News

Bay Breeze Patio, Demo Big Green Eggs, EggFest, EggFest Cooking Competition, Eggs on the Beach, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast, food for thought, News October 13, 2016

Big Green Egg Cooking Contest Raises $28,900 For Local Charities

Presented by Bay Breeze Patio, the third annual Eggs On the Beach EggFest Cooking Competition raised $28,500 for four non-profit organizations along the Emerald Coast. Event proceeds benefited Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food For Thought, which each received a $12,500 donation. In addition, Team Brock, cooking for the Fisher House, was awarded second place in the non-profit category, earning an additional $1,000 for the Fisher House. First place non-profit cook team, Snorri’s Tandoori, earned a $2,000 donation toward the Air Commando Benevolent Fund and third place non-profit cook team, Rotary Club of Destin, earned $500 toward their community projects. Held on September 26 at Seascape Resort in Miramar Beach, the family-friendly event welcomed more than 600 tasters and volunteers who sampled an array of delicacies presented by more than 30 cook teams. “This was our third annual EggFest and we were thrilled to increase the number of cook teams and meet Big Green Egg enthusiasts from around the region,” said Bay Breeze Patio co-owner Susan Kiley. “The success of the 2016 Eggs on the Beach is due to the overwhelming support from our cook teams, sponsors, volunteers and tasters who came out for the fun afternoon. We are honored and humbled by the outpouring of support.” Eggs on the Beach grew to include two charity partners for 2016, Fisher House of the Emerald Coast and Food for Thought. The Fisher House of the Emerald Coast provides a home away from home for military families during medical treatment. Within steps of the Eglin Air Force Base Hospital and Veteran’s Clinic, the Fisher House’s 12 guest suites and a caring staff provide lodging, basic needs and support to active and retired military when they need it most. In 2015, the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast hosted 789 guests for 2,297 days and saved military families $229,700 in lodging and transportation. Based in Santa Rosa Beach, Food For Thought has been fighting childhood hunger since 2010 by providing backpacks filled with healthy, easy to prepare foods for students dependent on free and reduced school meals. Food for Thought has grown to provide weekly service to 1,620 students in Walton and Okaloosa Counties. “We rely on community donations to be able to feed students year round,” said Founder Tiffanie Nelson. “Our partnership with Eggs on the Beach will help fund growing needs in both Walton and Okaloosa Counties.” “We also rely on community donations,” said Fisher House Administrative Director Mia Hughes. “Through the support of Eggs on the Beach, we’ve been able to expand our reach to not only be able to assist families sent to the Emerald Coast for treatment, but also help local military families who unexpectedly experienced a medical crisis with no Fisher House close by to assist them.” A limited number of large and extra-large Demo Big Green Eggs complete with nest (metal stand) and plate setter, which were used during the competition, are available for purchase at a discounted price at Bay Breeze Patio in Miramar Beach. For more info on EggFest and Demo Big Green Eggs, visit Eggs on the Beach. Read More

10K, 30a, 30A 10K, General, News, race, race tips, Rosemary Beach, running, South Walton, thanksgiving day October 3, 2016

