Tues. + Wed. = Twice the Spoken Word

If you are like me and you need a break from the hustle and bustle of "the most wonderful time of the year," jump in your sleigh and make your way to Sluggo's on Tuesday and The Game Plan on Wednesday.  A local favorite, the Head Doc, will be guest hosting with the Speakeasy crowd at Sluggo's on Tuesday.  You can see him again at the Art of Xxpression on Wednesday.  Here are the vitals:

Speakeasy on Tuesday (Tomorrow) at 7:30 p.m.
Sluggo's Vegetarian Restaurant
101 S Jefferson St. Unit A

http://sluggos.net

Free Admission

 

Art of Xxpression on Wednesday at 8:30 p.m.

The Game Plan

8187 W. Fairfield Dr. at the corner of Lillian Ave. & W. Fairfield

$5 Admission

To see a video of the Head Doc performing, follow this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=runl2ki0Hl4 

Adonna's: An Oasis on Palafox

 
It has been a long time since I last posted, and that's a direct result of this hectic time of the year.  From November to January, many of us operate on overdrive at home and at work.  If you need a few minutes of calm, stroll into Adonna's Bakery downtown (114 A Palafox Place).  As the name implies, they have yummy baked goods.  Some make great Christmas gifts like the chocolate and caramel cake pops pictured below.  To my surprise, however, my favorite part of this bakery is not the sweets.  It's the "real" food including their spinach pastry, quiches, and--my favorite--the Greek Goddess sandwich made with spinach, feta, hummus, cucumbers, and other goodness.  I never thought I could love a sandwich that didn't involve chicken, turkey or pork, but I was wrong.  I've consumed two in the past week.  I am actually eating one now while admiring Adonna's Old World decor, agitated only by the sight of my laptop.

Well, lunch is over.  Back to the real world.

http://www.adonnasbakery.com
Adonna's on Facebook

Lighted Boat Parade Tonight!

This annual FREE parade will take place on Santa Rosa Sound on Pensacola Beach at 6:00 p.m. today.  For additional details, follow this link:  http://www.visitpensacola.com/listings/1745/

If you would like to ride in a parade boat from the Portofino resort, follow this link:  http://www.pnj.com/article/20111201/HOLIDAYS/111201003/You-can-ride-lighted-boat-parade-Pensacola-Beach

Lots of Treats This Week

Happy Belated Halloween!  The Pensacola Fair has officially left the building, but there are other great events in store this week.  In addition to two poetry events and two festivals downtown, the Pensacola Museum of Art will host a very unique reception.  See below for more info.  If you are looking for entertainment tonight check out...

Tonight:  Poetry at 7 p.m. (sign ups at 6:30 p.m.)
Free Poetry Night at Sluggo's with the Speak Easy Poets (previously at the End of the Line Cafe)
(101 S Jefferson St. Unit A, Pensacola, FL 32502) 

Wednesday:  Art of XXpression

8 p.m. (sign ups at 7:30 p.m.) at The Game Plan

Art of XXpression Spoken Word & Poetry <--follow this link for more info

Thursday:  Art Reception

5 - 7:30 p.m. at the Pensacola Museum of Art

The reception will be held in conjunction with their regular Culture Club event and will feature photography by E. J. Manton, food from End of the Line Cafe, music from Company of Ghosts, and art from Florida's homeless community.  Now that's what I call a jam-packed event!  Art will be created during the event and handbags made from billboard advertisements will be available for sale (starting at $5).  For admission, simply bring a non-perishable food item that will be collected for Manna Food Pantries.  For more details, visit Culture Club and PMA News.


This Weekend
Great Gulf Coast Arts Festival
Martini Fest on Palafox

Words Have Meaning

If you like poetry and spoken word, you will love this event hosted by Head Doc and D'Change!  The Art of Xxpresssion features a wide variety on the open mic.  You will hear the echoes of your ancestors, relive your middle school crush, and wrestle with the social issues of our society all in one night.  After that, you can sit back and enjoy the featured poet of the evening!  With so much talent in one place, it just doesn't get any better than this.  For your listening pleasure, the next Art of Xxpression is right around the corner.  Here's the info:

1st and 3rd Wednesday of Each Month

(Next door to the old Blockbuster) 

8187 W. Fairfield Dr., Pensacola, FL  32504

$5 Admission.  Doors open at 7:30.  Spoken word starts at 8.

