FEBRUARY

 

Mardi Gras on the Harbor

DESTIN – Join HarborWalk Village at 2 p.m. Feb. 13 for the Second Annual Mardi Gras Parade led by The Dent Bros and New Orleans Ramblers, The finale is a post-parade party, zydeco jam and award celebration. Dance to authentic zydeco music by Terry and the Zydeco Bad Boys in the HarborWalk Village's amphitheater. Village merchants to benefit Destin Harvest food bank will collect non-perishable food items. To participate in the parade, call 585-5451.

 

Mardi Gras Masquerade

DESTIN – Destin Commons will host a Mardi Gras Masquerade from 12 to 5 p.m. Feb. 13 in Center Plaza. Events include a parade at 2 p.m. and live music from 1 to 4 p.m. Other activities include face painting by Abrakadoodle, dancers from Fred Astaire, Mac & Bobbie Brown make-up consultations, giveaways and prizes. Festive costumes are encouraged.

 

Art show and sale

DESTIN – The 20th Annual Robert and Sharon Long Art Show and Sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Feb. 13 at Seascape Resort and Conference Center, 11625 U.S. 98. The show will feature local artists plus artists from across the United States and Canada. Admissiion is free. Light refreshments will be served. Call 240-3220.

 

Call to Artists: Digital Graffiti

ALYS BEACH – The third annual Digital Graffiti, the world’s first outdoor projection art festival, will be held June 12. Organizers are now calling for submissions from artists around the globe for inclusion in the 2010 competition.

All entries should be submitted via e-mail as soon as possible to events@alysbeach.com. The deadline for all submissions is March 15. For complete rules and information, visit www.digitalgraffiti.com.

 

Texas Hold’ Em Tournament-Fundraiser

DESTIN – The Destin Fire & Rescue Foundation will hold the Inaugural Aces & Eights Poker Tournament at 6 p.m. Feb. 27 at Destin Jet. Hundreds of players will gather to compete for a chance to win a seat at the World Series of Poker Tournament-Harrah’s New Orleans, as well as many other exciting prizes.

The event will also showcase a large silent auction with such prizes as spa packages from Serenity by the sea and national resort and golf vacation packages, as well as live entertainment. Area restaurants and caterers will provide food and cocktails, included in ticket price.

Red carpet arrival will begin at 5 p.m. The tournament will follow a Texas Hold’ Em format, with buy-in pricing at $100 for early bird players and $50 for early bird event attendees, not competing in the tournament. These prices are valid through Feb. 14. Tickets purchased after this date will be $120 for players and $65 for event attendees.

The proceeds from the tournament will benefit the many programs of the Destin Fire & Rescue Foundation.

Tickets are on sale at the Destin Firehouse or are payable by phone. In addition to tickets, there are multiple levels of sponsorship available, along with corporate table sponsorships. To purchase tickets, call 837-8413.

 

Emerald Coast Chamber Ensemble

SANTA ROSA BEACH – The Emerald Coast Chamber Ensemble will present a special Valentine’s Day concert at 3 p.m. Feb. 14 in Christ the King Episcopal Church, 280 N County Rd. 393. Emerald Coast artists Carol Wolowsky and Kate Kelley, violin and Chun-Hsin Chang, cello and guest violist Rebecca Henry from the Peabody Institute at Johns Hopkins University, will perform a program by Mozart, J.S. Bach, Vivaldi, Puccini, music from the movie Titanic and other romantic favorites. 

Concert tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door ($10 for ages 18 and under).  Advance tickets are available at Playground Music in Fort Walton beach, Bayou Books in Niceville, Kitchenique in Destin, 3 Graces Taverna in Sandestin’s Marketplace and Sun Dog Books in Seaside. Call 650-5448.

 

Martina McBride and Trace Adkins

PENSACOLA – In celebration of Valentine’s Day, Martina McBride and Trace Adkins will pair up at the Pensacola Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 14. Both McBride and Adkins will perform full-length shows. Tickets are $59.75 and $49.75 available at the box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone (800) 745-3000, or ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).

 

Ott music series

MIRAMAR BEACH — Dr. David Ott presents his popular music series, “From Opera to Symphony.” The classes will be conducted as open discussions at 1 p.m. Monday in the sanctuary of Faith Assembly Church, 306 South Geronimo St. Ott is an internationally recognized composer and conductor. He is also music director and organist at First United Methodist Church. Remaining dates are Feb. 15 and 22. Cost is $5 per class

 

Mardi Gras Bash Jambalaya Cook-Off & Pet Costume Contest

DESTIN – Dress your pets in Mardi Gras costumes and enjoy jambalaya from your favorite restaurants Feb. 16 on HarborWalk Village. The Fat Tuesday celebration includes live music, free red beans and rice and free beer sponsored by Budweiser.

