Get ready for a different kind of classical music from the Pensacola Symphony this Valentines weekend " Classic Rock! On Saturday, February 13, 2010, at 8:00 pm, the Orchestra will hit the Pensacola Saenger Theatre stage with Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to the Beatles. Classical Mystery Tour features original cast members from the Broadway hit "Beatlemania", performing more than 20 Beatles' songs alongside the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra.

"We really make an effort to sound exactly like the originals," explains Jim Owen, founder of the group. Owen portrays John Lennon in the concert playing piano, guitar, and providing lead vocals. "The orchestra score is exact, right down to every note and instrument that was on the original recording, continues Owen, noting that songs such as
"Got to Get You Into My Life" utilize two tenor saxes and three trumpets, that's what it was written for, and that's what we use."

Classical Mystery Tour, paired with the Pensacola Symphony Orchestra, captures the orchestral element of the songs. It is the best of both worlds: classic rock with full orchestral impact. Recent releases of Beatles music in the new re-mastered DVD Anthology, video games, and even commercials, makes the February Pops! concert with Classical Mystery Tour even more exciting. Classical Mystery Tour features Jim Owen (John Lennon) on rhythm guitar, piano, and vocals; Tony Kishman (Paul McCartney) on bass guitar, piano, and vocals; David John (George Harrison) on lead guitar and vocals; and Chris Camilleri (Ringo Starr) on drums and vocals.

Get your tickets today. Call the Pensacola Symphony at (850) 435-2533 or go to www.pensacolasymphony.com.

In honor of Black History Month, the Belmont proudly presents internationally acclaimed artists James "Sparky" and Rhonda Rucker and their show "Fulfilling Lincoln's Dream". The title is from Lincoln's 2nd Inaugural Speech. This speech is considered by most scholars to be his best speech.... even surpassing his Gettysburg Address. Lincoln concluded his speech with these words, "With malice toward none: with charity for all; with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation's wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan--to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."

James "Sparky" Rucker is recognized as a leading folklorist, historian, musician, storyteller and author. He has been singing songs and telling stories in the American tradition for over forty years. Sparky accompanies himself on guitar, banjo and spoons. He has released over fourteen recordings. Rhonda adds sweet sounding vocal harmonies, a mean, gutsy blues harmonica, old time banjo and rhythmic bones to their music. The duo will be performing at the Belmont Arts and Cultural Center beginning at 7 pm on Saturday, February 13. Admission is $5 and all proceeds benefit the Belmont Youth Band.

Come join the Belmont in celebrating Black History Month with this unique and moving performance. For more information, contact 429-1222 or visit www.belmontartscenter.com.

Pensacola Little Theatres Studio 400 season continues in February with six short plays about the ups and downs of the modern relationship. "Short Attention Span Theatre" is a collection of one-act plays about relationships and romance submitted by authors across the country. All of the plays this year are original and unpublished and for many, this is their world premiere performance.

Directed this year by Jessica Wade-Abston, Samantha Holsworth and Eric VanderVort, "Short Attention Span Theatre" is playing for two weekends:

February 11-13 and 19-20 at 7:30 p.m. and February 21 at 2:30pm

Tickets are $14 for caf seating and $10 for general admission and may be purchased at the Box Office or by phone at 850-432-2042. The Box Office is open 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and one hour prior to curtain on performance dates.

Valentines Day Special Performance and Brunch

On Sunday, February 14, PLT and Portabello Market are teaming up for a "Sweetheart Special" featuring Joe Occhipinti and his Dixieland Band. $65 per person includes a jazz brunch from 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the show at 2:30 p.m.. The menu includes rosemary braised roast beef, sun dried tomato and parmesan crustless quiche, smoked gouda grits and pecan bread pudding with vanilla sauce.  The meal also includes a choice of two mimosas or poinsettias. For the complete menu, visit PensacolaLittleTheatre.com. Reservations may be made through the PLT Box Office: 432-2042.