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Summer Music Festivals | Surf’s Up Movie Review | Bogda Gallery Group Show

free weekly guide to entertainment and more | june 7-13, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature Summer Music Festivals...... PAGE 16 One Tank Trips...... PAGE 17 Beaches Guide...... PAGES 18-21 movies Surf’s Up (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies in Theaters this week...... PAGES 6-10 seen. heard. noted. & quoted...... PAGE 7 Mr. Brooks (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Princess Bride (movie review)...... PAGE 9 MOCA Film Series (movie preview)...... PAGE 10 at home Dinosaur Jr. Reunion Tour (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 Starter Wives (TV review)...... PAGE 13 Kids TV Programming...... PAGE 14 Video Games...... PAGE 15 food Urban Flats (restaurant review)...... PAGE 22 Beaches Dining Guide...... PAGE 22-24 Beaches Pub Crawl...... PAGE 23 Pick-Your-Own Blueberry Farms...... PAGE 24 music Something Distant (Fionn MacCools)...... PAGE 25 Music Calendar...... PAGES 25-29 Chillakaya (Culhanes)...... PAGE 26 Mice Parade (Jack Rabbits)...... PAGE 27 Beautiful Mess (interview)...... PAGE 28 Plain Jane Automobile (interview)...... PAGE 29 Julius Airwave (album)...... PAGE 30 Daniel Lee Martin (album)...... PAGE 30 arts / theatre / on stage Bogda Gallery Group Show (review)...... PAGE 31 The Wizard Of Oz (Alhambra Dinner Theatre)...... PAGE 32 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 31-32 State Fair (O.P. Community Theatre)...... PAGE 33 A Grand Night For Singing (Players By The Sea)...... PAGE 33 columns and stuff Beachwise...... PAGE 34 The Jock...... PAGE 34 NASCAR News & Notes...... PAGE 35

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 3 thisweek Crossfade Crossfade, grunge thursday june 7 rockers from Columbia, South Carolina with The 17th Annual Jacksonville Food Fight two releases now on More than 40 of Jacksonville’s finest restaurants and beverage Columbia Records. Also wholesalers come together for one of Jacksonville’s premiere playing Eve To Adam and food events. In addition to the great food and spirits, there is live Five Star Failure. Tickets: entertainment and a silent auction featuring an array of exciting $15 advance, $20 at the items such as Jaguar memorabilia, fine wines, weekend getaways, door. Freebird – 8 pm golf packages, jewelry, Jacksonville Symphony orchestra tickets, Info: 246-2473 dining certificates, fabulous artwork, and much more. Best of all, the proceeds go to a great cause, the Lutheran Social Services’ A Static Lullaby Second Harvest Food Bank. Tickets are $50 each for general A Static Lullaby is a post together on tour, k.d. lang and lyle lovett admission and $75 for VIP admission. hardcore band from Chino Crown Royal Touchdown Club East, Jacksonville Municipal Hills, California. Their Stadium- 6:00 pm -9:00 pm sound consists of distorted or screaming vocals countered Info: 448-5995 or http://www. with melodic singing. Also playing A Thorn for Every Heart, june 9 lssjax.org./ Four Letter Lie and Panic Division. saturday Jackrabbits – 8 pm Info: 398-7496 Gary Gulman Community Care Day You may remember this guy casper and the cookies Bring the family and enjoy a day of fun! Events will include from a little reality show called Jump houses, Mega Slide, obstacle course activity, Hurricane Last Comic Standing. Gary Preparedness Seminar with Mike Buresh, Chief Meteorologist, chair Gulman placed third on the NBC massages, face painting/balloon animals, Crazy Candy, popcorn, series and has since become cotton candy and sno cones. Radio Disney will be onsite from a star, appearing on Leno, 11am-1pm and there will be live performances by local artists, Letterman, Kimmel and that one including special guests, JONRA. Food from the Orange Park Ale show with the weird British guy. House will be provided for no charge. All events and activities are The funny man will perform Free! Florida Metropolitan University, 805 Wells Road- 10:00 am to right here in Jax on June 7th 2:00 pm Info: 264-9122 or www.fmu.edu gary gulman through the 10th. Ticket prices are $18 or $20 on Thursday and Come Together (Right Now) Celebration Sunday, $20 or $22 on Friday and Saturday Comedy Zone The music of the Beatles lives on with a Magical Mystery Tour Info: 292-4242 or www.comedyzone.com of the Clubhouse at the TPC. At the evening benefit feed your harmonious palate with musical guest The Revolution and enjoy cocktails beginning at 6 pm, dinner and the concert all in one night. M. Coast with Casper and the Cookies and Tickets range from $30-$150. june 8 Emperor X Clubhouse at the TPC Sawgrass, 110 TPC Boulevard- 6:00 pm friday Info: 280-0614, ext.205 Athens, Georgia’s Casper & the Cookies have been creating a Survivor’s Day Celebration peculiar brand of power pop since 1999, tirelessly testing new waters in their songwriting and sonic palate. Jason NeSmith Celebrate life with the Cancer Care Resource Center, at the first (aka Casper Fandango, ex- Of Montreal) shares writing and annual Survivor’s Day Celebration. Enjoy refreshments, door prizes, recording duties with Kay Stanton. Jim Hicks, Joe Rowe live music, and an art show, all for a great cause. (ex-Glands), Davy Gibbs and a rotating cast of unsavory Flagler Hospital Atrium, St. Augustine- 11:00 am-1:00 pm characters round out the lineup. M. Coast (at one time known Info: 819-4793 as Marshmallow Coasting) is another Athens, Ga based band with Of Montreal connections. Members include Andy Gonzales Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Choir (Guitar, Vocals), Sara Kirkpatrick (Flute, Percussion), Derek Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, University of North Florida, Almstead (Bass, Vocals), Emily Growden (Vocals, Keys), and and The Jacksonville Sister Cities Association (JSCA) are proud to Carlton Owens (Drumset). And of course Jacksonville’s own, present the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University Choir’s Florida Emperor X, will be doing their thing. TSI – 9 pm Info: 424- Tour as part of a cultural exchange program between Jacksonville 3531 and our sister city Nelson Mandela Bay Municipality (formerly Port chris norman ensemble Elizabeth), Republic of South Africa. Founded in 1973, JSCA is a JUNE 8 - 9 Florida non-profit entity committed to fostering and encouraging mutual understanding, friendship and peace through cultural, Kelly Scott Quintet Chris Norman Ensemble Lisa Kelly & J.B. Scott Jazz 5tet will be performing their economic, educational and professional exchanges between the Flautist/flutist/flute player/guy with flute Chris Norman leads this Mainstream Jazz at Ocean 60’s Martini Room from 9 pm to people of Jacksonville and the people of its sister cities. This event Canadian quartet who performs 16th century dance music of midnight. is free and open to the public at the University of North Florida Maritime Canada, Scotland and Ireland as part of the Beaches Fine Info: 247- 0060 University Center- 6:30 pm. Info: 630-1059 Arts Series. Free! Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach- 7:00 pm Info: 241-6100

4 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Fusebox Funk and Johnny Cakes Jacksonville’s own Fusebox Funk, stemming literally from everywhere musically, the audience finds hip hop, jazz, rock, funk and R&B blurred together, in a sound that is aggressive, yet enlightened. The band has recently added drummer Jeff Byrd to the fold and the intensity has escalated to new levels. Tickets: $5 Freebird Info: 246-2473

Second Thief This band displays a ferocious new take on Christian hardcore-influenced metal. With Sonset Down, Divide the Sea and Embrace the Empire. Tickets: $8 Murray Hill Theatre Info: 388-7807

warren hill sunday june 10 Smooth Sounds of Hot Summer Nights The City of Jacksonville Beach addresses the stifling heat with the cool sounds of jazz during its annual outdoor concert series. The concert begins at 5 pm with Nightfall, at 6 pm Steve Oliver takes the stage and headliner Warren Hill will perform at 7:30. Warren Hill, named “Woodwind Artist of the Year” in late April 2007 by the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, is not only one of the most gifted jazz saxophonist in the jazz world, but is also a talented and innovative creator of new and different ways to present his music and connect with his fans. This Event is free! Sea Walk Pavilion- 5:00 pm- 9:00 pm Info: 247-6100 press 3, or jacksonvillebeach.org.

Look Mexico Look Mexico’s MySpace categorizes them as Indie / Pop but they describe themselves as follows: “We obviously make completely original music that completely strays way from the American Popular Music paradigm and idiom.” See Fake Problems and Shangrala at look mexico Jack Rabbits - 8 pm Info: 398-7496 monday june 11 Theatreworks presents Free Summer Theatre! Start the summer off right with Free Summer Theatre, presented by Theatreworks. The special event continues with “Rockin’ Red Riding Hood” from Monday until Thursday June 14. This show is suitable for children of all ages. Jacksonville Library, Main Branch- 11:00 am and 1:00 pm each day Info: 355-3500 or www.theatreworksjax.com/ tuesday june 12

Ballyhoo Join Ballyhoo for their Surf Roots Tour. Since early high school, Ballyhoo! has been sharing it’s groovy hybrid of rock, reggae, and punk with all who will listen. Come to The Freebird for this all-ages show. Tickets: $10 Freebird – 8 pm Info: 246-247 wednesday june 13 K.D. Lang and Lyle Lovett Four-time Grammy award winners Lyle Lovett and K.D. Lang come together for a joint tour this summer. Lang will be backed by her small quartet and Lovett, by his legendary Large Band. Tickets: $35.50- $65 Times Union Center for Performing Arts- 7:00 pm Info: 353-3309.

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 5 Movies Opening This Week

OCEANS 13 George Clooney and his partner Steven Soderbergh in Section 8 Productions again need capital, so they produced another Oceans film. For the third episode, Danny Ocean (Clooney) assemble his henchmen for another heist. Casino owner Willy Bank double-crosses one of the original eleven. The sting is on. Rated PG-13

SURFS UP Emperor penguins are the hottest animation subject after the success of The March of the Penguins. In this animated penguin movie, penguins somehow invented surfing and this is a behind-the-scenes look at the Annual Penguin World Surfing Championship. Up and coming surfer dude, Cody Maverick, thinks he’s hot stuff, featuring the voice of Shia LaBeouf . Rated PG

HOSTEL:PART II Hapless American college students studying abroad are lured to a Slovakian hostel where they discover hellish horrors of torture and other bloody terror. Rated R

THE VALET In this French foreign language film, a porter and a top model have to pretend to be a cowabunga couple in order to salvage a CEO’s marriage. Rated PG-13 Surf’s Up movie review Now Playing

28 WEEKS LATER Six months have passed since by MORGAN HENLEY [email protected] the “rage” virus has annihilated the British Isles. The A Rated PG 85 min. interviews. Cody’s surfer attitude U.S. Army declares that the war against infection shines through and makes him has been won, and that the reconstruction of the Well, first off, and most importantly, do not all the more loveable. country can begin. As the first wave of refugees dismiss Surf’s Up as another penguin movie. It’s prob- The soundtrack also helps return, a family is reunited, but one of them ably going to be the summer’s biggest non-sequel add to the realistic approach. unwittingly carries a terrible secret. The virus is blockbuster. The movie, which was made to mock a Playing family friendly, chill not yet dead, and this time, showing no outward surf documentary, features a young penguin, Cody, rock songs helps give the film symptoms, it is more dangerous than ever. Rated R who lives on the tropical Pen-Gu Island. Cody enters a a beachy feel. You’ll probably surf contest that features other surfing penguins who leave the theater thinking how resemble, and are voiced by, actual pro surfers Kelly the soundtrack would make Slater and Rob Machado. perfect day-at-the-beach music. The quality of the picture and amazing CGI ani- The soundtrack calls on such mation will sometimes make you wonder if this is the artists as 311, Lauryn Hill, Incu- real thing or animated. There’s a lot you can do with bus, and Pearl Jam. the fur of a penguin and the clarity of a sparkling blue The film really and truly is wave. In a world where HD quality is the norm, Surf’s your best bet for a family pleas- Up doesn’t disappoint. Hailed by some as being one of ing summer movie. Who doesn’t the most advanced animated movies ever made, the love penguins, honestly? After details are impeccable. If you’ve never watched a surf the success of films likeMarch documentary, they’re pretty well known for having a of the Penguins and Happy AWAY FROM HER Grant and Fiona have been crystal clear picture, which is obviously reflected into Feet the popularity of these married for decades. They have been through Surf’s Up. tuxedo-clad waddle kings has rough patches, but their lives are inextricably The documentary style really gives the film soared. Kids will enjoy the do-gooder message and a kick out of the characters and constant laughs connected and their relationship seems idyllic; they more humor and a niche. The news crew from the talking animals. Teens will appreciate the surf culture throughout. The jaw-dropping quality of the picture share a private language and obvious affection for SPEN channel covers the surf contest, along with the of the film along with the sly humor from Chicken will also leave everyone happy. one another. Now retired, they live comfortably documentary-makers who are following Cody. The Joe, Cody’s surfing chicken friend that adds constant It’s got a Pixar animation quality and a Disney- in a house in the country, but their contentment characters throughout narrate the events with personal laughs as the wacky, sidekick. Parents will also get esque plotline, with a little edge of it’s own that’s is permanently disrupted when Fiona’s memory going to give the Sony Animation film an extra boost. starts to deteriorate. Starring Julie Christie, Gordon This is only Sony’s second major animated movie Pinsent, Olympia Dukakis, Michael Murphy and after last year’s Open Season. Wendy Crewson. Rated PG-13 Cody is voiced by former Disney Channel star, Shia Lebouf, who provides the perfect voice for the BUG Bug A lonely waitress with a tragic past, young and inexperienced surfing penguin. Tank Evans, Agnes rooms in a run-down motel, living in fear Cody’s too-cocky rival, is great with his blatant dis- of her abusive, recently paroled ex-husband. But regard for modesty and intimidating moves. Cody’s love interest is a cute penguin named Lani, voiced by 4 popular actress Zooey Deschanel, who helps Cody get out of a rough time by comforting him and introducing him to surfing legend “Big Z”, voiced by Jeff Bridges. Throughout the movie, there are interviews that sound like they are actually from real surfers, which give the movie more of a factual appearance, although the whole “talking penguin” thing clears the way for any possible misinterpretations. Overall, it’s fun, it’s cute, and it’s perfect for the family.

6 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

Larry David’s Marriage Curbed Larry and Laurie David have amicably separated after 14 years of mar- riage, sources close to the couple confirmed to E! Online. The couple has two daughters, 12-year-old Cazzie and 10-year-old Romy, who recently made cameo appearances alongside their father in an episode of Hannah Montana.

Crowe forms Production Company Russell Crowe has formed his own production company, Fear of God Films, and plans to produce the romantic comedy Dolce’s Inferno as his shingle’s first project, per Variety. The actor has no plans to star in the film, which centers on an L.A. gossip columnist who falls in love and watches his world fall apart. Iron Mike Bollywood Star? Mike Tyson gone Bolllywood? According to the Times of India, the former heavyweight champ may have has his sights set on Bollywood stardom. Tyson told the paper that his recent appearance in a music video to promote the Bollywood comedy Fool n Final sparked his interest in looking for additional work within the Indian film industry and said that he had already been approached with a script. Yeah, he can bite the ear off his co-star. Girls Gone Wild Guy Gets Bail Joe Francis’ attorney Aaron Dyer said Monday that a U.S. magistrate judge had issued an order permit- ting the Girls Gone Wild guru to be released on $1.5 million bail after almost one month in federal cus- tody on tax evasion charges. However, as a condition of posting bail, Francis was first required to sort out the terms of his freedom with Florida authorities, as he is wanted in the Sunshine State for charges that include videotaping underage girls in sexual situations and smuggling contraband into jail. Ah, he’s just a normal horny male. Beckham gets Bent NBC’s reality series starring Victoria Beckham (Posh Spice) may be cropped down into a primetime special, per the Hollywood Reporter. The project was originally planned as a six- episode series, following the Beckham family’s relocation to Los Angeles, where David Beck- ham will play for the Galaxy soccer team. Pub- lished reports have suggested the erstwhile Posh Spice threw the series into jeopardy by remaining in Europe to watch her husband make his triumphant return to England’s na- tional soccer team. Idol Ingenue American Idol runner-up Katharine McPhee will make her feature film debut in the indie dark romantic comedy The Last Caller, per the Hollywood Reporter. The aspiring actress said that she was “up for a couple of big studio projects,” but that the low-budget film was the first script she read that she really wanted to do. The role does not call for any singing. Paris Chic in Orange Paris Hilton’s attorney, Richard Hutton, told reporters Monday that his client is “doing very well under the circumstances” since turning herself in to begin serving a 23-day jail sentence. “She’s using this time to reflect on her life, to see what she can do to make the world better.” Just think about the commercial possibilities of Paris’ jail time–a book, reality show, even a film. Moving Up Sam Waterson may be angling for a Law & Order promotion. The actor is reportedly in talks to step in as the show’s New York district attorney, replacing Fred Thompson, who recently quit the show in order to focus on a potential presidential run.

