bat vapor #batvapor
#batcrew
#joos
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Josh Newby, editor Do you see that? It’s the lack of sweat pouring out of my body. Do you hear that? It’s not my panting or the AC kicking on every ten minutes. Do you taste that? It’s pumpkin EVERYTHING. While I’m not a huge fan of the latter, I can certainly appreciate the former. October marks the beginning of not-quite-terrible weather in downtown Pensacola, and I could not be more excited. For one, I purchased a bunch of sweaters on clearance in April of this year and have been unable to wear them. For two, my power bill is about to go down considerably. To celebrate this subtle but overdue change of weather, we’ve got lots of Halloween and fall-ish events for you to sip spiced coffee during. We’ve also got an update on all the wonderful digs and discoveries our local archeological chapter has
4 Tricks and Treats 7 Eye on the Puck 9 Digging Up Downtown 11 Traveling With the Blues 12 Gallery Night Guide
October been busy with. And while this month may not feature the bevy of outdoor activities that last month did, I would encourage you to get out there regardless, especially as the sun sets sooner and the (dare I say) chill of the upcoming holidays begins to enliven our streets. Speaking of chill, we got up with the Ice Flyers who will begin yet another season later this month, and we’ve got all the deets on the pride of wintertime Pensacola. Did you catch our cover? It is, in the words of Maverick himself, super cute. Big thanks to the Ice Flyers and our own Dawn Gresko and Anna Hitchcock for making that great shot come to life! We’ve also got a pretty great piece on the chemistry behind your favorite cocktails. A younger me would’ve just thrown copious amounts of alcohol into a glass, along with maybe a thirdcup of some citrus juice, and called it a day—er, night. But I am now a more refined drinker, someone who appreciates the notes of complexity inherent in drinks that ultimately only serve to get me white boy wasted. NOT THAT THERE’S ANYTHING WRONG WITH THAT. You’ll also find a preview of the annual Baptist fashion show and a Q&A with a pretty big musical name making their way to our shores later this month. Hope you enjoy this issue and this month. I’ll see you out there!
15 Mixolot 16 Stepping Out in Style 19 Film 20 Dateline Downtown
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 Malorie Eagles Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange geneva@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.
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BY MALORIE EAGLES & JOSH NEWBY
TRICKS and TREATS You know what time it is
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ey, guess what time of year it is? It’s fall! (As if you haven’t been watching the calendar and the slowly descending temps for months!) Get on those sweaters and scarves even though it is still a bit unseasonably warm, and prepare for corn mazes and haunted houses galore! Pensacola has really come into its own recently with the litany of both tricks and treats available to ghoul-chasers and field-runners alike. The city really does become an entirely different place during this season, as holiday lights accent Palafox and the Historic District comes to life (or death) in its own haunted way. So turn off the AC and bundle up; it’s time to go outside again.
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MAZES GALORE Sweet Season Farms Eighth Annual Corn Maze and Fall Fun Festival Sept. 24 – Nov. 6 Come and be amazed by this year’s Peanuts-themed maze design at Sweet Season Farms’ Eighth Annual Corn Maze and Fall Fun Festival. Wind through the eight acres of this interactive maze, or wander through the Kiddie maze. The fun has no deadend—at the end of the yellow corn road, a pumpkin patch, fun farm games, hayrides, and pony rides await. On Saturday, Oct. 29, candy will be given out all day during Trick-or-Treat in the Maze. Guests are encouraged to wear costumes and join Maizey Corn in a parade around the farm. Visit the Sweet Season Farms website at sweetseasonfarms.com for more event information and to purchase tickets. Holland Farms Pumpkin Patch and Maze Sept. 24 – Nov. 5 In between football games this fall, head over to “The Nuttiest Place Around” in Milton to play Farm Scene Investigation in the corn maze. Aw, shucks! The fun continues with the corn bin, petting zoo, pony rides, hayrides, bouncy house, and farm games. After you conquer the maze, unwind with some front porch rocking and Holland Farms’ famous boiled peanuts. Visit hollandfarms.mazeplay. com to purchase your tickets. Hillcrest Farm’s Fifth Annual Corn Maze Oct. 1 – 31 Get lost in some good old-fashioned fun at Hillcrest Farm’s Fifth Annual Corn Maze. While you are there, gather a cornucopia of u-pick fruits and vegetables that are ripe for the picking! They are open to explore every day except Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 8 am to 6 pm. Visit Hillcrest Farm on Facebook for updates, or call them at 251.962.2500 for information on group admissions, pricing, and directions.
GET YOUR HAUNT ON Arcadia After Dark Oct. 21 – 22 Peer into the shadows of Arcadia Mill by lantern light on this spooky boardwalk tour. The tour will feature historical information and authentic Arcadia ghost stories. Hosts will guide the tour wearing historical costumes and encourage guests to wear their favorite historical or family-friendly costumes. Doors open at 7:15 pm and the tour begins at 7:30 pm. To find out more about the event or to purchase tickets, please visit the Historic Pensacola website at historicpensacola.org or call 626.3084. Halloween Horror Hospital Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31 Binge watching horror films is a favorite Halloween tradition. Take a break from your Netflix queue by coming to experience this spooky performance event that is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. The First City Shakespeare and the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company present Theatre of the Macabre in the old Sacred Heart hospital at 12th and Gonzalez in East Hill. The performers will harness the creepy atmosphere of the notoriously haunted hospital on this part historical tour and part live performance. Early
performances are family friendly and later performances are for a mature audience. Haunt setsco.org for show times, pricing, and tickets. 26th Annual Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours Oct. 22, 28, 29 Thrill-seekers beware! The Haunted House Walking and Trolley Tours of Downtown Pensacola are sure to get your skin crawling. Tour guides dressed in historically accurate costumes will get your adrenaline pumping as they unearth the ghostly secrets of Downtown Pensacola. To learn more about tour times, locations, and tickets, visit historicpensacola. org or call 595.5985. Pensacola Downtown Halloween Trick-orTreat Oct. 29 Double, bubble, toil and trouble. Stir up some Halloween magic on this candy crawl down Palafox between Garden and Main streets. At this event sponsored by the Downtown Improvement Board (DIB), kids can trick-ortreat from over 60 businesses from 4 pm to 7:30 pm. Contact the DIB at 434.5371 for more information.
