Victoria Ciccarelli Stewart
This past Wednesday evening, March 5, 2014, something magical happened on Harrison Ave. in Panama City, Florida. The street was full of cars parked and people walking! Why, you might ask. Because there was LIVE, LOCAL music being played! Two restaurants, Trigo’s Deli and Millies, along with 2 local musicians, Jace Smith and Gabrielle McCaghren, stepped up to the challenge to help transform Panama City into Music City F-L-A! These places were packed! These venues were filled with people enjoying the artists and the cuisine. As I walked from Trigo’s to Millies I could hear the music emitting from Millies and people laughing, talking and enjoying the evening with old and new friends alike. I felt as though I were somewhere else, not Panama City. Then it occurred to me – THIS was history in the making!! Downtown Panama City will never be the same again. People WANT this and once they’ve experienced it, they will want more!! I was walking into the future, a beautiful music filled future for our very own hometown. Tears filled my eyes as I wished my husband, Crook Stewart III, were here to experience this inaugural event, as it was born of his vision. No advertising was paid for; there were no TV cameras or reporters to document the occasion. It was happening just as it should…organically. IF this evening was this successful without the outside influences of the press, just think what it would have been like had it been advertised! The thought was mind boggling! We have LIFT OFF!!
So friends and family, thank you ALL to those of you who came out to support this first Music Matters initiative. And thank you to those who could not, but spread the word just the same! I am encouraged and more driven than before to make this vision a reality. Nashville and Austin…look out! We are on your heels and hope to join you in being a destination for music lovers everywhere!
What’s next? This Wednesday, March 12th, Trigo’s Deli will once again have live entertainment with Kristen Barkuloo and Millies is bringing Gabrielle McCaghren back as she was such a hit! Thursday, March 13th, Avenue Sea is having a wine tasting and will be providing local, live entertainment with the very talented Amanda Matthews on keyboards! You won’t want to miss these two evenings! Come on downtown; walk, shop, eat, drink and LISTEN to some LIVE, LOCAL music! Be a part of the growth and development of something Panama City has been thirsty for! Shall we toast to that? See you next week!
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