DECEMBER ‘18
Headhunter Hairstyling Celebrates 40 years
Miracle Bar on Palafox
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
FREE
Downtown Crowd | December 2018
Editor’s Letter
Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Owners Malcolm & Glenys Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Will Isern
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contents 6 Grover on Downtown
9 A Half-Million Lights 10 Headhunter Celebrates 40 Years 12 How To Christmas Downtown 15 Miracle (Drinks) on Palafox 17 Album Reviews 19 Find Your NYE Party 21 Calendar Cover: Jeff Hunt of Headhunter Hairstyling prepares Santa for Winterfest. Photo by Guy Stevens
Art Director Guy Stevens
WILL ISERN EDITOR All hail Grover of the house Robinson, fourth of his name, king of the airport and the garbage men, lord of the seventh floor and protector of the budget. Long may he reign. I tell you what, Game of Thrones can’t return soon enough. In the meantime, perhaps you’ve heard we have a new mayor.
for our citizens and our children, to restore our environment while we also grow our community and to create the amenities that make this the place that we want to live work and play, it will require leadership that is committed to working with and for all.”
The Westerosi scholars among you are no doubt aware of the prosperGrover Robinson IV was officially ity that can be born of great houses sworn in as the second strong working together. Fantasy aside, mayor in the city’s history on Nov. Robinson is right. 27. I had the opportunity to interview Grover before he took office The city has come a long way in and to attend the swearing-in cer- the last decade, as has the counemony. He was on both occasions ty, but they’ve done so separately. thoughtful, humble and seemingly We’ve seen in the VT MAE deal at genuine in his desire to make Pen- the airport and in local housing sacola a better place. assistance programs what good can be done when we harness our Robinson made a point both in our combined powers. We should hope interview and at the ceremony to to do more of the same during Robsay that moving the city forward inson’s tenure as mayor. from the growth of the last eight years will require that the whole Finally, I could not let the month community work together. pass without commemorating my anniversary as editor of the Down“For Pensacola, Escambia County town Crowd. Twelve months have and Northwest Florida to reach never passed so quickly. I hope its potential, we will need to work you’ve enjoyed the issues we’ve together to be a better commu- put out in the last year as much as nity,” he said. “To create new jobs we’ve enjoyed creating them. As that will expand economic oppor- always, thanks for reading and I tunities, to create better neighbor- look forward to greeting you in the hoods that are safer and stronger New Year.
Graphic Designer Bara’ah Jaraiseh Editorial Assistant Kaitlyn Peacock Contributing Writers Gina Castro 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. © 2018
Bodacious Bells
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LIVE ENTERTAINMENT Violinist Jessica Edwards Blue Train Band Painter Jay Martin will create an original artwork to be raffled off.
FOOD & DRINK
Prosecco Station Hors D’oeuvres Italian Wine Selection Charcuterie Board Pasta Station
Carving Station Donut Display Coffee & Cocoa Bar Bubba’s Sweet Spot Station Kid’s Gingerbread Activity
PICTURES WITH SANTA PUT ON YOUR FESTIVE OR TACKY HOLIDAY ATTIRE AND JOIN US AT 407 S. PALAFOX
G E T YO U R T I C K E T S TO DAY | 8 5 0 - 4 3 8 - 7 8 5 7 | b o d a c i o u s o l i v e . c o m
A WORD FROM LISSA DEES, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF THE DOWNTOWN IMPROVEMENT BOARD
PENSACOLAOPERA.COM 850.433.6737
$1,000 Giveaway, Free Parking, Holiday Lights in Store for December Downtown Unbelievably, we are nearing the end of 2018. Downtown Pensacola has buzzed with new development throughout the year. Engaging new spaces are bringing employees out of their offices and residents and visitors to downtown streets: the Bear Levin Studer Family YMCA, Southtowne Apartments and the reimagined One Palafox Place and its businesses and merchants are just a few. In 2018, Palafox Market celebrated its 11th anniversary and, along with Winterfest, Mardi Gras, Foo Foo Festival and a host of other unforgettable downtown events, brought hundreds of thousands downtown to celebrate.
Light up Downtown with Us
And there’s still more to come. In a few days we’ll be turning on the holiday lights for the First City Lights Festival, immediately following the Winterfest Elf Parade. Our historic streets are at their most beautiful under the glow of half a million twinkling lights, and downtown shops, restaurants, galleries, bars and attractions are welcoming holiday shoppers with open arms.
Win $1,000 to Spend Downtown
To entice you even further, we’re giving one lucky shopper $1,000 to spend downtown in our “All I Want” downtown holiday giveaway. Shop, eat, play downtown before Dec. 16, then submit your receipts online to enter. Head to downtownpensacola.com/AllIWant for details.
Free On-Street Parking Dec. 17-25
You can park for free in any DIB-managed on-street metered parking space Dec. 17-25. And if you need help getting purchases to your car, just “Call An Elf” at (850) 434-5371.
Happy Holidays!
Downtown Pensacola proudly holds the title “Florida’s Best Place,” and it is due in large part to the locals who invest here, work here, live here and come downtown to shop, dine and play all year long. The DIB is here to make sure that downtown Pensacola is safe, clean and welcoming for you, and we work hard all year round with the goal of making your downtown experience a positive one. From our downtown family to you and yours, we wish you a very happy holiday!
