THINGS TO DO
PSO prepares to celebrate silver anniversary Friday

Picture courtesy of Jenny Balsamo The Yankee Slickers perform to a relaxed crowd at last year's Mossy Headz Music Festival.

On Friday, March 28, Pensacola Opera will celebrate its 25th Silver Anniversary in style at its annual Operazzi Ball in the beautiful ballroom of the Mustin Beach Officers' Club on NAS Pensacola. Beginning with cocktails at 6:30 pm, the evening will unfold with dinner, live and silent auctions, dancing to the music of "Mr. Big" and a special Silver Anniversary champagne toast.

In celebration of the Silver Anniversary, attire in silver, gold or white is encouraged to match the theme - "Glitz at the Ritz." Masks are also encouraged, carrying over the fun from last year's ball, as people loved the mystery of wondering who was behind each mask! Masks will be available for purchase at the door. Masks created by participants at ARC Gateway will be featured in the décor.

Fabulous items will be up for auction including an acoustic guitar signed by Kenny Rogers, a weekend at Alys Beach, the European Sleep System from Pandora de Balthazár and much more! The silent auction will feature over 75 items, and will continue to add to the evening's fundraising success. The celebrity auctioneer for the evening is local business-owner Collier Merrill.

All proceeds will support the Opera's many initiatives - from the spectacular main stage productions such as the recent La Boheme to the nationally recognized education and community outreach programs.

Tickets are available through Pensacola Opera for $150 per person. Table sponsorships are still available, but seating is limited, so call today to make your reservation. Dress is black tie and silver, gold, or white attire is strongly encouraged. Call 850-433-6377 or visit www.pensacolaopera.com for more information.

'Sound of Miracles' opens Saturday

Enjoy "The Sound of Miracles," a benefit concert, on Sunday, March 29, at 7 p.m. at Marcus Pointe Baptist Church, 6205 North "W" St. in Pensacola. The event will feature the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra with Music Director Peter Rubardt, and the Pensacola Children's Chorus under the direction of Allen and Susan Pote.

The orchestra will be performing with aspiring musicians from area Escambia and Santa Rosa high schools and a young artist concerto performance by pianist Jenny Zeng, an eleventh grader in the International Baccalaureate program at Pensacola High School.

Tickets for this benefit concert are $20 per person, and $10 for children 12 and under. To purchase tickets, please call the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra at (850) 435-2533.

Pensacola Wine Festival tickets now on sale

Wine lovers rejoice! Tickets are now on sale for the 2008 Pensacola Wine Festival. This year's event has been expanded to two days, April 4-5, at Commendencia Slip in Downtown Pensacola. The first day of the event will consist of wine dinners and wine tastings, followed by the actual festival on the second day. This is a unique opportunity for wine lovers to try exquisite local dishes - prepared by some of Pensacola's finest chefs - and exciting wine varieties from all over the country, while drinking in the beautiful ambience of historic Downtown Pensacola.

Only 1,000 tickets are available for this year's festival and they are expected to sell quickly. The cost for the festival on April 5 is $45 per ticket. Prices for the dinners and tasting events on April 4 will be posted on the website as they become available.

Interested individuals can purchase tickets by credit card online or at one of participating retailers. To see a list of participating retailers or for more information, visit www.pensacolawinefestival. com.

Mossy Headz music festival returns

Join some of the best regional performers at Mossy Headz 2008, from April 4 to 6.

The venue in Mossy Head, Fla. features over three acres of beautiful land for camping, as well as the Shoal River, the band cabin, and a spacious stage built especially to host some of our favorite local and regional performers. There will be vendors, food, canoeing, and a host of other activities for everyone to enjoy.

The Mossy Headz Music Festival is an outdoor event and will be held rain or shine. No pets, glass bottles, illegal substances, fireworks, open fires, or underage drinking will be allowed on the premises. No refunds or exchanges will be given for any tickets sold at this event.

The event will include performances by Col. Bruce and the Quark Alliance, Electric Dread, Fusebox Funk, Lyndsey Battle Band, Reed Waddle, Acoustifunk, Sweater Puppets, The Mossy Headz Boys and more. Check out www.mossyheadz. com for more information.