Downtown Crowd: December 2022

Cole, Editor

Well folks, December is officially here and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. However, when it comes to feeling like Christmas outside, we aren’t quite there yet! Whether you’re ready or not, it’s also time to start think ing about your holiday gift list. With Black Friday behind us, many of us have now begun to venture out into the nightmare we call retail to begin crossing some things off of our lists.

In the spirit of the holiday season, we’ve brought you a complete roundup of local holiday markets and shop ping events to help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list. Shopping locally helps support the many creative artisans and vendors in our community, while also keeping the money local. Plus, you’re pretty much guaranteed to snag something unique that will be sure to please!

In this month’s issue, you’ll also read about an excit ing new arts-themed event taking place in the commu nity this weekend called Night on The Tracks. The 309 Punk Project has partnered with Waterboyz, End of The Line Cafe, The Handlebar and From the Ground Up Community Garden to host the first art and music walk throughout Old East Hill. For the event, the community is invited to come out and walk, bike, skate or roll through the streets while enjoying art and live entertainment at different local businesses along the way. Be sure to check out the story on page 9.

We’ve also brought you some cozy cocktail recipes that are sure to have you drinking merrily this holiday season. Cheers!

As always, we hope you enjoy reading and until next time, Happy Holidays!

Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Owner Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Morgan Cole Assistant Editor Nicole Willis Art Director Ian Lett Graphic Designer Garrett Hallbauer

Contributing Writer Darien Hardy

Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange geneva@ballingerpublishing.com

For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433.1166 • Fax: 435.9174

DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing. Offices located at 21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502

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. © 2022

Morgan

Questions With Creatives

Lauren Bonner, Artist

by Nicole Willis

At only 20-years-old, painter Lauren Bonner has created a name for herself among the Pensacola arts scene. Born and raised in Pensacola, Bonner first discovered her love for art in high school and is currently further exploring that passion at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) where she majors in painting. One of Bonner’s paintings, “Brainwashed Inspiration” is also on display at the Pensacola Museum of Art as part of the Vandals to Vanguard exhibition, which celebrates pop art. Aside from her art, Bonner has a passion for philanthropy and has auctioned off several paintings to support charitable causes such as Make-A-Wish and the Studer Family Children’s Hospital. Bonner also serves on the board of directors for The Bear Family Foundation. For more of Bonner’s work, check out her Instagram at @laurenbonner.art or her website laurenbonnerart.com.

You have a lot of variety in the mediums you use and the style of pieces that you create. Can you tell me more about some of the different mediums you use?

When I first started painting in high school I loved using watercolor for my pieces. Eventually, I started to use acrylic paints towards the end of my freshman year at SCAD and fell in love with the medium. Now most of my work is done in acrylic, but my pop art paintings are mixed media using acrylic paint, spray paint and paint pens. I have recently been practicing with oil paints and hope to do lots of pieces using this medium in the future. My favorite medium would definitely be either the acrylic paintings or the mixed media pieces. I love capturing the detail from the reference images and trying to make the painting as realistic as possible with acrylic. To me, capturing those specific details and incorporating them into the painting makes the painting even more meaningful and tells a story. The mixed media pieces allow me to create something that is much different than a regular painting. The pieces are fun, vibrant, expressive and can bring a room to life.

Ever since I was little, I have looked up to Pensacola artist Laura Cole and the artwork she has created. If it wasn’t for her, I’m not sure I would have found that love and appreciation for art. It wasn’t until the middle of my junior year in high school when I decided to do my first painting. I thought it was time to push myself out of my comfort zone and paint my first self portrait. I had my struggles with that first painting, but with the guidance, love and support from my two amazing high school art teachers, Mrs. Kelly and Mrs. Broom, I was able to find my passion for painting.

Can you take me through your creative process and describe what all goes into creating one of your pieces?