For more info. call 850-380-6109 or 601-291-1946

First of All, What Happened to Plain Old Funnel Cakes?

The fair continues this week.  Last weekend, I went with another Pen Pal and had a blast.  Apparently, another one of our followers danced on stage with M.C. Hammer!  Here is the fair link if you want to plan your own amazing outing:  http://www.pensacolafair.com/  Parking is $5, but the food prices are reasonable for an event like this...especially if you get your drink from the vending machine near the back of the grounds.  Anyway, in addition to riding some awesome rides, I saw some frightening treats just in time for Halloween.  Gluttonous souls beware:   Pack some self-control before you head to the fair!

Let Them Eat Cake!

One of our fellow Pen Pals is celebrating her birthday today!  Yea!  This post about cake is in honor of her special day.  If you are craving homemade cake, getting your fix is as easy as 1-2-3:

1.  Visit the ASweetRoad blog, and make your own individual cupcake with what you already have in your pantry. "How to Make 1 Cupcake" (complete with individual icing)

2.  Visit Pensacola's own Oh Snap! Cupcakes on Facebook to see what they are baking up today.  Call ahead to reserve a few to pick up after work.  Be sure to try the famous "Hot Mama" (my fav) if they have any!

3.  Call up Royal Sweets ("Sweets Made for Kings and Queens") and order a whole cake.  This company specializes in pound cakes, and you can get vanilla, sour cream, 7-Up, lemon, cream cheese or brown sugar rum pound cake.  (I am enjoying a piece of the 7-Up as I type.)  You can also get red velvet cake, banana shortcake, strawberry shortcake, and banana pudding.  Contact Ms. Nelson or Ms. Jones in time to get cakes for the holidays or any little special occasion.  Call 850-429-0905 or 850-361-6779.

(4.)  Find a high-quality significant other who will make you a cake like our birthday girl did!  :)

Last-Minute Notice About A Great Cause

One of our Pen Pals asked me to post this earlier in the week, but, sadly, it kept slipping my mind until now.  To maximize impact on such short notice, I will be brief...

Do you want to support breast cancer awareness?  If, yes, meet at 8:00 a.m. TOMORROW at the base of the Bob Sikes Bridge in Gulf Breeze (the bridge right before the toll booth into Pensacola Beach).  Bring a new bra and $10 to provide mammograms for women who otherwise couldn't afford them.  Click here for more info. or to make a donation to this great cause:  http://www.ebaptisthealthcare.org/CancerProgram/BrasAcrossTheBridge.aspx

This Week: The Arts, M.C. Hammer, and Jupiter

Obtained by Voyager 1 on February 25, 1979.

 

Tuesday:  Spoken Word at The Gutter Lounge

This amazing crew previously performed at the End of the Line Cafe.  They have relocated to The Gutter Lounge at Liberty Lanes (3200 North Palafox Street) and are bringing their talents to a new part of town.  If you love poetry and spoken word, check them out at 7:30 p.m.  The crowd is inviting making this a great place to meet people in town.  For additional info., call (850) 434-6441.  Admission is free, and food and drinks are available for purchase.

Wednesday:  Spoken Word at The Game Plan

The Art of Xxpression continues at The Game Plan (8187 W. Fairfield Dr.) on the first and third Wednesday of each month.  The featured poem up this week is Jonathan Delevoe.  Doors open at 7:00 and there are arcade games to enjoy.  Spoken word begins at 8 p.m.  This is a certified great place to meet cool people in Pensacola.  Admission is $5.  See the previous post for additional info. 

Thursday:  Pensacola Interstate Fair Kicks Off

Follow this link for more details:  http://www.pensacolafair.com/.  Hammertime is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 22 at 8 p.m.  If you're "a little bit country," you might want to check out Randy Houser on Friday night.  All shows are FREE with fair admission.  For a full entertainment schedule, click here:  http://www.pensacolafair.com/entertainment.html.

Friday:  Gallery Night & Stargazing

Follow this link for more info. about a local fav, Gallery Night:  https://www.facebook.com/GalleryNight.  It's always sure to please.  

