an event that brought attention to Alzheimer’s awareness. Enter A Bark to Remember (BTR), a trademarked event started by the GCHC, who connected with the Northwest/Florida chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association in 2012. Last year, the event pulled around 1,800 two-legged attendees. This year, BTR is set for April 2 at Community Maritime Park from 10 am to 2 pm. Pensacola PD K-9 Unit will be joining the BTR crew as part of the dog demonstrations this year. There will also be dog contests and awards for Best Dressed and Best in Show.

In addition to live music by The Blenders, a local band who performs regularly at Hub Stacey’s and Bands on the Beach, there will be a Kid’s Zone located near Maritime playground where the Rolling Video Game Truck and Kona Ice will be set up along with other kid’s games and photo ops with local mascots. Missing a furry family member? The Humane Society and Great Dane Rescue will be onsite offering chances for pet adoption. There’s several ways to donate to the BTR cause: by tax-deductible donation to the Alzheimer’s Association on the day of the event at the welcome booth and bidding for items

like vendor-donated gift baskets and jewelry in the silent auction. Don’t think your canine companions have been left out: there will be dog-friendly surprises and auction items, too! Admission and parking are free, and all event proceeds go to our local chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Running of the Chihuahuas

For the fourth year, Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes will race in Seville Quarter’s Running of the Chihuahuas, an event that celebrates Cinco de Mayo while helping raise money for Pensacola’s local Hotel for Dogs and Cats. Dogs

over 15 pounds may race separately depending on the number of entries. Everyone—including your furry family members—is welcome to join the after party inside Seville Quarter and the End O’ the Alley Courtyard.

Barktoberfest

Every October, Barktoberfest hosts canine costume contests, demonstrations, games, and onsite adoptions, which are just part of why you shouldn’t miss out on pet-friendly event benefitting the Pensacola Humane Society. Visit pensacolahumane.org for more information, or to learn more about pet adoption today. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 19

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In which we unfairly judge upcoming attractions based solely on their trailers. By Josh Newby

10 CLOVERFIELD LANE RELEASE DATE: March 11 CAST: Mary Elizabeth Winstead, John Goodman, John Gallagher Jr. ZOOTOPIA RELEASE DATE: March 4 CAST: Idris Elba, Kristen Bell, Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman What I got from the preview: In a world identical to ours but with anthropomorphic animals, a rookie cop of a bunny must team up with a wise-cracking fox to uncover a conspiracy and discover that their shortcomings are just misguided strengths, something I keep telling my wife about my own flaws. With lots of observational humor that reflects the real world (sloths work at the DMV), this move’s charm promises to be broad and contagious. Most notable for: Family movies featuring talking animals are nothing new, and neither is the story, but the level of detailed animation is something usually reserved for top-shelf Pixar features. Unqualified critical observation: I’d be thoroughly excited for this if I had kids, eager to catch jokes that would go over their head but still enjoy life lessons from which we could both learn. But I don’t have kids, and this isn’t Pixar, so I probably won’t be giving Disney any money this month. To be fair, they got a lot of it in December for The Force Awakens, so I’ll think they’ll be okay.

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT RELEASE DATE: March 4 CAST: Tina Fey, Margot Robbie, Billy Bob Thornton, Martin Freeman What I got from the preview: The ever-wonderful Tina Fey plays a female journalist who experiences culture shock when she travels to Afghanistan to report on the ongoing war. While there, she meets with other journalists, forges relationships, argues about ethics, is called a whore for not aligning with Muslim standards of dress, and yet displays a general effusiveness about it all, as only Fey can. Most notable for: After years of movies that were delightful but ultimately just twohour SNL sketches, Fey is finally getting a chance to prove her dramatic worth with this chewy role that makes as many easy jokes about fish out of water as it does biting statements about culture and news. Unqualified critical observation: With Fey, Robbie and Freeman in tow, it’s almost as if the film-makers gathered together the most likable people they could find to tell a light-hearted story about a serious subject. If the movie is anything like what the previews make it out to be, it’ll be an enjoyable, casual, though ultimately forgettable affair. And there’s nothing wrong with that.