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GROVER ON By Will Isern
For the first time in eight years, Pensacola has a new mayor. Longtime county commissioner Grover Robinson was elected on Nov. 7 to become just the second strong mayor in the city’s history. He was sworn in on Nov. 27. The defining achievement of former mayor Ashton Hayward’s eight years in office was the transformation of downtown Pensacola from sleepy office park to bustling entertainment core. Keeping that momentum alive was an important talking point on the campaign trail for Robinson and the other mayoral candidates. Yet as downtown has flourished, it has faced new challenges. The new pay-topark system remains confusing for many visitors, and Palafox Street has become a favorite haunt of panhandlers. Downtown Crowd sat down with the new mayor two weeks before he took office to get his vision for the city’s urban core, the challenges we face and what he plans to do to make Pensacola better. There’s been some discussion, particularly when the parking drama was going on earlier this year, about the necessity of the Downtown Improvement Board in the current political landscape. Do you think the DIB still has a place?
Photo by Bara’ah Jaraiseh
6 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
I think the DIB has a place; I think the question is it needs fresh blood and innovation. If you remember, many of the things that have happened downtown really started with the DIB: the two-way streets, taking out the stoplights on Palafox and putting in crosswalks. (The
idea being) if you make everything safer for pedestrians people will feel more comfortable, there will be more people walking in your shops. Sure enough, that all happened. So the DIB has place, I just think like everything else every now and then it needs new people to come in. Every now and then you just need some new blood that’s going to bring in some new ideas. I’m not saying the DIB is perfect. I’m always reminded after the genius idea to make everything two-way they decided to make people park backwards, which did not go over well. I get it, I’ve done it in Austin and I know other places do it, it just didn’t work in Pensacola. Even though that wasn’t successful, I thought that was a good thing. When you think outside the box and you say, ‘Hey, we have an idea,’ let’s try it. If it doesn’t work, then we can turn around and fix it but if you’re not trying new things you’re not pushing yourself to what you can be. I think along those lines I’m excited about what we can do. I think we can make downtown better. Much of our emphasis is going to be on expanding the improvement not just in downtown but really pushing it out. But we’ve never said we want to do that at the expense of downtown, we want downtown to be as successful as possible. I think I’ve heard you say downtown parking should be free. Is that correct? What I said was things after 5 p.m. I think could be free. This is my issue: after 5 p.m., you can be over here on the west
I think we can make downtown better. Much of our emphasis is going to be expanding the improvement not just in downtown but really pushing it out.” side on Baylen, on Spring, on West Government and there’s nobody there. Once the courthouse closes up, there’s nobody there so nobody’s using any of these parking spaces. So if nobody is using any of these parking spaces why are we charging anybody anything? We should want to get as many people down here as possible. The other thing, the top decks of these (parking garages), we should make those free. Those should be free until we get them filled. At this point, I can take you over to the attorney’s office and let you look at the top of the deck, nobody’s there. That’s 75 spaces that aren’t being utilized. We spent the money to build the garage, we might as well use the spaces. So I’m not saying every parking space has to be free, but I am saying at certain times – if there’s not an urgency, if people are parking there all the time – then it ought to be free. If we’re going to make downtown successful for all these vendors that are here, we should want people to come downtown. We shouldn’t be finding ways to throw up roadblocks. Last thing, Grover. If you walk Palafox Street any Friday, Saturday night you’re going to see a dozen homeless people sitting or sleeping in storefronts. Many of them will ask for money. I know it’s a tough issue to deal with. We just talked about that with (DIB executive director Lissa Dees). I think there are two issues we will want to address a little better. One is public safety. We want to be working with the Pensacola
Police Department, and I’m excited. I think they’re getting back to the level of officers they had before and they should have more officers available to do some of the policing downtown. That’s part of it. The second part of it is truly dealing with some of the issues we have. I was just talking about the (idea of) a “come as you are” shelter and I think we may need one of those in the City of Pensacola and Escambia County. The City of Fort Walton and Okaloosa County have done one jointly and I would love to go over there and see how they did it working both those entities together and us work with the county to put together one.
Robinson at his home on election night. Courtesy of Duncan McCall Advertising.
Then we really begin to address some of the panhandling issues. I’m very clear I understand we don’t want to block freedom of speech, but everywhere else in this community we regulate people’s commerce, and when you’re taking money that’s commerce. So if you just want to stand there and do free speech you can do free speech but you can’t take money. Once you take money that’s commerce and we do have the ability to regulate commerce. So we will maybe look to do some ordinances that deal with commerce and how it can be conducted. The other part, I know I’ve talked with people like (homeless advocate Rev. Nathan Monk) who have said, “Hey, I don’t want to see people panhandling either, you’re not helping them get better. But at the same time you, the government, need to figure out a way to give people better services.” So if you’re saying we’ve got to do a better come-as-you-are shelter then I say let’s look at it.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 7
Holiday Lantern Tours historic pensacola
A Village Carol:
Holiday Lantern Tours
An Evening of Dickens’ Christmas
DECEMBER 12, 13, 14
DECEMBER 15
6:00
6:30
7:00
$15.00 ADULTS $8.00 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER ALL TOURS DEPART FROM TIVOLI HIGH HOUSE 205 ZARAGOZA ST.
