MAY ‘22 Also in this Issue:
MILITARY MATTERS an Armed Forces News Section
WHAT A DOLLAR CAN DO OPEN BOOKS & THE PRISON BOOK PROJECT
BACK ON TAP
HOT GLASS COLD BREW RETURNS TO FIRST CITY ART CENTER
CABARET ON HOLIDAY
PLT’S ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF ART IS BACK FOR 2022 FREE | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
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DOWNTOWN CROWD May 2022
Editor’s Letter
CONTENTS
Publisher Malcolm Ballinger Owner Malcolm Ballinger Executive Editor Kelly Oden Editor Morgan Cole Art Director Guy Stevens
Morgan Cole, Editor
Graphic Designer Garrett Hallbauer Contributing Writer Darien Hardy
For the first time in a while, we’ve actually been able to enjoy some real spring weather—and it’s been absolutely amazing! Anyone who’s lived in Pensacola is sure to know that this is a rare thing for us here in the South. We definitely don’t have much of a chance to enjoy the mildly-warm days and cool evenings of the spring season for long. It seems like we only get two weeks of spring weather (if that) until the hot, muggy dog days of summer officially start to roll in.
Editorial Interns Lisa Chacon Nicole Willis
Advertising Account Executives Paula Rode paula@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand becky@ballingerpublishing.com For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433.1166 • Fax: 435.9174
DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing.
To inspire you to get outside and enjoy some of this wonderful weather, we’ve rounded up some fun (and mostly-free) outdoor concerts and live music events happening throughout the city. So, whether you’re in the mood to set up your beach chair and kick back at a free concert on the beach or soak up the smooth sounds of Jazz and Bluegrass along the river, you’re sure to enjoy these upcoming live music and concert events. We have also brought you the latest on the much-awaited return of PLT’s annual Cabaret at the Pensacola Cultural Center. We had a chance to catch up with Executive Director, Sid Williams-Heath to learn more about what’s in store for this year’s holiday-themed extravaganza. Another one of my favorite events returning this summer, for the first time since the onset of the pandemic, is Hot Glass Cold Brew. Be sure to check out page 16 to read about what all is planned for this year’s first big event. As always, we hope you enjoy the issue. Until next time, Cheers!
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6 5 Questions with Creatives 8 Open Books & the Prison Book Project: What a Dollar Can Do 10 Cabaret on Holiday: PLT’s Annual Celebration of Art Is Back for 2022 12 The Sounds of Summer: Local Concerts & Outdoor Music 16 ‘Back on Tap’ for Beers and Brews 20 May Events Calendar 22 Military Matters
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
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5 QUESTIONS WITH
CREATIVES BEN CONNOR BY NICOLE WILLIS
LOCAL CHEF AND ARTIST, BEN CONNER, has turned his passion for shoes into an art form and a business. Ben established his company, Handcrafted by Ben Conner, to share his hand-carved wooden art pieces with the community. The Gulf Breeze native attended culinary school in Gulf Shores, Alabama, and went on to become sous-chef at Global Grill for fourteen years. He now works in the same position for Eurest at Navy Federal Credit Union. In addition to being a full-time chef, Ben also designs and sells his uniquely-carved wooden cutouts. You can find Ben’s one-off pieces at Garden Street Vintage in downtown Pensacola. To check out more of his work and for purchase inquiries, visit @handcraftedbybenconner on Instagram. What medium/type of art would The first piece of shoe art that you consider your work to be? I made actually came from a I would consider the style of art printable coloring page. I got to be intarsia, which is a form the shoe’s pattern from this of woodworking where you coloring page, modified the create a mosaic-like picture pattern to size and got to work! from wood, using no stain or dye, only the natural colors of Can you take me through your the wood. Because I do not use process and describe what a stain, paint, or dye, the natural goes into creating one of your color and grain pattern of the pieces? What types of wood wood are what make the art do you use and where do you piece. I select the woods I use source your wood? based on their natural charac- Wood art starts with, well, wood. teristics, as these characteris- I get a majority of the wood that tics help to create the image I use from Peeble’s Exotic Wood, that I have in mind. which is located just north of Cantonment. It is awesome How did you first get into having a selection of exotic designing this type of art, and lumber to choose from that’s was there something that so close and readily accessible. inspired you to start creating I mainly use hardwoods and these pieces? exotic woods because those I started creating my wood art woods have the desired color pieces in 2017. Many intar- and grain patterns necessary sia patterns depict animals to achieve a specific type of or nature and I wanted to put look for each of my projects. my own twist on it by trying to Once I have the wood, I start make an intarsia-style shoe. my projects by printing out 6 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
the pattern of the design I am Tell me a little bit about the going to use. I then place the different types of pieces you pattern on the pieces of wood create. What are some of your that I have selected. Once the most popular designs? pattern is laid out on the wood, My most popular designs would I cut out every shape with a probably be the shoes—specifiscroll saw. After I get all the cally Air Jordan 1s, 3s, 4s and, pieces cut, I make sure they my personal favorite, Nike Dunks. all fit together. From there, I I mainly spend my time creatshape and round the pieces ing shoe pieces, however, these over to give each piece depth pieces are not the only pieces and that 3-D effect found in that I make. I have made several intarsia-style woodwork. Once small side tables where the table the pieces are shaped, I glue top is the Wu-Tang Clan “W” logo all of them together. Finally, I which is obviously made out of add a backer so that the work wood. I have also made several of art will be ready to hang up. tree of life pieces, bulldogs and a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles piece for my son. Sometimes I’ll even just get creative and see if I can turn an idea from my head into a project.
