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Editor ’s Corner
FROM THE SAFE vantage point on the other side of the holiday season, the New Year offers the feeling of a clean slate and a fresh start. Unfortunately at this writing, I’m precariously poised atop the highest hill of the Christmas rollercoaster, about to careen downward into the frenzy of last-minute shopping, wrapping, cleaning, and feasting. But amidst the chaos I have managed to take a bit of time to think about what I want out of 2014. For 2013, my theme was “More.” I tried to expect more of myself and push myself more to live up to those heightened expectations. I can definitely say with confidence that during the first two and last two months of 2013, I lived up to my theme. (The middle part is kind of a blur.) For 2014, I’m thinking about how packed December has been, and how I decided early in the season to embrace the full schedule, the lack of down time, and the smaller amounts of sleep that would come with it. It’s
been insanely busy, and I’ve felt tired at times, but I got back exactly what I put into this season, which was a lot. And it was totally worth it. For 2014, I want all my months to be this full, so 2014 will be the year of “Full.” Since I’m as young and aspiring and energetic as I’ll ever be, my schedule should be full. My heart and mind should be full, and my plate should be full, both metaphorically and at mealtimes, which must occur five to seven times each day. Yum! I want a house full of friends, an agenda full of play dates and meetings, a journal full of ideas, and a bank account full of money! That last one might be out of the question due to an undergraduate career that was full of writing and philosophy classes. Oh well—I won’t be full of regret about it. This month and all year, you too can get your fill of delightful and rewarding experiences. In Downtown Pensacola, you could write a book (or, ahem, a monthly newsprint publication) full of all the events, concerts, shows, and activities that are going down each month. In January we’re kicking off the Mardi Gras season in unique Pensacola style with a street party celebration, as well as getting our fill of cultural enrichment with Pensacola Opera’s production of Carmen. We’ve also included in this issue some eyecatching portraits of iconic and historic buildings that helped lay the foundation of our city’s story, which doesn’t so much fit into my theme, though it did fill up several pages! Readers, I invite you to join me in a year of fullness. Life’s too short for all the empty thoughts, empty plans, and empty calories that seem to permeate our modern Local artist Matt Black lives. This year let’s get our fill of sent me this charm for the good stuff. my 2013 theme. Thanks,
HAPPY NEW YEAR
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Emily Lullo, editor
Downtown Improvement Board Gallery Night 2014 A Night at the Opera: Carmen Business Profile: 21 West Ice Flyers Q+A Film
Matt!
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Executive Editor Kelly Oden Art Director Rita Laymon Graphic Design and Ad Coordination Guy Stevens II Business Editor Josh Newby Editorial Intern Hannah Leyva Advertising Account Executives Sharyon Miller sharyon@ballingerpublishing.com Becky Hildebrand becky@ballingerpublishing.com DIB Executive Director Ron Butlin DIB Board Members Burney Merrill Susan Campbell Teri Levin Corbett Davis John Peacock 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 in cooperation with the Downtown Improvement Board, 41. N. Jefferson St., Suite 401, Pensacola, Florida 325402 by Ballinger Publishing. Offices located at 41 N. Jefferson St., Suite 402, Pensacola Florida 32505 \
Published by Ballinger Publishing
New Year’s Resolutions Word on the Street Art • Music • Theatre Dateline Downtown Pensacola Mardi Gras Faces in the Crowd
Building History 2
Publisher Malcolm Ballinger
Cover design by Guy Stevens II
Downtown Crowd is locally owned and operated. It is published monthly for distribution in Pensacola, Florida. All Right Reserved. Reproduction or use of the contents herein is prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Comments and opinions expressed in this magazine represent the personal views of the individuals to whom they are attributed and/or the person identified as the author of the article, and they are not necessarily those of the publisher. This magazine accepts no responsibility for these opinions. The publisher reserves the right to edit all manuscripts. All advertising information is the responsibility of the individual advertiser. Appearance in this magazine does not necessarily reflect endorsement of any products or services by Ballinger Publishing.
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Downtown I m p r o v e m e n t B o a r d The DIB is looking forward to a productive 2014. We’re ready for the New Year to get started accomplishing a healthy set of initiatives and scope of work. The Board Members created HEAART, which represents a Downtown focus on Housing, Economic Development, Aesthetics, Arts & Culture, Retail and Transportation. These concepts are not new for Downtown, but keeping in mind that Downtown has HEAART will ensure the focus on these elements remain first and foremost in everybody’s mind. The DIB is concentrated on attracting more retail, increasing residential development, growing the number of visitors, improving community awareness of the economic impact Downtown has on the region, and strengthening collaborative relationships with other agencies. Tying into more visits, the DIB will focus on expanding the successes of the Palafox Market and manage the increase of the number of Gallery Nights—offering themes to complement sponsor marketing objectives. Downtown has become the place for events of all types looking to imitate the success of the unique and uber-successful Pelican
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Drop, the “place to be” for New Year’s Eve. Enhancement of the parking district will be a large area of attention and action this year. Downtown’s vibrancy continues to grow and the popularity means the needs and demands of parking must shift and remain fluid. Look for big progress in the management Ron Butlin DIB Executive Director of available parking spaces for the optimal use and success of the surrounding enterprises. 2014 promises to be a terrific year full of opportunities. On behalf of the DIB staff, the board and committee members, stakeholders and investors in Downtown—we wish you a happy and prosperous New Year.
