LoCash Cowboys Play at Tootsies

If you were following my Tweets Saturday night, then you know I was at Tootsies Orchid Lounge in Pier Park in Panama City Beach covering the LoCash Cowboys performing live, and boy were they awesome – tons of energy and talent.

They came by in promotion of their appearance in BamaJam and in promotion of the event as a whole. BamaJam will actually feature Kid Rock, Brooks and Dunn, Alan Jackson, The Black Crowes, Taylor Swift and tons of other big names.

With their huge fancy looking tour bus parked on the sidewalk they performed with all their hand and head accesories shining in the stage lights. The dance floor was packed with old and young alike getting their groove on and enjoying the live music. One old guy was playing the “air” fiddle with his cane on his arm. Welcomed by “Preston,” one of the lead singers, he signaled his violinist to play a solo in encouragement of the crowd’s enthusiasm.

The LoCash Cowboys put on a very energetic performance that included boisterous movements all over the stage. I actually quite enjoyed it, even though I’m not a huge country music fan.

Guy Harvey's is Open and Coming for an Appearance

Guy Harvey’s Island Grill, a chain of family-friendly restaurants with retail stores, opened its fifth restaurant-retail concept in Panama City Beach, Florida last week. The new 10,000 square foot restaurant is located in Pier Park, a one million square foot, open-air, lifestyle center across from the beach in the heart of Panama City Beach. Pier Park was developed and is owned by Simon Property Group.

Currently with four coastal locations in the southeast including Grand Cayman, Marco Island, Key West, and Orange Beach, Alabama, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants offer a variety of Americana fare and fresh, sustainable seafood in a unique dining atmosphere. The décor is accented with Guy Harvey’s distinctive marine, wildlife original art and prints, and Guy Harvey Artist’s Collection Wines can be paired with each dish.

Guy Harvey enjoys a storied career as a world-renowned artist, photographer, diver and scientist whose focus has always been beneath the waves. His artwork is in galleries, stores, and at fishing tournaments, and his conservation efforts to save marine life in the oceans are well known. So, it’s only natural that Harvey should enter into the restaurant business with Guy Harvey’s Island Grill. Each Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurant offers not only fresh, sustainable seafood in a casual dining atmosphere, but also a retail store and gallery that features original Guy Harvey artwork, signature clothing, and giftware.

“The restaurant-retail store concept, first established in my hometown of Georgetown, Grand Cayman, has proven so successful, that we have chosen to expand the Guy Harvey brand through this prototype into other markets including Panama City Beach,” said Guy Harvey. “With a booming local market and more than 7 million tourists who come each year for the fishing, sun, and surf, Panama City Beach is an ideal location to expand the Guy Harvey’s Island Grill concept. We believe this will be a very successful market for us,” concluded Harvey.

“Despite the volatile economic environment, 2008 was a banner retail sales year for Guy Harvey, Inc. and we are continuing to introduce the Guy Harvey Island Grill restaurant-retail store concept into additional growth markets throughout the southeast,” said Steve Stock, President of Guy Harvey, Inc. “Our new location at Pier Park in Panama City Beach fits perfectly with our expansion plans into select coastal markets.”

“Guy Harvey’s Island Grill will be an excellent addition and important asset to Pier Park. Its combination of Americana food, impressive array of retail selections, and commitment to conservation, all under the Guy Harvey brand, are very powerful and productive,” said Felicia Cook, Director of Mall Marketing and Business Development for Simon.

By expanding its restaurant-retail store concept to additional markets, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill hopes to increase awareness not only for Guy Harvey’s restaurants, Guy Harvey Wines, artwork and licensed products, but also for his efforts to save and conserve the ocean’s marine life.

As part of his ongoing commitment to researching and conserving the ocean’s marine life, Guy Harvey has insisted his restaurants serve only carefully selected seafood that has not been over-fished. Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants do not serve over-exploited or threatened species such as swordfish, grouper, Chilean sea bass or any species of billfish or shark. By excluding these fish from its menus, Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants aid in the long-term improvement of these fish stocks. A simple, responsible seafood guide, detailing what fish to eat and avoid, is available at all Guy Harvey’s Island Grill restaurants to raise awareness of carefully selecting seafood for sustaining the oceans and marine wildlife.

Additionally, a portion of all proceeds from restaurant and retail store sales of Guy Harvey artwork and licensed products fund marine research for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation. Through Guy Harvey’s Ocean Foundation, new marine research and educational outreach programs are conducted to better inform recreational and commercial fishermen and the public of the need for additional conservation and best management practices for a more sustainable marine environment.