Thanksgiving Day 30A 10K: 5 Tips to Boost Your Race Time

The Thanksgiving Day 30A 10K is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have time to step up your pace. Whether you’re looking to PR or just cross the finish line at a goal pace, check out these tips from 30A 10K race director Karen Meadows. And if you haven’t signed up yet, don’t miss this family-friendly holiday tradition, racing from Rosemary Beach down Scenic Highway 30A, through Alys Beach and over the beautiful, serene Camp Creek Lake. It’s a great way to start your holiday, supporting local charities and getting some much-needed exercise before our big holiday meals. Sign up for the Thanksgiving Day 30A 10K here! Here are 5 tips for your pre-race training. Happy racing! 1. Run up the stairs at any of our public beach accesses Explosive hill sprints are great for training, the idea being that you power up the hill like a sprinter coming out of the blocks. They strengthen your legs, improve your running form and boost the function of your neuromuscular system. How to do it: Run at maximum effort for 10-15 seconds up a steep hill or stairs with at least a 7 to 10 percent grade. Follow with a full two- to three-minute rest, jogging downhill or walking, so that you’re fully recovered before starting again. Repeat four times. 2. Run through the nature trails of South Walton Running on soft surfaces lessens the impact on your joints and allows you to recover faster so its great for training. Running on uneven surfaces also helps strengthen muscles and improve running form by recruiting more of the smaller, more stabilizing muscles that we rely on for balance, especially around the ankles. As an added bonus, the sounds of birds and trees rustling in the wind is really peaceful and soothing to the soul. It really is! How to do it: The South Walton Community Council has a brochure listing the nature trails in South Walton, including The Point Washington State Forest, the Topsail Hill Preserve and Eden Gardens State Park. 3. Perform functional strength exercises along Scenic Highway 30A Not only is it important to practice actually running, but you should also perform exercises that train the body for running. The neighborhoods along Scenic Highway 30A, like Rosemary Beach, Alys Beach and Seaside, have green spaces that are perfect for practicing to strengthen these muscles. How to do it: Try walking lunges or step ups on a low stair or bench. Challenge yourself by seeing how long you can hold a plank or a wall sit. Perform skipping and hopping drills as well. 4. Cross-train to give your running muscles a break Cross training is important and many coaches believe cross training can be especially helpful for runners who are injury prone and 40 years or older. As a USA Triathlon Coach, I know cycling increase leg strength and cardiovascular fitness without major stress on the joints. Swimming works the upper body and for while providing excellent active recovery for runners. How to do it: Hit the bike path, the pool or the Gulf of Mexico to get some cross training in to your training plan. 5. Refuel with a healthy meal The minutes and hours after a workout is an important time for refueling your body with what it needs to recover. Go for a carbohydrate first, but also try to ingest a protein within the hour. Adding protein will help repair any muscle damage from your workout and help you recover more quickly for your next run. And don’t forget to re-hydrate, especially in the hot and humid months! How to do it: A simple bagel with peanut or almond butter or some chocolate milk will do the trick. Or, check out some of these options for where to get a healthy meal in South Walton. Karen Meadows is a USA Track and Field certified coach who lives in Panama City Beach, Florida. She is also the race director for the 30A 10K that takes place each Thanksgiving Day morning in Rosemary Beach, Florida. Karen trains beginners, competitive-age groupers and elite runners and triathletes. Read More

30a, 30a half marathon, 30A Today, General, News, race, running, Scenic Highway 30A, sonder project, South Walton September 25, 2016

Mark Your Calendars for the 30A Half Marathon & 5K — October 15

Runners can now register for the second annual 30A Half Marathon and 5K, which will take place October 15, 2017. The race, put on by The Sonder Project, a global nonprofit organization in Santa Rosa Beach, will start and end at Gulf Place, taking runners along 13.1 miles of beautiful Scenic Highway 30-A. The turnaround point will be the […] Read More

30A Today, Big Red Truck, Bodhi Jazz Trio, Chasin Jaymie, Coastal Chow, Dog Man Du, Huck and Lilly, Hugh Mitchell, Marble Slab Creamery, News, Panama City Beach Rescue Mission, Shatzi + the String Boffin, St. Joe Club & Resorts, sweet henrietta's, The Boiled Peanut Band, The Courtyard Saints, The Mosleys, Watersound Origins Porchfest September 23, 2016

SUNDAY: Front Porches Become Stages at New Watersound Event

It’s fall. That wonderful time of year when the weather cools off, and relaxing on the porch becomes a main event. To celebrate, enjoy a free party at the Watersound Origins PorchFest on October 16 from 3 – 6 p.m. Front porches and parks throughout the neighborhood will come alive with live music. Take a stroll and enjoy music by Huck and Lilly, The Boiled Peanut Band, The Courtyard Saints, Schatzi + the String Boffin, Chasin Jaymie, Hugh Mitchell, Bodhi Jazz Trio and The Mosleys. St Joe Club and Resorts is also hosting a cornhole tournament benefiting the Panama City Rescue Mission. Food trucks refreshments will be available for purchase from Big Red Truck, Dog Man Du, Marble Slab Creamery, Coastal Chow and Sweet Henrietta’s. There will also be a photo booth to capture memories from the day. This event is free and open to the public. Lawn chairs and coolers are welcome. Register on the Facebook Event Group to win prizes the day of the event! For more info, visit Watersound Origins or follow the event page on Facebook. Read More

30A Today, Aegean Restaurant, Bijoux, Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, Dead 27s, Emerald Coast Beer Week, Emerald Coast Catering, Florida, great southern cafe, Gulf Place, Heritage Band, Inc, News, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, santa rosa beach, Signature Catering of 30-A, sweet henrietta's, the bay, The Craft Bar, Trebeaché, Wine World September 20, 2016