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2014: A Year of · Gallery Nights Emily Lullo previews Gallery Night’s best year yet
THE GALLERY NIGHT season kicks off this month on Friday, Jan. 17, and for the first time, it will continue on a monthly basis throughout the year. Years ago Gallery Night was a much smaller night of galleries and other businesses opening their doors late to patrons, and it has since blossomed and grown into a full blown art and music extravaganza that attracts thousands. So many people flock to Palafox and the surrounding blocks that the main thoroughfare and Government have been closed to traffic for the duration of the event to allow crowds to spill into the streets, and the streets continue to remain closed from 9 pm to 12 am for safety and to allow the revelry to continue once the official Gallery Night has ended. Special thanks to the 5-9 pm street closure sponsor Stella Artois.
As usual, each event this year will offer a little something different, with surprises like flash mobs or costumed characters popping up among the music performances and art demonstrations that pepper the streets and participating businesses. Look out for exciting collaborations like February’s event, which will be held in conjunction with Pensacon, or the April event which will feature many jazz performances in celebration of that weekend’s Jazz Festival. This year, come Downtown to enjoy the expanded Gallery Night offerings, and be sure to look out for Official Participant signs to find the businesses that make Gallery Night possible. Mark your calendars now for the dates of the 2014 Gallery Night season!
2014 Gallery Night Dates January 17
July 18
February 21
August 15
March 14
September 19
April 4
October 17
May 16
November 21
June 20
December 19
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Carmen PENSACOLA OPERA PRESENTS
a night at the opera by Josh Newby
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THE CLASSIC TALE OF LUST AND MURDER
THE FOUR-ACT Carmen is opera at its most brilliantly tragic. With unmatched atmosphere and orchestration, not to mention the lust and suffering experienced by its characters, the opera remains an international favorite with countless screen and stage adaptations. While most of the characters in Carmen—ranging from soldiers, smugglers, and even gypsy women— have become staples of opera comique tradition, the two leads, the lust-struck Don José and the beautiful Carmen, lie outside the genre as memorably unique and well developed personalities. Penned by Georges Bizet and considered by many to be the most popular opera ever written, Carmen tells the story of the downfall of Don José, a naive soldier who is seduced by the fiery gypsy Carmen. Amidst the sultry backdrop of Seville, Spain in the early 19th century, Carmen’s irresistible allure drives the young José to his doom. Abandoning his childhood sweetheart and deserting his military duties, Jose’s world is turned upside down by this woman who can’t be tamed. Carmen’s desire for the striking toreador Escamillo and a life that is free sends the poor José into a murderous rage. Bizet’s Carmen features many wellknown arias and a lush, haunting orchestral score. This red-hot French drama is simultaneously heartbreaking and inspiring. Upon its release in 1875, the opera’s themes of jealousy and thwarted love were met with shock and outrage by the otherwise conservative French public. As a result, it had a short initial public run. It was not until Bizet’s death at the age of 36 that the opera received the recognition it deserved, finding a home in New York and San Francisco. The classic Carmen is perfect for first-time operagoers and veterans alike. Novices will enjoy the wide range of emotions, larger than life characters and extravagant production values. Veterans will notice the nuances of artistic freedom that director Dean Anthony and conductor Jerome Shannon take advantage of, each of whom apply a unique stroke to this ever-evolving piece of performance art. “Pensacola Opera productions have become known for outstanding production quality—sets, costumes, lighting—and performances by world-class, internationally known singers,” said Artistic Director Kyle Marrero. “Our production of Carmen continues this tradition with a stellar cast: Audrey Babcock as Carmen,
Chad Shelton as Jose, Michael Mayes as Escamillo, and Jane Redding as Micaela. Sets are being designed and built by New Orleans Opera and costumes designed and built by Glenn Avery Breed. Pensacola Opera is truly ‘Big City Opera.’ You won’t want to miss this one!” Performed in French with English supertitles, the Pensacola Opera continues Carmen’s tradition of unparalleled theatric quality and brimming emotions by hosting it as part of its 31st season. Tickets for the performance start at $20. Order online at pensacolaopera.com or by calling the Pensacola Opera Box Office at 433.6737. Show times are Jan. 17 at 7:30 pm at the Saenger Theatre and Jan. 19 at 2 pm at the Saenger.
Opera’s exciting past 1607: Claudio Monteverdi’s Orfeo is considered the first true opera. 1600s: Although not operas in the modern sense, performances that emerged during this time featured music, dances and speeches. 1700s: Opera becomes an international phenomenon, with both comic and serious genres gaining prestige in France, England and Italy. 1756: In The Marriage of Figaro, exquisite melodies and enhanced personalities emerge. 1800s: The irrational, otherwordly and exotic become mainstays of opera, causing the art form to become passionate and violent, as in in Faust, The Barber of Seville and Carmen. Late 1800s: Opera is the ultimate art form, portraying grand aspirations and intimate tragedies. Boris Godunov, La Boheme, and The Queen of Spades are released. 1900s: Contemporary opera continues to awe and inspire with producers like Weir, Berio, and Adams. downtowncrowd.com Jan 2014
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Business Pr o f i l e
Sneak peeks of Twenty-One West
by Hannah Leyva
twenty-one west
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ROMANO STREET WILL soon be will change from cocktail lounge to dance home to Pensacola’s newest night spot. club. The exposed brick walls and silvery Chase Walsh of Lillian’s Pizza in gray furniture will be uplit with colored Perdido Key is partnering with up with his LED lights as a DJ starts spinning and wife, Shannon Johnson, and their good people start to fill the 12-foot by 24-foot friend Ryan Toole to open up Twenty One dance floor in the center of the room. West, a lounge and club that will be a “We want it to be a fun, young, hip “nice, clean place that’s smoke free with atmosphere,” said Johnson, who has good drinks and good music.” designed the look of the space. Though Opening Twenty One Downtown West has been both Pensacola does not the realization of a goal “Clean, good suffer a shortage of and a struggle for the atmosphere, good late night watering owners. After suffering cocktails, good holes, the Twenty several delays, they are music – it’s not going to One West trio finally nearing the finish (who also owned line and hope to be be only one thing. We’ll Last Call Bar on open shortly after the be bringing a lot of Sorrento Road) new year. things together.” have a specific “We’re just kind of vision for their buttoning everything newest venture. up,” said Walsh, noting “We want to be a place where you can that all the necessary elements were in get a good cocktail for happy hour,” said and just waiting for installation. Toole. “We want to bring something a As construction winds down, attention little nicer [to Downtown], especially for has turned toward the grand opening. A business professionals.” soft opening for friends and family will Mixed drinks will be the highlight of come first, followed by “a big blowout a Twenty One West’s bar offerings. Their week or two later,” said Toole, who will signature drinks menu is being developed be running the business’ social media by mixologist Patrick Bolster of 5 ½ Bar, pages. and their staff will be trained by him as Despite the unexpected delays, the well. Classic cocktails and bottled beer owners are excited to fill the void they will also be sold. see in the Downtown nightlife scene. As the night goes on, the atmosphere “Clean, good atmosphere, good
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cocktails, good music – it’s not going to be only one thing,” said Toole. “We’ll be bringing a lot of things together.”