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EYE ON THE PUCK At 6-foot-9-inches tall, Minnesotan John McClean of the Pensacola Ice Flyers is a force to be reckoned with, and, as one of the team’s goalies for the second year in a row, no less could be expected from the returning player. However, John will be the first to tell you his success shouldn’t be attributed to his height alone; in fact, he’s undergone rigorous training to reach the level of proficiency and confidence he has today. Downtown Crowd caught up with the returning Ice Flyer to discuss highlights from his most recent year with the team and how he is preparing for the upcoming 2016 to 2017 season that’s kicking off at Pensacola Bay Center on Oct. 21. How does height factor into your position as a goalie? Pros and cons? I like that question, because it definitely has its pros and cons. For me, height was the hardest part of me making it. I am the tallest professional goalie in the world. When I was younger and I wasn’t very tall, I could mimic goalies close to my height in the NHL. But when I grew so much, it was negative to watch NHL goalies because there was no one close to my size. Things I struggled with was finding a coach who
knew how to work with me and understand my size, since the average goalie is 6’2”. Also, no one knew how to make equipment to fit me. But, one of the biggest cons of my size is that if you over move, the amount of space left open is a lot bigger than a goalie who is smaller. It’s been a long, long process, but I’ve learned how to use size to my advantage— moving as little as possible while still being athletic and ready for anything coming at you. On the flip side, one of my biggest advantages is my wingspan of 7’2”. When there is a hole from moving out of position, I can make up for that with my reach and it’s hard for an opponent to get around me. What was your favorite Theme Night from last year and why? The one that really sticks out was the Top Gun Theme Night, which also fell on Military Appreciation Night. I remember standing on the goal line next to a giant American flag and Air Force officers. It’s something I’ll never forget, because my grandpa served in the military, too. He passed away last December, so it was really special to be part
BY DAWN GRESKO | PHOTO BY KEITH WALLACE/JURASSIC PHOTO
of a event that honored our military. For you, what was one of the highlights of last season? To be honest, the biggest highlight was winning the championship and taking home the President’s Cup. Many players have careers spanning 15 years playing for a professional league and, while they may all have really good careers, in retirement speeches they go through everything they achieved except winning the championship. To be part of winning in the first season I started with the Ice Flyers, I can’t explain how amazing that was. Plus, I can’t say enough about our fans in Pensacola—they really are the best in the league.
How are you preparing for the upcoming season? I’ve never felt so confident going into a season and there’s a couple reasons for that: first, after every season, you’ll be told to take time off and do something to give your body a break and mentally get away from the game. This year, I was invited to do Life’s a Dance for Covenant Care, which gave me a chance to give back to the community while taking time away from hockey, so when all was said and done I was ready and driven to get back in the game. I came back home to Minnesota in the last week of June; since then, I’ve trained every day with some elite players like my workout partner, Troy Grossman, who is the goalie for San
Jose Sharks. Greg Harris, owner of the Ice Flyers, also helped me financially with getting equipment sized for me and that’s been one of the biggest blessings. He also helped with Envision Eye Training, something that NHL goalies, NFL quarterbacks, and major league pitchers go through to read depth changes in a fast-moving object, hone peripheral vision, and overall improve sight beyond achieving 20/20 vision. I also went through goalie coaching with Jeff Battah of Pro Goal Development in Vancouver.
