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on the cover feature family pages 5-9 behind the curtain: local theatre page 20 supplemental education for kids Photo by A.M. Stewart page 25 nickelodeon’s worldwide day of play

Image of the Florida Theatre a better u page 26 family events stage from lighting grid page 13 a greener u: back to school catwalk page 13 senior olympic games music page 25 klob interview A.M. creates a variety of authentic page 15 estrogen warrior page 27-31 music events images spurring from the depths of her imagination. Specializing dish in the unordinary, A.M. welcomes page 16 dish update + food events theatre & culture commissions. myspace.com/ page 10-11 cultural events page 17 ghetto gourmet: bungalow on park amstewartview; amstewartview@ page 18 up & cummers: fashion forward gmail.com home visual arts page 12 notes from the bachelor pad page 19 art events page 15 netscapades page 21 picturing ﬂ orida book review eu staff pages 22-23 wjct’s 50th anniversary

managing director pages 24-25 fall tv preview Shelley Henley movies

creative director page 33-38 fall & holiday movie preview Rachel Best Henley page 39 september movies + showings senior writer food editor Rick Grant Erin Thursby

specialty features Jon Bosworth contributing writers september 08 Kellie Abrahamson Jennifer McCharen Laura Britton Troy Spurlin Brenton Crozier A.M. Stewart 22-23 Dick Kerekes Tom Weppel

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eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 3 4 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly behind the curtain

How the theatre season gets on area stages

by erin thursby, photos by a.m. stewart

ong before the ﬁ rst whiff of face powder and the spotlight shines on the stage there’s a beehive of activity that not L only goes on backstage on opening night but also for weeks, and sometimes months. There’s a cadre of professionals and volunteers who design and build the sets, sew the costumes, ﬁ ne tune the lighting and sound systems. But even before that, the show’s ringmaster is the producer who coordinates all the elements, selects the shows and manages the production. players by the sea and the road to sweeney todd

Since 1966, Players by the Sea has been offering quality community theatre to Jacksonville Beach. They’ve grown since those gypsy begin- nings, when they traveled from venue to venue to put on their shows and they’ve weathered disaster when their fi rst established theatre burned to the ground in the 70s. These days they’ve got two theatres onsite and a loyal patronage that looks for both the avant-garde and the tried and true. This month, the often controversial but new- ly popular musical, Sweeney Todd, will be gracing At a Theatre Jacksonville rehearsal, an actress waits for her entrance their stage. In choosing the season, Players by the Sea tries to gauge what the volunteers and the that their choice was guided by knowing the talent in the city. community wants. “People were questioning, do we have the talent to do it? I have to say yes,” answers Hamby “I’ve Says Executive Director Joe Schwarz: “I done theater in many towns…and we have some of the best talent around.” make the process very transparent…people knew “A lot people that are well-known in the theatre community come back from the professional world… that we were considering Sweeney Todd a long just because it’s community theatre doesn’t mean the talent hasn’t been there, done that.” time ago. The reason that I do that is because I Like some of the talent in the show, Hamby is a veteran of the New York acting scene. He came back want their input.” to Jacksonville because of a family matter and ended up staying on to direct. “We throw the net very wide,” explains “People say, ‘Why aren’t you in New York?’ Well, I was in New York, I did National Tours. I just love Schwarz. “We look to the community, the talent doing theatre, no matter where it is.” and we also look to our patrons [to] fi nd out, what “I have Matthew J. Campbell playing Sweeney and he’s a professional actor. He’s lived in New do they want…I wouldn’t have necessarily picked York…he’s traveled with regional theatre. Same thing with my Mrs. Lovett. Dana Brant, she’s gone and Music Director Samuel Sweeney Todd, if a lot of people hadn’t wanted done things elsewhere…Just because it’s community theatre doesn’t mean it’s Joe Shomo working in an Clein and Bill White us to…You can’t do a play without actors…in a offi ce somewhere wanting to do community theatre.” review changes to a community theater.” song in Sweeney Todd Lee Hamby, who is directing the show, says » continues on page 6 »

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 5 Erin Gowera and Bonny Tennant get ready backstage before the start of rehearsal at Players by the Sea

But fi nding talent wasn’t Hamby’s fi rst concern when Players was considering doing the show. In- stead, it was a technical issue: the infamous barber chair, which collapses to slide the bodies of Sweeney Todd’s victims through a trap door to the meat grinding area below. “That was my number one concern from the get-go…if we can’t do the chair; we can’t do the show… My fi rst thought was to get the chair from someone who’s already used the chair and knows that it works properly and can explain it to us. But the more I did research on it, nobody had a good-looking chair…They all looked out of scale…I called people in Georgia, even up to Atlanta. Nobody had one that I really liked. David Paul, our technical director at Players by the Sea, he is so good…He’s built some crazy things that you can’t fi nd anywhere, so this was the perfect job for him…He got on it, built a prototype… We did lots of research on what other people did.”

“People were questioning, do we have the talent to do it? I have to say yes, I’ve done theater in many towns…and {}we have some of the best talent around.” His main concern was keeping the actors safe, not only because he likes his actors, but because understudies can often be in short supply in community theatre. “It works famously. We love it…and it works. We are doing something a little different. I don’t want to give away the secret, though…You can’t do something completely different because people expect certain things.” Hamby enjoys the pace of community theatre because there’s often more time to ﬁ ne tune a show. “Community theatre is just the opposite of professional—[for professional] you’ll have two weeks to put up the show, and then months of the run…[in community] you rehearse for a couple of months and then just do a couple of weekends of the show…As an actor you have more time to perfect your part more so than you do in professional theatre.” The production of Sweeney will be its own creature, not a slavish copy of the movie or the Broadway revival. Hamby and his cast have worked hard to give the people what they want, while still putting their own unique Players by the Sea stamp on things. “Sweeney Todd hasn’t been done in this town for 25 years. The last…[theater] that did it was River City Playhouse…Everyone’s been talking about doing it, but no one really had the nerve to do it…It’s one of the most difﬁ cult shows in musical theatre…People saying that we can’t do this just makes me more excited to do it.” what we want at the alhambra According to Tod Booth, executive director of the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, public desire drives the season choices for his theatre. “We’re a commercial theatre so we pick our shows based on what we believe the public is Clayton Hughes saws through interested in and will support, because we’re not a custom-made set design for endowed by any grants…So we have to very con- an upcoming production of Alhambra’s Westside Story cerned about what we pick being marketable…”

6 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly They look to more than one type of market in the Jacksonville area, so you’ll ﬁ nd different types of shows on their roster. “We plan a very diverse schedule…some [shows] appeal to families, some to older people, some to school groups, others appeal to just children.” The majority of the shows are produced onsite, with just 10 days to stage the show. The Alhambra holds auditions or calls actors in to do the shows they have scheduled. The theatre is responsible for housing the out-of-town actors and helping them to ﬁ nd transportation while they’re in town. Only one show this year will be a traveling show; the rest were produced right here in Jacksonville. The Alhambra does it all, from the casting to building the sets and constructing the costumes. Sets are built at their scene shop, which is not on the same site as the theatre building. Not only do they build sets for their own shows, but they build sets for other theater companies as well, among other things.

Alhambra set designer David Dionne displays the Jesus Christ Superstar model he created

“We also build sets for movies shot in Florida [and] television shows…we’re doing Westside Story for the symphony. We also do theme parties for the resorts in Florida and the local companies that have theme parties. We build the decorations for the parties.” The Westside Story set is reportedly going to be several stories high. At the moment, the scene shop is working on that, plus two other projects at their 10 thousand foot warehouse. They don’t lack for costumes either, and have about $250-300,000 worth of stock costumes. The only show they won’t be producing this season is Mama Mia, it’s almost ABBA, which will be a performance show from the top ABBA tribute band. “They perform all over the world,” says Booth “[at] football games with 50 thousand people. That’s one of the reasons they love performing here, because it’s so intimate.” Upcoming shows for this year include Moon Over Buffalo (September 3 - October 5), All Shook Up (October 8th - November 30). Check their website for a full schedule through 2009 at alhambradinnertheatre.com/index.htm valued volunteers at theatre jacksonville As with most community theatres, volunteers are the engine that drives Theatre Jacksonville. Michael Lipp, who has directed nine shows for Theatre Jacksonville, has enjoyed working with many volunteers. For Lipp, the integrated web of staff and volunteers makes it “a great place to work…it’s like a family…a tight knit community.” Michelle Simklet, who has often served as a stage manager for the theatre believes » continues on page 8 » Three Questions for Theatre Jacksonville

We asked Sarah Boone, executive director at Theatre Jacksonville, about how a play reaches the stage and her pick for the upcoming season.

EU: How do you choose the season? Sarah Boone: We have a repertory committee that I put together every year that reads plays…We meet in the fall to come up with a season by February for the year before. I also travel to New York and see plays, visit with colleges to ﬁ nd out about new scripts and things.

EU: After choosing a show, what do you do next? SB: First the design team has to be created. I have a season and I will hire directors for each show, then we have to have costume designer, lighting designer, set designer. Those plans happen months out…A month before the show opens we start building the set…that’s when the volunteers come in to help.”