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27th Annual
Saturday January 25th, 2014 Cordova Park Elementary 2250 Semur Road Registration: 6:30 - 7:30 am 5k Run/Walk: 8 am One Mile Fun Run: 9:15 am Health Fair: 9 am - 12 pm
and Health Fair
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Register Online!
www.webelieveinchildren5k.com
ICE FLYERS Q&A Emily Lullo chats with Ice Flyers assistant captain Shaun Arvai about his impressive hockey experience, playing for the team he once battled, and the perfect night in Pensacola.
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THE PENSACOLA ICE Flyers 2013-2014 season is well underway and as the defending champions of the Southern Professional Hockey League, team leadership is a key component for their continuing success. Assistant Captain Shaun Arvai is an integral part of that leadership with many seasons of play under his belt. While the 31-year-old defenseman is an Ontario native, Arvai has made himself comfortably at home on the Gulf Coast. He played college hockey at the NCAA Division I University of Alabama-Huntsville before competing with the SPHL’s Huntsville Havoc, the Western Ontario Athletic Association’s Komoka Classics, and the ECHL’s South Carolina Stingrays, among many others throughout North America and Europe. After spending last season with the Knoxville Ice Bears he’s found a home with the Ice Flyers. DTC spoke with Arvai about his transition from Bear to Flyer and what he loves about his new Panhandle home.
SHAUN ARVAI
What is your favorite place to grab a drink in Pensacola? With the year-round great weather, I like to be outside as much as possible, so at night I enjoy winding down on the patio at Helenback. It’s a pretty laid back atmosphere with a great view overlooking Palafox. Warm air, cold beverages and great music…can’t ask for anything else! Where might you be found relaxing during your down time? Anytime I have an open afternoon and the sun is shining I’m headed straight down to the beach. That will never get old to me. Describe your perfect night out in Pensacola. A great night is only as good as the people you share it with, so to have friends and family in town, mixed with teammates and fans all looking to have a good time after a big Ice Flyers win would be pretty tough to top no matter where the location. Maybe throw in a musical act like the Black Keys
opening up for the Tragically Hip at any local bar with no closing time: that would be a night to remember. Is there a song or pre-game ritual that gets you pumped before a game? I have a pretty standard game day routine I follow but nothing that involves any crazy superstitions. There really is nothing that gets players more pumped than the Hanger packed full of loud rowdy fans, which occurs on a nightly basis. How do you celebrate after a win or cool down after a loss? After a win it’s pretty standard to go out as a team and have a little fun on the town. It’s good to take your mind off hockey for a bit and relish in the accomplishment. After a loss it’s inevitable to not talk about what went wrong and how to correct it. You always are told to move on and start focusing on the next game, but that is easier said than done.
What do you do as a captain to help your team build on the success of last year? Even though I wasn’t a part of last year’s championship team it’s always a fun challenge to defend a title. As one of the older players on the team, I try to share my years of experience with the younger guys and show the preparation and work that goes into playing your best on a nightly basis… then I just try to keep up with them. How did you feel about coming to Pensacola to soar with the Ice Flyers after spending last year as an Ice Bear in Knoxville? Last year in Knoxville our season was ended early at the hands of the Ice Flyers, so needless to say I’ve had to hear about that a lot from my new teammates. But I can’t think of a better city and organization to play for so I jumped at the opportunity and haven’t looked back.
Shaun Arvai (center) squaring off against the Mississippi Surge on Dec. 17. downtowncrowd.com Jan 2014
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Film
In which we unfairly judge upcoming attractions based solely on their trailers.
by Josh Newby
What I’ll be spending my $8 on:
Her In theaters: January 11 Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Rooney Mara, Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson What I got from the preview: In the nottoo-distant future, a lonely, mustachioed introvert falls in love with an operating system designed to make his life easier. An Arcade Fire-backed soundtrack and a host of beautiful women fill the outer edges of this story that proves intimacy and connection often inhabit the channels we least expect. Most notable for: A commentary on our communal addiction to technology? Check. Spike Jonze, purveyor of screen gems such as Being John Malkovich and Adaptation? Check. Joaquin Phoenix, one of the finest actors of this or any other generation? Check. Unqualified critical observation: Already released in select markets to qualify for awards season, this movie is being hailed as one of the best of 2013. One look at the trailer will only substantiate those praises. I have long been a fan of Jonze’s quiet examinations on the different types of love we feel from the relationships we form, and this film promises to be his most layered examination to date.
