Downtown Crowd, December 2023

Downtown Crowd P E N S A C O L A’ S

D E C 2023

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Exclusive Q&A with Frontman John Darnielle

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Winterfest 2023

Classic Holiday Stories Come to Life in Downtown Pensacola

The Burrow

Odd Colony Expands to East Hill with New Biergarten and Eatery

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DOWNTOWN CROWD | DECEMBER 2023

CONTENTS

In this issue, we also had a chance to catch up with Mountain Goats frontman John Darnielle to learn about some of his latest projects and the group’s current U.S. tour before their upcoming show at Vinyl this month. Be sure to check out page 8 for the exclusive Q&A.

Assistant Editor Nicole Willis Art Director Ian Lett

Contributing Writer Darien Hardy

Advertising Account Executives Paula Rhode paula@ballingerpublishing.com Geneva Strange geneva@ballingerpublishing.com For advertising rates or news tips contact Phone: 433.1166 • Fax: 435.9174

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DOWNTOWN CROWD is published by Ballinger Publishing.

Offices located at 21 E. Garden St., Ste. 205 Pensacola, FL 32502

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10 8

In this issue, you’ll also read about the exciting Winterfest festivities taking over the downtown streets throughout the month of December, the return of Artel Gallery’s popular Keep It 100 exhibit and details on Odd Colony’s new neighborhood biergarten and eatery that’s scheduled to open in East Hill later this month.

The Mountain Goats Exclusive Q&A with Frontman John Darnielle

10 Winterfest 2023 Classic Holiday Stories Come to Life in Downtown Pensacola

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

Cheers!

Editor Morgan Cole

Editorial Intern Madeleine Davis

Morgan Cole, Editor

To provide some helpful inspiration, our DTC staff and editors have hit the downtown streets to shop for some of our favorite locally made gifts and stocking stuffers. Check out our staff-curated gift guide on page 14 for some unique local finds, all priced at $25 or less. Shopping locally helps support the many creative artisans and vendors in our community, while also keeping the money local. Plus, you’re pretty much guaranteed to snag something unique that will be sure to please!

Executive Editor Kelly Oden

Graphic Designer Alana Cox

Editor’s Letter Well folks, December is officially here, and it’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas. Whether you’re ready or not, it’s also time to start thinking about your holiday gift list. With Black Friday behind us, many of us have already begun to venture into the nightmare we call retail to start crossing some things off our shopping lists.

Owner & Publisher Malcolm Ballinger

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12 The Burrow Odd Colony Expands to East Hill with New Biergarten and Eatery 14 Locally Made Gifts Unique Finds for $25 or Less 16 Holiday Markets A roundup of local shopping events 18 Keep It 100 $100 Art Sale Returns to Artel Gallery

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21 Community 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. © 2023

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The Mountain Goats An Exclusive Q&A with Frontman John Darnielle

by Nicole Willis John Darnielle is the founder and core member of the North Carolina-based indie-folk band, the Mountain Goats. While the band members have changed over the years, Darnielle has been the group’s frontman since he founded the band in the early 90s. In recent years, he has branched out from songwriting and begun writing novels.

The Mountain Goats are about to embark on a US tour, and they will be making a stop in Pensacola to play Vinyl Music Hall on December 13. This tour will highlight the band’s latest album release, Jenny from Thebes, which was released this past October.

Whether you are a seasoned Mountain Goats fan or simply enjoy the atmosphere of live folk music, this show is one you won’t want to miss. We had a chance to catch up with Darnielle to learn more about some of his latest projects and the upcoming tour before their stop in Pensacola. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased online at vinylmusichall.com. To keep up with the band, follow @mountaingoatsmusic on Instagram or Facebook.

DTC: You just dropped a new album, Jenny from Thebes. Can you tell me a little bit about the process of creating and developing this body of work?

JD: Well, it’s been a long process, and it’s got a lot of moving parts. There’s the part of the process that is the writing and the winnowing of that. Then there is conceiving of where to do it, who to do it with and who to bring along.

Those are the two major aspects. I was in the middle of writing a bunch of other songs when I wrote one that happened to reference an old character,

which is something that I generally don’t do—it’s not on a list of forbidden things, but it’s on a list of things you generally don’t do. I thought of what it would be like to do some more of that and it was really exciting. It was like, ‘Oh, you’re pursuing this course that you normally wouldn’t.’

Writing goes pretty fast for me once I get started, although I had a lot of other stuff going on. One part of the process for me was I was really busy, so a number of the songs were originally conceived without an instrument nearby.

I was on a TV set without an instrument, shooting the show called Poker Face.

I got an idea for a song so I had to tap out the rhythm on my chest and just sort of sing it out loud, and then go home and find out what key it was in. It was really fun and challenging to be doing things that way. Then eventually we met in Tulsa as a band to record the whole thing with Trina Shoemaker, Kathy Valentine, Matt Nathanson and Alicia [Bognanno] from Bully joining us. Making any album is a really complicated journey—kind of like asking somebody to tell me about your four years in college—there’s a lot in it.