In the end, whether it’s Guy Harvey’s Island Grill, with its carefully appointed seafood menu, Guy Harvey’s distinctive marine wildlife art, or his marine research and conservation efforts, it’s all about the ocean

Pier Park Easter Egg Hunt Awesomely Successful

Saturday, the first annual Pier Park Easter Egg Hunt attracted hundreds of kids and parents to enjoy beautiful weather, the furry Easter Bunny and tons and tons of candy. The first three rounds of egg hunts were for the kids and the fourth and final round was all for the parents, no kids allowed.

“There were 7,000 total filled eggs layed out today,” said Felecia Cook, Director of Marketing for Pier Park in Panama City Beach. The hunt took place in the festivity grounds or the grassy area in between the sand volleyball court and Buffalo Wild Wings.

The first age group sent for the hunt included kids 2 to 3 years of age. When Cook said go, it was a mini stampede across the grass in a scramble to collect as many eggs as possible. It was less of a hunt and more of a race to collect the most, but it was apparently fun for all as parents hurried to keep up with their kids.

The last round, reserved for “parents only” included candy-filled eggs mixed with prize-filled eggs from the retailers in Pier Park. Prizes included anything from charms from Shimmering Seas to free t-shirts from various retailers to soccer balls, volleyballs, pizzas and other foods. When Cook said go for the parent’s round, the crowd went wild, literally and scurried to their hands and knees to collect as many eggs as possible.

The weather was perfect, the turnout phenomenal and the energy high. I talked to my buddy at the new carousel and they had droves of kids riding most of the day.

Seabreeze Jazz Festival 2009 – Meet and Greet at Borders

All around Panama City Beach, fingers are snapping and heads are bopping in anticipation of this year’s Seabreeze Jazz Festival. The event, named one of the top 10 jazz festivals by JazzIZ Magazine, will electrify the outdoor Pier Park Amphitheater Thursday April 16^th through Sunday April 19^th.

If you’ve never experienced an event like this, your time is now. Get out and enjoy this fun-filled weekend. Honestly, there’s just nothing better than smooth jazz sounds mixing with ocean air. No doubt, people will be out in droves enjoying the music and Pier Park’s fantastic restaurants. Whether you’re just a lover of good music or are a jazz enthusiast, this event should not be missed.

The weekend of music and entertainment will kick off with a free artist meet and greet at Borders Books store Friday April 17th at 3 pm. Artists scheduled to appear include Nick Colionne, Eric Darius, Shilts, Matt Marshak, and Jackeim Joyner. Fans will get the chance to meet the artists and get autographs, then enjoy a special sneak peek performance from each artist.

The full schedule for the weekend is below.

Cost:

General Admission Each Day: $80 per person

Weekend Pass: $130 per person

VIP Weekend Pass: $375 per person

Location:

Pier Park – Amphitheater

600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

Schedule:

Thursday, April 16

7 p.m. Smooth Jazz Dinner Cruise with Alex Bugnon Presented by Marriott Bay Point Resort

Aboard The Solaris dinner yacht; boarding begins at

6 p.m. at the Bay Point Marina

Friday, April 17

3 p.m. Meet and Greet at Border Books and Music in Pier Park

(Gates open at 5 p.m.)

6 – 7:45 p.m. Urban Jazz Coalition

8:30 p.m. Smooth Jazz All-Star Jam

10:30 p.m. Jazz Under the Stars Party

With Urban Jazz Coalition and friends

(Pier Park Special Club Location)

Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

Saturday, April 18

(Gates open at 9 a.m. – VIP early entry at 8:30 a.m.)

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Althea Rene

11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Eric Darius

1:30 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. The Seabreeze Groove Project

Featuring Four 80 East, Shilts and Matt Marshak

Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Joyce Cooling

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Will Downing

7 p.m. – 9 p.m. Wayman Tisdale

9:30 p.m. Jazz Under the Stars Party

With Four 80 East, Shilts, Matt Marshak and friends

(Pier Park Special Club Location)

Sponsored by Smooth Lounge dot com

Sunday, April 19

(Gates open at 9 a.m. – VIP early entry at 8:30 a.m.)

10 a.m. – 11 a.m. Jones and Company

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Roman Street

1 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Brian Simpson / Nils / Jackiem Joyner

3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Warren Hill

5 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. Nick Colionne

7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Boney James

For More Information Click Here

Free Family Concert, Pier Park Aaron Bessant Amphitheater

Strap on your cowboy boots and dust off your ten gallon hat cuz The Springs are ‘a comin’ to Pier Park – yeeeeyaagh!