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 7 when Agnes begins a tentative romance with Peter, an eccentric, nervous drifter, she starts to feel hopeful personality as he struggles with his addiction. again-until the first bugs arrive. Starring: Lynn Collins, Marge Helgenberger skillfully portrays Brooks’ Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Lynn Collins, Brian wife, Emma, who thinks she’s married to the perfect O’Byrne. Rated R man. Danielle Panabaker (from Shark) plays his daughter, who drops out of college for reasons that she is keeping from her parents. Yes, it’s one happy and prosperous American family. But dad has a monkey on his back that could destroy his entire em- pire. Yet he continues practicing his sideline of serial killing to satisfy his craving for blood and death. Demi Moore deftly portrays homicide detective Tracy Atwood, who has been working Brooks’ string of murders. He is dubbed the “Thumb Print Killer” because he always leaves a victim’s bloody thumb print at the scene of his crime. Atwood is frustrated because the killer is meticulous and leaves no evi- dence behind. He wraps his gun in plastic to catch DISTURBIA Shia LaBeouf stars as Kale, a kid who the shell casings and he’s careful not to leave any punches out his teacher, and consequently, is placed DNA or fibers behind. under house arrest wearing an ankle bracelet with As a subtext to the story, Atwood comes from GPS. While confined to his house, he gets bored and wealth and is worth more than $60 million dollars. becomes a voyeur. First, he spies on his beautiful She wanted to work as a police officer to make a teenage neighbor who comes over to confront him. difference and show her father she was more than Then, he sees strange things going on at another a superficial heiress. She is also going through a neighbor’s house that leads him to believe the man, bitter divorce from a gold-digging Don Juan. Moore Mr. Turner (David Morse), is a serial killer. Rated PG-13 portrays the driven, alpha-personality that is warped by anger, Atwood, with emotional insight. GEORGIA RULE A rebellious teenager (Lindsey mild mannered murder Another tangent to the already complex plot is Lohan) is hauled off by her dysfunctional mother the emergence of Mr. Smith, played with amazing (Felicity Huffman) to spend the summer with her acting skill by Dane Cook. Smith is an amateur pho- grandmother (Jane Fonda). This arrangement will lead Mr. Brooks movie review tographer who has shot some incriminating pictures all three women to revelations of long buried family of Brooks committing a murder. He turns up one day secrets and a greater understanding of family unity. at Brooks’ company with copies of the photographs. Rated R by Rick grant [email protected] What he wants is to learn Brooks’ skill at killing by going with Brooks on his hunts. Marshall, Brooks’ GRACIE Gracie Bowen (Carly Schroeder) is a 15- alter ego, warns him that this kid is trouble. For the year old girl who is obsessed with soccer. When her time being, Brooks goes along with Smith to find out soccer star brother, John, is killed in a car accident, what he knows and where he is stashing the copies she wants to take his spot on the all-male soccer of the photos and memory cards from his camera. team. Her dad, Bryan (Dermot Mulroney) is a former As it turns out, Smith is easy to read–he’s not very soccer star and coach. At first he is against Gracie smart. trying out for the team. Eventually, dad helps her train Evans’ best writing is his dialogue between for the try-out. However, the coach doesn’t give her Marshall and Brooks–two distinctly different person- any chance of making the team. Rated PG 13 alities trapped in one body. Marshall wants to keep on killing, but doesn’t want to get caught. Brooks KNOCKED UP The consequences of having suggests that he will eventually make a mistake and unprotected sex is explored in this comedy. Slacker get caught. The debate between Brooks and Marshall Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) meets a vivacious woman, is riveting and gives the viewer insight into Brooks’ Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl), in a bar. They get drunk multiple personality disorder with homicidal tenden- and go back to his place to have sex. Oops, she gets cies. pregnant. Ben has to grow up quickly to deal with this There are many shocking surprises that make life-altering event. For the first time in his life, Ben has the scenario unpredictable and Emma’s problems to accept responsibility and he’s not ready. Rated R escalate into a family crisis. Costner portrays Brooks with cold steely con- MR. BROOKS Kevin Costner stars as a charming fidence. His characterization of Brooks is chilling man who has a split personality. In his spare time, and disturbing. He also produced the film and had he’s a serial killer. Demi Moore plays homicide input into the script along with Evans’ writing partner detective Tracy Atwood, who is on his trail, and Dane Reynold Gideon. Like pedophiles, sociopaths like Cook portrays Mr. Smith–who wants to be just like Mr. Brooks can’t stop killing. They have been taken over Brooks. Rated R by evil, which dominates their personality. It’s even B+ Rated R 120 min cal Man of The Year for his community service work. more disturbing that in real life, there are people like PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE AT WORLD’S Evan’s script examines in-depth Brooks’ twisted dual Brooks who hide under their veil of respectability. END Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Everyone has a dark side. Some people are Swann (Keira Knightley) are allied with Captain plagued with evil thoughts. Others fight addictions. Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Then there are people like Mr. Brooks (Kevin Cost- Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind- ner) who have multiple personalities. Mr. Brooks’ bending trap in Davy Jones’ locker, while the terrifying evil alter ego is Marshall (William Hurt). Mr. Brooks fights his alter ego like an addiction. He even attends 4 AA meetings and mutters the slogans and prayers. Ah, but he succumbs to his addiction, which is much stronger than his will to resist it. To Brooks, killing is the ultimate rush–far more powerful than drugs, alcohol, or gambling. In this masterfully written psycho-drama by writer/director, Bruce A. Evans, Brooks is a pillar of the community, having built up a successful corpora- tion making boxes. In fact, he was just voted the lo-

8 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper fighting technique. As the chase goes on, they ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, and Davy Jones, encounter such extraordinary obstacles as Shriek- under the control of the East India Trading Company, ing Eels, the Cliffs of Insanity, the Fire Swamp, and wreak havoc across the Seven Seas. Rated PG-13 Rodents of Unusual Size. The story then focuses on the Man in Black’s SHREK THE THIRD The big green ogre is back with quest to stop the wedding between Prince Hump- his pals for another adventure. When his new father- erdinck and Buttercup. Although he fought and de- in-law, King Harold, falls ill, Shrek is viewed as the feated both Inigo and Fezzig, they soon join him and heir to the land of Far, Far Away. Shrek, who doesn’t help their new friend accomplish his goal. Of course, want to give up his beloved swamp, recruits his pals a medieval fantasy such as this cannot end without Donkey and Puss in Boots to install the rebellious maximum happiness. Artie as the new king. Princess Fiona rallies a band of Filled with clever dialogue, hilarious antics and royal girlfriends to fend off a coup d’etat by the jilted an abundance of well-developed characters, this Prince Charming. Rated PG movie has entertained this writer with every viewing. It is truly a classic for all age groups, much like Willy SPIDER-MAN 3 Spidey is back for a third episode. Wonka and the Chocolate Factory or The Wizard of In this scenario, he explores his dark side when an Oz. alien entity lands on earth and attaches itself to Peter Here are just a few of the best lines from the Parker (Tobey Mcguire). Suddenly, Spidey is acting movie: like a jerk, but he likes his new powers. Spidey’s new • “You fell victim to one of the classic blunders! The personality puts a strain on his relationship with Mary most famous is never get involved in a land war in Jane (Kirsten Dunst). Rated PG-13 Asia, but only slightly less well-known is this: never go in against a Sicilian when death is on the line!” WAITRESS This indie from filmmaker Adrianne • “Truly, you have a dizzying intellect.” Shelly, who also appears in the film, was a winner • “You’ll put down your rock and I’ll put down my at Sundance. But the film took on new significance sword, and we’ll try and kill each other like civilized when Shelly was murdered by a construction worker people?” in her own apartment in NYC just before the picture’s • “Life is pain, Highness. Anyone who says differ- premiere. Shelly’s scenario is about a waitress, inconceivable! ently is selling something.” played by Keri Russell, who is unhappily married but • “You’ve got an overdeveloped sense of vengeance. hopes to win $25,000 in a pie baking contest. She It’s going to get you into trouble someday.” loses all hope when she finds out she is pregnant Princess Bride at the San Marco Theatre until she meets a newcomer to town and falls into Go to imdb.com and find The Princess Bride. an unlikely relationship with him as a last attempt at They have a Quotes page, Trivia page, and Goofs happiness. Also starring Jeremy Sisto, Cheryl Hines, by DONALD DUSINBERRE [email protected] page that will keep the rabid fan entertained for Nathan Fillion and Andy Griffith. Rated PG-13 hours. Then, check out this timeless classic on the Showtimes: the Giant, Billy Crystal, Christopher Guest, Mandy big screen one last time (or for the first time) at the Friday, June 8th @ Midnight Patinkin, and Peter Falk. San Marco Theatre. Special Showings Saturday, June 9th @ Midnight The story is set in a fictional medieval kingdom Sunday, June 10th @ 2 pm called Florin, where a young maiden named But- tercup (Robin Wright) lives on her family’s farm. You know the feeling you get when the movie She receives great pleasure in ordering the doting you’ve been dying to see stops showing at the the- Farm Boy (Cary Elwes) around, and they fall deeply atres? It’s awful. You get angry at the theatres for not in love. Farm Boy must leave the farm and promises waiting indefinitely to return for Buttercup, for you to mosey but he is soon presumed on in. You’re disap- dead, leaving Buttercup pointed with yourself heartbroken and unwit- for not making more tingly back on the single’s of an effort. But market. worst of all, you get The smarmy depressed because Prince Humperdinck you know you’ll (Chris Sarandon), learn- never see that movie ing of Buttercup’s marital on the silver screen. availability, forces her to It’ll never be that accept his proposal for large again, and the marriage, much to her prospect of watching chagrin. Fortunately, her it on your television long lost Farm Boy is still in six months is no alive, masquerading as the consolation. Man in Black (not Johnny Luckily, the Cash) and trailing a trio of San Marco Theatre mercenaries back to the Moonlight Movie has cured many of kingdom. On Friday, June 8 FORREST GUMP will be the final your favorite mov- The mercenaries, moonlight movie of the season to be shown outdoors ies of their terminal Vizzini (Wallace Shawn), under the stars at the Jacksonville Beach Pavilion. smallness. Our city’s Inigo Montoya (Mandy most celebrated old Patinkin), and Fezzig movie theatre will (Andre the Giant), are on 4 be showing a series a mission to spark a war of midnight movies between Florin and Guilder, throughout the sum- a rival kingdom. As it turns mer, and this writer’s out, Prince Humperdinck favorite guilty plea- is the mastermind behind sure of all-time is one of them. the whole endeavor, allow- The Princess Bride was first released in 1987 ing the bungling trio to “kidnap” Buttercup and leave and is based on a novel by William Goldman. It is “evidence” that places blame on Guilder. The Man chock full of notable stars with memorable perfor- in Black follows Vizzini, Inigo, and Fezzig across the mances, including Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, Andre kingdom, defeating each of them with their preferred

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 9 The movie begins at 9 pm but you should arrive early August 15th- The Notorious to get a space because these events have become very popular and fill up quickly. Bring a lawn chair Bettie Page moving pictures at MOCA Based on the life of classic pin-up beauty, or blanket and a picnic dinner, or you can purchase snacks at the Pavilion. Bettie Page, this film by Mary Harron takes a look at how the notorious Bettie Page went from the in- Midnight Movie a museum treat for cinephiles nocent girl-next-door to the sexy bombshell we all The Princess Bride (1987) See page 9 for more info remember. This film is rated R. on this movie. June 8 and 9 at midnight, June 10 at 2pm at the San Marco Theatre. Info: 396-4845. by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] We’re already three weeks into MOCA Jack- sonville’s Summer Cinema series and the Downtown MOCA Summer Cinema Most of the time you only get one shot at and find his humanity. This film is rated PG and is a hotspot is just getting started, with more movies, MOCA Jacksonville’s Film Series is offering an seeing a film as it’s meant to be seen, in a dark- terrific family offering. pre-show Happy Hours and delectable dinners at eclectic array of fantastic films and special guest ened movie theater on the big screen. These brief Café Nola taking place on Wednesday nights. Each speakers during their MOCA Summer Cinema. Don’t windows of time leave those who don’t have time th screening will take place at 7 pm with the box office miss this opportunity to see some of the most to spend every waking hour at the theater out in the July 11 - When Fried Eggs Fly opening at 6 pm. Tickets are $6 for members and artful thought-provoking films of our time. Meet cold, forcing them to resort to the DVD a couple Music teacher Bruce Mack and his class of students and $8 for everyone else. For more infor- your friends in the Museum’s Atrium before the of months later. And, while I love to spend a quiet 162 eight-year olds embark on a challenging yet re- mation on this and other MOCA Jacksonville events, 7 pm showing for MOCA’s happy hour, held each evening at home with the latest DVD release, there is warding journey to compose, record and perform an visit mocajacksonville.org or call 366-6911. Wednesday evening, and pick up a glass of wine or nothing like seeing a film in the theater. MOCA Jack- original song. This film is not rated but is suitable for a cold beverage to enjoy as you watch the movie. sonville is allowing patrons to enjoy special screen- adults and children alike. After the screening, Bruce On Wednesday, June 13, COCAINE ANGEL, the gritty ings of a number of phenomenal movies that you Mack will be on hand to answer audience questions Jacksonville film that made it’s debut at last year’s might have missed when they were in theaters. From and share his experiences. An encore presentation Jacksonville Film Festival, will be shown. Cocaine the 1985 classic Brazil to independents like Cocaine of When Fried Eggs Fly will be shown on Friday, Angel captures a grinding and tragic week in the life th Angel, the MOCA Summer Cinema series offers July 13 at 1:00 and will conclude with a Q & A with of a weary young drug addict who is clinging to the a wide variety of great films to choose from. The David Mack. remnants of his once hopeful existence amidst the stink, the sweat, and unforgiving heat of Jacksonville, series has already begun and Brazil, Transamerica Florida. With a Q&A with Writer/Producer/Star and The Devil’s Backbone have come and gone. But, Damian Lahey, This film is not appropriate for there are still plenty of films to see, including three children. Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non- with Q & As with the filmmakers. members. If you are not already a MOCA member, take advantage of the Film Series membership special – join the Museum the night of the movie and then watch the show for free!

Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Series See the great movies boomers grew up with that still intrigue and enthrall all generations. Relax at a FREE 5:45 showing of a classic film in the Jacksonville Public Library Main Branch Auditorium with complimantary popcorn and soda and then enjoy an July 18th- Akeelah and the Bee evening downtown. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday. An eleven-year old girl gets a chance to change The next film isSPLENDOR IN THE GRASS on June her life when she is forced to enter a school spelling 14. Info: 630-2665. June 13th- Cocaine Angel bee. After winning the event, Akeelah finds herself one step closer to the granddaddy of all bees, the PLAGUES & PLEASURES ON THE SALTON SEA Filmed in our very own River City, Cocaine Scripps National Spelling Bee. This film is rated PG Come to the Subterranean Cinema @ The Pit for Angel tells the tragic story of a young drug addict’s and is family friendly. their annual outdoor screening on Sunday, June trials and tribulations. Directed by Michael Tully 17 at 9:45 pm. Filmmaker, Chris Metzler will be and starring Damian Lahey (who also served as the in attendance at this screening about the once film’s writer and producer), the film gives a harrow- July 25th- Cinema Paradiso cherished and man-made mistake of the Salton ing look at a week in the life of an addict. This film This 1990 Italian film by Giuseppe Tornatore Sea, which is narrated by John Waters. Bring your is rated R. The evening will conclude with a Q & A tells the story of a young man who fondly remem- lawn chair and cooler to The Pit, located at 406 with Lahey. bers a childhood friendship that changed his life Chelsea St. in the Brooklyn area of Jacksonville. Info: forever. This film is rated R. subterraneancinema.com June 20th- TsoTsi st Summer Movie Classics 2007 Set in Johannesburg, South Africa, Tsotsi is August 1 - Y Tu Mama Tambien The Florida Theatre will be showing Summer Movie about a young gang leader who finds himself in a Two close friends go on a road trip that leads to Classics on Sundays throughout the Summer. difficult situation when the car he jacks from a high- a lot more than a few snapshots and fond memories. Enjoy great selections from cinematic history in class neighborhood has a baby in the backseat. After meeting an older woman, Tenoch and Julio the beautiful setting of one of Jacksonville’s own Unwilling to turn himself in and unable to abandon trick her into joining them on the quest for the per- classics. The series begins with HIGH SOCIETY the child, Tsotsi decides to raise the baby on his fect beach. This film is rated R. starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra own, despite not knowing how to do so. This Oscar- on June 24. All showings start at 2 pm. Call 355- winning film is rated R. ARTS for details or go to floridatheatre.com.

th June 27th- The Iron Giant August 8 - An Inconvenient When a gigantic metal robot lands in a small Truth Maine town in 1958, the entire sleepy burg finds In this provocative documentary Al Gore pres- themselves filled with fear and prejudice toward the ents the facts about the state of our environment and massive iron man. Everyone, that is, except for a the impact it will have on future generations. This young boy named Hogarth, who helps the misunder- film is rated PG. A local expert will be on hand after stood stranger make peace with his new neighbors the screening for a Q & A.

10 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 11 The DVD features 18 songs from Dinosaur Jr’s first three albums, which are presented energetically and new on dvd with no sense of boredom. It’s always disappointing to Fantastic Four - Extended Cut (111 min.) see a group slog through their old songs, but all three A group of astronauts gain superpowers after a members seem to get a kick out of playing them again. cosmic radiation exposure and must use them Funny highlights include a few stage appearances by an to oppose the plans of their enemy, Doctor Vic- ugly but lovable mascot monster. It reminds us that the tor Von Doom. Bursting with hours and hours of old days are not over, and the band clearly doesn’t think bonus material including an exclusive 100 minute they are either. “Making of” featurette and an Inside Look at Fan- In addition to the songs, the DVD also includes tastic Four 2, this Extended Edition also features an interview section with appearances by Kim Gordon, 20 minutes of footage added back into the film. Mike Watt, Matt Dillon, Thurston Moore, and Kevin Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense action, and Shields. It’s a little boring and fakey, but if you’re a fan, some suggestive content. you’ll most likely watch it. For that matter, I suppose we’ll watch anything else that comes on the disc at least Hurricane on the Bayou (42 min.) once, no matter how stupid it is. Besides, who doesn’t Shot before and after the unprecedented devasta- want to hear what Kevin Shields has to say? tion of Hurricane Katrina, this documentary brings Casual fans might enjoy owning Live in the Middle into focus the startling loss of Louisiana’s rapidly East if they are also a fan of owning DVDs. Rabid fans disappearing coastal wetlands that are New Or- who can’t remember being at the actual concert might leans’ first line of defense against deadly storms. also enjoy owning this DVD, if only to help them recall This film is not rated. what they’ve already seen. Joe Rogan Live (55 min.) Regardless of his success on television, Joe live in the middle east Rogan’s true love is stand-up comedy. With more than 15 years as a touring comedian, Rogan has honed an opinionated comedic style that chal- lenges the status quo. From his unorthodox ideas Dinosaur Jr. reunion show dvd for peace in the Middle East to debunking the myth of Noah’s Ark and appreciating the vastness of space - all of the energy of a live Joe Rogan by DONALD DUSENBERRE [email protected] performance is captured on Joe Rogan: Live! This film is not rated. As we all know, J, Lou, and Murph have all promised to play Maxed Out (90 min.) nice and say they’re sorry to each When Hurricane Katrina ravaged America’s Gulf other. Surprising as that was, Di- Coast, it laid bare an uncomfortable reality-Ameri- nosaur Jr. has now released a live ca is not only far from the world’s wealthiest na- DVD of their reunion, which is not tion; it is crumbling beneath a staggering burden so surprising. Obviously, we ex- of individual and government debt. Maxed Out pect to be presented with a batch takes viewers on a journey deep inside the Ameri- of new products when a band can debt-style, where everything seems okay as reunites. What is most interesting long as the minimum monthly payment arrives on about this DVD is how clearly it time. This film is not rated. reveals the band’s outlook and The Messengers (90 min.) stays true to their same old (and The Solomon family leaves the hustle-and-bustle new) style. of Chicago life for the solace of a run-down farm If you haven’t had the in North Dakota. As Roy (McDermott) and Denise chance to see their live show Solomon (Miller) try to repair their failing mar- recently (or ever), this DVD will riage, their troubled daughter, Jess (Stewart), and get you as close to being there as 3-year-old son, Ben (Evan and Theodore Turner), possible. I’ve seen their live show realize their new home is haunted. Rated PG-13 twice since their reunion, and they for mature thematic material, disturbing violence and terror. look just as fat and old in the DVD as they did from the Norbit (162 min.) pit. But don’t worry, Dinosaur Jr. has never been about As a baby, Norbit (Eddie Murphy) was abandoned looks. People go to their shows to witness, not examine. on the steps of a Chinese restaurant/orphanage Live in the Middle East gives us an accurate look at the and raised by Mr. Wong (Eddie Murphy). Things band and shows us that, despite their physical appear- get worse when he’s forced into marriage by the ance, they have lost nothing to the passage of time. mean, junk food-chugging queen, Rasputia (Eddie Murph pounds the drums with as much muscle as ever, Murphy). Just when Norbit’s hanging by his last and Lou continues to look like his old apathetic self. It’s thread, his childhood sweetheart, Kate (Thandie a little creepy to see J’s long, shaggy silver hair bounce Newton), moves back to town. Rated PG-13 for back and forth just like Ted Nugent, but we can clearly crude and sexual humor, some nudity and lan- hear how much fun he is having with those solos. guage. The video production is clean and simple. With a few cameras mounted around the stage, they capture Secrets of the Code (90 min.) Dinosaur Jr’s live set just as you’d see it in person. Any Actress Susan Sarandon narrates this documen- flashiness comes solely from the stage lights, which tary based upon New York Times best-selling drench the band in green and purple. In comparison to author Dan Burstein’s book of the same title, live DVDs released by other groups, its near-amateur which takes a look at the controversy surrounding quality is annoying at first. They’ve got enough cash and the best-selling book and blockbuster film The Da- support to put out a huge-budget DVD, but all we get is Vinci Code. This feature-length documentary in- stripped down production. After a few songs, however, it cludes interviews and commentary by renowned quickly becomes apparent that we get all we need. The scholars, theologians, scientists and historians, footage is presented true to Dinosaur’s form and style. including Timothy Freke, Richard Leigh, Sean Other than their music, Dinosaur Jr. has never pulled off Martin and Elaine Pagels. This film is not rated. anything slick, and Live in the Middle East wouldn’t be as good if it were.