What I got from the preview: In one of the most unnerving, effective trailers I’ve ever seen, a girl is hunkered down in a stranger’s basement, hiding from unseen forces that supposedly plague the outside world. Soon, the background noise of Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” slows to a terrifying crawl, as someone or something infiltrates the shelter and turns this once happy team of refugees against each other. Seriously, this is how trailers should be done. They should tease, not titilate. Most notable for: JJ Abrams’ company Bad Robot is notorious for guerilla marketing its products. This film, a spiritual sequel to the criminally under-

Fi l m

appreciated Cloverfield, is no exception in either its marketing or conceptual brilliance. Unqualified critical observation: A fan of all things Abrams, I am unbelievably excited for this bottle episode of a movie that uses atmosphere and character to instill tension, rather than cheap jump scares. The first movie remains one of the most original takes on the alienhorror genre, and my hopes are high that this iteration continues that trend. The cast is fantastic, the cinematography is beautiful, and it has forever changed how I think about “I Think We’re Alone Now.” That song is Overly Attached Girlfriend brought to life.

MIDNIGHT SPECIAL RELEASE DATE: March 18 CAST: Adam Driver, Kirsten Dunst, Michael Shannon, Joel Edgerton What I got from the preview: In what appears to be a wholly original, simultaneously inspiring and disturbing film, a father and his son go on the run after the US military discovers that the child has secret powers, capable of leveling homes, overturning cars, manipulating the weather and more. Most notable for: This may sound like a cheesy, completely uninteresting concept, but director Jeff Nichols (Take Shelter, Mud) is known for taking the trite and making it into a fascinating and blistering account of the human condition. He’s becoming known as the little indie director that could, and this film looks to further cement that status. Unqualified critical observation: Almost my pick of the month, this movie is looks to be so much more than the sum of its parts. Part father-son adventure, part indictment of military powers, part fantasy, the trailer plays like the titular event—urgent, uncomfortable, can’tignore film-making.

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE RELEASE DATE: March 25 CAST: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Gal Gadot, Jesse Eisenberg What I got from the preview: Revered as a god but feared as a devil, Superman suffers the consequences of his morally grey actions when he becomes subject to an amalgamated backlash from society. Fearing Superman’s powers have gone too long unchecked, an aging Batman emerges to take him on. Amidst their conflict, though, Lex Luthor creates Doomsday. Putting their differences aside and aligning with Wonder Woman because they have to jumpstart the DC cinematic universe, the team bands together to save Metropolis. Most notable for: Well, nerds, it finally got made. Be careful what you wish for, as the once-decent Zack Snyder (Watchmen, 300) is piloting this $400 million train to celluloid hell. Unqualified critical observation: All style with very little substance, there’s no way this movie can live up to Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. The fact that it’s being released so soon after those landmark films does not bode well for the second entry in this struggling new franchise. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 21

Word o n t h e S t r e e t

Pen Air Federal Credit Union to Host Free Shredding Event to Combat Identity Theft

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Pen Air Federal Credit Union and Shred-it are offering individuals an opportunity to shred their sensitive documents. In addition, the Better Business Bureau of Northwest Florida will provide resources on identity protection. The event is scheduled for Saturday, March 5th from 9 am to 11 am at the Pen Air facility at 1495 E. Nine Mile Road in Pensacola. An individual may bring up to 50 pounds of sensitive information to be shredded for free. Documents to be shredded should be removed from binders and binder clips, but staples and paper clips are acceptable. Please do not tie bags or tape boxes!

UWF College of Business accepting nominations for the 2016 Combined Rotary of Pensacola Ethics in Business Award

The University of West Florida College of Business, in partnership with the Combined Rotary Clubs of Pensacola, is accepting nominations for the 2016 Combined Rotary of Pensacola Ethics in Business Award. Criteria for the award are based on adherence to the high ethical standards of honesty, integrity and consistency in dealing with employees, contractors and customers, while positively enhancing the economic wellbeing of their organization’s stakeholders and providing jobs, opportunities and profits. Additional criteria are based on participation in activities that are beneficial to the community beyond the provision of economic benefits and service as a leader or innovator in the firm’s business sector. This award is given annually each spring to one individual from the small business sector - less than 50 employees - and one individual from the large business sector - 50 or more employees. The award recognizes those who exemplify the concept of “service above self” and who work to build a positive sense of worth within both the business community and the broader community as a whole. Last year’s award winners were Heidi Blair and Michael Murdoch. Murdoch will speak on the importance of business ethics to business and professional success at the 2016 Combined Rotary Luncheon. The luncheon, scheduled for May 2, 2016, from noon to 1 pm at New World Landing, will honor the 2016 award recipients.