 

Vienna Boys Choir

PANAMA CITY BEACH – The Vienna Boys Choir will perform at 7 p.m. Feb. 16 at Gulf Beach Presbyterian Church, 271 South Highway 79. The concert will include a dessert reception and artwork by Lisa Adessi displayed in the gallery. Tickets are $35 each. Call 850-230-1991.

 

Mattie Kelly Arts Center

NICEVILLE ­– The 2009-2010 season at the NWF State College’s Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center will include a Broadway season package for four shows for $165 per package or $45 per individual ticket. A six-show Broadway/Artist combo package will be $200, with $30 individual ticket prices for Artist Series shows.

Season packages are available by phone, in-person or by mail only from the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office. Individual show tickets go on sale through the center's online box office at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org and in-person or by phone.

Broadway package includes:

•Feb. 17: Le Grand Cirque.

Artist Series includes:

A series of children's shows which will be matinee performances for school groups include the following. Limited seating for the public may be available for $6 each.

•March 9: Frog and Toad.

•April 13: Click, Clack, Moo.

 

Tommy Dorsey Orchestra

PENSACOLA – The National Naval Aviation Museum will present the The Glenn Miller Orchestra from 7 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18 in the Blue Angels Atrium. Tickets are $27.50 for general public and $22.50 for Foundation members.

•Feb. 27: The Orlando Jazz.

 

Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra

NICEVILLE – The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra at Northwest Florida State College, under the baton of Jeffrey Rink, announces its 2009-10 concert season and the availability of season tickets. The 23rd season of the region’s professional orchestra will include five concerts, special events and new benefits for season subscribers, award-winning guest artists, the premiere of a new work written for the NFSO, collaborative performances with the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorus and more.

Regular season subscriptions for the 2009-10 series of five NFSO concerts are now available for $100. NFSO season tickets are available for purchase in-person or by phone from the college’s Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box office at (850) 729-6000 or online at www.nfsymphony.org.

Conductor’s Circle memberships, for subscribers who make a tax deductible gift of at least $250 to the symphony in addition to their purchase of the $100 season subscription, are also available.

The Mattie Kelly Arts Center is on the Niceville campus of Northwest Florida State College at 100 College Blvd.

•Feb. 19: Annual “Stars of Tomorrow” concert featuring the winners of the regional Concerto Competition.

•April 10: “European Masters” features the Northwest Florida Symphony Chorus and orchestra.

 

Okaloosa Chamber Singers

FORT WALTON BEACH – Harpist Katie Ott will join the Okaloosa Chamber Singers to perform "Our Father" in a program that ranges from Haydn to Gershwin Feb. 19 at First United Methodist Church. Call 682-9651.

 

ADDY Awards Gala

The Emerald Coast Advertising Federation will host the 2010 ADDY Awards Gala from 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 20 at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort in the Bayside Ballroom. Professional tickets are $60, student tickets are $45, and a corporate table seating ten is $600. Dress is cocktail attire and the person with the craziest shoes will win a two -night stay with ResortQuest. To RSVP, visit www.emeraldcoastadfed.com/Addys.

 

ECCA’s 50th Concert Season

OKALOOSA COUNTY – It’s the Emerald Coast Concert Association’s 50th birthday and concertgoers will be treated to several “surprises” throughout the season.

All performances begin at 7:30 p.m.  Tickets for individual performances will be available at the door and at local outlets. To order season tickets call 362-9356. For a season brochure, call 837-1742. Individual tickets are available three weeks prior to performance date.

 Season includes:

•Feb. 20: The Canadian group Barrage – Animado features an international, multi-talented cast performing an eclectic mix of music, song and dance at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center in Niceville.

•March 6: Season finale, ABBA-Mania, musicians from Canada, at NWFSC.

 

Northwest Florida Symphony Guild Food and Wine Tasting

OKALOOSA ISLAND – The 20th Annual Northwest Florida Symphony Guild Food and Wine Tasting event takes place Feb. 21 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center. Local restaurants will provide a wide variety of food and wine samples. The event is a fundraiser to support area children’s music and arts programs sponsored by the NFSG. Tickets are $30/members; $40/non-members, advance ticket sales; $35/non-members purchased in blocks of ten; and $50/door.

