On Monday, October 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m., MOJO (Mystic Order of the Jazz Obsessed), a  vibrant, committed group of fans from Mobile, AL who are dedicated to America’s music, will be hosting “Halloween with the Count…Basie, that is!”

Come celebrate the life and work of one of jazz’s hardest swinging artists with the sounds of Joe Occhipinti and his Big Band at the Gulf City Lodge (601 State St.- corner of State and Warren) in Mobile, Alabama. Come dressed in period attire or your best Halloween garb to win a prize in their Costume Contest. Swing dancing is highly encouraged!! A Jambalaya dinner and cash bar will be available.

For more information, call 251-459-2298 or e-mail
mobilejazz@bellsouth.net.

October 24-25, 2009 Henderson Beach State Park will host the 14th Annual Destin Festival of the Arts. Recognized as one of Northwest Florida’s premier fine art shows, over 100 juried artists from around the United States will dot the beachscape to compete for $8,200 in cash prizes. Explore the world of art ranging in a diverse palette of art in acrylic, clay, collage, glass, jewelry, metal, mixed media, oil, pen and ink, photography, digital art, pastel, pottery, sculpture, fiber, textile, wood and watercolor. Other festival amenities feature strolling performers, a bistro food court, continuous entertainment and festival merchandise. Children can discover their artistic flare with hands-on art activities at ArtStop. A Collaborative Art Exhibit showcases over 40 community artists representing students and adults.

Admission is only $3 for adults and kids under 12 are admitted free of charge. Parking is also free at Beall’s Department Store on Hwy. 98 where air-conditioned motor coaches will take you to the festival. For more information, call 850.650.2226.

Rosemary Beach will be hosting the first of many independent film screenings along 30A as part of the new Torchlight Film Series Program––a partnership between communities on Scenic Highway 30A and the Florida State University Film School to bring the stimulating world of independent film to our charming shores. The first screening will take place at 7:45 pm on St. Augustine Green. Bring a lawn chair or beach blanket and come check out an exciting new film under the stars!

Check out  www.torchlightfilmseries.com for more information.

SunQuest Cruises has developed a special cruise series aboard their premier dining and entertainment yacht, Solaris, for music and art lovers called the Rhythm and Hues Cruise. It features a cruise of the bay, great live music, art gallery & hors d’ oeuvres. This cruise series is designed to be a one-of-a-kind experience. Guests are also invited to donate any unused instruments during the cruise which will be given to Playground music to refurbish. The instruments will then be given to students who wish to participate in local school band programs, but cannot afford to purchase or lease instruments.

Michael McCarty, the 2009 TDC Artist of the Year recently featured in VIE’s fall 2009 issue, will be providing the artwork for this cruise and a number of talented musicians, including the EdMo Project, will provide the entertainment.

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For 40 years now, the Northwest Florida Ballet has graced this region with the beauty of the performing arts.  In honor of the Northwest Florida Ballet’s Ruby Anniversary, McCaskill & Company will be hosting a wine tasting and jewelry showcase event on Saturday, October 3, 2009 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Catered by Vin’tij, this event will include wine service and heavy hors d’oeuvres and a percentage of all jewelry sales will benefit the Northwest Florida Ballet. Visit www.nfballet.org or call 850.664.7787 to find out how to be a part of the celebration. Happy Anniversary, Northwest Florida Ballet!