What inspires you to turn an object into an art piece? My love for sneakers sparked the idea of turning my shoes into art pieces. Different shoe silhouettes and colorways inspire me. When I see a shoe design, I want to create pieces that resemble the actual shoe as much as possible. Ten years ago I would’ve never thought I would be making these pieces, but I love doing it. Keep an open mind and try new things, you never know where it will take you.
The Wildly Popular Christopher’s Concerts are back for 2022!
St. Christopher’s Episcopal Church offers 8 FREE outdoor concerts April 21-June 9. The public is invited to bring lawnshairs and beverage of choice. Food trucks will be on hand. All are invited to sit, sing, dance and dream while enjoying the music from 6-8 pm: April 21 - Cross Town April 28 - Bay Bridge May 5 - Reunion Band May 12 - Mirage May 19 - The Blenders May 26 - NOBIUS June 2 - John Hart June 9 - Not Quite Fab
For more information: www.scpen.org
3200 N. 12th Avenue
Pensacola Florida 32503
Open Books & THE prison BOOK project What a Dollar Can Do by Lisa Chacon
A
PERFECT STORM over the last decade-and-a-half, not limited to the Great Recession, COVID-19 and multiple natural disasters, saw Pensacola’s used bookstores tumble like dominoes — all except Open Books. Though not unaffected, the all-volunteer nonprofit is flourishing and hopes to return to pre-pandemic normalcy, starting with their annual— now semiannual—$1 Book Sale. “We decided to have two $1 sales per year. Right now, we’ve got one planned for Memorial Day weekend,” Johnny Ardis, the general manager of Open Books, said. “Last year, we had one on Thanksgiving weekend, so we’re probably going to continue that routine.” This decision complements Open Book’s plans to add more events, particularly ones which were halted by the pandemic, such as book signings, poetry readings and documentary viewings, to their calendar. Shoppers can expect to find a wide selection of high quality, good-condi8 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
tion used books, which Open Books prides itself on. They are particularly proud of their poetry selection, boasting that it is “arguably the best” in Pensacola. Ardis credits the oversight of Scott Satterwhite, a founder, longtime volunteer and instructor at University of West Florida. “You know, Scott’s basically the curator of most of these books. And him being an English professor, he knows books! He’s a poet himself, so he curates the poetry section,” Ardis said. “We’ve basically got the best of the best.”
These sales are the perfect opportunity for voracious readers to add a generous heap of books to their “to-read” piles and donate a cache of read books to stock someone else’s, confident that their support will benefit their local community. In addition, all of Open Books’ profits fund the Prison Book Project, which sends free books to inquiring prisoners throughout the state of Florida. According to a 2021 report by the Florida Department of Corrections, as of June 30, 2021, there were 80,495 inmates in Florida’s prison system. This number fluctuates; yet prison recidivism rates in Florida consistently range between 24 to 25 percent. The Prison Book Project aims to lower the recidivism rate by providing prisoners with the opportunity to learn practical skills and improve their mental wellbeing during their sentence, allowing for a better chance at successful reintegration upon release. Nonprofits normally back a cause, but Open Books and the Prison Book Project’s case is unique. Open Books is sort of a façade that the Prison Book Project has worn since October 2007—but the project’s history is longer, seeded in political activism and Pensacola’s once-thriving punk subculture. In 1999, a group of local activists formed the Collective of Resource Empowerment (CORE) House to combat a variety of sociopolitical issues, including the prison industrial complex, and serve as a small library for political and alternative publica-
tions. CORE’s quick dissolution saw their politics and “small but impressive” transform into the Prison Book Project in 2000. A noble aim—however, the Department of Corrections states that books sent to a prison must be sent from a legitimate bookstore; thus, for there to be a Prison Book Project, there must always be a bookstore. Subterranean Books was then formed to house the project; when Subterranean Books closed, Open Books took its place. More than a decade later, Open Books—now located at 1040 N. Guillemard Street, in an intimate, quasilabyrinthine building, surrounded by the colorful graffiti and galleries of First City Art Center, in what might be their perfect match—functions like a “well-oiled machine.” In 2021, Open Books received 4,164 letters from prisoners in facilities throughout Florida, sent 3,871 book packages and logged 4,485 total volunteer hours. “We probably mail out around 400 packages a month to prisoners. You know what? More like 500 a month we mail out to the prisoners,” Ardis said. “We’ve been consistent these last several years.” These impressive numbers wouldn’t be possible without the public’s generous donations as well as a dedicated cache of volunteers’ support. In addition to running the store, volunteers read and respond to 85-100 prisoners’ letters, and pack and ship as many book packages, per week. “We have anywhere from two to three
Johnny Ardis, General Manager of Open Books Pensacola
We proudly serve all local residents and businesses and honor all active military.
