CRESTVIEW — The Crestview Public Library’s Music at the Library series will raise a notch on June 25 when classical guitarist Jeff Bianchi continues his summer concert tour in the Hub City.

The Friends of the Library is underwriting Bianchi's appearance during his tour of Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Alabama, Wisconsin and Georgia.

"We got a great deal on his performance fee," reference librarian Sandra Dreaden said. "He has a friend who lives in the Crestview area so he's not charging us for hotel and travel expenses."

The Upstate New York native began performing at weddings and cafes while in his teens.

After performing at the Rantucci International Guitar Festival and the nationally recognized Ithaca Guitar Festival, Bianchi took a break from classical guitar to tour with country music performers Young Guns and Chace Roberts.

Returning to solo performances, he toured Georgia in 2009 and undertook his first cross-country tour in 2010. National tours followed in 2011 and 2012, including the National Old Time Fiddlers' Competition in Idaho.

Bianchi's Crestview concert will feature music by Leo Brouwer, including several melodies from Cuba, Issac Albeniz and Jose Luis Merlin's 1952 "Suite of Memories."

In addition to rousing Catalan melodies, Bianchi will demonstrate his virtuosity with several Renaissance and Baroque selections.

"I am very grateful and excited to have the opportunity to perform for a new audience," Bianchi said. "I have always enjoyed visiting new places while introducing people to the classical guitar.

"Having the opportunity to play in Crestview will be a wonderful addition to my summer touring schedule.

Want to go?

When: 6:30 p.m. June 25

Cost: Free

Where: Crestview Public Library

Notes: CDs will be available for purchase. See www.velvetguitar.com for more information.

Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Classical guitarist includes Crestview on summer concert tour

BAKER — Nathan Chessher and Julia Cadenhead want Okaloosa County residents to know that Creek Indians’ presence here preceded widely circulated dates.

"We didn't just fall off the turnip truck," Chessher, author of the new book, “Creek by Blood,” said. The Crestview resident, a descendant of the tribe, explores the area’s rich Native American culture in the book’s pages.

"Nearly everybody in this part of the country has some Indian (heritage) within them,” Chessher said.

That, in part, is due to the tribe’s longevity in this area.

"(The book) documents the fact that there were indeed Native Americans here before 1800; that wasn't always known in this county," Cadenhead, the book's editor, said.

Early faith

The Creek Indians’ participation in primitive churches was a significant part of their presence here, Cadenhead said.

Non-native settlers fought and killed Indians who did not appear on a church roster, which indicated they could assimilate to mainstream religion.

"Creek peoples in this area and south Alabama joined the primitive church for a reason," she said. "They were a Christian people and their spirituality was pure, but they also needed to be protected and they needed to fit in."

One place of worship that offered such protection was the early incarnation of Yellow River Church in Baker, Chessher said.

"Indians established that church (in 1836) as a refuge," he said.

A photocopy of the church’s roster appears in the book.

The book also explores many area families’ histories, Cadenhead said.

Conception

Friends, family and history lovers surrounded the collaborators on Thursday evening at Baker Block Museum. There, the pair signed copies of the book, which represented several years of work.

Throughout his life, Chessher has compiled knowledge of Creek Indians. He has visited several historical sites in Florida, collecting information and artifacts, many of which are on display at the museum.

"I'm not bragging, but I know the subject upside down and backwards,” Chessher said.

Cadenhead, who called the publishing process a year-and-a-half “labor of love,” convinced Chessher to write the book.

“I figured I better get it down (on paper) or it’s going to die with me,” he said.

Now that it’s written, the pair hope Okaloosa residents will explore the book and learn more about local history.

"I hope people will read it and feel encouraged about who they are and what may or may not have been in their past," Cadenhead said.  

That seems to be happening, if book sales are an indication.

"I was only expecting to sell four or five (copies), but we have nearly sold 50," Chessher said.  

FYI

What: "Creek by Blood" by Nathan Chessher

Cost: $20

Available: 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesdays through Fridays and the third Saturday of each month

Where: Baker Block Museum

Contact News Bulletin Staff Writer Matthew Brown at 850-682-6524 or matthewb@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbMatthew.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: New book explores Okaloosa County's Creek Indian heritage

Hurricane season has begun, and already we have experienced our first tropical storm — so disaster preparations are paramount.

Many of us struggle with family food decisions during such weather conditions, but remember: eating healthily is just as important as other preparations.