THIS WEEKEND: 30A Craft Beer & Spirits Fest at Gulf Place

Beer here! Thanks to a collaborative partnership between Wine World, The Craft Bar and ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, this Oktoberfest season, suds lovers can fill the last weekend of September — and a stein or two — with craft beer, along with spirits, cocktails, wine, flavorful local food and toe-tapping live music. 30A Craft Beer & Spirits Festival will be held Friday, September 30, and Saturday, October 1, at Gulf Place. If you’re in the mood for wine, we’ll be pouring our new 30A Chardonnay and 30A Red Blend as part of the festival. Stop by and see us at the 30A Radio Airstream on the southwest side of the Gulf Place green. “We are thrilled to host this collaborative event for the first time at Gulf Place in the heart of 30A,” said Wine World and Craft Bar founder Chan Cox. “There is a real excitement around the craft beer and fine spirits movement and this event really embraces all of it. We hope everyone turns out to taste and learn about some of the most exciting brands being tapped and poured anywhere.” Proceeds from the event benefit the Seaside School Foundation. The two-day event kicks off Friday, September 30, with the Destin’s own Heritage Band performing an energized show of reggae, surf and rock-infused music from 6 – 9 p.m. The party continues on Saturday, October 1, with old-school funk rhythms and classic rock riffs from Charleston, S.C.’s hottest band, Dead 27s, who will be performing cuts from their newly released album, “The Ghosts are Calling Out.” General admission is from 2 to 5 p.m. VIP package passes are available and provide early entry beginning at 1 p.m. Festival goers can stroll through the culinary village, enjoy the live entertainment, browse the merchandise booth, or hang out at the VIP tent featuring speciality brews and cocktails by some of the biggest names in the industry. Nearly 20 local, regional and national brewers and master distillers will be pouring and sampling some of their finest craft beers and spirits. Many of the finest area restaurants and catering companies are being showcased as well including Aegean Restaurant, Bijoux, Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, The Bay, The Craft Bar, Emerald Coast Catering, Inc., Great Southern Café, Trebeaché, Wine World, Signature Catering of 30-A and Sweet Henrietta’s. Advance purchase prices are $45 per person for Friday or Saturday and $80 per person for a two-day pass. The day of the event, admission to Friday or Saturday will be $55, and two-day general admission will be $100. VIP packages provide early entry on Saturday (only) and exclusive access to the VIP Tent. VIP admission is $65 per person on Saturday and a two-day VIP package pass is $100. Tickets are limited and will be sold on a first come, first served basis. Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Click here to book your tickets. For visitors traveling to the area for a fun fall weekend or for locals looking for an end-of-season “staycation,” ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals is offering special event packages that bundle Festival admission and accommodations. Festivalgoers can save 10 percent off three or more nights. The more bedrooms you reserve, the more tickets you receive. Tickets booked through this promotion can be picked up on Saturday, Oct. 1, at the ResortQuest office in Gulf Place. To reserve a package, call 844-872-2484 or book online using Promo Code ‘BEERFEST’ to take advantage of this deal. The Seaside School Foundation will benefit from 100 percent of the net proceeds from this event. The Seaside School Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization established in 2008 to benefit and support The Seaside School, Inc., a public charter school located in Seaside, Florida. The school receives some state funding to cover basic operational costs, however, it depends on outside financial contributions to finance capital building and renovation initiatives; to fund robotics, art, music, gardening, and technology and other elective programs; to purchase library books and technology equipment; and to maintain smaller class sizes in math. It is governed by a board of directors comprised of community and business members along with educators. One hundred percent of all donations directly benefit The Seaside School, Inc. “We are honored to be the beneficiary of this exciting first ever event on 30A,” said Alicia Butler, executive director of The Seaside School Foundation. “We owe a toast of gratitude to everyone who plays a part in this event, which will help our school continue its mission to provide students in Walton County with individualized and innovative instruction, delivered by quality teachers in a community-based, community-school setting.” Tickets are limited and the event is expected to sell out. For a schedule of events and to purchase tickets, visit www.xorbia.com/events/wineworld/30ACraftBeerFest. Tickets are also available for purchase at all Wine World locations. For more info, follow the event page on Facebook or call 850-269-2909. Read More

