When the smoke clears

Glimmer of Hope

I remember the day I met her 5 years ago, though those weeks and months were so hazy after darkness had overcome my life once again.  One of the few people who didn't turn away almost demanded that he pick me up on his boat one bleak day and I left my worries on shore, if only for a few hours. It was as if the smoke cleared - Houston handed me a reflection of myself, symbolized in a small hand-carved one-of-a-kind elk bone carving, a gift from Smokey Joe. Her story was beautiful, and she became my symbol of hope for the next few years - she was all I needed to know that one day everything was going to be just fine. 

When I started writing for Po10tial Magazine 16 months ago, I was ecstatic about the opportunity to go out into the community and write profiles on artists, musicians, community-minded individuals and businesses, and charitable events.  Even after the many talks I've had with Smokey, sitting him down for an interview opened my eyes to the real artist. Real....it is rare that you come across someone who is just so real, so down-to-earth, who gives such great advice while sharing life lessons.

The news of Smokey's death was a bit of a shock. Many gathered at the beach yesterday, his "Zen Bar" to pay homage to an icon whose artwork and passion left a lasting impression on so many walks of life. When someone dies, you immediately flash back to the last time you spoke to that person - this makes twice this year. The last Gallery Night I attended, we made our usual visit to the "artist's alley" to see our favorite artists as everyone seems to migrate here. I usually asked Smokey how my pixie necklace was coming along, and this time he let me know she was almost ready to fly, without me even asking. Excitedly I said I would stop by soon. Not soon enough. He even told me after writing the article that I could take a peek into his Willy Wonka factory, his most sacred place on earth (though he may have told others that, I always liked to feel that he meant it just for me;) I can't help but feel some regret.

We learn from the kindness of people like Smokey. The most valuable thing he told me in our interview was that he never kept any of his pieces - they were meant to be shared. His gift of creating extraordinary nuggets of goodness was meant to be treasured by others. He even left his pieces as treasures for people to find in National Parks across the states, priceless extensions of his soul. I find solace in my necklace - I feel strength when I wear her around my neck, though she also reminds me to be humble. The eagle feather earrings he gifted me after writing the article make me feel at peace, knowing the spiritual occurrences we discussed.  

The year of the Water Dragon has been a tumultuous one. This dragon piece captivated me every time I saw it. The year has been spent shedding layers, letting go, and rising from ashes. It's been a bumpy ride, with ups and downs, and events have been charged with a rare intensity. Such as with the passing of our dear friend Smokey. He has opened my eyes to the true meaning of having a gift, the gift to create and share with others.

 Turtle family

 Photo shoot for Po10tial Magazine at the weekly Palafox Market

July 2012

 In his element

Artist's reception at Fused Jewelry featured Smokey

August 2012




Hoping the insomnia will wear off, always turn to writing, thinking of Smokey, inspired to blog again....I could write for hours. And as the smoke clears and the moon is bright, we shall see your smiling face. Sweet dreams, sweet Smokey, thank you for your gift.  Our community thanks you. Until we meet again, spread your wings and fly!  

I believe in miracles too, this one's for you.....

Art Party VIII

Not since the Art Against AIDS fundraisers that used to take place a few years back when the Bayfront Auditorium was still around, have I been inspired to get some friends together and dress up for a really fun artsy party that made you think outside the box. Then I met Jef Bond, an artist and photographer who took an idea for a really cool and unique party and has turned it into a big event for artists and businesses in our area, all while raising money and awareness for a non-profit organization that has helped save his life.

On January 29, 2011, Jef Bond’s Art Party was taken to a whole different level. The event that started out as a house party with a DJ a few years back has progressed to an organized art exhibit and fundraiser at this year’s chosen venue, Vinyl Music Hall. His vision has been clear from day one: to expose the darker, more romantic up and coming talented artists in our community. The concept was to get away from the stigma that traditional art exhibits can be stuffy. It is a way to help people appreciate non-traditional art and have a hell of a good time while doing so.

In August 2008, Jef became sick, causing him to lose clients and not be able to travel as much for work while receiving dialysis three times a week. In October 2009, Jef received a kidney transplant which saved his life but put a strain on his business. He has accrued expenses but was lucky to receive help through the National Transplant Assistance Fund (NTAF), which has now become the recipient of funds raised through Art Party until his bills are paid off. Art Party will eventually be able to raise awareness about other worthy causes.

