Give yourself something to look forward to this winter – Panama City kicks off 2017 with a jam-packed schedule of events. The Marina Civic Center will play host to an exciting lineup of entertainment, beginning on January 7 when the Panama City POPS Orchestra will perform Windborne's "The Music of David Bowie", including such hits as Space Oddity, Changes, Under Pressure, Rebel Rebel, Fame, China Girl, and much more.

That concert will be followed by the legendary Engelbert Humperdinck's 50th Anniversary Tour on January 21, and country music heartthrobs Josh Turner, Joe Nichols and Easton Corbin on January 26 when they will take the stage at the 6th Annual Stars & Guitars Benefit Concert.

If you're a fan of the lads from Liverpool, don't miss the Mersey Beatles, an all-Liverpool-born Beatles tribute band and the house band for 10 years at the world-famous Cavern Club. They will return to the Martin Theatre in Harrison Historic Downtown with their Get Back Tour on February 16.

Next, get ready for the international sensation, "Stomp," on February 26 at the Marina Civic Center. A show for all ages, this mesmerizing percussion performance will have you on your feet. Purchase tickets and discover more events in Panama City this winter.

An Easy-on-the-Wallet Winter Escape

Wouldn't you love to trade in your parka and snow boots for Panama City's sunny skies? Think you just can't afford a winter escape? Think again! Our affordable hotels and restaurants are easy on the wallet, as are the many non-stop flights from Atlanta, Baltimore, Dallas, Houston, Nashville, and St. Louis. Download a free visitors guide and start packing! We can't wait to welcome you.

The program airs on the Pursuit Channel and the Destination America Channel during the second week of January. Check your local listings for the exact date and time. Learn more about Panama City's fishing and culinary culture, and register to win a free trip.

PC Made

Panama City's sparkling blue waters, breathtaking sunsets, and relaxed, happy faces are the perfect inspiration for creativity. As a result, talented artists of all stripes and colors call Panama City home. Every month in PC Made we will feature the handmade objects and inspiration of this creative core. This month, meet jewelry makers Hope McCollum and Emilie Pritchard.

Artist Hope McCollum's Simply Blessed Designz

Meet PC Artist Hope McCollum

How long have you been doing this/how did you get started?
It started with my love for graphic design and crafting. I began making handcrafted bullet jewelry a little over a year ago.

How did you learn the craft?
I was looking for a craft to make and came across a picture of bullet earrings and thought, "I could make that!" With a little research and my creativeness...BOOM...bullet earrings were made! With lots of love, support, and encouragement from my husband, James, and the creative skills from the Lord...Simply Blessed Designz was born.

What are your current focuses or themes?
My current focus is working with various shapes and sizes of bullets.

How do you source your materials?
The bullets used in making the jewelry are from previously fired ammunition. Currently, the bullets I use for making jewelry are made of brass, and others are brass with a plating of nickel over them. In the center of the bullet are Swarovski crystals to complete the gorgeous look.

Are you a native of the area or did you relocate here?
I was born and raised in Panama City. I am inspired by the beauty of Panama City and the beaches.

Learn more about Hope's jewelry at Facebook.com/simplyblesseddesignz or email her at [email protected].

Meet PC Artist Emilie Pritchard

How long have you been doing this/how did you get started?
I have been creating beaded jewelry for about 10 years. For quite a while before that I was a rugweaver. In that medium, I had focused on geometric design, so I was pretty familiar with that. In 2006, I started playing around with beads and, having been 2D with the rugs,
I was immediately intrigued by the possibilities for geometric design in 3D that beading offered me.

How did you learn the craft?
I am entirely self-taught, and have focused on just a few techniques that give me the ability to create the forms I wanted.

What are your current focuses or themes?
I started out, as most beaders do, using glass seed beads, but over time I found that the geometry that interested me was enhanced by using longer, narrower beads.

How do you source your materials?
I work primarily with tubes of sterling silver, which I hand-cut to the lengths that I need, and which I also usually darken chemically for a more industrial look. I also use tubes of colored aluminum, darkened copper and gold. I join these tubes with thread to build chains of geometric structures which become pieces of jewelry. I also often use stone beads as accents.

Are you a native of the area or did you relocate here?
In 1977, my husband, Paul, and I were passing through Panama City, living on a small sailboat. We actually ran out of money in PC and had to take temporary jobs. As a result, we ended up in the sailboat business here. It's the freedom that comes with owning our own business that has enabled me to put in the time and effort required for a serious involvement with craft.

Learn more about Emilie's jewelry at emiliepritchard.com or email her at [email protected].