The Women’s Civic Club of Panama City Beach will hold it’s annual Spring Fling on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Frank Brown Park Recreation Center, 16200 Panama City Beach Parkway! An array of vendors will offer a wide variety of original hand-crafted items, along with some tasty delicacies from local cottage industries. Some of the treasures you can find are hand turned wood creations, original artwork, handmade jewelry, metalworks, wood-crafted décor, stained glass, and much more. A snack bar offering lunch selections will also be available. Your $1 donation at the door, along with the vendor fees helps the WCC, which is a non-profit organization, support charitable causes throughout Panama City Beach. If you are interested in becoming a vendor, applications can be found at www.wccpcb.org under the events tab. Questions may be emailed to womenscivicclub@aol.com.
Category: Music & Arts
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Bay Arts’ Third Annual FLLUXE Arts Fest Returns March 3-4
The 3rd Annual Florida Luxe Arts Festival (FLLUXE) returns to Historic Downtown Panama City on March 3-4.
FLLUXE is a two-day event: Friday, March 3 from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday, March 4 from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. The festival will feature national and local artists, live music and performers to create its biggest celebration of creativity yet.“FLLUXE continues to grow as more artists and musicians join in on this fun event,” said Jayson Kretzer, Executive Director of Bay Arts Alliance. “We are humbled by the continued support of our community–without that support, putting together a festival of this magnitude and keeping it free to the public, just simply would not be possible.”
The festivities will take place outside of the Panama City Center for the Arts and in the parking lot of the State Attorney’s Office on the east side of the Center.
“I am so excited for FLLUXE this year!” beamed Tori Haudenschild, Education and Events Manager for Bay Arts Alliance. “We have added a few unique elements to include a community chalk workshop, fun colorful installations and a nighttime portion of the festival that I cannot wait to share with the community.”
National chalk artists–Naomi Haverland, Chris Carlson, Tracy Lee Stum, and more–will bring their talents from across the United States to the streets of Historic Downtown Panama City to create 3-D interactive pieces for the public to enjoy.
“I love to watch the artists design, create, and install their chalk art in a matter of a few days, which is crazy impressive!” said Tori. “In addition, we have a few surprises planned for our evening event that you won’t want to miss.”
Visitors can watch the artists while they work, enjoy performances by local musicians, explore the Panama City Farmer’s Market at McKenzie Park, and see the newest exhibitions at the Center for the Arts.
More information about the festival can be found on www.flluxeartsfestival.com. The website will be updated as more details are available.
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Cirque Under the Stars Presents “Masters of Mayhem” February 25th
PCB Chamber Introduces: Santa Rosa Beach Aerial Arts
Home of Local Cirque Show “Cirque Under the Stars”Who We Are
“We make fitness fun” – We are an adult-focused aerial fitness and performance arts studio, offering a variety of unique and fun fitness classes. Whether you are looking for a fitness/lifestyle-focused journey, or a performance-based goal, we are here to assist you on your new adventure!Class Offerings – We offer a variety of different styles of classes for new and experienced students. Adult classes include aerial arts, pole fitness, flexibility/contortion and Kangoo jump cardio classes. Additionally, we also offer a very limited space kids’ program for aspiring young aerialists.
Our studio offers classes suitable for all ages, sizes, and fitness levels. No experience is needed to join our beginner classes. Join our group classes, book private one-on-one sessions, or try our popular private party option. We offer drop-in, monthly, and class card memberships.
Studio Mission
What makes us different? – We want to grow the local performance arts and circus community! We provide challenging, fun, and rewarding classes in a supportive, non-competitive, creative environment. We are the only studio to offer small studio performances and large stage opportunities to performance artists and aspiring performers in the area. We hope to inspire new and experienced performers to join our family of creative talent. We bring a unique and original cirque show to the panhandle, offering the highest level of instruction in Northwest Florida. Learn more at srbaerialarts.com.
Come see our upcoming local production, at Aaron Bessant Park to learn more about us!Cirque Under the Stars presents “Masters of Mayhem” February 25th
This is a Santa Rosa Beach Aerial Arts production with the theme “Masters of Mayhem” based on Villains, Vigilantes and Vengeance.Cirque Under the Stars is the biggest LOCAL Cirque collaboration in the Panhandle. Join us for our third annual show! This is an exciting and thrilling, outdoor, festival-style cirque show! We are exclusive to the Panhandle, created and organized by Santa Rosa Beach Aerial Arts owner, Peppi Barnett (instructor and performer of 10+ years). This family-friendly show features amazing local aerial, circus, and fire performers. Our show features local performers of all levels. We also feature unique guest acts from local businesses, as well as and professional fire and aerial performers from throughout Northwest Fl.