Art Party has evolved to not only raise funds for a non-profit, but also promote local artists and businesses while creating a positive and unique change to the Downtown Pensacola scene. Throughout the night, over 500 people filled Vinyl Music Hall. Some were dressed to the nines in cocktail attire, some wore jeans and t-shirts, others wore costumes with wigs, wings, and more. Artist GwynA.B. even painted artwork on her models, a little risqué surprise that was a big hit with the crowd. The diversity of the artwork and the people in attendance is what made such a big impact. And the end result of raising over $4,500 was the icing on the Oh Snap cupcake!

“We are just now starting to make our break through,” says Jef Bond. “For several years when I thought of ‘Pensacola Art’, I thought of trinkets and beach scenes that are sold at our Arts Festivals and several local galleries. Art Party is here to encourage diversity in our artistic community and to pressure galleries to start accepting works of art geared away from the ‘norm’. With the diversity that Art Party provokes from our artists and local businesses, I plan to see more and more local go getters like myself to help us shut down ‘old money’ mentalities and bring our city of great potential to a happening and openly creative city.”

There were higher end door prizes, eccentric artwork, mobile art, live music from the talented Brooks Hubbert and AnyDayDJ.com, and pixies fluttering around. Culinary Productions, Inc. served up gourmet heavy hors D’oeuvres for the VIPs from 5 – 9pm. There was a silent auction of the artists’ work in which 30% of pieces sold went to NTAF and 70% went to the artist. People were seen dancing and having a good time until 1:30am!

Special thanks goes out to the sponsors, volunteers, and artists for making this event such a huge success. Plans are already in the making for next year’s event, which promises to be even bigger and better without losing sight of Jef’s vision. Throw in a costume contest with a grand prize where everyone is encouraged but not required to dress to impress, think outside the box. Dress as an artist or a piece of art, throw on a wig, think flamboyant and intriguing. Everyone in Pensacola loves to dress up, so here’s an opportunity to be a little wild for the night. Make it phenomenal – it’s an art party, not an art show!

More info will be posted throughout the year. And it’s not too late to make a donation. Contact Jef Bond at 501-1296 or visit http://www.ntafund.org/find-a-patient/profile/index.cfm/patient/06AD4542-B65D-3A91-C5D63C4F18CE3CF9 to make a donation online. Sponsors are being recruited as well as artists. Until next year’s party!

Dinner Party Chic

Throwing your own dinner party can be lots of fun, with just a few good friends in an intimate setting or a larger dinner soiree that’s more like a cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres.  It all depends on the size of your house or apartment, the time you can put into it, and of course your budget. 

Picking the date is your first step.  Mark the date on your calendar and make your to-do list to get the ball rolling.  Get creative with the season - March is a great time of year, with springtime and cool evenings where you can utilize your back deck or porch if you have one.

Next, invite your guests whether it’s online or through the mail.  Create an event page on Facebook (be sure to check your settings to keep your page private).  Not into Facebook?  Great websites like www.evite.com let you design your own custom electronic invite.  But there’s nothing more exciting than receiving a lovely invitation in the mail to be a guest at a party, especially when you plan events all the time! 

Got time?  Get creative.  Make your own invites using cardstock, pressed flowers, and other crafty items around the house.  Order posh invites online at websites like www.tinyprints.com, where invites are as low as $.99 each (you can upload pictures or logos for a more personal touch).  Got a bigger budget?  Visit Sassafras Stationary & Gifts and help support your local business.  From simple to elegant, their design team can help you create your one-of-a-kind invitation and even save you money by having them design the invite for you to print on your own computer.

Once you get your RSVP’s back, be sure to check with your guests to see if there are any allergies, vegetarian or vegan needs, or gluten-free requirements for your guests.  You want to make sure your menu will accommodate and appease everyone’s appetites.

If you’re on a budget, keep it simple - don’t get overwhelmed with in-depth recipes.  Make cucumber cups or homemade bruschetta.  Pick up ready-made items like chipotle and rosemary spiced almonds from the Wine World Wine Bar.  Make Asian coleslaw with pre-shredded cabbage and Mike’s Asian Ginger Dressing from the Apple Market.  Add fresh basil to pre-made chicken salad from City Grocery.  Order fresh sushi from Joe Patti’s or Publix (be sure to call ahead so you don’t have to wait).  Use nice serving pieces to serve your food.

