Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Fall in Love with the Emerald Coast


Sunset Boat Emerald Coast
Looking Forward to an Eventful Fall Season!

If you’ve been wanting to visit the always lovely Emerald Coast all summer long, and haven’t yet made it down, don’t worry! You haven’t missed your chance. The first official day of fall is this Saturday, September 22, and it is a wonderful time to plan an escape to this magical area.

Life's A Beach Fall/Winter CoverThere are a ton of things to look forward to throughout this lively season. One of my personal favorites of course is that the fall/winter edition of Life’s A Beach will be hitting the stands throughout the region. (We in fact, just received this edition from the printer this morning, so look for it at a location near you!) This means new artwork, photos, coupons, articles, events and more for our readers. How sweet is that!?

Another favorite is the weather. Fall weather on the Emerald Coast is ideal for almost any activity you can imagine. It’s still great for spending a day at the beach, or out on the water, and it’s fantastic if you just want to get out there and experience the beauty and wonder of Mother Nature in a comfortable setting. The slightly cooler evenings are awesome for a stroll on the beach, or for cuddling up with that special someone. If you enjoy camping, this is an optimal time of year for sleeping out under the stars and roasting marshmallows by the fire.

During the fall, the whole area comes alive with the vibrance of the season. There is always something happening, and there is so much to see and do you will never be bored. Let’s take a brief look at some of the things that will be happening throughout this magical season.

Rodeo Weigh-In Miss Destin
Throughout the entire month of October, spend a little time at the Destin Harbor, and enjoy the festivities of the 64th Annual Destin Fishing Rodeo. There will be tons of cash and prizes awarded to anglers from all over the country. Best of all, participation in the Rodeo is FREE to when you fish aboard any boat registered in the Rodeo. Even if you’re not fishing, you can still enjoy the merriment of the daily weigh-ins held on the docks. Don’t miss Shark Saturdays!

Seafood Fest
The 34th Annual Destin Seafood Festival will be entertaining thousands October 5-7. This tribute to the rich history of the Destin Harbor will feature 3 days of fun-filled activities for the whole family. There will be over 10 stages, and over 60 shows of amazing live music, kid’s activities, arts and crafts vendors, delicious food, beer, and much, much more! This event is also free and open to the public, however donations are accepted.

Beer MugThe Destin Beer Festival on October 13 will be held along the main street of Destin Commons. This event will feature an afternoon of specialty brews, eclectic cuisine, live entertainment, a merchandise booth and more! Event proceeds will benefit The Children’s Neighborhood of Children in Crisis, Inc. Come out and enjoy some great beer for a great cause!

Enjoy even more beer October 19-20 at the 5th Annual Baytowne Wharf Beer Festival. The event will feature over 40 onsite craft brewers, over 100 domestic and international beers, seminars and samplings, and live music.

Niceville Mullet Festival
Make your way to Niceville October 19-20 for the 36th Annual Boggy Bayou Mullet Festival. (Don’t worry folks, that’s mullet as in fish, not the popular 80’s hairstyle that’s business in the front and a party in the back!) The festival always promises a great time for the entire family with big-name entertainment, the highest quality fine art and home hand-crafts, numerous exhibits and a staggering array of food concessions. Don’t miss other special events throughout the festival such as the Mullet Toss!

A Celebration of Dogs
If you are a dog lover, you will not want to miss Dog Daze on October 20 at Liza Jackson Park in Fort Walton Beach. This canine-centered event featuring doggie arts and crafts, informational booths, lots of freebies and giveaways, a dog parade, wiener races and more! Come out for a day of fun focused around man’s best friend. Dog Daze benefits Alaqua Animal Refuge, RUFF (Rescue Unwanted Furry Friends), and PAWS (Panhandle Animal Welfare Society).

Henderson Beach State ParkIf there’s art in your heart you will not want to miss the 17th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts sponsored by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation. The festival will be held October 27-28 at Henderson Beach State Park. The event will feature over 100 artists from across the United States in a vast variety of mediums. There will be kid’s events, live music and lots of fun.

November 1-4 grab your glass and head to Seaside for the Seeing Red Wine Festival. This for day event is choc-full of decades of southern tradition, and is sure to satisfy your taste for wine… and the beach! An extensive array of tasting tents will be onsite with wine samples from around the world.

The Great Golf Coast Arts Festival is a juried art show that takes place in Seville Square in Downtown Pensacola November 2-4. Over 250,000 visitors flock to the area to enjoy this event every year.

Destin Harbor Blues, Brews, & BBQ
On November 10 head down to the Destin Harbor for the Blues, Brews & BBQ event. Local restaurants will be firing up the frills and the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Northwest Florida chapter will be onsite hosting a craft beer tasting and creative BBQ competition.