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Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones
Jack Ryan: Shadow Recruit
In theaters: January 3 Starring: Andrew Jacobs, Molly Ephraim What I got from the preview: Proving that ghosts unnecessarily possess people of any race, this needless fourth sequel continues the now-entirely convoluted found-footage horror story with a “marked” young Hispanic boy who begins attacking people, drawing upside-down crucifixes on random things, and making his sister’s quinceañera all about him. Most notable for: Exposing the true awfulness, lack of creativity, and transparent greed of Hollywood during the typically dull January month. Unqualified critical observation: Let’s play a game. You’re an up-and-coming young director who made three seriously inventive horror movies and basically resurrected the found-footage genre. Do you: A) retire, thank the gods you were so lucky to strike it big and dance like no one’s yelling, “Stop twerking, this is a little-league game;” or B) beat the franchise into the ground with superfluous sequels in a desperate attempt to make more money, ruining your legacy in the process? Oren Peli went with option B, although rumor has it he often dances on the graves of Alfred Hitchcock and Stanley Kubrick.
In theaters: January 17 Starring: Chris Pine, Keira Knightley, Kevin Costner What I got from the preview: Keira Knightley plays a lovably ignorant wife who just can’t understand why her husband, Jack Ryan, keeps turning up with bruises on his perfectly molded cheeks or why he has all these air travel plans to Moscow. She confides in her girlfriends that she’s afraid the marriage has gone sour, evidenced by Jack’s lack of communication and openness with her. Well, it turns out Jack is based on the popular Tom Clancy character and has to thwart Russian plans to crash the US economy. At least that’s the angle the movie should’ve taken. Most notable for: After years of playing around with actual Tom Clancy novel adaptations, Hollywood has decided to just take the iconic character hostage and make him a James Bond/Jason Bourne hybrid, stripping him of everything that made him special in the first place. Unqualified critical observation: Do you really need to ask? January is just the worst.
Lone Survivor In theaters: January 10 Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Taylor Kitsch, Emile Hirsch, Eric Bana What I got from the preview: Mark Wahlberg looks an awful lot like Saving Private Ryan’s Tom Hanks in this incredible true sensationalized story of a SEAL team who were tasked with a mission to kill a Taliban leader in 2005. The failed mission results in their capture, giving way to a tale of survival and sacrifice. Most notable for: This movie tells the story of one of the most notoriously failed missions in recent military history, and appears to do so with gritty realism. Also, Mark Wahlberg plays a soldier, which should complete his goal of playing every movie male archetype available. Unqualified critical observation: I’m always a fan of Mark Wahlberg, and I’m an even bigger fan of movies that inform me of recent events so I have something to say when the topic comes up. Given the strength of the cast and the relevance of the remarkable story, Lone Survivor, along with Her, will likely be the bright spots in an otherwise dull January movie outlook.
I, Frankenstein In theaters: January 24 Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Bill Nighy, Miranda Otto What I got from the preview: You know what always bothered me about the original novel? Other than the fact that people assume the monster’s name is Frankenstein, it didn’t have enough building-jumping and creatures from other mythologies. Well, this movie solves that by moving the monster to the present-day and pinning him between a centuries-old war between two immortal clans, surrounded by dimly-lit computer generated landscapes. Most notable for: The Underworld production team is back to ruin whatever semblance of dignity was left in the movie monster genre, because nothing you love is safe. Unqualified critical observation: I, Josh, believe that Hollywood has created a monster. In their never-ending search for bankable franchises, they have assembled the disparate parts of other more successful stories and movies, creating a monster that neither understands its audience nor takes pity on them, demanding your money in exchange for emptiness, desolation, and an unintentionally accurate and sad observation on the state of American entertainment.
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BUILDING HISTORY Portraits of Pensacola Structures
Photography by Guy Stevens II Building facts courtesy of Emerald Coast Tours
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A product of Renaissance Revival architecture, Artel is one of the most unique buildings in Downtown. A former county court house, built in 1887, the building features cotton bales in the foundation because of a water flow problem discovered during construction. Artel now operates as an art gallery.
The historic seven-story Chicago style Blount office building was designed by Charles Turner in 1906 for local attorney William Blount after the three-story Blount-Watson Building burned down in 1905. The first floor has changed over time to accommodate different retail spaces, but the exterior of the upper floors remains just as they were first built. In 1989, the Blount Buidling was described as a “fine example of turn-of-the-century commercial architecture in Pensacola.�
BLOUNT BUILDING
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SEVILLE TOWER
Originally known as the American National Bank Building, the Chicago-style Seville Tower was built in 1910 for only $250,000. At that time it was the tallest building in the state of Florida. The Tower remained the tallest building in Pensacola until 1974. Also, the building sits on the site of the first telephone exchange in Florida by Southern Bell in 1880. Seville Tower is currently used as office space for Downtown Pensacola.
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T.T. WENTWORTH
Named after Pensacola entrepreneur and politician Theodore Thomas Wentworth, Jr., the T.T. Wentworth is currently a museum owned by UWF Historic Trust. However, it was originally City Hall when it was built in 1905 and completed in 1908 in the Spanish Mission Revival style.
In 1988, after City Hall had moved locations, the building was selected as the home of Wentworth’s vast historical collection. The King and Queen of Spain spoke from the balcony in 2009 to celebrate Pensacola’s 450th anniversary. downtowncrowd.com Jan 2014 21
One of the most impressive buildings in Pensacola is the Crowne Plaza Pensacola Grand Hotel, the entrance for which was constructed with Spanish Mission Revival themes. The hotel was built around the L&N Passenger Depot and Express Office, constructed in 1912 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was restored and now houses the lobby, restaurant, bar and other shops. The lobby still features the original tile floor and graffiti on the marble window sill dating back as early as 1913.
