Winners and Losers

Editor Manson (in back) joins New Earth Army’s Mike Flatau, Melissa Joiner and Chavis Hobbs to celebrate the release of the band’s new EP REBIRTH. As you can see, no expense was spared in the special effects department. Jump to page 16 for Nikki Hedrick’s review of the album, and go see the band live Saturday, June 3, in Downtown Fort Walton Beach. Watch for pirates.

Over in Pensacola, there’s a really excellent independent publication called IN Weekly. I haven’t seen a copy in ages, but plan on picking one up when I catch the Alejandro Escovedo show at the end of the month.

One of their most enduring regular features is “Winners and Losers,” which generally leans toward political figures. I’m appropriating the concept here, because if you’re going to steal you might as well steal from the best.

And at least I’m acknowledging whom I’m ripping off. I’m talking to you, “Emerald Coast Brew Review.”

WINNERS – PIRATES

Every June, this area goes nuts over grown people running around in funny costumes, playing pirate and heckling anyone named Artie or Margaret. Hell, some people are even willing to drive to Fort Walton Beach from Destin, which after Memorial Day weekend takes about four hours. See page 25 for more details on the Billy Bowlegs Festival.

LOSERS – PIRATES

Johnny Depp, anyway. His latest Pirates of the Caribbean movie is a flop, and according to People magazine, the guy’s nearly bankrupt. I mention this because he’s an old friend of Beachcomber, and I’m helping him set up his GoFundMe page.

LOSERS – MUSIC FANS

This year, we’ve already said goodbye to Chuck Berry, Chris Cornell (see pages 8 and 16) and Gregg Allman (page 46). If there’s a legendary (or even semi-legendary) musician you’ve always wanted to see in person, do it as soon as possible.

WINNERS – MUSIC FANS

Particularly fans of local music makers. This month alone, we have excellent new recordings from New Earth Army (jump to page 16) and #IAmDJDeezy. And there’s tons of live music from 30A west to Pensacola every night of the week all summer long (see page 17).

WINNERS – DOG LOVERS

After a long and painful absence, Alaqua Animal Refuge has reinstated its Pet of the Week. You can meet your new best friend every Saturday at BeachcomberDestin.com.

WINNERS – THE LAWYERS

Specifically, the ones representing the individuals we quoted without permission on page 46. (“But, guys, it’s great exposure!”)

LOSERS – LITTERBUGS

To people who continue to leave trash on our beaches and highways (okay, we only have the one highway), please go away and never come back. And when you get where you’re going, please consider killing yourselves.

– Editor Manson

THIS JUST IN

Century 21 Blue Marlin hosts a Pre-Tournament Toast Thursday, June 8, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Legendary Yacht Club in Destin. The beneficiary of the Century 21 Blue Marlin 5th Annual Charity Golf Tournament will be announced, and the community, past sponsors and participants are invited to attend.

Guests will also enjoy complimentary “light bites” from Cuvee Kitchen + Wine Bar and LuLu’s, specialty cocktails by Chaste 850, craft beer by Grayton Beer Company, a photo booth, and live music by Beachcomber Music Award winner Zack Rosicka.

If you’re interested in sponsoring this year’s tournament, email Lexi@ProffittPR.com.

And LuLu’s Destin owner Lucy Buffett will be in town Sunday, June 11, to sign copies of her new cookbook Gumbo Love from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. More about this year’s Bay Bash on page 24.

YOUR THOUGHTS AND COMMENTS

Thank you to the over 700 audience members and 140 performing artists that participated in the first ever Northwest Florida Theatre Festival (May 4-17 Beachcomber). Because of all of you, we consider this launch a huge success. Get inspired, because before you know it we’ll be planning for the second annual Northwest Florida Theatre Festival.

– Nathanael Fisher, Emerald Coast Theatre Company