5:00PM - 7:00PM $20.00 ADULTS $10.00 CHILDREN 12 & UNDER LOCATED IN HISTORIC PENSACOLA VILLAGE 205 ZARAGOZA ST.
FOR TICKETS & INFORMATION CALL 850.595.5985 EXT. 111 / VISIT HISTORICPENSACOLA.ORG TICKETS ARE LIMITED.
Let there be light !
The First City Festival of Lights returned to Palafox Street for its fourth year on Nov. 24. Here’s what it takes to make downtown sparkle.
Lights come on daily from
LIGHTS
4PM to 12AM between November 24 & January 7
4 5 0
12 It takes
Hours of time in boom lifts putting up and taking down the canopy lights
It takes the Downtown Improvement Board
men weeks of time to check every light bulb & prepare the lights for the installation
25,000
ft
of ladder steps just to
9
months of planning each year to organzie the lighting festival
500,000 APPROX.
install the The cost for installing, removing, permitting & marketing the lights is
$200
lights
k Design & Photo by Bara’ah Jaraiseh DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 9
HEADHUNTER HAIRSTYLING celebrates
4
YEARS
By Will Isern
It was the Fall of
1978 when 20-year-old Jeff Hunt, a young barber in Pensacola, decided to strike out on his own. Unsatisfied working under another barber, Hunt put up his station wagon as collateral to get a $1600 business loan and a license that said he could start cutting hair on Nov. 1. On Halloween, a man in a rsh walked in to Hunt’s shop looking to get a haircut. Hunt told the man his license said he couldn’t start cutting hair until the next day, but the man slapped $15 on the table, called it a “tip” and told Hunt to cut his for free. Forty years later, Hunt, 61, is among the most celebrated barbers in town and continues to run his shop, Headhunter Hairstyling, cutting and styling hair 10 or more hours a day alongside his wife Ellen. Over the years, he’s cut the locks of Barbara Bush, Bobby Bowden, Charlie Christ and thousands of Pensacolians young and old. He’s operated from Baylen Street in the heart of downtown since 1990. Looking back on his forty years in business, Hunt said he finds it hard to believe he’s made it this far. 10 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Photo by Guy Stevens “I didn’t know if I’d make it four months, didn’t know if I’d make it four years, darn sure did not think I’d make it 40,” Hunt said. “I’ve been very blessed.” The walls and cabinets of Headhunter are a testament to Hunt’s career and profession. Old newspaper articles and photographs portray some of the highlights of Hunt’s years in business and the history of the barbering profession in Pensacola. An antique barber’s chair is the centerpiece of the salon’s waiting area, and
Hunt maintains a cabinet of historic come back and join the Navy. Obviously oddities of the barbering profession, I never got to the Navy.” many of which he received from Espinanzo Soto, a longtime barber in the city. After 40 years, Hunt is hardly slowing down. He can still be found most days Hunt credits his parents as the inspira- at the frontmost booth in the salon, tion for the career that has given him scissors and comb in hand, cutting and decades of success. chatting away. He credits his success to his long working hours and person“It was either join the military and be a able attitude. cook or something else, and my mother says, ‘No, why don’t you try being a bar- “It’s been a fabulous business for us,” ber. They’re the ones that have regular he said. “It doesn’t work for everybody. hours,’ “ he said. “It was like if you can’t A lot of people don’t stay in the busimake it in the real world you can always ness very long. It’s a tough business.
“
I didn’t know if I’d make it four months, didn’t know if I’d make it four years, darn sure did not think I’d make it 40,” Hunt said. “I’ve been very blessed.
”
Some can make it and some can’t. You have to be social, you have to be artistic and you have to be outgoing. We love it.” Looking out of the salon through the large plate glass window facing Baylen Street, Hunt has had a front-row seat to watch as downtown Pensacola has transformed in recent years. Once a reluctant property owner, Hunt said he’s found himself to be very fortunate to be part of the revitalization of downtown. “When we moved down here there wasn’t 20 percent occupancy on Palafox Street,” he said. “We didn’t want to purchase this building but the owner insisted and now we’re extremely ecstatic with the outcome.” As for what comes next, Hunt said he couldn’t imagine himself not working. “I don’t know what I’d do,” he said. “I couldn’t sit at home. All my sports –sailing, golfing, fishing – everything takes four hours and takes money. So I think I’ll always work a couple days a week. We’re like piano players, we can plink until we can’t stand.” Most of all, Hunt said, he is thankful for loyal clients who have trusted him and returned to him over the years. “We want to thank all of Pensacola for 40 years of tremendous success only due to them,” Hunt said. “Without the clients you have nothing.”
Top: Jeff Hunt poses with legendary Florida State University football coach Bobby Bowden. Hunt has served as the barber for many prominent people including PGA tour golfers, politicians and even astronauts. Right: Jeff Hunt stands with U.S. Rep. and former governor of Florida Charlie Crist. Hunt has cut the hair of several well-known politicians including Crist and Barbara Bush.
