Gulf Alliance for Local Arts

Festival of Trees
November 28, 2008 to December 13, 2008
Raney House Museum, Market Street, Apalachicola
Special Christmas trees decorated by area professionals and groups will be on display Tuesday-Friday 1-4pm and Saturdays 9am-5pm. Champagne reception December 13th, 7:00-9:00pm. Donations at the door.

James McMurtry and Band in Concert
December 2, 2008 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Armory, Apalachicola
Proceeds benefit Franklin County Meals on Wheels. Tickets are $15.00 at the door.

Lighting of the Lights
December 5, 2008
Center of St. George Island
Come join us at 3:00 for the annual lighting of the holiday lights on St. George Island. Santa will arrive on a fire engine for the kids. Refreshments available. The lighting will take place at the center of the island. Lighthouse tours will be available. For more information contact the St. George Island Visitor Center and Museum at (850) 927-7744

Youth Explosion 2008
December 5, 2008 to December 7, 2008
Port St. Joe
A community wide youth event - for details go to www.gr8tnessnside.com
Churches throughout Port St. Joe and surrounding communities have come together to make a difference in the lives of the youth of our community. Dec. 5-7 of this year, young people of Gulf County from all races will experience Youth Explosion 2008. The theme for this event is "Developing the Greatness Inside". Kicking off the conference is a full concert featuring two outstanding bands. Seminars and workshops with topics including AIDS / HIV awareness, Drug, Alcohol & Tobacco awareness, Peer Pressure and a host of other topics, will fill the day on Saturday. International motivational speakers, youth groups from surrounding states and recording artist are all coming to our community to encourage our youth to be the best they can be. We are in need of the partnership of all churches, civic organizations, businesses and individuals to make this event a success. Please contact Troy White at 850-242-9274 to get involved. Or for more information log onto our website: www.Gr8tnessnside.com

"The Christmas Shoes"
December 6, 2008 to December 7, 2008
Dixie Theatre, Downtown Apalachicola
Don't miss the production of the season! Area churches collaborate to produce the holiday musical The Christmas Shoes with adult choir, children's ensemble and hand bell choir. Show times are Saturday, December 6th at 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm Sunday, December 7th at 7:00 pm at the Dixie Theatre. Contact the Apalachicola Bay Chamber for more information at 850-653-9419.

Christmas on the Coast
December 6, 2008
Port St. Joe
Sat. Dec. 6.
Reindeer Run 5K ,
SaltAir Farmers' Market
Tree Lighting Ceremony,Christmas carol sing-along,
Lighted Street Parade,
photos with Santa,
After Parade street dance
- Lighted Boat Parade

Holiday Fresh Market
December 6, 2008 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Why fight the crowds and traffic at the malls? Come for the day or the weekend. Shop in a relaxed, hassle free environment. Buy hand crafted Apalachicola specialties from fresh seasonal wreaths to vintage European glass bead jewelry. Your gift shopping has never been easier (850) 653-9419

Eastpoint Christmas Parade
December 6, 2008 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Highway 98 in Eastpoint
The small town of Eastpoint comes to life as Santa comes to town on a fire truck. For more information call Pam Watson @ (850) 653-7041

SaltAirFarmers' Market
December 6, 2008 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Downtown Port St. Joe
The Port St. Joe SaltAir Farmers' Market brings fresh seasonal produce from local small farmers and much more to Florida's Forgotten Coast. Throughout the growing season, regionally grown vegetables and fruit, locally harvested Gulf seafood, carefully crafted artisan goods, and educational opportunities highlight the market's. Located in downtown Port St. Joe, the SaltAir Farmers' Market serves as a community gathering place and cultural center where attendees can enjoy arts, workshops, live music, and exhibitions while shopping the market and Reid Avenue's retail district.

Christmas Celebration of Lights
December 7, 2008
Mexico Beach - Sunset Park

Music with Charlie Black
December 10, 2008 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday @ The Thirsty Goat

Howard Creek Christmas Parade and Party
December 13, 2008 to December 14, 2008
Fisherman's Landing, 7681 Doc Whitfield Rd.
Parade on Dec 13th - line up at 5pm.Parade @ 6pm CT. Christmas Party with Santa Clause Dec 14th 2-4CT.

