THINGS TO DO
Exploreum's two new exhibits feature tigers, frogs

Two great new exhibits will be opening at the Gulf Coast Exploreum in June - FROGS! Beyond Green and Marcan Tiger Preserve Educational Demonstrations.

FROGS! Beyond Green will open Friday, June 13 through Sunday, Nov 2nd.

FROGS! Beyond Green is an interactive zoological exhibit that brings visitors eye to eye with frogs from around the world. Set in the land of fairy tales, you will explore the amazing world of frogs. View frog life on and around a tree, in a pond and at night in three different parts of the world. Experience the fascinating beauty, form and natural history of these incredible creatures.

Leap from one fun station to the next in a lively setting -- listen to frogs "talk," learn life cycle lingo and meet famous frogs from the past to present. Learn why frogs are critical indicators of habitat health and participate in stage demonstrations throughout the summer.

Starting Saturday, June 7 and running through Sunday, Jun 15, the Exploreum kicks off an exciting summer line-up with educational tiger demonstrations presented by the Marcan Tiger Preserve! June 7-15, live Bengal tigers will prowl downtown Mobile on the county green area adjacent to the Exploreum. Three demos will be presented Monday - Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 1:30 and 3:30 p.m. On Sunday two shows will be presented: at 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.

The Swingin Dick Tracys

Admission is free with the purchase of an Exploreum combo ticket. Individual tickets for the educational demonstrations will be $5.

The Marcan Tiger Preserve is dedicated to the preservation and protection of the critically endangered Bengal tiger. Through meticulous breeding programs, superior hands-on care, and innovative public outreach projects,the organization seeks to educate and challenge the current generation so that future generations will develop the love and respect for these animals key to their long-term survival.

Just over a century ago, there were more than 100,000 tigers roaming the forests of India and its adjacent lands. Since that time, habitat encroachment and a booming wildlife trade have driven this once fearless predator to the brink of extinction. Three of the eight subspecies of tiger are gone forever and the remaining are critically endangered.

One of the main reasons is habitat encroachment. As India's population swells to well over a billion people, their civilization is spreading into the tiger's territory, driving down the number of prey, therefore driving down the number of tigers.

The most sinister threat to the tiger comes in the form of illegal wildlife trade, or poaching. It is estimated that the Bengal tiger will be completely extinct from the wild within the next 10 years. If the Bengal tiger is to survive, it will be up to our generation to put an end to the relentless poaching and find a way to coexist with these noble big cats

Stargazing on Pensacola Beach

Gulf Islands National Seashore announces its plans for a stargazing event at the entrance to Fort Pickens Area on Friday, June 6 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Weather permitting, volunteers from the Escambia Amateur Astronomers' Association will set up several telescopes for public viewing of the stars, planets and constellations. Visitors should park in the Escambia County parking lot adjacent to the Fort Pickens entrance gate and walk about one tenth of a mile west on Fort Pickens Road where the telescopes will be set up for viewing.

The program is free. For additional information about this program or others offered at the Seashore, call the Naval Live Oaks Visitor Center at 850- 934-2600 or visit our website at www.nps.gov/guis.

Hear Midnight Confessions at Bands on the Beach

Midnight Confessions shares their "soul" and a whole lot more at Bands on the Beach from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesday, June 10. The group, now regionally touring casinos from Biloxi to Montgomery, blends today's top hits with classic and southern rock, pop, jazz, blues and oldies. Giving their powerful sound an extra oomph is their soulful secret weapon, the sax!

The band will be playing Timbaland's "Apologize," John Mayer's "Gravity," and the band's classic showstopper, Bob Seger's "Turn the Page."

Joining Hall on stage are Wade Fretwell on lead vocals/acoustic guitar, Chris Pennise on lead guitar/vocals, Jamie Walker on bass/vocals and Dave Windsor on drums/vocals.

Spectators are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to the Gulfside Pavilion. 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 on the concert series, call the Santa Rosa Island Authority at 850-932-2257, or tune to Cat Country 98.7 for the latest updates.

Evenings in Olde Seville Square

The "Evening's" annual Jazz Nite features the Dixieland Dandies and The Swingin' Dick Tracys on Thursday, June 12 from 7-9 p.m. in historic Seville Square in downtown Pensacola. This concert is sponsored by the Jazz Society of Pensacola.

First up, it's The Dixieland Dandies featuring master trumpeter, Charlie Cetti. The band takes you back to the Roaring

20s with their special mix of New Orleans jazz, or hot jazz, known for its brass band marches, French Quadrilles, ragtime, blues and improvisations.

The month of June holds a special place in the heart of The Swingin' Dick Tracys, as they celebrate their monumental 10th anniversary as a band. Fans can look forward to a new music lineup that includes swing and jump jive favorites as well as classic tunes from Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin, Tom Jones & The Stray Cats, plus a few new surprises along the way.

For more information, please call Debbie Adkins with the Pensacola Heritage Foundation at (850) 438-6505.