May 1-9

The Pensacola Crawfish Festival celebrates the Cajun influence in our community, and the 2009 event will be held May 1 - 3 on the waterfront in Bartram Park in downtown Pensacola. This event is one of the largest crawfish boils in the state! Start the 60th Fiesta Season Cajun style and bring the whole family. There is something for everyone the entire weekend!

Don't leave your appetite at home, because the Pensacola Crawfish Festival brings a little of the Louisiana bayou to Pensacola Bay. You'll find a wide range of Cajun fare such as crawfish poboys, crawfish pies, and of course, boiled crawfish, as well as traditional hot dogs, hamburgers, and other local favorites.

Times are Friday, May 1: noon - 11 p.m.; Saturday, May 2: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.; and Sunday, May 3: 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. Visit www.fiestaoffiveflags.org for more information.

Pensacola Opera presents 'Aida'

The Pensacola Opera is set to showcase Verdi's classic "Aida" in to performances on Friday, May 1 and Sunday, May 3 at the Saenger Theatre in Pensacola.

Over the past century, Aida has become the opera that best exemplifies the glory of largescale grand opera, and signals the coming of age for Pensacola Opera. Set in the pageantry of ancient Egypt created by the triumphal grandeur of Verdi's music, Aida tells the story of Egyptian war hero Radames and his unlikely lover, the Ethiopian princess, now slave, Aida. Plagued by her jealous rival Amneris, Aida and Radames are torn by family loyalty amid war and conquest.

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. on Friday and 2 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit www. pensacolaopera.com

'Wit' opens at PLT

Pensacola Little Theatre's Studio 400 Season presents its final offering for 2009-2010, "Wit", for a two-weekend run.

As the play opens, renowned English professor Dr. Vivian Bearing has been diagnosed with terminal ovarian cancer. During the course of her illness, Vivian comes to reassess her life and her work with a profundity and humor that are transformative both for her and the audience. Author Margaret Edson received the 1999 Pulitzer Prize for Drama for the work.

Myers has assembled an experienced and talented cast that includes a real-life doctor playing a doctor, a nurse portraying a nurse, and two teachers portraying professors. Supporting cast members are LaVetta Fowler, Barbara Jacobs, Dr. Jack Tyson, Jibri Nuriddin, Jonathan Mitchell, Laura Reyes, Thomas Summerford, and Deven Walther.

"Wit" performances are Friday, and Saturday, May 1-2, at 8 p.m., and the following weekend Friday and Saturday, May 8 and 9 at 8 p.m., and Sunday, May 10, at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or by phone at 850-432-2042. The Box Office is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain on performance dates.

Museum hosts Naval Aviation Symposium

The National Naval Aviation Museum opens its doors for another exciting glimpse into the history and future of Naval Aviation at the 23d Annual Symposium, Thursday and Friday, May 7- 8. The two-day event will feature performances by the NAS New Orleans Navy Band, followed by panel sessions highlighting: the newest in aircraft for Naval Aviation; an exciting rescue attempt of a downed Navy pilot during the Vietnam War as told by the helicopter crews; a distinguished panel of senior Naval Aviators who will discuss Naval Aviation's posture, future challenges, and current programs.

For more information, visit www.navalaviationmuseum.org or call 850-453-2389.

Disney On Ice skates into civic center

Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy, May 8 - 10 at the Pensacola Civic Center.

The show features highspeed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar's CARS race across the ice. Then enter into the magical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and all her fairy friends as they make their world premiere on ice!

Your family's favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters.

There are five performances - May 8 at 7 p.m.; May 9 at 11 a.m., 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and May 10 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Civic Center Box Office, Charge By Phone at (800) 745-3000, or www.ticketmaster.com

History comes alive with battle reenactment

Commemorate the 1781 Revolutionary War battle that resulted in the British surrender of Florida, a significant turning point in American history, with the "Battle of Pensacola" reenactment events Friday and Saturday, May 8- 9 in downtown Pensacola.

A series of events including children's day at Fort George, a "Torches in the Night" historic walking tour, the Battle of Pensacola reenactment and a Victory Luncheon at Wright Place, have been planned for the public to enjoy.

For a complete schedule of the two-day event or to purchase tickets, contact Wesley Odom, Florida Society Sons of the American Revolution Pensacola Chapter, at 850-436-6666 or wlodom@cox.net.

May 10-16

Set in a small Texas town, "Daddy's Dyin'" tells of the reunion of a family gathered to await the imminent death of their patriarch, who has recently suffered a physically as well as mentally disabling stroke.

It is not, however, the story of the impending demise of the father or of the drafting of his will, but of a rebirth of the spirit of the family unit. It's a fast, delicious, easy read with funny moments, tense moments, touching moments, and characters you care about.

There will be five performances from May 13-17. Friday and Saturday Shows are at 8 p.m. with Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office or by phone at 850-432-2042. The Box Office is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain on performance dates.