If you're looking for something a little different, check out Jupiter as it makes an appearance in the night sky this month.  Volunteers from the Escambia Amateur Astronomers Association will setup telescopes for public stargazing on Friday, Oct. 21 (weather permitting) from sunset until 10:00 p.m.  The event will be held at the Battery Worth Picnic Area in the Fort Pickens National Park (1400 Fort Pickens Rd., Gulf Breeze).  The stargazing event is free, but there is an $8 fee to enter Fort Pickens.  For more info., call (850) 934-2600.

Art of XXpression

Wednesday, October 19 · 7:30pm - 10:30pm

Featured Poet for the Night:  Jonathan Delevoe 

7:30 Open Mic sign up begins, Cash bar, music
8:30 Open Mic Performers begin
Featured Performer begins Immediately after Open Mic...

8187 West Fairfield... corner of Fairfield and Lillian Highway

 

The GamePlan presents the ‘Art of XXpression.’ A night of spoken word, poetry, and historical narratives. The night begins at 7:30 p.m. Admission is five dollars, there will be door prizes, raffles, and give aways. VIP seating is available. For VIP reservations, performances, and additional information contact Brian (drturner504@gmail.com 601.291.1946) or Kismet (kismetrideau@yahoo.com 850.380.6109).

Greek Fest--It's Almost Here!

Disclaimer:

This is not about sororities or fraternities.

There will be dawgs, no Jungle Juice, and no canes.

Oct. 14 - 16

Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun. Noon - 6 p.m.
www.pensacolagreekfestival.com

Yea, Baby!  It's "Opa!" time!  I have been waiting for this festival...ALL...YEAR...LONG.  I spent nearly $30 in the dinner line alone last year, and now it's finally time to go back for more.  So here's the plan:  Arrive on Friday.  Stuff your face with incredible and truly authentic Greek favorites from the dinner line.  Wash it down with great wine and Greek fries.  Sit back and enjoy performances of traditional Greek dances.  Then, hit the dessert line.  Repeat this sequence on Saturday and Sunday.  Get it in while you can because you will miss it when it's gone again for an entire year.

Save the Dates: The Fair is Coming to Town

Thurs., Oct. 20 -- Sun., Oct. 30

http://www.pensacolafair.com/

Check out the entertainment schedule here:  http://www.pensacolafair.com/entertainment.html
MC Hammer is coming on the Sat., Oct. 22.  Wow.  Randy Houser will be there on the 21st.

Ready for the Weekend!

Marley Wade (Featured Pet for October)

Marley is ready for Latin Fest this weekend!  Are you?

This Saturday: A Double-Dose of Culture

Latino Festival

Sat., Oct. 8 at 10:00 a.m.

Bayview Park (2000 Lloyd St.)

http://latinomediainc.com/latino_festival_pensacola_2011.html 

FREE festival outside with games, information, food, and entertainment.  There is also a concert by performer Frankie Negron inside the Bayview Community Center.  Concert tickets range from $30 - $50.  For more information or to buy tickets, visit the festival link above. 

Festa Italiana
Sat., Oct. 8, 10 a.m. -- 7 p.m.

St. Anne's Life Center (5200 Saufley Field Rd.)

http://www.soibuonafortuna.com/2011italianfesta.htm

This authentic Italian food festival is hosted by the Order of the Sons of Italy's Buona Fortuna Lodge.  There will be live entertainment, a raffle, a silent auction, and--of course--that incredible Italian food.  Admission and parking is free!


The moral of the story is that there are TWO great festivals on the same date.  You can either choose one and have a great time OR you can attempt to go to both and possibly be sick due to all of the great food.  Choices, choices, choices...

Go Greek!

Disclaimer:

This is not about sororities or fraternities.

There will be dawgs, no Jungle Juice, and no canes.

Oct. 14 - 16

Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sun. Noon - 6 p.m.
www.pensacolagreekfestival.com

Yea, Baby!  It's "Opa!" time!  I have been waiting for this festival...ALL...YEAR...LONG.  I spent nearly $30 in the dinner line alone last year, and now it's finally time to go back for more.  So here's the plan:  Arrive on Friday.  Stuff your face with incredible and truly authentic Greek favorites from the dinner line.  Wash it down with great wine and Greek fries.  Sit back and enjoy performances of traditional Greek dances.  Then, hit the dessert line.  Repeat this sequence on Saturday and Sunday.  Get it in while you can because you will miss it when it's gone again for an entire year.