Showtimes
One Night only, two showtimes:
5:30 p.m. – Early Bird show.
8:00 p.m. – Late Night show.Gates open 30 minutes prior to showtime. To purchase tickets visit srbaerialarts.com/events.
There will be several food trucks along with refreshments and pre-show entertainment. Bring your own chair or blanket/ ground coverage. Tickets do not include chairs. This is an all-weather, rain/shine event; All ticket sales are final. Please dress accordingly, the show is one hour long.
Preferred viewing is available. Visit cirqueunderthestars.com for more information. Follow us to stay up to date on all studio events and updates! @srbaerialarts @cirqueunderthestars.
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Al Feinstein Watercolors on Exhibit at The Bay County Public Library
A gorgeous exhibit of watercolors by local artist, Al Feinstein, is on display at the Bay County Public Library throughout December and January. The watercolors depict a menagerie of painted animals including a fox, bear, and zebra. Galleries are in both the Youth Services and Adult Services hallways. The exhibit is free and open to the public during library hours. Al Feinstein’s watercolors is a fun exhibit for the entire family!
The Bay County Public Library is located at 898 West 11th Street in Panama City. The hours are Monday – Wednesday (9 a.m. – 7 p.m.) and Thursday – Saturday (9 a.m. – 5 p.m.).
For more information, visit www.nwrls.com or call (850) 522-2100. -
Emerald Coast Theatre Company Sets February, March Entertainment
By Anna Fisher, Associate Artistic and Education Director
We’re in the mood for love at Emerald Coast Theatre Company this winter! Grab your significant other or your favorite gal pals and come join us Feb. 14 for some Valentine’s (or Galentine’s) fun.
Featuring classic artists from the Tinseltown era like Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland, the one-night-only Golden Age of Hollywood cabaret is a unique way to say “I love you.”
Ticket packages include a bottle of wine or bubbly, a Valentines-themed charcuterie board and two tickets to the show.
Love continues to be a theme through February and March with at least four other opportunities to catch a show or event. “The Last Five Years” Feb. 10-19 is a beautiful musical about love and relationships by Jason Robert Brown that will stay with you long after the show is over.
Also coming up is the true blue classic “Steel Magnolias,” Feb 24-March 5. This story of love and friendships that last through the hard times is always a great reminder of how precious life is.
On March 7, Bruce Collier, is back on stage with his popular one-man production of “Winston Churchill: Through the Storm.” The show takes place late in the evening of July 23, 1945, where, over brandy and cigars, Churchill reminisces about his personal and public life, the war and the possible future.And since everyone loves a good laugh, March 11 is Comedy on The Boulevard, hosted by Jason Hedden, along with a hilarious crew of comedians.
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No Winter Doldrums Here! Humor, Fun and Steel Magnolias Abound at ECTC
By Anna Fisher, Associate Artistic & Education Director, Emerald Coast Theatre Company
Shoulder pads, Aqua Net bangs, and neon blazers only came in large and extra large, and President Ronald Reagan dominated the media. Anytime you turned on the radio, you either got rick rolled or serenaded by Whitney Houston. It was also the year that playwright Robert Harling gifted the world with the timeless story of “Steel Magnolias” in a successful three-year off Broadway run from 1987-1990.Harling wrote the play as a tribute to his late sister Susan, who died in 1985 of complications due to diabetes. The playwright based the small town and its inhabitants on his own home town of Natchitoches, La., and insisted that the 1989 film version be produced there as well.
Some of the best one liners ever spoken originated with this play. Eternally grumpy Oiuser quips, “Don’t try to get on my good side…I no longer have one” and “I’m not crazy…I’ve just been in a very bad mood for 40 years.”
Then there’s Clairee, our southern magnolia with a razor sharp wit who observes, “The only thing that separates us from the animals is our ability to accessorize.”
You will have a chance to experience all of this southern sass, humor and heartache on February 24-March 5th when Steel Magnolias opens at Emerald Coast Theatre Company.
We are very excited to welcome back UWF professor, playwright and steel magnolia Marci Duncan as director for this classic girl’s-night-out show.