Invest in a covered fire pit for your back yard or deck or borrow one from a friend.  Guests can make their own smores for dessert anytime of the year.  Have baskets laid out with graham crackers, marshmallows, and chocolate with skewers for each guest to roast their own marshmallows.  The cozy fire will create warmth and ambiance and most likely stir up conversations about their favorite camping trips. 

Keep your bar simple and in a central location.  Limit it to premium beer, wine, a signature cocktail, and non-alcoholic drinks.  Take your menu to your local wine shop – it’s their job to pick out good bottles of wine to fit your budget.  Tell them what you usually get and let them know you want to get something different that will be nice for your guests.  Anna’s Wine Shop, Artesana Fine Wines, and Aragon Wine Market are just a few good places to try that also offer wine tastings.

An added touch would be to have a signature cocktail, like a watermelon mojito that’s refreshing or chocolate martini that can also serve as dessert.  Have some wine charms laid out for your guests to adorn their wine glasses.  Get cute beverage naps with funny sayings.

Before you decorate, you want to make sure your house is clean.  Use all natural products like Method brand (found at Target) that will keep your house smelling so lovely without the use of chemicals. 

For décor, simple elegance can be classy.  Utilize what you already have at home to help save money.  Strands of white lights leftover from Christmas can be strung on your back porch for extra ambiance.  Use vintage candles and white votives for simplicity.  Gather and clean old vases to create your own centerpieces.

Stock up on supplies like mason jars, vases, and decorative napkins at Dollar Tree that you can reuse.  Joann’s Fabrics has a great selection of materials and always has coupons online.  Darker linens used on tables can be brightened with simple floral centerpieces and lots of votives.  Pick fresh flowers from your garden.  Cut greenery from your yard that can be used as filler in your vases.  Pick up some colorful Gerber Daisies at the grocery store and make your own simple arrangements which help create a shabby sheek look.

Last but not least, pick some great background music with an ipod station, cd player, or satellite radio station on TV to help complete your very own dinner party.  When it’s all over and done, be sure to celebrate with a glass of champagne!

I would like to thank friends and culinary experts Laura Dees of Soiree Catering & Events and Mike DeSorbo of Culinary Productions for their help with this article!

Flora-Bama Lounge, Package & Oyster Bar

One of the hottest spots on the Gulf Coast from Perdido, FL to Orange Beach, AL which lies right on the Florida and Alabama state line is the famous Flora-Bama Lounge, Package and Oyster Bar.  Attracting a wide variety of people, from locals and tourists to military and college students who come in town to visit for any break, the Flora-Bama has a little something for everyone.  Open 7 days a week with live original music every night on different stages, the Flora-Bama has been recognized by the Travel Channel and several travel magazines as one of the top ten beach bars in the United States.

With renovations in progress, the two-story Flora-Bama has a very open-air feel, kind of like a House of Blues meets the Gulf Coast beach with a laid back atmosphere.  Patrons can hang out at the beach, go for a swim and work up an appetite for some delicious Flora-Bama favorites from the Oyster Bar.   Try their signature Oysters Perdido (baked on the half shell with jalapenos, onions & Monterey jack cheese), smoked tuna dip, fried pickles, and savory burgers.  And of course, why not wash it all down with a cold beer or their famous Bushwacker frozen treat!

To help kick off the summer season, the Flora-Bama hosted a fundraiser on Memorial Day to benefit the Fisher House Foundation, the Wounded Warriors, The Armed Services Foundation, and Veterans of Foreign Wars, all organizations that assist military families and veterans in need.  Patrons enjoyed a full day of live music, a friendly battle of strength with a keg toss on the beach, a crawfish boil, and some cold drinks.  The Flora-Bama has become such a well-known hot spot along the Gulf Coast that the Travel Channel was in attendance to capture this fun-filled day.