 

Multi-Chamber Business Expo & Taste of Okaloosa County

OKALOOSA ISLAND –The Destin Area, Greater Fort Walton Beach, and Niceville Valparaiso chambers of commerce and their members present The Multi-Chamber Business Expo & Taste of Okaloosa County from 4 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center to learn about, enjoy samples from, and network with your area businesses. The event is open to the public at no charge. For more information, contact your chamber of commerce: Destin Area 837-6241; Greater Fort Walton Beach 244-8191; and Niceville Valparaiso 678-2323.

 

Memories of Elvis concert

NICEVILLE – Celebrate the life and music of Elvis Presley when tribute artist Chris MacDonald presents his Memories of Elvis in Concert at 7:30p.m. Feb. 25 on Mainstage at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center. Special guest will be Elvis' original drummer and Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame member, D. J. Fontana. Tickets are $35.

 

Emerald Coast Chorus

OKALOOSA ISLAND – The Emerald Coast Chorus, an all-male a cappella chorus, will perform Feb. 26 at the Emerald Coast Conference Center. Call 897-7025.

 

First Arts Concert Series

FORT WALTON BEACH – The 21st season of First Arts Concerts presents Saturday Intersection Trio at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at First United Methodist Church in Fort Walton Beach. Tickets are available at Pavlic’s Unique Florist in Destin, Kitchenique in Sandestin, Bayou Books in Niceville, Playground Music and PS Gifts in Fort Walton Beach and at the church, 103 First St. SE.

Other concerts include:

•Feb. 26: Thomas Pandolfi, piano

•March 12: Proteus 7, brass

 

The Choral Society of Pensacola

PENSACOLA –The Choral Society of Pensacola presents “Lyric Libations,” an evening of food, wine and entertainment, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26 at Dollarhide’s Music Center, 41 South Palafox Place.

Singer Holly Shelton will be accompanied by pianist David Shelander. Raffle tickets are $10 and will have a cash prize of $300. Reservations are $25/person. Call 484-1806 or e-mail csop1@juno.com.

 

Chili cook-off

DESTIN – The Emerald Coast Parrothead Club will host the Fifth Annual Chili Cook-off to benefit the American Cancer Society Relay for Life at 4 p.m. Feb. 27 at Fudpucker’s in Destin. Entertainment provided by Capt. Josh. There will be a $10 fee to participate in the chili tasting, voting, Chinese auction, silent auction and chance drawing.

 

Sinfonia Gulf Coast

DESTIN – The 2009-2010 season of the Sinfonia Gulf Coast will include the following events. Season subscriptions and tickets are available at www.SinfoniaGulfCoast.org or call 269-7129.

•Feb. 28: Time Travel at 3 p.m. at Good News United Methodist Church in Santa Rosa Beach features the Manhattan Piano Trio and Demetrius Fuller, clarinet.

•March 23: The Sinfonia Gala Event,  “An Evening in Vintage Hollywood featuring Pink Martini,” will be held at 6 p.m. at the Emerald Coat Conference Center.

 

Pensacola Children's Chorus

The Pensacola Children's Chorus presents a concert titled "The Angels Sing" at 2:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at the Pensacola Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox Place. All seven choirs of the Pensacola Children’s Chorus will be heard in this program of classical and sacred works encompassing music of the masters, vibrant contemporary selections and moving spirituals.

Tickets are $10, $12 and $14, and are available through the Saenger Theatre Box Office Monday through Friday, TicketMaster, 1-800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com.

 

MARCH

 

An Emerald Evening for Autism

The Emerald Coast Autism Center and The Emerald Coast Autism Society will host “An Emerald Evening for Autism” at 6:30 p.m. March 5 in the the Emerald Grande Ballroom at HarborWalk Village in Destin. The evening will feature dinner and live music. Tickets are $100 per person and corporate sponsorships are available

 

ABBA Mania

NICEVILLE – The Emerald Coast Concert Association presents “ABBA Mania” March 6 at the NWFSC Mattie Kelly Theater. Call 362-9356.

 

Pensacola Symphony Orchestra

PENSACOLA – The Pensacola Symphony Orchestra’s Masterworks Concerts are held at 8 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre, 118 S Palafox Street. Saturday afternoon dress rehearsals will be at 2 p.m. at the Saenger Theatre. Admission is $5. Public is welcome.

For ticket information, call 435-2533, visit www.pensacolasymphony.com or purchase in person at 205 E. Zaragoza Street in Pensacola.

Schedule includes:

•March 6: Maestro Rubardt conducts Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik and Symphony No. 5 by Gustav Mahler.