30A Today, 30A.com, BOTE, Chelco, coastal dune lake, Grayton Beach, Grayton Beach State Park, Gulf Wind Paddle and Surf, GUSU, Heritage, Inaugural South Walton Run/SUP Series, Insurance Zone, Motorboatin 30a, News, Pandora's, Pandora’s of Grayton Beach, ResortQuest by Wyndham Vacation Rentals, RUN/SUP, Sacred Heart Hospital, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, St. Joe Company, Sunrise Chair Company, SUP Board, VIP Destin Magazine, Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, Western Lake, YOLO September 20, 2016

SATURDAY: Run, Paddle and Race to the Finish at Run/SUP Event

The Walton Area Chamber of Commerce recently announced they will host the second annual 2016 South Walton RUN/SUP Series event on Saturday, September 24, 2016, at Grayton Beach State Park from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. The after party and awards ceremony will be held at The Craft Bar 30A in Grayton Beach from 2 to 5 p.m. that day. Registrant packet pick-up will take place at The Craft Bar 30A on Friday, September 23, from 5 to 7 p.m. The race takes you on a two-mile run through beautiful Grayton Beach State Park followed by a two-mile paddle on Western Lake, one of the area’s rare coastal dune lakes. With four total races, a world-renowned venue and both Family and Competitive/Advanced groups, the 2016 South Walton RUN/SUP Series will continue to set a standard in the local and regional athletic communities for the future. With RUN/SUP once again sponsoring the event, they will offer a limited amount of their new RUN/SUP boards for rental on the day of the event, should a participant need one. Just be sure to select that you will need a board provided when registering. Board rentals are limited and available for an extra fee when registering online. Boards up to 12’6 are allowed. Participants in the first race can arrive as early as 8 a.m. with the races beginning promptly at 9 a.m. The event schedule will go as follows: Race 1: Competitive Division at 9:00 a.m. (Cash prize will be awarded in this category.) $75 entry fee Race 2: Recreation Division 1 at 10:15 a.m. $65 entry fee Race 3: Recreation Division 2 at 11:30 a.m. $65 entry fee Race 4: Family Division at 12:45 p.m. (This race includes youth participants age 8-12.) $55 entry fee *Please note that this race is shorter and is only a one mile run and a one mile paddle. Register now at Walton Area Chamber of Commerce or by clicking here. Day of event parking is available at Grayton Beach State Park. Overflow parking will be available at The Craft Bar 30A and Pandora’s Steakhouse & Lounge for those renting boards or for those strictly there to observe the race and cheer family and friends to the finish line. Parking instructions will be noted in all racer packets. The 2016 South Walton RUN/SUP Series is produced by Barber & Gall promotions in conjunction with RUN/SUP and the Walton Area Chamber of Commerce, the benefiting organization. Current sponsors and vendors include: Silver Sands Premium Outlets, Chelco, Insurance Zone, VIP Destin Magazine, SoWal, The Craft Bar 30A, RUN/SUP, Salt Water 30a, Gulf Wind Paddle and Surf, Sunrise Chair Company, Advance Media Group and Visit South Walton. For more info, sponsorship opportunities or to register, contact the Walton Area Chamber office at 850-267-0683. Read More

30a, 30A Today, Bloody Mary, cocktail, market shops, News, Sandestin, South Walton September 17, 2016

SATURDAY: Who Can Make the Best Bloody Mary on 30A?

