Pensacola State College presents SWERVE/dance company The Pensacola State College Lyceum Series presents SWERVE/dance company in concert at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19 at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium. Formed in 1996 by artistic directors LaVonne French and Beth Bradford, SWERVE/dance is a modern dance company comprised of professional dancers from varied performing backgrounds, who create, perform and present contemporary dance. The performance will showcase works by SWERVE company members as well as students of the Pensacola State College Performing Arts Department. The program’s repertoire of original dances are thoroughly eclectic in form and style and encompass various themes ranging from a free spirited contemporary modern work, a high-energy piece incorporating elements of stage combat, and a tribute to the Mother of Modern Dance Isadora Duncan, staged by guest artist Nannette Grimm. Highlights of the concert include excerpts from “Eadaoin,” music and libretto by Robert Hatton, music professor at Indiana University. The program also includes two new works by co-directors Bradford and French, an original dance composition by the Performing Arts Department students, and a fun musical theatre jazz medley choreographed in the style of Bob Fosse. Admission is $11 for the general public, $9 for non-PSC students and seniors, and $7 for PSC faculty and staff and retirees. For tickets, call 484-1847. For the complete Lyceum Series schedule, visit www.pensacolastate.edu/lyceum.
College presents Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Co. The Pensacola State College Lyceum Series presents the Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Co. at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Ashmore Fine Arts Auditorium on the Pensacola campus. The company performs Flamenco music, song and dance with the passion and vision of today’s foremost artists in the field. The internationally renowned Juan Siddi Flamenco Theatre Co. tours throughout the United States, Germany and the Middle East. Venues include the International Cultural Festival, Doha, Qatar; Arabian Television Network Al-Jazeera; and Aspen Santa Fe Ballet Summer Dance Festival. Ticket prices are general public, $11; seniors 60 and older, children and non-PSC students, $9; PSC staff/faculty/retirees and PSC Seniors Club members, $7; PSC students with current college ID, one free admission ticket. Purchase tickets at the Lyceum Box Office at the Ashmore Center. Box Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. For reservations or more information, call 484-1847. To see the full Lyceum Series schedule, visit www.pensacolastate.edu/Lyceum/.
Downtown New Year’s Eve party seeks volunteers Organizers of the Pelican Drop are reaching out to the community to announce several areas to be supported by volunteers. The free community-wide celebration held in the center of Downtown Pensacola is packed with fun events for the entire family. Volunteers must be at least 18 years old and are given special access to the gala beginning at 5 p.m. in the heart of Historic Downtown Pensacola among the twinkling Holiday lights and beautiful decorations adorning the intersection of Palafox and Government streets. Perched 100 feet in the air, the gigantic Pensacola Pelican will swoop down at the stroke of midnight to usher in 2013 amidst a rousing fireworks display. Volunteers are utilized to help with the children’s events, musical guests and staging, VIP area, food vendors and overall coordination of activities. Terri Kuvach, event coordinator and member of the Downtown Improvement Board staff says, “Volunteerism and special events are central to the success of Downtown and this event is a great occasion to get involved and share in Pensacola’s special night.” Better yet, each volunteer will receive a premium gift bag courtesy of Solé Inn and Suites and the DIB. The gift bag includes a complimentary stay at Solé. For volunteer forms and information regarding the Pelican Drop, visit www.pensacolapelicandrop.com or call Terri Kuvach at 434-5371
Pensacola Bay Center ranks No. 8 in Venues Today Pensacola Bay Center makes the top 10, once again. Venues Today, an international trade magazine, ranked the SMG-managed venue No. 8 in ticket sales from Oct. 16 to Nov. 15. This ranking is a direct reflection of Cirque du Soleil, that debuted at Pensacola Bay Center with two shows in November. “Accomplishing these monthly achievements continues to position us for greater success in the future. We have announced several shows in the past few weeks, including Jimmy Buffett and Kid Rock… so we fully expect to continue to be on this list again and could not do it without the loyal support of the community, “ stated Cyndee Pennington, general manager. Below is a list in order of rankings: 1. Mohegan Sun Arena, Connecticut 2. Agganis Arena, Boston 3. 1st Bank Center, Colorado 4. Nokia Theater, Los Angeles 5. Sovereign Center, Pennsylvania 6. Greek Theater, Los Angeles 7. Event Center of San Jose, California 8. Pensacola Bay Center, Florida 9. Huntington Center, Ohio 10. Orleans Arena, Las Vegas
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Pensacola briefs