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CROWNE PLAZA
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NEW
YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
2014 • FIREARMS • AMMUNITION • GUNSMITHING • INDOOR RANGE NRA CERTIFITED INSTRUCTORS CONCEALED WEAPONS CLASSES
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OAK RIDGE GUN RANGE GULF BREEZE 1889 COWEN RD. GULF BREEZE, FL 32563 850.932.5500 FAX: 850.932.5200
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Happy New Year from Downtown Pensacola!
AS 2014 GETS underway, many among us will be working hard to strive for New Year’s resolutions to improve ourselves both inside and out. This year consider looking to local businesses to meet your New Year needs, whether it’s a place to treat yourself to a happinessinducing splurge or a locally owned gym or weight loss specialist to get you to your health goals. Maybe your goal is to open yourself to new experiences you’ve never before tried. Downtown Pensacola offers an infinite number of new and exciting possibilities ranging from
explorations of the city’s rich and storied past to a delicious locally-sourced meal. Rediscover your city like a tourist and take advantage of the many cultural and historic offerings. If shopping locally isn’t already one of your resolutions, it’s not too late to add it to the list! Shopping from locally owned businesses benefits you by offering unique and one-of-a-kind goods and services, but it also keeps money in the local economy, thus helping to grow our blossoming Downtown. Have a happy and healthy New Year in Downtown Pensacola!
To place an ad here, contact Sharyon Miller at 433-1166 ext. 28, or Becky Hildebrand at 433-1166 ext. 31
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Word on the Street
Public Piano Unveiled in Downtown Pensacola
If you haven’t noticed the newly installed piano under the awnings outside of Vinyl Music Hall, it’s time to start tickling those ivories! In partnership with the City of Pensacola, the University of West Florida is leading an initiative to promote music appreciation by installing pianos in various locations for public use. Dr. Hedi Salanki-Rubardt, distinguished professor and director of the Piano Program and Chamber Music at UWF, created the project to enhance Pensacola’s cultural climate and bring visibility to UWF. Spectators are welcomed to play the piano or enjoy listening. The first piano was painted by UWF student Josh Green. There are several additional locations around the Pensacola community that will soon have pianos as well. Public piano projects have been successfully implemented in many large U.S. cities, and UWF plans for Pensacola to join in this creative concept.
Barry Manilow Brings Manilow Music Project to Escambia County School District
Legendary singer-songwriter Barry Manilow hopes others will once again follow his philanthropic lead as he brings his Manilow Music Project to the Escambia County School District in Florida. The pop icon plans to donate a Yamaha piano to launch a local music instrument drive. Anyone who donates a new or gently used musical instrument to the Pensacola Bay Center box office will receive two free tickets for Manilow’s Jan. 30 show. The Manilow Music Project has conducted music instrument drives all over the country to assist local schools with their music programs. The Pensacola Bay Center will be the base for the instrument drive through Jan. 30 and will be open 10-5 pm Monday through Friday.
SoGourmet Offers Culinary Delights
The newest business in the burgeoning cross section of Main Street and Palafox is SoGourmet, a shop featuring stylish and useful kitchen utensils, plateware and gadgetry and a gorgeous, professional teaching kitchen. Patrons can take a cooking class overlooking Downtown and then pick up a bottle of bubbly among many other things at SoGo. Visit sogourmetpensacola.com to schedule classes, and see recipes and all that this new culinary boutique has to offer.
IHMC Expands in Downtown
The Florida Institute for Human and Machine Cognition will expand its Downtown Pensacola research facility by adding a three-story, 30,000-squarefoot addition, and expanding and renovating the existing building. The expansion will more than double IHMC’s space, allowing consolidation of research and administrative functions at the main campus at 40 S. Alcaniz Street in the Seville Historic District, and allow for future growth. IHMC’s operations are currently spread over four separate sites. The IHMC is one of the nation’s premier research organizations with world-class scientists and engineers investigating a broad range of topics related to building technological systems aimed at amplifying and extending human cognitive, perceptual, and physical capacities.
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Ar t · Musi c · T h e a t r e Jeff Dunham Returns to Pensacola Bay Center Jan. 23
The nation’s number one comedian, Jeff Dunham, and his beloved cast of characters announce the kick off of the winter leg of their 2013 “Disorderly Conduct” worldwide tour. Fans all over the world can look forward to a new jam-packed show with more laughs than ever before. Dunham and his famed troupe of sidekicks will return to the Pensacola Bay Center stage on Jan. 23 at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $49 and are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
Fish House Deck Bar Weekly Music Schedule The Deck Bar is closed on Sunday & Monday night. Tuesday: Lucas Crutchfield from 6 - 10 pm Wednesday: Lucas Crutchfield 5 - 9 pm; at 9 pm a regional band will play until midnight. Regional bands are changed weekly Thursday: Lucas Crutchfield 6 - 10 pm Friday: Lucas Crutchfield 5 - 9 pm; regional band begins at 9 pm Saturday: Regional bands begin at 9 pm.
Barry Manilow Concert at Pensacola Bay Center Jan. 30
Barry Manilow, the undisputed #1 adult contemporary artist of all time, will bring his high-energy, hit-packed concert to the Pensacola Bay Center on Jan. 30. With more than 50 Top 40 hits like, “Mandy,” “Can’t Smile Without You” and “Copacabana,” Barry Manilow’s unparalleled career encompasses virtually every arena of entertainment. Tickets start at just $19.99 and range up to $179.99 and are available at pensacolabaycenter.com.