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Digging Up Downtown IT IS NO SECRET THAT PENSACOLA IS ROOTED IN A RICH HISTORY DATING BACK TO THE 19TH CENTURY, WHEN THE CITY BECAME ONE OF THE FIRST U.S. SETTLEMENTS. THE ARCHAEOLOGY INSTITUTE AT THE UNIVERSITY OF WEST FLORIDA HAS BEEN EXPLORING THE NATIVE AMERICAN, BRITISH, AND SPANISH ORIGINS OF OUR PENSACOLA SINCE THE 1980s. THE ARCHAEOLOGY INSTITUTE IS PART OF THE DIVISION OF ARCHAEOLOGY AND ANTHROPOLOGY AND IS DEDICATED TO EDUCATION AND RESEARCH OF PREHISTORIC AND HISTORIC ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA. by malorie eagles
Last October, UWF’s archaeology program excavated the archaeological remains of the Luna settlement in a residential area of downtown Pensacola. The site proved to be a settlement by Tristán de Luna y Arellano from 1559 to 1561, where the Spanish settled after their ships were sunk by a hurricane. Several years ago, two of the wrecked ships related to the Luna Expedition were discovered in Pensacola Bay. About one-third of the first ship has been excavated. “Archaeologists tend to not try and excavate all of anything,” said Dr. Elizabeth D. Benchley,
“You have an opportunity to really look at what may have been growing on the site when Europeans arrived.” director of the Institute. “They want to leave part of it so future researchers can come back to it when there’s better techniques and new questions.” Researchers hope to find more of the shipwrecks. Over the summer, undergraduate field school students began working to uncover the second Luna ship. With the help of the Florida Division of Historical Resources Special Category Grant, the marine team continues to work on the exploration of the wreckage. In addition to the exploration of sites related to the Luna Expedition, the Institute has been working to restore and preserve historic cemeteries in downtown Pensacola, with a primary focus on St. Michael’s Cemetery located on North Alcaniz. St. Michael’s is a colonial-era cemetery that now
serves as an outdoor museum of Pensacola’s history. The Institute partnered with the St. Michael’s Cemetery Foundation of Pensacola, Inc. to manicure the property and to complete a botanical survey of what grows on the site. “You have an opportunity to really look at what may have been growing on the site when Europeans arrived,” said Margo S. Stringfield principal investigator on the St. Michael’s Cemetery restoration project. Stringfield invites everyone to enjoy the beauty of St. Michael’s. The cemetery is a part of the bird sanctuary for downtown Pensacola and the migrating butterflies have had a strong presence in the eightacre cemetery. The team also created the Geographic Information Systems (GIS), an interactive map of St. Michael’s and allows
people to search for gravesites by name and date, in a similar way to Google Earth. Each entry is accompanied by a brief history about who is buried there. “Recently we’ve started working on historic Native American cemeteries, which are West of Downtown off of A Street.” Dr. Benchley. If you are interested in volunteering to help with excavation or in the lab with the Pensacola Archaeological Society, contact the Archaeology Institute at 850.474.3015.
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Traveling With the Blues
MONTHLY ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEW
AN INTERVIEW WITH BRENDAN HILL, DRUMMER OF BLUES TRAVELER. BY JOSH NEWBY
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ou probably know them from hits such as “Run-Around” and “Hook,” but back in the day, Blues Traveler was an iconic band that brought blues rock and jam bands to the mainstream. After the unfortunate death of a bandmate, an internal reinvention, and several labels, they are back on the road with their most jam-ready album ever, Blow Up the Moon, which combines country, hard rock and other genres as only they can. They will be at Vinyl Music Hall on Oct. 18, bringing with them their unique live sounds, unpredictable stage presence, the hits of yesteryear and some new songs that may just surprise fans and casual listeners alike. Downtown Crowd caught up with Brendan Hill and chatted about all things Blues Traveler. You’re coming up on 30 years; how have the sounds and inspirations changed since then? Well our humble start was John Popper and I in a music program together. We later added Chan Kinchla and Bobby Sheehan in junior and senior year. In 1987, we decided to up and move to New York to purse our dream. It was perfect timing, too; this was right around the time the city repealed the cabaret law, which at the time prohibited clubs from playing live music if they didn’t have a license. So we got there just when live bar scene music was just becoming a thing. The music scene was so active. We learned how to hone our craft before pooling all our money together and made some road trips with some demo tapes. It wasn’t long before we were signed thanks to Phil Graham. He allowed us to open for people like Jerry Garcia and Santana. We lost our bass player, Bobby, in 1999. That was tough. We decided to carry on, though, with some new writers and a new style. On this latest record, we’ve brought in even more outside bands and collaborations. We’re like chameleons; we imitate our surroundings and try to be eclectic. You’re big on the live aesthetic of music, allowing fans to record and even selling recordings of the nightly performances; why is that? We learn from our heroes, like the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers. Those are guys who thrived on live music. Every show is a gathering or event. We embrace that and the bootleg nature of live shows. It was early bootlegs that allowed us to get more gigs, so it’s kind of in our DNA. I mean, music was live before it was ever recorded, and it’s really the bread and butter of the industry now. So I say, let people record it. There’s a lot of excitement around it and a lot happens that is unique to each performance, like different segways and such. That is exciting if you can watch it even if you’re not there. What kind of vibe do you like to create at your shows? You read the crowd really early on. You can tell from the venue if it’s a nice intimate theater, or a city park or an amphitheater. Plus, we each take a turn writing the set list. That allows each person to express themselves differently. They choose their songs and the order of their songs. People are going to rock sometimes, so let’s play the hits. In another area, we may want to get them up and dancing and engage them quickly, especially at places like state fairs where you may not be the primary reason people are there. So it depends on the venue. That’s what makes it fun. There’s nothing better in the world.
Do you write on the road? On the one hand, it’s a constant process. You get inspired anywhere, so you may hum a few bars into your iPhone. But you also have writing and recording sessions, so we don’t write on the road that much. I find it’s useful to give your ear a little bit of a break. It’s better when you walk away from writing and then come back together. You’ve done cameo appearances in some movies; do you want to do more extracurricular stuff like that? We love challenging ourselves. When an opportunity comes to challenge ourselves, we never say no. There’s been some things that worked out really well and then some that don’t. There’s a whole audience out there that may have grown up after we had our big hits. If you can connect with people, it’s just about using every tool to get out there and be real and authentic while you’re doing it. That’s the heart of Blues Traveler.