volunteers that work in here during the day,” said Ardis. “Then on bookpacking nights, we have anywhere from five to eight. We have book packings three times a week,” Ardis explained. Open Books is a nonprofit with a mission and Ardis credits the volunteers and public support for their success in 2022. Support Open Books and the Prison Books Project by shopping their semiannual $1 book sale on May 28-30 from 12 pm to 5 pm at 1040 N. Guillemard St. in Pensacola. If you’re looking for ways to get involved with Open Books or the Prison Book Project, visit openbookspcola.org to access their online volunteer application. You can also support Open Books with a taxdeductible donation online at patreon. com/openbooksor through PayPal at openbookspcola.org/pay-pal. To find out more about this event, visit openbookspcola.org, or follow Open Books on social media.
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CABARET on Holiday
PLT has officially named the New Year’s along with a separate VIP entrance Eve-themed party room “Dave Clark’s area to avoid having to wait in line. New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” in honor of a “It’s different, it’s artistic, it’s sexy; it’s major gift made to the theatre from a one-of-a-kind experience.” Susan long-time supporters and patrons, Clark Waters said. Dave and Cynthia Clark, to rename the Pensacola Cultural Center. The Profits from this annual fundraiser newly-named Clark Family Cultural allow PLT to continue to deliver diverse Center, owned and operated by PLT, theatrical experiences to children and by Morgan Cole is giving this special New Year’s Eve- adults through performances, volunthemed nod to the family in gratitude teer opportunities and educational not only for their generous $1 million outreach programs in our community. gift for the building restoration, but also as a special thanks for their years of For tickets and complete event commitment to Cabaret and for help- details, visit pensacolalittletheatre. ing the theatre to be able to execute com/cabaret. For more information the the fundraiser each year. on event sponsorship opportunities, contact Sid Williams-Heath at After a mandated two-year holiday New Year’s Eve while stuck at home, “We have a million reasons to love executive@pensacolalittletheatre.com. from its annual Cabaret soiree, PLT’s we’ve all missed out on a holiday party Cynthia and Dave Clark—and after upscale evening of black ties, luxurious during COVID,” presenting sponsor, planning the party for years, it’s a gowns and avant-garde performances Susan Clark Waters of Pure Pilates delight to raise a glass (on the hour, is set to make up for lost time at this said. “PLT is bringing every one of every hour) to toast the Clark year’s Cabaret on Holiday, set for those holiday parties you’ve missed family when the ball drops,” May 14 at The Clark Family Cultural since 2019 and fusing it all into one Williams-Heath said. “The Community has shown Center at 400 South Jefferson St. in night that you won’t forget.” their compassion and downtown Pensacola. For this party with a purpose, the flexibility for us after At this year’s holiday-themed extrava- theatre and surrounding blocks will canceling the event ganza, guests will celebrate a mashup be transformed to feature an array of for the last two years, of iconic calendar rituals like New festivities centered around a mashup and we are delighted Year’s Eve, Fourth of July, Valentine’s of holiday themes, which takes to celebrate with artDay, Halloween, Christmas, Mardi patrons through five open-bar venues lovers again on May 14.” Gras and more—all wrapped up into within and around The Clark Family Tickets for this all-incluone evening of celebration. Cultural Center. sive evening of art are $150 per-person and Cabaret is PLT’s signature fundraising “For one night, we celebrate every art event. Each year, the Cabaret boasts form by putting it directly in front of you,” include access to five a revolving theme and transforms the PLT Executive Director, Sid Williams- open-bar venues, live theatre and surrounding block into Heath explained. “Aerialists, singers, music, exclusive perforan indoor and outdoor entertainment dancers, drag performers, live musi- mances, classic cuisine complex, perfectly fusing local talent cians, sketch artists, DJs as well as and an array of other local and celebration to showcase art as elaborate costuming and innovative talent. Event sponsors will the life of the party. tech —it’s all there in one place with have access to an excluan air of mystique that only a theatre sive sponsor-only VIP area Scan the QR code featuring an upscale bar “Whether spending Valentine’s Day in can pull off.” above for tickets and gourmet provisions, isolation or watching the ball drop on
Pensacola Little Theatre’s (PLT) annual celebration of art is back for 2022—and it’s more festive than ever before.