DECEMBER 23 |

DTC: As the years go by and you have now released your 22nd album, has your goal or your vision as an artist shifted over this time?

‘Storytelling is at the heart of what we do...’

JD: Oh, yes. It’s entertaining to imagine an artist whose vision doesn’t shift at all—like, they have a single thing that they plan on doing and that’s all they do. That’s probably not an artist who you keep up with over time. Eventually, you say ‘Well, I’ve seen what you can do.’ But, I do have a lot of respect for it. I listen to a lot of death metal, and there are some old-school death metal bands that you know what you’re getting when you get, for example, Cannibal Corpse, one of the biggest, most successful death metal bands of all time. They do change a little over time, but you know exactly what you’re getting when they announce a new record. So there’s some charm to that, but I’m not that way. I’m very restless. I really want to be doing new things. Music that is entertaining enough to divert you while I’m telling you a story—that’s the basic format, but within that, the nature of the stories change, the nature of the instrumentation changes and the vibe shifts.

DTC: Can you tell me a little bit about the tour that you’re about to embark on?

JD: This tour starts on December 1 in Greensboro, here in North Carolina, and then we get to Pensacola 11 days later. This is part of the album tour. I’m reasonably certain that we’re coming out as a five-piece with a violinist who is great. There’s a lot of freedom in having more people on stage—it sort of gives everybody more room to find a spot and roam, it’s really nice. We don’t play the same setlist every night; we always vary it a little bit from town to town, just to stay engaged.

Mountain Goats are kind of a storytelling exercise; that’s the sort of intellectual answer.

The other answer is—knock on wood, but I don’t think this is presumptuous to say—we’re a really good live band. Anybody who’s seen us knows it’s a really good time.

Even if you’re not that into the stories, even if you’re not that into what I do, I have amazing musicians and we put on a really fun show and we prioritize that. I’m really grateful that people pay to get in, and I want them to leave feeling like they got more than they paid for. There is something universal with both younger and older people who go to shows—the priority is to have a good time at the show. Also, I think that the fact that you’re never quite certain of what you’re going to get is appealing. We don’t just play all the songs you want to hear, we play new stuff, we do whatever we feel like doing. I think there’s that element of the unexpected that makes it [the show] appealing.

DTC: In addition to your musical endeavors, you’ve also started writing novels, most recently, 2022’s Devil House. Can you tell me about the similarities and differences between songwriting and writing for a novel?

DTC: Your shows attract a diverse audience that ranges in age.

Why do you think that the Mountain Goats shows attract such a variety of people?

JD: There is no point of comparison really. It’s sort of like building a house, and then baking a cake, which is different from building a house. Depending on the kind of cake, let’s say a wedding cake, you might take a long time to do either one, but building a house takes longer. Other than that, all the skill sets involved are different, but they’re not extraordinarily different. Writing a novel takes a long time. If I ever take three years to write a song, you can lock me up. But three years is sort of the minimum for a novel. Novels take a very long time; they undergo a lot of changes. Albums undergo changes too, but they come to me pretty quickly. Songs take about a day, less than that, really.

JD: I don’t know. I always feel like it would be kind of presumptuous for me to comment on that. I would hope it’s because what we’re doing has a universal appeal, but that already sounds very presumptuous to say.

What kind of musician would dare to say, ‘Oh, it’s because our appeal is universal?’ But I think in part, it’s because storytelling is at the heart of what we do, and stories are how we come to understand the world from a very early age. There is a Joan Didion line that I sort of live by, which is, ‘We tell ourselves stories in order to live.’ We need some sort of narrative.

We don’t function well without narratives. We like stories, right? So, the

In December most years, I’ll get two or three songs in a day. It’s a busy month for me. I actually was looking at the calendar and going, ‘I wonder if I’m gonna get messed up by going on tour in December.’ Usually, sometime in the middle of December, I hit my stride. That’s when a fire suddenly lights under me. For one, I’ve been writing songs longer than novels, so I can do them pretty quickly.

For a party trick, I could write one in front of you if I had to. I couldn’t write a novel. I can’t even really write prose when I’m not alone in a room. I can try, but with prose, you really have to focus. Songs are sort of like speech, you can do them in the middle of other stuff.

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Winterfest 2023

Classic Holiday Stories Come to Life in Downtown Pensacola

by Darien Hardy

I

t is once again that time of year when the storage bins filled with strands of lights, tinsel and glittering ornaments are pulled from the corner of the attic or the back of the closet. Downtown Pensacola will soon be lit up with holiday flare as members of the community come together for one of the city’s favorite annual holiday events: Winterfest.

This year, Winterfest has many exciting events in the works such as a couple parades and a brandnew tour. The Elf Parade—which Winterfest puts on every year—gets all the favorite holiday characters together to walk through downtown Pensacola, wave to all the kids and lead to the way to the Christmas market. The market will be held at the plaza at the corner of Zaragoza and Tarragona Streets.

Winterfest will take over the downtown streets through December 24, featuring new festivities, fan-favorite events and more zany activities. This year’s Winterfest festivities kick off at 223 S Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. With more actors, songs, festivities and tours, event organizers say this Winterfest is the biggest year yet.

