entertainment | Crestview News Bulletin

Crestview Community Chorus to have meeting

Written by archive on June 23, 2019. Posted in entertainment.

CRESTVIEW — North Okaloosa's vocally inclined who are interested in performing choral music may attend an organizational meeting for the Crestview Community Chorus.

Part of Mayor JB Whitten’s cultural activities initiative for the city, the Crestview Community Chorus is being organized by Cecile Lindegren, a vocal music instructor and one of the founders of the Fort Walton Beach Community Chorus.

The meeting is scheduled from 6-8 p.m. July 2 at Warriors Hall in the Whitehurst Municipal Building, 201 Stillwell Blvd. in Crestview.

"I think the idea is exciting," Lindegren said during an initial meeting with the mayor. "This is great because we’re starting fresh and new."

An exploratory meeting with choral music directors from local schools and area church choir directors found no conflicts between their respective programs and singing in a community chorus.

"I believe it would give our students some practical public performance experience," said Shoal River Middle School choral music director Steve Box.

Lindegren envisioned forming the community chorus along the same lines as the North Okaloosa Community Band, with volunteer singers and two or three volunteer directors, and performing two or three concerts a year.

Warriors Hall, with its baby grand piano, would be the performance venue, though like the band, performances might also occur at community events, and perhaps even with the band at special functions such as a combined Christmas concert.

Potential chorus members won’t need to bring audition music to the organizational meeting on July 2, but may offer suggestions for how the community chorus will operate.

"This is an organizational meeting to gauge community interest of those who are interested in joining," Whitten said. "At some time in the future, the chorus director will conduct auditions."

Contact the Crestview Parks and Recreation Programs office, 682-0789, for more information.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Community Chorus to have meeting

Auditions for 'Rumors'

Written by archive on May 13, 2019. Posted in entertainment.

Stage Crafters will hold auditions for the second production of the season, Neil Simon’s "Rumors" from 2-6 p.m. May 19 with scripts available at 1:30 and from 6:30-10 p.m. May 20 with scripts available at 6 at Stage Crafters Rehearsal Hall, 40 Robinwood Dr. SW in Fort Walton Beach. Cast of five men and five women, 18 or older. Rumors is intended for adult audiences and contains adult language and situations. No pre-prepared audition material is required. Show dates are Aug. 2-4 and 9-11. For info, call 243-1101 or email alan.k.tuttle@gmail.com.

In 1988, Neil Simon needed to cheer himself up. The solution was a farce in two acts.

Lawyer Ken Gorman and his wife, Chris, were the first to arrive at the 10th wedding anniversary party for Deputy Mayor of New York Charley Brock and his wife, Myra. Unfortunately, things are not going quite to plan. All the kitchen staff is gone, Myra is missing, and Charley has shot himself in the head.

With laughs galore, “Rumors” is Neil Simon at his comedic best.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Auditions for 'Rumors'

North Okaloosa Community Band performs spring concert

Written by archive on May 6, 2019. Posted in entertainment.

CRESTVIEW — The North Okaloosa Community Band performed their spring concert at Warriors Hall on Monday night.

The performance included a few upbeat folk pieces and music from "The Avengers."

The band was formed in 2016 when Lee Emerson approached Shoal River Middle School’s band director, Kim Whaley.

“He worked at Upbeat Music at the time and occasionally people would come acquiring if there was a community band,” said Whaley. “Enough people did this that he said, ‘Why don’t we start one?’”

Emerson spoke with Mayor David Cadle about the idea. After deciding to start the band, Emerson asked Whaley if the band could use Shoal River’s band room and Whaley agreed.

The band now has around 40 members, but anyone is welcome to join. Whaley said there is no audition. If someone is interested in joining, they just need to show up to practice.

“We rehearse every Monday night from 6:30-8 and it’s for anybody that’s ever played an instrument,” said Whaley. “We have people as young as middle school all the way to our oldest player, who is about 85 years old.”

Whaley said one of her favorite things about the band is the family aspect of it.

“We have a dad that plays with his three daughters in the band,” said Whaley. “We’ve had grandmas play with their grandsons. We’ve got a mom-and-son combo. We’ve got a lot of family combinations, which is really special.”

The band consists of many different instruments including flutes, clarinets, saxophones and trumpets.

Nancy Enfinger and Erica Wise have both been with the band since the beginning.

Enfinger, a baritone saxophone player, said she was nervous when she joined because it had been 38 years since she played, but she was glad she did.

“It’s enjoyable,” said Enfinger. “Sometimes I don’t wanna go. You know after work, you’re tired or whatever and you don’t want to do it. After I go, I’m glad I went because it’s really fun.”

Wise, a flutist, joined the band because it was close to home.

“I had played in other community bands in Fort Walton and found out that this one had started up and said I’m joining cause it’s right here in town,” said Wise.

Wise, who now plays in both the North Okaloosa and Fort Walton community bands, said she really enjoys being able to communicate with other musicians.