WUWF RadioLive Jan. 2 WUWF’s RadioLive is back for the first Thursday of each month at the Museum of Commerce at 201 E. Zaragoza St. Concerts start at 6 pm. This concert will feature Jonathan Byrd Band, Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart, Martha’s Trouble, and Spencer Bohren. Admission is free, but please bring canned food or money to donate to Manna Food Bank. For more information visit wuwf.org. Join the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra for the popular Beethoven & Blue Jeans concert at the Saenger Theatre at 8 pm, Jan. 11. This concert is part of the Masterworks Series and will showcase solo Ryan Anthony on the trumpet. The performance will include Overture to Fidelio by Beethoven, Valse Triste by Sibelius, La Valse by Ravel and more! Tickets range from $22-$84 and are available at pensacolasaenger.com.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra Presents Beethoven & Blue Jeans Jan. 11
PLT Presents Oleanna Jan. 17-19; 23-25
PLT presents Oleanna Jan. 17-19 and 23-25. Oleanna is about the power struggle between a university professor and one of his female students who accuses him of sexual exploitation and spoils his chances of being awarded tenure. Thursday, Friday and Saturday shows are at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $17 reserved café seating or $10 general admission. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for tickets or more information.
PLT Presents Boeing Boeing Jan. 31-Feb. 2; Feb. 6-9
PLT presents Boeing Boeing Jan. 31 - Feb. 2 and Feb. 6-9. In the 1960s, swinging bachelor Bernard couldn’t be happier with a flat in Paris and three gorgeous stewardesses all engaged to him without knowing about each other. But weather delays and the invention of a faster Boeing jet send his elaborate love life into chaos. Tickets are $14, $20, $24 or $30. Visit pensacolalittletheatre.com for tickets or more information.
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Ar t · Music · Theatre Capitol Steps at the Saenger Theatre Jan. 25
For nearly three decades, the Capitol Steps touring troupes have been showing us the humor in American politics and society. Setting their satire to popular songs we quickly recognize, but creating twists, turns and pointy places in the lyrics, they help us laugh at ourselves and our times. Most of the Steps are former Capitol Hill staffers. They say cumulatively the current performers have worked in a total of 18 Congressional offices and represent 62 years of collective House and Senate staff experience. Tickets are $38. For tickets and information visit pensacolasaenger.com.
Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Music for Families at the Saenger Theatre Jan. 11 This special yearly event provides an opportunity for children to learn more about the orchestra. Starting at 12:30 pm, there will be interactive music stations where kids can try out various instruments and music-related art and science projects that they can participate in. Afterward, a short concert specifically designed for families will be put on by the PSO starting at 2 pm. Event and ticket information can be found at pensacolasymphony.org.
At Artel Gallery This Month Student Mask Show Jan. 7 – Jan. 18
Artel will host a collaborative exhibit of masks made by Escambia County Schools art students Jan. 7-18 with an opening reception to be held on Jan. 7.
In Depth: Body of Work IV Jan. 21 – Feb. 28
Artel is presenting the next installment of a series exploring the works of three artists in a bit more depth juried by the winners from the last incarnation of the series, Michael Boles, Warren Thompson, and Kreg Yingst. A reception will be held Jan. 31. For more information on Artel visit artelgallery.org.
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Ar t · Musi c · T h e a t r e New Blues Show at Blue Morning Gallery
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Beginning Dec. 29, the Blue Morning Gallery kicks off the New Year with the traditional “New Blues Show” with works by member artists who have joined the Gallery in 2013. Participating artists include Margaret Biggs, Adrienne Childers, CeCe Hines, Chip Spirson and Sherry Vickery, painters: James Emery, photographer; Ric Koressel and Tom Snyder, wood artists and Trisha Macks, gourd artist, each with a unique approach to the medium. The New Blues welcome the public to a reception at the Gallery on Friday, Jan. 10 from 5 to 8 pm. Along with the opportunity to meet the artists and talk about their work, the reception offers refreshments and the unveiling of a new look for the Gallery. For Gallery Night, Jan. 17, the Blue Morning Gallery has extended hours for visitors to view new art, enjoy refreshments and listen to the music of the ever-popular Celtic Band Sweet Prospect. The Blue Morning Gallery is located at 21 Palafox Place, Downtown Pensacola. For information, call 429.9100 or visit the website at bluemorninggallery.com.
Saenger Theatre Presents In The Mood Jan. 21
Hop aboard the “Chattanooga Choo Choo” and you’ll soon be “In the Mood” to hear some great musicians “Sing, Sing, Sing” at the Saenger Theatre Jan. 21 with two shows at 2 pm and 7:30 pm. In the Mood is a fully staged tribute to Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey, Benny Goodman and all the big band greats of the 1940s. Complete with period costumes and choreography, In the Mood pays homage to America’s greatest generation, when people listened and boogied to up-tempo big band rhythms and danced intimate ballads. Nineteen performers are on stage including six singer-dancers and some hot boogie woogie. Experience the swing, the rhythm and the jazzy, brassy, sentimental and patriotic music of this pivotal time in America’s history. Tickets are $39.50, $49.50 or $59.50 and are available at the Saenger Box Office or at pensacolasaenger.com.
PMA Guild Meeting Jan. 21 The next meeting of the Pensacola Museum of Art Guild will be held Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 am at the PMA. This meeting will have an emphasis on the Youth Art Focus Exhibit. For more information, call Pat Dickson at 456.4964.
The Jazz Society of Pensacola’s Jazz Gumbo Jan. 20
The Jazz Society of Pensacola presents its monthly edition of Jazz Gumbo at Phineas Phogg’s in Seville Quarter. January’s Jazz Gumbo will feature the Danger Sextet! Featuring Roger Villines on trumpet, Bob Maksymkow on sax, Jackson Willis on trombone, Fred Domulot on drums, and Tom Latenser on bass. Admission is $10 for JSOP members, $15 for non-members, $5 for students with ID. Show begins at 6:30 pm, doors open at 5:30 pm. The Jazz Society of Pensacola’s Jazz Gumbo happens every third Monday evening of each month except December. For more information visit jazzpensacola.com.