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MIXOLOT: THE CHEMISTRY BEHIND YOUR FAVORITE DRINK BY DAWN GRESKO · PHOTOS BY LAUREL WOODFIN
What’s mixology? If you’re one for semantics, you might already be picking apart the syllables and coming to the conclusion that it’s the study of mixing. However, as Great Southern Bar Mixologist Shaun Dixon would tell you, mixology is a bit more complicated than that. Making drinks is equal parts art, science and hospitality; although you must be creative-minded to concoct new drink ideas, you also have to stick with a formula that helps you achieve an ideal flavor balance, all while remembering to maintain a sincere smile and pleasant demeanor as you’re crafting the cocktail. Downtown Crowd caught up with the mixolot master Dixon, who schooled us on the topic of mixology and the chemistry behind your favorite drink(s).
MIXOLOGIST V. BARTENDER
Marking the difference between a mixologist and a bartender has been a point of contention for some. Ask most professionals and
THE (WO)MAN BEHIND THE MIXER they’ll tell you there should be no difference between the two. However, “mixologist” has come to describe a bartender who shows greater enthusiasm and interaction with the crowd, showing genuine interest in satisfying each customer not only by delivering a correct order but by delivering excellent service, too. The story goes that the word “bar” is short for “barricade,” which separates the bartender from the crowd. Following that line of thought, using “mixologist” instead of “bartender” is believed to soften that divide between the person behind the bar and his/ her audience.
So, what makes a master mixer? First is recognizing that behind the bar you’re both a gracious host and enthusiastic entertainer. Learning how to craft drinks is just a fraction of the job, since a certain degree of social finesse and positive attitude are certainly as important, if not more, as getting the drink right. Dixon’s piece of advice may seem simple enough, but it may prove more difficult in practice: “Be nice and smile.” Also, remember the “-ology” part in mixology comes not only in studying how to mix drinks, but on studying your audience; get to know your guest, find out whether they prefer pumpkin spice or caramel, and you’ll
be well on your way to making a yummy drink because it’ll be tailored to your guest’s taste.
CRAFTING A COCKTAIL
When crafting a cocktail, the general ratio to keep in mind is the bartending rule of thumb—2:1:1, meaning “two parts spirit, one part sweet, and one part sour.” Brown spirits tend to be the toughest in terms of finding a complementary flavor, while vodka, gin, tequila, rum and whiskey all have characteristic profiles that make a good starting point for whatever flavor-combo ideas you might have. Sweet comes in a countless variety of options, whether it’s
syrups, saps or fruits, and sours come in just as many innumerable variations (with the safe go-to being either fresh-squeezed lemon or lime juice). Other menu-based, flavor-combos that have worked for centuries: tomato and basil, yogurt and cucumber, cilantro and lime, mustard and honey, chilies and oregano.
TASTE TEST
Once you’ve crafted your cocktail, whether a new invention or new take on an old classic, it’s time to put it to the test. After all, you can’t serve up a new drink without making sure the average bar guest will enjoy it. Gather up a group of some honest beta-testers—whether it’s your neighbors, friends, family members, or coworkers. What you’re looking for are
comments on balance; you want to hear that each ingredient highlighted the distinctive qualities of another without completely overriding it. Generally speaking, if you can get at least 8 out of 10 to nod in approval, then your concoction has passed the taste test. Cheers!
WANT MORE MIXOLOGY?
Atlas Beverage Classes: A Tour Through Japan Oct. 6 (5 pm, 7 pm) Atlas Oyster House $20/person 850-217-2347
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Stepping Out In Style
Get ready to be dazzled by a night of glitz and glamour! For the 40th year running, the Women’s Board of Baptist’s Health Care Foundation and Gulf Coast Health Care presents Stepping Out in Style, a fusion of fall fashion and fundraising. By Malorie Eagles
This year, Stepping Out in Style continues to shine the spotlight on local shops like Bluetique; Cabi by independent stylist Jennie Barrow; DUH for Garden and Home; The South Outfitters; and The Market and Mainly Shoes. Local celebrities and professional models will showcase men’s, women’s, and children’s fashions. Professional models Ronnel and Tinika Blackmon and Taylor Avery will take over the catwalk in style. Ronnel and Tinika met on the fashion circuit and just celebrated their tenth wedding anniversary. “For six years they toured the country with Ebony Magazine, doing as many as 185 fashion shows a year!” said Heather Moorer, development director for the foundation. “Two years ago they welcomed baby Carter. And yes, he’s already had modeling jobs!” Taylor Avery will be visiting from Virginia for the extravaganza. She is currently pursuing a Master’s of Teaching Science Education with a biology concentration from the University of Virginia. Professional stylists fly in to work with local shops to create runway-ready looks that are full of drama. The clothing is selected directly from the stores, so audience members are able to purchase the exact ensembles that are perfect for a Florida fall from local boutiques. Laura Belsinger, owner of Bluetique in downtown Pensacola, said to keep an eye out for asymmetrical hemlines, statement sleeves, capes, and ponchos this season.