One of America’s top teen country music bands, The Springs, are coming to Pier Park’s Aaron Bessant Amphitheater this Thursday April 9th from 7 to 9 pm. The Springs was the 2008 ICM Youth Artist of the Year at the 14th Annual Inspirational Country Music Award Show. With two Number One hits off their debut CD, these inspiring young artists offer families a different kind of country music.

The group has perfomred as the warm-up band for country stars of the likes of Steve Holly, Craig Morgan, Aaron Tippin, Kid Rock and Sara Evans.

Easter Egg Hunts at Pier Park

On Saturday April 11th at 3pm be sure to be at Pier Park with the kids for an Easter Egg hunt with the Easter Bunny, live and in person – ‘er bunny.

The hunt will go down at the volleyball court and grassy area caddy-corner to Five Guys, across from Buffalo Wild Wings, and within earshot of the ice cream churn at Marble Slab Creamery. The hunt will be broken into three different age groups: 2 to 3; 4 to 6; and 7 to 10 year olds. Sorry pre-teens, no dice for you – ya gonna have to sit this one out. Maybe if you’re nice, your little brothers and sisters will share their candy.

Once you’re full of candy and you’ve put all the empty plastic eggs in their place, mosey on over to the Aaron Bessant Park Amphitheater to hear a free concert from the Mark Canfora Band from 4 pm to 8pm.

Horses Will Be Hung Tonight on New Carousel in Pier Park

The crew is onsight and the gears are falling into place on the new carousel in Pier Park in Panama City Beach. Workers have been bringing all the parts and peices over all day and the frame is up right now, as of 5:45 pm.

“We’ll hang the horses tonight, they have a terrible habit of coming alive and walking off in the middle of the night.” said the forman of the crew. “This is a Herschell Carousel,” he said, “this is a ride out of Jersey, from a time when these things were actually rides.” He was telling me that the new ones will last 10 years, if they are taken care of, but the old ones like these, they are still in use all across the country. Apparently this is a great carousel – nice job, Teddy.

Set to open April 1, the carousel should be completely assembled by tomorrow or Sunday. Then, all they have to do is clean it up. If you are on the beach tonight, you should stop by and take a look.

Pier Park Events Schedule

Down and Dirty, no editorial here. I’m gonna get right to the point:

5K SPORTS CLINIC AT PIER PARK

MARCH 14, 21 and 28, 2009
APRIL 4 and 11, 2009

Runners welcome to train and learn with Freedom Sports

WHAT: For five Saturdays in March and April, runners are invited to Pier Park for the 5K Sports Clinic hosted by Freedom Sports.

COST: This event is free and open to the public

WHEN:
Saturdays at 7:30 a.m.
March 14, 21 and 28, 2009
April 4 and 11, 2009

WHERE:
Pier Park – Amphitheater
600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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PIER PARK HOSTS SPRING BREAK FASHION SHOW

NOON on SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2009

Shopping center showcases fashionable finds for all ages!

WHAT: Spring fashions are in bloom at Pier Park as it hosts the Spring Break Fashion Show on Saturday, March 21. Put on by Pier Park tenants, this colorful display of designs will feature looks for all ages and price points.

Participating retailers include Ava Blue Boutique, Bellies & Babies, Blender, Cache, Carters, Crocs, Déjà vu, Jake at the Beach, Peace Frogs, Ron Jons, Shimmering Seas, Southern Waters, Sunglass World, tatoe tots, Trans Fashions and Unique Boutique by Irene and Co. Hair and makeup provided by Solace Day Spa.

COST: This event is free and open to the public

WHEN: Saturday, March 21 at Noon

WHERE:
Pier Park – Promo Area
600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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PIER PARK HOSTS COMMUNITY EVENTS OVER EASTER WEEKEND

Shopping center hosts Easter egg hunts and Easter concert

SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2009

WHAT: Over the Easter weekend Pier Park invites Panama City Beach residents to enjoy several community events.

On Saturday, April 11 kids are invited to the Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny, which will be held on the volleyball court grassy area at 3 p.m. There will be egg hunts for three different age groups: 2 – 3, 4 – 6 and 7 – 10 year olds.

Then families are invited to stick around for an Easter Concert by the Mark Canfora Band in the Amphitheater from 4 to 8 p.m. This event is free to the public and pets are welcome.

WHEN: Easter Egg Hunts with the Easter Bunny
Saturday, April 11 at 3 p.m.