EU: Is there a particular show you’re exited about this season? SB: The Beaux Stratagem. It’s a brand new script that has not been published yet. It’s an adaptation of a restoration comedy that Ken Ludwig who’s one of our outstanding living playwrights in America. We’re one of a very few theatres that are going to do it.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 7 contribute to the local economy while increasing our wonderful quality of life here in Northeast Florida.” One of the real jewels in the crown of the Oldest City is charming Limelight Theatre. According to Beth Lambert, Artistic Director at the Limelight “these are exciting times. We’re making huge step to make the theatre more visible on a national scale…like a grownup theatre” The Limelight has grown over the years with their success due in a large part by their Limelight Guild, a volunteer group of 130 women “who do just about everything” boasts Lambert. “We try to bring in shows that are fresh and not recently seen on stage locally. We bring comedies - I love Neil Simon, dramas, at least one musical every year and also something that is new. I read a lot and have a recommendation committee that helps me tremendously. We even have patrons that bring playbills of shows they’re attended elsewhere.” “Our 2008 season brings the New York Critic’s Award winner, Intimate Apparel by Lyn Nottage and for the very ﬁ rst time we’re presenting Shakespeare at the Limelight with The Tempest which is directed by Gray Cadweller.” That’s just a sampling of what’s happening on stage. But there’s a lot more to the mission of the Limelight. “We now have a full-time education director, coordinating school groups and running the kids workshops.” “Last year, probably our best show was Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf in the round. It was the perfect cast and was really great. Raisin in the Sun was Broadway quality and our recent comedy Perfect Wedding was delightful.” “One thing that is unique at the Limelight is that we’re the only theatre in town that pays our actors and directors. They are a great bunch and for the season opener You Can’t Take It With You, the entire cast While at a Theatre Jacksonville rehearsal, is donating their fees back to the theatre”. an actor shufﬂ es through his lines

that these volunteers and the attitude of Theatre Jacksonville towards those volunteers makes it both a Dustin helps measure and create sets for Westside Story at the Alhambra scene shop great place to work and a powerful force in the theatrical community. “The staff and the board consider volunteers an asset. They really allow volunteers to be empow- ered…and invested personally. That investment pays dividends,” says Simklet “These aren’t the folks that get the applause…They build sets, work the boards, develop the sound…without the same recognition that the people on the stage get.” Even if they don’t get direct applause from the audience, Theatre Jacksonville certainly understands the value of these dedicated workers. Simklet, like the rest of Theatre Jacksonville, knows that “We’re here because of the tremendous willingness to volunteer.” For more info about their upcoming shows visit theatrejax.com behind the scenes in st. augustine Within a few minutes drive you can be delighted at the ever-growing variety of culture in St. Augustine. It’s really a treat to enjoy an entertainment outing of music, good theatre and great dining in the peaceful atmosphere of the nation’s oldest city. “Arts and cultural programs provide more than quality of life to a community. They provide valuable economic beneﬁ ts ...[for the community].” states Philip McDaniel, president of the St. Johns County Cul- tural Council. “On behalf of the St. Johns County Cultural Council and the cultural institutions in historic St. Augustine, Ponte Vedra and greater St. Johns County, we ask that you continue to experience life to the fullest by supporting ...[arts and culture]. In doing so, not only do we learn more and feel better, but we

Beth and Theatre Director Emily Carpenter love to see new faces in the audience. The Limelight The- FCCJ Artist Series Pop Quiz! atre is located at 11 Old Mission Ave. in St. Augustine. For more information call 904-825-1164 or visit limelight-theatre.org. EU quizzed executive director Dr. Milton Russos on the upcoming FCCJ Artist Series season... choosing the season at thrasher-horne EU: When do you start working on what will be playing in a season? How do you attract so Leading the pack in keeping culture alive and thriving in Clay County is the Thrasher-Horne Center many great shows to Jacksonville? for the Arts at the St. Johns River Community College campus in Orange Park. Tony Walsh, the Executive Dr. Milton Russos: We come up with a working list. It’s really a two-year process, sometimes Director stated “Our 5th season is exciting. I’ve found a mix with our programming. It’s very community even longer from when we first see these things. It took us almost ten years to bring The Lion oriented and I take my lead from the audience. What they want and expect and something new at the same King…It really amounts to…[the availability] we have here in the Times Union center and the routing of the shows…There’s lots of performing arts centers in Florida, so they like to come to time. Our motto is: celebrating the arts in our community and the community is in the arts.” Florida, basically in the winter, because they want to get away from all that snow…About 15-20 Because of that, they invite the community to participate as much as they can, which is often a big years ago when there were some major snowstorms in the mid-west and north-east, the trucks hit with audience members. were having a hard time moving. Back then when we were dealing with 10 semi-trucks it was huge. Today we get in 20 plus many times. “I’ve found a mix with our programming. It’s very EU: What criteria do you use to choose the line-up for the season? MR: We try to get the hot shows. We try to make sure we have one of the big [Tony] winners. community oriented and I take my lead from the Last year was Spamalot, year before was Lion King, this year is Wicked. And we try to balance it audience. What they want and expect but something new out. Happy Days is a brand-new musical based on the sitcom… at the same time. Our motto is: celebrating the arts in our EU: What are you excited about this season? MR: I think our Broadway series certainly has some great shows. Wicked is going to be a huge, community and the community is in the arts.” huge hit…It won the Tony Award…and it’s a great show with lots of humor…Fiddler on the Roof and [actor] Topol. It’s a rare chance for people to see the guy who originated the role [of Tevye] { { in the movie. He was…years younger than he needed to be when he made the movie. They “We discovered, quite by accident, during our holiday presentation of Peter Pan [something our audi- needed lots of make-up to make it work. Today he doesn’t need to use as much make-up. He’s… ence loved]. We invited a bell choir to entertain as the audience arrived...[and] our audience loved it. This closer [now] to the age of the role…He’s someone who’s really known for playing this part. year we’ll bring in A Clay County Christmas with a holiday sing-along followed by Babes In Toyland.” Walsh stays very aware of what strikes a chord with his audience.

8 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly Florida Theatre technical director Saul L. raises the curtain

“Last season we also enjoyed a great crowd reaction from Piano Man with Jim Witter performing tunes by Elton John and Billy Joel. Our audience loves tribute shows and this year we’ll present Love Me Tender, an Elvis inspired music event and Sweet Baby James with the music of James Taylor. 100 Years of Broadway by Neil Berg will be a big hit as will the Russian National Ballet doing Sleeping Beauty.” Thrasher-Horne has been selected to host the entire new cast of Annie. “They will be here for over a month. They’re casting the show in New York and bringing cast to THCA for rehearsals and the ﬁ rst performances will be here before the company’s national tour.” This newest offering of the tales of Annie, Miss Hannigan and Daddy Warbucks is being directed by Martin Charmin, who penned the original score. The idea of creating a musical based on Harold Gray’s “Little Orphan Annie” comic strip originated with lyricist/director Martin Charnin. Playwright Thomas Meehan and composer Charles Strouse were initially skeptical of the idea, but Charnin quickly won them over with his enthusiasm for the project. “Each year our audience keeps build- Erin and Bonny check ing” said Walsh “and now we have a series costumes at Players by the Sea of exciting kids workshops designed for exposing kids to live theatre, that’s the future. We’ve got good involvement and community support with a dedicated group of teachers and volunteers.”

any of our area’s community theatres are facing serious financial complications brought on in large part by the M State of Florida’s cutbacks for funding culture and the arts. According to the 2007 “Economic Impact of the Arts”, non-profit cultural organizations in greater Jacksonville served nearly 1.5 million admissions, employing nearly 1500 full and part time jobs and generated a $105.68 million dollar impact on the local economy. It’s up to us, the audience, to show support for our local theatres by attending a show. You’ll be significantly delighted and you’ll return for more. From the producers and the actors on stage, to the lighting tech and the prop department each part of the puzzle must come together seamlessly. These are hard working, dedicated artisans. It’s the muscle that makes the magic.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 9 september theatre

Sept. 3 – Oct. 5 MOON OVER BUFFALO A comedy starring Tony Triano and Lisa Valdini and directed By Tod Booth. Alhambra Dinner Theatre. Info: (904) 641-1212

Sept. 4-28 GUTENBERG, THE MUSICAL A musical lampooning the art of creating musicals. Hip- podrome Theatre, Gainesville, Florida. Info: (352) 375-4477

Sept. 5 First Friday Lunch Bunch This is a monthly lunch group for artists, actors, dancers and musicians to gather to learn about each other’s work. Bring your business cards and ﬂ yers. Clara’s at the Cathedral, Located at First United Methodist Church operated by Clara White Mission School of Culinary Arts, 225 East Duval St., 11 am -1 pm. A RSVP is not necessary. You can view the weekly menu at www.clarawhitemission.org, Cost: $7.50

Sept. 5-14 7-7 Florida Community College at Jacksonville’s Wilson Center for the Arts, FCCJ The- atre and Nursing departments will present “7–7” a new full–length work by Jacksonville playwright Ian Mairs. “7-7” examines the struggles of both patient and caregiver in a hospital setting over the course of a standard twelve hour shift (7 am to 7 pm). The play is under the direction of Dr. Lee Stewart Beger and features a cast of twelve actors including Simone Aden-Reid, Valerie Anthony and Al Letson. There will be a special panel discussion on addiction in the healthcare setting on Sept. 6 immediately following the performance. A special student performance will take place on Thursday, September 11 at 9 am. FCCJ South, 11901 Beach Blvd., Nathan H. Wilson Center, Info: (904) 646- 2222

Sept. 5-27 THE 1940’S RADIO HOUR An award winning musical produced as a live broadcast of a serial program. Orange Park Community Theatre. Info: (904) 276-2599

Sept. 5-27 SWEENEY TODD THE DEMON BARBER OF FLEET STREET A tale of vengeance and murder with score by Stephen Sodheim. Directed by Lee Hamby. Players by The Sea. Info: (904) 246-4386

Sept. 12-27 NUNSENSE Dan Goggin’s wacky musical about those singing nuns. Atlantic Beach Experiemental Theatre. Info: (904) 249-7177

Sept. 12 Auditions for “Christmas Belles” At Players by The Sea - 6pm. Info: (904) 249-0289

Sept. 13 - Oct. 4 THE BEAUX STRATAGEM The classic comedy opens Theatre Jacksonville’s 89th season. Directed By Geoffrey Kershner. Theatre Jacksonville. Info: (904) 396-4425

Sept. 13 Nutcracker Auditions Boys and Girls age 7 -18 will audition for the Amelia Arts Acade- my’s production of Thcaicovsky’s Nutcracker. The Academy is teaming up with Dance Alive! National Ballet Company for this professional, spectacular production. Auditions will be held from 9 – 10 am, with auditions for advanced tumblers from 10 – 10:30 am. Amelia Arts Academy, Historic Peck Community Center, 516 S. 10th St, Fernandina Beach. Info: (904) 277-1225.