12 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper starter wife Debra Messing shines in new USA series by Rick grant [email protected] Debra Messing carries this satirical new series on JACKSONVILLE USA with confidence and skill- ful acting as Molly Kagan, a fortysomething wife to a pow- erful Hollywood mogul, Kenny Kagan (Peter Jacobson). In the series’ 2-hour pilot, Kenny suddenly announces that he help wanted. wants a divorce–“it’s over” he says in an unemotional voice. Of course, after Molly we are seeking a professional, enthusiastic person to represent the had put her heart and soul into the marriage, she’s stunned area’s leading weekly entertainment publication. this is an exciting by how nonchalantly Kenny opportunity to deal directly with leading entertainment venues and dumped her. It’s all too sud- businesses and to promote exciting new movie premiers. den and he just dismisses her like downsizing an employee. Then, to her horror, she real- izes that she has become a “starter wife” who got a little sales experience is preferred, too old for her philandering husband, who is now seeing enthusiasm necessary. an 18-year old tabloid darling. How dare he! Thus begins Molly’s (904) 730-3003 · a locally and family owned business for over 25 years. rebirth as a single mom and a beautiful and available single white female in the shark-in- fested jungle of Malibu-land, where she has to find a new place to live, leaving the man- sion that she decorated. She opts for a gated condo com- munity that caters to divorced celebrities–The Colony, which also includes a spa and crack- pot psychologists. Yes, Molly is forced to launch a new life and eventually find love in the plastic land of superficial celebrities. board the Molly support team is Cricket Stewart Clearly, Debra Messing was the right choice (Miranda Otto). She’s the beautiful wife of A-list to lead this all-star cast. As a dumpee, Messing’s director, Jorge Stewart. Molly also strikes up a portrayal of Molly is comedic and emotionally seri- friendship with the security guard at The Colony ous, simultaneously. The fact that she will receive gate, Lavender (Anika Noni Rose), who is trying to a generous financial settlement is of little comfort better herself. Finally, when a mysterious stranger, to Molly, who has to pick up the pieces of her Sam (Stephan Moyer), saves her from drowning, shattered life with her young daughter to consider. and her big date with Studio Boss, Lou Monacan No sooner is she out of Kenny’s mansion than he (Joe Mantegna), falls through, she throws herself moves in his mistress, who wows Molly’s daughter at Sam to make herself feel better. Lou missed the with her dance moves. date because he is seen walking out into the ocean, Ah yes, Kenny just keeps hitting her with one presumably to kill himself. insult after another. This jerk is really flaunting his The 2-hour pilot took the time to develop the affair in her face and bragging that his teenage characters surrounding Molly, which leaves the next mistress is insatiable. In fact, Molly finds his supply episodes open to Molly’s ups and downs as a single of Viagra. Now, somehow, she has to get over the mom. USA obviously spent big bucks on quality hurt, outrage, and disgust that she feels and get on production and casting. But it’s Debra Messing’s with her life without looking like the poor starter wife showcase and she takes out the stops, using all of who is gossiped about behind her back. her considerable talents at drama and comedy to Molly’s cadre of loyal friends includes Molly’s pull off a tour de force performance. oldest and most cynical pal Joan Macallister (Judy Savvy cable channels such as USA, HBO, and Davis), who has so many hangups they’re arranged FX are offering many quality summer programming in subgroups. Of course, every Malibu celebrity choices that give viewers alternatives to watch- needs a gay pal like Rodney (Chris Diamantopoulos) ing endless repeats of the past season’s shows. who is steadfast in his friendship and is willing to Happily for all concerned, mostly the viewers, the do underhanded things for her, like getting some cable suits are spending the money to make quality of her possessions out of Kenny’s house. Also on shows, not cheesy summer replacement fare.

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 13 i want my kids tv children’s programming worth watching by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected]

Sitting kids in front of the television has always been frowned upon, but for some parents it’s the only way to get a second’s peace. I work from home and sometimes I need my kids to watch some TV in order to keep them distracted long enough to get things done. Be- lieve me, I have plenty of mom- guilt about it, but sometimes it’s the only thing that works. Luckily, there is a wide variety of children’s programming to choose from, allowing me to be picky about what my kids watch. I’ve found that not all kid’s television is created equal. Some strictly entertain while others actually teach kids something while entertaining them. These shows should not be confused with those that try so hard at educating that they forget their target demographic. Over the past five years of being a mom, I’ve conducted exhaustive research on what works and what doesn’t… OK, I’ve just watched a lot of TV. In any case, here are the best and worst networks for children’s programming.

Best Network - Disney Channel The Disney Channel has a wide variety of activities like yoga poses and lullabies. There are shows for kids of all ages. The preschool set can limited commercials on this cable network, but the enjoy Playhouse Disney from 6:00 am until around shows are so fun and educational that I can easily noon where shows like Little Einsteins and JoJo’s overlook the ads. Circus have found the perfect balance between education and captivation. While a couple of the Worst Network- Nickelodeon programs fail to hold my children’s attention, namely With the exception of Dora the Explorer, Back- Koala Brothers and Higglytown Heroes, the rest do a yardigans and Wonder Pets, Nickelodeon has very fine job of keeping the kids entertained. As the day little to offer in the preschool department. The pro- wears on, shows like Lilo and Stitch and The Proud gramming later in the day leaves a lot more to be de- Family steer away from the learning angle and focus sired, with sitcoms like Ned’s Declassified and Josh on fun, giving older kids something to watch if they and Drake, which don’t seem to have the charm of happen to be home from school. The evening hours Disney’s offerings. I have to applaud Nickelodeon bring sitcoms like The Suite Life of Zach and Cody for keeping dinosaurs like Spongebob Squarepants and Hannah Montana, where Hollywood’s hottest and Rugrats in rotation because they hold up well up-and-coming child actors are being molded into and still get laughs from me regardless of how many the next Lindsay Lohan, minus all the drunk driving times I’ve seen a particular episode. Still, the volume (we hope). The prime time hours usually consist of of commercials bothers me to no end, especially original movies that are becoming more and more during the early morning hours when shows for little entertaining, even to grown ups. Best of all, the viewers are on the air. Disney Channel has no commercials for products like sugary cereals or the latest “it” toy, giving moms and dads who don’t want their kids begging for Triple Worst Network Runner Up- Frosted Chocolate Sugar Oats with Marshmallows Cartoon Network some serious peace of mind. In place of ads, the There isn’t much to praise Cartoon Network for. channel gives kids updates on upcoming Disney Most of the shows, while entertaining, fail to hold projects through the Movie Surfers, a group of kids young children’s fleeting attentions and those that do who interview filmmakers and stars on location and have little redeeming value other than keeping them teach viewers about “movie magic” like CGI effects. quiet for 30 minutes. The commercials are just as evasive as Nickelodeon, taking up almost as much airtime as the show itself. The only thing that saved Best Network Runner Up- Cartoon Network from being the worst is their late Sprout night programming Adult Swim. The shows that air Sprout is a wonderful alternative to the Disney when the little ones are in bed are highly entertaining Channel, with 24 hours worth of quality preschool- for parents, bringing much needed laughter to the oriented programming. Shows like Caliou and Curi- end of hectic days, and we all know that if mommy’s ous George are on all day long and when the day happy, everyone’s happy. begins to wind down the Goodnight Show begins, So moms, don’t feel guilty when you grab the giving little viewers a chance to watch some of their remote. Kids TV programming has come a long way favorite shows interspersed with sleep-inducing since Popeye’s Pals and Captain Kangaroo.

14 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper video games by Norm stovall [email protected]

Pac-Man Championship Edition For Xbox 360

So maybe you bought Pac-Man and/or Ms. Pac-Man for Xbox 360 over Xbox live, but now you feel a little bummed because you were hoping to get something more, aside from the achieve- ments and the neat-o side panel art. Well, this week Microsoft is giving you a hell of an upgrade. Pac-Man Championship Edition is ready for download as of this week, so if you like to play Pac- Man games, you owe it to yourself to take a look at this game. Taking the core gameplay from the original game, and adding an innovative map system and lighting effects, Pac-Man CE plays like a dream. There are several interesting modes to choose from, including a mode where the entire level is dim, and you chase ghosts around in the dark, with only the edible dots lighting the way. Overall, Pac-Man Championship Edition is a great game for Pac-Man fans. If you don’t feel like paying 800 MS points for it, try the Demo first.

Surf’s Up For PS2 Also available for PS3, PSP, Nintendo DS, Gameboy Advance, Xbox 360, and Nintendo Wii

I like Surf’s Up for what it is. The developers of this game didn’t go the tired route of making an action platformer of an animated kid’s movie. Instead, they made a surf- ing game based on the theme of the movie, and this is a good thing. While not overly compli- cated, Surf’s Up will definitely play well among it’s targeted demo- graphic. The basic- but-fun gameplay consists of your selected character riding a wave through a course littered with obstacles. You can perform tricks off the lip of the wave, and you can also interact with items on the course, such as sliding along a fallen tree. Each level is opened up with an animated clip ei- ther from, or based on, the movie, which is entertaining to watch. While older kids might not get so into Surf’s Up, if your kid likes to play video games and is into the movie, this game should be worth checking out.

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 15 summer music fests Summer Festivals Turn Up the Heat

photo from bonnaroo 2006, Tom petty and the heartbreakers

What better way to listen to your favorite band then in the scorching summer heat with 90,000 other people in the middle of nowhere? If the big ticket summer arena tours aren’t for you, and the outdoor, all day thing is more of your scene, then it’s your season. Finding the summer music festival that’s right for you can be hard, because ev- ery festival is quite different. The energy of the crowd, the chance to see multiple acts, the bargain factor of the ticket, and the gallon of sweat to potentially pour out is just too irresistible for many. Not all festivals are the Woodstock of yesteryear, many of the most popular festivals stray from their classic jam band roots to please more of the mainstream crowd. by morgan henley

bonnaroo pitchfork Tennessee - June 14-17 Illinois - July 13-15 $250 $15 - 50 One of the most popular summer music festivals in the country is Bonnaroo. Because it takes place in Brought to you by the indie-rock bible, Pitchfork Media, this is probably one of the most valuable music Manchester, Tennessee, it is also one of the closest. As if Wilco, Tool, the Flaming Lips, the White Stripes, fests to catch if you’re any kind of indie rock fan. Big acts include Of Montreal, Iron and Wine, Sonic Ben Harper, and the Roots weren’t enough, this year is the festival’s five year anniversary so they are Youth, De La Soul, and Cat Power. Union Park, in Chicago, Illinois, provides a different perspective to the topping off that stellar lineup with a massive headliner: The Police. Bonnaroo has a reputation for letting festival concept because it isn’t in the middle of nowhere, as most other fests are. One of the unique fac- its guests have too good of a time. The word “Bonnaroo” is actually a Cajun slang term for “a really good tors to the Pitchfork festival is the opening night’s “Don’t Look Back Night,” wherein the artists will play time.” Camping is the norm here and you’re almost destined to get filthy. It’s also your best bet for catch- their classic albums in their entirety. Expect a crowd of around 40,000 over the course of the three-day ing a wide variety of performances, including every type of act from the Latino performers of Manu Chao, festival, perhaps even more because of the “Don’t Look Back” attraction. to singer-songwriter Regina Spektor, to the jam band sensation String Cheese Experiment. Expecting around 80,000 attendees, Bonnaroo is one of the largest festivals in the United States. Although it has left its jam band roots, Bonnaroo still provides the best bet for the festival-starved hippie this summer. warped tour Jacksonville (Green Cove Springs) - July 19 athfest $28 Georgia - June 20-24 One of the few touring festivals left in the country, the Warped Tour is moving to Green Cove Springs this $15 summer. The move to Reynolds Park Yacht Club is going to add another thirty to forty minutes to the Somewhat of a hybrid festival, as it has free outdoor performances along with cheap indoor acts, this event average local attendee’s drive. The lineup looks familiar, as many of these groups have graced the stages is dedicated to honoring the musical talents from Athens, Georgia, so you may not see the huge names of the Jacksonville Fairgrounds during prior Warped Tours, and some that you should expect include Red of the other fests, but with more than a hundred performers from one of the country’s most musically Jumpsuit Apparatus, Coheed and Cambria, Pepper, Yellowcard, and New Found Glory. Is it just a coinci- productive towns (Athens is responsible for bands ranging from The B-52s and R.E.M. to Of Montreal and dence that this national tour has two headliners that are actually from Jacksonville? To get a better view Neutral Milk Hotel) you can expect standout performances from complete unknowns as well as bands such of the upcoming Warped Tour, check out the website warpedtour.com. The website is intensely interactive as The Whigs, Drive By Truckers, and Now It’s Overhead. This is a dog-friendly festival, so pack up your and you can create your own profile in order to message board with other members about the Tour. pup and head for Georgia. A wristband that grants you unlimited access to everything is only $15. lollapalooza essence Illinois - August 3-5 Louisiana - July 5-7 $195 $45 - 165, Subscription to Essence magazine is also included Another Chicago fest, this one always has a promising lineup. Pearl Jam, LCD Soundsystem, Modest As far from Woodstock as you can imagine, the Essence music festival really shows how every genre is Mouse, Interpol, Daft Punk, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and the Roots all make this fest worthwhile. Think taking advantage of the music fest format. This festival boasts performances by Ciara, Ludacris, Beyonce, of Lollapalooza as a medium between Bonnaroo and Pitchfork. Lollapalooza has evolved from the 1990 Lionel Richie, and the OJays on their main stages. Since 1995, this festival has been held in New Orleans, festival that categorized a generation of music with Jane’s Addiction and the grunge phenomenon to a Louisiana. Tickets can be bought for a single day visit or for all three days. Visitors will have to lodge in festival that transcends music and features attractions such as the Alvin Alley dance school and virtual the surrounding areas and it is held in an air-conditioned convention center in town. Other performers that reality simulators. You can’t camp, but being in the middle of Chicago does offer an urban allure that put on a good show are Slum Village, Common, Angie Stone, and Chuck D with Public Enemy. Bonnaroo lacks.

It’s certainly going to be a sizzling season of good sounds, so plan your rockin’ road trip now. Hey, it’s got to be better than another week of family vacation surrounded by crumb-crunchers at Wallyworld.