                                                                                                                             

Live music filled the air with Crystal Shawanda singing “Chain of Fools” on the tent stage outside.  The Misty Loggins Duo, Cass Hunter, and Tony “T-Bone” Montgomery with Beau Roberts also performed under the big tent.  Inside on the main stage, local favorites the Troy Bannon Duo kicked things off singing favorites such as “Wagon Wheel”.  Later, Johnny Barbato and the Lucky Doggs began to spice things up a bit and got the crowd out on the dance floor with their original music, a mix of blues, country, and southern rock.  The Lucky Doggs have been jamming for over 25 years all along the coast, from Lafayette to Pensacola Beach with a special yearly performance at the annual Songwriter’s Festival.

It was a great way to celebrate Memorial Day and welcome the summer season.  A beautiful cloudless sky gave way to summer fun in the sun.  You can’t beat the view of the blue waters of the Gulf combined with live music and dancing, everyone had a good time!

Special thanks to sponsors Budweiser, the Gulf Coast Entertainment App, and the Travel Channel and a big salute to the Flora-Bama for providing live music, tasty food, cool drinks, and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere 7 days a week!  For more information, visit their website at www.florabama.com.

The DREAM Project

The DREAM Project

Dare to Reach Every Achievable Moment

The DREAM Project is a compilation CD with songs of different genres donated by musicians and artists (local, regional, and national) who have all donated their time to help the University of West Florida’s Chapter of Students for Suicide Awareness (SSA) in loving memory of Tyler Knisely, a UWF student who lost his battle with depression and took his life fall semester 2008 and Jr. Villanueva, a UF student who also lost his battle and took his life spring semester 1997.

The CD begins with The DREAM, a poem written by Raela Villanueva right after her younger brother Jr. killed himself.  Jr. only said “goodbye” to their mother before he left for Easter Sunday evening mass on March 30, 1997 and never came home again.  He came to his sister in a dream, the only way he could say goodbye to her.  Since then, Raela has been an advocate for suicide prevention and awareness and speaks openly about her brother’s suicide in an attempt to help save others from suffering such tragic loss. 

Raela met UWF and Pensacola State College students Sabra Jernigan and Ashleigh Aaron in November 2008 via myspace through musician and friend Damien Louviere.  After commencing plans for their 1^st Annual Seeds of Hope music and art benefit show, Raela met guitarist Glenn Burnett at an open mic night at the Gutter Lounge.  That week, Glenn wrote the music to her poem, and another poem called Sunset.  Raela performed the DREAM song with Glenn and friends at the after party show but vowed never to sing it by herself again.  Glenn then recruited singer/songwriter Tiffany Pifer, who lost her father to cancer just months before Jr. passed away.  She has become the lead vocalist for The DREAM while Raela now confidently sings back up vocals.  Tiffany too had a dream about her father and wrote a song called “Out of My Pain”. 

All of the musicians and artists are local, regional and national artists who enjoy performing on the Gulf Coast.  Musicians and artists own the rights to each song on the compilation CD and have donated their song to help The DREAM Project and SSA’s mission to raise awareness through the mediums of music and art that suicide is still the 2^nd leading cause of death on college campuses and CAN BE PREVENTED.  The compilation CD will list all the songs, band/musician name, website information, warning signs for suicide and depression, local and national resources for getting help, and list all sponsors involved with the project.

The CD also contains artwork – the cover is the DREAM Project logo painted by Raela on a tambourine during one of SSA’s bi-weekly “Escape” music and art therapy sessions, while the back cover is a sunset painting by Jr. from 1989 that Raela recently found while going through her parent’s house and after asking a friend to draw something up for the back cover.  It was her brother’s way of blessing the project and saying, “here you go, now the project is complete, don’t give up big sister, this is part of the reason I had to leave.”   

CD’s will sell for $8.99 in the community and through CD Baby with proceeds benefiting SSA and their mission (the students are in the process of turning Seeds of Hope into a non-profit), producing more CD’s for the DREAM Project, and resurrection of The DREAM Foundation (which provides a scholarship fund to encourage high school students to continue with their education by attending college and live out their dreams).

Raela’s goal with The DREAM Project is to reach out to students, set up a tour for musicians to perform at college campuses across the state with the help of the Florida Suicide Prevention Coalition.  Raela will continue to tell her brother’s story to help other college students who deal with depression by performing her songs, speaking openly to students in a group setting and one-to-one, and through SSA’s Survivor Art Exhibit.  SSA aims to reduce the stigma that surrounds suicide and depression, reach out to other students and start other SSA chapters across the state, eventually with SSA ambassadors who will help start SSA chapters in the high schools.