The creative process for my mixed media pieces is actually quite fun now! When I first started doing the pop art pieces, I would probably stare at a blank canvas for an hour trying to figure out where to start… I’m not even kidding. Now, I digitally design my pop art pieces, so I can figure out what I would

like on the painting and the placements for everything. If I end up not liking something I can easily delete it from the design, which I obviously can’t do on a canvas with paint! Once I finalize the design I created digitally, I use it as my reference image and start the painting.

Tell me about some of the different types of pieces you create and your favorite subject to capture in your work?

I do family and pet portraits that are usually commissioned by families. Lots of those paintings end up being gifts for someone in a family, so I like to be sure I make those as perfect as possible, because those are the most meaningful kinds of gifts to a loved one. The mixed media/pop art pieces are a style I started experimenting with less than a year ago. As much as I love doing realistic pieces, I have always found myself to be inspired by the artist Mr. Brainwash. His pop art style has always caught my eye. My mixed media pieces are usually done on canvases larger than what I would use for a portrait. Some of the mixed media pieces have themes to them. For example, I have done LSU, FSU, Bama and Pink Floyd

themed mixed media paintings. The other mixed media pieces that I have done are just random things I would incorporate into the design that I think might work well together.

What I truly want to capture in my work is the life and story behind the piece. Some pieces I paint are so sentimental to a family. If a piece I create is for a family, and they are the only ones who know the true story behind that piece, I make sure that I capture every sentimental detail possible and pour my heart out into that piece. Every picture has a memory for these families.

Where can readers find or purchase your work?

I currently have some of my completed paintings being shown at Worthmore Jewelers in Atlanta, Georgia. I also recently launched the Lauren Bonner Art website (laurenbonnerart.com), where people are able to send a request for a commissioned painting or even purchase an original signed print of a painting. While I am on Christmas break from school, I hope to attend events or art markets around town during this holiday season.

How long have you been interested in painting and how did you first get into it?

Brainwashed Inspiration

No Signal Death Valley

NIGHT ON THE TRACKS in Old East Hill

by Darien Hardy

The 309 Punk Project has partnered with a group of local businesses and organizations to host a new type of community event called Night on the Tracks.

Scheduled for December 3, individuals from throughout the community are invited to come out and walk, bike, skate or roll through the tracks in Old East Hill. This artand-entertainment-centered walk allows members of the community to visit local businesses located throughout the Old East Hill neighborhood, while mingling at various stops along the way.

The walk will kick off at Waterboyz located at 380 N Ninth Ave in Pensacola, where they will host a free skate session and serve $2 beer and a variety of vegan baked goods to enjoy.

For the next stop, attendees will visit End of the Line Cafe, where Jeff Glickman will be performing starting at 7:30 pm.

“This is my annual holiday performance titled ‘Yule Thank Me Later.’ It is a collection of original songs, sneaky cover tunes and some seasonal favorites. Add in End of The Line’s delicious cuisine, and it should be a cozy kick off to the season,” Glickman said. End of the Line Cafe will host their “Love our Locals’’ specials—delicious organic vegan food featuring local products—from 5 to 10 pm at 610 E. Wright Street.

Jeff Glickman

For the third stop, guests will move farther west to the 309 House, where the 309 Punk Project will host artistin-residence Anastasia Leech. For this closing reception, Leech will have her art on display and serve a community meal. “A big part of my work is exploring different modes of connection, so when the folks at 309 Punk Project asked that the artists in residence create some form of community programming, I knew I wanted to incorporate food and social media,” Leech said.

Leech’s meal will be made with lots of love as it reimagines a fusion of flavors from her Chinese and Southern upbringing. The process will also stream on Instagram Live, so everyone is able to join in on the fun. This event will be open to the public from 5 to 9 pm and is located at 309 N. 6th Avenue.