Sept. 14 - 15 Auditions for “Sanders Family Christmas” A musical comedy opens December 7. Atlantic Beach Experiment Theatre. Info: (904) 249-7177

Sept. 14 LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD Friday Musicale hosts LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD, an opera for young audiences (ages ﬁ ve through ten), performed by the Children’s Opera Theatre. Friday Musi- cale, 645 Oak St., 3 pm, Admission FREE. Info: (904) 355-7584 or fridaymusicale.com.

Sept. 16 SIX DEGREES OF SEPARATION IN FACT & FICTION Tale Tellers of St. Augustine present Theatre of the Mind: Storytelling. “Six Degrees of Separation in Fact & Fiction,” a unique rendering of stories crafted from reality and folklore by BackinTyme, Frank & Mary Lee Sweet. Limelight Theatre - 7:30 pm. Info: (386) 446-4909 or (904) 829-8711.

Sept. 18 VIENNA TO BROADWAY A new musical cabaret performed by members of the Jackson- ville Lyric Opera. Friday Musicale, 645 Oak St., 7:30 pm, Admission FREE. Info: (904) 355-7584 or fridaymusicale.com.

Sept. 19 – Oct. 4 ANYBODY FOR MURDER? When a large inheritance is at stake, plans for murder change quickly in this comedy/mystery. Amelia Community Theatre, 209 Cedar Street, Fernandina Beach - 8:00 pm, Info: (904) 261-6749

10 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly & culture events

Tale Tellers of St. Augustine

Sept. 19 – Oct. 12 YOU CAN’T TAKE IT WITH YOU Moss Hart and George S. Kaufman’s Tony Award Winning Comedy about the depression. Limelight Theatre. Info: (904) 825-1164 or Limelight- Theatre.org.

Sept. 19 - 21 WEST SIDE STORY Two New York gangs battle out a modern rendition of the Romeo and Juliet saga. The legendary Bernstein, Sondheim and Laurentis musical has celebrated 50 years of dance, romance and all-time favorite songs like “Maria,” “Tonight,” “America,” “Somewhere” and so many more. The cast of Alhambra Theatre joins the JSO for a fully-staged production of West Side Story. Tod Booth, Director and Fabio Mechetti, Conductor. Times-Union Center’s Moran Theatre, Info: (904) 354-5547.

Sept. 25 THE CAPITOL STEPS The Capitol Steps’ politically witty punditry has met the challenge of being more ridiculous than whatever’s in the news. Based in Washington, DC and starring current and former congressional staffers, The Capitol Steps has been featured on NBC, CBS, ABC and PBS and garnished plenty of blunders to capitalize on in their farcical musical sendups. Pre-show Patriotic Jamboree on the front porch of the Fine Arts Center. Food vendors will be available, along with music and much more. Come out early and cheer for the American red, white and blue. Pre-show festivities 6:00 - 7:15 pm, performance 7:30 pm. Tickets: $42, $35, $28; Students: $10. University of North Florida Fine Arts Center, Info: (904) 620-2878

Sept. 27 Auditions for “The Fairly Big Broadcast of 1937” This is a one-act parody of Orson Welles’ famous 1938 “War of the Worlds” radio broadcast. Auditions are Sat., Sept. 27, between noon and 3 pm, at Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach Blvd. (between Kernan and Hodges Blvds.) The play will be performed live at Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre (ABET) on Oct. 30 and 31. Info: Steve Bailey at (904) 246-0312 or [email protected] or http://www.myspace. com/1937play.

dont miss eu’s annual performing arts guide next month!

Submissions for performing arts listings are needed by Sept. 10. Reservations for advertising space needed by Sept. 17.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 11 know what I mean, that tray that the secretary brings in that has the carafe of coffee, sugar, and cups. It’s just so old school cool. But, before we can do that, we need to clean the coffee maker. I don’t just mean the glass carafe; the whole thing. Once you have it gleaming (hint here: you can run white vinegar through your coffee maker every so often to thoroughly clean the system) we are now ready to stage the “coffee station.” Once again, we are creating order and repeating our tray design that we put next to the sink. With that look in mind, ﬁ nd a decent size tray (probably 10 x 7 with a lip; can be plastic, porcelain, or stainless) Ketterman Photography Ketterman and two matching containers. I would go with clear glass or plastic for the containers and make sure that they are no taller than nine inches, otherwise the proportion will be off. In one container, put your coffee (can be ground or beans), in the other, sugar cubes. Even if you don’t use sugar, having a container of sugar cubes just seems slick. Think “imported” Absinthe and a really hot chick. With the kitchen done, invite her over to watch 9 1/2 weeks. Yeah, that old movie with Kim Bassinger and Mickey Rourke. Then, take it to the kitchen! You will be so glad your counters now have all that free space. www.troyspurlin.com home shopping

a bad economy is good for frugal decorators by johnny st. thomas

The economy is in the crapper. Everyone is saying that whenever people in the media say it, it gets worse. But the truth is that everything is costing everyone more money as fuel and food prices rise. And then employers have to stay solvent, so they cut back. Then there are more people without jobs and so less money is being spent in the community. The economy isn’t witchcraft, like the stock market, it’s reality and it makes logical sense. But the sensible take advantage of the situation before them, and now is the time to make notes from the your home sweet. All over town the fi nest home décor items and accessories are going for cheap! As the seasons change, so does the inventory, so Fall is a time of many sales. But this fall is especially wrought with unbelievable deals. It’s time to stop thinking of the thrift store as the best place to get home furnishings. Even if you don’t own your home, isn’t it about time you began really exercising your sense of style? bachelor pad Shopping for home décor and furnishings isn’t as horrible as it sounds. And you may not think you’re the sort of person that needs a couch from Bo Concept, but once you have one you’ll by troy spurlin change your mind about all that. I never thought I cared for $200 jeans, but when Armor went out of business and I could Okay, let’s recognize the “white elephant” in the room. That being, the “Unfavorite Things” article buy Italian jeans for less than $50, I discovered just how much I love a good pair of jeans. Even from an installment of NOTES FROM THE BACHELOR PAD a few months back . One of the hardest things when my ole Levis are clean and the Italian jeans have been worn everyday of the week, I still we have to learn about being men is to recognize and acknowledge truth. And the truth is, that article opt for the style and comfort of the Italians. smelled of ass. There, I said it! Happy dude? Kitchens are tough. They are not just about cooking food, although some of my “foodie” friends So get off your high horse and bet your bottom dollar on getting some stylish adornments might disagree. But, if you are like me, you don’t really cook. I make coffee, I eat granola bars, consume for the home while the getting is good, and I mean good prices! huge bowls of cereal and that is really about it except for the occasional frozen entree. Most of the time, I eat out. With that being said, my kitchen needs only to function as a great bar at parties and give the illu- nestliving sion that I am the total renaissance man. Yes, a chef too! So let’s start with clearing off all of your kitchen countertops. No more toasters, blenders, can open- 1020 Park Street in Five Points. “furniture + light etc.” Nest was having an inventory clear- ers and the sort. There is nothing worse than counters covered in appliances. Besides, it just looks tacky. ance sale to make room for the Fall products in August. Go in and ask the owner what he has I will let you keep your coffee maker out but let’s get these other things out of the way fi rst. Now, fi nd an on sale. All of the time they have a good selection of items for under $100, but since the sale easily accessible cabinet, drawer, or pantry for your appliances and put them in there. Yeah, I know this season was a little slow this year, he is likely to have some real steals. Go to nest-living.com to might require moving some things and rearranging but c’mon dude, seriously, how much trouble is it to take a look at their stylish items for the contemporary home. bring out a toaster and then put it back when you are done? Remember, we are creating a room that com- pliments the rest of our pad: clean lines, order, and fearless style.