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 11
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Downtown Pensacola Gift Guide 4
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7 1. Rhetoric Orphan Barrel 25-year bourbon, Seville Wine & Gift Shop, $200 6. Olive Oil, Bodacious Olive, $16 2. Candle Wick Trimmer, The Mole Hole, $14
7. Handmade Olive Oil bottle with wine cork stopper, So Gourmet, $30
3. Candle Snuffer, The Mole Hole, $15
8. Gold Coasters, So Gourmet, $100
4. Rituels Razor, Wilfrids Barber & Fine Goods, $38 & Parker Shaving Brush, Wilfrids Barber & Fine Goods, $43
9. Bay Rum Shaving Soap, Wilfrids Barber & Fine Goods, $11.50
5. “Cottage Charm in Historic Seville” by Sharon Duplantis, Tivoli High House Gift Shop, $35 12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
10. Russian Nesting Dolls, The Mole Hole, $27
Holiday Cheers
Courtesy of Jackson’s Steakhouse
The Ol’ Saint Croix Swizzle 1 oz. Bacardi Silver 1 oz. St. Germain 1 oz. Squeezed Citrus 1 oz. Simple Syrup ½ oz. Bitter Truth Golden Falernum 4 dashes Peychaud’s Bitters 7-10 mint leaves Garnish: Mint Sprig Glass: Tall / Highball or Beer Glass Combine mint, citrus, and simple syrup in mixing tin, & muddle - then add all spirits & short shake (with no ice) – pour contents into glass, then
gently add crushed ice (fill to top) – add dashes of bitters on top for layered color effect - garnish with mint sprig
Old Pensacola 1 oz. Flor de Cana 7-year Rum ½ oz. St. George Pear Brandy 1 oz. Apple Cider ¼ oz. Squeezed Citrus ½ oz. House-made Cinnamon Bark Syrup Garnish: Lemon Twist Glass: Rocks Combine all ingredients in mixing tin and shake with ice – strain into chilled martini glass and garnish with a lemon twist
The Not So Mistletoe ½ oz. Grand Marnier ¼ oz. Cranberry Juice ¼ oz. House-made Rosemary Simple Syrup 1 Sugar Cube 1 dash Angostura Orange Bitters 4 oz. Piper Sonoma Sparkling Wine Garnish: Rosemary Sprig or Orange Peel Glass: Champagne Flute Combine Grand Marnier, Cranberry, and Rosemary Syrup in mixing tin and stir with ice – place sugar cube in bottom of champagne
Enjoy Pensacola Ballet’s The Nutcracker with your family
Catch the Bad Girls of Burlesque at Vinyl Music Hall
Volunteer to help those in need at Waterfront Rescue Mission
Take a spa day for yourself at Still Waters
Buy gifts for friends and family at The Mole Hole
Buy something nice for yourself at Bere Jewelers
Have your picture taken with Santa at Winterfest
Stumble your way through the O’Riley’s Santa Pub Crawl
Enjoy hot chocolate at Gallery Night
flute, then add a dash of orange bitters – strain the chilled mixture from tin into flute, then top with Piper Sonoma – garnish with a rosemary sprig and an orange peel
Enjoy a grown-up drink at the Miracle on Palafox at Old Hickory Whiskey Bar
Miracle on Palafox
Holiday Spirits at Old Hickory Whiskey Bar By Gina Castro
T
he Miracle on Palafox is bringing the holiday spirits to Pensacola as Pensacola’s first holiday pop-up bar. Miracle is a holiday themed pop-up bar that began in New York City and has since spread to 85 other bars all over the country. Miracle’s holiday cocktails have been appreciated by Seth Meyers and Martha Stewart on the Late Night with Seth Meyers. Miracle is popping up on Palafox at the Old Hickory Whiskey Bar. Darren Campbell, Old Hickory Whiskey Bar Assistant Manager and Bartender, told us about his first time in a Miracle pop-up bar in D.C. “One of my favorite things about this bar in D.C. is it brought this sense of humor to everything, and that’s what we try to do here,” said Campbell. “Miracle provides every bar room for possibility, which allows each establishment to sort of maintain their personality.”
Miracle allows bars to decorate their bars any way they choose to. Old Hickory will be decorating their bar 90s style. The bar will be decorated with bright green and red lights and tons of other kitschy decorations. During the take over, Old Hickory will host an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and a Nightmare Before Christmas event. They will also offer a Miracle on Palafox exclusive postcard with a fun Mad Lib on the back that they will mail anywhere for a dollar. Campbell says they hope to make their bar almost unrecognizable from the typical Old Hickory look. Although this year will mark Old Hickory’s first year not presenting a personally curated winter menu, they are really excited about Miracle’s holiday cocktails. Campbell said the menu has an excellent way of integrating flavors that we are subjected to during the holiday season such as cinnamon and nutmeg to remind us of the holiday season. Campbell is most excited
Yippie Ki Yay Mother F **** r!
Sweet Potato, Barbados Rum, Cachaça, Trinidad Over Proof Rum, Dry Curaçao, Marshmallow Orgeat, Lime
about the cocktail Yippie Ki Yay Mother “A hot or warm cocktail is one of the easiest F****r! despite being a person who usually drinks to end up liking,” said Campbell. “So isn’t a fan of sweet flavors. think about it like tea but with a little bit of a kick in it so it won’t be as intimidating as one “We are using sweet potato infused eight- may think.” year-old rum, and it’s so good,” said Campbell “This sweet potato rum I will say is so This new holiday pop-up bar at Old Hickory good in the Yippie Ki Yay.” is like giving locals a taste of tourism in their own town. The Miracle on Palafox gives The Miracle on Palafox menu offers a vari- Pensacolians the opportunity to try someety of holiday cocktails. Campbell believes thing they normally wouldn’t be exposed to. their Christmapolitan and Koala- La La La, La La La La are going to be major hits in “I think that one of the things that we are downtown Pensacola. The Christmapolitan excited about is that we are able to bring cocktail is similar to Old Hickory’s winter something that people all over the country menu’s big seller Gigglewater. Campbell are enjoying to Pensacola,” said Campbell. says the Koala- La La La will be perfect for “We are providing Miracle to the community, people who prefer lighter spirits and desire but we are also allowing the community to a fresh flavor. share within Miracle to provide a way for Pensacolians to enjoy something and share Perhaps one of the most daring drinks on something that friends or family members the 2018 Miracle menu is their only drink may be enjoying in another state.” served hot: Bad Santa.
