Tune in to the Battle of the Batons presented by Panama City POPS Orchestra

Panama City Beach and Bay County as a whole is extremely rich when it comes to the arts – did you know that Panama City was recently named number 6 out of the 100 Best Small Art Towns in America? (John Villani, Muit Press, 1997). A favorite on the list of local artistic offerings is the Panama City POPS Orchestra, a non-profit symphony orchestra who have been making sweet music in Bay County since 1996. Formerly the Orchestra of St. Andrew Bay, the Panama City POPS Orchestra is now in its 14^th season and is set to enjoy another great year of exciting musical performances blended with the orchestra’s unique, fun style.

Perfect for audiences of all ages, each concert features a variety of music, from classical to current hits, Broadway to film scores. There are three remaining concerts in the 2009/2010 Panama City POPS Orchestra season, all of which will be presented at the Arnold High School Auditorium on Alf Coleman Drive in Panama City Beach. First up on Saturday, January 16th is “The Battle of the Batons”, a must-not-miss orchestra event! The concert is a fundraiser for the orchestra, and will feature three notable local personalities competing to conduct the final work of the night’s program. This year’s contenders are representative and Captain Anderson’s Jimmy Patronis, WJHG’s morning anchor Paris Janos, and Jim Hayden, owner of The Bagel Maker. Each will try out on the orchestra stage prior to intermission, and the audience will then vote for their favorite conductor – with each vote costing just $1.00.

“These three contenders will not want to be outdone by one another,” stated Artistic Director and Maestro Eddie Rackley. “I hope people from the entire region join us for this exciting concert.” A highly anticipated part of the evening will be the presentation of beautiful hand-carved batons to each conductor. The batons are the gift of Mr. Bruce Goldflies, father of orchestra member David Goldflies. Bruce Goldflies is a retired music teacher who now enjoys hobbies such as wood carving and photography, and David Goldflies is CEO of the award-winning Web Design firm CYber SYtes, Inc. “Battle of the Batons” promises to be an exceptional night of music and a great event for the Panama City Beach and Bay County arts. Individual tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors 65+/active military, and $10 for children. Individual tickets for all Panama City POPS Orchestra concerts at Arnold High School may be purchased at Cher’s Hallmark in Lynn Haven and Panama City Beach, and the Paul Brent Gallery in downtown Panama City.

Season tickets and individual tickets are also on sale now at the official Panama City POPS Orchestra website, or by calling (850) 785-POPS (7677). Be sure to check out the website for additional performances and more detailed information.