The beloved Grinchmas parade encourages folks to bring the Grinch presents that would make his heart grow three sizes. Eventgoers may bring things like onions, drawings of the Grinch, shiny things to bring to Martha May Whovier and tools to work on his trolley with.

Winterfest ’s history originates back to when community members would decorate Pensacola’s downtown historic village and people would drive their cars around to see the lights. From there, a group of neighbors came together to give trolley tours around the village. Soon, they added storylines that took guests through many different classic Christmas stories.

“Ever yone who’s anyone in Whoville will be there—a real Who’s Who, if you will,” Winterfest PR Manager Kismet Dunkerly said. Dunkerly has worked with Winterfest since 2019, and in 2021, Dunkerly started to work in Winterfest’s public relations department.

Also coming this year is the brand-new trolley tour “A Whoville Christmas Caper,” which will take

guests on a 25-minute ride to see the beautiful holiday decorations around downtown Pensacola.

While Winterfest organizers warn that the Grinch is on some sort of a decoration-stealing bender, they assure guests that he will not spoil any of the fun.

“I’m beyond excited for this tour because we’ve cast the most wonderfully hilarious and talented Whos we could find, and they do not disappoint,” Dunkerly said.

Finally, Winterfest will be hosting the talented artist, Mr. Scott, who will transform guests into caricature Whoville versions of themselves. Mr. Scott has been a professional artist for more than 35 years. He is proficient in a variety of different styles, but he is best known for his comic book art style. You can check out some of Mr. Scott’s artwork online at mrscottland.com.

To be sure you do not miss out on any of the Winterfest fun, we have brought you complete details on this year’s holiday tours, performances, photo opportunities and more. For tickets and to view the full lineup of scheduled Winterfest events, visit pensacolawinterfest.org.

DECEMBER 23 |

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A A Whoville Whoville Christmas Christmas Caper Caper The Grinch’s Merry Match

Tombstone Photos with the In this brand-new trolley tour, the Grinch is back to A fan-favorite trolley tour that debuted in 2021, the Merry Ghost of Christmas Future Match, is back again this year. The Grinch was getting a his old tricks, but the Whoville police are hard at work to be a match for his mischief-making pranks. Winter fest organizers advise the Pensacola community to guard their Christmas trees and cheer, for the Grinch is on the loose. Cindy Lou Who may be able to save the day and melt the Grinch’s hard, cold heart—or the Grinch will end up in the Whoville slammer. Either way, join the Whoville gang for an evening of excitement as the hunt is on for that naughty Grinch. Tickets are $10 for children and $14 for adults.

little jealous of everyone else having a trolley tour but him, so he decided to build his own trolley from trash he found on Mount Crumpit. Winterfest organizers hope the trolley will hold together but assure guests that the Whoville fire department is always ready with their emergency exit slide in case anything goes wrong. Tickets are $10 for children and $14 for adults.

Scrooge Tour

Take part in some ghostly fun with the classic tale: A Christmas Carol. Beginning at the steps of the old courthouse for a free to the public pre-show, guests will encounter Ebenezer Scrooge’s long-deceased partner Jacob Marley. Marley wears many chains around him with each link representing a selfish misdeed from his life. During the 25-minute trolley tour, guests will meet the Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present and Future as they show Scrooge how he became so callous toward others, what the true meaning of Christmas is and that fortune is not as important as he thought. Tickets are $16 for children and $20 for adults.

Polar Express Tour Join the Conductor for a magical journey through a wormhole on the Polar Express. Share in the adventure as the Conductor recounts the story of the boy who received the first gift of Christmas: a bell from Santa’s sleigh. Rekindle the wonder of the beloved storybook, along with the belief in the magic of Christmas.

Remember to dress warm and cozy for this open-air trolley ride. Tickets are $9 for children and $12 for adults.

After the Scrooge tour, guests may encounter the Ghost of Christmas Future and get a photo taken with their own tombstone including a personalized epitaph. There will be 10 styles of epitaphs to choose from. Just fill in the names of the party and pick the epitaph for each person after booking tickets. Additional charges may apply.

Photos with Santa

Santa Claus is coming to town and will be available for pictures after each trolley tour. Professional photos will be available for purchase and guests are welcome to bring their personal cameras to take pictures or video during their visit. Children can also bring their Christmas letters to give to the jolly man himself, or they can drop them off in mailboxes that will be stationed throughout the event space. Digital files cost $37 to $50. If you have a large group and would like to take lots of photos, make sure to reserve extra time.

Photos with the Grinch

Mr. Grinch sure is a mean one, but Santa’s favorite nemesis is begrudgingly allowing Winterfest guests to invade his space for this viral photo opportunity.

Guests will meet the Grinch at his throne behind Santa’s sleigh, but unlike Santa, the Grinch likes to ask children what they do not want for Christmas.

Guests should take caution, though, as Mr. Grinch has some tricks up his sleeve and a special lever that can launch guests out of their seats. Digital files cost $37 to $50. If you have a large group and would like to take lots of photos, make sure to reserve extra time.