Pat Meusel

From the Ground Up Community Garden will be participating in Night on the Tracks as the event’s fourth stop. At this stop, attendees will enjoy stories about the Old East Hill Preservation District and musical entertainment provided by Pat Meusel, who will be performing acoustic rock and a variety of other alternative hits. “I’m thrilled to be a part of the Night on the Tracks event,” Meusel said. “It celebrates some of the best things in and around Old East Hill and promotes our neighborhood’s sense of connection and inclusion. I can’t wait to jump around on the garden stage with my guitar, and I even invited some of my bandmates from the East HillBillies to join in at the end.” From the Ground Up is located at 501 N. Hayne Street and Meusel will be performing from 5:30 until 8:30 pm.

The final stop on the walk will be at The Handlebar, which is located at 319 N Tarragona Street. The Handlebar will feature live music by The Noiseheads from 8 pm until 2 am. The Handlebar is open to everyone over the age of 18 with a cover charge at the door.

This walk does not have a map. Night on the Tracks is not like a pub crawl since event goers don’t have to be at a specific

place at a specific time. There aren’t any rules, but the 309 Punk Project’s suggestion is to go east to west and end at The Handlebar. Event organizers also recommend not driving through the tracks to protect pedestrians, bikers, rollers and other event goers.

Lauren Anzaldo, a 309 Punk Project volunteer and event coordinator, says that Night on the Tracks has two main goals: get people out, moving and experiencing Old East Hill, and celebrating the community and the different things it offers.

“I think anything that brings us out and gets us really proud and connected with our community is a really good thing,” Anzaldo said. “It’s good for the city, it’s good for the neighborhood and it’s good for the people to be engaged with other members of the community.”

For more information and event details, visit 309punkproject. org, and check out the other venues’ websites for any updates.

From the Ground Up Community Garden

Festive Holiday Markets & Local Shopping Events

by Morgan Cole

Whether you’re ready or not, ‘tis the season for holiday shopping. Luckily, the Pensacola area has no shortage of festive holiday markets packed with local small businesses and crafty vendors looking to spread holiday cheer. Local gift markets are a great way to cross some names off your shopping list, while also supporting our local artisans and vendors.

We have rounded up some local holiday markets to help you find the perfect gift that’s sure to delight even the most difficult-to-shop-for friend, family member or significant other. Enjoy!

Holiday Market at Seville Square

December

3

Get some of your holiday shopping done early at Seville Square’s Holiday Market. From 10 am to 5 pm on December 3, come out and browse unique products, home decor items, one-of-a-kind gifts and more from a variety of vendors from across the region. Guests will also enjoy live entertainment, raffles, prizes and ornament decorating stations. There will also be an assortment of tasty food and beverages available from one of the many food truck vendors participating in the event. In addition to multiple arts and crafts booths, there will be a bounce house to help keep the kiddos busy while you shop. The market will be hosted at 311 East Government Street in downtown Pensacola. This event is free and open to the public. Check out visitpensacola.com for complete details.

Holiday Market and Parade

December 3

This Jolly Holiday Market and Parade makes for a perfect day of holiday fun. The Gulf Breeze Chamber of Commerce and the City of Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation have teamed up to host this festive event on December 3. The market will take place inside of the Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation Community Center located at 800 Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze. Visitors will have a chance to shop unique crafts and gift items from a variety of local vendors from 9 am to 2 pm. Following the holiday market at 4 pm will be the 1st annual strolling and rolling Jolly Holiday Parade featuring decked-out floats, cars and bikes. The parade route will begin at Gulf Breeze High School and make a 1-mile-long journey down Shoreline Drive to the Parks and Recreation Community Center. Santa will follow in a firetruck greeting parade goers along the way. For more information, contact Tara Carlsrud at Parks and Recreation at (850)-934-5140.