Raela is grateful for all the talented, amazing musicians she has known for years and those she has met and will continue to meet along the way in the journey of her healing.  She is also grateful for the community leaders and business sponsors who have always supported her efforts to fight one of the toughest social issues ever.  She is most grateful for her family for their unconditional love and support and close friends for their support and love through the depths of surviving the loss and in the struggle survive mental illness.  Every fall has become a stepping stone, with the purpose to lift her closer to her true calling in life.  She will always be grateful to Jr. for the smiles, friendship, and love he shared with all those whose lives he has touched and will continue to touch through The DREAM Project.

The DREAM Project Compilation CD song list

(DREAM = Dare to Reach Every Achievable Moment)

1)    The DREAM – Friends of the Phoenix

Raela Villanueva – lyrics, back-up vocals;  Glenn Burnett – music, guitar; Tiffany Pifer – lead vocals; Ashley Pennewill – mandolin; Frances Michaels – violin; Sean Peterson – bass;  Brandon Warren – drums, snare

2)    Sunset – Friends of the Phoenix

Raela Villanueva – lyrics; Glenn Burnett – music, guitar; Eric Schmitz – lead vocals; Tiffany Pifer – back-up vocals; Sean Peterson – bass; Brandon Warren – drums

3)    Dear You – 60 Cycles of Sound

Jason Holstein – bass, back-up vocals; Ben Bogan – drums, back-up vocals; Rod Ueberroth – lead vocals, guitar; Jason Hurt – lead guitar

www.myspace.com/60cyclesofsound

4)    When – Damien Louviere

Damien Louviere – lyrics, vocals, guitar; Sean Peterson – bass; Brandon Warren – drums

www.facebook.com/pages/Damien-Louviere-Band/212773542070280

5)    Ask Me If I Care – Honey Island Swamp Band

Aaron Wilkinson – lyrics, vocals; Chris Mule – guitar; Sam Price – bass; Garland Paul – drums  

www.honeyislandswampband.com

6)    Desperate Tonight – Five Eight

Mike Mantione, Dan Horowitz, Patrick “Trigger” Ferguson, Sean Dunn

www.myspace.com/fiveeight

7)    Head Over Heels – Dannica Lowery

www.reverbnation.com/dannicalowery

8)    I Can Feel It – Joseph Green

Joe Green – lyrics/vocals; Matt Dufon - music

9)    Leviathan – Victor Charlie

Charlie Garland – vocals, guitar; Clay Hinson – bass; Mark Turiano – drums

www.myspace.com/victorcharlieband

10)  My Time To Shine – Mark Ellis / Good Foote

Mark  Ellis – lyrics, vocals; Sean Peterson – music; Josh Gill – guitar;  Dory Hornsby – drums; Mike Tipton – organ, back-up vocals;  Andy Mayer – bass; Damien Louviere – back-up vocals

www.myspace.com/goodfoote

11)  The Only One – Galvayne’s Groove

Vocals: Noelle Black, Guitar: Nat McKerley, Bass: David Stevens, Drums: David Zimmerman

12)  8-4-3-2 – Wake Up The Echo

Travis Brown, Nathan Price, Ryan Steward, Alex Steward

www.facebook.com/pages/Wake-Up-the-Echo

13)  Out of My Pain – Tiffany Pifer

Tiffany Pifer – lyrics, lead vocals, back-up vocals, guitar; Frances Michaels - violin

14)  Same Ol’ Tribe – Tribe Zion

Arlon Wise – vocals; Capt. Jonathon Fleege – Guitar; Joey Harrison – Bass; Jeremy King Cole – Drums; Brian Vogel – Trumpet; Michael Kinser – Saxophone

www.tribezion.com

15)  Close To You (Where I Stand) – Martyr: The Unicorn (aka Rob Dill)

16)  Moonrise, Sunset – Brooks Hubbert

Brooks Hubbert – cello / harmonica

www.facebook.com/brooks.hubbert

Other musicians who have helped SSA and The DREAM team in the past who are not listed on the CD song list include Lyndsey Battle, DubConscious, Fusebox Funk, The Gills, Paper Scissors Rocketpack, Green Hit, Gio Lugo, Joseph Oliver,  Kevin Marchetti, Taylor Carlson, The Smart Brothers, Roper Electric, Kevin Koontz, Mr. Fahrenheit, Tom Marcellis Band, Jerry’s Kids, Chad Roose, Steve Hernandez,  Nathan Gooch, Charissa Mrowka, Lynn Carey Sailor, and anyone she has forgotten to mention.