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The Burrow

Odd Colony Expands to East Hill with New Biergarten and Eatery

by Madeleine Davis

O

dd Colony Brewing Co. is expanding its roots with the opening of a neighborhood biergarten, cocktail lounge and kitchen called The Burrow. Located on the lower floor of the historic Sacred Heart Hospital building in East Hill, the new venue is slated to open mid December.

Longtime friends and Pensacola natives, CEO and founder Blake Foster and co-founders Brett and Beth Schweigert have worked tirelessly for the last five years to bring their ideas and dreams to fruition.

After an unforeseen halt in construction, The Burrow’s setbacks will force the restaurant to open later than originally expected, as it was initially planned to open in the spring of 2023. Owners plan to keep the historic hospital’s gothic charm, while adding in some wilderness elements that align with Odd Colony’s idiosyncratic aesthetic. The Burrow will feature an 8,000 square-foot outdoor area, which will also serve as home to a cabin-esque outdoor bar.

“Our goal is to always create a uniquely immersive Odd Colony experience for our guests.”

The kitchen menu will be cultivated by Amy Potmesil, a community culinary celebrity in Pensacola, who has ties to restaurants like Union Public House, The Well and The Nest General Store.

Potmesil has been hosting pop-ups featuring potential menu items at Odd Colony’s original downtown location until The Burrow’s official grand opening later this month.

“The food program will be elevated fast casual, synchronized harmoniously with our brewing ethos by utilizing local agriculture and creating a true sense of place. There will be a large tapas style menu, handhelds and some elevated evening offerings,” Foster said. There are also plans to reveal a unique brunch menu in the near future.

Assistant General Manager and Bar Lead Erin Cuneo has hand-crafted a cocktail menu that is only available at The Burrow. Customers enjoy some of Odd Colony’s signature brews, but The Burrow will have a small brewing system that will offer a handful of new beers for their patrons to try.

Foster expressed Odd Colony’s excitement for this new adventure.

“Our entire team loves the outdoors. Being able to enjoy a meal, beer, cocktail, or glass of wine in the fresh air is something we have not had downtown. Also, adding the element of an in-house kitchen

DECEMBER 23 |

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gives us abundant opportunity to explore tying in our food and beverage programs harmoniously,” Foster said.

The Burrow intends to keep the same integral design as Odd Colony, as the company hired many of the same local contractors to transform it into the biergarten of their wildest dreams. More specifically, they rehired Losobe Woodworks, who have worked on Lily Hall, Union Public House, Craft Gourmet Bakery and many more local favorites. Other local companies like Spoon & Hook, Specialty Ceilings and Integrated Solutions have also lent a helping hand in cultivating The Burrow.

“Our goal is to always create a uniquely immersive OC experience for our guests. That being said, we attempted to venture into a new territory and create a new thread to the greater Odd Colony fabric.

We share some elemental crossover but we believe this will be a truly unique spin on the Odd Colony brand,” Foster said regarding the team’s excitement about their new location.

Stop by Odd Colony’s original location for a chance to get a sneak peak of some of The Burrow’s exclusive merchandise that features burrowing wilderness animals as a nod towards the new location’s name.

For more information and details about the grand opening, follow Odd Colony Brewing Co. on Instagram at @oddcolonybrewing or on Facebook at facebook.com/oddcolony. The Burrow can be found on Instagram at @theburrow.oddcolony and Facebook at facebook.com/ TheBurrowbyOC. ■

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Locally Made

Unique Finds for $25 or Less

Curated by Morgan Cole, Madeleine Davis & Nicole Willis

R

eady or not, holiday shopping season is here. If you’re tired of wandering cluelessly from aisle to aisle in another big box store, take a breather and shop local this year. These gifts are often unique, handcrafted and just a little more special than buying your mom her fourth Alexa device that she’ll never use anyway!

If you’re looking for the perfect gift that won’t break the bank, this gift guide is for you. Our DTC staff and editors have hit the downtown streets to bring you this curated selection of handmade gifts and stocking stuffers. We hope this gift guide offers up some helpful inspiration for finding the perfect gift for everyone on your shopping list (including yourself).

Personalized Leather Mason Jar Mug

$22

Handcrafted by Iron & Grain Leather Co., ironandgrainleather.com

Leather & Cedar Beard Balm

$10

Handmade by East Hill Honey Co., Sold at Palafox Market and easthillhoney.com

Jet Lagged Habenero & Calamansi Hot Sauce ( 5 oz)

$10

Nomatic Eats Food Truck and nomadiceats.com

Blue Angels Blend Coffee (12 oz)