Whaley said one thing that makes the band special is that — like Enfinger and Wise — everyone in the band wants to be there.

“This is just kind of a release for them, a fun thing for them to do," she said. “It’s just a way for people to come together and we’ve made a lot of friends. To share through music is really unique."

The band’s next performance will be a patriotic concert on July 4.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: North Okaloosa Community Band performs spring concert

Act4Mystery to perform 'Redneck Rivalry'

Written by archive on April 14, 2019. Posted in entertainment, local.

Join Act4Mystery, a local professional comedy troupe performing together since 2003, in April for a killer presentation of "Redneck Rivalry" at 6:30 p.m. April 20 at Samuel's Roadhouse, 114 John King Road in Crestview. The cost is $38 for 3-course meal, show, and includes tax and tip. Seating begins at at 6 p.m.

Reservations can be made at www.act4mystery.com. Call Act4Mystery at 850-862-2885 for additional information. Act4Mystery shows are nothing but fun, but remember, someone is going to DIE! Will you and your table of sleuths win a prize for guessing WHO DUNNIT?

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Act4Mystery to perform 'Redneck Rivalry'

Country artist John Conlee schedules local concert

Written by archive on March 7, 2019. Posted in entertainment, local.

CRESTVIEW — Country legend John Conlee, a regular performer at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, will perform locally soon.

The concert is 7 p.m. March 23 at the Panhandle Opry, 657 DeShazo Road, Crestview.

During Conlee’s 40-year career, he has brought to audiences such classic songs as "Rose Colored Glasses," "Friday Night Blues," "Backside of 30," "Common Man", "Miss Emily's Picture" and "I Don't Remember Lovin' You."

He has released 32 singles throughout the years, with 26 of them charting in the top 20 or better, and eight of those 26 have reached No. 1 on national country charts.

Conlee has returned to radio with singles "Walkin' Behind The Star"and “Bread and Water,” released on his own RCR (Rose Colored Records) Label. He recently celebrated the 39th anniversary of his breakthrough hit “Rose Colored Glasses,” and can be found on tour throughout 2018 as well as on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, where he has been a member since 1981.

Tickets are available at www.itickets.com or call 800-965-9324.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Country artist John Conlee schedules local concert

Sister City Program, NWFSC to screen French comedy

Written by archive on November 3, 2017. Posted in entertainment.

CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Area Sister City Program and the Northwest Florida State College Fine and Performing Arts Division will present a free screening of a French comedy extensively filmed in Noirmoutier, France. The French island partners with Crestview and the college through Sister Cities International.

“Les Vacances du Petit Nicholas,” or Little Nicholas’ Vacation, screens 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 9, in the Film Club screening room in the Mattie Kelly Arts Center, Building 110, room 328, on the college’s main Niceville campus.

When members of the Sister City Program and the NWFSC show choirs traveled to Noirmoutier in May 2013, there was only one slight disappointment: access to the landmark Plage de Sableaux pier and beach was restricted because a film crew was shooting major scenes there for what became a celebrated family movie. Visitors took to nearby woods and watched the shooting through the trees.

“This is not just a charming film, but a downright hilarious movie about a young boy and his pals who get into all sorts of mischief, all in the name of protecting him from what he fears are his parents’ efforts to set him up with the rather odd daughter of another vacationing family,” Sister City Program President Brian Hughes said.

“For those of us who have been to Noirmoutier, it is fun seeing recognizable sights around the island,” he added. “For those who have never been on one of our Sister City trips or performed in Noirmoutier with the college’s show choirs, it’s a great chance to see some of the magic scenery that keeps drawing us back there.”

“Les Vacances du Petit Nicholas” is intended for all ages, and is not rated, though a brief, non-salacious scene of a naked buttocks on a beach might earn it a PG were it released in the U.S. The film will be presented in the original French with English subtitles. NWFSC film professor Dr. David Simmons and Hughes will lead a discussion about the movie after the screening.

Refreshments will be served and the event is open to the public. Information about the Sister City Program, which includes members from throughout Okaloosa, Walton and Santa Rosa counties, will be available.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Sister City Program, NWFSC to screen French comedy

'I can do something with this'

Written by archive on September 12, 2017. Posted in arts, entertainment.

CRESTVIEW — A Crestview native followed his passion for woodworking and has turned it into a living, creating what many people deem as masterpieces.

David Hoover, 56, graduated from Crestview High School where he excelled in art classes. According to Hoover, he has been an artist since he was a child and he has mainly expressed his passion through drawing and painting. Hoover mostly paints rock 'n’ roll album covers, which he said he enjoys.

Recently, Hoover realized he had another talent — woodworking. It all started when a company that delivered sod to the home of him and his girlfriend, Linda Laverne, failed to pick up the leftover pallets. Laverne said that she carried the pallets to the back yard, tired of having them by the road, and Hoover decided to take them apart and make a birdhouse.