So what do you do when love presents its wondrous, yet terrifying self to you, with all its madness, heart flutters and heartaches? Cupid’s arrow has found me after I have taken a few years of well-deserved self-discovery after 16 years of long-term relationships. So what’s a girl to do?

She can resist at first and eventually accept it with open arms, realizing this one was worth the wait. Yet, she doesn’t have to give up any of the passions in her life that she discovered during her anti-love break.

She also can give a few hints to her loved one and yours with ideas on how to make this Valentine’s Day sweeter than ever.

Staying In?

• “Sweet Treats for a Sweet Heart” free cooking class: Who says you have to dine out for Valentine’s Day? Impress your Valentine, and hone in on your culinary skills in a cooking class at 7p.m., Feb. 8, at The Deck Bar in downtown Pensacola. Learn how to cook something sweet for your sweetheart. Details: Contact Shelley Yates at 850-748-9001 or visit www.goodgrits.com

Stepping Out

• J’s Bistro & Catering, a French Creole Bistro on North Pensacola Boulevard, will offer a special Sweetheart Dinner, a four-course meal paired with wines. J’s Bistro has a mix of French, Cajun, Creole, and Southern-inspired cuisine, plus Executive Chef Jay Ammons’ signature dishes. Limited seating starts at 7 p.m., for $120 per couple.  Details: www.jsbistroandcatering.com for the menu; call (850) 471-1777 to RSVP.

• Jackson’s Steakhouse on Palafox in downtown Pensacola is offering a special menu for lunch and dinner Feb. 14. Chef Irv Miller has prepared both a lunch feature as well as a dinner feature for the occasion, in addition to the fall/winter menu. Lunch, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., features braised boneless beef short rib with artichoke and bell peppers sauté and lobster risotto. For dinner, starting at 5 p.m., special entrée features beef tenderloin medallions topped with fresh red-chili-glazed lobster tail over cremini mushrooms, slab bacon, and wilted spinach with goat-cheese whipped potatoes. Reservations: (850) 469-9898 or http://jacksons.goodgrits.com

• For a more casual date (if you’re not quite sure where it’s going with this one or on a date with someone who is more like a friend), try your hand at Monday Night Trivia at Blazzues Blues and Jazz Club on South Palafox.  Blazzues hosts an open-bar feel, with TVs for sports and a stage for live music.  Valentine’s Day falls on a Monday, and it’s also ladies’ night.  As an added bonus, there is always some sort of free grub, like gumbo available.  Now that’s an inexpensive date.  Details 850-696-2290

• The Wine Bar is one of the newest and hippest additions to South Palafox, with fine wines, beers on tap, a gourmet cheese and wine shop and delectable sandwiches by Chef Mari Josephs.  A Valentine’s champagne walkabout is Sunday, Feb. 13, from 3 to 5 p.m. for ladies only.  There will be 40 different sparkling wines and champagnes from around the world, with fine chocolates, fondues and other sweet treats.  Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 day of the event.  So grab your closest gal pals for a true Sunday fun day.  Details (850) 607-2089 

Gift Ideas for Her or Him:

• Vinyl Music Hall concert tickets: Not since the days of Bayfront Auditorium has Pensacola been so excited about a music venue that can attract more regional and national acts as Vinyl Music Hall.  Why not get your Valentine tickets to an upcoming show?  Tickets from $10 to $25 for upcoming shows including Sister Hazel (Feb. 18^th), Badfish, A Tribute to Sublime (March 20^th), Punch Brothers (April 3^rd) and Pato Banton and the Now Generation (April 15^th).  Vinyl is general admission and mostly standing room only.  Limited seating in the 5 ½ Bar, which becomes a VIP bar to view the event on TV monitor via live feed.  Details: www.VinylMusicHall.com or (877) 435-9849