$16

De Luna Coffee International, Sold at Palafox Market and delunacoffee.com

Handmade Ceramic Mushroom Plant Stakes

$10 each

Sold at Angel’s Garden

DECEMBER 23 | Handmade Embossed Men’s Leather Wallet

Peppermint, Orange & Lavender Lotion Bar

$23

$20

Crowhurst Customs, Sold at etsy.com/shop/ CrowhurstCustoms

Handmade by TRUTH Soap Co., Sold at Palafox Market and truthsoapco.com

“Rhea” Threader Glass Drop Earrings

$24

Floral Macrame Keychain

Handmade by Demior Collective, Sold at Palafox Market and etsy.com/shop/DemiorCo

$10

Handmade by Knot Your Mother’s Macrame, Sold at Apple Market

“Seaside Santa” Hand Poured Soy Candle (10 oz)

$16

P’Cola Candle + Soap Co., Sold at Rusted Arrow Mercantile and pcolasoapco.com

Mini Succulent in Fox Planter

$20

By Jade Tree Succulents, Sold at Bodacious Bookstore & Cafe and Palafox Market

Handmade Hummingbird Ring Dish

$25

Stephie’s Beauties, Sold at Palafox Market and etsy.com/shop/StephiesBeauties

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Holiday Markets & Shopping Events

Ready or not, ‘tis the season for holiday shopping. Luckily, the Pensacola area has no shortage of festive holiday markets packed with one-ofa-kind finds from local businesses and crafty vendors. Local gift markets are a great way to cross some names off your shopping list, while also supporting local artisans and vendors. Be sure to check out some, or all, of these holiday markets happening in or around the Pensacola area this month. Enjoy!

Jingle Bells on the Bay Indoor Holiday Market

Palafox Market Holiday Edition

This festive holiday shopping event will showcase numerous local artisans and vendors at the Sanders Beach-Corinne Jones Resource Center at 913 S. I St. in Pensacola. Shop for unique holiday gift items at this indoor holiday market from 10 am to 2 pm. There will also be an opportunity to take pictures with Santa! A dog adoption event will be hosted onsite hosted by Amazing Bully Rescue. Entrance and parking are free. Food will be available for purchase. Check out visitpensacola.com for complete details.

Shop your favorite local artisans and vendors at the second annual Palafox Market— Holiday Edition on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8 pm at Plaza Ferdinand in downtown Pensacola. This special holiday shopping event will host more than 50 local and regional vendors featuring locally made art, beautifully handcrafted goods, jewelry, accessories, housewares, plants and more. Strings of holiday lights and lighted vendor booths will illuminate the market site during the evening hours. Watch downtown Pensacola light up with half a million white lights when Santa “flips the switch” at 5 pm each evening. For complete details, check out visitpensacola.com.

December 2

Holiday Market at Community Maritime Park December 2

Kick off your holiday shopping at the Pensacola Holiday Market at the Community Maritime Park in downtown Pensacola on December 2 from 10 am to 6 pm. The event will feature numerous vendors with unique gift items and holiday crafts. There will also be a bounce house and an ornament decorating table for the kiddos. Enjoy live holiday music as you shop and the chance to take pictures with Santa Claus himself. Tickets are $5 per person, and kids 12 and under are free. Visit apexshowsandevents.com for tickets and information.

Gulf Breeze Jolly Holiday Christmas Market December 2

The City of Gulf Breeze Parks and Recreation will be hosting a fun-filled day of holiday cheer December 2 from 9 am to 2 pm at the Parks and Recreation Community Center located at 800 Shoreline Drive in Gulf Breeze. Shop unique gifts and crafts from local vendors, artists and businesses. For more information, visit gulfbreezechamber.com/holiday-parade.

Alyssa’s Christmas Gift Market on the Porch December 2, 9, 16 & 23

Every Saturday until Christmas, a variety of vendors will line the front porch of Alyssa’s Antiques located at 4586 Chumuckla Highway in Pace. Check off some names on your holiday shopping list as you shop for unique gift items and festive holiday decor from 20+ local vendors. Shop for everything from housewares and Christmas crafts to jewelry, fun accessories and more. Markets will be hosted on December 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 9 am to 3 pm. For details, visit shopalyssas.com or facebook.com/shopalyssas/.

3rd Annual Pre-Krampusnacht Christmas Market December 3

Shop more than 20 local vendors at the 3rd Annual Krampus 5K and Pre-Krampusnacht Christmas Market on December 3 from 11 am to 4 pm at Emerald Republic at 1414 W. Government St. in downtown Pensacola. While shopping, grab a bite to eat from A Rustyc Spoon and enjoy a brew. Drink specials include $1 off beers, $10 champagne buckets and half-priced wine. Mulled wine and coquito will also be available. After filling up, run it all off while trying to outrun Krampus in the 5k race at 2 pm. For more information, visit emeraldrepublicbrewing.com.

December 6, 13 & 20

Craft & Vintage Holiday Market at Odd Colony December 10

Enjoy a tasty brew and some holiday shopping at Odd Colony’s annual Craft & Vintage Holiday Market on December 10 at 260 N. Palafox St. in downtown Pensacola. This holiday market provides the perfect opportunity to snag some one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts while supporting local artisans and vendors. The market will feature everything from jewelry and clothing to candles, vintage wares and more. For more information, check out @oddcolony on Facebook.