Gingerbread Flip
Bourbon, Gingerbread Syrup, Elemakule Tiki Bitters, Whole Egg, Gingersnap Cookie Crumbs
Christmapolitan
Vodka, Elderflower, Dry Vermouth, Spiced Cranberry Sauce, Rosemary, Lime, Absinthe Mist DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 15
Holiday OpenHouse
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Jams
What we’re listening to this holiday season
A Legendary Christmas John Legend Columbia Records BY BARA’AH JARAISEH If you’re a fan of John Legend’s voice this album is the perfect holiday treat. It’s a great album to cozy up at home with and play in the background while enjoying the holiday break with family and friends. The first track, a classic song, “What Christmas Means to Me,” features Stevie Wonder and is the perfect beginning to this all around cheerful album. Among all the classic Christmas songs are some orignals that I really enjoyed. “By Christmas Eve,” lyrics felt like a personal letter from Legend to his wife and kids, it was warm, charming and full of love. On the other hand, “Wrap Me Up in Your Love,” another original track
Pentatonix RCA Records
BY KAITLYN PEACOCK Pentatonix is back for their third holiday album, and it’s just as good as you ever hoped it could be. There are new voices to the a cappella group, but the music still has the soul and fun that Pentatonix’s previous albums featured. There are new renditions of classic songs like “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas” and a tongue-twisting, sleigh-racing veron the album, definitely belongs on the sion of “Jingle Bells.” The album also innaughty list. As a fan of Legend, this is cludes moderns songs such as “Making an album I will put on repeat this Christ- Christmas” from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas and “Grown Up mas and many more to come! Christmas List” featuring vocals from Kelly Clarkson. Make space in your holiStandout Tracks day playlist, because you are certain to Bring Me Love find new favorites from the new voices By Chrstmas Eve of Pentatonix. Wrap Me Up in Your Love
Shatner Claus
Standout Tracks Sweater Weather Grown Up Christmas List It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas
Music Inspired by Illumination & Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch
William Shatner Cleopatra Records
BY GUY STEVENS So, Bill Shatner put out a Christmas album. Imagine your senile grandfather wanders in to the family karaoke session on Christmas day and starts reading the lyrics off the screen. If you find that scenario entertaining then this is the holiday album for you. Now Mr. Shatner doesn’t sing. He Jazz-talks. He Jazz-talks through all the lyrics of the traditional holiday numbers played in the finest department store instrumentals. Henry Rollins shows up to Punk-talk the chorus to Jingle Bells and Billy Gibbons’s sentient beard makes an appearance to play some sexy guitar riffs on Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Iggy Pop’s feature is the highlight of the album where we get not one, but two old men talking over the sweetest version of Silent Night. This is definitely one the weirder but
Christmas is Here!
Columbia Records
strangely enjoyable Christmas albums to come out this season. I highly recommend listening to this one slightly – or completely, I don’t judge – inebriated with close family and friends. Standout Tracks Silent Night Jingle Bells Little Drummer Boy
BY WILL ISERN Very little of 2018 made sense, so perhaps its fitting that we close out the year with this, a Christmas EP from rap’s rambunctious hellraiser turned Flower Boy. Questions to ask yourself when listening to this six-song, 10-minute EP: Are we being serious here? How much of this is leftovers from Flower Boy? How does the kid who once released a song called “F*** This Christmas” turn around and put out a legit holiday record? How does a song about the Grinch stealing Christmas gifts from Whovillians manage to go so hard? Whatever the answers to these questions, “Music Inspired by Illumination
& Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” cannot be described as quote-unquote serious project. It is sonically unpolished, haphazardly arranged and full of lackluster performances. It’s novelty lasts about as long as its runtime. Standout Track Big Bag
DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 17
Could you be our next cover bride?
Elements of a Modern Bride An exclusive guide to the trends, tips and tricks of 2018
Sublime Settings
the Perfect Venue for every Wedding Party
Lights, Camera, aCtion!
Film inspired Magic For Your Big day
Weddings 2018
We’re looking for the perfect Pensacola bride for the cover of Pensacola Magazine: Weddings 2019. Submit up to three of your individual wedding photos (high resolution please) to Kelly@ballingerpublishing.com, and you could be featured on the cover of the February 2019 issue.
Editorial-style shots by your professional photographer are preferred. Please include the names of the bride, groom and photographer. For more information, visit www.pensacolamagazine.com.
Submissions due by January 21, 2019.
r p u a o r y t y th d n i is F
New Year’s
By Kaitlyn Peacock
Ready
New Years’ Eve at Jackson’s: 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents: Celebrate the New Year: 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Skopelos New Year’s Eve Bash: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
to celebrate the New Year? Pensacola has a party for you. Whether you’re looking for family fun or a night out for yourself, there is an event for you to ring in the new year with style. All events listed will take place New Year’s Eve night, Dec. 31, unless specified.