and information
10 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
ART • ENTERTAINMENT ART ENTERTAINMENT • LIFESTYLE LIFESTYLE
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Summer The Sounds of
Local Concerts & Outdoor Music by Morgan Cole
hile machines prove themselves as useful tools for the making of music, it’s the musicians who bring that necessary spark of human emotion to the sounds they curate. In a society built around screens, streams and virtual music scenes, we often lose sight of the energy and dedication that goes into creating a killer beat or catchy melody. And, while virtual works in a pinch, there is nothing quite as exhilarating as the bass and the buzz of live music. Fortunately, our local music scene offers an abundance of opportunities when it comes to fantastic live music, especially during the summer months. Whether you’re in the mood to set up your beach chair and kick back at a free concert on the beach or soak up the smooth sounds of Jazz and Bluegrass along the river, you’re sure to enjoy one or all of these live outdoor concerts happening throughout the community in the months ahead.
Bands on the Beach Each year, from April to October, you can enjoy free outdoor concerts on Pensacola Beach. Featuring a lineup of regional artists, Bands on the Beach delivers an eclectic musical experience with weekly concerts held throughout the summer. The popular outdoor summer concert series is held every Tuesday from 7 to 9 pm at the Gulfside Pavilion on Pensacola Beach. Grab some friends, throw on your flip-flops, pack the cooler and lawn-chairs and head out to Pensacola Beach for one or all of these free weekly concerts to enjoy with the music in front of you and the Gulf behind you! Check out the full line up of upcoming concerts at visitpensacolabeach.com. May 2022 Schedule May 3: The Astronauts May 10: True Blue Band May 17: Cristi Dees BAD JUJU May 24: Bay Bridge Band May 31: On the Rox 12 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Blues on the Bay Keep those lawn chairs at bay for Blues on the Bay, a series of free outdoor performances held at the Community Maritime Park Hunter Amphitheater in downtown Pensacola. Concerts are held throughout the spring and summer months on select Sunday evenings when the Blue Wahoos are away. Pack up the picnic basket and lawn chairs and head out to the Hunter Amphitheater to enjoy some of the region’s top musical talent and sweeping views of Pensacola Bay. Concerts begin at 6 pm and are free and open to the public. For updates and to check out the full schedule of upcoming concert dates, be sure to like bluesonthebaypensacola on Facebook.
2022 Upcoming Concerts May 8: Platinum Premier Band May 22: Nobius June 12: Not Quite Fab June 26: Still Standing
Bands on the Bayou
Bands on the Blackwater Concert Series Held each spring from April through June along the west bank of the Blackwater River in Milton, the Bands on the Blackwater Concert Series features live outdoor music in a family-friendly setting. Concerts are held on Friday nights from 7 to 9 pm at Jernigan’s Landing located at 5158 South Willing Street in Milton. The line-up offers a variety of music from local favorites to national touring bands performing Bluegrass, country, blues and rock and roll. Blankets, chairs, and coolers are welcome and dancing is highly encouraged. “Bands Fans” are also welcome to come by boat, or anchor up in the river. Local food vendors will also on-site dishing up their delicious eats at each of the spring concerts. For updates and to check out the list of food vendors, follow BandsOnTheBlackwater on Facebook. Spring 2022 Concert Series May 6: Nobius May 13: Erick Baker May 20: Kacy Moon May 27: 12Eleven June 3: Sons of Bocephus, A Tribute to Hank Jr. June 10: Horseshoe Kitty
Brought to you by the East Hill Neighborhood Association in partnership with the City of Pensacola, Bands on the Bayou is an outdoor concert series that gives back to our local community. Through contributions from local sponsors, this concert series is free and open to the public. The concert series features local and regional talent across from a variety of music genres. Concerts are held on the bank of Bayou Texar at Bayview Park located in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola at 2001 E Lloyd Street. Members of the community are invited to bring chairs and blankets to set up on the lawn outside of the Bayview Community Center during concerts. Boat access is also available and guests are welcome to take in the tunes from their own watercraft. Local food trucks will also be on-site to dish up tasty snacks and foods for concert-goers. Proceeds from the event directly benefit local non-profit organizations throughout our community. Check out the full calendar of upcoming concerts and food truck vendors at bandsonthebayou.com.
2022 Concert Schedule July 30: Back to School Edition featuring the Abby Kasch Band Event proceeds to benefit local charities dedicated to child health, welfare, development and education
October 1: Arts Extravaganza featuring DLP Rock Band Event proceeds to benefit local charities dedicated to advancing excellence and diversity in music, art and culture.