16 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Summer is the perfect time to take a road trip, and Jacksonville’s one tank trips location lends itself particularly well to day trips. One tank of gas can take you further than you think, to new experiences and places outside your customary geographical scope. In the spirit of those new experiences, this on the road to Georgia summer EU will be offering a glimpse into some of the interesting places you can visit for a day or for a weekend. by Erin thursby This week we’ll be presenting two road trips to Georgia.

submarine artifacts. The beauty of nature is one of the draws that bring people to the town. You can take a kayaking trip, go on a fishing expedition, head to Crooked River Park or take the town’s ferry to Cumberland Island. The island is notable for its seaside wilderness, beauty, Carnegie mansion ruins and wild horses. Once you’re on the island, there isn’t much in the way of ameni- ties; it’s more or less a camping area, so you will want to bring your own food and drink. If you’re into grave stone rub- bings or times past, take a walk in the St. Marys Oak Grove Cemetery. Each gravestone tells a story, made all the more fascinating by what’s left out of the short descriptions and pithy poems. One stone the couples inhabit. During the week the rate is $99, covers the graves of an entire family taken by a yel- weekends go for $139. low fever epidemic that struck St. Mary’s in 1801. There’s history here, waiting for someone interested enough to uncover it. Tybee Island, GA

Trip Time & Directions: Depending on what side Besides all the usual fishing expeditions, Tybee of town you live on, a trip to St. Marys, Georgia can also has dolphin tours you can take. Plus, if you’re take anywhere from a short forty-five minute drive to into marine ecology, you can go to the Island Marine St. Marys, GA about an hour and twenty minutes. Take I-95 N into Science Center. They offer tours, walks and hands- Georgia, take exit 1 and follow the signs. on marine experiences. There’s a whole range of activities to be had in While Jacksonville has its Jaguar statues St. Marys. Although tourism seems to be the major Where to stay: If you want to make more than strewn about the cityscape, Tybee has its turtles. industry here, it isn’t a hyper-commercialized tour- a day trip, there is a proliferation of sweet little B & Like our Jaguar statues, each turtle is uniquely deco- ism. Bygone times seem more real here; there isn’t a Bs on Osborne Street in the heart of St. Marys, but rated as part of a city-wide art project. Tourists can sense that the history of the place has been hijacked the Goodbread House (209 Osborne Street (912) actually take “turtle tours” to visit each one. and packaged into a buyable commodity. 882-7490 goodbreadhouse.com) has a number Most visitors will make a stop at the Tybee Of course, if you do like to buy things, there’s of amenities that help it to standout from the rest. Lighthouse, which has been running for over 200 certainly no shortage of well-appointed antique They have an in-house spa, a tea room and will lend years. Another popular tourist stop is the Fort Pu- shops and little family-run boutiques. guests their golf cart for short excursions in the laski National Museum. For something a little different, you might want historic district. Each room is named after a famous The artistic community in Tybee can some- to visit the St. Marys Submarine Museum, where you movie star couple (like the Scarlett & Rhett room) times have an offbeat beach vibe. There’s no better can get your hands on a working periscope and view and the decoration is inspired by whatever movie place to catch that vibe than at Dragonfly Studio Arts (1204 East Hwy 80. (912) 786-4431) The studio began in 1996 simply as a pottery studio, but has morphed into more. They’ve got a large display deck called the Octopus’s Garden which is occupied with outdoor artwork of glass and metal sculptures. Take a look at the funky artwork or just join the Saturday night drum circle, which generally starts about 8:30 pm. For a genuine taste of Tybee, look no further than the Crab Shack. They do shellfish and low country boils like nobody else in the area. While they do tend to serve cocktails in Styrofoam cups, it is a tried and true spot for on-the-water seafood.

Trip Time & Directions: From about two and a half to three hours from Jacksonville to Tybee Island, you’ll want to take I-95 N to I-16 E. Tybee Island is only about thirty minutes from Savannah. Where to Stay: Hunter House Inn (1701 Butler Avenue (912) 786 -7515) Just a few blocks from the beach, this B&B also has a great restaurant fre- quented both by locals and guests. Rates range from $110-150 depending on the room and the season.

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 17 crescent beach Fernandina Beach White Street (904) 277-7274

This Southern Georgia/Northern Florida treasure is the middle ground between a touristy Florida beach and the unique charm of Savannah taken to the beach. Still very country, Fernandina is like the wealthy south with a healthy dose of corporate and some delightful stores. The beach area along A1A is mostly residential with a few public areas, and downtown Fernandina is nowhere near the beach. For a swanky beach crowd that doesn’t frighten old white people, check out Fernandina Beach.

american beach

American Beach Off the Amelia Island Parkway

Established in 1933, this Nassau County beach was deemed an African-American beach by Florida’s first black millionaire Abraham Lincoln Lewis, who owned the Afro-American Life Insurance Com- pany. From Zora Neale Hurston to Cab Calloway, this beach was a popular hot spot in the African- American community throughout the middle of the twentieth century. It’s still a great beach, but exclusive (and predominantly white) neighborhoods have since moved in and the clubs and restaurants that made it famous in the 1950s are long gone. summer fun at your first Between Hurricane Dora and the desegregation of Florida beaches, the popular destination dropped off of people’s vacation list.

Amelia Island coast beaches by jon bosworth and erin thursby A1A North (904) 251-2320 The George Crady Bridge Fishing Pier is a pedes- Summer is when my car, the black 1994 Toyota Camry, first earned its nickname: the Black Sabbath. Mostly because during trian fishing bridge rumored to have some of the the summer the car always feels like black metal after a summertime Sunday service. This adds a sense of adventure to an excur- best saltwater pier fishing in the Southeast. This sion discovering and cataloguing the First Coast’s beaches. Like a Gonzo sort of Lewis and Clark discovering deep Margaritaville natural habitat is preserved by Northeast Florida’s state parks. It is also the home of Amelia Island along the Florida coast, I stuck my digital camera in the satchel and embarked on the Tour de Beaches for EU Jacksonville. Plantation. Thick with Florida history, Amelia Island A1A is a marvelous stretch of road. I don’t know about it in its entirety, but from the southernmost point of St. Johns County is a great place to see the natural habitat of the to the southernmost tip of Georgia, A1A is a delightful winding road suited for a nice ride on a motorcycle or a delightful joyride Southeastern coastline. in a convertible. At the very least, turn off the AC and roll all of your windows down. Even in the Black Sabbath, this is a great Fort George Island ride. A1A North (904) 251-2320 Traveling the beaches north of Jacksonville is an entirely different sort of journey than traveling those south of Jacksonville. The barren beaches of Fort George are another In the north, nature prevails. From the moment that Amelia Island National Park takes over the beach community of Fernandina state park protected by the Florida Department of Beach until you get into Mayport, bars and restaurants are in short supply. As you go through Jacksonville Beach and Ponte Vedra Environmental Protection Division of Recreation and the beach is bordered by homes, resorts, and condos. But when you get down past Guana, from Vilano Beach until South of Cre- Parks. Fort George has its own sort of beach com- munity with Out There Kayak and Fort George Surf secent, there are loads of bars and restaurants. Shop serving these communities. Rich with history Our trail went from north to south and these are the beaches I discovered and catalogued. To learn about the bars I found and from the British, the French, and the Spanish, this th catalogued, check out the pub crawl. area dates back to the French Huguenots of the 16 century.

18 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Huguenot Memorial Park 10980 Heckscher Drive (904) 251-3335

This city park is the perfect beach for the beachgoer that has to please both very young children and teenagers. With a great surf and lifeguards on duty, anyone seeking beachtime fun can find it, but this beach also features some great tidal pools during low tide so that the small children can experience their own sea- side fun. It is only fifty cents per person to get on and there is camping available. Huguenot is located right where the St. Johns River and the Atlantic Ocean meet, so there is a great view of Mayport Naval Station’s Aircraft Carrier’s and an enor- mous tidal pool that can accommodate windsurfers as well as young families nervous about the surf. There is also big talbot plenty of fishing spots. Drive right onto the beach and find a spot, enjoy isolated covered picnic areas, a snack bar, and Big Talbot Island bathrooms with showers. A1A North (904) 251-2320 hueguenot Hanna Park The First Coast Highway winds down Florida’s coastline connecting A1A to Hecksher Road and ultimately 500 Wonderwood Drive (Just go down Mayport Road, you’ll see the signs) (904) 249-4700 9A. Big Talbot Island is at the top of the state, just across the Nassau Sound. It is also a natural preserve protected by the state of Florida, and these maritime hammock lands are living evidence of erosion at work. Kathryn Abby Hanna Park, to be exact. This huge beachfront park has plenty to offer visitors. With more than The north beaches of Big Talbot Island are littered with trees that have fallen as the land supporting them is 450 acres, much of it beachfront, it’s a Mayport stop for devoted surfers. They’ve also got space for camp- chewed into beach by the wind and the surf. There are places on this beach for everything from artsy, natu- ing near the lake, as well as kayak and boat rentals. Campers can get a cottage, pitch a tent, or park an RV. ralistic photo-ops to fun beaches and even a calm lake where people can paddle boat. From picnic areas to Parents take their tots to the onsite splash park (free with admission) and the playground next to it. With playgrounds, this state park is the perfect place for a family with a wide variety of interests. bike trails, nature walks, beachfront (with lifeguards) and lake front, Hanna Park has a lot to offer. Weddings and receptions also often take place in Dolphin Plaza. Park admission is $3 per car (up to 6 people, $1 for Little Talbot Island each additional person) and just $1 for pedestrians, bicyclists and those on motorcycles. Non-registered 12157 Hecksher Drive (904) 251-2320 vehicles, such as scooters or battery-powered vehicles are not allowed on the park grounds.

Criss-crossed with paved bike trails and nature hikes, this is beach-going for the Florida beach purist. There are a number of covered picnic areas and several boardwalks that take you across dunes to get to the beach. It is still part of the nature preserve, so there is plenty of indigenous wildlife to see (hopefully you won’t see the bobcats) as well as modern conveniences such as bathrooms and showers.

little talbot

hanna park

Atlantic Beach At the end of Atlantic Boulevard and North until Mayport

Atlantic Beach is the classic tourist beach from the Sea Turtle Inn until the sugary, imported sands run out near Mayport Naval Station, which takes the seaboard over just South of the mouth of the St. Johns River. 4

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 19 dance of marine life including numerous commercially and recreationally valuable species. GTMNERR con- tains the northern most extent of mangrove habitat on the east coast of the United States. The coastal waters of the GTMNERR are important calving grounds for the endangered North Atlantic Right Whale. Manatees, wood storks, roseate spoonbills, bald eagles and peregrine falcons find refuge in the GTMNERR.” That’s pretty much what I would have said.

Vilano Beach (North Beach) At the Corner of the Francis and Mary Usina Bridge and the Coastal Byway

Located right where A1A crosses the bridge from North St. Augustine back over to the shore, Vilano Beach is a small beach community trying hard not to be a trailer park. They are currently going through some sort of urban renewal, but the tides change slowly. Further north along A1A, technically still in the Vilano area, although sometimes called North Beach, The Reef is a popular restaurant with an amazing view of the Atlantic and down behind that castle is Cap’s, one of the area’s best kept secrets, but most anastasia importantly: these empty beaches are great, but be careful when you drive on their loose sands.

vilano Anastasia State Branch Park 1340 A1A South (904) 461-2033 Largely a residential community, this beach starts in the tourist zone and extends north. The beaches are actually fairly secluded considering that the shore is lined with homes. It costs $5 to drive onto Anastasia Island, but there are some really good reasons to go. For Neptune Beach one, they have some of the best beach camp- ing. Also, eco-tourists come from around Across Atlantic Boulevard and south until Jacksonville Beach the world to see the natural habitats of these hammock maritime lands. From windsurfing This innocuous stretch of coastline maintains the imported sugary sands that make the tourists happy, to preserved beaches, this is a national trea- and there is always a restaurant or bar in walking distance. The locals contend that Neptune Beach is more sure. Call ahead to make sure you know about upscale and exclusive, having more residences than condos on the beach than their northern neighbor, but sea turtle hatching season, because vast they get just as crowded during beach season. portions of the beach are closed to protect the endangered turtles. Jacksonville Beach Parallel to 3rd Street (A1A) from Atlantic until almost J Turner Butler St. Augustine Beach Parallel to A1A from Anastasia to Crescent The classic beach. Featuring a boardwalk that runs alongside, this is the beach community that is being Beach overrun with high-rise condominiums and hotels. The bars and festivals make this the center of the party scene, but a new breed of beach dweller wants to see less gang activity, less drunk partiers, and more of a This is a true Florida beach town. From the tourist T-shirt shops to the Caribbean-themed tiki bars, this town chic urban upscale scene. Fortunately, the beaches know who they are and the beach bum mentality is es- has all of the pink and pastel green you can stomach. Riddled with timeshares and resorts, it is hard to find pecially stringent in Jacksonville Beach. Go there to party, but if you have the kids, there are better beaches. a local in these parts, but there are plenty of residents, so it isn’t impossible. Just look for the burned out Although the plethora of lifeguards does make a person feel especially safe.

Ponte Vedra Beach St. augustine beach Parallel to A1A from North Jacksonville Beach to Guana Reserve

This snooty stalwart is mostly dominated by resorts and exclusive residential communities such as the Ponte Vedra Inn, which is owned by the Peyton family, and Sawgrass. Public access is not nearly as difficult to come across as places to park in the beachside communities, but the beaches are never overcrowded, although only certain stretches have lifeguards attending.

Mickler’s Landing At the intersection of Mickler Road and the Sceneic Coastal Byway (A1A)

Also known by local surfers as “The Crossroads,” this is one of the most accessible parts of Ponte Vedra Beach with a public parking lot, outdoor showers, and bathrooms right at the entrance. This natural beach has shelly sand and a steep descent into the water during high tide, so be especially careful of riptides. A favorite of surfers, the deeper waters can be hazardous, but the beach portion is usually fairly private.

Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve 505 Guana River Road (904) 823-4500

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection says, “The Reserve encompasses approximately 60,000 acres of salt marsh and mangrove tidal wetlands, oyster bars, estuarine lagoons, upland habitat and 4 offshore seas in St. Johns and Flagler Counties. This estuarine ecological system produces a rich abun-

20 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper hippie that looks like he sat in the sun since 1972 bleaching his hair white and turning his skin into leather. summer haven He’s the local. It costs a little money, but in St. Augustine Beach you can drive on the beach to your spot.

Crescent Beach About 7 miles, from St. Augustine Beach to the Matanzas Inlet

Although it sometimes requires passing the public access and turning around (there are three, so don’t pass the third one) Crescent Beach may appear to be full of only condos and beach homes along the shore, but there are plenty of places to get onto the beach, some of which are even equipped with bathrooms and free parking, as well as covered picnic areas. This beach has just enough people in the sand and in the water to not allow you to feel like the only shark bait in the water, but it isn’t so densely packed that you will be uncomfortable, except for perhaps on a holiday.

Summer Haven South A1A

The southernmost beach in St. Johns County has little-to-no parking, making it fairly exclusive. But if you can get to it, the beach is usually deserted and the waters are heavenly. Old A1A is almost washed away, which begs a soul to wonder what will happen to the million- fort matanzas dollar mansions sandwiched between the Matanzas River (the intracoastal) and the Atlantic Ocean. Until then, their Fort Matanzas bright waters will remind you of the Gulf South A1A of Mexico. Just north of the Matanzas Inlet lies some great beach. On the seaside of A1A you can park in a free lot and trek across a quarter of a mile of dunes (on a walkway) to one of the most secluded public beaches. Because this is where the Matanzas River feeds into the ocean, there are plenty of long sandbars and shal- lows for playing. Across A1A there is more parking and the beach along the Inlet has all of the fun and sun without the waves, so you don’t have to worry about that toddler rolling out with the surf. marineland

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 21 which was a simple but inspired dish. It features a Beaches Dining Guide goat and cream cheese blend atop creamy, full-fla- vored tomato bisque. The cream cheese tames the Angie’s Subs (1436 Beach Boulevard CITY often sharp goat cheese, making this my top pick for NUMBER) By some accounts, Angie’s serves a tomato/cheese dip. It also didn’t hurt that the del- the best subs in the area. It’s certainly a popular ish garlic bread which came with it was crisp but not Beaches spot for lunch. brittle and gave in to the bite without crumbling. The sophisticated flats served at Urban Flats Casa Marina (691 North First Street, Jackson- are the reason most people choose to chow down ville Beach (904) 270-0025) A beachfront, on- here. The unique combinations of toppings on the site hotel and a staff dedicated to detail are just menu are kitchen-tested, and it’s easy to order an a few of the plusses. To sample their cuisine, already built flat, but you can in fact add or subtract just head to the restaurant where the Casa Ma- items, building your own flat, much like toppings and sauces on a pizza. The difference is that, while you rina’s imaginative Chefs design and serve “New can get ordinary ingredients to top your flat bread, Beach Cuisine” daily, highlighting the best of you can also get really different stuff, like fig, bleu local seafood, produce and specialty ingredients cheese and prosciutto. I took a taste of three of their with an international flair for flavor and style. signature flat breads: the smoked salmon, the black and blue and the spicy shrimp chorizo. For less ad- Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q (1307 Atlantic Blvd., Nep- venturous eaters, the delectably savory spicy shrimp tune Beach (904) 270-2666. 1266 S. Third St. chorizo is a great flat to get started with. It’s a com- 249-8704.) This is where they first fired up their bo of shrimp, sausage, bleu cheese, green onion and flats that won’t leave you flat roasted red pepper. If you’re shy of bleu cheese ask barbeque pit in the late forties. Although there are many Bono’s throughout Jacksonville, na- for mozzarella instead. The black and blue, with its combo of steak, red peppers, roma tomatoes, moz- tives prefer the original restaurant, called Lou Urban Flats restaurant review zarella and ribbons of a tart vinaigrette was my pick, Bono’s. although the smoked salmon was a close second. If by Erin thursby [email protected] you like smoked salmon, goat cheese, finely diced Caribbee Key (100 First Street, Neptune Beach, Flatbread has become more and more popular being comfortably casual, with interesting black and cucumber, red onions, tomatoes and capers, this flat FL (904) 270-8940) as an alternative way to serve up all the toppings white seaside prints adorning the walls. None of the is sure to win you over, as it did me. The island inspired food at Caribbee Key has you might find on a gourmet pizza. Many of the res- food menu items are above $14, but the overall qual- For dessert, if you’re into fondue, take a taste become an important part of the Neptune Beach taurants that make flatbreads don’t get it right, but I ity and presentation makes them more than worth of their chocolate fondue. It comes with fresh straw- culture. Fried food, fresh Caribbean flavor and know one place that does: Urban Flats in Ponte Ve- their mid-range cost. berries, marshmallows, pound cake, banana slices grilled meat contribute to the fare at the Key. dra. I prefer non-commercial, family owned eateries, Lite Bites and Small Plates are deceptively and pineapple. It’s hard to miss the many colored bar and grill, but when a place does as much right as Urban Flats named, since the portions, while not gargantuan, They often have entertainment in the evenings, does, I have to give them credit. are certainly more than fair for the price and quality. so Urban Flats has become a hot night spot for beer which borrows the colorful-but-weathered motif The wines are reasonably priced, and they also For a tasty, upscale twist on mac ‘n cheese, try the and wine drinkers. They also have a full bar and from the Caribbean islands. You can sit outside have half-glass options for all the wines they serve truffle mac and cheese, which is livened up by fresh martini list, if you’re into the harder stuff. Urban Flats and enjoy the sunlight and an ocean breeze, by the glass. It’s a great way to try different wines herbs, bread crumbs and truffle oil. The tuna poki is definitely one of the places I’d nosh at in the Ponte or you can go to their upstairs bar, where they without having to invest in an entire glass. Urban style, under the Lite Bites, was perhaps my favorite Vedra area. keep the windows open Flats also serves wine on tap, which keeps the wines dish out of all that I tried. That was no mean feat, fresher than those simply poured and re-corked. since I sampled a number of dishes and each was Cliff’s at the Beach (1401 Atlantic Boulevard, Selections range from a crisp and sweet Columbia outstanding (the exception being the gumbo soup, Info: 330 A1A N., Ponte Vedra, FL Neptune Beach, inside the Days Inn 249-2777) Valley Naked Riesling to more serious reds. Bottles which was over salted). The poki not only plated Phone: (904) 280-5515 This Cliff’s is a bit more upscale than the loca- range from about $30-$100, and it seems to be a well, with an excellent presentation, it also wowed Cost: $$ tion on Monument Road. Ahi tuna is a common careful, well-balanced selection of wines that would me with a bold interplay of flavors: sweet chile appeal to most palates. Six-ounce glasses range sauce, teriyaki, the heat of wasabi and mandarin Cost Guide enough dish these days, but Chef Nguyen’s from $7-$12, but if you just want a taste, the three- oranges. $ = under ten dollars for a single person presentation makes it special. The pickled once half-glasses go at half the cost. For a table appetizer, go for the baked cheese $$ = over ten to twenty for a single person ginger slaw served with it is an outstanding Located inside a fashionable strip mall, the and tomato, the spinach dip, flat dips or the urban $$$ = over twenty to thirty-five for a single person counter-taste to the other flavors. Drinkers will atmosphere skates the edge of high-end, while still bruschetta. I sampled the baked cheese and tomato, $$$$ = thirty-five and up for a single person like the reasonably priced basket of homemade chips sprinkled with asiago and bleu cheese. If you’re into rich appetizers, try the scrumptious baked goat’s cheese served in tomato fondue with decidedly crispy slices of bread.