by Dawn Gresko

NEW BREW

ON THE

Downtown Pensacola’s new best kept secret (for now)

There’s a new brew on the Heinberg block: Gulf Coast Brewery. Since its doors opened officially on Feb. 11, Gulf Coast Brewery has become the new destination spot in Downtown. Owner Elliott Eckland has experience in the business of breweries, as the founder and coowner of Pensacola Bay Brewery in Downtown Pensacola. Eckland saw a need for breweries in Pensacola, which is why he has branched out to start his own brewery with the help of office manager Carrie Young. “The day we passed inspection we had to leave to get the official certificate,” said Elliott Eckland, owner of Gulf Coast Brewery. “When we left people were already lined up around the block. When we got back, we opened immediately and started pouring beers.” From hosting parties for community events like the CW55 after party, during Pensacon from Feb. 19 to 21 when there were at least 100 guests each night, to offering rental space for wine clubs, business meetings, and causal hangout sessions, there’s more to do at the local microbrewery than

sip on spirits. Adjacent to the tap room is where the beer is made, and the area doubles as a spot for recreational activities like cornhole, darts, pingpong and foosball. The microbrewery can hold as many as 50 seated guests from the tap room to the cigar lounge and wine room. Eckland also saw a need for more places to enjoy cigars in the Pensacola area, which is why he decided to incorporate a cigar lounge, as well as a walk-in humidor, into his design for Gulf Coast Brewery. The walk-in humidor is made of Spanish cedar and operates at 70 percent humidity to keep all cigars fresh and enjoyable. On the topic of design, one of the first things you might notice at first glance is the unique Jack Daniel’s barrel lighting. Eckland took apart the barrels himself, which came from a Jack Daniel distillery, so the lights could be built. You’ll notice the bar, table and chairs also have oak barrels incorporated into the décor to give it that distillery feel, since one of Eckland’s goals are to make the microbrewery a distillery, too. Eckland has a lot of plans for the future of Gulf Coast Brewery. As for appearance, he has ideas for

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constructing a wooden deck outside the building by next spring, which will be covered by canvas from a sailboat and decorated with tropical palms. He hopes his improvements will inspire other businesses on the Heinberg Street block to upgrade their buildings so the street becomes an appealing attraction for locals and tourists alike. Once Eckland has his brews in order, he also wants to get involved in bottling and canning products from Gulf Coast Brewery. One of his goals is to specialize in craft beers aged in oak barrels that previously housed whiskey and/or bourbon. The brew will smell and taste like whiskey, but by all definitions will still be a beer. Homemade sodas are projected to be on the drink menu, too, including but not limited to flavors like cream and cherry sodas, as well as rootbeer and gingerbeer. In the future, Monday specials will include 25 percent of growler refills and 20 percent off cigars on Tuesdays. Gulf Coast Brewery growlers come in 64 oz., which is equivalent to about four and half beers. Right now, Gulf Coast Brewery has

five beers on tap but Eckland is in the process of brewing more—at least seven should be available by the first week of March. Preparations are also being made for 30-minute tours of the brewery, which Eckland aims to offer every day. For $5 a person, tours will include your choice of a signature Gulf Coast Brewery beer along with a walkthrough of the building and the brewing process from farm to table. You’ll learn where grains come from and you’ll get to touch and taste the differences between grains. Souvenirs will be available online, as well as in the brewery itself, and they include Pilsner, pint, and straight side glasses granted to you according to what type of beer you order. “Mostly, we want readers to know Gulf Coast Brewery is a friendly place,” said Eckland. “We’ve got friendly staff and the environment here is just like everyone knows each other.” Check out what’s brewing at Gulf Coast Brewery by walking in next time you’re in the downtown area, or by visiting gulfcoastbrewery.net.