New at the Q at Quayside Gallery Jan. 8-Feb. 10
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Each January Quayside applauds new artists who’ve joined Quayside Art Gallery during the previous year. New in the Q showcases the talents of 12 artists spanning the mediums of photography, acrylic, oil, pencil, tempera and watercolor. Artists featured are Dan Baradon, Sue Elwell, Hope Mastroianni, Scott Melville, Heather Mitchell, Julie Morrison, Pamela Nichols, Pat Page, Manuel Rivas, Starla Smith, Tammy Tatum and Richard Williams. The exhibit runs from Jan. 8 to Feb. 10, with a reception Friday, Jan. 10 from 5-8 pm. The diversity of creativity is sure to engage each visitor. Please join us as we celebrate their work and amplify the Quayside portfolio. For more information visit quaysidegallery.com.
Ar t · Music · Theatre Live Entertainment at Hopjacks Pizza Kitchen & Taproom Come for the pizza, beer, and other tasty fare, and stay for the live music from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am every Friday and Saturday. Jan. 3: James Adkins Jan. 4: Whiskey Down Jan. 10: Brooks Hubbert Jan. 11: Reddog & Friends Jan. 17: Adkins/Slay Jan. 18: Adam Holt & Jillian Jan. 24: Bat Jan. 25: First City Blues Band Jan. 31: TBA
Live Entertainment at Tin Cow In addition to its build-your-own-burgers and famous spiked milkshakes, the Tin Cow brings live music to the stage from 8:30 to 11:30 pm every Friday and Saturday night. Jan. 3: Sarah Pearcy Jan. 4: James Adkins Jan. 10:Sean Donahue & Bryan Hayes Jan. 11: Civilized Natives Jan. 17: Raising Karma Jan. 18: Adkins/Slay Jan. 24: Cadillac Attack Jan. 25: Andrew Duhon Jan. 31: Knee Deep Band
At Seville Quarter This Month Seville Quarter hosts a variety of entertainment from a wide array of genres. For more information check out SevilleQuarter.com. Mondays: Monday Night Blues, Paper Street Soap Co. Tuesdays: Jazz Jam Wednesday-Saturday: Dueling Piano Show Jan. 18: 2014 Chili Cook-Off Jan. 20: Jazz Gumbo Jan. 25: Molly Ringwalds
At Vinyl Music Hall This Month Vinyl Music Hall hosts a huge variety of musical acts featuring many musical styles. For more information check out VinylMusicHall.com. Jan. 6: The Sword Jan. 8: Queensryche: Performing the 25th Anniversary of Operation:mindcrime Starring Geoff Tate Jan. 15: Galactic Jan. 17: The Machine Performs Pink Floyd Jan. 19: Lucero, The Fritz Jan. 22: Badfish: A Tribute to Sublime Jan. 23: Against Me!, The Shondes, The Sidekicks Jan. 24: The Mad Violinist & the Symphony Crack Orchestra Jan. 25: The Mad Violinist & the Symphony Crack Orchestra Jan. 29: Yonder Mountain String Band, The Travelin’ McCourys
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Dateline D o w n t o w n Atlas Beverage Classes at the Fish House Deck Jan. 2
Atlas Oyster House presents the next installment of Atlas Beverage Classes (A.B.C.). This semester will feature handcrafted beers, two featured spirit brands, and now cocktails with beverage director Josh Goldman, each paired with small plates. Classes are held on the Deck Bar the first Thursday of the month and will feature a presenter for four tastings. Classes begin at 6 pm and the cost is $20 per person (plus tax and gratuity). The Jan. 2 class will feature New Belgian Beers. Reservations are required. Call 516-2324 to reserve a seat.
Cooking Demonstrations & Wine Pairings with Chef Irv Miller Jan. 15
Enjoy a Cooking Demonstration and Wine Pairing with Jackson’s Chef Irv Miller. For the Jan. 15 demonstration Chef Irv will present “Gulf Coast Oysters.” Tickets are $45 and there will be two seatings at 5 pm-6:30 pm and 7:30 pm-9 pm. For reservations call 217.2347.
Pensacola Archaeological Society Lecture Series Jan. 14
The Pensacola Archaeological Society presents its fall lecture series at the West Florida Public Library in Room B on the first floor. The lectures are from 7-8 pm and are free and open to the public. On Jan. 14 the lecture will be “Molino Mills: The Maritime Cultural Landscape of a Reconstruction-Era Sawmill in Molino, FL” featuring Joe Grinnan, SEARCH Dive Safety Officer/Maritime Archaeologist. For more information call 595-0050.
Fire on Ice World Championship ICE Racing at the Pensacola Bay Center Jan. 11
In just over two hours fans will experience the thunder of 20 exciting motorsport races on ice. These Silver Rockets Racing Studs are capable of accelerating from 0-60 MPH in under three seconds on ice! This racing event will take place Jan. 11 at the Pensacola Bay Center inside the tight confines of an ice hockey rink. Advance tickets are $11, $21, $36.50 or $42 and are available at the Pensacola Bay Center Box Office, PensacolaBayCenter.com and Ticketmaster outlets.