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Each year, the proceeds of the event support a local cause. Last year, the event raised $120,625 for the mother and baby unit of Baptist Hospital. This year’s event will benefit foster care at FamiliesFirst Network of Lakeview Center. Over 275 children have been removed from their homes and placed in licensed foster care in the Santa Rosa, Escambia, Okaloosa, and Walton counties within the last seven months. “Most children that are placed in foster care arrive without any belongings, while others arrive with their few belongings in a plastic bag,” said Moorer. “Our goal is to supply a bag with age specific items to every child that enters a foster home in 2017. We’ve named this program, Totes for Tots.” The fundraising initiatives inspire a strong sense of community in event contributors and audience members alike. “We’re just so honored to be a part of it. I love Baptist hospital. I love what they do. I love the cause. Every year it’s something beautiful and I love being able to be a part of that,” said Belsinger. The red carpet will roll out on Oct. 13 at New World Landing. Doors open at 5:30 pm for cocktails, silent and live auctions, and hors d’oeuvres. The fashion show begins at 7 pm. “The event has sold out the last few years,” said Moorer. The event is a huge success and is expected to be a sellout again this year. Tickets are $50 and are available at bapisthealthcarefoundation.com
Oct. 13 New World Landing 7 pm
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
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In which we unfairly judge upcoming attractions based solely on their trailers. By Josh Newby
THE GIRL ON THE TRAIN RELEASE DATE: Oct. 7 CAST: Emily Blunt, Haley Bennett, Justin Theroux, Allison Janney THE BIRTH OF A NATION RELEASE DATE: Oct. 7 CAST: Armie Hammer, Nate Parker, Colman Domingo, Aunjanue Ellis What I got from the preview: After slave masters recruit a black pastor to help calm their rebellious field-workers, the preacher instead decides to lead an uprising against the unjust treatment of African-Americans in the 1800s South. Uplifting choir music plays behind images of triumph and failure as these people who had nothing fought for their freedom against their masters who used religion as a mechanism of subjugation. Most notable for: First premiered at Sundance, Birth of a Nation was praised for balancing hard-to-watch necessary cinema with a story of hope and redemption. It’s been called one of the best films of the year. Unqualified critical observation: I found 12 Years A Slave as heartbreaking and brilliant as anyone, and this movie definitely takes a few notes from that Best Picture winner. I’m sure this film will be well-executed and heart-wrenching, but it leads me to wonder, will we ever see an important black drama that doesn’t involve slavery? I hope so.
THE ACCOUNTANT RELEASE DATE: Oct. 14 CAST: Ben Affleck, Anna Kendrick, JK Simmons, Jon Bernthal What I got from the preview: A troubled but talented young boy grows up to be an accountant; “one of the best in the world,” according to the trailer. I’m not sure what that means, but Affleck’s character is apparently especially adept at uncooking the books for his illicit clientèle. I’m also not sure what “uncooking the books” means, but the confusing plot was quickly replaced by footage of spies, angry yelling, and Anna Kendrick, so I guess I’m on board. Most notable for: Is this a totally original property not based on a book, a historic event, or an existing franchise? I think so! Unqualified critical observation: We are firmly in the early fall movie season, which is my personal favorite. Just look at this month’s bevy of dramatic, thrilling, crowd-pleasing cinema that doesn’t take itself too seriously like the year’s later Oscar contenders. The Accountant looks like the perfect thinker of a popcorn movie: fanciful but not to a fault, well acted but not self consciously so, and with enough big ideas to keep you discussing the events for days after.
What I got from the preview: Equal parts Rear Window and Gone Girl, this story concerns a divorcee whose daily train rides into the city allow her to supposedly witness the murder of a woman she had been envying and spying on. The subsequent investigation unearths details about her life, her ex-husband’s, and the people she has been admiring from afar. Expect lots of twists and red herrings, illicit sex, shocking violence, and all the necessary ingredients of a true Hollywood thriller. Most notable for: They wasted no time with this one! The book, published less than two years ago, was a quick success, winning the Goodreads Choice
Fi l m
Award in the Mystery & Thriller category in 2015. Unqualified critical observation: I love a good thriller. It’s one of my favorite genres. Unfortunately, so many promising stories get eclipsed by muddled narratives, unbelievable character decisions, unclear motivations, and a twist that makes no sense. Not so with this one. I haven’t read the book, but if its pervasive presence in pop culture and the cast of this movie is any indication, this will truly be an edge-of-your-seat experience. And thank goodness, because the summer movie season was a rough one.
JACK REACHER: NEVER GO BACK RELEASE DATE: Oct. 21 CAST: Tom Cruise, Cobie Smulders, Robert Knepper, Aldis Hodge What I got from the preview: The first minute of this otherwise fast-paced trailer shows our omniscient protagonist negotiating with local police following a single-handed effort to incapacitate several baddies. The rest of the preview shows Reacher doing various clandestine and brave things, none of which really matters. The stunts are impressive, the action is well-choreographed and everything looks contained within a fairly tight and serviceable action movie. Most notable for: I haven’t seen the first one, but supposedly this is based on a series of books that are very Bourne in nature. The first did not do exceedingly well at the box office, but apparently had enough of a fan base to warrant a follow-up. Unqualified critical observation: There’s something cathartic about watching Tom Cruise essentially play himself in a competent action movie. You know what you’re in for, and Cruise gives it to you in a reassuring, all-American sort of way. It won’t change any lives or alter the course of cinema, but it’ll help you forget your problems for two hours. If that’s not the purpose of the movies, what is?
RINGS RELEASE DATE: Oct. 28 CAST: Vincent D’Onofrio, Laura Wiggins What I got from the preview: You know the story. Some attractive teenager dumbly watches a forward from grandma labeled “WATCH ME!!!!!” and has seven days to pass it along before dying. This story seems essentially the same as the first movie, which was wonderful for its countdown format, Naomi Watts’ wonderfully realized scream queen persona, and the actual video, which still creeps me out to this day. Most notable for: Is Paramount brave to continue a recognizable and highly bankable series that died a decade ago? No, but they’re doing it anyway...this time in 3D! Unqualified critical observation: The weeks leading up to Halloween have been the real estate of cheap remakes and franchise continuation. See last month’s Blair Witch and this month’s... whatever this is. You want good horror? That is now relegated to the first three months of the year (It Follows, The Witch, The Babadook).
