This week in Pensacola: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade returns; Lunar New Year

Seven days out is your guide to entertainment events, concerts, festivals and activities in Escambia and Santa Rosa counties.

MONDAY

Discover Tall Ship Pinta

9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 5 through Sunday, Jan. 22. Plaza De Luna, 900 S. Palofox St. A replica of Christopher Columbus’ famous ship will be open for dockside educational tours. The Pinta was the first ship to sight land in the “New World” on Oct. 12, 1492. The Pinta tours as a ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus and many early explorers to discover the world. Adults: $8. Seniors 65 and older: #$7. Students age 5 to 16: $6. More info: ninapinta.org/tour.html.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade

11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16. Downtown Pensacola, Intersection of Spring and Garden streets. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Parade is returning to Pensacola after a two-year hiatus. The theme this year is “What is your life’s blueprint?”, which was a subject of one of Dr. King’s speeches. King urged followers to adopt three principles in crafting their life’s blueprint. They are: Have a deep belief in your own worth and dignity; incorporate excellence in all fields of endeavors; and commit to the eternal principles of beauty, love and justice. More info: facebook.com/MLKParadePensacola.

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Jazz Gumbo

6:30 p.m. Monday, Jan 16. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Featuring the Glenn Parker Band on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Jazz Pensacola presents its January Jazz Gumbo. The Glenn Parker Band will offer an evening of music with a '70s soul, funk, rhythm and blues theme. This band is popular across the Gulf Coast, shifting genres with ease. $10 for Jazz Pensacola members and guests; $12 for non-members; free for students and military with ID. Become a member at the event and get in free. More info: 850-433-8382.

Monday Night Blues

7 p.m. Monday, Jan 16. Seville Quarter, 130 E. Government St. Seville Quarter and the Blues Society of Northwest Florida are bringing the “blues” back to the Seville Quarter Entertainment District. The event features live blues music and "BBQ and Bud" food and drink specials. More info: 850-434-6211 or sevillequarter.com.

TUESDAY

Jazz by the Book

1 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17. Tyron Branch Library, 1200 Langley Ave. As an educational outreach to highlight the Jazz Room on the second floor of the library, Jazz Pensacola and West Florida Public Library co-sponsor "Jazz by the Book" concerts. The Jazz Room features a collection of books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, recordings and other materials that are available for anyone with a library card. Hosted by Joe Occhipinti, a Jazz Pensacola founding member. Free. More info: 850-436-5064.

Artists at Play presents ‘Dissonance’

6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17. University of West Florida Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 11000 University Parkway, Building 82. Join to continue the celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day at the University of West Florida with this touching representation of friendship across differences and a chance to learn about marginalized experiences. ‘Dissonance’ is written by Florida born and Alabama based playwright and actress Marci J. Duncan, UWF assistant professor of acting, in collaboration with Pensacola based playwright and actress, Kerry Sandell, UWF alumna. Free, but reservations are recommended. More info: dissonanceplay.com or inclusion@uwf.edu.

THURSDAY

The Groovy '70s Festival for Snowbirds & Wintertime Guests

2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 19. St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Parkway, Navarre. The Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Office will host ‘A Groovy 70s Party’ to welcome snowbirds and wintertime guests to the Navarre Beach Area. All snowbirds and wintertime guests are invited to grab your love beads, old 45s and dust off your bell bottoms for a '70s party that jives. More info: navarrechamber.com.

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FRIDAY

Gallery Night

5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20. Downtown Pensacola. Gallery Night Pensacola is a nonprofit organization with a dedicated goal of inspiring culture, engagement and the practice of arts of all types in an entertaining event for all ages and walks of life. These monthly events focus on specific themes, highlight featured artists, and recruit the best creators the area has to offer. This month’s theme is Lunar New Year. More info: gallerynightpensacola.org.

Cutthroat and Friends

6:30 p.m., doors; 7:15 p.m., show; Friday, Jan. 20. Vinyl Music Hall, 2 S. Palafox St. Vinyl is hosting a free Gallery Night show featuring Dusty DeLuna, Brim, Chris Watley, Big V, Jimmy V, Cutthroat and DJ Slim on the wheels all night. Free. For all ages. There is a $5 surcharge for ages younger than 21. More info: vinylmusichall.com.

Puccini’s La bohème

7:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 20 and 22. Saenger Theatre, 118 S. Palafox St. One of opera’s most romantic stories makes a long-anticipated return to the Saenger stage. "La bohème" follows Mimì and Rodolfo from their first meeting to their final devastating moments, capturing their impassioned relationship through the lens of Giacomo Puccini’s masterful, lush orchestrations. From Musetta’s famous waltz, “Quando m’en vo,” to the rousing second act outside the Café Momus — featuring the Pensacola Opera Chorus — this beloved work features some of opera’s most hummable melodies. Tickets start at $26. More info: 850-595-3880 or pensacolasaenger.com.

SATURDAY

Bourbon, Bacon, & Cigars

2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. O’Riley’s Irish Pub, 321 S. Palafox St. Attendees will have the opportunity to sample different bourbons complemented with optional cigars and bacon. The bourbons for general admission are Michter’s Small Batch Kentucky Straight Bourbon, Four Roses Single Barrel Bourbon and Woodford Reserve Rye Whiskey. The fourth spot on the general admission flight will be filled with a craft beer. The VIP bourbons include Widow Jane 10 Year Bourbon, Stagg Jr. Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey, and Blanton’s Single Barrel. $25 for general admission; $50 for VIP admission. More info: orileyspub.com.

Mystic Order of Revelry Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball

6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21. Saint Anne Catholic Church, 5200 Saufley Field Road. The Mystic Order of Revelry is hosting its inaugural Carnival Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball. The doors will open at 6 p.m. for Masquerade Cocktail and then the presentation of its Royal Count and Coronation of Monarchs will begin around 6:30 p.m. Following the coronation, grab your Mardi Gras umbrella and follow in behind the royal procession in a traditional second line procession. Following the second line, the full dinner buffet will open and the stage will be turned over to Horseshoe Kitty for live musical entertainment. $75 single; $150 a couple. Limited tables of eight are available for $600. More info: moor-mg.com.

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This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Things to do in Pensacola this week: MLK parade; Lunar New Year