Rising Appalachia & Holy River: Gathering Under the Stars Rising Appalachia and Holy River will perform live under the stars on May 5 from 4 to 10 pm at the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park located at 301 West Main Street in downtown Pensacola. Whether playing at Red Rocks or in rail cars, at Italian street fairs or to Bulgarian herbalists, this fiercely independent band has blazed a unique and colorful path across the globe. Led by the collective voice of sisters Leah and Chloe, and joined by their beloved band—percussionist Biko Casini and bassist/guitarist David Brown—Rising Appalachia is a melting pot of folk music simplicity, textured songwriting and bloodline harmonies. Listen for a tapestry of song, spoken word and a wealth of musical layering that’s both genre-bending and familiar at the same time. The live performance will feature a collection of sounds, stories and songs steeped in tradition and a devotion to world culture. General admission tickets for this family-friendly concert are available for $50 each and $20 for children, ages 6 to 12. For tickets and complete event details, visit eventbrite.com. DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM | 13
PSO in the Park Join members of the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra on May 8 at 4 pm at Museum Plaza located at 120 Church Street in downtown Pensacola for a free outdoor performance. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets to set up on the lawn and enjoy a small ensemble of Pensacola Symphony Orchestra musicians as they perform in a live outdoor setting for members of the community. All performances are free and open to the public. These community concerts are offered in partnership with the University of West Florida Historic Trust and with special assistance from WUWF 88.1 FM and Dale Riegle. Visit pensacolasymphony.com for complete event details and to view the full calendar of upcoming PSO in the Park performances.
SHOWTIME
Ticketed Concerts & Music Events Pensacola Saenger Theatre
Triptych presented by the Choral Society of Pensacola
May 2022 Shows & Concerts
May 15 at 7:30 pm
For information on upcoming shows and concerts, visit pensacolasaenger.com.
The Choral Society of Pensacola presents an exhilarating program of music for soloist, chorus, and percussion, joyfully exploring life from the cradle to the grave on May 15 at the UWF Center for Fine and Performing Arts (Bldg. 82) at 11000 University Parkway. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students. Visit choralsocietyofpensacola. org/ or eventbrite.com for tickets and information.
Vinyl Music Hall Be sure to check out the packed lineup of upcoming shows coming to Vinyl Music Hall this month. For tickets and information, visit vinylmusichall.com.
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S
Pensacola Children’s Chorus presents Showtime May 6–7 at 7:30 pm & May 8 at 2:30 pm Tickets – Start at $15 An Officer and a Gentleman (New Musical) May 10 & 11 at 7:30 pm Tickets – Start at $50
Boombox May 6 at 9 pm Tickets – $15 (plus fees)
Cowboy Mouth May 13 at 8 pm Tickets – $25 (plus fees)
Lukas Nelson & POTR May 7 at 8 pm Tickets – $25 (plus fees)
Drivin N Cryin May 20 at 8 pm Tickets – $15 (plus fees)
TI
Black Jacket Symphony presents Saen SEASON SPONSORS: The Police’s Synchronicity & May 12 at 8 pm www.PensacolaSing Tickets – Start at $30
Crown the Empire Road to Hell Tour May 22 at 7:30 pm Tickets – $22 (plus fees) DEPARTURE: The Journey Tribute Band May 27 at 8 pm Tickets – $16 (plus fees)
A
fter altering last year’s event to a virtual format as a result of COVID19, the FCAC is pleased to welcome back both members and non-members alike to celebrate the return of this annual community event. Hot Glass Cold Brew is one of FCAC’s most unique signature fundraisiers, where guests select their own hand-crafted glass or ceramic cup to be filled with a variety of craft beers and local brews offered throughout the evening. Upon entering the event, guests will have the opportunity to choose from more than 600 hand-crafted glass or ceramic cups to use throughout the evening for sampling the variety of tasty beers and brews .
‘BACK ON TAP’ for Beers and Brews By Darien Hardy
THE FIRST CITY ARTS CENTER (FCAC) is pleased to announce that its popular Hot Glass Cold Brew event is officially “Back on Tap” for its first in-person event since COVID19. This year’s event will kick off on May 6 at the First City Art Center located at 1060 N Guillemard Street in downtown Pensacola.
“We are excited to welcome the community back to our campus after not having a large event aside from our Annual Glass and Ceramic Pumpkin Patch,” FCAC Education and Outreach Director Lauren Moody said. “This event will look a lot like past Hot Glass Cold Brew events, bringing the community together for a fun evening of art demonstrations, music, craft brews, kid activities and an art market.” Just like many other organizations during the pandemic, the FCAC had to shift gears and start hosting virtual events, however it’s hard to replicate something like the Hot Glass Cold Brew event. Moody said that the FCAC wants guests to be able to feel a sense of normalcy again for the return of this beloved annual event. This year’s event will feature live glass blowing demonstrations,
16 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
music by local band Panzacola, fun activities for the kids and more. Other festivities will include a special arts market hosted by the FCAC Ceramics Guild, which will showcase the works of more than 15 local artists. There will also be a kids tent featuring creative activities to keep them entertained, as well as information on FCAC’s scholarship program and upcoming summer camp.
