Lakeside Songwriters Concerts Underway!
Featuring a lineup of top-notch, popular talent, the Lakeside Songwriters Spring Concert Series, Friday nights at Old Florida Fish House on 30A, continues with Bryan White May 5th!
Bryan is a CMA, ACM, and Grammy award-winning country music artist, producer and songwriter. Throughout his prolific recording career, he’s charted 21 singles, of which six were number 1. His hits include “So Much for Pretending,” “Sittin’ On Go,” “I’m Not Supposed to Love You Anymore,” “Rebecca Lynn,” “Someone Else’s Star” and “From This Moment On” which he recorded with Shania Twain for her “Come On Over” album which is the biggest selling female album of all time. Bryan has sold more than 4.5 million albums. His list of honors include a Grammy, The CMA’s 1996 Horizon Award, The Academy of Country Music’s Top New Male Vocalist, CMT Awards Artist of the Year, multiple CMA and ACM Male vocalist nominations as well as Canadian Country Music Awards. In 1998, White was voted one of People magazine’s *50 Most Beautiful People.” He has toured with many of country music’s biggest artists including Alan Jackson, Vince Gill, and Bryan teamed up with LeAnn Rimes in 1998 for their co headline “Something To Talk About Tour,” which was the number 12 top grossing tour of that year. As a songwriter Bryan has written songs for a host of artists. Wynona, LeAnn Rimes, Joe Diffie, Diamond Rio, Sawyer Brown and many others. Bryan’s song “God. Gave Me You” was an international smash hit in Asia and has taken him there multiple times. The song came to fame when super stars Alden Richards and Maine Mendoza made it their theme song in the Philippines on the popular variety show Eat Bulaga.
Purchase VIP (with dinner) and general admission tickets at www.oldflfishhouse.com/lakesidesongwritersconcert. Old Florida Fish House is located at 33 Heron’s Watch Way in Santa Rosa Beach. Call (850) 534-3045 or visit OldFloridaFishHouse.com.
MKAF Showcases a Range of Music at 2024 CIV
The area’s first live concert series is being held Thursday evenings at the MKAF Dugas Pavilion in Destin. This year’s 29th annual family-friendly series began April 4 and continues to June 6.
May 2: The Mulligans perform everyone’s rock ‘n roll favorites. The diversified song list of this seasoned six-member Emerald Coast-based band founded by Edwin Watts includes The Beatles, Tom Petty, Eric Clapton, Elvis, the Eagles, Bee Gees, the Ventures, Rolling Stones, Buddy Holly, The Monkees, Roy Orbison, Moody Blues, Young Rascals, Billy Joel, The Outsiders and many others.
May 9: Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute takes the stage. Since 2014, Rumours ATL has set stages ablaze across the U.S. with their scorching Fleetwood Mac renditions. With meticulous attention to detail and infectious energy, Rumours sells out venues and leaves fans dancing, singing, and discovering new facets of Fleetwood Mac’s magic at every performance. Believe in miracles and join the unforgettable experience of Rumours.
May 16: Gotta Groove Band will put a fresh spin on popular cover tunes from the ‘60s to today. With outstanding vocals and top-shelf musicianship, they feature own arrangements and mixing many popular tunes together to create a fun flow of entertaining energy. You will not want to miss the party this Land O Lakes, Florida, band throws down.
May 23: Mitch Malloy will rock Destin. Former front man of Great White, rocker Mitch Malloy is a studio veteran and award-winning songwriter. With a career spanning decades, he’s navigated the music scene since the ‘80s, achieving chart success and even turning down a role as Van Halen’s lead singer in the ‘90s.
May 30: Haley Reinhart’s timeless voice will transport you. With talent that transcends eras, blending pop, rock, and jazz in her 2019 album, Lo-Fi Soul. A finalist on American Idol, this Chicago-born singer is influenced by ‘50s music and enjoys playful lyrics. With a decade-long grind, platinum hits, and diverse collaborations, Reinhart’s multifaceted artistry shines, promising a lasting connection with her audience.
June 6: Adam Ezra Group closes out the series. Fusing folk intimacy and rock energy with soul power and pop charm, the band first emerged from Boston in the early 2000s and quickly garnered widespread acclaim for their bold, insightful songwriting and interactive, euphoric performances.
Gates open at 6 p.m. with concerts beginning at 7 p.m. for this come-as-you-are family-friendly outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair, picnic, wine or purchase food and beverages on-site prepared by featured restaurants and food trucks. A drawing will be held at each concert to award valuable raffle prizes donated by local businesses.
General admission varies per concert. Prices range from $20 to $35 for adults. Discounts offered for active-duty military (must show ID). Purchase tickets prior to day of the concert and save $5 per ticket. Children (12 and under) are free. Purchase tickets at MKAF.org/events.
Proceeds fund cultural outreach programs through ArtsReach serving K-12 students, adults and children with special needs, at-risk youth, and through MKAF’s Warrior Arts program serving active/veteran military. For more information, call (850) 650-2226.
Pairing and Sharing Wine Dinner May 2
Sip, savor and share a glass among friends at the Second Annual Pairing and Sharing Wine Dinner at Churchill Oaks on Thursday, May 2 at 6 p.m. Proceeds from this event will directly benefit Caring & Sharing of Walton County. Guests will begin the evening with cocktails, conversation, and passed hors d’oeuvres followed by a four-course dinner from Swiftly Catered paired with Dry Farm Wines. A silent auction will be available throughout the evening for guests to bid on exclusive items. Tickets are $250 per guest and available at caringandsharingsowal.org.