Culhane’s Irish Pub (967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach. 249-9595) We have to recommend the corned beef and cabbage as well the leek and potato soup. If you’re lucky you might see one of the four Culhane sisters, who run the pub. These delightful ladies hail from county Cork out of Ireland. If you speak to Michelle, Aine, Mary Jane or Lynda—you’ll know it because that musical Irish lilt is unmistakable.

Hala’s Sandwich Shop & Bakery (1451 At- lantic Boulevard, Jax Beach 249-2212) This authentically Middle Eastern shop and bakery has terrific vegan/vegetarian options on the din- ner menu and often includes tasty veggie items on their buffet. Eat hummous and tabouli with Hala’s freshly made pita bread.

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22 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The Homestead House (1712 Beach Boulevard, pub crawling along the coast Jacksonville Beach (904) 249-9660) The Home- stead, also known as the Homestead House, is an eatery with a bit of Jacksonville Beach his- by jon bosworth [email protected] tory. It’s nice to know that something that was One thing that we are not short on in North Florida is great beaches. But great beaches doesn’t necessarily built in the 1930’s hasn’t been swallowed by correlate to great beach bars. In my road trip down A1A to re-discover all of our beaches, I had to stop and condos or development. Try their Fried Green quench my thirst every now and then. Or my “beer tooth” as it were. So along the adventure I tried to find Tomatoes, which are kind of a bistro, global twist on an old Southern favorite. Encased with a light some of the most unique bars that are in close proximity to the beach. All of these bars are close to the beach and crispy batter, these fried green tomatoes are except for The Palace Saloon in Fernandina, but it was too cool of a bar to pass up once I was there. accompanied by a red pepper puree and tangy goat cheese. The Fried Green Tomatoes and The Palace Saloon The Sand Bar the Bayou Shrimp are the most popular starter items, though they are all delish. Location: 117 Centre Street (A block from the Amelia River Address: A1A South Crescent Beach in Fernandina) Type: Bar. Joseph’s Pizza (30 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach Type: Saloon, the oldest in Florida Serving: Liquor drinks and bottled beers. (904) 270-1122) Besides a great pizza pie, Serving: Full liquor, a terrific selection of domestic and im- Amenities: Pool tables, a jukebox, televisions, and they also serve an appetizer called Joseph’s ported draft beer, and many more options in the bottle. an ATM machine. Brushetta, which adds a little zing to the Classic Amenities: Two stages, a ballroom, pool tables and clean Brushetta by adding jalapeño peppers. While This is what I call a Skynyrd bar. They’re as plentiful Joseph’s has three locations in the First Coast bathrooms. in Jacksonville as they are in Oregon, but in Cres- area, the Atlantic Beach location is the only one Drink Specials: Monday - Friday happy hour is 4 pm – 7 cent Beach it has more of a “real Florida” vibe. By that serves genuine Italian gelato. pm, 2-for-1 on select drinks. Nightly specials vary (shots, that I mean less teeth than smiles and a creepy lot

punches, ladies nights) but there’s always something special. that stares you down as you enter. They’re friendly, though, so don’t let the fact that everyone looks at Landshark Café (1013 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic This place has served salty patrons without cease for longer you when you come in and then seems disappointed Beach (904) 246-6024) Try the tasty So-Cal than any other bar in Florida. In 1887 it opened as a real old- that it’s you get you down. The wood paneling and Soft Tacos, with your choice of refried beans, time saloon complete with a brothel. During prohibition it was wood floors look like they’ve been in the place since beef, chicken, fish or shrimp. The Mayport a speakeasy and now it’s more than just a pirate novelty bar, it was first converted from a beach shack into a Shrimp tacos are especially good, served with a it’s living history. It’s easy to see how the old saloon outsmarted prohibition cops (in a small town like small bar. The walls are covered with bumper stick- side of salsa and sour cream. The fried banana ers that say “If assholes could fly, this place would Fernandina I’m certain there weren’t too many trying to close it down) because it is a cavernous place peppers are one of the more unusual and popular with many rooms, making it the party spot during festivals such as the Shrimp Fest, where they sold be an airport,” and “St. Augustine, a quaint little side items on the menu. Lightly dusted with a more than a hundred grand worth of whisky. Put your eyepatch on and grab your parrot when you come drinking town with a fishing problem.” They make breading, you can still see the yellow of the pep- this a-way, matey. Try their Old Rasputin on draft, it’ll shiver your timbers. their liquor drinks stiff and they “ain’t got nothing on tap.” per showing through. It’s a tart choice that’s just a little off the bar food beaten path. Cap’s Mojo’s Kitchen BBQ Pit & Blues Bar (1500 Address: 4325 Myrtle Street (Turn off of A1A when you see the castle in Vilano Beach) Beach Blvd. 247-6636) For the best pulled pork Type: Restaurant and Bar in the Jacksonville area and live nighttime enter- Serving: Full liquor, great wines, domestic and imported draft and bottled beers and some of the best sea- tainment, try Mojo’s Blues Kitchen. The platters food on the first coast. are plenty, even if you have a substantial ap- Amenities: Fresh oysters and a breathtaking view of the Intercoastal. petite. Both the barbeque platters and Southern platters come with two homemade side items This restaurant is on a short list of the finest in town by those in-the-know, but this is a bar review, so I’ll skip and bread. The Southern platters come with raving about the food. Well, except for the oysters. They served me the fattest dozen oysters on the halfshell I the wonderfully sweet, yet spicy, jalapeño corn- have eaten in a while (and there isn’t even an “R” in this month) and they were magnificent. How does that fit bread. Texas toast comes with all the barbeque in a bar review? They have an outside bar attached to the end of their dining patio called their “Sunset Oyster Bar” and while seated there you can suck down some oysters and watch the sun go down over the inter- platters. coastal. They also have an inside bar that is comfortable and classic. This isn’t the place you go to smoke Café 11 cigarettes and play pool, this is the place you bring a drinking buddy that you want to impress with what is Ocean 60 (60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach. 247- kickass about North Florida. 0060) One of the bistro’s trademark dishes is th Address: 11 and A1A in St. Augustine Beach a whole fried fish, dusted in a light cornmeal, Cap’s Type: Casual gourmet restaurant and music perfectly scored (so you can lift the fish right venue. off the bone), and served with yucca fries, a Serving: An outstanding selection of draft beers, Napa cabbage salad and a brandy citrus dipping some select wines and great food. sauce. Martini’s, upscale bistro fare and art are Amenities: Live music, patio dining, steps from the three things they serve up at Ocean 60. If the beach. you want to peruse the art at the bistro, make sure you request a table on the martini bar side, Young, indie, and contemporary enough to be where they have a rotating gallery. considered sophisticated, Café 11 is a “cool place” regardless of your age or fashion choices. Ragtime Tavern Seafood Grill (207 Atlantic The nouveau track lighting casts a delicate glow Blvd., Atlantic Beach. 241-7877) With their onto the sparse artwork and the geometric post- own micro-brewery and food with an ‘Orleans modern design of the interior. They have twelve flair, this is one of the most popular eateries on beers on tap (the only domestics are Yuengling Atlantic Beach. It’s a big place with cozy booths and Sierra Nevada), one of which is an organic lager, and an exotic selection of bottled beers. As and lots of levels, giving it a sense of intimacy. a friend described it: “You’re listening to a great Expect live music on the weekends and some band and because they serve food, there’s no fiery Cajun food. Try New Orleans favorites like smoking in there, so all you smell is their coffee. jambalaya, red beans & rice and blackened fish. Then they have Grolsch and Guinness on tap for They’ve got a decent coconut shrimp appetizer cheap, so I have to like that place.” 4

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 23 and if you’ve got a taste for Asian style cuisine, provides them with the honey they sell and the own- try the delish seared tuna appetizer. Come for the ers don’t have to worry about kids getting stung by beer, stay for the food. aggressive bees. The Dowless Blueberry Farm is an appealing Max’s Restaurant & Grand Ballroom (1312 place to pick your berries. Stewart and Irma Jane Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach (904) Dowless run the place and they seem to treat every- 247-6820 maxsrestaurant.us) Serving world- one like a member of their extended family. There’s a charming farm house adjacent to where they weigh class global cuisine. A nouveau, boutique-out- the berries. When pickers are waiting for the rain to side sort of place with a lot of renown and a let up, they’ll sit on the porch swing and look out decent menu to follow up the accolades. at the yard’s quaint landscaping and ancient oak. Besides u-pick blueberries, they also have locally Mackenzies Steakhouse & Piano Bar (100 grown cucumbers and tomatoes for sale. I came Sawgrass Village (904) 568-6349) This classic away with a bag of each. The tomatoes are so good; American steakhouse has an exquisite piano you’ll never accept supermarket tomatoes again. bar and elegant, but golf-course casual, dining At both of these family-owned blueberry farms, area and even patio dining. Serving upscale food the folks there are happy to answer questions and at moderate prices, they have much more than blueberry season share recipes. terrific steaks. Eat lunch or dinner here. Tips you pick farms --Get to the farms as soon as they open. Most Mezza Luna Ristorante (110 North First Street, blueberry pickers are early risers, so you might find Neptune Beach, Florida (904) 249-557) by Erin thursby [email protected] some patches to be picked over by mid-afternoon. While much of the menu pays homage to the --Hone your picking strategy. Look high on the bush, Italian roots of Mezza Luna, with a focus on Now is the time to head to a u-pick blueberry still have loads of blueberries on their bushes. as most blueberry pickers tend to pick low on the Mediterranean style cuisine, there are plenty farm and get a relatively cheap pound of the stuff. Despite the name, Blackberry Hill doesn’t offer bush. Also, look into the middle of the bush, since of dishes that trend toward the fusion or world Instead of paying $3-4 for a tiny portion, you can blackberries. It’s difficult in Florida to cultivate black- pickers often miss these as well cuisine that has become popular in the last pick your own to use fresh, can or freeze for further berries and wild blackberries are too sparse to offer --Bring cash. I’ve never been to a berry farm that ten years. Wine aficionados ordering dinner at use. to the public. They do have 3-4 acres of blueberries accepted credit or debit cards. Some accept checks The season started late this year because and will have muscadine grapes available in August. but it’s best just to bring cash. Expect to pay from Mezza Luna will love the extensive wine list and of a frost during April that killed many of the first When you go, be sure to put your name and email $1-$3 a pound. Bring more money than you think those who enjoy mixed drinks will be glad of the blooms. Luckily, most blueberry bushes have mul- address on their list, so you can be alerted when you’ll need because the pounds add up fast and they full bar. tiple blooms, so there’s plenty to pick at a few of the the grapes or blueberries come in. Another unique often have other foods/produce you can buy. farms. Sellers Blueberry Farm, here in Jacksonville, feature of the farm is that they offer honey from local -- When freezing blueberries, make sure they are dry Tento Churrascaria (528 First St. North, Jax suffered from the frost and is closing to the public till bees. They used to keep bees at Blackberry Hill, but beforehand. If not, towel them dry. The safest thing Beach 246-1580) It’s a Brazilian steakhouse next season. with warnings about invading Africanized bees com- to do is to freeze them on a cookie sheet, so they that features, meat, meat and more meat. With Two of the largest blueberry farms in the area, ing from the Department of Agriculture, they decided won’t clump together. more than 14 superb cuts of meat carved before Blackberry Hill Farm and Dowless Blueberry farm, to sell the bees to a local keeper. That local keeper your very eyes, its a meat lovers dream. In fact, Blackberry Hill (2995 Thunder Road, Middle- it’s kind of like a buffet, except that you just sit burg, FL (904) 282-9250) is open on Saturdays from 8 am-4 pm and on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5 there and they continue to bring you more meat. pm until dark. They also sell local honey and will be Drinks and desserts are separate from the $29 selling grapes in August. all-the-meat-you-can-eat price. Dowless Blueberry Farm (7010 Ricker Road, Thai Room Restaurant (1286 S. Third Street, Jacksonville, FL (904) 772-1369) is open from dawn Jax Beach (904) 249-8444) It’s everything you till dusk on Saturdays and Wednesdays. They also want from Thai food in a swanky atmosphere. sell other locally grown produce. If you try nothing else at this fashionable Thai restaurant, let it be the pan-seared Chilean sea Howard’s Blueberry Farm (4200 Bronko Road, bass. Middleburg, FL (904) 282-1182) will be opening to the public on the 16th.

Turtle Island Natural Foods (363 Atlantic Blvd., Agricultural Canning Center (2525 Common- Stes. 7 & 8, Atlantic Beach (904)246-2441) This wealth Avenue Jacksonville, FL (904) 387-8860) is natural foods grocery is also a top lunch choice the place to take your blueberries for canning. They for area vegetarians and other natural foodies. hold classes on making blueberry jam on June 21 They offer all sorts of sandwiches and salads to and 22 at 9 am for $20, which includes supplies. appeal to the organic meat eater or the consci- entious vegan.

Urban Flats (330 A1A N.(904) 280-5515) Lo- cated inside a fashionable strip mall, the atmo- sphere skates the edge of high-end, while still being comfortably casual, with interesting black and white seaside prints adorning the walls. Urban Flats serves wine on tap, which keeps the wines fresher than those simply poured and re-corked. The sophisticated flatbreads served here, are of course, the reason most people choose to chow down here. The unique com- binations of toppings on the menu are kitchen tested, and it’s easy to order an already built flat, but you can in fact add or subtract items, build- ing your own flat, much like toppings and sauces on a pizza. Read review on page 22. 4

24 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper something live music shows calendar THURSDAY, JUNE 7 distant Tara King Baseball Grounds, Jax Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) original modern rock at Fionn Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001)

Concert in the Plaza-Triple Rock Blues Band Plaza, MacCools Pub St. Augustine Stu Weaver D.S. Kennedy Coffee Roasters, Jax by Rick grant [email protected] (260-0810) Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) My trip to Fionn MacCools last Friday night was form an acoustic duo to revisit Something Distant, a band that I encoun- around the Beaches. Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) tered a year ago at Lynch’s. At that time, I was im- In addition to Dana Salmela House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) pressed that the band played catchy original songs a full gig schedule, in the modern rock genre at venues that usually book SD has been in the Matt Still Sneakers, Jax Beach cover bands. Now, the band is tighter and much recording in the 3 Way Street Ragtime, Jax Beach (241-7877) more polished. Today, the group’s focus is working studio with Lu Ru- hard in the studio to finish their anticipated album. bino producing their Mike Sweet & Friends Kings Head British Pub, St. Augustine More significantly, SD is breaking the tradition full length CD to be Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) that only cover bands can play the so-called com- released this fall. Meanwhile, the band continues to cover material. mercial venues like Fionn MacCools. In this respect, win loyal fans and is promoting its three song EP. The bottom line for original bands aspiring to Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) SD is a breakthrough group that is forging a new The group’s melodic fusion of eclectic styles, reach the big time is to play commercial gigs as Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) path in Jax’s bars and Irish pubs. Moreover, this from jazz, alt-rock, funk, R&B, blues, and postmod- much as possible. It makes logical business sense means that SD’s original material is hit-quality, which ern folk, easily crosses over age groups from teens and keeps the band tight. My advice is: Do the show- David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs bar audiences like. Sure, the band plays some cov- to sixtysomethings. cases and album release gigs, then go out and play Ron Perry Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) ers and takes requests, which endears them to bar Of course, there is room in our local music in the bars. It’s a great testing ground for new mate- patrons. scene for all sub-genres of rock, from screaming rial. Now, the local bars attract eclectic, hip patrons Jam Session w/Jason Anderson Pub Ragusa, Jax (443-7888) Something Distant was formed by Jeff Congo, angst to cover bands. The fact that SD has broken- who dig original bands. Matt Collins Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra who was fronting a popular band in Boston called through the cover band barrier and is able to play Last Week’s Lies. Then he relocated to Jacksonville mostly original songs means that the bar audiences Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) in 2004, because he heard our town was becoming are younger and more willing to listen to a band’s Time2Swing Players Club, Ponte Vedra a musical capitol, loaded with stellar musicians. In originals. However, if the band’s original songs are 2005, the band launched successful showcase gigs poorly conceived, and not as good as the cover Heavenly Noise, Smile Rays Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) at Freebird Live and The Landing during the Super material they play, then people will get bored with the Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) Bowl XXIX. Milestones continued when the band band’s originals and tune out. opened for the Dave Matthews Tribute Band at Free- I find it interesting that SD has played the Ian Kelly Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) bird Live. Afterwards, Jeff Congo, on lead vocals, showcase rooms like Jack Rabbits and the Freebird Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) revamped the lineup with John Palmer on bass, Wes Live with great success. But they made the decision Arvin, who replaced Tony Scozzaro on lead guitar, to work regularly in the bar scene and that meant Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) and Jon Kretzer on drums. Tony and Jeff still per- they make a few compromises by playing some Out of Hand Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181)

Chupacabra Backstreets, St. Augustine

Guff Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach (246-6024)

Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131)

Aerial Tribe Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138)

