Zephyros Winds The Blues Society of Northwest Florida presents a winners night concert on Jan. 8, at the Gutter Lounge, 3200 N Palafox St., Pensacola, FL.

On this night the blues society will honor the two first place winners selected at the recent “Battle of the Blues Bands.” These two acts will advance to the 23rd annual International Blues Challenge held in Memphis, Tenn. on Feb. 1-3.

There will be over 150 acts in two categories (band or solo\duo) performing on Beale Street to determine the best up and coming blues acts in the world.

At the Gutter lounge, starting at 7:30 p.m. there will be a brief open mic jam. Around 8:30 p.m., Memphis Annie, the solo category first place winner will take the stage. She will get the show started with her barrelhouse piano blues and some great acoustic Delta blues on guitar.

Next up will be Tin Feet, the first place winner in the band category. Tin Feet hosts the weekly Monday night Blues Jam at the Gutter and can be seen at other venues in Pensacola and Pensacola Beach. These guys are excited about going to Memphis and have been rehearsing very hard to put together a first rate blues show. Be sure to catch this smokin’ juke-house blues act.

Mayer There will also be drink specials and a raffle. The $1 cover charge and all donations will go toward the expense of hotel rooms for the two acts while in Memphis.

For those who cannot attend this event but still want to show support, mail a donation to the Blues Society of Northwest Florida, P.O. Box 2704 Pensacola, FL32513.

For more information call Reese Howard at 850-484- 2692.

Zephyros Winds Jan. 12

The Pensacola Junior College Lyceum series presents Zephyros Winds 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 12, at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, Building 8, on the Pensacola campus.

Praised by audiences and critics alike for its brilliant virtuosity and expressive depth, Zephyros Winds has established itself as one of the nation's leading chamber ensembles. Fans say what separates Zephyros from other wind quintets is that the ensemble retains the expressive voices of the individual players.

Musicians are Jennifer Grim, flute; James Roe, oboe; Marianne Gythfeldt, clarinet; Douglas Quint, bassoon; and Patrick Pridemore, horn.

General admission tickets are $10; seniors, children, non- PJC students, $8; Senior Club members, PJC staff, faculty, retirees, $6; PJC students, free.

Vereen VISA, MasterCard, American Express, cash or check are accepted.

Purchase tickets at the Lyceum Box Office in the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium, 1000 College Blvd. For more information, call 484-1847.

Jazz Gumbo!

Join the Jazz society of Pensacola for their monthly Jazz Gumbo at Seville Quarter Jan 15. The January Gumbo will feature The Modern Jazz Trio composed of Chip Cothran on piano, Ken Chopcinski on bass, and Steve Ferry on drums. This group is the result of a project of the University of West Florida's Music Department, under the supervision of David Shelander, the Director of Jazz Studies. Together they have studied the artistry of the most successful piano trios and integrated them into a style of their own. Currently, they perform at Copeland's Restaurant during Sunday Brunch. the cost for the event is $7 for members and $10 for non members. Admission includes a cup of gumbo. Free admission for military in uniform, $2 charge for cup of gumbo.

The format of Jazz Gumbo is live jazz in the style of the famous jazz artist whose life and career is celebrated. Most of the artists whose lives are remembered are no longer with us.

Corks ‘N Canvases Jan. 21

Harris Music and Sound and Q100 present the Corks 'N Canvases Fundraiser to benefit

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida Jan. 21 at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center.

The featured pieces in the art auction were created by “littles” in the Big Brothers Big Sisters program with the help of their “bigs” or guardians and instructors at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center.

In addition to the art auction, the event will include wine tasting, light hors d’ouevres, music, a silent auction with art pieces that are donated by local artists, and a blown glass demonstration by Joe Hobbs with the final piece being auctioned during the event.

The children’s artwork will be on display at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center for public viewing from Tuesday, Jan. 16, through the event on Jan. 21. Hours will be Tuesday through Thursday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. -1 p.m.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

To donate an art piece for the silent auction or as a door prize, or to purchase tickets, please contact April Phillips at 850-433-5437 or email aphillips@bbbsnwfl.org. John Mayer

Jan. 29

Grammy award winning singer, songwriter, and guitarist, John Mayer, returns to the Pensacola Civic Center on Jan. 29. Mayer’s chart topping hit, “Daughters” won Song of the Year at the 2005 Grammy Awards. That same year, the multi-talented artist won the award for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance defeating heavyweights Seal, Prince, and Elvis Costello. “Your Body is a Wonderland” earned Mayer that same award in 2002. Mayer’s latest album, Continuum, combines his signature pop style with the sound and feeling of the blues.

Mayer’s collaborative efforts with some of his hottest contemporaries and music’s greatest icons like Kanye West, The Dixie Chicks, Alicia Keys, B.B. King, and Eric Clapton contribute to his latest lyrical style. Mayer redefined his own musical priorities with the formation of the John Mayer Trio, which moved the artist away from acoustic pop and began combining rock music with the sound of the blues. Currently, Continuum has enjoyed 10 weeks on Billboards 200 list and the hit single “Waiting on the World to Change” has spent 20 weeks on Billboards Hot 100. Singer/songwriter, Josh Rouse, will open the evening of sounds Pensacola’s “Daughters” won’t want to miss!

Sara Evans Feb. 2

Sara Evans, the Academy of Country Music’s reigning Female Vocalist of the Year and a recent contestant on the ABC hit series, Dancing With The Stars will be live in concert at the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola on Friday, Feb. at 2 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale now.

Just in time for the holiday season, you can find Evans' first book, “You'll Always Be My Baby” in stores this now. She co-wrote “You'll Always Be My Baby,” also the title of her current single and video, as an anthem for unconditional love.

Ben Vereen Feb. 3

Invited back from his popular Okaloosa-Walton College performances in 1992 and 1997, Emmy and Tony Award-winner Ben Vereen will help celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Arts Center at OWC in true style on Saturday, Feb. 3.

The popular group Jones & Company will perform the opening act for Ben Vereen. This versatile group performs

a unique blend of jazz, blues funk, R&B, soul, reggae, Latin and rock’n’roll and has performed for over a decade along the Gulf Coast, from Bourbon Street in New Orleans to Panama City, Mobile and their hometown in Destin.

Tickets for this performance are now available through The Arts Center box office for $25 each. A group discount for 10 or more tickets is available. Phone and inperson sales from the box office are open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. On-line sales are open now through the holiday break. Call (850) 729- 6000 or toll free 1-888-838- ARTS (2787) or visit The Arts Center website at owc.edu/arts.

Vereen will razzle-dazzle with the best of song and dance that made him a Broadway legend. From fame in Broadway’s “Chicago” to television’s “Roots” and hit musicals such as “Jelly’s Last Jam”, “A Christmas Carol” and “Wicked”, Vereen has proven himself to be one of the world’s most talented and versatile performers.

The Arts Center at OWC is Northwest Florida’s premier arts complex and is easily accessible from Interstate 10 and Highways 85 and 285 on the Niceville, Florida campus of Okaloosa-Walton College, at 100 College Blvd. For a season brochure or driving directions, contact the Box Office or visit The Arts Center web site.