But don’t wait until February to visit ECTC! You can catch Marci on stage in January in Dissonance, a new work she has written and produced in collaboration with Kerry Sandell. Other great January shows include Odd Couple with Jason Hedden and Nathanael Fisher making another appearance on stage together, The Last Five Years featuring Rebeca Lake and Carl Hendin, and our very own Shirley Simpson as funny gal Minnie Pearl. Other storyteller events in February and March include The Flight of Jackie Cochran performed by local playwright and actress Nancy Hasty, and Bruce Collier is back with his spot on one man show Winston Churchill: Through the Storm. Winter at ECTC stays warm with The Golden Age of Hollywood Valentine’s Day cabaret fundraiser as well. We have everything you need to fight the two (maybe three) months of cold winter blues we have here on the Emerald Coast.
As Clairee says, “If you can’t say anything nice about anybody, come sit by me.” There’s no better place than Emerald Coast Theatre Company to catch a show and catch up with friends. If you don’t make time for that, well, bless your heart.
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Americana Concerts Back at the Lodge
Americana Concerts, sponsored by Visit Panama City Beach, are back at the Lodge at Camp Helen State Park and better than ever every other Saturday from January 7 – March 4 at 6 p.m.
For the first time, this year tickets are available for purchase for a suggested donation of $10 directly on our website under “happenings,” and will be required for entry.
Ticket price includes park admission, wine, beer, and an assortment of snacks.
There will be limited seats available for each show. The doors open at 6 p.m. and the music begins at 6:30.
The series kicks off January 7 with Rebekah Pulley, whose sultry and resonant charm and wicked guitar licks enhance her personal history to create the best songs.Then on January 21, the FOCH welcomes Ruth Wyand. She is a guitar guru of vast and varied talents all centered on stellar performances with the mystical talents of a snake charmer.
On February 4, the perfectly imperfect and impossibly talented Wabi-Sabis showcase a sense of non-profundity that makes for a great night from an all-girl band.
House favorite (and a long-time supporter of the Friends of Camp Helen), Lucky Mud graces the Lodge with a mixture of Swampy Tonk & Folkabilly music February 18. Lucky Mud is created from the perfect mixture of salt water, Florida sand, and swampy backwater all blended to make Mud.
For our Grand Finale March 4, The Rough & Tumble has a story to tell with their smooth voices and fun, brilliant lyrics.Kayak/SUP rentals remain available 7 days a week by online reservations ONLY.
Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance through the website, friendsofcamphelen.org. Group packages and rates are also available.
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Book Review: The Greatest Beer Run Ever
A Memoir of Friendship, Loyalty and War
By John “Chick“ Donohue & J. T. MolloyReview by Jack Smith
Like all great stories, this one started in a bar. In 1967, twenty-six-year-old John Donohue – also known as Chick – was out with friends at a local bar. They had gathered together to toast and remember lost comrades from the Vietnam war. Now they watched as anti-war students protested in the streets outside. It was decided that someone would sneak back into Vietnam and track down some of their old buddies, give them messages from home, and share some laughs over a can of neighborhood beer. It would be “The Greatest Beer Run Ever.” Great idea, but who would actually be crazy enough to do it? Who else but Chick? He was on a cargo ship headed to Vietnam the next day. Caught? With thousands trying every trick to get out of the war, who would be dumb enough to try to sneak into a country at war? Back in the country, Chick’s odyssey “The Epic Beer Run” had begun. His adventure took him through a series of hilarious escapades and close calls including The Tet Offensive. I often talk about “The Greatest Generation” and believe that some of that attitude resurfaced in men of that conflict. Will something like this ever happen again? Who knows, but don’t ever underestimate the courage of the American fighting spirit and the effect of lots of beer.
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SeeLife 2 Art Projects Underway
By Ed Offley
In a business career spanning more than twenty-five years, Lee Ann Leonard has been deeply involved in the tourism and hospitality industry promoting the beauty and attractions of Panama City Beach.But this month, Leonard is making a more personal contribution to the city. She is one of seven local artists and three school groups chosen by the city to paint ten sea-life sculptures that will be placed on public display later this spring.
“I was drawn to this project because I’d love Panama City Beach to be celebrated for its art and culture as much as the sparkling shores that inspire it,” said Leonard, whose day job is director of marketing and business development at Pier Park. While her career has focused on the business of attracting visitors and new businesses to the area, Leonard said her love of art dates back to her college days at Auburn University and her inspiration from local artists she and her husband, Mel, have befriended.