These are just a few of the many events you can enjoy this fall. Other things you may want to check out include touring shows, orchestra performances, Halloween festivities including multiple haunted houses and more! Check back with us often for more information on these and other upcoming events in addition to your regular Emerald Coast connection.

Until next time, enjoy the fruits of the season and remember to send us your Emerald Coast vacation photos!


Kids Activities Destin Fishing Rodeo


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

“An Evening in Margaritaville” Presented by the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation


What: “An Evening in Margaritaville,” a pop-up dining event
When: August 23rd - 5:30-8:30pm
Where: Still a mystery at this time

Mystery, intrigue, food, entertainment and oh yeah, did I mention MYSTERY!? If you’ve been following the progress of the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation’s pop-up dining event, “An Evening in Margaritaville,” you know what I’m talking about. If not, that’s ok, allow me to fill you in a little… as much as I can at least.

I first heard about this event a few weeks ago, and I have to admit, I was intrigued. The whole concept casts an air of mystery and excitement upon the occasion. This enigmatic event has followers and interested parties eagerly checking their email and Facebook accounts to see if the latest details have been released. I know I’m sucked in! I guess that’s the beauty of these pop-up dining experiences; you know that it could take place anywhere – a rooftop, and airport hangar, an old warehouse, a restaurant – who knows! Food and entertainment could include any wealth of options. Details of the event have been kept secret and are being revealed as the event grows near. So, let me tell you what I know so far.

Photo courtesy of SoWal.com
I know that a portion of the entertainment will be in an art demonstration by the talented mixed-media artist, Andy Saczynski. Andy’s usual “junk into funk” style typically uses reclaimed materials and found objects to create original (and not to mention sensational) pieces of art. The product of Saczynski’s live demonstration will be auctioned off at the event, along with a few other pieces that the artist will have on display.

Photo Courtesy of Legendary Inc.
Alright, so we know we can expect an amazing art demonstration by a gifted artist, what else? I’ll tell you what else! It has been announced that the meal will be prepared by none other than Legendary Inc.’s Executive Chef, Jimmy McManus. YUM! You KNOW that’s going to be one delicious meal! With his impeccable skills, and vast knowledge and experience, McManus has received much praise and many honors for his culinary genius. The menu will feature beef empanadas and coconut lobster tartlets during the cocktail hour. This will be followed by a sumptuous buffet with salads, grilled swordfish, roast pork tenderloin, rice, vegetables and a delectable selection of desserts.

Last, the most recent detail revealed that patrons can expect to be entertained by the musical stylings of the Trop Rock sensation Coconut Radio. This dynamic duo is comprised of award-winning violinist extraordinaire, Susan Kittredge and singer/songwriter Steve Reeths. The music of Coconut Radio is meant to share those feelings/emotions one feels when sharing a cold one with friends at the tiki bar or watching a beautiful sunset. I think our friends at The Beachcomber put it best when they said “(Coconut Radio's release 'Gone Bamboo') is the perfect soundtrack for your spring                                                                           and summer."

So far, that is pretty much the sum of everything I know about this event at this time. I know there’s more to come so I will continue to follow the Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Facebook, for the latest updates about this event’s details. If you’d like to do the same, follow this link to their page: Mattie Kelly Arts Foundation on Facebook

Also, if you haven’t got your ticket yet, call the Foundation today at 850-650-2226 to reserve your place at the table. I understand that seating is limited to 100 people and tickets are selling very quickly.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Celebrate Independence Day on the Emerald Coast

Boom, Boom, Boom! The celebration of America’s Freedom has already begun with a bang here on the Emerald Coast. If you’re just arriving to spend the 4th of July weekend at this lively locale, allow us to outline a few of the events you won’t want to miss. Fun-filled and patriotic events will be occurring throughout the area all week long. Some events are regularly scheduled Emerald Coast Weekly Summer Events, but for the sake of those who are here to celebrate the holiday this week only we’re going to touch on a few of those things as well.

Monday, July 2

Join Magician Rick Moore from 7-9pm at the Events Plaza Stage at the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Magical Mondays, an evening of laughs and illusions.


                             Tuesday July 3

The Village of Baytowne Wharf is host to the weekly celebration, Boomin’ Tuesdays. This celebration provides an evening of fun and merriment, complete with face painting, kid’s crafts, and live music by Coconut Radio from 7-9pm. Stick around for the fireworks show beginning at 9:15pm!


Head down to HarborWalk Village, where every Tuesday is Fat Tuesday, with their Pardi Gras celebration from 7-10pm! Enjoy dazzling floats, beads, and loads of swag during the parade through the village, and relish the cocktails, red beans and rice, and live entertainment!

Enjoy a coastal fireworks display beginning at 9pm in Seaside. Be sure to tune your radio to 30A Radio (107.1) to hear the simulcast soundtrack as you watch the magnificent display.