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D ate l i n e D o w n t o w n Disney Live! at Pensacola Bay Center Oct. 1 Open the door to reveal mesmerizing worlds of unforgettable Disney moments and grand illusions when Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Magic visits Pensacola on Oct. 1 at Pensacola Bay Center and Mobile on Oct. 2 at Mobile Civic Center Theater. Join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the comical duo of Donald and Goofy as 25 of your favorite characters surprise and captivate at every turn of the knob! Jazz Jam Oct. 3 Jazz Pensacola sponsors Jazz Jam the first Monday of each month. For Oct. 3, Jazz Jam is 6:30 to 9 pm at Horizen Restaurant, 3103 E. Strong St., Pensacola, and features Roger Villines 7 The House Band. Doors open at 5:30 pm and admission is $10 for Jazz Pensacola members and guests, $12 for non-members, $5 for students with ID, and free admission for military in uniform. Join Jazz Pensacola at this event, and admission is free.
Swan Lake at Saenger Oct. 4 The Russian Grand Ballet will bring the classic ballet “Swan Lake,” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, to the Pensacola Saenger Theatre on Tuesday, Oct. 4 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $60, $50, $40 and $30 (plus applicable service charge). “Swan Lake,” based on Russian folklore and German legend, follows a heroic young prince as he works to free the beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell. The ballet is in three acts with two intermissions, with music by Tchaikovsky, choreography by Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov, and libretto by Vladimir Begichev and Vasily Getzer. Running time is approximately two hours and 30 minutes. Munson Community Heritage Festival Oct. 7 & 8 Ten dollars gets you access to a full weekend of food, music and fun, all for charity. Located at Krul Lake Recreation Area. Third Annual Rat Race Oct. 8 It’s official! The Third Annual Rat Race 5K to benefit the Council on Aging of West Florida is taking to the streets of Downtown Pensacola on Saturday, Oct. 8, starting at 8:30 am. The race starts and finishes at William Bartram Memorial Park with an after-race party and celebration at The Fish House. Packet pick up will be Oct. 7 between noon and 6 pm at Anytime Fitness in Downtown Pensacola, as well as on race day from 7 to 8 am. For more details, or to register for the race, please visit coawfla.org/ratpackreunion.
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George Thorogood and the Destroyers at Saenger Oct. 8 George Thorogood and the Destroyers will have their debut performance on the Saenger Theatre stage on Saturday, Oct. 8 at 7:30 pm. Ticket are $48.50 and $36.00 (plus applicable service charge). Touring and recording for more than 40 years, Thorogood and his longtime band The Destroyers – Jeff Simon (drums, percussion), Bill Blough (bass guitar), Buddy Leach (Saxophone), and Jim Suhler (rhythm guitar) -- continue touring with their powerhouse rock with bar band roots, unchained attitude, and a fierce love of their country and blues history. Over the course of 16 studio albums in the last four decades, George and his legendary band have stormed the charts with six Gold and two Platinum selling albums with a catalog of classics that includes “Who Do You Love,” “I Drink Alone,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” “Move It On Over,” “Bad To The Bone,” and more. Brush Strokes & Kaleidoscopes at Quayside Through Oct. 10 Enter the wonderful world of Brush Strokes & Kaleidoscopes, featuring three of Quayside’s artists: Marianne McDonald, Diane Goeller, and Cathy Painter. Delve into McDonald’s paintings, which entice the viewer to travel into a place of marine wonder that shows the artist’s appreciation and knowledge of her coastal home. Goeller’s works range from traditional to non-objective (her true love), and she has designed many of our Pensacola Pelicans. Painter is a stained glass artist specializing in creating one-of-a-kind kaleidoscopes using precious stones, crystals, handblown marbles, and any unique item she can find. For more information, visit quaysidegallery.com. Furnish the Future at Quayside Oct. 12 - Nov. 14 One-of-Kind decorative tables and chairs are available for show and sale to support the restoration of Pensacola’s Historic Firehouse Building. Fifty percent of every sale goes into our Restoration Fund, and the other half goes to our fine artist who are working hard for the needed repair of our Historic Building. Each table and chair has been restored and hand decorated. This is your chance to find that “accent” piece you have been searching for. For more information, call 850.438.2363. Toast of the Coasts: Napa vs. Sonoma Oct. 13 Master (Andrew) McNamara is back by popular demand, joining the Fish House this year to present the history and differences in the two regions of Napa and Sonoma, along with what the two regions have meant to the US wine industry, for Napa vs. Sonoma on Thursday, Oct. 13. McNamara is the director of fine wine and master sommelier for Breakthru Beverage Company and in 2015 McNamara was elected Chairman of the Board for the Court of Master Sommeliers. The evening with McNamara will feature four courses all paired with