With the counter tops clear, let’s start with the left hand side of the stove. I like to see a stainless fogle fi ne art & accessories steel container (mine is a stainless wine cooler that I got at Home Goods for $9.99) that holds all of your 3312 Beach Boulevard in the St. Nicholas neighborhood just east of the split between Beach cooking utensils. With that being said, your cooking utensils should probably be thrown out. Not being and Atlantic. As one of the largest frame shops in the Northeast, they have a big enough sean a-hole man, but seriously, take a look at your spatulas, spoons and ladles and what you will fi nd is a lection to provide some really cost-effective framing options year-round. But right now is an bunch of mismatched, burnt up, faded out, crust around the edge nastiness. It’s an easy fi x though. “Home especially good time to pick up some framed art or some fi ne art accessories. They can really Goods.” They have every type of utensil imaginable. I recommend the stainless steel utensils ranging from change the look of a room and many of their items are 30 to 75% off. They even have a selec- $4.99 for a spatula to $7.99 for a pair of tongs (nice to have when you want to heat up those wings). Go crazy, buy every conceivable gadget your budget will allow. Remember, whether you really use this stuff tion of fi ne art posters that are free with custom framing. Time to fi ll that empty spot on the or not is irrelevant, we are creating an image and/or lifestyle that you will grow accustomed too. If space bathroom wall with some custom framed art. allows, next to the utensils, put a cookbook on a stand (really makes her think that you use it. And who knows? You might.) The “Naked Chef” has a number of really great cookbooks at Target for about twenty bo concept bucks. I think his recipes are fairly easy and quite possibly could make for a great date. (“Hey, its me, I have a couple of bottles of wine and wondered if you would like to come over and make dinner with me?) 4624 Town Crossing Drive in the Town Center. Their chic selection of contemporary furniture is But before she comes over we have to take care of a few more things. The sink. Fella’s, your sink unparalleled in Jacksonville. Turn your Southside townhome into a metropolitan fl at for a frac- should always be clean. There is absolutely no excuse for a dirty sink. Period. The End. Also dude, lose all tion of the price you would usually pay. Their fl oor models are marked down to get out of the the nasty rags. Just buy an O-Cello sponge at Publix and every so often run it through the dishwasher with showroom and make room for the new stuff. Jump on this chance to purchase that chair for the the other stuff. When it starts falling apart, buy a new one. At the sink (ideally behind), put a tray (about living room that you’ve been thinking about. 4” x 10”) that holds hand soap and dish soap; it does not hold the sponge however (fi nd a place under the sink for the sponge and other cleaning utensils). Now a tray may sound like something your Mom would These are just a few examples, but being shameless only helps. Whatever store you love, use but hang on, let me elaborate. A tray is a good idea because it creates order (everything has a place) go in there and tell them fl at out that you love their products but you can’t afford them. Don’t be and it looks great. You can fi nd a “masculine” tray at World Market. It’s actually a “sushi plate” that is afraid to ask if there are any great buys that they’re trying to move out. There is no shame in it. rectangular and has been glazed in a brown matte fi nish. While you are there, pick up “Mrs. Meyers” Dish Soap and Hand Soap to set on the tray. Go with the Lemon Verbena Scent - it smells great (not girly) and Everyone is feeling the crunch of this economy, especially the store owner that can’t move any really cuts through grease. Best of all, it’s “Green!” Gentlemen, by all means, don’t put a huge ass bottle of product. By being ready to buy when people are desperate to sell, you can get a lot more out of “Dawn” on the tray; that is not the look we are trying to achieve nor is that remotely attractive to our fairer your dollar, even when its international value is in the tank. Don’t worry, everything will get bet- sex. ter after November… except for the prices of the fi ner things. Finally, the area where you have your coffee maker. Let’s create a real “Mad Men” sort of look. You

12 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly Senior Program at City Hall, 117 West Duval Street, Suite 220 or at coj.net. There is a $15 fee. Venues for this event include Cecil Field for many events, such as swimming. Bowling will be held at Jax Lanes, tennis at Boone Park, track & ﬁ eld at Forrest H.S., softball at Ringhaver Park, croquet at Cypress Village, golf at Panther Creek, bridge at Westminster Ridge and social bridge and Mahjong at The James Fortuna Senior Center. So, get that motor running and take a chance. If you don’t want to participate then go out as a spectator and enjoy the socializing at these senior events. a greener u Back to School, back to the land. A greener reading list. by jennifer mccharren

This fall, as the children return to the academic realm, follow their lead and take a few lessons from the masters on how to increase your connections to the planet. Here are just a few informative reading gems from the libraries of progress:

the omnivore’s dilemma oldies-but-goldies by michael pollan Pollan traces the provenance of four meals to Senior Games Registration Underway– Olympic-styled Games explain the various contemporary “food-chains” we Begin September 22nd by rick grant are part of. These range from the abstract to the hand- made. Starting with the industrial system that brings us We oldies-but-goldies (over 50) should know the value of exercise to stay healthy. Indeed, I’ve high fructose corn syrup and everything in the “fast” always believed in vigorous exercise for my entire life, especially now that I’m 67 years old. It keeps food group, Pollan then explains both industrial- and my heart muscle healthy, my blood fl owing, my weight under control, and improves my quality of small-scale organic farms, and fi nally, a meal the au- life. Whatever else I do to abuse my body, my daily exercise routine helps to balance the scale. thor hunts, gathers, and grows entirely himself. Today with the excitement of the Olympic Games still fresh in our minds, everyone is thinking In the words of a fellow author, Pollan’s writing is about a way to showoff their athletic abilities to perhaps gain some recognition. So you think you “not really about food--it’s about everything.” He man- could amass a fi st full of gold metals like ages to weave together history, philosophy, genetics, Michael Phelps? Well, there is an event and personal inspiration into an intricate imperative for that allows seniors to do just that. Hey, I a whole-food revolution. can beat Phelps– in my dreams. Warning: after reading this book the supermarket The City of Jacksonville is spon- will never be the same. soring the Olympic-styled Senior Games which begin on Monday, September 22nd through Sunday, September 28th at cradle-to-cradle Cecil Field and other locations through- by william mcdonough and michael braungart out the city. Now is the time to register McDonough and Braungart write about “remaking the way we make things” to align with for your adventure in athletics. true sustainability. The authors show a way out of the wasteful, ineffi cient processes of the Whether you’re a trained athlete First Industrial Revolution into a new era of production that works in concert with nature. One or a casual exerciser, the games have reviewer writes, “Part social history, part green business primer, part design manual, the book something for everyone over 50. Top fi n- makes plain that the re-invention of human industry is not only within our grasp, it is our best ishers will advance to the annual Florida hope for a future of sustaining prosperity.” Senior Games State Championships and Bonus: this book practices what it preaches! It is made of polypropylene, which means it then on to the National Senior Games. can be completely recycled, plus you can read it in the tub! This event is enjoyed as both a competition and social get-together. Senior participants may enter in pilgrim at tinker creek by annie dillard any of the 20 events, including bowl- A Pulitzer Prize winning classic of nature writing, Annie Dillard’s journey through the sea- ing, swimming, track and fi eld, cycling, sons at her home near Tinker Creek takes the reader from the microorganisms in the soil, to croquet, golf, road race or walk, tennis, the trees in the sunlight, from frogs in the creek, straight to the cosmos. Dillard herself calls it basketball and softball. a book about theology. Whatever genre you place it in, Pilgrim at Tinker Creek is gorgeous and “This event has been going on profound. for twenty years and every year we have enthusiastic participation. I would encourage seniors to sign up for their priceless fl orida by ellie whitney et. al. favorite sport. We even include bridge For a more local, and encyclopedic sort of read, check out this fascinating book about and Mahjong for those who would rather Florida’s own unique ecosystems. In a surprisingly readable style, Whitney focuses on rela- exercise their minds,” Mary Farrell from the City Special Events Offi ce said. tionships between major animals, plants, and microorganisms in each ecosystem, not on lists People thinking about competing in the non-sedentary sports should be healthy and used to of individual species. exercise. Some training before the games is recommended but not necessarily required. Use common sense. You know if you’re ready to compete or not. If you think that getting off the couch to go For more book suggestions, and some of the most beautiful nature writing around, check out get a beer is enough exercise, it might be wise to skip the Senior Games. Orion Magazine, which can be read online at orionmagazine.org and be sure to check out Participants will be competing for gold, silver and bronze medals within their age groups. Senior EU’s review of Picturing Florida on page 21. Games registration forms are available through the City of Jacksonville Mayor’s Special Events for

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 13 14 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly netscapades by brenton crozier Fake Sports for the Slovenly Edition