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Date l i n e D o w n t o w n Community SonRise Service March 27 Marcus Pointe Baptist Church presents the 2016 Community SonRise Service in Downtown Pensacola at the Blue Wahoo Stadium on Sunday, Mar. 27 from 6:30 to 7:30 am. Come to experience Easter like never before by witnessing the sunrise on Pensacola Bay while inside a state of the art facility. For more information, visit pensacolachurch.org.

Monster Jam March 4 – 5 Climb in your trucks and start your engines, because Monster Jam is returning to Pensacola Bay Center from March 4 to 5 and this year the event will be on dirt! The truck lineup includes Grave Digger, Scooby Doo, Gunslinger, Ballistic, Wild Thang, Strait Jacket, Fatal Attraction, and Primetime. The Friday Pit Party will run from 6 to 7 pm and the Saturday Pit Party from 11:30 am to 1 pm. Tickets range from $25 to $33 for adults, $11.50 for kids, and Pit Party tickets are $10 per person. Find out more and buy your tickets online at pensacolabaycenter.com. 14th Annual Eye Ball March 5 Independence for the Blind of West Florida is proud to present its 14th annual Eye Ball, coming to Hilton Pensacola Beach Gulf Front on March 5 from 6 to 11 pm. Dance to the music of Mass Kunfusion, dine on delicious gourmet dinners prepared by Chef Dan Dunn, and bid on great live and silent auction items all for a good cause. Proceeds from this event help support life changing training and hope to teens, adults and the elderly who are blind, becoming blind, or visually impaired in the ten country area of Northwest Florida. Tickets and more information can be obtained at ibwest.org or by calling Sally McConnell at 477.2663. 24 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM

Bayou Hills Run March 5 Fun-seeking families and serious runners alike will take to the streets of East Hill in Downtown Pensacola once again for the Bayou Hills Run, hosted by Creative Learning Academy, on March 5. This event will include a 10K, 5K and one mile Kids Run, but each offers great views, challenging courses, and a family-friendly atmosphere. The 10K and 5K start at 7:30 am, but the Kids Run starts at 8:45 am. There will be a post event celebration party after the run in Bayview Park, where medals will be awarded to winners in each age category. Race day registrations will be on site at Bayview Park. But sign up early to claim your event t-shirt with your registration. Register online at bayouhillsrun.org. 16th Annual Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire March 5 – 6 The annual Gulf Coast Renaissance Faire is returning for its 16th year at the Pensacola Interstate Fairgrounds from March 5 to 6, opening from 10 am to 6 pm each day. Witness jousting knights, wise wizards, jokester jesters, fire breathers, dancers, pirates and falconry, as well as food, games, music, craft vendors, merchants of all kinds and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children, and free for kids 4 years old and under. Learn more about the upcoming faire at gcrf.com, where you may also purchase tickets in advance.

Rogue Beer Dinner March 7 Starting at 6:30 pm, Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom hosts this Rogue Beer Dinner, featuring four courses for just $40 per person. For reservations, call 497.6076, ext. 4. Island Fights 37 March 11 Who’s going to float like a butterfly and sting like a bee? Come find out on March 11 at the Pensacola Bay Center for Island Fights night. Doors open at 6:30 pm and fights start at 7:30 pm. The fighter lineup will be Dakota Merritt vs. Seante Williams, Elvin Brito vs. Frank Carrillo, Rance Jones Jr. vs Brok Weaver, Freddy Whilhite vs. Bobby Hill, and Steven Burks vs. Socrates Pierre. Tickets range $24 to $83.50 depending on seating. Find out more about the upcoming Island Fights, or purchase your tickets online at pensacolabaycenter.com. McGuire’s 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Run March 12 Grab your four-leaf clover for luck as you go for the gold at the annual McGuire’s St. Patty’s Day Prediction Run back for its 39th year on Saturday, March 12. Each runner, or walker, predicts how long it will take them to complete the 5K run. The finishers that come closest to their prediction win. The race begins at 9 am, starting and ending at McGuire’s in beautiful Downtown Pensacola.