This Saturday: One For the Dogs

Barktoberfest:  Sat., Oct. 1st

9 a.m. -- 4 p.m. in Seville Square

https://barktoberfest.wordpress.com/schedule-of-events/ 

 

A Devilish Pepper

It is a well-known fact that parading your pet around (or a borrowed pet) is a fabulous way to meet new people.  People can't resist speaking to you when you have a loyal companion at your side.  So grab a dog (preferably in costume) and head out to Seville for music, contests, food and fun for the benefit of the Humane Society of Pensacola!

(Please Note:  SuperShep will not be making an appearance do to his less than satisfactory behavior around other dogs--they are his kryptonite--so have enough fun for him, too.) 

Tella the Lobster Girl

Abbey the Scary Fairy Princess & Frankie the Dog with Wings

SuperShep

Seafood Fest This Weekend

Seafood Festival:

Fri., Sep. 23 - Sun., Sep. 25

Seville Square

Just a reminder about one of the most popular events in our city.  For more info., visit http://www.facebook.com/pensacolaseafoodfestival.

3 Events This Week

Spoken Word:  Wed., Sept. 21
The Game Plan at 8:00 p.m.  

 

The Game Plan is located at 8187 W. Fairfield Dr (next to the old Blockbuster).  Admission is $5.  Doors open at 7.  Spoken word starts at 8.  For more info. call 850-380-6109 or 601-291-1946. 

 

UWF Men of Color Retreat:

Fri. & Sat. (Sept. 23 & 24)
University of West Florida Commons (Building 10) 

Joseph White, Ph.D.

Said Sewell, Ph.D.

The annual UWF Men of Color retreat will feature keynote addresses by two well-known leaders.  Dr. Said Sewell of the Fort Valley State University and Dr. Joseph White of the University of Califoria at Irvine will share strategies to increase the success rates of Black males at institutions of higher learning.  Dr. White will also be signing copies of his book, Black Man Emerging:  Facing the Past and Seizing the Future in America, which will be available for purchase.  Friday evening will feature artistic performances during the Argo Renaissance:  A Rebirth of Cultural Expression.  Registration is free to UWF students and faculty members.  The registration fee is $25 for community members.  For a complete listing of events or to register for the retreat, visit http://uwf.edu/cws/UWF%20Men%20of%20Color%20Retreat%202011.cfm.  

Live Literary CD Recording:
Sun., Sept. 25 at 1:30 p.m.

(technically next week, but you know what I mean)

J. Earle Bowden Bldg., 120 E. Church St.

Selected dramatic poetry and essay readings from the five-volume book series, When Blacks Folks Was Colored, and original music by Mr. Al Martin.  Doors open at 1:00 p.m.  The audience MUST be seated by 1:30 p.m., and no one will be admitted once the program recording begins.  The event is FREE and sponsored by Pensacola State College's Black History/Multicultural Committee and the African American Heritages Society.  For additional info., contact the Office of Institutional Diversity at 850-484-1759.

Cancer Sucks Tomorrow Night

Our fellow blog follower, Wanda, requested that I post this very worthy event.  Joey Harrison, her friend and local musician has been diagnosed with cancer.  Vinyl Music Hall is hosting a huge benefit tomorrow to support Joey and his family.  Come out to support him and have a blast at the same time!  Here are the vital stats and a link to additional info.:  http://www.vinylmusichall.com/

VINYL MUSIC HALL PRESENTS:
CANCER SUCKS: Benefit For Joey Harrison
Tribe Zion
Fat Lipped Fish
Jeff Glickman Trio
Hollowman Badwater
Precise
& More!

Fri, September 9, 2011
Doors: 6:00 pm / Show: 6:00 pm (event ends at 11:00 pm)
Vinyl Music Hall
Pensacola, FL

Tickets Available at the Door
TICKETS ARE $5 AND AVAILABLE @ THE DOOR ON THE NIGHT OF THE EVENT... Additional $5 cash surcharge at the door for under 21