I don’t quite live my life in a football fantasy, well, from the months of February through August anyway. I could go on ad nauseam, with Tolstoy- like verbosity about why football is the best sport in the world and why you should think so too. I will spare you with the understanding that you’ve lazy bitches need not apply heard it all before. My mission is to speak to the converted about our vicarious slice of the football When your house transforms into an island courtesy of the overfl owing St. Johns River, you begin to re-evaluate your responsibilities and ask certain questions. Such as, do I really believe a termite and fl ea-in- dream. Fantasy football, or fantasy sports for that fested house built in 1880 can withstand tropical storm winds? More importantly, if swept away by the river matter, are nerdtastic and by all counts a bizarre will child-sized fl otation devices work just as effectively on two domestic short-haired cats? concept. Many argue that it skews the way you No matter what life hurls at you, there are always responsibilities to step up to. Embrace responsibility is watch the game and for quite a few participants, this column’s mantra. it’s just another vehicle for gambling. The fi rst type of responsibility you have is to yourself– to never give up, no matter what obstacles In spite of it causing you to cheer for a come your way. This means remaining on the right path and getting shit done. It means maintaining the truest player you may have despised just a season ago, providing yet another distraction at work and essence of yourself, despite the multiple directions people will pull you. No one says life is a breeze. As the even forcing you to consider ponying $300 for a premium cable NFL package, I contend that saying goes, ‘If it was easy, everyone would do it’. fantasy football is a positive on the world of sports, not a blight. By breaking down the numer- First a bit of inspiration for your soul. A few years ago Africa elected its fi rst female president, appar- ous positions that make up a team, participants are able to appreciate the numerous intricacies ently long before America will do the same. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was appointed as Liberia’s head of state in 2006. Prior to her election, this broken country experienced 14 years of bloody civil wars. The wars left and the anthropomorphic chess game that football really is. Unconditionally rooting for your Liberia with an 85 percent unemployment rate and billions of dollars in debt. Her hometown of Monrovia had team and simply enjoying the gladiatorial display of monsters in peak physical condition (or been without running water and electricity for 10 years. Ellen felt a responsibility to help her country that had just monsters- see most offensive lines), marries perfectly with the aforementioned intellectual long been devastated by corruption and failed leadership. But the road for Africa’s “Iron Lady” proved to be aspect of the game, making it the greatest sport in existence. no easy journey. She obtained a master’s degree at Harvard, became the fi rst female minister of fi nance and Enough! It’s time to unleash the websites. I have a number of fantasy football sites that I was imprisoned and exiled for criticizing corrupt Liberian regimes. Still, Ellen pursued a righteous path to help enjoy. Some, because they are simple, factual, number-driven data bases, and others that have repair her battered country. that smug, you will never know more than me platforms that I appreciate, because that is hilari- So far her presidency has relived the country of more than a billon dollars of debt and mandated free ous when you are talking football. primary education for all elementary school-aged Liberian children. In addition, she appointed many powerful women to leadership positions, also a fi rst. Ellen has brought together tribes that were at war. And she cares about the concerns of all Liberians by listening and showing compassion. For the fi rst time in many years, walterfootball.com there is hope for this country on Africa’s west coast. Ellen acknowledged her responsibility to help restore her Walter Football is a comprehensive site that goes into great detail-- examining fantasy football corruption-tainted country and hasn’t given up. ranking and recommendations, as well as NFL Draft analysis and information on other major The next venture into responsibility confronts ignorance. Part of your responsibility in life is to inform and educate yourself because you do and can have an effect on other people’s lives. sports. This site is comprehensive, updated daily and unafraid of unpopular recommendations. Essentially, IT IS YOUR responsibility to educate yourself. So if you don’t know what the presidential On the Adrian Peterson bandwagon, not Walter, who lists him as only the 6th best running back candidate’s platforms are, do some research. Don’t just rely on what you see or hear on T.V. and random emails. And yes, you should care about this monumental turning point in American history. This election will in the draft and gives you four solid reasons why. Whether you’re gearing up for your draft or have a direct effect on your life and the lives of your children. seeking start/bench advice, Walter Football offers the thorough information you need to do your I recently ran into someone who said he thinks Barack Obama is the Antichrist. There’s mud slinging in every election. But the stakes are particularly high this time, so there’s a lot of false information fl oating “In Your Face!” dance at the offi ce on Monday. around. Obama has demonstrated that he acts more like Christ than most politicians by the way he fi ghts to eradicate poverty and restore human rights. So the statement this person made confused me. When asked, ‘Why do you think that?’ I received no real response. By the way, only watching FOX news or other biased profantasy-football.com networks isn’t true research or an adequate source for information. A straightforward, by-the-numbers resource, Pro Fantasy Football breaks it down to the nuts But more than the election, it is your responsibility to be educated about issues that arise in your journey and bolts you need to get the right players on your team. I had their projection chart open so you can embody the leadership society needs. I think it’s obvious we need more female leaders in this turbulent world. Embrace your educational responsibility. I didn’t learn crap about history in my S.C. high while I was drafting. It gave me the projected draft ranking, team, position, age, rating and bye school- so now I am reading books on American history. week. All I had to worry about was what snacks I wanted to down during the draft. They feature Once you have obtained knowledge, it is also your responsibility to pass that information along to oth- weekly start/sit recommendations, a sleepers section that will make you look like a genius on ers. Now I’ll heighten your commitment a bit. Consider the responsibility to speak the truth and act righ- the waiver wire and insightful articles. teously. Notice I didn’t mention anything about upholding the laws-of-the-land. Sometimes behaving righ- teously acts against man-made laws. This is true for discrimination. All human beings deserve to be treated equally, even if you don’t agree with their sexual preference. Many people don’t want to bestow the same footballdocs.com rights that heterosexuals have to homosexuals. That’s wrong. These are the guys that believe they are smarter than you and aren’t afraid to say so. They have Sometimes saying what needs to be said isn’t easy but it’s the responsible way to act. It’s the only way great start/sit tips and offer you the chance to ask a direction question about your lineup for the to make corrupt behavior transparent. Being a passive spectator in life is lazy and hurts everyone. I’ll always be grateful to a close friend who wasn’t afraid to voice her concern over my ex’s controlling upcoming Sunday. They are also a great resource for waiver wire advice. I enjoy reading the and abusive behavior. Her words let me know I wasn’t crazy. She gave me perspective I couldn’t grasp on my weekly wrap-up where they have to own to their mistakes and the ask the docs section where own because I was too close to the problem. And she was the only person who had the courage to speak the truth. The responsibility to be honest can be hard, but it doesn’t do anyone good to sugar-coat reality. they are not afraid to drop a “What were you thinking?” or “That guy is a complete bust and you So how do you know which road to take? I think humans instinctually know good, ethical ways to navi- were stupid to ever think otherwise.” It’s enjoyable rhetoric balanced with good information. gate life. Often, you must turn off all outside infl uences and listen to yourself. This means complete silence and stillness. You can’t fi nd your direction in life while driving a car or juggling multiple tasks at work. As Ellen Whether you simply want to have fun with it or be needlessly-obsessed-with like me. My Degeneres says, “I believe silence is golden, it is where all of our answers are.” Embracing these forms of responsibilities will help you make good decisions in life. And possibly help team’s handle is The Chicken Revolution (ah-hem, returning champions), there are plenty of you make positive changes society desperately needs. Here are some resources to help along the way. resources that will give you a good starting point. Don’t rely completely on what these sites Interactivities: Check out Ellen’s comedy bit about fi nding silence at my Myspace page: myspace. have to say, as they are only opinion and analysis and there is really no need to participate in com/amstewartview. Find more information about the Iron Lady of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, at pbs. pay sites. Good luck this year and viva la revolution! org/independentlens/ironladies/