Mid-Bay Bridge Rotary Club 25th Annual Charity Golf Tournament
Friday, May 3; 11:30 – Sign-In; Putting Contest & Lunch – 1 p.m. – Shotgun Tee Off at Bluewater Bay Golf Course (Bay and Marsh Courses). Charities include Shelter Box, aBed4Me, Sharing and Caring, Take Stock in Children, Interact Clubs, Students Scholarships, Polio Eradication, Salvation Army, Heritage Museum, Emerald Coast Science Center, CALM House. For more information contact Mid-Bay Rotarian Tom Whittemore at 850-621-4899, or Mid-Bay’s Web Site: https://www.midbayrotaryclub.org.
Disney’s Newsies Coming to the NHS Stage!
Niceville High School (NHS) Theatre Department will present Disney’s Broadway musical Newsies, opening May 3rd at 7 p.m. and playing again May 4th (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.), May 10th (7 p.m.) and 11th (2 p.m. and 7 p.m.) in the Niceville High School auditorium.
With a score by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman and book by Harvey Firestein, the lavish production is directed and produced by Richard Jackson, with choreography by Nicci Fahle and vocal direction by Michael Walker, and is produced with permission by MTI. The musical, based on the 1992 film and real-life events of the 1899 New York city paperboy strike, Newsies tells the story of a band of newspaper boys and girls who rally to strike against Joseph Pulitzer and other publishing titans to protest the unfair conditions that they work under. VIP tickets are available for $20 which include early seating 10 minutes before the general public, a small bottle of water and a bag of popcorn. General admission tickets are also available for $15. All tickets are sold exclusively through www.gofan.co (not .com).
ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival! May 4-5
In its 36th year, ArtsQuest Fine Arts Festival will be held May 4th-5th! Produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County and presented by Grand Boulevard Town Center, ArtsQuest provides an opportunity to view and purchase original art from over 100 artists from throughout the country. ArtsQuest is a juried show that awards $10,000 in cash prizes. The rain or shine event also features live performances, artist demonstrations, hands-on learning opportunities, student exhibits, ImagiNation: where kids rule, food, beverages and more! Join us in the Town Center of Grand Boulevard, from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 4th and again on Sunday, May 5th, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. A $5 donation will be accepted at the entrance gate.
11th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest | May 10-12 | Baytowne Wharf at Sandestin
Get ready to indulge in the ultimate fiesta experience as the 11th Annual Tequila & Taco Fest returns for another unforgettable celebration of Tequila Love! Established as the second longest running Tequila & Taco Fest in the U.S., Tequila & Taco Fest promises an unparalleled culinary adventure coupled with live music, family-friendly activities and thrilling competitions.
The festivities commence with the electrifying Brews, Blues & BBQ Kick-off Party on Friday, May 10th, hosted by Sandestin® Beer, Buffalo Chip Bourbon and Black Sheep Tequila (voted the best tequila in the world) at the popular Marina Bar in Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort® at the Baytowne Marina overlooking the Choctawhatchee Bay.
The Main Event, Taco Extravaganza, unfolds on Saturday, May 11th, at the iconic Village of Baytowne Wharf, transforming the picturesque locale into a taco lover’s paradise. With an impressive lineup on Saturday, May 11th from 1 to 4 p.m., the main event takes center stage. There will be 25 plus taco vendors competing for the esteemed title of “Best Taco in Northwest Florida,” a grand prize of $2,500 for first place, the Best Margarita Competition, 25 tequila tents and an assortment of imported beers from South America. Families can enjoy kid-friendly activities including face painting, live music and even a Chihuahua Beauty Pageant. The exclusive VIP area at Landshark Bar and Grill will feature the finest tequila, courtesy of Black Sheep Tequila, and exotic tacos that are unavailable in the main festival area. Wrap up the festivities on Sunday, May 12th, with the Bye Bye Brunch at the Beach House overlooking the Gulf of Mexico from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Purchase tickets online at www.efestevents.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit two worthy causes: Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and the Sandestin® Foundation for Kids.
Victorian Mother’s Day Tea at Heritage Museum of NWF May 11
The Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida invites you to a Victorian Mother’s Day Tea on May 11, from 1-3 p.m. at 115 Westview Ave., Valparaiso. Guests are encouraged to dress in Victorian attire and enjoy teas, treats and engaging conversations. For more information, contact HMNWF at 850-678-2615. We look forward to welcoming you for this special celebration.
Forward DeFuniak, Inc. to Host 4th Annual Sprint Triathlon
The Sprint Triathlon, sponsored by Forward DeFuniak, Inc., will be held on May 4, 2024, from 6:30 to 11:30 a.m. in DeFuniak Springs. If you’d like to race, see dfstriathlon.com or runsignup.com for registration information. The swim and bike courses are the same as in 2023 The route for the 5K has been changed slightly. Registration will be capped at 200 this year.
Proceeds in 2023 allowed small grants to be made to 10 local nonprofit organizations. Come as a spectator (bring a lawn chair and stay at a local bed and breakfast or hotel) and be amazed, not only with the race but with the surroundings. For more information, call (850) 830-7663. DeFuniak Springs is a small historic town, but great things are accomplished here!