Christmas Market at The Eatery

December 4

Kick off the holiday season with shopping, food and fun at the Eatery in Gulf Breeze. This festive holiday market will feature a variety of vendors that will help you find the perfect gift. You’ll be able to shop for everything from handmade jewelry and holiday decor to self-care products and more. The venue’s food trucks will also be dishing up tasty treats throughout the event that are sure to satisfy your appetite. There will also be a variety of fun yard games to add to the holiday fun. The Christmas Market will be held from 11 am to 4 pm on December 4.The Eatery is located at 1713 Woodlawn Way in Gulf Breeze. For complete event details and a list of current food truck vendors, check out @TheEateryGB on Facebook.

Craft & Vintage Holiday Market at Odd Colony

December 4

Head to Odd Colony Brewing Co. on December 4 from 12 pm to 5 pm for their Craft & Vintage Holiday Market. Hosted annually, this market is the place to get some of your holiday shopping done while also supporting local vendors and small businesses. The market will feature numerous local vendors selling vintage goods, art, self-care products, handcrafted jewelry, housewares, other unique gift items and more. In addition to shopping for one-of-a-kind gifts, guests can also enjoy tasty foods from local food truck vendors including MI SU Street Food, Craft Bakery, Maker’s Coffee Co. and Bluejay’s Bakery. The fun kicks off at 12 pm at Odd Colony Brewing Co. located at 260 North Palafox Street. Be sure to check out Odd Colony on Facebook at @oddcolony for updates and complete event details.

2nd Annual Krampus 5K and Pre-Krampusnacht Christmas Market

December 4

Emerald Republic Brewing will be hosting its 2nd Annual Krampus 5K and PreKrampusnacht Christmas Market December 4 from 12 pm to 2 pm. Guests are invited to arrive at the brewery at noon to shop from more than twenty vendors in the beer garden located at 1414 W Government Street in downtown Pensacola. While shopping, you can grab a bite to eat from A Rustyc Spoon food truck and enjoy a cold brew. Drink specials include $1-off saisons, $10 champagne buckets and a variety of other holiday drinks including mulled wine, coquito and special Krampusnacht cocktails. After filling up, you’re invited to run it all off while trying to outrun Krampus in the 5k race at 2 pm. For complete event details and information on participating in the race, visit emeraldrepublicbrewing.com.

Palafox Market Holiday Edition

December 7, 14 & 21

For this special holiday event, the market’s traditional three-block North Palafox site between Garden and Wright streets will be scaled down to just one block between Garden and Chase streets. Palafox Market Holiday Edition will feature more than 50 local and regional vendors during the special Wednesday holiday markets taking place throughout the month of December. The market will feature locally made art, beautifully handcrafted goods, jewelry, accessories, housewares, plants and more. Live music will add to the festivities, and the Grinch is also scheduled to make a special appearance during the shopping festivities. Streetlights, holiday lights decorating the trees and lighted vendors will illuminate the market site during the evening hours. Check out visitpensacola.com for complete event details.

Christmas Gift Market at Alyssa’s

December 10

Hosted at Alyssa’s in Pace on the Saturdays leading up to Christmas, this annual holiday market has become one of the most popular in town. Drop by and peruse the more than 35 vendors selling unique, one-of-a-kind gift items, accessories, home decor items, art, plants and more. New and returning vendors will be set up outside and lining the front porch of Alyssa’s located at 4586 Chumuckla Highway. With more than 50,000 square feet of vendor booths and merchandise space, you’re sure to snag the perfect gift for just about anyone on your holiday shopping list. This festive holiday shopping event will be held on both December 3 and December 10 from 8 am to 2 pm. For complete details on upcoming Christmas Gift Market shopping days at Alyssa’s, visit shopalyssas.com or @ShopAlyssas on Facebook.

Trader Bo’s Holiday Party

December 15

Trader Bo’s Holiday Party is the perfect time to shop for last minute gifts. Enjoy free wine and hor d’oeuvres while browsing the store’s plethora of unique items. From vintage clothing, housewares and one-of-a-kind trinkets to plants, handmade goods and more, Trader Bo’s is certain to have something for everyone on your list, no matter how niche their interests may be. This special after-hours shopping event will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm at Trader Bo’s located at 7201 N 9th Ave. in Pensacola. There is no cost to attend. Check out @TraderBosPensacola on Facebook for more event details.