Dateline Downtown Sign up now, or learn more about the 5K run at mcguiresirishpub.com. Ghost Hunt at Pensacola Lighthouse March 12 & 19 Is the Pensacola Lighthouse haunted? The Travel Channel and Syfy’s Ghost Hunters (TAPS) seem to think so. In fact, it’s been called one of the most haunted lighthouses in America. However, only you can answer the questions for yourself. So, join the lighthouse team for a ghost hunt in the historic 1869 keeper’s quarters to see if their ghosts are willing to meet you. Follow in the footsteps of TAPS using real ghost hunting equipment for a two-hour ghost hunt tour. The tour is recommend for those age 12 and up. Find out more at pensacolalighthouse.org. Historic Pensacola Trolley Tour Through March 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 its permanent colonization in 1698. The trolley will leave from the Pensacola Visitor’s Center at the foot of Three Mile Bridge. Tours run from 10 am to 2 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are limited to 36 passengers. Make tour reservations online at beachbumtrolley. com, or call for availability at 941.2876. Cooking Demonstrations with Chef Irv: Seasonal Catch Preparations March 16 Try your hand at recipes by Jackson’s Steakhouse’s own celebrity chef Irv Miller at one of two classes to be hosted at Jackson’s Steakhouse on Mar. 16. One class will begin at 5 pm while the other starts at 7:30 pm. This month, Chef Irv will share tips for keeping it local and simple when preparing and cooking fresh seafood and shellfish so next time you are on your way home from work, or just enjoying a day off, stop by and see what’s fresh at your local seafood market. Each class is $45 per person, which covers the costs of tasting the recipe, wine pairings, and a take-home recipe for you to experiment with Chef Irv’s concoctions in the comfort of your home. For more information, or reservations, call 469.9898 or visit jacksonsrestaurant.com. Smokin’ in the Square BBQ Cook Off March 18 – 19 Join professional barbecue teams from around

the US who will gather to compete at Seville Quarter for the seventh annual Smokin’ in the Square, the first barbecue contest locally to be sanctioned by the Kansas City Barbecue Society (KSBS). Professional teams will be competing for prize money and bragging rights in the backyard competition. Admission is free and the event runs Friday from noon to 9 pm, and Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm. This will be great family fun, entertainment, and food, and all proceeds go to local charities. A special 2016 VIP event presented by Sonny’s BBQ will be held at the Lee House. For more information, visit smokininthesquare.com. Gulf Breeze Rotary Gumbo Cook Off March 19 Join the Rotary Club of Gulf Breeze at the Gulf Breeze Recreation Center in Shoreline Park (800 Shoreline Dr.) on Saturday, March 19 from 10 am to 3 pm for the 11th annual Gumbo Cook Off. There will be all you can eat gumbo samples from more than 20 professional and amateur cooking teams, raffles for Brig Green Egg BBQ Grill and Gumbo Post with burner ($5 per ticket), live music, and a silent auction from 10 am to 2 pm. Your tickets will help raise funds for Gulf Breeze Rotary’s college scholarship fund. Tickets are $15 at the event and $10 in advance. Learn more at gulfbreezerotary.com. Revana & Alexana Five-Course Wine Dinner March 22 Pot Roast & Pinot hosts a five-course wine dinner at 6:30 pm. The cost to attend is $99 per person (not including tax or gratuity). Limited seating is available and reservations are required and can be made by calling 607.7336. Blue Angels Practice March 23 – 24 & 29 – 30 The Blue Angels are back and you are welcome to watch their exciting practice runs at the viewing area in the Museum Flight Line north of the National Naval Aviation Museum. Open bleacher seating will be available for up to 1,000 attendees. Chairs are available for a fee of $3 per chair. Concessions and merchandise will also be sold, but backpacks, luggage, or similar items are not allowed in the flight line during practice air shows. Practice begins at 11:30 am and lasts about one hour. Admission is free. Visit navalaviationmuseum.org for more information.