Holidays at the House December 10

Join Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) for a festive holiday brunch and market event on December 10 from 11 am to 3 pm at 5200 Bayou Blvd. in Pensacola. Proceeds from the event will benefit the many children and families of Ronald McDonald House.

The event will feature photos with Santa, a variety of market vendors, door prizes, live music and more. Holidays at the House is a free event with a ticketed brunch. For more information and to purchase brunch tickets, visit rmhcnwfl.harnessgiving.org/events.

ALL I WANT $1,000 GIVEAWAY

The “All I Want” giveaway is back for 2023 and it’s bigger than ever before!! This year, a new prize winner will be drawn every day, up until the $1,000 grand prize drawing on December 23. Remember to upload pictures of your receipts, dated November 11 through December 23, for purchases made at any downtown Pensacola merchant. Get one prize entry for every $10 you spend in a downtown Pensacola shop, restaurant, bar or gift shop. Read the full rules and upload your receipts at downtownpensacola.com/AllIWant.

Directed and choreographed by Artistic Director Darren McIntyre

The

December 15-17 2023 th

Saenger Theatre Pensacola 118 South Palafox Place BalletPensacola.org 850.595.3880

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| downtowncrowd.com

Keep it

100

$100 Art Sale Returns to Artel Gallery

by Morgan Cole

Since 2019, Artel Gallery, a local nonprofit arts organization dedicated to supporting emerging artists across the region, has been throwing an annual event like no other—the Keep It 100 art exhibition.

Back for its fourth year, the Keep It 100 exhibit features original pieces of work by more than 80 local artists. Taking place November 21 through January 6, this unique exhibit has grown to become an integral part of the arts community and is widely celebrated by both artists and art lovers alike.

The exhibit offers members of the community the chance to shop for oneof-a-kind art pieces, all priced at $100. Not only does the exhibit make art accessible and affordable to individuals from all walks of life, it also supports local artists during the holiday season.

Keep It 100 has grown to become an annual tradition for the gallery. Artel Exhibition Director, Hope Mastroianni, said the exhibit was designed to provide all types of art lovers with the opportunity to grow their private collections at an affordable price.

“We moved this year’s Keep It 100 to the end of the year so that art would be more available to purchase as Christmas gifts,” Mastroianni said.

There are no thematic requirements for Keep It 100, except that each piece entered must be for sale and priced at $100. The exhibit will feature original pieces of work in a variety of mediums, including sculptures, paintings and photography.

Poarch Susan Voss Oil on Canvas (37in x 27in)

“Each year, we have anywhere from 100 to 140 entries, but only about 80 to 90 make it into the show,” Mastroianni explained. “The exhibition is judged, and cash awards are presented for first through third place winners, Best of Show, Most Experimental and Honorable Mention.”

DECEMBER 23 |

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Founded in 1993, Artel Gallery is a volunteer-run organization dedicated to fostering art appreciation throughout the region. Its mission is to provide a continuous forum for quality experimental and contemporary art exhibitions and programs dedicated to the enrichment and education of the community.

Neither a co-op or a retail gallery, Artel is an experimental institution and is the only one of its kind in Northwest Florida.

“All exhibitions at Artel change every six weeks. The Vault accepts applications through the year and the Award Alcove is reserved for the artist who won Best of Show from the previous show. Artel now has a new exhibition room, which will host five solo shows, four of which will be themed shows for everyone to enter,” Mastroianni said.

The annual Keep It 100 exhibit will be on display November 21 through January 6 at Artel Gallery at 223 Palafox Place in downtown Pensacola. The exhibit is open to the public and free to attend.

Vincent Staci Miron Sculpture, 2023

Local artists interested in participating in the exhibit are invited to enter their pieces during designated drop-off days. Exhibition fees include entry for two pieces of artwork and cost $25 for members and $35 for non-members..

Artists can also enter additional pieces of work for $5 each.

For more information and to view the complete schedule of events for Keep It 100, visit artelgallery.org or follow @ArtelPensacola on Facebook and Instagram.

Come Sing with the Chorus!

“

What a fantastic organization! PCC puts on fun and interesting shows with diverse sets that challenge and accentuate the talent of all age levels. The real magic happens off stage, where the children are taught leadership skills, the benefits of hard work and demand for team work in the arts. They are pushed to grow their talent and take chances to expand their horizons. All children are welcome and welcomed, which makes for a great learning and growing atmosphere. I can’t wait to see what’s next!”

- Jim E.

Schedule an Audition Dec. 16 | Jan. 3 & 6 R e g is te r a t o in S in g s .o rg /j P e n s a c o la

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PENSACOLA MAGAZINE

WEDDINGS

Call for Submissions!

2023

We are in search of the next Pensacola bride, groom or couple to grace the cover of

Pensacola Magazine Weddings 2024

Inspiring Tablescapes & Decor

Dress Styles & Silhouettes

Coastal Honeymoons

Aisle Style 2023

PENSACOLAMAGAZINE.COM

If you have recently been married in or around the Pensacola area and have an interest in appearing on the cover of the annual Weddings issue of Pensacola Magazine, visit ballingerpublishing.com/weddings2024 and submit up to three high-resolution images of your wedding for a chance to be featured on the next cover!