The Market Shops, located at the entrance to Sandestin Golf and Beach Resort, will host The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival benefiting Sinfonia Gulf Coast on Saturday, October 1, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The second annual event will feature unlimited tastes of the Emerald Coast’s most creative and innovative Bloody Marys made with Cathead Vodka and served by the finest restaurants and bars on the panhandle. Confirmed competing restaurants include Bijoux Restaurant & Spirits, Bud & Alley’s Waterfront Restaurant, Crab Island Cantina, DIG eatery, Doc’s Oyster Bar, Louis Louis, Lulu’s Destin, Marie’s Bistro, Restaurant Paradis, Roselie Dining & Seafood Bar, Roux 30a, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Signature Catering of 30A, Stinky’s Fish Camp, Sunset Bay Cafe, The Beach House, The Down Under Bar, The Hub, The NOLA Boiling Co., Tommy Bahama and Trebeaché. Check out this 30A video from last year’s festival: Each ticket will include one vote for the People’s Choice Award for ‘Best Bloody Mary’ in South Walton. A Mardi Gras marching band will kick off the festivities with a second line around The Market Shops at 11 a.m. and more live music will follow. A number of area restaurant will have food for sale including Bijoux Restaurant & Spirits, Charlie Graingers, DIG eatery and Marie’s Bistro. Beer and champagne will also be provided. Epic Photo Co. will have a dynamic photobooth complete with fun props and accessories to commemorate the event. Shore Thing Cigars will set up a lifestyle lounge providing premium cigars. For the avid football fans that wish to attend, Charlie Graingers will be streaming the games. Proceeds from the event will benefit Sinfonia Gulf Coast. As the region’s only fully professional symphony orchestra, Sinfonia Gulf Coast is committed to entertaining, educating and inspiring the community through imaginative and innovative musical programming. General admission and VIP tickets are on sale now here. Admission to the event is $35 per person if purchased in advance and $50 on the day of the event. VIP tickets are $75 and include complimentary valet parking by 30A Valet, VIP reception with champagne cocktail and appetizers provided by DIG eatery at VIP check-in hosted by The Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County’s Foster Gallery and access to the VIP Deck at Bijoux including passed appetizers. Courtyard Marriott at Grand Boulevard will be offering special rates starting at $119.00 to The Market Shops Bloody Mary Festival ticket holders. Those interested in booking can do so here. Additionally, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa will be offering 20% off to festival attendees who book with discount code “BM” here. The Market Shops and its affiliates encourage attendees to drink responsibly. Shuttles for overflow parking will be provided from The Beach House to The Market Shops via Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine. Additionally, the extensive fleet of Sunshine Shuttle & Limousine is equipped to transport any size group, should you wish to reserve one of their vehicles to get you home safe. Another safe alternative for getting home is the private driving service, Uber. Uber is donating $5 to Sinfonia Gulf Coast for every new user that signs up for the app using the code ‘TMSBMF16’ through November 24, 2016. Additional sponsors are 30A, 30AEats, 30A Valet, Churchill Oaks, Courtyard Marriott, Eloquent Signs, Emerald Coast Magazine, Emerald Ladies Journal, Good Grit Magazine, Hill Coleman CPA, Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa, McNeese Distributing, Northwest Florida Daily News, Proffitt PR, Shore Thing Cigars, SoWal.com, Sunshine Shuttle Company, The Destin Log, The Walton Sun, V. LALA Galleries, VIE, VIP Destin Magazine, VIP Pensacola Magazine and Visit South Walton. To buy tickets, click here. To find out more, visit Sinfonia Gulf Coast. Read More

30A Today, 30Avenue, Alys Beach, Ashley Longshore, Becca Tilley, Caliza Pool, Carlo Pieroni, Carol Wilson, Christian Siriano, designers, Grand Boulevard, Jenni Lubo, models, News, parties, Runway shows, Salon 76, Sheila Goode Model of the Year Competition, Silver Sands Premium Outlets, South Walton Fashion Week, SWFW, SWFW Emerging Designer, The Shops at The Hub, tommy bahama, Trunk Shows, vie magazine September 16, 2016