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 15 dish update + events

where to eat, drink and be merry by erin thursby Who says Irish pubs can’t be upscale? Certainly not the folks at the Sawgrass Resort in Ponte Vedra. In the former Champs location V. Kelly has opened as what Jeff Kmiec, director of sales and marketing for Sawgrass de- scribes as “a warm and friendly Irish tavern that fi ts beautifully into the luxury golf theme that plays out so prominently at Sawgrass.” Expect traditional Irish food, fl at screen televisions, specialty drinks and more. Visit sawgrassmar- riott.com for more information. The long awaited Orsay had its soft open last month and opens offi cially this month, so if you’re looking to try the new, chic French bistro, call (904) 381-0909 to make a reservation! Bungalow on Park opened its doors last month, serving simple but fresh fare in an art saturated setting. Check out our Ghetto Gourmet review on Page 17. Out in the Southside Blvd. area, where original eateries are an oasis in a desert of branded chains, Bella’s Bistro has replaced Dick’s Wings in Tinseltown. Not that we don’t love Dick’s, but we’re hungry for anything that isn’t a franchise on that side of town. Eron Dorsett, one of the partners in V. Kelly the venture, says that “Bella’s Bistro is going to fi ll that niche for consumers looking for bold fl avors, hearty Italian fare with an urban ambiance that won’t Hallmark Partners Tailgate Kick Off to a Cure - Sunday, September 21 break the bank.” Check out their martini bar too! For more info visit bellasbis- Combining two of Jacksonville’s favorite pastimes: food and football. In its 9th tromartinibar.com or call (904)996-8117. year, Hallmark Partners Tailgate Kick Off to a Cure is presented by Southern Oak Insurance Company. The Stadium is the place to see the Jacksonville Jaguars battle the Indianapolis Colts on 34 big screens TVs while you enjoy live and foodcentric events silent auctions, an open bar and 30 of the area’s top chefs preparing the most impressive tailgate spread you’ve ever tasted! Doors open at 3:30 pm. Pro- - Every Sunday in September Sundaes in the Neighborhoods ceeds to benefi t the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Tickets $100. Sponsorship and The Neighborhoods of World Golf Village presents Sundaes in The Neighbor- group packages available. Info: (904) 733-3560. hoods, a free home tour to be held every Sunday afternoon in September from noon-4 pm. The event will include complimentary ice cream sundaes - Friday, September 26 provided by Murray Bros. Caddyshack and tours of four beautiful homes at Margarita J-Ville This Key West-themed event, benefi ting Big Brothers/Big Sisters, begins at World Golf Village. Attendees can also register to win ice cream makers and 6:30 pm with fabulous Caribbean cuisine, free-fl owing margaritas, beer and live accessories. Sponsors for the event are The Neighborhoods of World Golf Vil- entertainment. It’s a fun-fi lled, relaxed, Jimmy Buffett-style atmosphere at TPC lage, Davidson Realty, WJXT Channel 4 and Murray Bros. Caddyshack. Info: Sawgrass, where everyone comes dressed in their favorite island attire. Tickets: (904) 940-5000 or worldgolfrealestate.com $100. Info: bbbs.org or (904)727-9797 ext: 252 MOSH’s 7th annual X Cuisine- Friday, September 12 Celebrity Chef Richard Blais, best known for his recent appearance on the drinkcentric events hit BRAVO TV show, Top Chef, will be whipping up a gourmet tasting menu, imaginative drink mixology and delectable dessert. Expect live entertainment. Single wine enthusiasts looking for love can check out the action at the Tickets: $125 Jr. X Cuisine (21-35 years old) passes are $75. Info: themosh. Wine Bar’s (1515 Prudential Dr., 904 346-0605) Lock and Key event on Sat- org or (904) 396-MOSH urday, September 20th at 8:00. Every dude gets a key, every chick gets a lock. The goal, of course, is to match the right lock with the right key. Visit the web- SHINDIG for Sanctuary - Friday, September 12 site lockandkeyevents.com/jax for more information or to register. Cost is only Benefi ting the Sanctuary on 8th Street and the Lynn Philips Sanctuary School, $20 and includes a free glass of wine or beer, appetizers and a chance to win expect appetizers, dinner, entertainment and a silent auction. The Sanctuary great prizes and meet other singles. on 8th Street provides after school programming, summer camp, and a small For the wine challenged or beginners who are intimidated by the world school to inner city children. 6 pm- 9 pm. Tickets: $50. Garden Club of Jack- of wine, check out Wine Tasting 101 on September 5th at the Historic Bayfront sonville. Info: email [email protected] or call (904) 356-3588 Hilton in St. Augustine (32 Avenida Menendez, 407 791-7626). Three or four wines will be sampled and executive Chef Brad will create an incredible appe- Sulzbacher Center’s 10th Annual Transformations - Thursday, September 18 tizer for you to re-create at home. Cost is only $10! They’re going to make it a Tickets to this event, which benefi ts the homeless, includes a family-friendly, monthly event, so call if you miss this one! upscale tailgate party held at 6 pm on Forsyth Street. Meet Jaguar players, It’s not always just about wine. Sometimes it’s about tea. High tea and eat appetizers and bid on vacation packages, while listening to live entertain- tiny sandwiches. If that’s what you’re into, try High Tea at the Row (1521 Riv- ment from the Carlisle Group. Food will be provided by Chew, Primi Piatti, erside Avenue 354-5080) Afternoon tea is served from 1 pm- 3 pm on Friday Ruth Chris, Biscottis, the Brick and the Casbah among other local notables. and Saturday. For ten or more, the afternoon tea can also be served Monday At 7:30 pm ticket holders will go to the Florida Theatre to enjoy a tribute through Thursday. Afternoon tea is $15 per person plus tax and gratuity. Reser- program about local members of the homeless community, whose lives have vations are required in all cases. been transformed by the Sulzbacher Center. Tickets: $50 adults, $25 kids and students. Info: Transformations2008.org or (904) 394-8084. notable classes and demos FOCUS Cummer Kickoff Dinner - Friday, September 19 Some of the best cooking starts with fresh veggies, and nothing can be The opening event of the FOCUS Cummer season, held at the River Club fresher than vegetables straight from your own garden. For some tips on how downtown from 4:30 pm – 9 pm to coincide with the Cummer Museum’s ex- to grow your own, you might want to attend the Duval County Extension Offi ce hibit, “Jacksonville Through the Eyes of a Painter,” a collection of impression- workshop on growing cool season vegetables on Saturday, September 20th ist paintings of our city by Phil Sandusky. FOCUS Cummer supports local art from 10 am- noon. Cost is $5; please call Jeannie at 387-8850 to pre-register. education programs. The event begins in the garden of the Cummer Museum Blue Bamboo’s (3820 Southside Blvd., 904-646-1478) Dennis Chan will with the re-dedication of the restored Diana statue and an opportunity to view be holding a class on Italian cooking on September 13th. Just a few slots are the Sandusky exhibit. Guests will then proceed to the River Club for an open open, so be sure and call to reserve! bar cocktail hour with hors d’ oeuvres followed by a plated dinner with wine. Two of the standout demo classes at the Apron’s Cooking School, (10500 Tickets $70. Info: call Nancy Spadero at (904) 543-7717 or focuscummer. San Jose Blvd. 904-262-4187) are the Chocoholics Anonymous demo ($35) org on September 13th and the Lobster Lover’s demo ($55) on September 27th.

16 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly ghetto gourmet eating out for less than $20 by jon bosworth

A Riverside Dinner Party Any Time of Day... Cassie and I have found some great deals while eating around for the Ghetto Gourmet column, but for the most part we’ve found it’s almost always possible to eat out for less than $20, as long as you’re willing to go out for the experience and not to leave bloated and feeling ill. We’ve found we prefer to eat a little bit of really good food than a lot of really cheap food. But in this increasingly pressurized economy, not only is it harder to afford even $20 outings, but for those of us still fortunate enough to have a job have a hard time getting enough time off of work to squeeze in a dinner. But as the breakfast menu at Bungalow on Park explains in the words of John Gunther: “All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” Bungalow on Park is one of Riverside’s newest restaurants. I’ve seen local fi lmmaker and artist Morrison Pierce participating in the renovations in the old Riverside home across from European Street for many months. Now that it is open, I decided I would check it out. Cassie wasn’t able to join me, so I just stopped by for my leisurely breakfast on my way to work. If you are considering renting or buying an old home in the historic Riverside district, a good way to stick your toe in the water would be a meal at Bungalow on Park. The entire restaurant is built into a classic Riverside home. It has all of the Riverside qualities: hardwood fl oors, layers and layers of paint, and ancient molding and trim. Oh, and eclectic art on the walls and shelves. Eclectic actually isn’t a dramatic enough of a word to describe the disparity of the décor at Bungalow on Park. But “garish” strikes me as a little mean. From ‘Basket Mask No. 8,” which is an Aztec-ish mask crafted from serving implements to the paintings featuring the stars of breakfast – namely eggs and bacon – you might be inclined to identify food service as an over-riding theme. But their nature photography, abstract ceramic sculptures and Elvis fi xation throws the theme off track. But don’t let the manic décor distract you – Bungalow on Park is actually serving the gourmet breakfast you hope for when you go to someplace like Cool Moose just up the street. Like Cool Moose, your breakfast is going to take a little longer than a greasy spoon or a fast-paced diner, but that is part of the secret to a leisurely breakfast, right? I ordered “Dad’s Breakfast,” three eggs cooked to order, stone ground yellow grits, applewood smoked bacon or freshly made sausage and some delicious wheat toast baked fresh by the French Pantry. The fi rst test of a breakfast place is if they can cook a good over-medium egg. I like the whites cooked and yolk deliciously raw. This is a delicate task to achieve in a fast-paced breakfast environment (which is why the only breakfast places that thrive are the ones that can accomplish such a feat consistently) but Bungalow on Park isn’t fast-paced and my eggs were perfect. Although I keep mentioning the pace, they weren’t slow. My meal took half the time it takes to get breakfast at Cool Moose, but there also wasn’t a crowded dining room. But Bungalow puts a little more of the ritz on than Cool Moose. They don’t have any eggs benedict on the menu, but they do have some nice touches. From the Bungalow Stuffed French Toast, which has sweetened cream cheese inside of it and fresh berries with chantilly cream poured over it ($7) to their ham and cheese omelet that uses Black Forest ham and shredded gruyere cheese ($7.50), they have some tasty gourmet picks that are a little more Biscottis. On the other hand, they have some really cheap eats that can get you out the door too – including the $4 Mom M’s Biscuits and Gravy or the lite two egg Mom’s Breakfast which comes with their smoky, succulent yellow grits and an English Muffi n with preserves and roasted tomatoes ($3.75). Their sausage was defi nitely something worth a special mention. Having less of a fennel focus, this homemade breakfast sausage has something more akin to a rosemary fl avor. although I couldn’t quite pinpoint the ingredient, it seemed to add a little sweetness to the usual breakfast sausage bite. If you prefer a cup of Starbucks in the morning, you’ll probably appreciate the robust coffee they serve at bungalow as well. Overall the breakfast had richer fl avors than most, making it more than the simple everyday diner breakfast in both fl avor and expense, but a worthwhile treat on those mornings when you have time for a leisurely breakfast. Visit Bungalow on Park Tuesday through Saturday for breakfast and lunch (lunches range from $7 - almost $12) and Wednesday through Saturday for dinner (prices are not Ghetto Gourmet style). Join them for brunch from 9 am to 3 pm on the weekends. They also serve beer and wine. Go to bungalowonpark. com for more details.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 17 fashion forward: fresh