ALL I WANT $1,000 GIVEAWAY

The “All I Want” giveaway is back in 2022 and it’s bigger than ever before, with daily prize giveaways from your favorite downtown merchants, as well as a $1,000 grand prize. Remember to upload pictures of your receipts for all purchases made at any downtown Pensacola restaurant, bar, shop or gallery now through midnight on December 18 for your chance to win! Be sure to check out the official rules at downtownpensacola.com/alliwant before entering, then start uploading!

Holidaze Playlist

Holidaze Playlist

(Staff Picks)

There is nothing better to bring on the holiday cheer than a tune for all to hear!

This holiday season we had our staff select some of their favorite festive songs to create the ultimate holiday playlist. Scan the QR code below and dive into our playlist of holiday favorites.

White Christmas by Otis Redding

Oi to the World! by The Vandals

Please Come Home for Christmas by The Eagles

Wonderful Christmastime by Paul McCartney

You’re a Mean One, Mr. Grinch by Tyler, The Creator

Don’t Shoot Me Santa by The Killers & Ryan Pardey

12 Days of Christmas by Straight No Chaser

I Want a Hippopotamus for Christmas by Gayla Peevey

The Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky

Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy by Tchaikovsky

Little Saint Nick by The Beach Boys

Happy Xmas (War Is Over) by John Lennon & Yoko Ono

Father Christmas by The Kinks Christmas (Baby Please Come Home) by U2

A Blue Christmas by Elvis Presley

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer by Burl Ives Jingle Bell Rock by Bobby Helms

Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer by Elmo & Patsy

White Christmas by Bing Crosby

Last Christmas by Wham!

It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas by Michael Buble

The Christmas Song by Nat King Cole

Silver Bells by She & Him Christmas Eve Sarajevo 12/24 (Instrumental) by Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Fairytale of New York by The Pogues

Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree by Brenda Lee Santa Baby by Eartha Kitt

Cozy Cocktails

Cozy Cocktails

For a Spirited Holiday Season

By Morgan Cole

THIS TIME OF THE YEAR , we tend to find ourselves craving a hot fire, a big comfy sweater and a cozy warm drink in our hands. We’ve brought you a few of our favorite winter-approved cocktail recipes that are more than appropriate for Christmastime and all its merriment. From boozy hot chocolate to warm spiked apple cider, these hot holiday cocktails are sure to keep you feeling nice and cozy all season long. Drinks all around. Cheers!

Spiked Gingerbread Latte

Turns out, you don’t need a fancy espresso machine or the magic touch of a Star bucks barista to make your favorite gingerbread latte at home. All you need is a slow cooker, some spices and a few simple ingredients. Combine with strongly brewed coffee or espresso, and this crockpot gingerbread latte is sure to satisfy your seasonal caffeine cravings.

Ingredients

(for 5 quarts or larger pot)

• 4 cups strong coffee

• 5 cups whole milk

• 1 teaspoon allspice

• 2 teaspoons nutmeg

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon

• 1/3 cup brown sugar

• 7 ounces vanilla vodka

• 7 ounces Kahlúa

• Whipped cream

Directions

Combine all ingredients—except the whipped cream—into a crockpot and thoroughly blend. Turn the crockpot on low heat for approximately 3 to 4 hours before serving. Top with whipped cream and a dash of cinnamon.

Classic Hot Toddy

If anything, the Hot Toddy is the quintessential cold-weather cocktail. It has a delightful warming quality, but it’s also filling and restorative. This classic Hot Toddy recipe is easy to make and only requires a few simple ingredients. *Recipe yields one cocktail.