Easter Concert: Saturday, April 11 from 4 to 8 p.m.

WHERE:
Pier Park
600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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PIER PARK HOSTS COMMUNITY EVENTS OVER LAST WEEKEND IN APRIL

Shopping center hosts art show, green expo and reggae festival

THURSDAY, APRIL 23 to SUNDAY, APRIL 26, 2009

WHAT: During the last weekend in April, Pier Park invites Panama City Beach residents to enjoy several community events.

The Spring Art Fling will celebrate creativity, featuring the works of various artists and art activities for kids Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26.

On Saturday, April 25, guest will enjoy eco-friendly fun presented by Reggae J’s Island Grill. There will be money-saving and earth-friendly ideas and products at the Go Green Expo, with recyclables arts and crafts for kids. Enjoy live entertainment, food and drink specials, hair wraps and more at the 2nd Annual Reggae Fest. Festivities will be held in the promo and green grass areas, as well as at Reggae J’s Island Grill.

WHEN: Spring Art Fling
Thursday, April 23 to Sunday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Go Green Expo presented by Reggae J’s Island Grill
Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2nd Annual Reggae Fest presented by Reggae J’s Island Grill
Saturday, April 25 starting at 11 a.m.

WHERE:
Pier Park
600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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PIER PARK HOSTS THUNDER BEACH SPRING BIKE RALLY

Panama City residents invited to motorcycle show

THURSDAY, APRIL 30 to SUNDAY, MAY 3, 2009

WHAT: During the first weekend in May, those who feel the need for speed are invited to the Thunder Beach Spring Bike Rally.

From Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3, motorcycle lovers can go ‘hog’ wild with a bike show and demonstrations by the Harley Davidson Drill Team.

WHEN: Thursday, April 30 to Sunday, May 3 during mall hours

WHERE:
Pier Park – Green grass area

600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

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KIDS GET SOME TURTLE TIME AT PIER PARK

Turtle appreciation day teaches children about beloved local animal

11 A.M. to 2 P.M. on SATURDAY, MAY 30, 2009

WHAT: On Saturday, May 30, kids are invited to break out of their shells for a fun day of discovery at Turtle Time.

Pier Park welcomes children to come and see mock turtle nests and learn about these interesting creatures in the green grass area of the volleyball court.

WHEN: Saturday, May 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

WHERE:
Pier Park – Green grass area of the volleyball court
600 Pier Park Drive
Panama City Beach, FL 32413

MORE INFO FOR ALL EVENTS:
(850) 236-9974

St. Patrick's Day at Pier Park

pattys_day_2 Pier Park will be filled with Leprechaun spirit in celebration of St. Patricks Day. Every year various forms of liquid are dyed green, including water, soda, beer and even the Chicago River, yes, they dye the whole thing.

The history of St. Patricks day started in the 5th century when St. Patrick, a converted Christian traveled the island and converted the people of Ireland. One of many myths tell of him ridding the island of Ireland of all snakes, although, the History Channel says there were never snakes in Ireland. Many historians explain this as an analogy of converting all the pagans. The date is believed to have come from the day St. Patrick died, and the holiday is celebrated every year around the world, with many countries taking the day off work. Many in Ireland spend the morning in church and the afternoon celebrating.

Today, you’ll find green beer at Hofbrau Beer Garden and live entertainment at Tootsies Orchid Lounge and Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville. Hofbrau will have two for one drinks and Margaritaville will have food and drink specials all day long, serving the signature “Who’s to Blame” green margarita.

For more information, call Pier Park at 850 236 9974.

Miracle Strip Carousel coming to Pier Park

About two weeks ago, a buddy of mine and contributing author, Teddy Meeks emailed me sharing that he had a new venture that he was embarking upon. He has purchased, and is installing right now, the original carousel that was in the Miracle Strip Amusement Park in Pier Park.

Teddy was telling me that he had the idea of putting a carousel in Pier Park about a year ago, that’s when the search began. They looked all over with the employing the assistance of several brokers before finally finding one that looked promising.

This particular carousel had been in storage since 2004, and the listing included a picture. “This carousel looked familiar, I think it’s the one from Miracle Strip, the original from the 70’s,” Teddy said. “No way, that thing was auctioned off after the sale of the park!” said his wife.

Teddy said that after inspection, they were able to identify it as the original from 1970 that was used at Miracle Strip Amusement Park.

When they approached Pier Park with the idea, they were, of course, ecstatic. This is a great opportunity to blend a little nostalgia with the new. The historical aspect will be a great addition to Pier Park.

The carousel will open by April 1st.