Up & Cummers featured clothing designer Erin Healy by a.m. stewart

The Up & Cummers, the Cummer Museums’ group of young professionals, will host their an- es or tops. It just kind of comes nual fashion show, “Fashion Forward: Fresh,” on Friday, September 26. The Up & Cummers has a to me when I’m outside. board which consists of 12 volunteers from the corporate and civic community who meet once a month to plan social activities and events for the group. Fashion Forward is their biggest event of the EU: How long does it take to year. Fashion Forward has been in development and planning by the board and a volunteer’s com- create a design like a dress or mittee since early Spring. The event brings together approximately 500 of Jacksonville’s fi nest young shirt? professionals who share a love of fashion and the arts. Whitney Thompson, winner of America’s EH: I pretty much have to keep Next Top Model on UPN will be featured as the “celebrity model” for the show. a sketchbook with me at all This year’s featured clothing designer is Erin Healy, a local fashion artist whose work is inspired times, and I’ll sketch it out. by nature and our earth’s natural surroundings, which is why “fresh” is the theme of this year’s That takes me about a minute. event. Healy took a break from her hectic schedule to speak with EU about the show and to explain Then I have to go through the her designs. actual thinking of the material that I would use. And what the EU: Why do you think you were chosen to be the featured designer for this event? stretch percentage is and will it Erin Healy: I was born and raised in Jacksonville, so I’m local. And I was at Art Walk and a couple of work with this idea. And then it the members would come by and basically saw my stuff and were really impressed. Maggie [Hight- goes to the pattern making part. ower] who was the one in search of featuring a designer, liked my work. And I’m self-taught. I didn’t I’ll fi gure out which fabric will go to school for it. Even as a child, I would cut my clothes up and bedazzle them. I started really in work. The dress will change and high school; I would design my prom dresses and then a lot of my girlfriends’. I have some of those really evolve from the fabric. It here. really evolves. It takes me about two weeks to perfect one piece. : Vintage Stapless Dress by Erin Healy, Jewelry Design by Gretchen Alter EU So she saw your work and really liked what you were doing? Designs, Modeled by Shana Richardson, Photography by Jennifer Grissom EH: I think they liked just my style, it’s all very natural, natural colors. I’m really into the Earth. I love EU: How are your designs in- the outdoors. I’m really inspired by the colors I’ve found in nature. It helps me to create these dress- spired by nature? EH: Basically, it’s just being out and seeing a lizard and looking at its skin. Or seeing rocks, for exam- ple, and the colors, you’ll see purple with blue or grey and purple. It’s seeing colors together that just naturally occur in nature and in fl owers, you may not think go together, like pink and red. Basically color combinations and textiles. I’ll just be hangin’ out and see a rock and think, ‘wow look at that purple and blue together, that is so beautiful. I think I’m going to put a purple and blue silk together.’

EU: How many different designs will you be showing at the fashion show? EH: 22 pieces

EU: How many boutiques in Jax carry your designs? EH: Five

EU: Can you describe a particular piece you are fond of or put a lot of thought into? EH: I’m really into long casual, ﬂ owy dresses that you can dress up at night or wear to the beach during the day, in all earth tone colors. My India dress I really like a lot. It’s a criss-cross halter, and ties around the neck. And it has a keyhole in the middle. It’s A-lined and ﬂ owy at the bottom. It’s made out of a patchwork Italian silk. The patches look like different animals’ skins.

EU: What do you think people will take away from this fashion show, especially ﬁ rst-timers? EH: I hope that they will develop a bigger and greater appreciation for the fashion industry and be more aware of the Earth and to take care of the earth to preserve our resources.

This is a breakout event for any clothing designer and Erin glows with exuberance at the opportunity to showcase her creations. In October Healy will be opening Apropf Boutique in Jacksonville Beach. She will be at the old library downtown for Art Walk on September 3rd to show her spring line and pre-sell tickets to the fashion show. “This year’s fashion show promises to be another great one,” said Maggie Hightower, Up & Cummers President. “The area’s hottest boutiques are planning to have their best fall fashions on display and we’re very excited to see the models showcase these beautiful products on the runway that evening.” The event will consist of two fashion shows, each lasting 30 minutes, and will feature the newest fall fashions by Jacksonville area boutiques. Complimentary champagne and dessert will be provided to guests following the ﬁ rst show. A VIP Reception will be open to Up & Cummers members throughout the evening, and will feature complimentary wine, live music and the freshest cuisine provided by local area restaurants. To purchase event tickets or to join Up & Cummers, visit cummer.org, or call The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens at (904) 356-6857. Proceeds from the event will beneﬁ t The Cummer Museum.

18 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly september visual art events

Sept. 3 First Wednesday Art Walk in Downtown Jacksonville, 5 - 9 pm. Join The Downtown Art Walk Jacksonville Through a Florida Theatre and Downtown Vision as they celebrate pets in Art Walk style. All people and pets are wel- Painter’s Eyes: Paintings by come. The Third Annual Art Walk Pet Walk at the Florida Theatre, 5 - 8 pm, will promote pet health, pet art, Phil Sandusky at Cummer pet adoptions, and pet safety. Info: downtownjacksonville.org or call 634-0303 ext. 230. Also at Art Walk, Art & Conversation Great Blue Heron Studios’ Florida Artist Joanelle Mulrain presents Art & Conversation at 212 Laura Street, with guest artist Doug Johnson, MD, “Hearth, Travels & Medicine” Paintings of Family Travels, Private Residences & Adventures in Medicine featuring originals, giclees and samples of work for commission and guest musician Ray Peal. The Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville will launch its brand new look at the Sept. 3, Art Walk. The building’s appearance is being revamped to refl ect MOCA’s new logo and branding. Daniel Goncalves Photography will have his opening appearance at Art Walk with limited edition “Cuba Libre!” prints and other works on display at Museum of Contemporary Art (MOCA) Gift shop, fi rst fl oor, Info: DanielGoncalves.com. Meet the Symphony at the Main Library and fi nd out about the 2008-09 season. At 6:30 p.m., award-winning poet Al Letson will give his dramatic preview of the Symphony experience. Art with a Heart in Healthcare’s traveling exhibition A Brightening Day – The Art of Healing will be on display in the Main Library (2nd Floor Mezzanine). This exhibition showcases masterworks by patients in the Art with a Heart in Healthcare arts and healing program at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and Nemours Children’s Clinic. Info: (904) 202-2689.

Sept. 3 The Art Center Cooperative, Inc. presents: All in All featured works by: Overstreet Ducasse On display through September with opening reception on Sept. 3 during ARTWalk, Art Center, 31 W. Adams St., 5-9 pm. Info: (904) 355-1757.

September 4 Jason Godeke: Surrogates “Surrogates” is currently on display in the University Gallery at the University of North Florida and features the work of Pennsylvania artist Jason Godeke. The exhibit runs Sept.18 and 20 EverGreen: Environmental Interpretations Exhibition and EverGreen Family Festival through October 15 with an opening reception for the artist on Sept. 4 from 5-7pm. The reception is free The reception and festival was postponed because of Tropical Storm Fay. The new date for Exhibition Re- and open to the public. Jason Godeke’s recent paintings explore theatrical narratives dealing with themes ception is Thursday, September 18 from 6:30 - 8 pm. Bring the family to the Evergreen Family Festival on such as the nuclear family and eschatology (the body of religious doctrines concerning the fi nal events in Saturday, September 20 from 10 am - 3 pm for a day of arts activities & demonstrations. Chalk art, rain human history.) His work has been reviewed in Art In America, The New York Times, ArtWeek, The San forest, butterfl y gardens, Guana Research Reserve’s fun fi sh project, recycled art activity table, and re- Diego Union Tribune, Philadelphia City Paper, Williamsport Gazette, Critical Refl ections and reproduced in freshments and special performances are sure to be fun activities for kids and families plus a great way to Harper’s Magazine. The University Gallery is located in Founders Hall (Building 2) on the UNF campus. learn about a green environment. The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Info: (904) 620-2534 or [email protected]. Beach. Info: (904) 280-0614 or ccpvb.org