Ingredients

(for 5 quarts or larger pot)

• 3/4 cup water

• 1 1/2 ounces whiskey (of choice)

• 2 to 3 teaspoons honey, to taste

• 1 lemon (for garnish & juicing)

• 2 to 3 teaspoons freshly-squeezed lemon juice, to taste

• 1 cinnamon stick (optional, for garnish)

Directions

In a teapot or saucepan, bring the water to a simmer. Pour the hot water into a mug. Add the whiskey, 2 teaspoons of honey and 2 teaspoons of lemon juice. Stir until honey has dissolved into the hot water. Taste, and add 1 teaspoon more of lemon juice. Garnish with a lemon round and cinnamon stick.

Mulled Wine

Honestly, nothing screams Holiday Party quite like mulled wine. Mulled wine is a wine that’s enriched with seasonal flavors like cinnamon and cloves—it’s the holi day drink recipe that dreams are made of. Enjoying wine as a hot beverage might sound a bit strange if you’ve never tried it, but just think of it as the sultry cousin of the Hot Toddy. Not only is this festive cocktail easy to prepare, it’s also perfect to set on the stove or in a crockpot during a holiday party for guests to enjoy.

Ingredients

(for 5 quarts or larger pot)

• 1 orange, sliced and seeded

• 1⁄2 cup sugar

• 2 cups water

• 1 teaspoon ground cloves

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1 bottle red wine (of choice)

Directions

Combine the orange, sugar, water and spices in a large stainless steel or enameled pot. Slowly bring to a boil, reduce the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes. Reduce the heat, add the wine, and slowly reheat but do not boil. Serve warm in mugs. Yields 8 servings.

Hot Spiked Cider

This cozy cocktail is pretty much a requirement for fall and winter! This tasty spiked cider recipe adds rum to the classic cold-weather beverage. It can be made in large quantities and kept warm on the stovetop, in an electric coffee server or crockpot and is great for a cozy night by the fire or just about any type of holiday gathering.

Ingredients

(for 5 quarts or larger pot)

• 1 quart water

• 3 orange spice tea bags

• 2 cups apple cider

• 1 1/2 cups light rum of choice

• 1/2 cup light brown sugar

• 2 cinnamon sticks

• 3 teaspoons butter

• 6 cinnamon sticks, garnish

Directions

Pour water into a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and add orange spice tea bags. Cover and let steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags and stir in apple cider, rum, brown sugar, and 2 cinnamon sticks. Heat cider over medium-low heat until it begins to steam. Ladle hot cider into 6 mugs and drop 1/2 teaspoon of butter into each. Garnish with a cinnamon stick.

DECEMBER COMMUNITY EVENTS

famous rock group. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Street. Doors open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Holiday Dreams, A Spectacular Holiday Show! December 9-11

team. The Pensacola Runners Association has teamed up with the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade for the annual Christmas Parade Dash, a 1.2-mile run preceding the parade. The parade will be streamed on WKRG.com and broadcast on WKRG-TV5 from 5:30 pm to 7 pm. For more information, visit coxpensacolachristmasparade.org.

Pensacola Ice Flyers Schedule and Theme Nights

December Home Games and Theme Nights at the Pensacola Bay Center. Games start at 7:05 pm. For tickets and information, visit iceflyers.com.

December 2: Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Teddy Bear Toss

December 3: Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; Big Brothers Big Sisters Night

December 16: Huntsville Havoc vs Ice Flyers; Peanuts Night

December 23: Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; An Ice Flyers Christmas

December 27: Macon Mayhem vs Ice Flyers; Canine Companions Night

UWF Department of Theatre presents The Great American Trailer Park Musical

December 2-4 & December 9-11

This comedic production takes you to Armadillo Acres (Florida’s premier mobileliving community) where everyone is filled with Christmas cheer and beer. When a new tenant moves in and wreaks havoc, neighborly love is put to the test. Can the group rally for Christmas and take home the Mobile Homes and Gardens holiday decorating prize? Tickets are $20 and can be purchased at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts Box Office located at 11000 University Parkway (Bldg. 82) or online at uwf.edu/tickets. UWF students are admitted free with their Nautilus cards. Showtimes are 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday. For more information, visit uwf.edu.

