Cloud 9 Orchestra will entertain at the Bay Banquet Hall on Feb. 14, playing love songs to set the feet tapping and heart pitter-patting.
“It is going to be a wonderful time, and there’s a rumor that the PC Bop and Lindy dance group may also be there,” said band founder and manager Scooter Ward. “They did an outstanding job at our last concert — tearing up the dance floor.”
But he added, “It’s OK if you don’t want to dance: I have two left feet.”
Cloud 9 Orchestra is a 10-piece, “Little Big” Band based in Panama City, comprised of professional musicians playing both secular and religious venues. The repertoire ranges from big band standards to Motown/Oldies, Disney tunes, rock ’n’ roll and more.
Ward said those unfamiliar with Bay Banquet Hall should come take a look. The former location of Hickory Lanes bowling was completely renovated in 2009-2010.
“When I walked in and saw it, I envisioned having the band there and seeing the dancers,” Ward said.
Ward wants the band to “give folks a Cloud 9 experience” whether in concert, at a wedding reception, corporate events, retreat centers or conferences. “Everyone can find joy and encouragement from the music,” he said, adding that he hopes to inspire future musicians and motivate other musicians who may have left their instruments collecting dust in the closet.
“We’re pulling out all the stops to celebrate this valentinesflowers ideas 2012 in style,” Ward said. “Bring that special someone in your life. … This is a great evening to come out and be in a nice setting.”
Attire for the evening is anything from business casual to semi-formal. Professional photographer Jan Bus of Jan Bus Designs Photography will be on hand to capture those “Cloud 9” experiences (“Like at prom,” Ward joked) and pictures can be ordered directly from her at the event.
Tickets are available as a combo ($30), which includes dinner and dance, or dance only ($18). There are also premium tickets (combo ticket plus a dozen roses), gold tickets (combo ticket with a half-dozen roses), and silver tickets (combo ticket with three roses). All flowers come fully arranged in a vase ($65 more for dozen; $37 more for half dozen; $20 for three roses), with Huey and Anna Morrison of One Stop Flowers in Callaway supplying a discounted rate for the event.
In addition, the new Comfort Suites of Callaway, which is about two minutes of drive time from the venue, has partnered with Cloud 9 to reduce the nightly rate on Feb. 14 from $89.99 to $74.99. (Call 215-5551 to make a reservation, and say you want the “Cloud 9 Orchestra rate.”)
Dance-only tickets will be available at the door but will cost at least $2 more per ticket. Dinner combo tickets must be purchased by Feb. 7 so the caterer (Catering by Bob) has an accurate head-count, and floral add-ons (platinum/gold/silver tickets) by Feb. 10. To purchase tickets, visit ValentinesOnCloud9.eventbrite.com.
MORE UPCOMING SNOWBIRD EVENTS
WINTER RESIDENT DANCES: Every Wednesday and Sunday through February at Boardwalk Beach Resort with DJ Jim Lawson. Admission is $5 at the door and includes free popcorn, raffles for door prizes, drink specials; enjoy interactive games, the Electric Slide and the Macarena. Details: BoardwalkBeachResort.com
NOAH'S ARK COMMUNITY GATHERING: 5:30 p.m. every Wednesday with readings, music and light meal. Free admission. Details: 234-6062 or NoahsArkPCB.com.
SHAGGIN’ AT SHARKY’S: 5-6 p.m. today at Sharky’s, 15201 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach. Details: 235-2420 or SharkysBeach.com. Cut a rug on the dance floor during Snowbird dance and karaoke.
WINTER RESIDENT APPRECIATION DAYS: 9-11 a.m. Feb. 3 and 10, the Panama City Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau will have an Open House at the Visitors Center. Winter residents are treated to complimentary coffee, donuts and giveaways. Receive a free “Real.Fun.Beach” Club card for discounts throughout the area for value-added programs, travel deals and discounts at participating restaurants, hotels and other attractions and events.
ST. GEORGE ISLAND SNOWBIRD APPRECIATION DAY: Feb. 7 in St. George Island. Participants may register ($9) at any of the island’s vacation rental companies beginning Feb 3. Activities begin at 10 a.m. and include a raffle run, nature tours at the State Park, a bridge walk, two museums, a reduced rate to climb the lighthouse, Happy Hour and dinner and bingo. Details: 888-927-7744 or SGISnowbirds.com.
SENIOR PROM: 6-9 p.m., Feb. 10, at Edgewater Beach Resort. Admission $5; heavy hors d’oeuvres, live music, cash bar, dancing, socializing and crowning the King and Queen. Tickets can be purchased at the Convention & Visitors Bureau or at the door. Semi-formal dress required. The nominees (age 50 or older) for King and Queen will be chosen by ballot, and the royal couple selected will receive a prize package that includes two airline tickets for friends and families to visit them in Panama City Beach, a $500 gift card, limousine transportation, keys to the city and decorated crowns.
‘ALMOST MAINE’: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 10-11, 17-18, 24-25, and 2 p.m. Feb. 12, 19 and 26, at the Kaleidoscope Theatre. Admission $17. A comedy by John Cariani set in a small town in northern Maine that doesn't quite exist. Things become surreal as the northern lights hover above and the residents find themselves falling in and out of love in unexpected and often hilarious ways. Details: KT-Online.org.
CANADA DAY CELEBRATION: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Feb. 19 at Boardwalk Beach Resort. Admission $20, includes food, music and dancing, entertainment and door prizes. For tickets, contact Dave or Jill Price 850-249-9945; for general information, contact Bill or Llaina Finigan 850-236-2469. More info: BoardwalkBeachresort.com.
SWEETS BAKE OFF: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 14, at the Panama City Beach Senior Center. Entry forms can be picked up at Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Senior Center; deadline for entry is Feb. 7. No fee to enter. Desserts must be homemade; each contestant must have a minimum of 3 dozen cookies or cupcakes or brownies, or 1 of the following: cake/pie/tart/sweet bread. Desserts must be brought to the event already made. Contestants are exempt from voting. Visa gift cards for the top three contestants: first place $250, second place $150, and third place $100.
SOUP DU DOUR COOK OFF: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 24, at the Panama City Beach Senior Center. Entry forms can be picked up at Convention & Visitors Bureau and the Senior Center; deadline for entry Feb. 17. No fee to enter. Soups must be homemade; only 1 standard crock pot/slow cooker per contestant; soups must be brought to the event already prepared; contestants are exempt from voting. Visa gift cards for the top three contestants: first place $250, second place $150, and third place $100.
