Community arts calendar for Feb. 24

‘Memories of Elvis’

FEB. 25 • “Chris MacDonald’s Memories of Elvis in Concert” with special guest star D.J. Fontana, Elvis’s original drummer, will play at the Mattie Kelly Performing Arts Center. MacDonald’s show is not an overdone impersonation. It is a natural heartfelt tribute to the King of Rock-n-roll. Chris has the honor of being the only tribute artist hired by Elvis Presley Enterprises to perform at Graceland’s Heartbreak Hotel for seven consecutive years. An energetic and experienced entertainer, MacDonald has also starred in the famous “Legends in Concert” stage productions. He has also performed in concert with Elvis Presley’s original back up group, The Jordanaires, and D.J. Fontana at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.

For one night only, MacDonald will bring back an all-American legend in a truly dynamic multi-media performance complete with costumes, back up singers and dancers, a high-energy concert band, and special guest star Rock-n-Roll Hall of Famer D.J. Fontana. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 and are available from the NWFSC Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office in person, by phone at (850) 729-6000, or online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.

‘Introduction to Grant Writing’ workshop

FEB. 27 • Tallahassee author and grant writer Dr. Anne Haw Holt will conduct a three-hour overview of methods used to find and complete grants for non-profits including agencies and churches from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m., Saturday. Bring a copy of your organization’s mission and a synopsis of your proposed program with goals for funding. Cost is $20 (payable at the door) and includes a copy of a model grant budget.  To register:  contact Dr. Holt at 977-5110 or 576-0721 or ahholt@ahholt.com.

Works by Toby Hollinghead

MARCH & APRIL • An impressive exhibit of acrylics and mixed media, folk and impressionist art by the local artist will be on exhibit in the Crestview Public Library. Call the library at 682-4432 or the artist at (334) 493-9718 for more information.

Jewelry and Ceramics

MARCH & APRIL • Local artists Trace Connelly and JoEllen Schacht will present an exhibition of wire-wrap jewelry, beading and painted ceramics in the lobby exhibition cases at the Crestview Public Library. For more information, call the library at 682-4432.

Student and faculty art exhibition

MARCH 7 – APRIL 18 • The Arnie Hart Juried Student Exhibition and Northwest Florida State College Arts Center Faculty Exhibition showcases talented student artists in the McIlroy Gallery.Winners are chosen from among this competitive field by an art-professional juror, and prizes are awarded for top works in two- and three-dimensional categories. The Faculty Exhibition provides an opportunity for professors and staff to exhibit their artworks in the Holzhauer Gallery.

Artists will be honored with a Preview Reception on March 5 from 5 to 7 p.m. The awards ceremony will commence at 5:30 p.m. in the galleries. Both exhibitions are free of charge and open to the public. Gallery hours are Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m., and 90 minutes prior to most performances in the main stage theater of the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. For more information, contact the gallery office at (850) 729-6044.

‘Come Blow Your Horn’

MARCH 10-13 • Neil Simon’s classic comedy “Come Blow Your Horn” will be performed at Northwest Florida State College. The Division of Humanities, Fine and Performing Arts will present the farcical romp at 7:30 pm in the Sprint Theater at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth age 18 and younger at the box office in-person, by phone at 729-6000, or online at www.mattiekellyartscenter.org.  Currently enrolled NWFSC students may attend free of charge on student nights March 8 and 9 with a student ID.

‘Cav/Pag’

MARCH 12 & 14 • On March 12 and 14, the historic Saenger Theatre in downtown Pensacola will hum with the passion of Italian verismo opera as Pensacola Opera presents the double bill of “Cavalleria Rusticana” and “Pagliacci.” These two operas have been thrilling audiences since they were first paired together in 1893, and concentrate on jealous lovers, infidelities,  and murderous passion. 

 Performances will be 7:30 p.m. Friday, March 12, and 2 p.m. Sunday, March 14.  Tickets for Cav/Pag, as the double bill is affectionately known, range from $25 to $100 and are available from the Pensacola Opera Center at (850) 433-6737, the Saenger Theatre box office, or online at ticketmaster.com. Active duty military and student discounts are available.

Be sure to let the community know about your arts or entertainment event. Submit listings for the Community Arts Calendar to brianh@crestviewbulletin.com or call 682.6524 at least two weeks before your event.