THINGS TO DO
Irish, patriotic music on stage at Evenings in Olde Seville Square

The kilt-clad bagpipers of McGuire's Pub Irish Pipe Band and the uniformed Marine Forces Reserve Band rouse the crowd at the Evenings in Olde Seville Square Thursday, May 15 from 7 - 9 p.m. in historic Seville Square, in downtown Pensacola.

The evening begins with a traditional march into Olde Seville Square by McGuire's Pub Irish Pipe Band. The band, known as "The Bagpipe Show Band of the South," was formed in 1988 under the sponsorship of McGuire's Irish Pub and Restaurant. Currently under the leadership of Pipe Major Wayne Willis and Drum Major Michael Zipay, this group of dedicated pipers and drummers is renowned throughout the southeast for their crisp military appearance, their precision marching and their wide repertoire of music, ranging from traditional Scottish/Irish tunes to classic show tunes and everything in between.

The Marine Forces Reserve Band from New Orleans, La. follows with their repertoire of traditional marches, patriotic music and even some Dixieland jazz straight from the Big Easy.

Be sure to bring a lawn chair or a blanket for seating. Also, bring your appetite! Concession booths on Alcaniz Street offer sandwiches, wraps, hot dogs, sausage, snacks and the "Evening's" famous freshly popped popcorn, as well as frozen desserts, soft drinks and bottled water.

The Northwest Florida Bloodmobile will also be present from 5 - 9 p.m. at every concert on the corner of Alcaniz and Zaragoza Streets offering you the chance to give the gift of life by donating blood.

Gulf Coast Exploreum extends Our Body exhibit

Due to increased demand, the Gulf Coast Exploreum Science Center has extended the duration of the blockbuster exhibition OUR BODY: The Universe Within until June 1. The Exploreum's two IMAX films, Wired to Win and The Human Body, are also scheduled through June 1.

OUR BODY continues to increase in monthly attendance for this exclusive Southeast showing. The Exploreum has attracted 64,979 visitors from all 50 states and 21 countries since January 11.

For more information about exhibits, films, hours or directions, please visit www.exploreum.com.

Sunsets, music and family fun at Plaza de Luna

Where is the best place to enjoy a Pensacola Sunset? Plaza de Luna, the City of Pensacola's newest waterfront park, located at the southern end of Palafox Street on Pensacola Bay. The sun sets every evening but each Thursday, Plaza de Luna is the place to enjoy some live entertainment, beginning at 5:30 p.m., while you enjoy the setting sun.

Drop by after work, before enjoying dinner downtown or bring the kids for the best view in town. Each Thursday "sunset vignettes" will include a variety of professional and amateur musicians and performers. There will also be a kid's character present to entertain the children.

The lineup for May 15 includes music by Michael Lindsey and a Pensacola Little Theatre Preview. Pooh Bear will be there for the kid's enjoyment.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.cityofpensacola.com.

Eco-Tour of Santa Rosa Sound

The City of Fort Walton Beach will be leading an ecotour of the Santa Rosa Sound via kayak on Saturday, May 17. The tour will include learning about stormwater runoff, the benefits of public parks along the waterways and will highlight the ecological restoration efforts by the City, including a stop by the current Sound Park Conservation Project.

Anyone interested in participating should plan to arrive at Liza Jackson Park by 9 a.m., with their own kayak, for the start of the paddle. The tour will conclude at the south end of Bay Drive by 1 p.m. No motorized boats, please.

Remember to bring a personal flotation device, brown bag lunch, sunscreen, hat, water and any other items you may need for an afternoon on the water. Those interested in attending should contact Joy Brown @ 850-833-9616 or by emial at jbrown@fwb.org.

Enjoy Southern Breeze at Bands on the Beach

Southern Breeze blows into Pensacola Beach with their original blend of rockin' country, acoustic and southern rock hits at Bands on the Beach from 7 - 9 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20 at the Gulfside Pavilion.

Southern Breeze, formed by lead singer Ronny Miller, has been on the music radar nearly three decades and continues to get crowds going with their original brand of true southern honky tonk.

Miller is joined by David Morris on keyboard, guitar and vocals; Larry Raines, bass guitar and vocals; Dennis Stephens on guitar, fiddle, vocals and harmonica; and Randall Wilson on drums and vocals.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the pavilion area. No pets are allowed and glass is prohibited. Concerts are provided and organized by the Santa Rosa Island Authority.

For a complete schedule of events, go to www.visitpensacolabeach. com. For more information, call the Santa Rosa Island Authority at (850) 932-2257, or tune to Cat Country 98.7 for the latest updates.

Artists invited to leave their mark on history

Calling all artists. Want to make a little history of your own? You can leave your mark on Pensacola's history by designing the signature poster for the city's 450th anniversary celebration.

The city is throwing one of the longest parties in history to celebrate its longevity. To commemorate this momentous anniversary, Pensacola will celebrate for 450 days from May 23, 2008 to Aug. 15, 2009.

Talented amateur and professional artists of any age are invited to submit poster designs for this milestone celebration.

The poster is a wonderful opportunity for artists to leave their mark on Pensacola's history by designing the signature poster for the 450th anniversary celebration," said Laura A. Lee, media/public relations manager for the Pensacola Bay Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. "Their work will be an important and significant reflection of Pensacola's history."

The winning artist will receive $1,000. Contest deadline is noon May 19, and the winning design will be unveiled at the kick-off celebration at 5 p.m. May 23 on Palafox Place surrounding the fountain at the Escambia County Courthouse.

For a complete list of contest rules, and for more information about the 450th anniversary,