Arts Council presents Gallery Night May 15

Gallery Night is from 5 - 9 pm in downtown Pensacola, and includes more than fifty merchant participants. Complimentary parking will be available in the Baylen Street garage at Government Street or the Baylen Street parking lot at Romana Street. Free trolley service will be provided.

Call 850-432-9906 for more information about the event.

Paddle out for raise awareness for need of organ donation

The second annual William McMahon Circle of Life Memorial Paddle Out takes place on May 16. This event is organized my Kim McMahon in attempts to raise awareness as to the need for Organ and tissue donation.

Please call Kim at 850-476- 3383 with any questions.

Take memorial bike ride in honor of our veterans

A 25-mile bike ride from Veterans Memorial Park in downtown Pensacola out to Park East on Beautiful Pensacola Beach.

The ride starts at 9 a.m. For more information or to register go to www.EscaRosaIndependence Weekend.com.

Bartram Park hosts outside art fair

This family friendly, multifaceted art fair introduces the Pensacola community to its local artists and gives the artists a chance to participate in a fun, laid-back festival atmosphere on May 15 and 16.

Over 100 exhibitors from the community bring their best works to show and sell. New to the fair this year is the addition of an "Outside Market" where local participants will showcase their various and distinctive items for sale.

The two day fair will feature live entertainment by local bands and by art and cultural organizations. Unique cuisine will be served in the food court

Call 850-432-9906 for more information about the event.

May 17-23

The UWF Japan House, WUWF Public Media and the Japan-America Society of Northwest Florida will present the exhibition of the Joseph W. Bailey Private Collection of Japanese Woodblock Prints May 7, 14, 21 and 28 in both the UWF Japan House and at WUWF Gallery 88. Japanese refreshments will be served. Bailey will discuss his collection and answer questions at 6 p.m. in the International Center, Room 141.

Bailey's personal collection of Japanese woodblock prints was built more than 30 years, and includes work by many of the most famous of the ukiyo-e artists. The collection includes modern prints which give new interpretation to the classic forms. The traditional prints will be displayed in the Japan House with a selection of modern prints on display in the International Center reception area. More prints from the Bailey collection will be exhibited in WUWF Gallery 88 located inside Building 88. This is only the second time that the Bailey collection has been put on public display.

For more information, contact the UWF Japan House at 850-474-3363 or email at japan@uwf.edu.

UWF hosts Memorial Day events

UWF Military Connections along with WUWF Public Media will host a Memorial Day event May 21 at the UWF Main Campus. A flagpole ceremony will be held from 9 to 9:20 a.m. between Buildings 10 and 12. A wreath will be laid in honor of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country.

The panel discussion, "Honoring Our Military: Our Veterans Speak," will be held at 11 a.m. in the University Commons Auditorium, Building 22. A brief reception will be held before the discussion from 10 to 10:30 a.m. The panel will consist of a crossgeneration of veterans, both male and female, from World War II to the present who will share their stories of service to the United States. The events are free and open to the public.

For more information, contact the UWF Student Disability Resource Center at 850-474.2387 or email at sdrc@uwf.edu.

Historical society hosts ghost tours

The Pensacola Historical Society will lead Tour-iffic Summer Ghost Tours on May 22-23. There are two walking tours to choose from this summer: the family-friendly Seville Tour and the adultsonly Redlight Tour. Rent a ghost meter for $5 per tour. Walk up tickets are preferred. Purchase tickets inside the Pensacola Historical Museum on the night of the tours. No refunds.

For more information, call 850-433-1559 or visit www.pensacolahistory.org.

Billy Joe Royal live at Farmer's Opry

Billy Joe Royal will be live in concert at the Farmer's Opry at 8897 Bryom Campbell Road; in Pace on Saturday, May 23. Dinner will be served at 4:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m.

For more information, call 850-994-6000 or visit www.farmersopry.com.

May 24-31

The Pensacola Bay Area Chamber of Commerce will host a Military Appreciation Month Street Festival on Sunday, May 24 in downtown Pensacola.

For more information about the festival, visit the chamber's website at www.PensacolaChamber.com or call 850-438-4081.

PJC presents a new comedy on May 24

The Pensacola Junior College Theatre Department is set to perform its original comedy "Rhinoceros" on Sunday, May 24 at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium.

There are two shows at 2:30 and 4:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $10; $8-Seniors & Non-PJC students; $6-PJC Senior Club, PJC faculty & staff.

For more information, visit www.pjc.edu.

Dance group to perform at PJC

The Soul Street Dance Co., formally known as FLY, will perform at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium on Friday, May 29 from 7:30 to 9 p.m.

General admission tickets are $10; $8-Seniors & Non-PJC students; $6-PJC Senior Club, PJC faculty & staff.

For more information, visit www.pjc.edu.

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