Deron Baker Zhanra’s, St. Augustine

Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

Heartstrings Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine

Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453)

THURSAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 7-9

The Committee A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, JUNE 8

Ace Winn Copelands, Jax

Anastasia Scarlett’s, St. Augustine (824-6535)

Amplify, Man Apart Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807)

Derick House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377)

Mega4orce Gator Landing, Palatka

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 25 Habitual Offender Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Heavenly Noise Starlite Café, Jax got the High Octane Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300)

Cutthroat County Beats Edward Waters College, Jax Time2Swing 95 Cordova, St. Augustine (827-1888) reggae beat Dot Wilder Village Café, Jax (389-3995)

Livid Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) 7 Day Sun, Dubwise Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) going on Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515)

Aerial Tribe Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Crossfade Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Chillakaya at Culhane’s Yancy Clegg Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999) Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) Irish Pub Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328)

Casper & the Cookies TSI, Jax (635-3024) by Rick grant Cloud 9 Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) [email protected] Antartic Yesterday’s, Jax (387-0502) Chillakaya is a modern reggae band from Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) St. Augustine that plays all original music, which aroused my curiosity when I saw that they were Jessica Pounds Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach playing at Culhane’s last Saturday night. Chillakaya Irving Clements Starbuck’s/Town Center, Jax was formed a year ago when players from Jax Beach and St. Augustine got together and jammed. They Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) discovered that they had mutual musical interests players are all seasoned professionals who have fifty Keyboardist, Perry Praia came to Chillakaya Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) and enjoyed creating original songs. The Chill-lads years of combined experience in various bands. It from the Trinidad crew. He’s been playing as far back include Paul Trimmell on bass, Tony Phillips on gui- was an interesting experiment to showcase a reggae as he can remember. He plays a modern Fender tar, Billy Knight on drums, Kemwa Phillips on vocals, band in an Irish pub. The music is designed to get Rhodes with infinite sound possibilities. FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 8-9 and Perry Proia on keyboards. people on the dance floor for non-stop butt jiggling. Billy Knight on drums is another player with Cheshire Cats Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine The Chillakaya reggae machine is rooted in the Clearly, reggae is still a mainstream staple in many lifelong experience who jammed with Cillakaya and relentless reggae beat with dance hall leanings. The (829-9336) dance clubs. was immediately drafted into the band based on his I dig reggae that has clever changes which abilities on the traps. Go Ask Alice Players Grille, Orange Park break up the monotony of its chunka, chunka beat. As for guitarist Tony Phillips, he also has been McKenna Champs Lounge, Ponte Vedra (285-7777) It does tend to get boring unless one is into dancing playing since he was a wee lad and has played just the night away. Chillakaya uses guitarist Tony Phillips about every genre of music. He has always gravi- Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine to add creative solos that break up the endless drone tated to the positive, mellow vibes of reggae. (824-9317) of the reggae beat. He does that with hot chops and Bassist Paul Trimmell has 20 years of profes- Chuck Nash Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) finesse, while comping with the beat. It’s difficult to sional bass playing experience. He works well with fit in single note runs between the infectious beat. drummer Billy to get into the groove pocket and Roger That West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) But, Tony is a creative player, as are the other musi- mesmerize the audience with the reggae beat that Big Al & the Kaholics Square One, Jax (306-9004) cians in the band. Drummer and bassist Billy and seems to creep into every cell of the body. Paul maintain a killer groove, while keyboardist Perry Together, this group cranks out authentic Island Don’t Tell Anne Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) adds the orchestration with organ and piano sounds. reggae that conjures up late nights on some remote Bush Doctors Kingfish Grill, St. Augustine Kemwa was born on the Island of Antigua, beach, drinking beer and inhaling a little ganja (strict- West Indies. He has been singing reggae style since ly for the head, mon). The group got some young Sugar Bear Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) he was six years old. Back home on the Island, he ladies on the dance floor and worked hard to keep Big Engine Casey’s, Yulee was a singer for the famous Crystal Sound. Kemwa the Culhane’s patrons in the reggae mood. moved to Jax in 1986 to further his musical career. This band proves that reggae is more than Lisa Kelly & JB Scott Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach (247-0060) His inspiration comes from Jr. Reid and other similar dread-locks, Bob Marley T-shirts, and Island ac- Cliff Worrel & the Restless Kind Arnold’s, St. Augustine artists. Kemwa is also a popular DJ with an original cents-either real or fake. It takes a group like Chill- style. akaya to do it justice. Paul Lundgren Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

Martha’s Trouble Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Drivin South New Neighborhood Tavern, Jax (721-5087)

Blistur Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349)

A1A North Tailgaters, Green Cove Springs (529-1976)

The Fabtones The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

Spade McQuade Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246-4293)

Susie Kite Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

‘3’ Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)

SATURDAY, JUNE 9

Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600)

26 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper stage singing breathy and faltering tunes over electroni- Out of Hand Landing, Jax cally pre-recorded and sampled music. The only instru- ment on stage was a computer that was being manned Twisted Lemon Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) by Jason Greenberg. It is a current trend in the uber-chic Jon’Ra FMU, Orange Park indie music scene to feature or highlight a Japanese woman as the vocalist on stage, and Caroline Lufkin at Colton McKenna High Tide Café, St. Augustine first seemed to be just another shtick ala Deerhoof, Melt Tony White Norwood Plaza, Jax Banana or Pink Mochi. But as her set fleshed out, she proved to have a true sensuality and nuance to her vocal David Talbert Musician Zone, Mandarin performance that gave her an almost Asian-Bjork feel. De Lions of Jah Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach Although Jason Greenberg is a film score compos- (249-9595) er out of Toronto, and his ambient and abstract accom- paniment showed that, the music managed to transcend Scholar’s Word Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) the typical bar band doldrums and provide something Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Conch House, St. Augustine truly worth watching. Well, I don’t know about watching, (829-8646) it isn’t exactly compelling to watch a somewhat self- conscious Asian girl trying to hide behind a microphone Jerry Melfi BenefitCoastal Community Center, St. Augustine stand while her accompaniment sits behind a laptop, but Second Thief Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) the music was engaging, which gave me hope for the night. Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Then I almost fell asleep standing up when the folk Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) music (complete with the harmonica harness) of David Karsten Daniels hit the stage. I’m sure in larger cities Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) there is a crowd open to this sort of digression in a set, Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) but I was about ready to rock and Daniels was not help- ing me get there. Welcome to the South. Dead Flesh Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Finally Mice Parade took the stage and Pierce Aerial Tribe Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) was immediately condescending to the small crowd. In fact, I was surprised by how much the crowd thinned Dubwise Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) out when seven of the people that had been sitting in Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) the club got up on the stage to play with him. I had no idea there were so many people in the band, but in ret- The Wainwrights Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green cove Springs rospect, I’m glad there were, because even with a stage Ron & Mary Harpoon Louie’s, Jax loaded with people they seemed to barely make a noise. a large parade of The name Mice Parade was more fitting than I Tony Smotherman House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) expected. Pierce was leading the faltering shuffle on Matt Still Sneakers/Baymeadows, Jax acoustic guitar, with another acoustic guitarist sitting across from him, the two making a centerpiece that was Fusebox Funk Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) not unlike Peter and Paul, except their Mary was Caroline Laurel Lee & the Escapees Shantytown, Jax small sounds crooning along with Pierce. In some moments the two guitarists looked like Extreme, gazing into each others’ Ace Winn Jerry’s, Jax (220-6766) eyes as they folked out. The cacophony of droll notes Livid Time Out, Jax and half-hearted musical concepts transcended tradi- Anastasia Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach Mice Parade at Jack Rabbits tional “boring” into something experimentally boring. I guess it was the other guys in The Swirlies that I liked. Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, by jon bosworth [email protected] Nevertheless, a show like this is always worth see- Jax (287-9900) ing. Even if it isn’t a great show, it’s always good to be you never know how a Jack Rabbits show will go. because had I heard that moniker I would have somehow in-the-know, and Jack Rabbits is one of the only venues Some nights it will be heavy metal and on other nights known what I was in for, but instead I got the insistence in town consistently booking great national acts, and SUNDAY, JUNE 10 it will be electro-pop, so you have to look into the band of Brian Jerin, of Shangrala, that Mice Parade would be the only way to find the great ones is to go to as many Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) that is playing on the night you are going out. To this a show to see. Also, I was a huge Swirlies fan and Adam shows as you can. end I looked in EU and read Brenton Crozier’s review of Pierce, the drummer from The Swirlies, is the creative Rezolushun The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) the Mice Parade album. The review was a little bleak, but force behind Mice Parade. So I went loaded with ambi- Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach showed some promise in the description “experimental tions for raw indie rock and experimental percussions. (249-9595) indie rock with interesting percussions.” So I was prepared for experimental, and the opening act, I suppose it’s my own fault for not being a more Caroline, fit that bill perfectly, but what I was not pre- Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) advanced patron of music. I also wasn’t aware at the pared for was the Dylanish folk of David Karsten Daniels. Colton McKenna Zhanra’s, St. Augustine time that Mice Parade called themselves “folktronica,” When I arrived at Jack Rabbits, Caroline was on 3 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

Joel Khouri New Life Fellowship, Jax

JW Gilmore Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine

Out of Hand Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

Billy Bowers Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Shangrala Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Dave Massey Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349)

Spade McQuade Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940)

Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646)

El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099)

Blues Night Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 27 Colton McKenna Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax

MONDAY, JUNE 11 pretty messy Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) interview with Beautiful Mess

Billy Bowers Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) by Erin thursby [email protected] Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040) WHAT: Beautiful Mess sometimes another drummer Xzamen Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) WHEN: June 15th @ 9 pm lends himself better to a certain Out of Hand My Place, Jax (737-5299) WHERE: Jackrabbits song.” Chris Blais, who generally John Waters The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) If you’re looking for an infectiously poppy, plays bass in Beautiful Mess, Matt Still Ginger’s, Jax Beach new-to-you rock band, you might want to catch jumped at the chance to play Beautiful Mess at Jack Rabbits. They’ve been around with them when he heard there Mark Hart Tradewinds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-9336) for about four years, known as a great party band; was an opening, remaining Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) Beautiful Mess often pulls audience members up on mum about his inexperience the stage, making up impromptu songs about them. with bass guitar. Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) “[We do that] because there are a lot of people “He was playing with Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) who come out to shows over and over again. See- another band at the time. He ing the exact same show over and over again can just wasn’t real happy with get…old. That’s one way to lose a fan base… it what they were doing…He just TUESDAY, JUNE 12 kind of keeps things interesting for the audience and wanted to be in our band and Billy & Vinnie Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune keeps things interesting for us,” said frontman Mi- just liked what we were do- chael LaSage. ing…We found out a year later Beach (241-8221) They also keep things fresh by having band that he had never played bass before. He picked it up Because of their entourage, and because the Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) members switch instruments, especially during live quick.” band wanted to meet new people in Atlanta, LaSage shows. Andy Boesenecker and Chris Blais often decided to hold Meat Mondays, wherein he cooked Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax Beautiful Mess has overcome obstacles in their switch between bass and drums. EU got the chance life of touring. Just a few years ago, the band had up a bunch of meat or barbeque and the band threw (355-5099) to speak with LaSage about the music he makes in every scrap of equipment stolen in New Orleans. I a large party. Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) the trio of Beautiful Mess. asked what the band had to do to earn the money to “It’s just kind of turned into this fun thing that “They have different styles that they play in and replace the equipment and LaSage replied, with typi- we do every week. Everybody has a blast…I usually Horror Story Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) cal deadpan hyperpole: “We beat up old ladies, stole get up early in the morning and start cooking Mon- Chris C-4 Mann The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) their purses, anything we that we could do. A lot of day morning…everything’s done by eight or nine ‘o clock, and we’ve got a full house…A lot of musi- Danka Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) looting…Andy was selling crack for a while…Nah, insurance paid for some of it and we tried our best to cians and bands come over.” Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) do what we could to make up the difference.” Despite the mix of musicians, people don’t pick up instruments and start playing. Instead, they use Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) After their equipment was stolen, the band decided to relocate from Jacksonville to Atlanta, the time to chill and create an artistic community. Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) which was more central to the venues they had been “Besides, a huge party where everybody’s try- ing to play music can get really annoying.” Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) playing. “There was a total of twelve people all together Unless, of course, it’s a huge party with a Mike Sweet & Friends Kings Head British Pub, St. Augustine that moved with us. We brought a little bit of an en- stage, and Beautiful Mess is playing. You can catch just such a party at Jack Rabbits on June 15th at 9 pm. Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax tourage.”

Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299)

C1 Jazz Wyndham Hotel, Jax

Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293)

El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

TUESDAY-WED., JUNE 12-13

Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 13

Cloud 9 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606)

Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025)

Billy Bowers The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

Sanford Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach

Shawn Lightfoot MOCA, Jax

Music by the Sea-Falling Bones The Pier, St. Augustine Beach

Rebecca Zapen & Her Dirty Dishes Casbah, Jax

Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach

28 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299)

Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) unsigned Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001)

Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) melody The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525)

Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Plain Jane Automobile Beach (241-8221) Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) drives into town Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) by Erin thursby [email protected]

WHAT: Plain Jane Automobile there with Julius upcoming shows WHEN: June 14th @ 8 pm Airwave…And, we WHERE: Jackrabbits played once at Thee k.d.lang & Lyle Lovett June 13, Times Union Center, 353-3309 Imperial with Gaso- Plain Jane Automobile’s blend of rock pop cer- line Cart. I kind of Julie Durden June 14, European Street, 399-1740 tainly has its roots in the driving rhythm and melo- liked that place. It was Burn Season June 16, Freebird Live, 246-2473 dies of Brit pop, but they’ve become an indie symbol like the inside of somebody’s garage, it was cool. well…We were pretty shocked, because, you know, of what a band can accomplish without a major it’s…a hard thing to do, even if you’re on a major Pierce Pettis June 17, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 label. They won at the 2005 DiscMakers Independent EU: You’ve had some success getting on the ra- label—it’s still hard to get radio play. We’re trying Go, Diego, Go Live! the Great Jaguar Rescue June 19, Showcase, solidifying their status as perhaps the dio. How does an unsigned band go about getting to expand into other markets but, it’s tough because Times Union Ctr, 632-3373 best unsigned band in the Southeast. airtime? everybody wants to hear the usual eight or nine The four, Duke Crider (vocals/guitars), Luis Crider: Uh, you know, I really don’t know. The guy songs that are on the radio. Steve Miller Band June 21, Florida Theatrre, 355-2787 Mejia (guitars/keys/backing vocals), Paul McCorkell that put us on was kind of a forward-thinker in terms Railroad Earth June 21, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 (bass/backing vocals) and James Dickens (drums/ of radio. He didn’t require any sort of a record label. You can catch Plain Jane Automobile, along percussions), have certainly become a force in He…just heard the song, thought it was good and with the Ozma and the Actual live at Jackrabbits next Bob Margolin June 22, Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 Florida live shows, from Tallahassee to West Palm. took the chance to put it on. It worked out really Thursday on June 14th. Zoso June 22, Freebird Live, 246-2473 EU spoke with vocalist Duke Crider about staying indie and touring in Florida. Bluegrown Undergrass June 23, Freebird Live, 246-2473

EU: You guys are still independent and I just want- Brian Regan June 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 ed to ask if your goal is to stay unsigned? Drop Dead Gorgeous June 27, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Crider: It certainly all depends. I don’t think we’re particularly interested in major labels anymore. Street Dogs June 28, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Which we did for a while. But I think the major label Corey Smith June 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 deals are going away. I really don’t think there are any great deals out there anymore. So, we’re prob- Cedric The Entertainer June 29, Times Union Center, 353-3309 ably going to try to keep it independent. Rooney July 2, Fuel, 425-3835

EU: What do you think are the benefits to staying Tinsley Ellis July 7, Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 independent? The Moscow Cats Theatre July 7-8, Times Union Center, 353-3309 Crider: Well, number one—you don’t owe anybody a ton of money. We have no debt at all. Which is a American Idols LIVE Tour July 8, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 great thing for a band. These labels dish out all this 311 with Matisyahu July 12, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 money, then you have to inevitably pay it back with record sales. You can make a living without a label, Shooter Jennings July 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 I guess. And you have more control over your mu- sic…I think independent labels nurture their bands a Lisa Lampanelli July 14, The Florida Theatre, 355-2787 little bit more and they’re not as concerned with the Morrissey July 17, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309 bottom line. They’re more concerned with building a fan base and watching it develop into something Van’s Warped Tour July 19, Reynold’s Park Yacht Center in better. I think major labels just want a cash cow, you Greencove Springs, 353-3309 know? Lee Roy Parnell July 20, Freebird Live, 246-2473

EU: What’s the UK influence to your sound? My Little Pony Live “The World’s Biggest Tea Party”, July Crider: Directly, I would say Radiohead. We’ve been 20-22, Times Union Center, 353-3309 getting a lot of Muse comparisons lately…I don’t Tim McGraw and Faith Hill July 22, Jacksonville Arena, really see it but, I’m not going to tell them they’re 630-3900 wrong. Candlebox July 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 EU: Plain Jane Automobile is originally from Or- The Fab Four July 31, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 lando and you’ve played all around Florida. What’s been your favorite Florida venue? Copeland Sept.2, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Crider: I’m going to have to go with The Social here, Dave Matthews Band Sep 11, O’Connell Center, Gainesville, in Orlando…It’s a great club, it’s got a great vibe, FL, (352) 392-1653 and it’s got a lot of history…I like that place in Jack- sonville we just played, Freebirds…We normally play Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Jack Rabbits but the last couple of times we played

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 29 the city the forest album review

Artist: Julius Airwave Title: The City the Forest Release Date: 05.08.07 Label: Southern Records Julius Airwave is the brainchild of Rick Colado who, along with his cohorts, Chris Gibson, Mark Hubbard, Jeff Mehlhoff, and Jeremiah Johnson, play all original pop-electronica. The group just released its new album titled The City the Forest. Generally, the 13 songs are distinctly original and imaginative with interesting changes. I can hear many classic influences, but Rick has cleverly distilled them into a trademark sound which appeals to a crossover milieu of various age groups. The 13-song collection takes the listener on a journey of discovery, feeding the appetite for bold new ma- terial with attention to the melody. ‘Glory Glory’ is a song celebrating a break up with the refrain, “I don’t need her.” Yes, love gone bad is fertile emotional inspiration for writing songs. ‘Nannerl’ features a stunning piano piece with a strong melody that grabs the listener by the diaphragm with a wall of sound that expresses joy and majesty. The voices are mixed into the texture of the music making it even more effective. This is a great song. ‘Broken Bells’ is clearly influenced by the Beatles but has enough originality to put the Julius Airwave stamp of creativity on the piece. ‘Fuur’ and ‘Finale’ are worthy entries into the Julius Airwave catalogue with infectious rhythms and melodic arrangements-again reminiscent of the Fab Four, but taken further into electronica. ‘Appley’ is a showcase number that is memorable for its time signature changes and modulations that segue into a gran- diose refrain. The haunting B3 sound carries ‘Shipwreck’ into a bold change that segues into the refrain. ‘Along the Way’ is another piano-dominant song that evolves into a catchy anthem. Its melody is notably accented by the piano chords prominently mixed into the spectrum. The remaining five songs are worthy of serious consideration. Overall, this is a breakthrough album that boldly represents this creative group. The album has joined my personal collection of music that gets heavy rotation in my car. The City the Forest is available on the Julius Airwave website at juliusairwave.com. - by rick grant on my way to you album review

