THINGS TO DO
Area could produce the next 'Nashville Star'

Origami is the ancient Japanese art of paper folding.

NAS Pensacola has been invited to participate in a local casting call for the upcoming television season of, "Nashville Star". Up to three local winning acts will be submitted for consideration to win a free trip to the "Nashville Star All Military Casting Call" hosted on a Navy aircraft carrier docked at Naval Station Norfolk, Virginia, 11-12 April 2008.

Contestants wishing to participate in this Free NASP Casting Call must be Active Duty, Retired or a dependant there of, a DoD civilian or a DoD contractor. All contestants of "Nashville Star" must be 16 years of age or older.

The preliminary rounds (karaoke format) will be held on Feb. 18, 20 and 21 with sign up starting at 5:00 p.m. and auditions starting at 6:00 p.m. each night. Tthe Semi-Final Round (karaoke format) is on Feb. 27 7:00 p.m. The top ten will advance on to the Final Round (acappella and karaoke format) on Feb. 28 at 6:00 p.m.

For more information, contact Devin Sieck at 850-452- 2372.

GBUMC Run for the World 5K Walk/Run

The race will take place on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 8 a.m. It will start at the church, 75 Fairpoint Dr., Gulf Breeze and wind through the streets of Gulf Breeze. The race will be followed by a pancake breakfast and awards presentation. All proceeds will go toward missions sponsored by GBUMC. Contact the church at (850) 932- 3594 or runfortheworld@bellsouth. net. Registration form at http://www.gbumc.org/ministries/ missions.htm.

Pensacola Museum of Art hosts a free art fair

PMA presents Passport to the Land of the Rising Sun Free Family Arts Fair Saturday, Feb. 23, Noon-4 p.m.

Visit the PMA and take part in our voyage across the Pacific. Explore the rich cultural history of Japan through crafts and performances inspired by the heritage and traditions of our Far East neighbors! This event is hosted in conjunction with the PMA's spring exhibit.

Pensacola Children's Chorus presents "In Sacred Song"

The Pensacola Children's Chorus, under the direction of Susan and Allen Pote, presents "In Sacred Song" at Olive Baptist Church, 1836 E. Olive Rd., on Sunday, February 24, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.

Each year, "In Sacred Song" features sacred and classical works encompassing music of the masters and vibrant contemporary selections. All choirs of the Pensacola Children's Chorus will perform in the concert, which is free and open to the public. Donations to the Pensacola Children's Chorus will be accepted.

For more information about "In Sacred Song" or the Pensacola Children's Chorus, call 850-434-7760. NFSO performs "Stars of Tomorrow"

The Northwest Florida Symphony Orchestra will perform in concert on February 22 at the Mattie Kelly Arts Center on the Niceville campus of Okaloosa-Walton College. The "Stars of Tomorrow" family concert features the top winners of the prestigious 21st annual Concerto Competition as guest artists, as well as performance by the orchestra of Rossini's Barber of Seville Overture and Francis Poulenc's Story of Babar the Elephant.

Tickets for the concert are now available through the Mattie Kelly Arts Center box office for $22.50 each for adults and $16 for youth age 18 and younger. Contact the box office at (850) 729-6000 or purchase tickets online on the center's website at www.owc.edu/arts.

Artel Gallery's Art Explorations Series

Artel Gallery continues its Art Explorations series on Tuesday, Feb. 26, at 5:30 p.m. with "A Visiting Artist's Perspective" by Christy Gast. Her projects explore cultural histories of places and people, both in conflict and accord. Ms. Gast is interested in overlooked areas where history and identity politics intersect as metaphors for the landscape or the body.

This event is co-sponsored by the University of West Florida Department of Art. There is no charge for admission. For more information visit our web site at artelgallery.org or call 850 432- 3080. UWF Japan Center origami workshop

The University of West Florida Japan Center will offer an origami workshop on Feb. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. in the UWF Japan House, Building 71. The workshops are free and open to the public, however, donations are appreciated. Space is limited and participants should reserve space no later than the Friday before the class.

Participants may bring their own paper in 5 7/8 inch squares or purchase it from the instructor. The workshops will be led by instructor Yachiyo Gunn.

For more information or to register, call (850) 474-3363 or e-mail japan@uwf.edu.

Jeff Johnson to perform at GBUMC

Jeff Johnson is a Christian musician and he appeared on American idol. He will be performing Monday, February 25th at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church, 75 Fairpoint Drive. Call 932-3594 for further information. Covenant Hospice's 3rd Annual Art of Fashion

Nina Fritz, Lisa Kirkman and Quenby Tilley are local artists who have contributed their talent to the 3rd Annual Art of Fashion event, which will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 5 at New World Landing. It features a runway fashion show, live art auction, and a silent auction of hats designed by local artists and celebrities.

Local stores participating in the event include Don Alans, The Fashion Connection, Lee Tracy, The Market and Randall's Formal Wear.

Tickets for the Art of Fashion are only $35 per person. For more informatiopportunities or to purchase tickets please contact Emily Cowan at 208-7122 or visit their website at www.covenanthospice.org.