“I saw something was there, and I said, ‘I can do something with this,’” Hoover said. The couple then searched high and low for old pallets and usable pieces of fencing to create more birdhouses.

Hoover created several birdhouses, which he sold on Highway 85. One day, while looking for a job in construction, Hoover stumbled upon K&R Cuts and Landscaping and applied for a position. According to Laverne, Hoover was amazed by the woodwork in the showroom of the business.

Hoover came back later with some birdhouses he had built, and the owner bought them to sell in his showroom. The owner, Kenneth Bray, who is a pastor at the Pentecostals of Baker Church, asked Hoover to build him a small church, which then he bought, as well. After approximately a month, Bray called Hoover and offered him a job at his store.

Mandi Owen, K&R’s office manager, said they hired Hoover because the uniqueness of his work stood out to them.

“I build furniture, little-bitty artwork, and big pieces of art work,” Hoover said. “Sometimes it’ll take a week, some things I can do in 30 minutes. As far as inspiration goes, I do things that will fit in [K&R’s] showroom.”

Laverne said she knew Hoover was talented even before they began a relationship more than two years ago. The couple met when Hoover was doing construction for Laverne’s neighbor. They bonded over their mutual love for Led Zeppelin, and Hoover showed Laverne a photo of the band-related painting he had done.

Since Hoover began woodworking, Laverne has claimed some pieces as her favorites, which include a large birdhouse and a fall-themed piece.

“A two-story birdhouse that has a captain’s wheel on the front of it … he named that one 'Old Cervantes' because it reminded him of old buildings in Pensacola,” Laverne said. “A couple of times, when times were really hard and we had his birdhouses out there for sale, we put 'Old Cervantes' in the sale only for me to turn around and put it back in my truck and bring it home.

"I just love it so much; I couldn’t bear to part with it.”

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: 'I can do something with this'

Crestview Chamber hosts fundraiser for ReStore

Written by archive on January 13, 2017. Posted in entertainment.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview Chamber hosts fundraiser for ReStore

Ice skating, toboggan rides to highlight winter festival

Written by archive on January 8, 2017. Posted in entertainment, events.

CRESTVIEW — Ice-skating and toboggan rides will be some of the options available at a winter festival planned for Feb. 18.

The City Council unanimously approved the event, which the Community Redevelopment Agency conceived, during a special meeting on Wednesday.

CRA director Brenda Smith said the event would be free to the public and last from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Spanish Trail Park, where the CRA hopes to host four larger events. Alcohol sales will be permitted from 5 p.m. until 9:30 p.m.

The location was selected over downtown, the original site plan, due to the logistics of holding a major event of its kind in the Main Street area. Smith said the CRA still intends to hold several, smaller events in the downtown area throughout the year.

Kyle Verner, the winter festival’s event manager, said that despite not having a downtown presence, local restaurants and businesses would be the primary vendors. The vendors will not be charged an upfront fee to participate but would pay a percentage of sales after the event. Money raised would go toward the CRA for future event planning.

In addition to an ice skating rink, toboggan slope and local vendors, the festival will feature live music.

Crestview needs events like the winter festival to continue growth, Councilman Shannon Hayes said. He’s optimistic about its success and expressed his full support.

“If [Crestview] doesn’t try something new sometimes, we will never know,” Mayor David Cadle said. “I encourage approval.”

The City Council agreed and approved the event.

The festival will cost about $11,500, with an additional $4,000 for marketing. The marketing costs are included in the CRA’s annual budget and the remaining amount would be guaranteed back to the CRA as reimbursement from Verner’s company.

The event would generate money through the sale of beverage concessions and area sponsorships. There is already an unnamed title sponsor of $6,500 but now that the event has been approved, Smith said she could secure other sponsors.

Verner will work with the Crestview police and fire departments to ensure off-duty police and emergency personnel staff the event. Additionally, the event and recreation companies involved will be insured to prevent potential financial damage to the city.

Smith said events like the winter festival would encourage area residents to spend time and money within Crestview, rather than traveling to neighboring cities for entertainment.

Ultimately, she hopes these events can contribute to the area’s revitalization.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Ice skating, toboggan rides to highlight winter festival

Panhandle Community Theatre presents, 'Wait Until Dark' (PHOTOS)

Written by archive on October 12, 2016. Posted in entertainment.

The Panhandle Community Theatre, located 4646 Woodbine Road in Pace, is bringing suspense to their main stage this month with Frederick Knott’s ‘Wait Until Dark.’

The thriller follows a blind woman who unknowingly has a doll filled with drugs which three con men are attempting to retrieve, by any means necessary.

The latest production is directed by Ken Armitage.

Showtimes begin at 7:30 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. on October 13-16 and 20-23. Tickets are $15 except on Thursdays when tickets are $12. For reservations call (850) 221-7599 or visit panhandlecommunitytheatre.com.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Panhandle Community Theatre presents, 'Wait Until Dark' (PHOTOS)

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