“Clearly the community loves Hot Glass Cold Brew. We are grateful for the support of the virtual events, but there is nothing like being on campus for this event. We are absolutely ‘Back on Tap’ and looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Each HGCB builds on the last experience.” “In the glass studio, guests will have a chance to see artists stretch large rods of glass to more than 25-feet in length as part of one of the featured demonstrations that will be taking place throughout the evening,” Moody explained. “The ceramic studio will also feature FCAC instructors on the wheel, sculpting.” Long-time event partner and supporter, Pensacola Bay Brewery will also be in attendance
serving up a selection of their craft beers for guests to enjoy. FCAC will also provide wine and soft drinks for kids and non-beer drinkers. Guests will also have a chance to choose from a variety of tasty foods from local vendors like Jordan Valley, Rolling Embers and Orange Peel with its creative take on traditional fare. “Clearly the community loves Hot Glass Cold Brew,” FCAC Executive Director, Bar t Hudson said. “We are grateful for the support of the virtual events, but there is nothing like being on campus for this event. We are absolutely ‘Back on Tap’ and looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Each HGCB builds on the last experience.” FCAC members will get firstdibs with early entry at 5 pm for $25 per ticket. Non-members have the option to purchase tickets in-advance or in-person at the event. Guests who prepay may enter the event shortly after at 5:30 pm, while tickets at the gate go on sale at 6 pm. Non-member tickets are $35 and include one glass or ceramic cup and two complimentary beer fills at the event. Children under the age of 12 will be admitted for free with a paying adult. Get “Back on Tap” for the return of this beloved, annual community event on May 6 at FCAC in downtown Pensacola. For tickets and complete event details, visit firstcityart.org.
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PENSACOLA OPERA’S OPERA’S ANNUAL PENSACOLA ANNUAL FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING EVENT EVENT PENSACOLA OPERA’S ANNUAL FUNDRAISING EVENT
OPERAZZI OPERAZZI Under the Big Top
Under the Big Top Join us under the big top for a fantastical evening including a gourmet fourJoin us under the big top for a fantastical evening including a gourmet fourcourse dinner,the free-flowing wine, variety acts, liveincluding music, dancing, carnival Join us dinner, under big top forwine, a fantastical a gourmet fourcourse free-flowing variety evening acts, live music, dancing, carnival games, and more! The evening’s main attraction features a live auction of course dinner, free-flowing wine, variety acts, live music, dancing, carnival games, and more! The evening’s main attraction features a live auction of unique items and experiences to support our Artists in Residence program. games, and more! The evening’s main attraction features a live auction of unique items and experiences to support our Artists in Residence program. Step into a world of amazement for an event that’s promised to be the unique experiences to support our Artists Residence Step items into a and world of amazement for an event that’sinpromised to program. be the Step into a world of amazement for an event that’s promised to be the
greatest show on earth greatest greatest show on earth
FRIDAY, MAY 13 | 6:30 PM | SANDERS BEACH RESOURCE CENTER | TICKETS: $150 FRIDAY, MAY 13 | 6:30 PM | SANDERS BEACH RESOURCE CENTER | TICKETS: $150 FRIDAY, MAY 13 | 6:30 PM | SANDERS BEACH RESOURCE CENTER | TICKETS: $150 850.433.6737 | PENSACOLAOPERA.COM 850.433.6737 | PENSACOLAOPERA.COM 850.433.6737 | PENSACOLAOPERA.COM
PENSACOLA LIT TLE THEATRE PRESENTS
RED A play about life and art
BY JOHN LOGAN DIRECTED BY MAUREEN MCNEILL
850.432.2042 PENSACOLALIT TLETHEATRE.COM
MAY 20-28
The Big Scoop 2022
May
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Pensacola Crawfish Festival April 29 - May 1 The Pensacola Crawfish Festival is one of the largest crawfish boils in the Southeast, and it’s returning to Seville Square off Government Street in downtown Pensacola on April 29 May 1. The 37th Annual Pensacola Crawfish Festival will bring a taste of Louisiana right here to Pensacola Bay along with live music performances and activities for the whole family to enjoy. The festival will also feature a variety of arts and crafts vendors, original art, photography, jewelry and more. Admission is $5 for adults and $2 for kids, ages 6 to 12 years old. For complete details, visit fiestapensacola.org.
Burger Battle by the Bay 2022 May 7 This giant backyard burger festival is held annually at the Vince J. Whibbs Sr. Community Maritime Park in downtown Pensacola. At the event attendees will have a chance to taste numerous bite-sized samples of mouthwatering grilled burgers made by both professional and amateur teams—and you can vote for your favorite! Event proceeds benefit the charitable programs of the Rotary Club of Pensacola Suburban West and the Cordova Rotary Club. The event will be held from 11 am to 2 pm. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the door. For tickets and information, visit eventbrite.com.
