Community Calendar

THE CHORAL SOCIETY of PENSACOLA: PRESENTS A Choral Society Mixtape on Saturday, October 11, 2025 at 7:30pm.

Over many months, concertgoers responded via survey voting on pieces they’d like to hear us perform. We’ve chosen a varied program from the requests, ranging from familiar to rarely heard. The Choral Society of Pensacola invites music lovers to experience this concert, in the sanctuary of Cokesbury Church (5725 North Ninth Avenue).

The concert also includes
• “One Day More” from Les Miserables (Claude-Michel Schonberg) – the clear winner according to the polls
• “Lacrymosa” from Requiem (Mozart) – a close runner-up and audience favorite
• "Bridge Over Troubled Water” (Paul Simon, arr. Shaw)
• “Sure on This Shining Night” (Morten Lauridsen)
• “Daemon Irrepit Callidus” (Gyorgy Orban)
• “Jabberwocky” (Sam Pottle)

Directing our 105-voice chorus, we are excited to welcome back two Directors-Emeritus: Xiaolun Chen and Paul McGahie alongside current Artistic Director Peter Steenblik. They are joined by pianist Isabelle Areola.

Steenblik will post a preview of the program on the Choral Society’s YouTube channel on Monday, September 29th.

Tickets may be purchased at Purplepass.com or through the Pensacola State College Department of Performing Arts ticket office (850-484-1847). For concerns about accessibility or any other questions, email support@choralsocietyofpensacola.org.

The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the UWF Singers, the UWF Concert Choir with special guests Navarre High School Choir in their “Collaborations” concert.

In their first concert of the season, the UWF Singers and Concert Choir will perform various pieces from their fall repertoire. Under the direction of Dr. Peter Steenblik, guests will enjoy a repertoire ranging from poetry by Sara Teasdale, Robert Bridges and YouTuber Ms. Rachel, as well as works by composers Finzi, DeMore, Copland and Betinis, incorporating works from the Renaissance and the American shape note tradition. The groups will combine to perform “Time” by Jennifer Lucy Cook, a new piece that has quickly risen in popularity among choruses across America.

Under the direction of Dr. Sean Kelley, the UWF Symphonic Band will present "A 20th Century Celebration" featuring wind band masterworks written between 1900 and 2000. The program includes the energetic and effervescent set of variations on Beethoven's "Ode to Joy" entitled "Fantasia in G" by Timothy Mahr; Frank Ticheli's quirky and pointillistic tone poem, "Postcard to Meadville, PA"; Howard Hansen's mid-century "Chorale and Alleluia" mixing classicism of form with modernity in harmonic language; and, Ron Nelson's "Courtly Airs and Dances" a charming, fresh take on Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque styles and forms. Closing the concert will be selections from Percy Grainger's magnum opus, "Lincolnshire Posy," which celebrates the history and cultural importance of Britain's cherished folk song tradition.

The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the Rolfs Music Hall Artist Series at UWF featuring guest performer alto saxophonist Steve Williams. The performance will be held on Monday, Oct. 20, at 7:30 p.m. in the Rolfs Music Hall at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the UWF Pensacola campus.

With over 35 years of experience, Steve Williams, the son of Dr. Grier Williams, for whom the University of West Florida School of Music is named, has performed a diverse range of music styles across the United States. Beginning his career at the University of North Texas, where he received his bachelor's degree, Williams was a member of the famed jazz ensemble the One O'Clock Band. From there, Williams went on to join the United States Navy Band Commodores, the Navy's premier jazz ensemble, in 1994, eventually assuming the role of lead saxophonist and musical director of the ensemble.

Following his time with The Commodores, Williams joined the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra in 2014 as its lead alto saxophonist. In addition, Williams has explored many creative projects, appearing on multiple albums, including the Latin Grammy-winning “Caribbean Jazz Project/Afro Bop Alliance Big Band featuring Dave Samuels,” and has released his own big band Jazz album, “Steve Williams and Jazz Nation.”

The University of West Florida Dr. Grier Williams School of Music will present the UWF Jazz Ensemble and Combo featuring guest artist Steve Williams in concert. The performance will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, at 7:30 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre at the Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the UWF Pensacola campus.

Join the UWF Combo and UWF Jazz Ensemble under the direction of Dr. Joseph T. Spaniola and special guest Steve Williams for an evening of small and large ensemble instrumental jazz at the University of West Florida. The Combo will present works by Kern and DeSylva, Kenny Dorham, Charlie Parker, Miki Matsubara and more. Pensacola native and United States Navy Band Commodores retired saxophonist, composer and arranger, Steve Williams, will join the Jazz Ensemble for the second half of the evening. The band will present the music of Phil Kelly, Pat Metheny, Chick Corea, Benny Carter and three works by Steve Williams.

Preservation Hall Brass Band headlining this family fun event! Vendors, food trucks, games, a silent auction, and much more to enjoy! Free to the public with a VIP experience available.

Alaqua Animal Refuge invites the community to join them for the Bluegrass Barn Jam & Fall Fest on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Refuge’s beautiful property in Freeport, Florida. This family-friendly celebration will feature live bluegrass music, food vendors, children’s activities, hayrides, and more. Proceeds benefit Alaqua’s mission of providing shelter, safety, and second chances for animals in need.