THIS WEEKEND: Hit the Runway for South Walton Fashion Week

This year’s South Walton Fashion Week, taking place October 5 through 9 in venues throughout South Walton, will feature celebrity designer Christian Siriano. The 30A Company will have its own runway show, too, featuring our new dumpster diver line, our latest innovation in design and beach-inspired fashion. Soriano has been dubbed “the new king of old-school glamour” by Elle magazine and “the next billion-dollar designer” by Yahoo! Style. His designs have been worn by some of the world’s biggest stars, including First Lady Michelle Obama, Rhianna, Oprah, Lady Gaga and Scarlett Johansson. In its fourth year, South Walton Fashion Week is a large-scale, multi-day event that celebrates high fashion by featuring national, regional and local designers, retail boutiques, emerging designers, and a model competition. Runway shows, trunk shows, parties, and presentations will take place in beach neighborhoods throughout South Walton Wednesday through Saturday. Get the scoop on South Walton Fashion Week in this 30A Radio interview! The 30A Company will be featured on Friday night at 30A Avenue, hitting the runway with our new eco-friendly Dumpster Diver line. The line is made from recycled water bottles and other plastics blended with recycled cotton, producing soft and light garments perfect for the beach lifestyle and culture. Each piece saves 6 to 10 water bottles from the landfill. Learn more here. Get the full schedule by downloading the SWFW app for Apple or Android devices. A VIP Christian Siriano trunk show will take place at Alys Beach’s Caliza Pool and Alys Shoppe on Friday, October 7, and Mr. Siriano’s designs will also be featured on the Fashion Week runway on Saturday, October 8. Sirian will be joined on the special guest panel by international artist Ashley Longshore (Anthropologie), television star Becca Tilley (The Bachelor), fashion photographer Carlo Pieroni, supermodel Carol Wilson, model agent Jenni Lubo (Click Models), and more to be announced soon. Prime-time runway shows will take place at 30A Venue (30Avenue) on Thursday and Friday and at 560 Grand Boulevard (Grand Boulevard) on Saturday. VIE Magazine will host the official Launch Party, ‘The Get Down’ at their headquarters in Grayton Beach on Wednesday, October 5, followed by an After-Party at Salon 76. Day-time venues include Silver Sands Premium Outlets, The Shops at The Hub, Tommy Bahama, and more. A full list of runway shows and schedule of events will be released in September. Emerging designers who are selected as semi-finalists will showcase their designs on the SWFW runway at “30A Venue” on Thursday and Friday, and the judges will determine three finalists who will show on Saturday night. The winner will be announced at the conclusion of Saturday’s runway show, and the winner will receive a prize package that includes $2,000 cash, a feature in VIE’s 2017 Fashion Issue, and a prime-time runway show at 2017 SWFW. Chosen model applicants will be invited to a September casting call, and those who are cast will walk the SWFW runway to compete for the Sheila Goode Model of the Year award package, including $1,000 cash, a feature in VIE’s 2017 Fashion Issue and a meeting with Click Atlanta. General admission tickets start at $20 for day-time events and $50 for prime-time events, and VIP tickets start at $100. Tickets and special lodging partner packages offered by Rosemary Beach Cottage Rental Company and Courtyard Marriott Sandestin at Grand Boulevard can be found at swfw.org. South Walton Fashion Week is produced by the Cultural Arts Alliance of Walton County (CAA) in partnership with Monark Events and presented by Visit South Walton, Grand Boulevard and VIE Magazine. Other partners include 30Avenue, ZT Motors, VIVO Spa Salon, Oko, Pure & Couture, Willow + Mercer, Linda Miller – The Smile of 30A, Bud & Alley’s, Emerald Coast Magazine, The 30A Company, Tommy Bahama, Alys Beach, and Silver Sands Premium Outlets. Net proceeds benefit the CAA, which is the designated Local Arts Agency that supports the arts through leadership, advocacy, funding, programs and education. The vision of the Alliance is to make Walton County a creative place in which to live, work and visit. For more info, visit South Walton Fashion Week. Read More

News September 13, 2016

THIS WEEKEND: Celebrate South Walton at New 30A Blue Crab Fest

Trebeaché, the latest venture by the creative team behind Stinky’s Fish Camp, is hosting an all-new food and music festival that aims to really capture the spirit of the 30A area. The 30A Blue Crab Festival will be held October 8 at Trebeaché in Blue Mountain Beach. The festival, which runs from noon to 8, includes live music, local and regional art and local blue crab prepared in almost all the ways you could imagine. “We really wanted to create something that highlights the 30A lifestyle,” said Jim Richard, owner of Trebeaché and Stinky’s Fish Camp. Entry to the festival is a $5 donation to the South Walton Artificial Reef Association. Entry includes live music by Forrest Williams Band; Dread Clampitt; Billy Garrett and The Funk Disciples; Old Bull Young Bull featuring Duke Bardwell and Kyle Ogle; and Franko Washboard Jackson and The Steenos. The event also includes an art walkabout, cooking demos and tastings, games, live stream of college football games and kids activities including a bounce house and slide. A special menu starring the delicious blue crab will be available. Try crab pretty much any and all ways: boiled and fried, crab cakes, crab bisque, crab gumbo, crab jambalaya, crab rolls and crab dip. After the festival, a late-night after party featuring the New Orleans Suspects kicks off at 8 p.m. upstairs at Trebeaché. On Sunday, the 30A Blue Crab Fest finale party will feature Eric Lindell. Both are separately ticketed events. This event is sponsored by The 30A Company, Mojo Sportswear, Nick’s Seafood, Sterling Resorts, Redfish Village and The Beach Chair Company. Learn more and get updates at 30acrabfest.com. Learn how to catch blue crabs with Captain Harry in this fun Facebook Live video: 30A Blue Crab Fest: CrabbingWe went crabbing on the bay live with Captain Harry for the new 30A Blue Crab Fest on October 8. So fun! http://30a.com/blue-crab-fest/ Posted by 30A on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 Read More

News September 7, 2016

What We’re Listening to this Fall (Hint: It’s Funky!)