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May 7 Attend one of the sweetest events in town! Head to Seville Square off Government Street in downtown Pensacola on May 7 for The Big Scoop event. This annual fundraiser is held annually to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida. Enjoy access to all-you-can-eat ice cream and tons of other sweet treats for making a suggested donation of $10 for adults and $5 for children. This family-friendly event will also feature games, activities and more. For complete event details, visit bbbsnwfl.org.
PMA Members Show 2022 March 11-May 29 The Members Show is an annual celebration of the talent and creativity of the Pensacola Museum of Art’s member community. This year’s exhibition features more than 80 artists working in a diverse range of media. The exhibition was juried by Carrie Ann Baade, with a special People’s Choice Award which was determined by the community. For complete details, visit pensacolamuseum.org.
PLT Cabaret on Holiday May 14 Pensacola Little Theatre’s annual celebration of art is back and more festive than ever. Join PLT for Cabaret on Holiday on May 14 at 7:30 pm at the Pensacola Little Theatre in downtown Pensacola. Cabaret’s holiday theme transforms the theatre and surrounding block into an indoor and outdoor entertainment complex, seamlessly fusing local talent and celebration to showcase art as the life of the party. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for tickets and event details.
Hangout Music Festival 2022 May 20-May 22 Each year in May, Alabama hosts the colossal three day music event enjoyed by thousands on the white, sandy gulf shores. Fans will have a chance to rock out with their favorite artists in front of four different stages. The extensive
line-up appeals to all ages and ranges from celebrity performers to local and regional artists. The event will be held in Gulf Shores, AL. For tickets and information, visit hangoutmusicfest.com.
Drivin N Cryin at Vinyl Music Hall May 20 Drivin N Cryin with special guests Heavy Kid and Big Jim Brown & the Speedkings will perform at Vinyl Music Hall in downtown Pensacola on May 20. Celebrating their 35th Anniversary together, the Atlantabased folk rock act, Drivin N Cryin, will bring their tour to Pensacola. Doors open at 7 pm and the show starts at 8 pm. For tickets and event details, visit vinylmusichall.com.
Movie Night at Blue Wahoos Stadium May 21 Enjoy a family-friendly movie night at Blue Wahoos Stadium on Saturday, May 21 with a showing of Encanto. Tickets are just $5 per-person and can be purchased in advance or at the door. Gates will open at 6 pm and the movie will start at 7 pm. Visit bluewahoos.com for tickets and information.
P3 Comedy Fest Presents Jade Esteban Estrada May 27 P3 Comedy Fest brings the greatest LGBTQ+ Comedians from all over the country to Pensacola, FL for a weekend of laughs at The Cabaret in downtown Pensacola. Don’t miss the special showcase on May 27 at 5 pm featuring headliner Jade Esteban Estrada. The American singer, actor, stand-up comedian, journalist and human rights activist is sure to make for an evening of fun and laughs. Ticket sales proceeds will be donated to the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors who provide mental health services to grieving Gold Star Military families. Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and information.
Graffiti Bridge 5K May 28 This unique 5K run/walk on May 28 will Start & Finish at a classic, local landmark—the Graffiti Bridge. The race kicks off at 7:30 am in the East Hill neighborhood of Pensacola.
Iconic collector’s medals will be handed out to every race finisher. The streets will close two hours prior to the race start time to give everyone the chance to have uninterrupted access to “tag” the bridge. Registration is currently $45 and on the week of the race, registration will increase to $50. For complete details and to register, visit runpensacola.com.
Comedians in Drag Doing Comedy May 29 Join P3 Comedy Fest at The Cabaret in downtown Pensacola on May 29th at 3 pm for Dr. Anna Lepeley’s Comedians in Drag Doing Comedy. The event will feature four comedians and a special guest will lip sync for their lives while they sport their most fierce fashions. Afterward they’ll get on the mic to make you laugh, and then comes the Bikini Contest! Which Queen or King will win the crown? You decide Memorial Day Weekend! Visit eventbrite.com for tickets and event details.
Memorial Weekend Pensacola Beach 2022 May 26 - 29 Johnny Chisholm Presents Memorial Weekend Pensacola, the largest LGBTQ event held in North America for the past 29 years. Head out to Pensacola Beach May 26-29 for the annual Memorial Day celebration at Park East from 9 pm to 3 am presented by by Johnny Chisholm featuring loads of fun and live entertainment by Ben Bakson, Isaac Escalante, Dan Slater, Dani Toro, Will Lowe, Kidd Madonny and more. You must be 18+ to attend. VIP Weekend Passes and individual event tickets are available online at johnnychisholm.com.