During a disaster, if we don’t eat right, mood swings, hypertension and higher risk of heart attacks are possible. Minimizing consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, high-sodium foods will help stabilize blood sugar levels during stressful times.

Therefore, include healthy food choices while stocking up on disaster supplies.

Have a two-week supply of nonperishable foods throughout the hurricane season. Review your current pantry items and ensure expiration dates are good through December 2013.

Recommended items are as follows.

•Canned beans. Any type of bean is a source of fiber and complex carbohydrates.

•Canned chicken, turkey, beef or seafood. Each is a source of protein. (Check for salt.)

•Water. Calculate 1 gallon per day per person for drinking.

•Oatmeal, peanut butter, dried fruits, nuts, seeds and granola bars. Stock up on disposable napkins, plates and utensils, and — if you have a grill — propane or charcoal briquettes.

Additionally:

•Purchase unripened fruits or vegetables and wash them in advance of the storm. Rinse the lids and outside of cans with soap and water. Bacteria can live on lids, cans and your produce. Washing them will minimize contamination risk.

•Put your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings and fill with plastic.

•Keep a manual can opener on hand.

•If you don’t have a grill, try to broil or bake meat, fish or poultry prior to the hurricane so you can eat these soon after you lose electricity.

•When preparing meals, throw away uneaten portions. Do not eat any food that appears abnormal. Remember, “When in doubt, throw it out." Make eating and cleaning up simple and healthy!

“The Healthy Hurricane/Disaster Cookbook.”

FIND IT ONLINE

See more hurricane preparation tips at www.redcross.org/services/diaster.

Brenda Smith is with the Okaloosa County Extension office in Crestview.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: EXTENSION CONNECTION: Stock nutritious foods for natural disasters

NICEVILLE — When the curtain rises on "Les Misérables" next month, the sets and costumes’ grandeur will only hint at the scope of effort that went into them.

Staging one of the world's most renowned musicals takes a preproduction effort as sweeping in scale as the show itself.

Since December, a group of crewmembers — including Fine and Performing Arts Division students, staff and volunteers — has been creating the Northwest Florida State College summer musical.

The set crew, under scenic design coordinator Clint Mahle’s direction, is constructing a major set piece consisting of an elaborate bridge flanked by two buildings on either side. Mahle will play Javert, the play’s primary antagonist.

Audrey Bailey, 78, one of the set crew volunteers, has volunteered backstage and as head usher since 1996.

“There is going to be a lot more detail in the 'Le Mis' set than we’ve ever done before,” she said.

As Mahle, Bailey and the crew hammer at $8,000 worth of lumber and carefully hand-apply 35 gallons of paint, in the costume shop, costume designer Jennifer Boudette and her assistants cut fabric and sew almost 200 costumes.

Designing and assembling each costume for the 42-person cast is as intricate a process as constructing Mahle and theatre technical supervisor Bob Whittaker's bridge set.

“There’s a lot of nuts and bolts to it," Boudette said. "It’s one thing to come up with an idea, but you have to figure out how that’s going to translate and you have to figure out how to put that together.”

NWFSC student Nate Beechum, one of Boudette's assistants, said his favorite part of the costume process is learning how all the pieces work together. 

“You can cut fabric all day,” he said, “but it’s important to get the knowledge of each technique used in every garment.”

With a seven-night run, "Les Misérables" will be the college's longest-running summer musical.

Want to go?

Northwest Florida State College presents "Les Misérables" July 17-20 and 25-27 at the Mattie Kelly Fine and Performing Arts Center. Admission costs $27 for adults, $22 for youth 18 and younger. Currently enrolled NWFSC students may request one free ticket per student ID in person at the box office. Call 729-6000 or visit www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

Contact News Bulletin Arts & Entertainment Editor Brian Hughes at 850-682-6524 or brianh@crestviewbulletin.com. Follow him on Twitter @cnbBrian.

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: A peek behind the scenes at NWFSC's "Les Miserables"

CRESTVIEW — The first week of June is National Fishing and Boating Week, and 37 states, including Florida and Georgia, have planned license-free fishing days during the June 1-9 celebration.

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, or FWC, has set June 8 for free freshwater fishing.

All bag limits, seasons and size restrictions apply on these dates.

More details: http://myfwc.com/fishing/freshwater/regulations/

This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Floridians can freshwater fish without a license on Saturday