SUBMISSIONS DUE BY March 1, 2024 Editorial-style shots by a professional photographer are preferred. Please include the full name(s) of the bride, groom and photographer. Visit ballingerpublishing.com/weddings2024 for submission guidelines and complete details.

DECEMBER 23 |

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DECEMBER COMMUNITY EVENTS Pensacola Ice Flyers Schedule and Theme Nights December home games and theme nights at the Pensacola Bay Center. For tickets and information, visit iceflyers.com.

December 1 at 7:00 pm - Peoria Rivermen vs Ice Flyers; Teddy Bear Toss December 2 at 7:00 pm - Peoria Rivermen vs Ice Flyers; Rally Foundation Night December 23 at 7:00 pm - Macon Mayhem vs Ice Flyers; Peanuts Night December 26 at 7:00 pm - Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; Youth Jersey Giveaway December 30 at 7:00 pm - Birmingham Bulls vs Ice Flyers; Military Appreciation Night

Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 9 For 41 years, the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade has spread holiday cheer throughout downtown Pensacola. 2023’s parade will take place on December 9 starting at 5:30 pm. This annual event draws more than 50,000 people to downtown Pensacola, featuring many floats, marching bands and the nationally renowned Blue Angels flight team. The Pensacola Runners Association has teamed up with the Cox Pensacola Christmas Parade for the annual Christmas Parade Dash, a 1.2-mile run preceding the parade. For more information, visit coxpensacolachristmasparade.org.

HoHo Hustle 5k Race . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 9 Get jolly with some jogging! The HoHo Hustle is a holiday-themed 5k race perfect for the whole family. Hustle along the scenic course while drinking hot chocolate and spreading holiday cheer. Don’t forget to attend the postrace party to take a pic with Santa and snack on some holiday treats. Whether you want to race or cheer others on, the HoHo Hustle is the perfect way to run into the holiday season.

The race begins at 8 am at Running Wild (3012 E Cervantes St.). To register and to learn more, visit runpensacola.com.

Christmas ZOObilee

. . . . . . . . . . . December 9, 10, 16 & 17 Gulf Breeze Zoo’s 5th Annual Christmas ZOObilee is taking place this December. Fun for the whole family, Christmas ZOObilee includes winter-themed bounce stations, live music and entertainment, unique gifts from local artists and delicious holiday treats. Christmas ZOObilee wouldn’t be complete without a visit from the jolly man in a red suit. Weekends with Santa is the perfect opportunity to hand-deliver last-minute Christmas letters while snapping a treasured photo with Saint Nick in his sleigh.

The Grinch will be in attendance also for photos.

With all event activities included with regular daytime admission, Christmas ZOObilee is this season’s can’t miss holiday event. For more information, visit gbzoo.com.

Ballet Pensacola presents The Nutcracker

White Tie Rock Ensemble Presents White Tie Christmas!

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 16 Kick off the holiday season with this familyfriendly holiday tribute concert featuring the White Tie Rock Ensemble at the Pensacola Bay Center. This annual concert series will feature the beloved music of the TransSiberian Orchestra and other holiday classics—all presented through the White Tie Rock Ensemble’s symphonic-rock style and captivating multimedia experience. The Pensacola Bay Center is located at 201 E. Gregory St. Doors open at 7 pm and the show begins at 8 pm. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolabaycenter.com.

Celebrate the New Year with PSO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31 Performing with infectious joy, wry playfulness and robust musicality, pianist and vocalist Tony DeSare returns to ring in the new year. This year, the Gulf Coast tradition will feature the music of the piano men, from Elton John to Ray Charles and Billy Joel, along with a special performance of George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue! The show begins at 7 pm. For tickets and more information, visit pensacolasymphony.com.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 15-17 To put you in the holiday spirit, Ballet Pensacola invites you to celebrate the magic of The . . . . . . . . . . Now through January 31 Nutcracker at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre Come dine with the spirits of Seville on a December 15 through 17. Set to Tchaikovsky’s Seville Quarter’s Haunted Ghost Tour! Take beautifully timeless score, join Clara as she part in a paranormal investigation and then embarks on a magical journey to defeat the enjoy a meal at one of Pensacola’s oldest and evil Mouse King. This timeless holiday tale will most haunted restaurants. Psychic medium, delight audiences of all ages. Performances New Year’s Eve Fireworks Ericka Boussarhane, and members of her team will be held at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre will guide guests through the halls of Seville (118 S. Palafox St.) on Friday at 7 pm, Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 31 Quarter, telling tales of ghosts, murder, mayhem “Sparks” Teen & Adult at both 1:30 pm and 7 pm and on Sunday at Ring in 2024! Keep your eyes focused on the and more of downtown Historic Pensacola’s Workshop at PMA 1:30 pm. For tickets and show details, visit Pensacola Beach skies this New Year’s Eve paranormal happenings. Tickets include the for a free firework display along the Pensacola pensacolasaenger.com. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 9 guided tour and a $12 meal voucher. Seville Beach Boardwalk. At midnight, a dazzling Quarter is located at 130 E Government “Sparks” Igniting Creativity with Marcia Wagner light display, provided by the Pensacola Beach Studer Community Institute’s is a teen and adult workshop hosted at the St. in downtown Pensacola. Reservations Chamber, the Santa Rosa Island Authority and are required. Tour dates and times vary. For Pensacola Museum of Art. On December 9 from Gingerbread House Competition the Escambia County Tourist Development 1 pm to 3 pm, participants will spark the artist reservation information and more details, visit Council, will take place overlooking the Santa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