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MILITARYMATTERS
MILITARYMATTERS
AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION
BLUE ANGELS ANNOUNCE COMMANDING OFFICER FOR 2023-2024 SHOW SEASON
VF-84 JOLLY ROGERS VETERANS, SPOUSES VISIT NAS PENSACOLA
COURTESY STORY - NAVY FLIGHT DEMONSTRATION SQUADRON The U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels, announced the commanding officer for the 2023 and 2024 seasons at a press conference at the National Naval Aviation Museum onboard Naval Air Station Pensacola, April 5. Cmdr. Alexander Armatas will succeed Capt. Brian Kesselring and assume command following the end of the 2022 show season in November. Applicants are required to have a minimum of 3,000 flight hours and be in current command or have had past command of a tactical jet squadron. “The Blue Angels had an impressive group of highly qualified and skilled leaders apply this year,” Capt. Brian Kesselring, commanding officer and flight leader of the Blue Angels said. “I have full trust and faith Cmdr. Armatas is the right person to lead this team into the 2023 show season. Armatas, a native of Skaneateles, New York joins the Blue Angels after serving as the commanding officer of the “Gunslingers” of VFA-105. His previous assignments include multiple squadron tours, where he deployed aboard USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN-69) in support of Operation FREEDOM’s SENTINEL. Cmdr. Armatas holds a bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering from the United States Naval Academy. Armatas has more than 4,000 flight hours and more than 900 carrier arrested landings. 22 | DOWNTOWNCROWD.COM
Cmdr. Alexander Armatas
His decorations include multiple unit and personal awards. “It’s absolutely humbling and I’m honored to be here to represent the Navy and Marine Corps team,” Armatas said. “Throughout my career as an F/A-18 pilot, I’ve always looked to the Blues as a source of inspiration.” Cmdr. Armatas will serve as Commanding Officer and Flight Leader for the 2023 and 2024 Blue Angels air show seasons. He will report for initial training in Pensacola, Florida in September and officially take command of the squadron at the end of the air show season in November. The change-of-command ceremony is slated for November 13 at the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola. As the Blue Angels’ commanding officer, Cmdr. Armatas will lead a squadron of 154 personnel and serve as the demonstration flight leader, flying the #1 jet. The Blue Angels perform for 11 million people annually across the United States, and are scheduled to perform 64 shows in 32 locations during the 2022 season. Visit blueangels.navymil for the latest news and update throughout the 2022 show season.
In early April, Veterans and spouses representing Fighter Squadron 84 (VF-84) gathered for a reunion visiting the Gulf Coast and Naval Air Station (NAS) Pensacola. The group consisted of Veterans who served on the USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN-71) during Operation Desert Storm in 1991. Capt. John Pruitt, U.S. Navy retired, who served as the commanding officer of NAS Pensacola from 2002–2005, participated in the group’s reunion. Before commanding NAS Pensacola, Pruitt served with VF-84 in the early 1990s. “The VF-84 Jolly Rogers have b e e n c o n d u c t i n g re u n i o n s fo r a number of years,” Pruitt said. Last year the group gathered in Austin, Texas, to commemorate 30 years since the squadron’s retur n from Desert Storm “That was such a success,” Pruitt said. “We enjoyed seeing each other so much because of the shared experience of Desert Storm.” The reunion went so well in Texas, the group decided to gather again this year in Pensacola. “We chose Pensacola because all of us have touched Pensacola at one time or another,” Pruitt explained. “It’s just great to come back because every one of us, including most of our wives, have a Pensacola experience because we lived here and trained here.” Pruitt said he and his wife love Pensacola and were excited to return to the ‘Cradle of Naval Aviation.’ “I was the commanding officer here from 2002 to 2005, so my wife Lisa and I just have great memories of Pensacola,” Pruitt said.
During the visit on the base, the group toured the National Naval Aviation Museum and later gathered at the Mustin Beach Club to recount memories. Most of the Veterans who participated in the reunion were pilots or Naval flight officers with the squadron. The VF-84 “Jolly Rogers” Squadron flew the F-14A Tomcat during Desert Storm. “We are all combat Veterans from Desert Storm,” Pruitt said. “We operated in the (Persian) Gulf during Desert Storm.” Pruitt said after Desert Storm ended, the squadron operated from the Mediterranean in northern Iraq during Operation Provide Comfort. The two Naval aviators who conducted the first combat mission from the USS Theodore Roosevelt in Desert Storm also attended the reunion. Marty Chanik, who was the commanding officer of VF-84 during that time, said the mission occurred on the second night of the war. Chanik, alongside comrade Brian Wood, flew in the first mission from the carrier. “The group of folks we had in that squadron at that time frame was just a unique group,” Chanik said. “The personalities just fit so nice.” The shared experience of a Desert Storm combat deployment and the camaraderie among the VF-84 Veterans and their spouses can’t be replicated—that lives forever, Pruitt said. “We love seeing each other today just like we did 30 years ago— maybe even more today,” Pruitt added. “There’s nothing like it.”
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