Seville Quarter’s 2014 New Year’s BARE Ball Jan. 5
The Biggest Bar and Restaurant Employee Event of the Year returns! Seville Quarter will host the party of the year with tons of live entertainment, a complimentary dream well in all rooms, and a lavish cocktail buffet and breakfast at midnight! For just $5 per person each way (10 mile radius),
We Believe in Children 5K Jan. 25
Come and join a fun-filled morning at Cordova Park Elementary School for the We Believe in Children 5K Jan. 25. Our course winds through the slightly hilly Cordova Park neighborhood. Mile splits and water stops. USATF Certification Course. The 2014 We Believe in Children 5K Run will be scored electronically by a timing device attached to your bib number. Bib must be visible at the finish line. Register online and get more information at webelieveinchildren5K.com.
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limos are available: Afleet Limo Services or Ambassador Limo, contact Peggy at 712.5466. Reservations must be made by Dec. 30. Dress to impress! Black tie preferred (no jeans). For the special BARE discount call Randall’s Formal Wear at 432.8246 or Gents Formal Wear at 434.3272.
“The Light Before Christmas” in IMAX Through Jan. 2
This stop-motion animated film is a great holiday film for families. Inspired by the work of artist James C. Christensen, “The Light Before Christmas” tells the story of two children who get lost in a blizzard on Christmas Eve and are rescued by the Candleman, who provides stories, wisdom, hot chocolate, and a warm cottage. Showings are daily at noon at the National Naval Aviation Museum. Ticket prices and information on other screenings can be found at navalaviationmuseum.org.
Dateline Downtown Ice Flyers Ice Hockey
Come root for the current SPHL ice hockey champions the Pensacola Ice Flyers at the Pensacola Bay Center. Because what could be cooler than ice hockey in Pensacola? Home games are listed below. For more info check out pensacolaiceflyers.com. Jan. 17 vs. Mississippi Surge Jan 18 vs. Huntsville Havoc Jan. 24 vs. Mississippi Surge Jan. 25 vs. Mississippi RiverKings Jan. 31 vs. Bloomington Thunder
Living History Exhibits in Historic Pensacola Village Fridays & Saturdays
Learn early 19th century cooking techniques and trade-skills from costumed Living History interpreters every Friday and Saturday in Historic Pensacola Village. Cooking takes place in an authentically recreated detached kitchen house using actual 18th and 19th century recipes. Trades demonstrated include broom making, sewing, basket weaving, and wood working. Demonstration schedules vary and are subject to change. Both cooking and trade demonstrations are included with the Village admission. For more information visit historicpensacola.org.
Beautiful Beginnings Bridal Expo at Pensacola Bay Center Jan. 5 Getting married this year? Don’t miss the 11th annual Beautiful Beginnings Bridal Expo, Sunday, Jan. 5 from 11 am to 4 pm at Pensacola Bay Center. More than 100 vendors will be on hand with information, samples and displays featuring everything you need for the perfect wedding. A runway show featuring bridal fashions for the bride and entire wedding party begins at 3 pm. There will also be a pet adoption in hopes that some sweet puppies and kittens can find their “happily ever after!” Advanced tickets for $10 are available at Apple Market, The Bridal Suite, The Bridal Loft, Oh Snap Cupcakes, Pizzaz and Tropical Smoothie and Pensacola Box Office. For details visit coastalweddings.com. downtowncrowd.com Jan 2014
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The annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration will be held on Saturday, Jan. 4 starting at 5 pm.
Pensacola Prepares for Mardi Gras
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FOR THOSE WHO get the blues once all the New Year’s celebrations are over, fear not! The party in Pensacola doesn’t stop once our beloved Pelican drops. The streets of Downtown will be filled once again as another kind of holiday season gets started along the Gulf Coast. The annual Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration hosted by Wind Creek Hotel and Casino will start at 5 pm on Saturday, Jan. 4. The event will start with traditional blessings from the town crier, who will proclaim the Mardi Gras Parade floats and participating krewes ready for the season. Members of the approximately 30 krewes, most of whom will be dressed in festive costumes, will also crown their kings and queens.
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by Hannah Leyva
An authentic second line procession will really get the party going. Revelers will be unable to stay still as the horns and drumbeats of the musicians keep their toes tapping. Palafox Place will be home to a “parade in reverse,” meaning the floats will be parked and stationary while the crowd around it moves up and down the street, tossing and catching colorful beads and participating in other forms of merry-making. Other family-friendly events taking place that night include the cutting of the official City of Pensacola King Cake. Live entertainment will also go on throughout the night. The Pensacola Mardi Gras Kick Off Celebration is free to the public. For more information visit pensacolamardigras.com.
Fa c es in the Crowd
Hot Glass Cold Brew holiday edition Dec. 6
Denise Vowell, Em
ily Lullo
Elise Lullo, Starlon Moorman
Amanda Olney, Sean Peterson
At the Pensacola Children’s Chorus Dec. 13
Mark Robertson & friend
Wells Bibo, Kelsey McGuire
Susan & RJ Ennis, Karin Garvin
DTC quiz Q: How many Gallery Nights will there in be in 2014?
Tom & Beverly Vaughn, Bill & Kelly Elliot
Taylor Patton, Michelle
Ward
Prize: Pair of Ice Flyer tickets
Deadline to enter is January 15. Answers may be emailed, faxed or mailed (no telephone entries.) On the 15th of the month, the winner will be selected at random. The Rules: Employees and family members of Ballinger Publishing and the Downtown Improvement Board are ineligible for prizes. Ballinger Publishing is not responsible for restrictions of each prize. Winners are chosen at random from a pool of eligible respondents. Daytime phone number MUST be provided with submissions. Winners will be contacted by phone. Winners are ineligible to win again for a 6-month period. IMPORTANT: All entries MUST be sent by E-MAIL (emily@ballingerpublishing.com), FAX 435-9174, or MAIL (PO Box 12665, Pensacola, FL 32591). Entries must be in by the 15th by noon. NO TELEPHONE ENTRIES.
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