complementary wines: the first course will feature Napa Valley White with Upside Frutti di Mare, the second will be Sonoma County White paired with terrine of smoked grouper, while the third course of rustic, slow-cooked duck confit casserole will be paired with Napa Valley Red, and the final course will be blackberry sirloin paired with Sonoma County Red. The cost is $65 per person and the event begins at 5:30 pm. For reservations, please call 850.433.9450. Frederic Brenner: icon Series at PMA Oct. 14 Experience a series of black-and-white portraits shot by internationally acclaimed French photographer, Frederic Brenner, whose work will be featured at Pensacola Museum of Art (PMA) through December. This series represents famous American Jews photographed by the artist at Ellis Island depicting icons such as Roy Lichtenstein (artist), Betty Friedan (feminist writer and activist), Dr. Ruth Wertheimer (sex therapist), Arthur Miller (playwright), Ralph Lauren (designer), and many more. Brenner has been chronicling the Jewish Diaspora in more than 40 countries on five continents and this series of over 40 portraits pays homeage to the American chapter of his journey. Previously, Brenner has exhibited at institutions such as The Brooklyn Museum of Art, Norton Museum of Art, the International Center for Photography, Howard Greenberg Gallery, Tel Aviv Museum of Art and the United Nations. The opening reception will take place Friday, Oct. 14 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm. Learn more at pensacolamuseum.org. 24-Hour Theatre at PLT Oct. 15 Are you prepared for another exciting round of “hurryup theatre?” Pensacola Little Theatre (PLT) sure is, and they’re bringing 24-Hour Theatre back to the stage on Saturday, Oct. 15 when the show starts at 7:30 pm. The show quite literally is built and takes place within the span of 24 hours, during which actors audition Friday night, writers write through the night, then directors and cast build a show all-day Saturday—that’s 24 hours culminating in fun and funny stories for the audience. Tickets are $10 per person and you may find out more by visiting pensacolalittletheatre.com. Jukebox Gala Oct. 15 Join Pensacola Opera at Skopelos at New World Landing on Saturday, Oct. 15 from 6 to 10:30 pm for a gala like no other: Jukebox Gala presented by Pensacola Opera. This is your chance to experience the power, excitement and beauty of over 25 beloved opera arias and duets in the form of an intimate tableside concert. While enjoying a four-course dinner, you will be serenaded by professional opera stars and 2017 Artists in Residence including: Gillian Cotter, Evelyn Saavedra, Frederick Schlick, and Brent Hetherington. This year’s opera performers include Arnold Rawls, Sheila Murphy Dunn, Dennis Jesse, NaGuanda Nobles, Karin
Dateline Downtown Mushegain, and Corey McKern. Dress to impress and wear your best cocktail attire for the evening. This is a limited seating event and tickets are $150 per person. To reserve your seats today, please call 850.433.6737 or visit pensacolaopera.com. Save the Third for Chef Irv: Gulf Coast Classics Oct. 19 Join Chef Irv of Jackson’s Steakhouse as he walks you through some of his favorite Gulf Coast dishes in his cooking demonstration for Gulf Coast Classics on Wednesday, Oct. 19. His regional dishes include ingredients he has enjoyed and found to be remarkable as both traditional and nontraditional Southern foods. Chef Irv will share details on how to prepare local ingredients and showcase recipes in a four-course sampling, including some of his favorite seafood and vegetables provided by Maria’s Seafood, as well as other small growers and farmers local to the waters of our very own section of the Gulf of Mexico. His dishes will include but are not limited to: seafood from the Gulf, small-batch artisanal cheeses, along with locally-raised pork, lamb, honey and eggs. Reservations are $45 per person and you can make yours today by calling 850.217.2347. Keb’ Mo’ at Saenger Theatre Oct. 19 As a singer, songwriter, instrumentalist, producer, actor, mentor and consistently excellent performer, Keb’ Mo’ is a true American idol you can experience in concert at Saenger Theatre on the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 19. Although you might best know Keb’ Mo’ as the voice behind the theme song of the hit comedy show, “Mike and Molly,” the award-winning artist has garnered three Grammy awards and a Grammy Certificate for his track on the 2001 Country Album of the Year—Timeless. He’s received an additional eight Grammy nominations, including Country Song of the Year for “I Hope,” which he co-wrote with The Dixie Chicks, and three alone for his 2014 release, BLUESAmericana. That’s not to mention his 11 Blues Foundation awards and six BMI awards, five of which are from his theme song for “Mike and Molly.” Don’t miss your chance to see one of the most versatile and engaging musical raconteurs on today’s roots, rock and blues scene. Tickets range $29.50 to $79.50 and you can reserve your seats now by visiting pensacolasaenger.com. Halloween Horror Hospital Oct. 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31 The old Sacred Heart hospital at 12th and Gonzalez in East Hill enjoys a reputation for being haunted. Visitors claim to have been tapped on the shoulder in the hallway leading to what used to be the hospital’s chapel by the spirit of a nun. Others have heard music and claim to have seen the ghosts of both children and adults on the upper floors. Guests in groups of ten are taken on the tour from the back parking lot on the
hour beginning at 7 pm. Early shows are family friendly, and later performances include some material not appropriate for children. Ticket prices are $5 through age 12 and $20 for ages thirteen and up. The show will run for two weekends through Halloween night. This year, First City Shakespeare and the Southeastern Teen Shakespeare Company present a Halloween performance event in this historical landmark. But don’t expect a haunted house with jump scares. This is part historical tour and part live performance. Rat Pack Reunion 2016 Oct. 21 It’s that time again: Rat Pack Reunion is back and coming to New World Landing this year on the evening of Friday, Oct. 21, from 5:30 to 11 pm. This year’s honorees are DeeDee Davis, Joe Durant, Sheriff David Morgan, and Ray Russenberger—all fine individuals who have led the way in the Pensacola community. Tickets are $100 per person and include access to the event, open bar, a fine three-course meal and much more! Please visit coawfla.org/ratpackreunion for