Community Christmas Program
December 14, 2008 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Historic Trinity Church
The Ilse Newell Concert Series presents a selection of holiday favorites. Historic Trinity Episcopal Church 4:00 pm

Live Music with David Carty
December 17, 2008 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday @ The Thirsty Goat

Wewahitchka Christmas Parade
December 20, 2008
Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka
Wewahitchka Christmas Lights in the Park When: 12/20/2008
Where: Lake Alice Park, Wewahitchka
The Wewahitchka Womens Club sponsors the annual Christmas Lights in the Park holiday festival on Saturday December 20 beginning at 10:00 am CT at Lake Alice. Children and Family entertainment will be available all day long at the park with live music, a 5K Jingle Bell Run, craft and food vendors. The City of Wewahitchka presents the Christmas Parade at dark (around 5:00) along Main Street and ending at Lake Alice Park where the trees wil be lit and children will share cookies and coco with Santa.
Contact the Wewahitchka Womens Club for details at 850-639-5588 or for parade information call City Hall at 850-639-2605.


BIKES FOR BOYS & GIRLS OF GULF COUNTY 2008
Sponsored by: Gulf Correctional Institute & North Florida Child Development, Inc
Gulf Correctional Institute Warden Randy Tifft and North Florida Child Development, Inc, Executive Director Sharon Gaskin are entering into the second annual project of providing bikes for children who would not normally get bikes at Christmas.
Our goal last year was 100 and the goal this year is 200.
This is a grand opportunity for your organization to give back to the community!! This event cannot occur without your monetary contribution to purchase supplies needed in the restoration of 200 bikes.
The bikes will be given out at the Annual Event hosted by the City of Wewahitchka, and Co-Sponsor the Wewahitchka Woman's Club, Inc.
Christmas Lights @ Lake Alice Park December 20, 2008 beginning at: 10:00 CST at Lake Alice Park in Wewahitchka, Florida.
CONTRIBUTIONS TO: Bikes for Boys & Girls, NFCD, INC, P.O. Box 38 Wewahitchka, Florida 32465
Make your contributions payable to North Florida Child Development, Inc. (or NFCD, Inc.)

The Old Folkie, Ken Sizemore
January 9, 2009 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Dixie Theatre
Ken Sizemore is an "Old Folkie" who has been performing classic folk and rock music of the 50's, 60's, and 70's, all over the U.S. for over 40 years. Ken has a repertoire of over 500 songs and wants passionately to keep the music from those exciting times of creativity and hope alive. When you attend a Ken Sizemore performance, you'll hear songs from some of the finest writers and performers of the folk era and from early rock and roll...such greats as Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger, Bob Dylan, Peter, Paul, and Mary, The Kingston Trio, Tom Paxton, Gordon Lightfoot, John Denver, Simon and Garfunkel, Harry Belefonte, Jim Croce, The Everly Brothers, Buddy Holly, and many, many others. You will also hear some warm, finely crafted original songs that Ken has written over the years about his friends, family, and the events that shaped his life. Sizemore, who has opened for performers such as Peter, Paul and Mary and B.J. Thomas, accompanies himself on the guitar as he performs his own expressive interpretations of classic music and this affable and talented singer regularly takes requests from the crowd while sharing tidbits of music history and encouraging listeners to sing along. From a heart-wrenching version of the Beatles, "Imagine" to Roger Miller's "King of the Road", Sizemore delights audiences of all ages with uniquely American music that is both comforting and compelling.

Grant Peeples and the Lonesome Doves
January 10, 2009 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
The Dixie Theatre
Don't miss your chance to hear this brilliant, "outlaw country" songwriter and performer. You can say you heard him at the DIXIE back when! A clean, but brooding American sound from a finger-in-your-eye songwriter. A biting, edgy, irreverent southern leftneck, articulate twang, thinking-man's songs. Environmental and socio-political themes. He calls his music "alternative southern" or "outlaw country"; whatever it is, it is implicitly political, cultural and relevant. It's all sung with Peeples' commanding, seasoned voice. It's a rough, edgy voice that works like a bucksaw on his recurrent themes of poverty, class struggle, hypocrisy and environmental ruin. From one song to the next, the mood shifts quickly from dark to comedic and back again. In addition, the Lonesome Doves, Lis and Lon Williamson, will be on hand with a special tribute to Gram Parsons and Emmylou Harris.