Artist: Daniel Lee Martin Title: On My Way to You Release Date: 04.17.07 Label: ChinMusic Records

Full of diversity and unique style is the best way to describe Daniel Lee Martin’s second country album. Half way through the 15-song CD, the title number ‘On My Way To You,’ rocks with high energy licks and powerful vocal phrases. But the opener is the one that sounds like a country western hoe down. “Here I Go” sings Martin with tenor gusto in ‘Stark Ravin Crazy in Love.’ This song’s fast pace is ac- companied with wah-wah pedals and riffs you won’t forget, which is probably why, after being released as a single a few weeks ago, it already gets airtime. Add another of Rivers Rutherford’s lyrics, ‘It’s All How You Look At It,’ and you’ve already heard three great stories, only this one is punctuated with twangy repeats. It moves, not only in a spirit of fun, but also with motivational intent. In fact, all the songs on this album were carefully selected for the stories their writers tell, some tall. Licks send ripples of country in a foot-tapping fun piece Martin wrote called ‘Moonshine Mama.’ It competes for the most humorous prize with Neil Thrasher’s ‘Crazy’s All They Got.’ Then there’s Dan Baird’s ‘Keep Your Hands to Yourself.’ Martin delivers some powerful licks accompanied by some gutsy vocal inflec- tions, but not without the help of former Cincinnati Reds pitcher Bronson Arroyo adding to the vocals. Easy finger-picking and fiddle opens, then chords gain momentum before giving in to romantic guitar licks. ‘That’s Where I’ll Be,’ the last song on the CD, is a sentimental ballad, not without memorable riffs. This one-on-one, just Martin on vocals and guitar, has an almost classical jazz guitar sound. In ‘Roll On By,’ slow banjo pre- vails. Sensitive background vocals add to the mix. This new up-and-coming country singer hails from the Tampa Bay, Florida. He turned down an offer with Atlantic Records to go with a new label, ChinMusic. After a successful tour endorsed by Wal-Mart, Mar- tin knew he was making the right choices. He soon became the most talked about independent artist in 2004 (CMT Magazine.) An avid hunter and fisherman, Martin is also host of Backstage & Backroads airing this season on the Sportsman Channel. - by Carol elliot

30 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper and paintings somewhere in the gallery, even though the Jason Leader participants in each month’s featured show will change. Although they masterfully utilized every foot of wall culture & arts space, stacking paintings right to the ceiling, I wish I JUNE could have looked at some of them a little more closely. I usually like to get real close to the surface of a paint- 7 Documentary “The Forgotten Refugees” JCA, Jax ing to examine its texture and thickness, so having some 7 Comedian Gary Gulman Comedy Zone, Mandarin paintings above eye level and out of reach was frustrating. 7-16 “A Grand Night For Singing” PBTS, Jax Beach Perhaps focusing on fewer artists would help. Each artist had just the right number of pieces dis- 7-23 “State Fair” Orange Park Community Theatre, Jax played, giving us the ability to discern the artists’ range 7-24 “South Pacific” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach and style, so they might have benefited from a more 7-JULY 5 Out of the Shadows Exhibit UNF Gallery, Jax ergonomical and dedicated display. 7-JULY 13 Camp Cummer Cummer Museum, Jax Annie Lechak 7-JULY 14 Exhibit: Anna Tomczak- Odes & Travels Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra 7-JULY 22 “The Wizard of Oz” Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax 7-JULY 27 Summer Adventure Camps MOSH, Jax 7-AUG. 12 “Rather Strange Developments” Picasso, Kandinsky & Mondrian Cummer Museum, Jax 7-AUG. 17 “Go, Dog, Go!” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 7-AUG. 26 Impermanence: Recent Works By Andres Michelena MOCA, Jax 7-OCT. 14 Dinosaurs & Ice Age Mammals MOSH, Jax 7-SEPT. 3 The Cabaret of St. Augustine-Spirits Community School of Performing Arts, St. Augustine All in all, I suggest giving the Bogda Gallery a try. Keep checking each month for new showings. They’re 8 Moonlight Movies Series-Forrest Gump Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach open to showing work from all corners of the arts, so you’re bound to see something that’ll stir you. After all, 8 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir UNF University the bogda gallery the artwork is what makes a gallery worth visiting. Center, Jax Visit the Bogda Gallery at 1253 McDuff Avenue South. 8 Alphabet Affair: Celebrating the Cinema The Haskell Business hours are Monday through Saturday, 11 am to Company, Jax June Group Show 7 pm. The Bogda Gallery is eager to accept artwork from 8-23 “Guys and Dolls” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax local artists, so call (904) 387-0852 or email Joy Mc- 9 Beaches Fine Arts Series Concert Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach Ginnis at [email protected] for more information on showing your work. 9 Celebrate 2007-Dinner, Drinks & Live Music with Revolution by donald dusinberre [email protected] TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra 9 The Chris Norman Ensemble Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach There’s a new art gallery in town, kids. It’s the Byron King Bogda Gallery, located in Riverside on McDuff Avenue 9 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax South. Bogda is pronounced Bog like Fog, Da like Duh, 9 Art Adventures-Chasing Kandinsky with Lines Cummer with the accent on the first syllable. Gallery like… Museum, Jax well…schmallery. 9 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir Main Library, Jax 9 Audition: Frat House 3-7pm Center of the Arts, Jax 9 One & Only Genuine Original MOSH Party MOSH, Jax 10 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach 10 Auditions: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax 10 The Ritz Voices Ritz Theatre, Jax 10 Auditions: Cabaret – 6pm Players by the Sea, Jax Beach 10 Auditions: Frat House 1-5pm Center of the Arts, Jax 10 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir St. Johns Cathedral, Jax Bogda is in its third month of life, and it’s sooo 11 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir FCCJ North Campus, Jax cute. Occupying the storefront-style space on a convert- ed house, the gallery practically sits alone on the street, 11 Theatreworks-“Rockin’ Red Riding Hood” Main Library, Jax appearing lonely and eager for visitors. It doesn’t boast 12 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir Plaza, St. Augustine a whole lot of wall space, but it’s all used efficiently to 12-SEPT.2 Tradition in Transition: Russian Icons in the Age of display quite a few pieces. Romanovs Cummer Museum, Jax Unveiling a new show at the beginning of each thing- anything- in the viewer. You can’t go on looks month, the Bogda Gallery focuses on showcasing the alone, neither with the gallery nor the art that hangs in 13 Summer Cinema-“Cocaine Angel” MOCA, Jax work of local artists. This month’s exhibition features it. Bogda seemed approachable without trying to mask 14 U.S. Navy Band Southeast Woodwind Quintet Main Library, Jax work from more than 10 artists, including Shaun Thur- the desperation that plagues too many other galleries. 14-JULY 8 “Silver Screen Seranade” Seaside Music Theatre, ston, Leslie Loofbourow, Nick D’Agostine, Rachel Du- Their honest desperation is what made it feel fresh and Daytona Beach rante, Brenda Kato, Annie Lechak, Byron King, and Jason capable of hosting some great art. 15 Golfweek’s Father & Son Open Slammer & Squire, St. Augustine Leader. On display (and for sale) are paintings, metal I was also a little impressed with their sense of sculptures, drawings, clothing, and even stuffed toys. inclusiveness. Too often, that means displaying work by 15 Archaeology Day Kingsley Plantation, Jax What I liked about Bogda was it’s down-to-earth anyone who has ever plundered Reddi-Arts for a pre- 15 2nd Annual Boys 2 Men Hip Hop Summit & Basketball Game atmosphere. Sometimes, in order to feel popular and stretched canvas and a variety pack of acrylic paints, Edward Waters Gym, Jax successful (or just to pay the bills), art galleries feel but for Bogda it means displaying more than just high 15-16 Hand in Hand: A Father Daughter Art Duet Benefitting the need to attract a wider audience, and they tailor the art media. With an equal amount of props to the artists Kessler Mentoring R. Roberts Gallery, Jax look of their space. They’re too afraid to display art that who made the clothing and toys at the show, Bogda gets 16 Vettes at the Village World Golf Village, St. Augustine someone may dislike, which leads them to display work props for including them in the show at all. It proves that they’re interested in the flexibility and pragmatism 16 Jax Herb Society Meeting Glynlea Grace United Methodist that doesn’t garner a strong reaction at all. If anything Church, Jax is required of a work of art, it is that it must stir some- of art. I hope they permanently offer the clothing, toys,

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 31 16-17 Car Show Jax Zoo, Jax 17 Chamber Music Society-Craig Hall Church of the Good Shepherd, Jax Along the way, they are assisted by the Good Witch (Candace Cooke) and harassed and hounded 18 Auditions: “Benchwarmers” Players By the Sea, Jax Beach by the Wicked Witch (Evelyn Gaynor). 19-20 FCCJ Artist Series-Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go Anna Lynn Ellenburg, Amanda Harris and Wil- Performing Arts Center, Jax liam Leonard are the featured young adults who 19-23 CSI Summer Camp FCCJ Advanced Technology Center, Jax appear in all of the performances and play multiple 20 Summer Cinema “Tsotsi” MOCA, Jax roles, including the citizens of Oz. Rounding out the adult cast is Kenneth Uibel 20-21 Especially for Seniors Talk & Tea Cummer Museum, Jax as Uncle Henry and the wizard’s guard and Alexia 22-24 21st Annual Greek Landing Day Celebration St. Photios Adock as Jitterbug, a strange dancing bug. Shrine, St. Augustine Booth cast ten local children and they are 23 Art Adventures-Crazy Collage Cummer Museum, Jax some of the hardest working actors in the show, playing munchkins, flying monkeys, trees and other 23 Second Annual Battle of the Bands Main Library, Jax assorted creatures. You will only see five of them in 23 Journey to EmPOWerment III Workshop Ramada Inn, Mandarin any particular show because they work so hard they 24 The Huls Clark Duo Main Library, Jax need every other day off. They are truly marvelous, 27 Summer Cinema “The Iron Giant” MOCA, Jax well-disciplined singing and dancing stars of the future. One of them probably lives in your neighbor- 28-29 Art Unleashed Benefit No More Homeless Pets Bella Sera, Jax hood: Lillie Brody, Montana Dalton, Jackie Jones, Connor McClure, Logan Needle, Alyssa Pellum, Erol JULY Pierce, Allen Scarlett, Rae Anne Wesley and Jordan Whitford. 4 4th of July Liberty Celebration Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach The success of The Wizard of Oz rises and falls 5 Beginner Salsa Classes Café Bolero, Jax on the character Dorothy. Kirsten Carmody is a cast- 5-22 “Nine” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach ing director’s dream in this role and Kirsten is just the right height. She’s cute as a button and sings like 7 Art-Rageous Main Library, Jax an angel. When she sings the award-winning ‘Over 8 Beg/Intermediate Salsa Classes Studio One, Jax the Rainbow,’ your heart will flutter. 9-14 LibraryCon: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Festival Main Library, Jax the wizard of oz An unaccredited performer in the program, but 9-AUG. 10 Summer Teen Workshop Orange Park Community a crowd favorite, is Dorothy’s dog, Toto. He gets Theatre, Orange Park passed around more than a church collection plate, but still maintains his sunny disposition and wagging 11 Summer Cinema “When Fried Eggs Fly” MOCA, Jax Alhambra Dinner Theatre review tail. If Ms. Kirsten does not make it in show busi- 12 Arthritis Foundation’s Lunch & Lecture River City Brewing ness, she has a future as a dog handler. Company, Jax by dick kerekes [email protected] Costumer Kurt McCall has dressed the large 13 Summer Cinema “When Fried Eggs Fly” Encore MOCA, Jax Do you believe that magic lightning can strike ner Theatre presented L. Frank Baum’s The Wizard cast in a visual feast of every color of the rainbow, 13-28 “Bat Boy: The Musical” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach twice in the same place? In 200l, the Alhambra Din- of Oz. It was artistically the best play of the year, and with lots and lots of outfits to enjoy, especially for the record attendance for the show bears this out. the children 14 Tonca’s Birthday Celebration MOSH, Jax As I walked into the opening performance of Yes, there is a yellow brick road and the Land 14 Air Guitar & Lip Synching Contest Regency Library, Jax this classic musical last weekend, I wondered if of Oz as well on stage, thanks to David Dionne’s 14 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax Director Tod Booth could once again wave his magic design and his shop team. casting wand and match his 2001 triumph. I am Be careful, if you pay too much attention to the 14 Dance Dance Revolution Main Library, Jax pleased to announce that he did it, he did it, he did it. songs like ‘Ding Dong the Witch Is Dead,’ ‘Follow the 15 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach The wonderful characters in Oz once again Yellow Brick Road,’ and ‘We Are off to See the Wiz- 16-20 CSI Summer Camp FCCJ Advanced Technology Center, Jax mesmerized the adults and the many children at the ard,’ you will find yourself humming them for several 16-21 AT&T Greater Jax Kingfish Tournament Sisters Creek, Jax gala night. days at the oddest times. It is here that I usually give a plot summary, School is out and it is time to treat your kids or 17 Playstation Game Day Pablo Creek Library, Jax but do I need to for a story that has been around in a grandkids to a show that is filled with life lessons. 18 Summer Cinema “Akeelah & the Bee” MOCA, Jax book, a movie and a play for so many years? Did you know that only bad witches are ugly? 19 Teen Program-Readers Theatre Main Library, Jax Just to refresh your memory, it is the story of As I once again recall the 2001 version, I re- Dorothy, a Kansas farm girl that is whisked away by member writing that adults seem to enjoy this musi- 19 Ooze, Bubble & Fizz! Library, Neptune Beach a tornado to a colorful world over the rainbow. On cal as much as children, since it has timeless humor 20-21 “Oklahoma!” YBAG Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach her trip she makes friends with the brainless Scare- and brings out the kid in all of us, regardless of age. 21 Day of Total Luna-See MOSH, Jax crow (D. Garrett Smith), the heartless Tin Man (Ken The Wizard of Oz 2007 carries on that tradition. Sandberg) and the Cowardly Lion (Jason Goodson) Call quickly, as tickets are going fast. Reserva- 21 Books Alive Main Library, Jax as they go down the yellow brick road to see the tions at 641-1212 or visit their website for complete 23 Classic Movie Night Library, Neptune Beach Wizard (Tony Triano). information at alhambradinnertheatre.com. 25 Summer Cinema “Cinema Paradiso” MOCA, Jax 25 Tuller & Weinberg Summer Serenade Main Library, Jax 26-29 “Inherit The Wind” A Classic Theatre Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine 26-AUG. 19 “Snapshots” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 28 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax 28 All Age Variety Show Regency Library, Jax

AUGUST 1 Summer Cinema “Y’Tu Mama Tambien” MOCA, Jax 2-19 “Peter Pan” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 4 First Coast Pride Festival Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach 8 Summer Cinema “An Inconvenient Truth” MOCA, Jax 12 Library Night-Suns Baseball Baseball Grounds, Jax 15 Summer Cinema “The Notorious Bettie Page” MOCA, Jax