FloraBama’s Beach 5K & Half Marathon for America’s Warriors March 26 For its third year, the annual Beach 5K & Half Marathon Run/Walk will start and finish at FloraBama with all 5K runners traveling through Alabama for 2.5 miles, and all half marathon runners headed the opposite direction into Florida. The half marathon begins at 7:30 am and the 5K run/walk begins at 9 am, rain or shine. Until Mar. 11, half marathon entry fees are $45 but after Mar. 11 entry costs $55. The entry fee for the 5K Run/Walk costs $25 until Mar. 11, but after that entry will be $35. T-shirts are guaranteed to the first 400 who register. Stay with FloraBama postrace for the after-party, where awards will be given and there will be great food, live entertainment, and donated Anheuser-Busch products from the Lewis Bear Company. All proceeds from registration fees going to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which ensures full scholarship grants, educational and family counseling to the surviving children of special operations personnel who lose their lives in the line of duty, as well as immediate financial assistance for severely wounded special operations personnel and their families. Check out florabama.com for more information, or to sign up today. Harlem Globetrotters March 31 The Harlem Globetrotters are preparing for their most epic tour in history, as the world famous team celebrates its 90th anniversary world tour with over 320 games in North America alone. A star-studded roster will have fans on the edge of their seats to witness the ball handling wizardry, basketball artistry and one-of-a-kind family entertainment that thrills fans of all ages. Visit pensacolabaycenter.com for more details, or to reserve your seats now. 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 DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 25

Ar t · M u s i c · T h e a t re

Joe Satriani March 15 To mark the major milestone anniversary of Joe Satriani’s first solo album “Not of This Earth,” Satriani will bring to life the “Surfing to Shockwave” 2016 tour and an evening spotlighting his 30-year career at Pensacola Saenger Theatre on Tuesday, Mar. 15 at 7:30 pm. The show will highlight music over Satriani’s entire career, including songs the legendary guitarist hasn’t played live in over 20 years. All seats must be reserved and regular tickets range from $39.50 to $69.50. For more information, or to reserve your seats now for this “mind-bending guitar daredevilry,” visit pensacolasaenger.com. PMA’s Annual Members’ Juried Exhibition March 4 – Apr. 15 The Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) will celebrate its 62nd annual Members’ Juried Exhibition starting on March 4, when a special opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. This exhibition provides a glimpse into the incredible level of artistic skill and excellence of artists the PMA is proud to call members. Last year’s award winners included Svend Damhave, Karen Moody, Loren Miller, J. Derrick Edwards, Kelsey Irvin, Linda Kernick, and Bobby Goldsmith. For more information on this exhibition, please visit pensacolamuseum.org.

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Pensacola Symphony presents Sounds of Europe March 5 Few topics have inspired composers as much as pride and reverence for their countries, and Sounds of Europe is a unique program that collects four such pieces each as different from each other as the countries that inspired them. Smetana follows the famous Moldau river, De Falla writes of warm evenings in sumptuous Spanish gardens, Sibelius’ last piece Tapiola captures the eerie beauty of the forests of Northern Finland, and Respighi’s portrays the raucous Festival Days in Ancient Rome. Sounds of Europe will be at the Saenger Theatre on March 5 at 7:30 pm. Find out more information, or purchase your tickets now, from pensacolasymphony.com.

PLT presents The Paper Bag Princess March 11 – 20 Once upon a time there was a princess named Elizabeth who planned to marry a prince named Ronald, who was perfect in every way. But, suddenly, a dragon came to town and destroyed her kingdom, kidnapped her Ronald, and burned all of Elizabeth’s clothes so she had no choice but to wear a paper bag. Will Elizabeth find the dragon and will she rescue Prince Ronald? There’s only one way to find out: check out one of the many showings at Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) this month. Running from March 11 – 13 and March 17 – 20, shows will begin at 7:30 pm except on Sundays when the show begins at 2:30 pm. To learn more about The Paper Bag Princess visit pensacolalittletheatre.com, or call to reserve your seats at 432.2042.