If New Year’s for you mean lots of food and good company, Jackson’s Steakhouse will be celebrating with two special dinner seatings, held at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. The dinner will be a fixedprice three-course menu and bottomless Piper Sonoma champagne. Cost is $125 per person with complimentary favors and valet services Kazoo’s Rockin’ Even: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. included. For a look at the full menu or more inSurprise! The Pelican Drop, a Pensacola New formation, visit jacksonsrestaurant.com or call Years tradition, will take place at the Blue Wa- 469-9898. hoos Stadium for the second year in a row. This celebration is family-friendly and will fea- 1987 New Years Eve: 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. ture live music, mascot appearances, and Plan on ringing in the New Year with style? The on-field activities for children and families, with Court of DeLuna will play host to a 1987 Prom the night culminating in a fireworks display and Night New Years Eve party. Get your groove on the Pelican Drop. For more information, visit with the hottest tracks from the 80s, snow cones www.BlueWahoos.com or by call the box office and live art drawings. Cover charge for the night is $25 and gets your first drink free. 80s attire is at 934-8444. requested. For more information, call 712-1951.
For those who want a relaxing New Year, the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra will have a performance featuring pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare. DeSare and the orchestra’s performance will include more than a century of the greatest piano hits, including songs from Elton John, Ray Charles, John Lennon and more. Tickets start at $23 and are available at www.pensacolasymphony.com.
The biggest party in downtown Pensacola will take place in the Skopelos Grand Ballroom, with premium open bars, midnight champagne toasts and party favors. There will be live music and after the midnight toasts, start your New Year will a gourmet midnight breakfast buffet. All guests must be 21 years of age or older. For more information, visit skopelosatnewworld.com.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Pensacola Beach: 8 p.m.
Polar Bear Plunge: Jan. 1, 2 p.m.
If you are on Pensacola Beach for the New Year, or just on your back porch, look to the skies at 8 p.m. for the greatest fireworks display in Pensacola. The fireworks can be seen throughout the city and are the best way to celebrate from the comfort of your home. This event is free and open to the public.
Looking for the right way to start the new year? Try taking a dip in the chilly Santa Rosa Sound waters with hundreds of participants and spectators. Dress up in fun costumes and take part in this long-standing Pensacola tradition. Registration begins Jan. 1 at noon and the fee will be $15 per adult and $5 for children fifth-grade and under. Participants will receive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 19
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Da te line D ow n t own ets are $75 per person. To buy tickets or for more information, visit https://foundation. pensacolastate.edu/the-holiday-experience-december-6-2018/#tickets.
Pensacola Children’s Chorus Presents: Christmas on the Coast December 7, 8 and 9
First City Lights Festival November 23 – January 31
Immediately following the Winterfest Elf Parade on Black Friday, Nov. 23, a holiday lighting ceremony will launch the First City Lights Festival, a diverse, season-long lineup of downtown holiday events as traditional as “The Nutcracker” and as contemporary as Pop-Up Opera. Wandering along Palafox throughout the holidays, you may chance upon live street performances, caroling in the streets, Santa posing for photos and Winterfest Trolley Tours. For sixty-eight enchanting nights beginning Nov. 23, visitors to downtown Pensacola will experience music, shopping, food, art and nightlife under a canopy of four hundred thousand white lights illuminating historic buildings, parks, shops, galleries and outdoor spaces. Visitors can navigate the eclectic downtown Pensacola district, voted “Florida’s Greatest Place” – on foot or by Segway, horse and carriage, pedi-cab or a Winterfest trolley. For more information, visit www.visitpensacola.com.
Winterfest Polar Express Mini Tour November 24 – December 24
Catch a ride on the Polar Express with the Winterfest dedicated Christmas Week tour. This 30-minute tour immerses you in the story of the Polar Express with visits from your favorite characters. Join the Conductor for a magical journey to a life-size steam engine with snow swirling all about. Share in the adventure as the Conductor recounts the story of the boy who received the first gift of Christmas – a bell from Santa’s sleigh. Rekindle the wonder of the beloved storybook, along with the belief in the magic of Christmas. All passengers will receive a mini-cup of hot chocolate and your own keepsake bell. For more information, visit pensacolawinterfest.org.
Santa Paws December 6
Get in the holiday spirit with spirits and your best furry friend. Bring your pooch to 500 East Heinberg Street, then jump in line to get your dog’s picture with Santa Claus. The photographer will take photos with your camera. It’s free to attend; donations are welcomed. Pensacola Humane Society and Gulf Coast Brewery team up to bring you Pensacola’s newest favorite holiday tradition. It’s a community get-together for a great cause. Join the Humane Society Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Pensacola Humane Society is located at 5 North Q Street and is celebrating its 75th anniversary this year. For more information, visit www.pensacolahumane.org.