City Council last August approved SeeLife 2, which continues a public arts program started in 2021 that placed eleven dolphins and sea turtles throughout the city. This second phase, funded by the Panama City Beach Convention & Visitors Bureau, will include five seahorses and five dolphins custom painted by the participants.
Leonard said that she has finished the first phase of her work on “See Horse,” her five-foot-tall composite statue, sanding and cleaning and adding the base coast. The main task will be coloring each of several dozen areas on the seahorse with pastel acrylic paint in a range of beige to yellow and green highlights. While Leonard freely admits that she has never undertaken an art project of this scale, she can draw on support from two of her sisters, an art teacher and graphic artist, respectively.Students at the A. Gary Walsingham Academy on Panama City Beach will have the chance to finish two of the sculptures, said Julie DeFelice, the STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) teacher at the school. “My passion in education is to creatively design engaging learning experiences” for her K-3 classes, DeFelice told PCB Life. “When I found out about the SeeLife 2 project, I thought it was a wonderful opportunity” for her students, she said.
They have named their dolphin sculpture “For the Love of the Game,” and will decorate it to appear as a sports referee with images of different sports gear all over its body, DeFelice said. The seahorse sculpture has been named “The Whimsical Wonder,” and will be painted with a galaxy background and contain images from various STEAM projects such as an Edison lightbulb, stars, math symbols and art supplies, she said.
“SeeLife is a unique opportunity for our community to participate in the creation of a project that benefits locals and tourists alike,” said Public Art Committee Chairperson Helen Ferrell, who led the first SeeLife project and is founder of The Sunshine Art Center. “It is our opportunity to continue building public artworks for our community to enjoy and take pride in. There has been great enthusiasm from all our artists!”
“The chance to pay that forward, to create rather than just consume, will be worth every brush stroke,” Leonard said. “Getting to leave my little mark on the hometown I adore is a bonus!”
DeFelice agreed. “I believe my life-long experiences will help guide me and my students to create something beautiful to give back to our community that has already given so much to us.”
The completed artworks will be publicly revealed in early spring. Leonard’s “See Horse” will be installed in the Bluefish Drive roundabout near J.C. Penney at Pier Park. The Walsingham Academy dolphin will be mounted at Beef O’Brady’s Restaurant on Middle Beach Road, and the seahorse will be located at WonderWorks on Front Beach Road.The other artists, their proposed creations and locations are:
• Seahorse “Majestic Magic” by Jeri Saulsbury and friends, to be placed at Majestic Beach Resorts;
• Seahorse “Vibransea” by Ashley Windsor, to be placed at Casa Loma;
• Seahorse “Wild Thang” by Michelle Jones, to be placed at City Hall;
• Dolphin “Horizon of Heaven’s Sea” by Amanda Maxwell and the Gulf Coast School for Autism, to be placed at RC Real Estate Group;
• Dolphin “Brighter Days” by Jeri Saulsbury and friends, to be placed at Days Inn;
• Dolphin “Rocky” by Michelle Jones, to be placed at Man in the Sea Museum;
• Dolphin “Sea-renity” by Amanda Hunt and the Bay High School Art Class, to be placed at The St. Joe Company corporate offices. -
Bobby Van Deusen Trio Plays Christmas Favorites
The Bobby Van Deusen Trio with Steve Gilmore on Bass, Brent Purcell on drums, and of course Bobby on the keys, will present a Jazzy version of all your Christmas favorites on Tuesday, December 13, at the Shrimpbat Restaurant in St. Andrews. As you listen to Bobby Van Deusen playing the piano, don’t be surprised if you hear a Gershin sound. It was George Gershwin’s famous “Rhapsody in Blue” that fascinated Van Deusen as a boy. He grew up in Pennsylvania in a little house in northwest Philadelphia. His father was in law school for the first six years of his life. His mother inherited some money from an aunt and bought a Cunningham full-sized upright player piano and Bobby has devoted his life to learning the piano. “It’s an orchestra. I still practice three or four hours a day. I’m learning some tunes and I’m making progress,” said Van Deusen.He has toured with Sammy Davis Jr. and performed in New Orleans with the Dukes of Dixieland and Pete Fountain. Bobby was the winner of the 2022 World Championship Old-Time Piano Playing Contest (Senior Division), his second time winning this.
Doors open at 5 p.m. for early seating at the Shrimpboat Restaurant on Beck Avenue in St. Andrews. and the music starts at 6:30 p.m. Admission for members is $10, non-members $15. Membership applications are available at the event.