The Trio Internazionale
January 11, 2009 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Historic Trinity Church
Take a musical tour of Europe with a few stops for lunch at this special performance. The Trio, comprised of Martha Gherardi - violin, Bedford Watkins - piano, and Luciano Gherardi - contrabass, will present a program of "Soul Food and Musical Tourism." The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at the Historic Trinity Church. Contact Trinity Church for more information (850) 653-9550.

Revolutionary Wizard: Ben Franklin
January 14, 2009 to January 18, 2009 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Dixie Theatre
This play by Eric Peterson is both entertainment and education. Ben Franklin, one of the most fascinating Americans ever, was an inventor, printer, writer, statesman, scholar, world traveler, philosopher, and ambassador. Surprisingly, he was a contradiction in terms; rogue and gentleman, loving husband and philanderer, traditionalist and trendsetter, loyal Englishman and patriotic American. Hear about some of his lesser known inventions such as the "air bath", some of his maxims, printed in his Poor Richard's Almanac - such as "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" and "no gains without pains" and "he that lies down with dogs shall rise with fleas". This is a new play and this portrayal by professional actor David Poirier gives us wonderful insight into the life and soul of a marvelously interesting American.

Everybody Loves Opal
January 21, 2009 to February 1, 2009 8:00 PM - 5:00 PM
The Dixie Theatre
In this play by John Patrick, Opal Kronkie lives in a tumbledown mansion at the edge of the municipal dump. The general disarray of her establishment is aggravated by the fact that Opal collects things - anything that can be toted home in her little red wagon. Opal is also an optimist, for no matter how mean her lot - or her "friends" - Opal responds with unfailing kindness and an abiding faith in the goodness of human nature. Into her rather strange world come three purveyors of bogus perfume on the lam from the authorities. They decide that what she needs is plenty of insurance, a rapid demise, and three beneficiaries. Attempted murder wouldn't seem to be funny, but in Mr. Patrick's magic hands it is uproarious. It has been 10 years since this play was produced at the Theatre (above photo). It will be as much a hit now as then because of the timeless wit of John Patrick.

The Star-Spangled Girl
January 23, 2009 to January 25, 2009
Eastpoint Firehouse
Written by Neil Simon, this is a comical mess with people in love with other people. Directed by Dan Wheeler. Show times are January 23 and 24 - 7:30 pm and January 25 - 3:00 pm at the Eastpoint Firehouse on 6th Street in Eastpoint. Call (850) 670-8200 for more information or to purchase your tickets.

Mary Brigid Roman and Jamie Gossett Harp Duo
January 25, 2009 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Historic Trinity Church
Mary Brigid Roman is Associate Professor of Harp at FSU's School of Music and principal harpist with the Valdosta Symphony Orchestra and the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. Jamie Gossett She has been principal harpist with the FSU Symphony and is currently second harpist with the Tallahassee Symphony Orchestra. This special concert will delight the growing number of local harp enthusiasts and provide an opportunity for an up-close view of this beautiful instrument. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at the Historic Trinity Church. Contact Trinity Church for more information (850) 653-9550.

REALTOR Association of Franklin & Southern Gulf Counties Annual Open House Tour
February 7, 2009 to February 8, 2009
Franklin and Gulf Counties
REALTOR Association of Franklin & Southern Gulf Counties Annual Open House Tour. Homes from Mexico Beach to Alligator Point will be open to the public for viewing. For more information, call 850-653-3322.

Jill Anna Ponasik in Concert
February 8, 2009 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Historic Trinity Church
Jill Anna returns to Apalachicola for another stunning performance. This multi-talented singer-actor performs "opera and music-theater with beauty, vitality, and interpretive acumen." Accompanied by Bedford Watkins, she will present a program of works that have inspired her over the years. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at the Historic Trinity Church. Contact Trinity Church for more information (850) 653-9550.