Christmas on the Coast is a sparkling holiday spectacular that celebrates the magic and music of the holiday season. Pensacola Children’s Chorus will be performing this show Dec. 7 and 8 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 9 at 2:30 p.m. Frequently nominated as one of the annual events in Pensacola, your family does not want to miss this. For the protection of patrons, the Saenger Theatre has implemented added security measures for admittance to the Theatre. To accommodate for the additional time needed for the new measures, plan your arrival accordingly. Ticket prices are $41 for orchestra rows A through L and balcony rows A through D, $35 for orchestra rows M through V and balcony rows E through M and $25 for orchestra rows W through DD and balcony rows N through V. For more information, visit www.pensacolasaenger. com or contact the Saenger Theatre Box office at 595-3880.
Holiday Youth Extravaganza December 8
Join Escambia County and District 3 Commissioner Lumon May for the second annual Holiday Youth Extravaganza Dec. 8, featuring singing, dancing, giveaways and more for the community to enjoy. The event PSC Holiday Experience will take place at 6 p.m. at the Brownsville December 6 Community Center, located at 3200 W. De The fourth annual Holiday Experience, host- Soto St. Youth who are interested in pered this year by the Pensacola State College forming at the event should contact ComWarrington campus, will be held Dec. 6 munity Center Coordinator Leroy Williams starting at 5:30 pm until 9 pm The evening at 426-1156 to register. Singers, dancers, will being with a hands-on tour of the Mary rappers and instrumentalists are encourEkdahl Smart Simulation Center and De- aged to bring their talents to the stage. partment of Nursing and Emergency Medi- Escambia County’s Holiday Youth Extravacal Services facilities followed by stops at ganza is free and open to the public, and the Veterinary Technology program and the everyone is welcome to attend this fun, fesdental clinic. At 7:15 p.m., a live auction, si- tive event. For more information, contact lent auction and Christmas tree auction of Leroy Williams at 426-1156 or e-mail lewiljewelry, artwork, and entertainment and va- liams@myescambia.com. cation packages will be held in the Harrison Student Center, Building 3600. Attendees Sign and Dine Book Signing will enjoy mingling while enjoying assorted December 8 desserts, coffees and holiday cocktails. At Duh for Garden and Home will be hosting a the end of the night, the PSC polar express “Sign and Dine” event Dec. 8 from 11 am to will transport guests to their vehicles. Tick- 3 pm. This book signing and tasting event
will feature co-authors of “The Flavor Matrix” James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst and co-authors of “Generation of Love and Food” Meme Inge and Sarah Davis. Attendees will be able to taste some recipes from both cookbooks and light beer and wine will be served during the event. For more information, call 439-0640.
Camellia Club Show and Plant Sale December 8
The Pensacola Camellia Club (PCC) will have its 80th annual Camellia Show at University of West Florida (UWF) Conference Center located at 11000 University Parkway Bldg. 22, along with UWF Camellia Garden Tour and Plant Sales Dec. 8. Bloom preparation begins at 7 a.m. and judging begins mid-morning. There will be judges from several states who are certified by the America Camellia Society. Public viewing is free and begins at 1 p.m. until 4 p.m., after judging and prizes have been awarded. Prior to 1 p.m., visitors can ride on the University’s shuttle service to tour the UWF Camellia Garden or view and purchase many of the Camellia plants available for sales. Plant sales begin at 9 a.m. and will continue until 4 p.m. or until the supply is sold out. Membership and additional information about the Pensacola Camellia Club activities can be found a www.pensacolacamelliaclub.com/annual-camellia-show or by calling 780-0410.
Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra Fall Concert December 9
The Sinfonia Gulf Coast Youth Orchestra will perform at their fall concert Dec. 9 at 3 p.m. at the Grace Lutheran Church Destin. The Sinfonia Youth Orchestra program is the premier training orchestra in Northwest Florida and consists of more than 50 students who participate in a variety of ensembles that perform throughout the school year in one of two ensembles: The Sinfonietta Strings and the Sinfonia Youth Orchestra. The fall concert will feature both ensembles performing traditional classical as well as everyone’s favorite holiday selections. Attendance is free and open to the public. For more information, call Sinfonia Gulf Coast at 460-8800.