The Prophecy Show: A Tribute to Trans-Siberian Orchestra

.................................................................... December 3

The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is hosting an electrifying evening of holiday rock with The Prophecy Show. As North America’s most popular and longest-running TransSiberian Orchestra tribute band, The Prophecy Show will blow you away with all your favorite music from the world-

This modern and electrifying holiday show will be held at the Pensacola Saenger and was created as a unique alternative to traditional holiday shows. This fast-paced cirque-style show is sure to captivate you with its mix of holiday music and stunning visual effects, as well as a talented cast of award-winning cirque performers, daredevils, actors, singers and specialty acts from across the world. Doors open at 6 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Pensacola Children’s Chorus

Presents Christmas on the Coast

............................................................... December 9-11

Experience the holiday magic of Christmas on the Coast as members of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus transform the Pensacola Saenger Theatre into a winter wonderland. Presented annually, this production will include a musically-themed celebration of Christmas around the world with dynamic choreography and dazzling costumes. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Street. Showtime is 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Jr.

............................................................... December 9-18

This holiday classic Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer soars off the screen in this Broadway Junior musical adaptation of the beloved television special. Filled with your favorite characters, Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and Rudolph, this show is a winter special that you won’t want to miss. The production will be held December 9-18 with performances at 7:30 pm on Fridays and 2:30 pm on Sundays at PLT located at 400 S. Jefferson St. in downtown Pensacola. For showtimes and tickets, visit pensacolalittletheatre.com.

Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade

..................................................................

December 10

Celebrating its 40th year, the 2022 Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade will take place on December 10 at 5:30 pm. This annual event draws more than 50,000 people to downtown Pensacola, featuring more than 50 floats, marching bands and the nationally-renowned Blue Angels flight

HoHo Hustle 5k Race

.................................................................. December 10

Get jolly with some jogging! The HoHo Hustle is a holiday-themed 5k race perfect for the whole family. Hustle along the scenic course while drinking hot chocolate and spreading holiday cheer. Don’t forget to attend the post-race party to take a pic with Santa and snack on some holiday treats. Whether you want to race or cheer others on, the HoHo Hustle is the perfect way to run into the holiday season. The race begins at 8 am at Running Wild (3012 E Cervantes Street). To register and to learn more, visit runpensacola.com.

Rumours - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at Vinyl Music Hall

.................................................................. December 10

Relive the magical sounds of Fleetwood Mac with Rumours - A Fleetwood Mac Tribute at Vinyl Music Hall. Rumours, also known as Rumours ATL, is a Fleetwood Mac tribute band formed in 2014. The band has since taken the US by storm, performing for fans across the nation. Come experience an authentic recreation of live Fleetwood Mac shows on December 10 at 2 S Palafox Street. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall. com.

Turnover at Vinyl Music Hall

Tchaikovsky’s beautifully timeless score, join Clara as she embarks on a magical journey to defeat the evil Mouse King. This timeless holiday tale will delight audiences of all ages. Performances will be held at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre (118 S. Palafox Street) on Friday at 7 pm, Saturday at both 11 am and 7 pm and on Sunday at 1:30 pm. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

3rd Annual East Hill All Vehicle Sleigh Ride

...................................................................December 17

Spread holiday cheer throughout the streets of East Hill with the 3rd Annual All Vehicle Sleigh Ride! Decorate your car, golf cart, trailers, boats, and bikes for a fun nighttime holiday processional through the neighborhood. All vehicles are welcome but must be lit and able to go at least 5 mph. Line-up starts at 4:15 pm at the Bayview Community Center. The processional starts at 5:30 pm. The event is free to participate in and attend, but donations to support the Gulf Coast Kid’s House are encouraged. For the parade route and more details, visit facebook.com/events/328690412445362.