13th Annual Forgotten Coast Chef Sampler
February 8, 2009 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Fort Coombs Armory Avenue D and 4th Street in Apalachicola
Join us for the dining experience of the year! Area chefs will put out their finest fare. Tickets are $50.00 each or tables can be purchased. Proceeds will benefit the Apalachicola Bay Chamber of Commerce. For Information, call (850) 653-9419.

Bob Milne - Ragtime Piano
February 14, 2009 to February 15, 2009 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
The Dixie Theatre
Bob Milne is returning to the Dixie for his tenth appearance and has always been a favorite performer in this area. Bob is widely known as the top ragtime and boogie-woogie pianist around today and one of the finest musicians of all time. He has performed in all types of venues from saloons early in his career to to appearances in the Rochester Philharmonic and the Baltimore Symphony. Bob's tours in Japan have been such fantastic successes that he was designated a "Musical Ambassador" by the U.S. State Department. Bob now enjoys a successful career as a concert pianist in concert halls, opera houses and arena stages from coast to coast. He has published 10 albums of piano rags and boogies and is an author of 4 books.

St. George Island Charity Chili Cook-off & Auction
March 7, 2009
St. George Island, FL
Over sixty contestants square off in the largest Regional Chili Cook-off in the nation. Proceeds benefit St. George Island Volunteer Fire Dept. For more information call (850) 927-2753.

Bay Area Choral Society Concert
March 8, 2009 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Historic Trinity Church
The Bay Area Choral Society, made up of local professional and semi-professional musicians, will present a concert to celebrate spring. Accompanied by Bedford Watkins, Tom Adams and Merel Young will collaborate on this crowd-pleasing performance. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at the Historic Trinity Church. Contact Trinity Church for more information (850) 653-9550.

Eastpoint Fire Department 7th Annual Charity Rib Cook-off
March 14, 2009
Eastpoint Firehouse
Come eat some of the best BBQ ribs and chicken. Live music all day, a car show, face painting and rides for the kids. Prizes will be awarded for rib cook-off and car show contestants. For more information call (850) 670-9000.

McLain/Watkins/Eckstine Family Concert
March 29, 2009 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Historic Trinity Church
The McLain, Watkins, and Eckstine families return from all parts of the country to present a program of drama and music. Fifteen to twenty members of this extraordinary multi-family will perform violin and piano duets, vocal solos, a dramatic sketch, and lots more. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at the Historic Trinity Church. Contact Trinity Church for more information (850) 653-9550.

Apalachicola Art Walk & Wine Festival
April 4, 2009 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Downtown Apalachicola
Art in all forms will be woven in and around picturesque downtown Apalachicola where artists and musicians will be showing, selling and demonstrating their talents from 12:00-6:00 pm. For more information call (850) 653-9419

The Shame of Tombstone
April 24, 2009 to April 26, 2009
The DIXIE Theatre, Apalachicola
Written by Tim Kelly, this is a rip-roaring western melodrama. Directed by Tom Loughridge. Show times are April 24 and 25 - 7:30 pm and April 26, 3:00 pm at the Dixie Theatre in Apalachicola. Call (850) 670-8200 for more information or to purchase your tickets.

11th Historic Apalachicola Antique & Classic Boat Show
April 25, 2009
Downtown Apalachicola
Join us in beautiful historic downtown Apalachicola for the 10th annual Antique & Classic Boat Show. All types of antique boats, classic examples of traditional vessels, work boats, fiberglass classics, antique outboard motors and antique cars. For more information call (850) 653-9419.

Concert in the Park
April 26, 2009 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Historic Trinity Church
This concert will present a special group of 6 musicians, the Orange Avenue Pan Groove Band, under the direction of Kayleen Kerg. The band consists of 3 steel drums, an electric bass (since carting around a set of six bass pans, each made from a 55 gallon oil barrel, is very difficult), a drum set, and various other percussion instruments. Bring a lawn chair and "groove" to the sounds of calypso, soca, jazz, blues, and reggae. The concert will begin at 4:00 pm at Battery Park. Contact Trinity Church for more information (850) 653-9550.