Wednesday July 4 

Celebrate the holiday with at the Village of Baytowne Wharf’s Red, White & Baytowne celebration. Bring the kids! Enjoy face painting, crafts and a stilt walker from 6-10pm and live music by The Shrimpboat Cowboys form 7-9pm. A special Independence Day fireworks show will light up the sky over the lagoon at 9:15pm.

HarborWalk Village will be offering tons of fun and excitement from 6-10pm at their 4th of July Extravaganza on the Harbor! Festivities will include family activities, a hotdog eating contest, giveaways, live music on the Main stage by Clinch 46, and of course FIREWORKS!

Head to Main Street in Destin for the American Legion Cookout. American Legion post 296 will be hosting an old-fashioned cookout with hamburgers and hotdogs beginning at 2pm. Entertainment will be provided by Rock’n Robbin. This event is open to the public.

The City of Fort Walton Beach will be hosting its annual 4th of July Celebration at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. The event is scheduled from 4-10pm and will include entertainment, vendors, a bicycle parade for children, a flyover, and kid’s activities and games. The evening will conclude with a breathtaking fireworks display over the sound beginning at 9:15pm.

The annual South Walton 4th of July Parade will begin in front of Seagrove Plaza at 8am. Participants in patriotic costumes and on festive holiday floats will travel 1.5 miles down Scenic Hwy 30A to Seaside, where a winning parade entry will be selected. After the parade, enjoy music in the Amphitheater from 30A Radio until 11am. Bring your blanket and settle in as the celebration continues with Stars & Stripes at Seaside at 7pm featuring a special performance by Dread Clampitt and Sam Bush. The festivities will come to a close with a spectacular fireworks show viewable from the Seaside Amphitheater or along the beach.

Spend the holiday building ad sailing a pirate ship with the little ones in the reflection pond during a ranger-led activity from 10am-noon at Eden Gardens State Park’s Fourth of July Family Day.

Enjoy the all-day 4th of July Celebration in Rosemary Beach. The festivities kick off with the annual Bike Parade through town beginning at 8:45am. A Family Field Day will be held from 9-11am on the Western green. Have a blast with sack races, 3-legged races, hula-hoop contests, a water balloon toss, music, airbrush tattoos, “go fish,” balloons and moonwalks. A barbeque will take place from 5-7 pm on the Eastern Green where an old-fashioned BBQ dinner will be available for purchase. Bring a blanket and enjoy an evening of music under the stars at Concert on the Green from 6:30-8:30pm on the Western Green. The evening will end with a fireworks show at 8:45.

The DeFuniak Springs Business and Professional Association presents the 21st annual Celebration around the Lakeyard, which includes a parade, entertainment with Crossroads, children’s activities, a flyover, a fireworks display and more!

The Walton County Heritage Museum celebrates the museum’s 10th Anniversary on July 4th. The museum will open at 10am and remain open until the conclusion of the fireworks over Lake DeFuniak. The caboose will be open for tours from 11am-2pm. Trolley tours of historic homes around Circle Drive will be offered at 11am, 11:45am, 12:30pm and 1:15pm. Tours will include a guided walk through the Heritage Garden and a reception at the Chautauqua Hall of Brotherhood. Hot dogs, sausage dogs, and drinks will be sold in front of the museum beginning at 11am.


Thursday, July 5

Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and head out to the Village of Baytowne Wharf for Sunset Cinema, a fun-filled movie under the stars! This week’s feature film is The Smurfs, and showing begins at 8pm.

Can’t get enough fireworks? Check out the Red, White and Blue Celebration at HarborWalk Village from 6-8pm. This weekly honoring of a local hero highlights the efforts of people who go above and beyond to better their community. Enjoy live entertainment, free kid’s crafts and face painting, and a WWII replica flyover. The evening is topped off by a spectacular fireworks display over the Destin Harbor.


Friday, July 7

Rock the Docks with Andy Velo at HarborWalk Village from 8-10pm. The evening will include free kids activities and face painting.
EmeraldGrande.com

Saturday, July 8

Relive America’s favorites at Rock the Docks with Ron Adams and Friends at HarborWalk Village from 7-9pm.




Thursday, February 16, 2012

What Are You Doing This Weekend? February 17-19

What’s happening on the Emerald Coast this weekend?

We've got a big weekend ahead of us. It’s President’s Day weekend, so I know there are a few people out there who will enjoy a longer break than usual. Fat Tuesday is just around the corner as well, so there are several Mardi Gras celebrations happening throughout the area over the next few days. This should also be a highly entertaining and cultured weekend, with an art show, and several musical performances, including the Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra among others. In addition, if you’re an avid runner, you will have your choice this week of what events you’d like to participate in, and for what cause.