December 16 within themselves by curiously investigating the pensacolaghostevents.com. creative process. Participants will receive ideas Studer Community Institute’s Gingerbread Rosa Sound from the Pensacola Beach and handouts that will help them overcome House Competition is a fundraiser benefiting Boardwalk. For more information, please visit Pensacola Children’s Chorus creative blocks in various creative disciplines. the organization’s Early Brain Development pensacolabeachchamber.com.

Presents Christmas on the Coast The workshop’s instructor, Maria Wagner, has Department. This festive event includes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . December 8-10 been teaching and creating art for over 20 years. gingerbread houses on display, light Experience the holiday magic of Christmas This workshop is designed for teens 16+ and refreshments, entertainment, photos with Santa on the Coast as members of the Pensacola adults. No previous experience is necessary and more. Gingerbread House entries are due Children’s Chorus transform the Pensacola to participate. Participation costs $20 for PMA in the morning on December 16th, before the Saenger Theatre into a winter wonderland. members and $25 for non-members, with all event begins. The winner will be announced Presented annually, this production will include supplies included. For more information, visit during the event. The event will be hosted from 10 am to 1 pm at 220 W. Garden St. To a musically-themed celebration of Christmas pensacolamuseum.org. learn more about entering into the competition, around the world with dynamic choreography visit eventbrite.com/e/studer-communityand dazzling costumes. The Pensacola Saenger institutes-gingerbread-house-competitionTheatre is located at 118 S. Palafox St. Showtime registration-722833954817. is 7:30 pm on Friday and Saturday and 2:30 pm on Sunday. For tickets and show details, visit pensacolasaenger.com.

Seville Quarter Haunted Ghost Tour

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| downtowncrowd.com

MILITARYMATTERS AN ARMED FORCES NEWS SECTION

CNATT WELCOMES NEW LEADERSHIP DURING CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

FROM TRAINING TO EXECUTION - USCYBERCOM DCOM VISITS THREE IW COMMANDS

PHOTO BY PETTY OFFICER THIRD CLASS LEONELL DOMINGO. STORY BY LT. MEAGAN WAY, NAVY INFORMATION OPERATIONS COMMAND PENSACOLA

STORY AND PHOTO BY JERRON BARNETT, CENTER FOR NAVAL AVIATION TECHNICAL TRAINING

C

aptain Jeffrey A. Brown relieved Capt. Vencent W. Logan of command of the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training during a ceremony in the National Naval Aviation Museum on November 11.

Dozens of CNATT staff, family, friends, local military leaders and even retired Naval Air Maintenance Training Group/CNATT commanding officers attended the ceremony against the backdrop of aircraft static displays and patriotic music played by the U.S. Navy Region Southeast Band.

Logan had served as the center’s 12th commanding officer from May 2021 to November 2023. Brown had served as the center’s executive officer over the last two years. Naval Education and Training Command’s Chief of Staff Capt. Clifford Collins served as the presiding officer.

CNATT advises on development and manages the delivery, sustainment and continual improvement of technical training for Sailors and Marines operating, maintaining and repairing aircraft weapons systems and associated equipment in support of Chief Of Naval Operations approved requirements across 23 sites.

N

avy Information Operations Command (NIOC) Pensacola hosted a visit from Air Force Lt. Gen. Timothy D. Haugh, deputy commander of U.S. Cyber Command, Oct. 12, 2023.

Haugh met with leaders from two Department of Defense cyber training centers, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) and Center for Information Warfare Training (CIWT), both located at Corry Station, prior to meeting with NIOC Pensacola leadership. During the tour of NIOC Pensacola, he received a command brief from the NIOC Pensacola Operations Team, and a current mission brief from each Combat Support Team, Cyber Protection Team and Nationally-tasked Mission Teams. Haugh and NIOC Pensacola Sailors engaged in a wide range of cyber discussions throughout his tour, such as the future of cyber, cyber ratings and cyber training.

Cmdr. Colleen Handbury, commanding officer, NIOC Pensacola, spoke on the importance of the visit. “We were honored by the opportunity to host Lt. Gen. Haugh at NIOC Pensacola to highlight our important missions taking place every day,” Handbury said. “Meeting with both of the IW training centers as well as NIOC Pensacola, I believe Lt. Gen. Haugh left with a full appreciation of the depth of training and knowledge of the Sailors and officers of the IW community.”

The mission of NIOC Pensacola is to execute cyberspace operations and signals intelligence in support of Naval, Joint Forces and National tasking authorities.