By Cory Davis, General Manager, 30A Radio We have some fantastic musicians to introduce in this issue: a guy who sneaks in for gigs here in South Walton, a soul legend celebrating his 75th birthday with a brilliant new album, and one of our favorite Nashville musicians, who blesses the area with his presence more than a few times each year. We’re also sharing a really fun group that will definitely satisfy any funk fix. “Gotta Get Back” Whenever he can, musician Seth Walker tries to sneak into South Walton to play at many local venues and neighborhood concerts. He says he loves the 30A area. No word better describes him than smooth, just smooth. Walker comes from a family of musicians, dating back to his grandfather, who played in the U.S. Navy band while serving aboard the USS Hornet aircraft carrier during World War II. Produced by The Wood Brothers drummer and keyboardist Jano Rix, “Gotta Get Back” is a tad funkier than the previous albums. We love the track “High Time,” which references his adopted home of New Orleans. “Dreamer” may be our favorite song and the tune that best fits the beaches of South Walton. We think it’s one kids will love too. “Gotta Get Back” is Walker’s ninth and latest studio album. Look for its release on Sept. 2. For more information on Seth Walker, visit sethwalker.com. “Apache” Aaron Neville shows no signs of slowing down at 75 years old. His new album “Apache” is straight “fiya.” Eric Krasno (Lettuce, Soulive) produced Neville’s album, enlisting help from bandmates Ryan Zoidis and Benny Bloom (Shady Horns), as well as Cochemea Gastelum and David Guy (Daptone Horns). Neville’s “Be Your Man” is an attention-grabbing song that perfectly kicks off the album. Although the entire album deserves attention, other tracks to listen to on repeat are “Stompin’ Ground” and “Hard to Believe.” Can you believe Neville’s been singing for 50 years? It’s true, and all music lovers are surely grateful for it. For more info on Aaron Neville and his music, visit aaronneville.com. “Storyman” As music fans, it’s fun for us to imagine what it would be like to be on the road with jazz-folk artist Sam Bush. Although we can only daydream about it, local photographer Shelly Swanger had the honor of documenting Bush and many of his travels over the course of a year. She even scored her first album cover — her work is featured on Bush’s latest release, “Storyman.” Swanger has photographed Bush for years, which is apparent when you look at the hundreds of her all-access passes featured in the photograph. Sam Bush either wrote or co-wrote every song on “Storyman” and his signature bluesy mandolin twangs show through. Bush, known as the founder of New Grass, sets up the album with the track “Play by Your Own Rules” and follows with amazing tracks such as “Handmics Killed Country Music” and “Bowling Green.” If you’re lucky, you can catch Bush playing with Dread Clampitt at The Red Bar. For more info on Bush, New Grass or seeing him play live visit sambush.com. “Digitonium” It’s a band that would pack the house on Scenic Highway 30A, but it would have to be held somewhere that could fit all nine of them on stage. Turkuaz, a power-funk band from Brooklyn, N.Y., emits a modern sound of classic funk and dance, making it difficult not to crank the volume when you hear one of their tracks. Recently, they’ve become one of the busiest touring dance bands out today. Their fashion sense on stage draws you in, but their sound keeps you around for the long run. Catch them at any festival and you’ll see why fans love their live performances. “Digitonium,” their latest release, is highlighted by “Lift It Up,” “Nightswimming” and “Doktor Jazz.” We don’t have any prominent nightclubs in South Walton, so if you ever have the chance to iPhone DJ for a local venue, throw this band on and tell them “Turkuaz made me do It.” Learn more at turkuazband.com. Other albums we are listening to: This feature is presented by 30A Radio’s new Airstream Mobile Studio, where we host live music recording sessions, real-time interviews and The 30A Show with Cory and Laura. You can listen to 30A Radio beach music and news every day at 30Aradio.com on any browser, Apple TV, Tunein.com, and on our free 30A iPhone, 30A iPad and 30A Android apps. Read More

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