It’s a great weekend to be on the Emerald Coast, and if you haven’t made your weekend plans yet, Life’s A Beach wants to help. We’ve highlighted a few of the area happenings for the upcoming weekend below for your convenience.




Multi-Day Events

(February 17 & 18) Spend an evening enjoying the sounds of Grammy Award-winning The Parker QuartetThis astounding string quartet performs this special evening in the intimate setting of Rosemary Beach Town Hall. Event begins at 7:30 p.m. both days.


(February 18-19) Barefoot runners, this is your race! The Destin 50 Beach Ultra Marathon, 5 a.m. – 7 p.m. boasts an entire weekend of events for runners. This race will take place on the white sand beaches of Destin, Florida and next to the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Mexico.  That's right, the entire 50 mile/50K/relay races are in the sand! Truly a race like no other. Marathon benefits go to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.




Friday, February 17th

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra presents Stars of Tomorrow at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center in Niceville. Relish in the extraordinary talent that is highlighting the 2011 Concerto Competition winners.  This family friendly concert features the orchestra in a salute to the Old West, with a presentation of Aaron Copland's Billy the Kid suite, and guest artist performances by the talented winners of the 25th annual Concerto Competition for young musicians.



Saturday, February 18th

Navarre’s  26th Annual Mardi Gras Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. on Grand Boulevard in Navarre Beach.
www.NavarreChamber.com, 850.939.3267

The Friends of the Museum will be sponsoring the annual White Tent Yard Sale Fundraiser from 7 a.m.-12 p.m. outside the Camp Walton Schoolhouse Museum. Several tents and tables of gently used items, baked goods, and coffee will be for sale. All proceeds will benefit the Heritage Park and Cultural Center.
850.833.9595

The Doo-Wah Riders concert at the Fort Walton Beach Civic Auditorium offers a return to familiar Americana. They have entertained for more than 30 years with their sounds of high energy country with a Cajun twist. Concert starts at 7:30 P.M. The audience is invited to a reception at the Magnolia Grill following the concert where they can meet all the band members.

Enjoy great food, beverages and more at the Sandestin Gumbo Festival which will take place at the Village of Baytowne Wharf from noon until 4 p.m. Bring your discerning palate, and cast your vote as area restaurants and businesses vie for the prestigious title of “Area’s Best Gumbo.”
850.244.8110

Enjoy a parade, costume contest, movie and more at the 1st Annual Hammock Bay Mardi Gras Dog Parade and Festival at Hammock Bay in Freeport. The theme this year is Beach Bound Hounds! Parade will start at Canine Commons Bark Park in Hammock Bay at 4 p.m. and end in the town square at Hammock Bay where the street party begins. Stay for a movie in the park featuring Disney’s animated comedy Princess and the Frog set in the festive city of New Orleans.

Head out to the Destin Commons from 3-5 p.m. for the Destin Commons Mardi Gras Masquerade featuring entertainment, a seafood boil, arts & crafts, street dancing and more.

Take part in the Son of A Beach 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation this Saturday. Event begins at 8 a.m. at the Back Porch Restaurant in Destin. Registration includes a logo'd SoB cooler, water, light snacks and entertainment.

Get active for a great cause at the Run for the Kids a 5K run or walk event to benefit AMI Kids Emerald Coast. Event starts at 8:00 a.m. at the Fort Walton Beach Landing. After party/awards ceremony will follow at Fokkers in Downtown Fort Walton Beach.
Register online at www.active.com.

Bring your artistic side to the Annual Art Show and Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Seascape Resort Conference Center. Several artists represented. Original watercolors, prints, cards, gift items, and art instruction supplies will be for sale. Come meet the artists and purchase local artwork. This event is FREE and open to the public.
850.837.9181



Sunday February 19th

This year’s Modern Bridal Expo at the Village of Baytowne Wharf gives brides the opportunity to mix and mingle with leading wedding vendors at Sandestin’s Baytowne Conference Center. The expo will feature a high-energy fashion show, door prizes, and the chance to win a FREE honeymoon! As a bonus brides may tour Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort’s wedding venues.


The Village of Baytowne Wharf's Mardi Gras Dog Parade is one of the premier canine events on the Emerald Coast with members of the four-pawed community coming far and wide to participate. This year’s theme is Cruisin’ Canines: Fetch a Wave. Event starts at 2 p.m. Proceeds will benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge.

 

Join the Northwest Florida Symphony Guild for their annual Food and Wine Tasting, to be held at the Emerald Coast Convention Center from 1-4 p.m.


Celebrate the coasts most talented regional and local musicians at the 4th Annual Beachcomber Music Awards at HarborWalk Village. Enjoy live music throughout the village from several of the nominees. Concerts are FREE and open to the public.