Hear the Stories Behind the Songs at the 2023 Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival in October
Pensacola Beach, FL (September XX, 2023) – Get ready to experience the magic of original music, performed by the very artists who crafted it, during the 2023 Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival from October 3-8.
This year’s festival is set to welcome over 100 talented songwriters from across the nation and a few from around the world to 19 fantastic beachside venues around Pensacola and Pensacola Beach.
With more than a decade under its belt, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival has become a beloved annual tradition, growing in size and excellence with each passing year. Over six unforgettable days, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with these creators, hear the stories behind their songs, and bask in the splendid weather on picturesque Pensacola Beach.
“The diversity of songwriters this year mirrors the uniqueness of our pristine beach,” remarked Reneda Cross Pasquale, festival director. “We’re also proud to shine a spotlight on our local singer-songwriters. The Pensacola area’s wealth of talent is a hidden gem!”
On Friday night, Oct. 6, the Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival proudly presents the Concert of Light: A Night with the Veterans at Pensacola Beach Church. Tickets are $30 each, with a portion of the proceeds benefitting the R&DA Military Assistance Program and The Captain Joseph House Foundation.
In addition, this year’s stellar headliners include:
• Keifer and Shawna Thompson, the American country music husband and wife duo behind Thompson Square, who exploded out of Nashville with their music hit, “Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not.”
• Acclaimed singer-songwriter Jamie O’Neal, sharing insights into her hit single, “There Is No Arizona,” amongst many others.
• Country music artist Andy Griggs, who captivated audiences with his classic hit, “You Won’t Ever Be Lonely,” will talk about his songwriting process.
Explore the full lineup of participating songwriters here and check out the complete daily schedule, special event venues, and ticket details here.
In addition to being a musical extravaganza, the annual festival also doubles as an educational opportunity.
“Our festival has its roots in music education,” Cross emphasized. “Each year, we partner with three local schools to empower children with the creative, confidence-boosting, and discipline-nurturing effects of music.”
Native American songwriter, record producer, and recording artist Sean Gasaway, the Education Coordinator for the Mississippi Songwriters Alliance, as well as songwriters involved in the Nashville Country Music Hall of Fame’s ‘Words and Music’ program, will lead workshops at Pensacola Beach Elementary School, Gulf Breeze Middle School, and Dixon School of Arts and Science.
In addition to school programs, the festival will be working on-site with Valerie’s House, Magdalene’s, and the P.A.C.E Center for Girls.
Pensacola Beach Songwriters Festival is your chance to meet the writers and hear the stories behind the songs.
North Pensacola Optimist Club – Our Optimist Club invites you to participate in a patriotic, community service program called “The Avenue of Flags”, which honors our military and country while supporting our many youth and community programs.
Join us as we place thousands of American Flags along one mile of Bayfront Parkway on three national holidays, Memorial Day, July 4th and Veteran’s Day.
Sponsor a Flag
Since 1962, NPOC has served the youth and community of PNS, including development of Hitzman-Optimist Park. To honor our great Military and Nation, this annual event we will be displaying perhaps thousands of American Flags on Bayfront Parkway on Memorial Day, July 4th, Veterans Day. Flags are offered through individual subscription or business sponsorship. Proceeds to benefit Pediatric Onchology at SHH and our many other youth programs. pensacolaoptimists.org
Your Avenue of Flag subscription includes the following:
Support NPOC youth programs and be a part of Avenue of Flags!
The Fishbein Embraces Initiative
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As part of our early intervention program, children attending Capstone Academy benefit from music, art, story time, computer, dramatic play, gross motor skills (outdoor play), fine motor skills (manipulative), and free exploration.
VOLUNTARY PRE-KINDERGARTEN (No VPK for the 20-21 school year).
Through the Early Learning Coalition of the state of Florida, Capstone Academy offers Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten (VPK) to children who turn four years of age by September 1 of the school year. This program is free, and each class has no more than 11 children in it with a Florida certified teacher (ratio 1:11).
CHILDREN’S THERAPY CLINIC
Pediatric rehabilitation is designed to maximize the abilities of children when development is interrupted by an injury or a disability. This includes helping patients heal and learn the skills they need to grow into thriving adults.
FEEDING THERAPY
Feeding Therapy – Food Aversion Therapy
SPEECH THERAPY
Designed to develop a child’s speech, language, and communication skills. We also offer specialized pediatric therapy in our feeding and swallowing clinic.
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Designed to develop a child’s large (gross motor) muscles, and works on such skills as crawling, standing, walking, etc.
OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Designed to develop a child’s fine motor skills, including such skills as holding objects, feeding self, etc. Occupational therapy also addresses sensory issues a child may have.
Residents of Escambia and Santa Rosa counties making $73,000 or less annually are eligible to file their taxes for free with United Way of West Florida’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program. Eligible participants may visit one of four convenient locations across the community or use limited virtual assistance to utilize this free service and maximize their tax return with the assistance of an IRS-certified volunteer.
VITA sites are operated by IRS partners such as United Way of West Florida and are staffed by volunteers who want to make a difference in their communities. All VITA volunteers who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standards. This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.
VITA sites will begin in-person returns on February 7th.
Please see below for a complete list of VITA sites throughout Escambia and Santa Rosa counties, as well as their opening dates and hours. VITA is by appointment only in 2022, to schedule an appointment simply dial 211. For up-to-date information please visitwww.uwwf.org/taxhelp.
Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast
1715 E. Olive Rd., Pensacola, FL 32514
Opening: February 9
Wednesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturday, February 19 from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Pensacola State College (Main Campus)
1000 College Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504 Bldg 98
Opening: February 7
Hours: Monday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Thursday 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday February 26, March 26, and April 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pensacola State College (Warrington Campus)
5555 US-98, Pensacola, FL 32507
Opening: February 8
Hours: Tuesday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Wednesday 2:00 p.m. – 6 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Pensacola State College (Milton Campus)
5988 Hwy 90, Milton, FL, 32583 Bldg 400
Opening: February 8
Hours: Tuesday 2 p.m. – 6 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.; Saturday March 3, and April 2, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Filers must bring the following documentation with them when filing taxes at one of the VITA sites:
Promotional materials containing information about United Way of West Florida’s VITA program are available for distribution. To request these materials or any questions concerning the VITA program, contact Financial Stability Manager, Elizabeth Bondurant, at elizabeth.bondurant@uwwf.org.
United Way of West Florida’s VITA Program is sponsored by the University of West Florida, Pensacola State College, Goodwill Easterseals of the Gulf Coast, IRS, and Wells Fargo.
The 2020-2021 Manna Hat is a beautiful Resistol – George Strait 7 3/8ths
Manna Food Pantries began serving the hungry on January 3, 1983, then known as Manna Food Bank. Since then Manna have served over half a million people in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties in Florida, from Century to Navarre. Manna has given out over 9,000 tons of food to hungry families in our communities. In the last year alone, Manna has served about 23,000 individuals in Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties.Manna Food Pantries is a private, not-for-profit corporation dedicated to alleviating hunger in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties of Northwest Florida. Manna is nonsectarian, community focused, volunteer supported and committed to the philosophy, “waste not, want not.” Manna believes that every person has a right to live free from hunger and that every person is to be treated with respect and dignity.
This year the need is particularly great. Please know that 100% of the proceeds this auction raises will go to Manna Food Pantries of Escambia and Santa Rosa Counties so that those in need in Pensacola, Pace, Milton and the surrounding areas can continue to be taken care of.
Thank you to Pensacola Boot Store for generously providing the 2020-2021 Manna Hat.
Who’s Autograph is on the Hat?
I will send you a signed certificate saying these are 100% Authentic Signatures.
Artist
|
Date/Location
|
Location on the Hat
|
Parmalee
|
March 13, 2020 – Wild Gregs
|
Left Rear Bill |
Jimmie Allen | November 12, 2020 – Wild Gregs | Rear Bill |
Riley Green | May 28, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Rear Bill |
Luke Combs | July 2, 2021 – The Wharf | Front Bill |
Brantley Gilbert | July 17, 2021 – The Wharf | Left Bill |
Caylee Hammack | July 31, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Bill |
Dylan Scott | July 31, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Front Bill |
Luke Bryan | July 31, 2021 – The Wharf | Left Front Bill |
Gabby Barrett | August 13, 2021 – The Wharf | Left Bill |
Thomas Rhett | August 13, 2021 – The Wharf | Front Stack |
Carly Pearce | August 19, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Bill |
Niko Moon | August 19, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Bill |
Tenille Arts | August 19, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Front Bill |
Lady A | August 19, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Front Stack |
Elvie Shane | October 9, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Dimple |
Rodney Atkins | October 30, 2021-Pensacola Fair | Left Dimple |
Hardy | October 31, 2021 – The Wharf | Right Front Bill |
John Morgan | October 31, 2021 – The Wharf | Left Stack |
Jason Aldean | October 31, 2021 – The Wharf | Rear Stack |
Mitchell Tenpenny | November 6, 2021 – Wild Gregs | Rear Right Stack |
Jon Langston | November 12, 2021 – Wild Gregs | Rear Left Stack |
Kip Moore | November 13, 2021 – The Port, Alabama | Left Bill |
Larry Fleet | November 14, 2021 – Miracle on Palafox | Right Stack |
Ray Fulcher | November 14, 2021 – Miracle on Palafox | Right Stack |
IMPACT 100 Pensacola Bay Area, Inc. (IMPACT) is an organization of women committed to improving their community by providing substantial grants to nonprofit organizations in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.
Started in 2003 by four local women, IMPACT has become the largest IMPACT group in the world. The idea behind IMPACT involves recruiting at least 100 women to donate $1,000 each and pooling those resources into one big grant for a qualifying nonprofit. In the 17 years since the Pensacola chapter began, this organization of philanthropic women has donated more than $12 million to charities throughout the Escambia/Santa Rosa area. IMPACT has funded 120 grants totaling $12,830,000 since 2004.
IMPACT has no paid employees or staff, so one hundred percent of each member’s annual contribution of $1,000 is pooled and awarded to nonprofit organizations in increments of at least $100,000 grants.
Prior to 1980, Independence for the Blind operated under two names: first, the Visually Impaired Program (VIP), and later, the Adult Blind Independent Living (ABIL) Program.
From 1980 to 1993, the program was administered by Pensacola Junior College and called SCIL, Skills Center for Independent Living. After PJC lost funding for SCIL, concerned community members who saw the need for education for the blind established a corporation and opened doors for service.
From 1993 to 1995, the program continued its mission under the sponsorship of a similar, Tallahassee-based organization called Independence for the Blind, Inc. On October 1, 1995, the corporation became a self-governing, private, not-for-profit entity fully incorporated under the name of Independence for the Blind of West Florida (IB).
IB initially served the blind in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton counties. Today, the IB service area includes the 10 counties from the port city of Pensacola to the Apalachicola River, an area of the Florida panhandle that is home to a million plus residents.
IB West is funded in part by the Florida Department of Education, Division of Blind Services and United Way.
Our mission is to empower people who are Blind or Visually Impaired in Northwest Florida to achieve maximum independence.
To be the standard of excellence in rehabilitation services for people with blindness and visual impairments.