Ar t · Music · Theatre Mission Market Arts and Crafts Show March 12 Mission Market Arts and Crafts Show will be held at Cokesbury United Methodist Church (5725 N. 9th Ave.) on March 12 from 9 am to 3 pm. Admission is free, so come prepared to spend your bucks on miscellaneous crafts and merchandise on display. For more information on the upcoming arts and crafts show, contact Deborah by phone 261.7334, or by email at dfrawley58@cox.net. 22nd Annual Gulf Breeze Celebrates the Arts March 12 – 13 Gulf Breeze Celebrate the Arts is a juried, fine arts and crafts festival that brings quality national, regional and local artists to Gulf Breeze, and this year the festival will run through the weekend of Mar. 12 through Mar. 13 at the GBHS parking lot (675 Gulf Breeze Pkwy.). The event runs from 9 am to 5 pm on Saturday, and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. The two-day fine arts and crafts festival is a family-friendly event, where you can see more than 140 artists from across the US and beyond, who will be selected by a jury of fine artist professionals. Artwork categories include ceramics and pottery, oils and acrylics, glass, sculpture, watercolor, wood, fiber and leather, jewelry, mixed media, graphics, photography and others. There will also be a children’s entertainment and student artwork area, as well as a member art show and sale, a wide variety of food vendors, plus live music and entertainment. For more on the upcoming festival, visit gulfbreezearts.com, or contact Sherri Chambers at either 572.4292 or schambers@gulfbreezearts.com. Celtic Spirit: An Evening with Danny O’Flaherty March 16 This will be the Irish cultural event of the year. Danny O’Flaherty is a native Irish speaker from Conemara, Ireland who emigrated to the United States in the 1970s. He has performed for heads of state, such as President Ronald Reagan, President Herzog of Israel, and Pope John Paul II at the National Cathedral. He is the recipient of many awards and nominations and is dedicated to preserving Celtic Culture and pride in Celtic heritage. Danny is a singer, songwriter, storyteller, and musician who combines warmth and spirit to bring the long history of Irish and American folk music home to your heart. Celtic Spirit is a fundraiser to benefit The Pensacola Beach Community Church, Interfaith Ministries,

Northwest Florida Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Pensacola Beach Elementary School. Throughout the evening you will enjoy not only Danny’s music, but Chinese and silent auctions that include winning a trip to Ireland. Celtic Spirit will be a fun evening for a cause. Purchase your tickets today by calling Rhonda Dorfman at 934.6860.

Bullets Over Broadway at Saenger Theatre March 19 Prepare yourselves because Bullets Over Broadway is coming to Saenger Theatre on Saturday, Mar. 19 at 2 pm. The play was written by Woody Allen and it’s a musical comedy about the making of a Broadway show, as well as a story of a young playwright who, in desperate need of financial backing for his next show, accepts an offer he can’t refuse from a mobster looking to please his showgirl girlfriend. Tickets start at $56 per person and you may reserve your seats online at pensacolasaenger.com. PMA presents Funky Turns 40 Through April 9 PMA will continue its showing Funky Turns 40, an exhibition that commemorates the 40th anniversaries of 1970s Saturday morning cartoons that featured positive black characters for the first time in television history. This exhibition includes original production cells and drawing used to produce these cartoons. Funky Turns 40 includes 60 pieces of animation art from the Museum of UnCut Funk collection, one of the world’s most unique and extensive collections of original animation production cells and drawings from the 70s. For more on this exhibit, visit pensacolamuseum.org.

Vinyl Music Hall Every month, Vinyl Music Hall hosts a wide variety of acts, events, performances and more that draw a 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 (especially this month’s many tributes to memorable musical minds, including the late and great David Bowie). Get your tickets now, or find out more on March’s calendar of events, by visiting vinylmusichall.com. March 3: Thunder Snowcone Burlesque March 12: Atreyu March 18: The Cured – A Tribute to The Cure Bill Idolized – A Tribute to Classic Billy Idol March 19: Yesterday – A Tribute to The Beatles March 25: Station to Station – A Tribute to David Bowie March 28: Pensacola Music Company Spring Recital 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. March 4 & 5: Cat Rhodes and the Truth March 11 & 12: Big Jim Brown & the Speed Kings March 18 & 19: Katagory 5

Pensacola Ice Flyers Home Games We’re well into hockey season, Flyers fans: so put on your jerseys and show your support for 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 March at the Pensacola Bay Center. Get in on the action today and purchase your tickets, or find out more on upcoming Theme Nights, by visiting pensacolaiceflyers.com. March 12: vs. Mississippi RiverKings March 18: vs. Peoria Rivermen March 19: vs. Peoria Rivermen March 20: vs. Peoria Rivermen March 25: vs. Louisiana IceGators DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 27

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