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Da te line D ow n t own The Wizard of Oz
needed for the new measures, plan your arrival accordingly. Ticket prices start at There truly is no place like home as the $28. For more information, visit www.pengreatest family musical of all time, the sacolasaenger.com or contact the Saenger wonderful WIZARD OF OZ, twists its way Theatre Box office at 595-3880. into Pensacola! The entire family will be captivated as they travel down the Yellow Tis the Season to Sing Along Brick Road and beyond with Dorothy, Toto December 16 and their friends the Cowardly Lion, Tin Don your gay apparel – or your ugliest Man and Scarecrow. Don’t miss the chance holiday sweater, gather friends and family to travel “Over the Rainbow” and experience and join the Choral Society of Pensacola this national treasure on stage. For the pro- as they raise their voices in a holiday singtection of patrons, the Saenger Theatre has along hosted by Generation Church Dec. 8 implemented added security measures for from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. The Choral Society admittance to the Theatre. To accommo- will meet for an hour of favorite carols and date for the additional time needed for the songs, followed by hot chocolate and cooknew measures, plan your arrival accord- ies. You know all these tunes, but lyrics will ingly. Ticket prices start at $58. For more be on the big screen and Amanda Pangle of information, visit www.pensacolasaenger. the Choral Society will help the crowd start com or contact the Saenger Theatre Box and stop together. It’s a community effort office at 595-3880. – and all ages are welcome. Admission is free, but the Choral Society will be acceptA Charlie Brown ing donations of non-perishable food items Christmas Live on Tour for the MANNA Food Pantry. For more inDecember 13 formation, www.choralsocietyofpensacola. Everyone’s favorite holiday classic comes org/sing-along. to life in the all-new touring production A Charlie Brown Christmas Live on Stage. Twas a Girls Night Before Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and Christmas the Musical the whole Peanuts gang as they produce December 16 their own Christmas play and ultimately This show comes from the producers learn the true meaning of the season. For of the box office smash Girls Night: The the protection of patrons, the Saenger Musical comes the new must see holiTheatre has implemented added security day show. The new Christmas sequel will measures for admittance to the Theatre. feature the five ladies we have all come To accommodate for the additional time to know and love gathering for a night on needed for the new measures, plan your the town to laugh, cry, gossip and just let arrival accordingly. Ticket prices start at their hair down during the craziest of times, $32. For more information, visit www.pen- the holidays. This musical is guaranteed to sacolasaenger.com or contact the Saenger resonate with anyone who has survived the Theatre Box office at 595-3880. holiday season, from the long visits with inlaws to the overcrowded malls. For the proWhite Tie Rock Ensemble tection of patrons, the Saenger Theatre has Presents: A White Tie implemented added security measures for Christmas admittance to the Theatre. To accommoDecember 15 date for the additional time needed for the A White Tie Christmas is an annual holiday new measures, plan your arrival accordconcert series featuring music from Trans- ingly. Ticket prices start at $33. For more Siberian Orchestra, Paul McCartney, The information, visit www.pensacolasaenger. Eagles, Bruce Springsteen, Elvis and other com or contact the Saenger Theatre Box holiday classics. The Tied Up Quartet will office at 595-3880. add a classical touch to the White Tie Rock Ensemble as they recreate these timeless Gallery Night songs in the White Tie Sound tradition. December 21 For the protection of patrons, the Saenger Break out your hat and gloves and enjoy a Theatre has implemented added security chilly night of revelry during the last Gallery measures for admittance to the Theatre. Night of 2018, scheduled for Dec. 21 at 5 To accommodate for the additional time pm. Take the “Arts to the Streets” where
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visitors can connect with the unique culture of Pensacola. Palafox Street will be closed for traffic between Garden and Main Street during the event. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pg/GalleryNight-Pensacola.
New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Pensacola Beach December 31
If you are on Pensacola Beach for the New Year, or just on your back porch, look to the skies at 8 p.m. on New Years Eve, Dec. 31, for the greatest fireworks display in Pensacola. The fireworks can be seen throughCoastline Calvary Chapel out the city and are the best way to celeChristmas Eve brate from the comfort of your home. This December 24 Join Coastline Calvary Chapel for a special event is free and open to the public. non-denominational Christmas Eve service at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre at 5 PM. Pensacola Symphony This event is free and open to the public. Orchestra Presents: No tickets required to attend. For the pro- Celebrate the New Year tection of patrons, the Saenger Theatre has December 31 implemented added security measures for Ring in the New Year in style with the playadmittance to the Theatre. To accommo- ful charm and unparalleled talent of pianist date for the additional time needed for the and vocalist Tony DeSare. This unforgettanew measures, plan your arrival accord- ble evening will feature more than a century ingly. For more information, visit www.pen- of piano’s greatest hits, including the perensacolasaenger.com or contact the Saenger nial favorites of Elton John, Ray Charles, John Lennon and more. For the protection Theatre Box office at 595-3880. of patrons, the Saenger Theatre has implemented added security measures for adGatsy Girls Speakeasy mittance to the Theatre. To accommodate December 29 The Krewe of the Gatsby Girls invite you for the additional time needed for the new to attend the fifth annual Speakeasy Ball, measures, plan your arrival accordingly. Dec. 29 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. This event is Ticket prices start at $23. For more inforsure to dazzle your senses and delight your mation, visit www.pensacolasaenger.com date. If you have previously attended this or contact the Saenger Theatre Box office event, one thing is for sure –you haven’t at 595-3880. seen anything yet, Old Sport. There is a new location for the ball, which is yet to be Polar Bear Plunge revealed. Tickets will include an open bar, January 1 signature cocktails, champagne tasting Looking for the right way to start the new room, bootlegger man cave, nosh – and year? Try taking a dip in the chilly Santa as always – a night on the dance floor. For Rosa Sound waters with hundreds of parmore information, contact Megan Millican ticipants and spectators Jan. 1 at 2 p.m.. at megan.millican@supremelending.com Dress up in fun costumes and take part or Jennifer Belcher at jennifer@mythl.com. in this long-standing Pensacola tradition. Registration begins Jan. 1 at noon and the fee will be $15 per adult and $5 for children Kazoo’s Rockin’ Eve fifth-grade and under. Participants will reand the Pelican Drop ceive a Polar Bear Plunge t-shirt. December 31 Surprise! The Pelican Drop, a Pensacola New Years tradition, will take place at the Blue Wahoos Stadium for the second year in a row, Dec. 31 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. This celebration is family-friendly and will feature live music, mascot appearances, and on-field activities for children and families, with the night culminating in a fireworks display and the Pelican Drop. Tickets for this even are $75 for adults and $20 for children. To buy tickets or for more information, visit www.BlueWahoos.com or by call the box office at 934-8444.
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