•April 17: Ashley Brown – Uncommon Woman, features Gulf Breeze’s Broadway star Ashley Brown joining the PSO for a night of classical hits.

 

Art exhibit: NWFSC Faculty and Staff Exhibition

NICEVILLE – The Northwest Florida State College Arnie Hart Juried Student Exhibition with NWFSC Arts Center Faculty and Staff Exhibition will run March 7 through April 18 in the galleries at the Mattie Kelly Fine & Performing Arts Center at the college. Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday. Call 729-6000.

 

Coffee seminar

DESTIN – Every first Tuesday, Starbucks Destin Commons will host a coffee seminar dealing with various topics with the growing, roasting and preparing of coffee. The next seminar will be held at 11 a.m. March 9. Call 650-0333.

 

second wednesday

Butler Organ Recital Series

FORT WALTON BEACH – The music ministry of First United Methodist Church, 103 First Street S.E., will feature Dr. David Ott for the Butler Organ Recital Series at noon March 10. Call 687-0862.

 

Come Blow Your Horn

NICEVILLE – Northwest Florida State College’s Division of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts will present the farcical romp, “Come Blow Your Horn,” at 7:30 p.m. March 10-13 in the Sprint Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on the NWFSC Niceville campus. Tickets are on sale for $15/adults and $10/youth age 18 and younger at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center Box Office in-person, by phone at 729-6000, or online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.  Currently enrolled NWFSC students may attend free of charge on student nights March 8 and 9 with a student ID.

Tickets at the door, on a space available basis only, will be sold at 6 p.m. each night of the show and are the same price as advance tickets.

 

Dinner

The Okaloosa County Democratic Executive Committee will host a special dinner to celebrate the legacy of two American icons, President John F. Kennedy and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., at 6 p.m. March 13 in the K building Mall at NWF State College in Niceville. Actor turned business entrepreneur, Wayne M. Rogers, Trapper John on the television series M*A*S*H*, will be guest speaker. Tickets are $48 and available at 897-5246 or 678-1349.

 

Cattle Barons Ball

The Third Annual Cattle Barons Ball to benefit the American Cancer Society will take place beginning at 6 p.m. March 13 under the tent and the starry skies at Destin Commons. Guests will enjoy tasty vittles from some of the area’s leading restaurants, live and silent auctions, gaming, entertainment by The Modern Eldorados, and dancing till the cows come home at the western-themed event. A limited number of Baron and Rancher table sponsorships are still available and individual tickets. Call 244-3813, Ext. 3551, or e-mail Diane.Maldonado@cancer.org.

 

Choral Society of Pensacola

PENSACOLA – The Choral Society of Pensacola’s concerts for the 2009-2010 season include the following. Tickets are $15/reserved seating, $12/general admission, and $5/students. To purchase, call 484-1806 or e-mail csop1@juno.com.

•March 13: Durufle’s “Requiem” at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Hyde Park Road.

•May 1: “Bach to Broadway” at 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul Catholic Church, Hyde Park Road.

 

Coffee with the Conductor

Maestro Demetrius Fuller's free coffee klatche will be held at 10 a.m. March 19 at The Café at Barnes & Noble's in Destin. Fuller will discuss the Pink Martini Gala event. Call 269-7129.

 

Purple Passion Gala and Auction

The Seventh Annual Purple Passion Gala and Auction will take place from 7 to 11 p.m. March 20 at the Linkside Center at Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort. In addition to dinner and dancing, Jones & Company will perform music and Shelter House will have a silent and live auction with broad appeal. Tickets are $75 and may be purchased online at www.shelterhousenwfl.org. Prices will be $100 at the door. Call 243-1201 or stop by 102 Buck Drive in Fort Walton Beach.

 

Patriot Dinner

The Okaloosa County Republican Executive Committee Patriot Dinner will be held at 6 p.m. March 27 at Holiday Inn Resort on Okaloosa Island. The event honors elected officials and stars local candidates.

Reservations required by March 20. Call 240-1335. Donation is $30/person. Century Club members are $25/person.

 

MAY

 

Carrie Underwood

PENSACOLA – Carrie Underwood will bring her new headline 2010 spring tour to the Pensacola Civic Center at 7:30 p.m. May 5. Special guests are Craig Morgan and Sons of Sylvia. Underwoods’ newest CD is “Play On.” Tickets are $55,$45 and $35 the box office, Ticketmaster outlets, Charge By Phone 800-745-3000, or ticketmaster.com (additional fees may apply).