32 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper state fair Orange Park Community Theatre review by dick kerekes [email protected] Miracles still happen. I know because I saw and Beau Wade. a minor miracle last weekend at the production of Andrew Pentecost is in the chorus but also has Rogers and Hammerstein’s State Fair at Orange Park the dubious honor of playing Blue Boy the prize pig, Community Theatre. Directors Connie Senkowski but I will not reveal how his pulls off this trick. and Bob Houston managed to put thirty-six (that’s As you can see, I had quite a time trying to right 36) men, women and children on the tiny stage keep track of who was who. Others in the cast in at the same time and they were all singing, dancing various roles include, Leonard Alterman (who also and generally overjoyed to be there. plays the saxophone in the band), Kayla Kurmaskie, Orange Park has a David-and-Goliath attitude Michele Malinda, Brenna McBroom, Olivia Miller, when it comes to musicals. Nothing is big enough Alanna Moore, Vick Pentecost, Christina Phillips, and no challenge is too great. Year after year, this William A. Stewart, and Jordan “Dane” Vondette. 36-year old community theatre continues to amaze I like Brenda Cohn’s approach to musical direc- me. I remember Roberta and A Funny Thing Hap- tion. She usually takes a part in the play, since she pened on the Way to the Forum. Both are difficult is an excellent singer and actress, and she can be shows and both were well done. right on top of what is happening musically. Gabri- State Fair has been around as a movie since elle Verderese and Connie Senkowski created the grand night for singing l933. It was remade in l945 with the music added. impressive dance numbers, working wonders on this In l996, the stage musical was born. It has been small stage successful because of the Rogers and Hammerstein The costumes were mostly period western songs ‘It Might As Well Be Spring,’ ‘Our State Fair,’ wear circa l946 Kansas, coordinated by Reginia PBTS theatre review ‘That’s for Me’ and ‘It’s a Grand Night for Singing.’ Manning, Mary Ann Barclay and Kathleen Andrze- The song, ‘All I Owe Ioway’ was never a hit but jewski. should have been; it is lively and a lot of fun. The sets were amazing. Merrie Luke led the by dick kerekes [email protected] The title, State Fair, tells it all. Daddy Frake band on a piano that was tucked away somewhere (David Phillips) wants his prize pig to win a the state backstage, and they performed well, never overpow- A Grand Night for Singing, now playing at example for her students. Very much in demand fair, Mother Frake (Ellen Hare) wants her pickles and ering the performance of the singers. Players by the Sea in Jacksonville Beach, is a for local musicals, you saw her in The Pirates of mince pie to win, but their two children have ro- Kudos as well to Cindy and Mike Ward, who, tribute to the songs of Richard Rogers and Oscar Penzance at Players by the Sea and in Theatre mance on thcir minds. Margy (Megan Tebo) rejects as producers, saw to it that the bills were paid, and Hammerstein II. It was the first revue ever done of Jacksonville’s Pajama Game. Kristin is at her best the courting by Harry (Daniel Eudy) in favor of the to Jeanne Stratton, the Stage Manager who herded their songs and it debuted in l993, garnering two when she sings ‘If I loved You’ from Carousel. I slick newspaper reporter Pat (Joseph Walz). Wayne around this cast of thousands. Tony nominations for best musical and best book. felt wonderful as she sang ‘A Wonderful Guy’ from (Nick Mullins) temporally spurs his beau Eleanor While the seasoned talent (like Ms. Palombo, If you are a fan of musical theatre, this is an South Pacific. (Jessica Palombo) for the sexy professional singer and Mr. Waltz) had a great impact on the show, absolute must-see show. In about 90 minutes you Jacksonville musical theatre lovers got a big appearing at the fair, Jeanne (Jessica Palombo!! - there is some up-and-coming talent that will serve will hear 31 songs from the greatest musicals ever break when Amy Allen Farmer decided to move to ain’t it grand what you can do with wigs and talented this theatre well in future. You will see a lot of two presented. this city to be near her family. Since arriving, she actresses?). of the high school students that performed in this The music selected is not just from the most has thrilled audiences at every theatre in Jack- Well, that is it and I won’t give away the sus- production in the coming years. Nick Mullins has a famous and popular shows. You will hear four or sonville with her New England Conservatory of pense-filled ending, but you can guess. wonderfully developing voice, and his duet ‘So Far’ five songs from Oklahoma, South Pacific, Carousel Music-trained voice. Amy showed she can do it all, Many things occur during while this plot un- with Ms. McBroom in Act II is exquisite. Megan Tebo and The King and I, which will have you silently with a fine dramatic role as the sister in the George folds. Hank (Bob LeSage), Lem (Steve Cohn) and has an excellent, well-trained voice as well and she singing along. There are four songs from Allegro, Ballis directed All the Way Home at Players. She is Clay (Wayne Manley) sing ‘More than Just a Friend’ will be playing many leading ladies in musicals if she four from Cinderella, two from Flower Drum Song, something wonderful when she sings ‘Something about how much they love their hogs. (This song so chooses. and some from Me and Juliet and Pipe Dream. Wonderful’ from King and I. never made the hit parade.) Thanks to Barbara Wells, who created the pro- There is only one song from their last musical Josh Waller is an incredible musical talent. Richard Haertel almost steals the show as the gram insert, it is excellent, and everyone in the cast The Sound of Music and that is a very interesting Besides singing, dancing and acting. did you know mince pie contest judge, who gets drunk on one is listed with the role that they play and an individual rendition of ‘Maria’ by Josh Waller. he is a classical pianist and a former bassoonist? entry that has been thoroughly laced with brandy. biography as well. What makes this show particularly interesting (Lets see if you can work that instrument into the Haertel also doubles back as an unusual police chief. A final thanks to the Tom Nehl Fund of The is the unique and clever arrangement and orches- New Years Eve show at Players.) Waller is the There is a wonderful fair scene, complete with Community Foundation for their financial assistance, tration of songs well known to all of us. master of romantic ballads and he gets a chance to a shooting gallery, a hoop pitching game, a dancing without them theatre just would not be the same in ‘I’m Gonna Wash that Man Right Outa My sing a few in this show. harem girl (Sara Elizabeth Martel), a clown (Jessica North Florida. Hair’ is done by the three ladies in the play. Amy I was going to write that Lee Hamby has Brown), an Uncle Sam on stilts (T. J. Washburn) and Orange Park Community Theatre tickets are the Allen Farmer, Miranda Lawson and Kristin Jewell, found his calling in directing musical revues (and lots of dancers, including Alexandria Brown, Saman- hot tickets in town, so call 276-2599 immediately for not only getting rid of the men in their lives, but do- creating them, like last New Year’s Pelican Club at tha, Erin Gawera, Alexander Loucks, Olivia Loucks, yours. The show runs the month of June, at 2900 ing so in style with some nifty choreography from Players), but Hamby does so many things well. He Rebecca Pearson, James Selliti, Jackie Vondette, Moody Road in Orange Park. Director Lee Hamby. sings beautifully, choreographs, acts and even cre- Blake Osner, who recently appeared in Se- ates beautiful costumes. He is currently doing the crets Every Traveler Should Know at Limelight costumes for The Rocky Horror Show opening in 3 Theatre, has never sounded better doing solos than weeks at the Five Points Theater. He is also direct- when he sings ‘Oh, What A beautiful Mornin,’ ‘This ing and appearing in Bat Boy the Musical, in July at Nearly was Mine’ and ‘We Kiss in a Shadow.’ Players. This may be your last opportunity to enjoy This revue is done in a nightclub atmosphere the talent of Miranda Lawson as she is planning designed by Mr. Hamby and Ann Roberts, with to move to New York at the end of the year. If you evocative lighting design by Joe Schwarz. Ellen have never seen her perform, you have obviously Milligan is the musical director and is featured on been living in a cave, because she has graced the the piano leading an excellent 5-piece band. stages of Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville Uni- Some of the best singers in Jacksonville, versity, Players and the Alhambra Dinner Theatre present some of the best music ever written. You in many fine performances. You will love her when could not ask for anything more. she sings ‘I Can’t Say No’ in this show. Call 249-90289 for information and reserva- Kristin Jewell teaches music and is a perfect tions.

eujacksonville.com | june 7-13, 2007 33 Finley, Cleveland is essentially a bunch of ‘guys’, after James. Eric Snow, Zydrunas beachwise: no secret here Ilgauskas, and Anderson Varejao are just a few of the ‘guys’ that make up the cast by shaun robbins the Cavaliers will put on the court to try and stop San Antonio from winning yet another NBA Title. It should be interesting to see how this series evolves, and whether LeBron can finish off what he has set out to THE accomplish, which is to nail down a Cham- pionship. JOCK by tom weppel NOTES This weekend the Belmont Stakes will be run on Long Island. It would be a much more significant race if the Triple Crown was involved, but it isn’t. Even the Ken- Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... tucky Derby winner, Street Sense, is not running the Belmont. Preakness winner Curlin is, and is indeed the MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL favorite. In the last week or so, we’ve seen a number of The French Open tennis championships are Managers go on the field and argue with the umpires finishing up in Paris this weekend. Noticeably, there over calls, which then turn into little kiddie tantrums, are no Americans still playing, having been ousted in leading to certain ejection. These tirades are a com- earlier rounds. I don’t know whether that means there plete joke to me. It makes no sense, doesn’t do any needs to be more clay court playing in the USA, or good, and isn’t gonna change the mind of whoever whether there needs to be better tennis players, pe- they’re messing with. It would almost be better to riod. simply go out and have a conversation with an um- Meanwhile, we are seeing Rafael Nadal and pire, so that later on he might have a little respect for Roger Federer continue to show they are at the top of the Manager. We saw Cubs Manager Lou Piniella act the Men’s field, pure and simple, no matter what the like a complete idiot, which turned into a four-game surface may be. There are many spots on the First Coast to surf, and most surfers have that one that is near and dear to them. Some suspension for him. We saw others, including Bobby Closer to home, Billy Donovan has certainly cre- are super secret spots that only a select few have the pleasure of enjoying, while other spots are well publicized Cox of the Braves and Joe Torre of the Yanks, argue ated all kinds of fun and interesting stories in the last and you have to fight for every wave. My friends and I have our very own spot that we frequent, but for the fear of vehemently, and they got thrown out as well. week, with his decision to go coach the Magic, then my spot becoming one of the latter, you will never hear me telling you where it is on these pages. However, I will One day, perhaps there will be a stronger rule deciding to pull out and go back to Gainesville and give you a little knowledge on a few of the top surf spots around Jacksonville and St. Augustine that are already that creates an automatic ejection or fine or suspen- stay with the Gators. Throughout all of this, he’s kind .well known to all that surf in the area. sion for a Manager to go into the field of play during a of soiled the image and reputation of all three factions, game in the situation. Maybe it will make things a little in my opinion, with the Gaotrs, the Magic, and Billy The Poles more sane. himself looking kind of bad. We’ll see how they all The Poles, aptly named for the poles separating the surf. The surf scene here seems to be ever growing emerge and shake out when the dust settles. Hanna Park and the Mayport Naval Base, is one of the with more surfers out in the water every time I paddle NBA FINALS I guess there isn’t enough room in Miami for most notable surf spots in North Florida. This legend- out. This could be due to the great surf that can be had The surprising Cleveland Cavaliers and the Trent Green AND Daunte Culpepper. And so with ary break is the place to be on a Nor’easterly swell. here if you catch it at the right time and tide. If you don’t San Antonio Spurs are playing for the NBA Finals Green having been brought in from Kansas City to be Protected from the usual Nor’easter effects that most catch it right, be warned, because this spot has one of now. At the beginning of the playoffs, you wouldn’t the Dolphins de facto QB, Culpepper might want to of the area gets, the Poles enjoys the best surf of any the fiercest shore breaks around, which isn’t great for have guessed these two teams would be here. While start packing his backs, with the strong possibility of spot known in the area during these storms. If crowds surfers, but is good news for skimboarders. the Spurs have of course won the title in the recent getting traded out. are nothing to you, check it out when the next storm past, the Cavaliers have NEVER been here. NBA fans The World Series of Poker is being played in Las rolls in. Remember, this spot is located in a national Vilano expected to see the Mavericks or the Suns from the Vegas. We all know about this because we’ve read park, so you have to pay to play. Hanna park opens at Vilano is one of the last remaining beaches in the West, or the Pistons definitely from the East. about it and seen it on ESPN, where they continuously 8 a.m., with admission costing $1 per person 8 a.m. to area that you can drive on, and is home to one of the So, with the Spurs and Cavs playing, we’ve got sur- play past years’ tournaments until we throw up. None- 10 a.m., then $3 per car 10 a.m. to close. better known surf spots in the St. Augustine area. This is prises. theless, poker had grown exponentially in popularity, a high tide break that creates a wave that is hollow and This certainly can be a landmark for LeBron and because it has, thousands of players have gone Jax Beach Pier fast when conditions are right. Like Crossroads, when James. The kid has come through and brought his to Vegas and anted up the $10,000 entry fee to par- Piers always seem to have good surf next to conditions aren’t right for surfers they are usually right team with him to reach the Finals. Many people don’t ticipate. While I don’t consider poker a sport by any them, and the Jax Beach Pier is no exception. Pumping for the skim boarders. My only warning for this place is realize LeBron is STILL only 22 years old, having not means, it does take knowledge and skill, and it seems out waves with good size and form when other spots to watch out for the rocks, my little brother, and getting gone to college. He plays like a totally seasoned vet- accessible to play and get into. That’s why so many can’t even seem to break is why the Jax Beach Pier has your car stuck in the soft sand. eran way beyond his years. people think they’re good at it. always been one of the most competitive surf spots in While the Spurs are indeed a veteran group, Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Ron the Jacksonville area. The wave itself is a nice pealing St. Augustine Pier/ FA led by perennial All-Star C Tim Duncan and the G Duguay, and Lonnie Marts on SportsAvengers.com wave that, with the right conditions, has the possibili- The St. Augustine Pier and FA look vastly different cluster of Manu Ginobili, Tony Parker, and Michael 24/7. ties of breaking both inside and out. If you are inter- from when their shores were nothing more than a large ested in knowing what the surf is like at the Jax Beach mound of boulders, to the vast sandy beaches of today. Pier, visit surfjaxpier.com for daily reports. Thankfully, even with the dramatic change in the beach, the surf stuck around. This spot produces a solid wave Crossroads (Micklers) that peals down the beach in both directions, giving you Going south from Jax Beach on A1A to St. Au- long face to work with on most occasions. Check out gustine Beach, you will pass Crossroads. Long gone surf-station.com for waves in the Northeast Florida is the intersection this break was named for, but not area.

forecasted conditions

Hope you caught the tail end of Berry Saturday Night and weren’t holding out for Sunday morning, because that appears to be the last rideable surf for a while. The buoy forecast shows very little action in the sea for the week- end and all of next week. Translation, outside of a freak storm coming by, the surf bonanza has finally stopped, even for the longboarders. Well, it has defiantly been one of the more surf-filled summers in resent history so far, and it was good while it lasted. Hopefully we will have another long period of surf come through soon. But don’t take my weekly word for it, call or log onto your local report daily to find out what the present conditions are for your favorite break.

34 june 7-13, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper and Richard. With the tragic loss of Adam in 2000, there Dale Jr. is going to Joe Gibbs Racing and Joe don’t want is only the memory of this style of driver but making no beer, so Visa is the new sponsor and JGR is talking nascar news & notes room for new ones is probably for the best. with Chevrolet about renewing their deal. In the mean- No he isn’t gone yet, he’s just out for five races time, Toyota is trying to woo them over to their cars. So while he’s in the broadcast booth. In one week he’ll if I read this right, we will see Junior in a #8 VISA Toy- by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] be doing it from the car, which will be real interesting ota next season, is that right? Also, if I hear things right to say the least. CTS driver Chad McCumbee will fill again, Michael Waltrip Racing and Penske Racing are First, I want to give my condolences to the France with the #42 STP on it, he made the August race in this week while ol’ you-know-who (John “No Drive’m” working on a partnership to combine the numbers 2, 12, Family for their loss of Bill France Jr. I pray that he can (where else?) Talladega. I guess he had more room to Andretti) will do the other four. Then Kyle should be 55, 44 and the double zero cars in Toyotas. Well that’s form a series from the drivers that have gone before him. travel and got the car around the track because he got back for the rest of the season. Kyle says that one day nice, but that would be a five car team, which NASCAR Big Bill made everything that we have come to know the 18th starting position and finished at a very respect- he’ll give it up, but “it’s not that time.” When the time ain’t allowing anymore. Since Dale Jarrett just got one and love about NASCAR. Since 1972, when Bill Jr. took able 9th, his best in five races. His next five years with does come for Petty to retire, I think he will do just that more year on his contract, I guess Michael could sit out over, he has brought it into every part of the country and Petty didn’t bring any wins, but he did get 4 top fives and not be one of these part-time drivers like Martin and one season, is that right? started the changes that have made it a household name and 28 top tens, but alas no wins. Elliott. Kyle is deeply involved with his other favorite The funny thing is that Gibbs ain’t heard a lot for years. The Winston Million Dollar Race and the name In 1985, Kyle went to drive for the Woods Broth- thing, the Victory Junction Gang Camp, which has so about much of this, and even if he did, it ain’t going to Winston Cup, with the championship fund at the end ers, a move that made me wonder what Richard must much meaning for him and Pattie, that you know he’ll be known for some time, at least until Kelly breaks the of the season, rose from under a million to more than have thought. It was with the Woods that Petty got his have a full time job with the greatest rewards of his ca- news. Junior is busy talking to Richard Childress, where two million dollars. He signed the deal with CBS that first (and not only) win. One in 1986 and again in 1987 reer. everyone with a brain says he’s going and no one is brought the first complete live race to television for the at Richmond and Charlotte respectively. The four years Well Tony Stewart is using his favorite line again: saying it’s a done deal yet, but we know it is, don’t we? 1979 Daytona 500. in the #7 7-Eleven and the #21 Citgo cars got him 19 “racing people with respect.” This time it’s all about I am still pulling for Bobby Ginn and feel that would be Besides Richard Petty winning, Donnie and Cale top fives and 48 top tens, putting him well on his way Kurt Busch. Busch puts it, “I raced the guy all day long Earnhardt’s best move, although RCR could, one day, battling it out on and off the track gave the program such to making a name for himself as a Winston Cup driver. and for some reason he just didn’t give an inch.” Okay become RCRJR. What ya think? If you need to contact high ratings and press coverage that Bill had no prob- Then he made another team move to Felix Sabates and Kurt, is a guy supposed to just pull up and let ya go by me you can do it at [email protected] and re- lem getting other TV networks to sign on for the next back to his #42 car with three different sponsors for the just any ol’ time you want to pass? Tony thinks that your member, If it ain’t NASCAR, It ain’t s**t! 21 years. It’s amazing how the races were only second next eight seasons. While starting out in a Dodge for a diving is worth a million bucks, so he wants to make thoughts for sports shows before, and today NASCAR few years, and then to Fords, he is now in a GM Pontiac it worth your while. To take it to the pits is a real dumb has multi-billion dollar TV deals. He knew what it took and is also a well-accomplished driver with six wins, 28 thing, even if you do admit that, it still don’t make it to take racing in the South and go nationwide. In 2000, top fives and a remarkable 69 top tens! right. Maybe that’s why NASCAR parked your butt the when told of his cancer, he put Mike Helton in charge. All these stats came in the first 6 years. In 1997 rest of the race. Stewart said long ago, after his run Then, in 2003, he made Brian the top man. He always he is the prodigal son in his return to Petty Enterprises, in with Matt Kenseth, that he was going to drive just wanted the best for the drivers, teams, owners and fans, where he is seemingly winding down his career. Kyle like Matt and Kurt. You ain’t no different. You can relax and I want to thank him very much for the sport that I Petty, for me, has always been the anti-establishment, because Tony said he won’t get even any time soon, love. far-out kind of dude that you wouldn’t be scared to go up or rather, the next race. But you can believe that Tony Kyle Petty, is he retiring, stepping back or taking to and say, “hey dude you want to burn one?” Maybe he Stewart is becoming another Jimmy Spencer: “He don’t a vacation? Kyle has decided to take on a job in a booth would or maybe he wouldn’t, but he got my respect as a forget!” and get out of the car with TNT. He has been working, or driver and a person long ago and will continue to have it Now let me see if I can get some of this straight. rather learning, the new avenue in the Busch (soon to be from now on. He is the last of the racing empire of Lee something else) series for the past few weeks and it’s time to move up to Cup. Kyle didn’t fully intend to enter the world of racing when he got started. He had several scholarship offers from colleges after his performance in high school sports, such as football and basketball. In 1979, after his grandfather Lee and dad Richard, he finally decided that he would keep the family tradition to race and won his first race in the ARCA series in a Dodge. After his win, the move to Winston Cup was planned, but, like so many young guys, he couldn’t make a race and he crashed in qualifying over the next several tries. With what could be called a last bullet in his gun, but really a remaining car from Petty Enterprises

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