White Tie Rock Ensemble Presents A White Tie Christmas!

December 18

December 11

Genre-bending rock band Turnover will be taking the stage at the Vinyl Music Hall on December 11. While falling under the all-encompassing “rock” genre, the band’s unique sound has been described as indie rock, emo, pop-punk and shoegaze. Turnover skyrocketed to success with their 2015 sophomore album, Peripheral Vision, which reached the Top 5 on the Billboard Heatseekers Chart. Vinyl Music Hall is located at 2 S Palafox Street. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit vinylmusichall.com.

Ballet Pensacola presents The Nutcracker

December 16–18

To put you in the holiday spirit, Ballet Pensacola invites you to celebrate the magic of The Nutcracker at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre December 16-18. Set to

Kick off the holiday season with this family-friendly holiday tribute concert featuring the White Tie Rock Ensemble at the Pensacola Bay Center. This annual concert series will feature the beloved music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, the Eagles and other holiday classics—all presented through the White Tie Rock Ensemble’s symphonic-rock style and captivating multimedia experience. The Pensacola Bay Center is located at 201 E. Gregory Street. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra presents Celebrate The New Year

December 31

Ring in the new year at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre with unforgettable music from Broadway’s biggest hits, including Wicked, West Side Story, My Fair Lady, Cats, Phantom of the Opera, Les Misérables and more. Broadway vocal stars Mamie Parris, Madison Claire Parks and Bronson Norris Murphy will join Maestro Peter Rubardt and the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for this upbeat and lively tradition. Doors open at 5:30 pm and the show begins at 7 pm. The Pensacola Saenger Theatre is located at 118 South Palafox Street. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

MILITARYMATTERSMILITARYMATTERS

AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

BLUE ANGELS HOLD CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, held a change of command ceremony Nov. 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Cmdr. Alex Armatas relieved Capt. Brian Kesselring as the commanding officer of the Blue Angels. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Cody Deccio.

BY PETTY OFFICER 2ND CLASS CODY HENDRIX, NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON

The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron , the Blue Angels, held a change of command ceremony November 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum at Naval Air Station, Pensacola. Cmdr. Alex Armatas relieved Capt. Brian Kesselring as the commanding officer of the Blue Angels.

Capt. Kesselring assumed command of the Blue Angels November 10, 2019. As the Blue Angels’ commanding officer, Kesselring led a squadron of 154 personnel and served as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. In Kesselring’s next assignment, he will serve as Deputy, Carrier Air Wing 5 at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan.

“Serving alongside the phenomenal Sailors and Marines of the Blue Angels has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Kesselring said. “Over

the past three years, this team paid tribute to healthcare workers around the Nation during Operation America Strong, successfully transitioned two new aircraft platforms, and celebrated 75 years of Blue Angel history and heritage with millions of spectators throughout the country. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for Cmdr. Armatas.”

Armatas, a native of Skaneateles, New York, joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer of the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105, where he deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of Operation FREEDOM’s SENTINEL. His previous assignments include multiple squadron tours.

Armatas graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering. He has accumulated more

than 4,100 flight hours and has 911 carrier-arrested landings. His decora tions include the Meritorious Service Medal, four Strike/Flight Air Medals, five Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, one Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, and various personal, unit and service awards.

“I look forward to learning from returning team members these next few months,” Armatas said. “It’s truly an honor to have the opportunity to continue the legacy of leaders that have shaped this squadron into what it is today. and I am excited to see what the 2023 show season will hold.”

The mission of the Blue Angels is to showcase the teamwork and profession alism of the United States Navy and Marine Corps by inspiring a culture of excellence and service to the country through flight demonstrations and

community outreach. Since 1946, the Blue Angels have performed for more than 496 million fans.

For more information about the Blue Angels, including the 2023 and 2024 air show schedules, visit blueangels.navy.mil.