more information. Boo at the Zoo at the Gulf Breeze Zoo Oct. 22, 23, 29, 30 Designed for a younger audience, Boo at the Zoo offers four days of scare-free fun, from 10 am to 4 pm! Join the safe zoo neighborhood of Halloween entertainment, with kid-friendly fun around every corner. Pursue Your Passion Conference presented by Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast Oct. 21 Powerful Women of the Gulf Coast (PWGC) invites local business and professional women to register for the Fourth Annual Pursue Your Passion Conference on Friday, Oct. 21 from 10 am to 4 pm at Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center near Downtown Pensacola. On Thursday, Oct. 20, from 5 to 7 pm PWGC will host the Meet the Speaker & Expo event—a fun, casual evening networking event for men and women at Sanders Beach. On Friday, for the main event Dr. Lusharon Wiley will guide attendees throughout the day with her own sense of style. A full lunch, refreshments, and several snack breaks will be provided. Registration is open to women only and prices are $65 per person, which will increase closer to the event (to $100 per person the day of). Find out more, or register now, by visiting powerfulwomengulfcoast.com. Friends of Loblolly present: Fame and Fortuna at Pensacola Opera Oct. 27 - 29 Following the theme of Halloween, and keeping in line with the current the political season, “Friends of Loblolly” are happy to present Fame and Fortuna: An Original Political Musical Grotesque! from Oct. 27 to 29 with shows starting at 8 pm inside The Opera Center
(75 S. Tarragona St.) Fame and Fortuna is an original satirical work with songs and scenes written and composed by members of the former Loblolly Theatre. This is the 12th in a series of “Fortuna” Halloween shows written by the Loblolly Theatre. Each one has focused on a mythic subject such as a film morgue, the Bermuda Triangle, the London plague, or something relative to fortune such as Tea for Two-na or Will Work for Tuna. This year’s production takes aim at the political landscape, where many are seeking “fame” even in the presence of the ever-present goddess Fortuna. Admission is $15 per person, and for reservations you may call 850.479.4530. 2016 Rocky Horror Picture Show at PLT Oct. 28 - Nov. 5 The crowd favorite is making a return: Rocky Horror Picture Show will be presented as part of Foo Foo Fest 2016, so join PLT for the craziest night of theatre all year. Do the Time Warp, dress as your favorite character, shout comeback lines, and enjoy the whole “Transsexual Transylvanian” cult experience happening on the PLT Mainstage from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5. This special show and fundraising event is not part of the PLT season subscription package and there are no reserved seats to this event, so be sure to arrive early. Show-only tickets are $25 from Oct. 28 to Nov. 3, and $30 Nov. 4 through 5. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for more details. Blue Angels Practice The world-famous Blue Angels are based at NAS Pensacola and can be seen practicing over the Museum at NAS Pensacola most Tuesday and Wednesday mornings until November. Practices typically begin at 11:30 am and last around 55 minutes. Admission is free and open to the public. Following most Wednesday practices, members of the Blue Angels meet fans and sign autographs inside the National Naval Aviation Museum. For a complete practice schedule, check out blueangels.navy.mil. Paws on Palafox Oct. 29 What better way to spend an autumn morning than on a walk with your canine pal and a thousand other dog lovers and their furry friends? Join the folks at Pensacola Humane Society on Saturday, Oct. 29 for a fun 3K walk through the streets of Downtown Pensacola to help raise funds for the Humane Society’s shelter animals as well as the Barbara Grice Memorial Spay and Neuter Clinic. People and dogs of all ages are invited to attend; entry fees are $25 for ages 13 and over, $10 for children between ages 6 and 12, and free for children under the age of 5. The race starts and ends at Plaza de Luna, and you can look forward to music and fun at the finish line. The first 250 entrants will receive a free goody bag. Learn more and get your registration form online by visiting pensacolahumane. org. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 21
Date l i n e D o w n t o w n Pensacola Ice Flyers What’s that sound? Skates, pucks and hockey sticks are hitting the ice, and these are all signs that hockey season is upon us. Whether you’re a fan of hockey or the Pensacola Ice Flyers, or you just like watching hunks make skating in full gear look easy, you won’t want to miss the kick-off game of the season at Pensacola Bay Center on Oct. 21—when the Ice Flyers will host their first Theme Night of the season, the Championship Celebration Night during which the team will raise their 2016 president’s Cup banner to the rafters. For more details, or to get your tickets now, check out pensacolaiceflyers.com. Oct. 21: vs. Fayetteville FireAntz Oct. 22: vs. Fayetteville FireAntz Oct. 29: vs. Columbus Cottonmouths 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
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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. Most shows begin at 7 pm. Oct. 1: Bones Thugs & Harmony’s Layzie Bone Oct. 2: Tiger Army Oct. 3: New Kingston Oct. 6: Through the Roots Oct. 8: Set It Off Oct. 9: Insane Clown Posse Oct. 14: High on Fire Oct. 16: The Psychedelic Furs Oct. 18: Blues Traveler Oct. 25: Machine Gun Kelly Oct. 28: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Experience 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. Oct. 1: Whyte Caps Oct. 1, 21, 22: The Modern Eldorados Oct. 1, 14, 15: Grand Theft Audio Oct. 2, 23: Kathy Lyon Jazz Band Oct. 6-8: Jordan Richards Band Oct. 14-15: The Red Field Oct. 27-29, 31: Bad Habits
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