Sept. 5 St. Augustine Art Walk; First Friday of every month from 5 pm – 9 pm, Tours begin at Rembrandtz Through Sept. 24 New Yorker James Bohary and Jacksonville’s Judith Williams Florida Community Col- Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street, St. Augustine, (904) 829-0065 or staugustinegalleries.com lege South Gallery fall art exhibit with paintings by James Bohary’s abstract expressionist landscapes and Judith Williams’ fi gure paintings. The spontaneous, colorful abstracts contrast with somber, mysterious fi g- Sept. 5 Ladies & Gents Vs Bits & Pieces Local Artist and Flagler College Alumni, Leif Kruse’s series fea- ures. Reception will be Sept. 11 from 5-7 pm at Florida Community College South Campus, 11901 Beach tures large portraits of local people and small original paintings on a variety of materials ranging from can- Blvd., Nathan H. Wilson Center, Bldg. M, Gallery. Free and open to the public. Info: (904) 646-2023. vases to small objects (records, bottles, etc.) Everything in “Bits and Pieces” will be priced low (around $50) to encourage everyone to get some great art before Leif leaves St. Augustine for Maui in October. An Through September 26 Through Our Eyes 2008: Everything Must Change The annual exhibit of new work by opening reception will be held at Classic Blends Gallery during the fi rst friday artwalk Sept. 5th from 5-Mid- African- American artists staged by the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 829 N. Davis St., (904) 632-5555. night. Leif will be on hand to answer questions about his work. Refreshments will be provided next door at Magnum Tattoo. Guest DJs will spin all night. Info: (904) 377-3198 or [email protected] Through September 28 Scalpel to Sketch: the science and beauty of medical illustration at Mayo Clinic The exhibition features original medical art rendered in a variety of media such as carbon dust, pen and ink, Sept. 6 - 7 Riverside Arts Festival The eclectic Five Points area provides a vibrant gateway for those at- watercolor, airbrush and digital media. The illustrations range from interpretations of the human form to ani- tending the festival, which features watercolors, oils, glass, pastels, drawings, clay, photography, wood, mated voyages inside the human body, studies of the brain, molecules and gene clusters, skeletons, and a acrylics, fi ber, graphics, metal, paper and mixed media, as well as a terrifi c Art Activities tent for kids. rare look at the unique anatomy of conjoined twins. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, (904) 355-0630. There is always plenty of food, fun, and music to accompany the art, and the highly regarded (and free!) guided bus tours of the district are not to be missed. Riverside Park, 1400 Cherry Street,10 am – 5 pm, Through September Precious Gifts of Asian Art Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, (904) 355-0630. Info: (904) 389-2449 or riversideavondale.org Through September 30 Jon Langford “Nashville Radio” Exhibit Jon Langford (Founder of the Mekons, Sept. 9 Beaches Art Walk 2nd Tuesday of each month from 5pm – 8 pm, jaxbeachesartwalk.org Waco Bros) paintings depict images of Cash, Haggard, Hank Williams and other country music icons and imagery. The Gallery at Screen Arts, 228 W. King Street, 2 blks west of US Hwy 1 in beautiful West St. Sept. 9 through Oct. 5 Jacksonville Through a Painter’s Eyes: Paintings by Phil Sandusky Phil San- Augustine. Info: (904) 829-2838 or (800) 826-4649. dusky, a Jacksonville native and artist now living and working in New Orleans, established his artistic reputation by painting scenes of his adopted city, before and after Hurricane Katrina. His working method Through Oct.1 JU Faculty Biennial Exhibition Artwork by Jacksonville University faculty. A variety of is to set up his easel in a particular spot, in the open air (“en-plein-air”), rendering with his brush an im- media including animation, ceramics, lm, glass, graphic design, paintings, photography and prints. Art- mediate and glowing impression of the scene in front of his eyes. An exhibition of highly characteristic and ists’ Reception, September 12 from 5-7 pm. Camera Click Alum Exhibition in the Photography Gallery. A colorful pictures of Jacksonville follows on the heels of his New Orleans’ paintings. Phil Sandusky serves variety of recently completed, photo-based art work created by former Jacksonville University Photography as an instructor of landscape and life painting at the New Orleans Academy of Fine Arts. Members Free, Majors. Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd North, Info: (904) 256-7677. Non-Members $10. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Info: (904) 356-6857 Through November 2008 Women of Vision: Ten Years of Art Beyond Sight Cummer Museum of Art & Sep 10 LoudSOUNDLive “Altered States: An Evening of Wind, String and Object Improvisations,” with Gardens, Info: (904) 355-0630. Jason Arnold, Daniel McCoy and others at the University of North Florida. Event is free. UNF Art Gallery at 7pm. Info: myspace.com/loudsoundlive Sept.19 through Jan. 4 New Exhibits at MOCA Jacksonville On view at Museum of Contemporary Art beginning Sept. 19: “Ultra-Realistic Sculptures” by Marc Sijan; Making Marks: Jacksonville Creates; and Sept. 12 All is Art: Jax Beach Art & Music Celebration Looking for a little music with your art? Look no Richard Anuszkiewicz: The Inward Eye Series. Selections from the Museum’s permanent collection are further than All is Art: Jax Beach Art & Music Celebration. Over 40 artists will display and sell their work also on display. MOCA Jacksonville offers extended hours on Thursday evenings until 8pm; Sundays are at the Ocean Club on while bands like Antarctic, Blorr and Onslaught Dynamo play throughout the night. Free Family Days, offering free admission to children under the age of 18 and their accompanying adults. Tickets: $5/21 and up, $10/18 and up. Ocean Club, Info: (904) 242-8884 MOCA Jacksonville, 333 North Laura St., Info: mocajacksonville.org or (904) 366-6911.

Sept. 18 North Beaches Art Walk; Every third Thursday of each month, 5 pm – 9 pm, Atlantic/Nep- If you have an art event you would like to have listed in EU Jacksonville, please send information to: tune Beach area. Info: (904) 249-2222 or [email protected] [email protected] 30 days prior to event.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 19 reclaiming “luxuries”

supplementing your child’s education by kellie abrahamson

s most are aware, recent budget cuts have crippled schools all over Florida, leaving kids A without supplies for art, instruments for music or teachers for phys-ed. First Coast schools are no exception. Until the schools get more money for these “luxuries” it’s going to be up to us to supplement our children’s educations to ensure they become well-rounded adults. Thankfully there are still resources within the community to help us do just that. art music Usually the fi rst to get the axe come Often times when art gets cut, music is sure to follow. Once again, eliminating this “non-essen- budget cut-time is art. This is particularly tial subject” from a student’s schedule does more harm than good. It’s been shown time and time unfortunate since studies show that kids again that kids who study music become better readers and mathematicians. who are involved with fi ne arts achieve aca- Obviously the very best way to get kids the music instruction they lack in school is to sign them demic success in much higher numbers than up for lessons. For many families, though, this can be a fi nancial strain. You can still help foster those who go without. We’re talking higher a love of music in your child without buying expensive instruments and investing in pricy lessons standardized test scores, better overall by letting them experience live music. Take your kids to one of the many free concerts in the area. grades and a dramatically reduced drop-out These shows range in genre, from jazz to rock to classical, exposing kids to a wide variety of instru- rate. ments. This month’s free shows include Jazz Personifi ed- The St. Augustine Jazz Society All-Stars To help integrate some art into your at the Plaza de la Constitución in St. Augustine (plazaconcerts.com) on September 1st, cellist Alexei child’s life, start with the obvious: our area Romanenko at the Main Library (jaxpubliclibrary.org) on September 9th and the United States Navy museums. Both MOCA Jacksonville (mo- Band Country Current at the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park (thcenter.org). For a complete cajacksonville.org) and the Cummer (cummer.org) have art classes available for kids of all ages. In listing of concerts in the area, head to pages 27 to 31. addition, you can add a dash of art education by simply taking them to the museum to view current Our very own Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra (jaxsymphony.org) has events and concerts exhibits and explore the areas set aside specifi cally for children. Best of all, both MOCA and the just for kids. JSO’s Target Family Series kicks off in October and is comprised of four kid-friendly Cummer have days set aside for people to enjoy their offerings free of charge, making this an ex- concerts. Before each show, children are able to meet the musicians, get an up-close look at instru- tremely cost-effective solution to the no art problem. ments or do fun crafts. Another way the JSO helps inspire kids is through the Jacksonville Symphony The free art exposure doesn’t stop there. Why not take the kids to one of the area’s many art Youth Orchestra. Children can try out for a spot in the orchestra or they can come to a concert and walks? There are no admission fees and plenty of great pieces by local artists to examine. Festivals see their peers succeeding musically, which is always encouraging. are another great way to combine fun and visual art. Most of the big festivals have art by local and Yet another fun way to incorporate some music into your child’s life is to head to the theatre. regional artists on display and for purchase. If you want to go this route, be sure to check out the The Alhambra Dinner Theatre (alhambradinnertheatre.com) has several musicals throughout the year Riverside Arts Festival (riverside-avondale.com) on September 6th and 7th. that are kid-friendly and well worth the cost of admission. Another great resource is Theatreworks Simply exposing your children to art is great but there’s nothing like letting them create their (theatreworksjax.com), which puts on several terrifi c children’s plays, many of which are music- own. For a free way to do just that, head to the library. The Main Branch Downtown, for instance, driven, throughout the year. has Family Art Time on September 10th at 11:45 am. This is just one of the many programs available Finally, allow kids to try out the musical instrument they already have: their voice. Consider through the Jacksonville Public Library. Head over to jaxpubliclibrary.org to see about art programs signing your kids up for one of the local children’s choirs. The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus (jax- at a branch near you. childrenschorus.com), Jacksonville Mass Choir (jacksonvillemasschoir.com) and the Jacksonville Boys and Girls Choir (jacksonvillemasschoir.com/jacksonville_boys__girls_choir) are wonderful physical education organizations that give kids of all ages the opportunity to unleash their inner songbird. One thing we all know is that kids today simply aren’t getting enough exercise. With the childhood obesity epidemic in full force, the cutting of Physical Education programs from schools is argu- Obviously, there are lots of ways to keep art, music and PE in our children’s lives; it will just ably the most detrimental thing to happen to kids this year. Team sports like football and soccer can take more effort from us, their parents. Thinking outside the box is the key to making that happen. be expensive but luckily there are plenty of free and low cost ways to get kids moving. Make it a point to incorporate fun, enriching activities into their daily lives and your children will never The best resource parents have is our local parks (jaxparks.com). In addition to just running know what they lost after the budget cuts. around at playgrounds and exploring the numerous trails, there are a number of specialty parks that kids will enjoy. Children into BMX will get their fi x at Ray Greene Park on the Northside and young skaters can rip it up at Cuba Hunter Park on the Southside and Robert Laryn Skate Park in St. Johns jso’s sound check card County. You may also want to check out the indoor pool at Cecil Aquatics Center, which is open year Taking full advantage of what the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra has to offer kids just got round. Finally, Christian Surfer of Jacksonville (christiansurfersjax.com) is offering a free surf camp a lot easier and less expensive. This year students can get the most out of the JSO’s schedule th beginning September 6 . This is a rare opportunity for your child to try something new without cost- by becoming Sound Check Cardholders. For one low price of $25, members of this kids-only ing you a dime, so take advantage of it. club get admission to every JSO Masterworks, Discovery and Coffee series concert for an entire Still, you may have to shell out a little cash to get the kids off the couch so why not choose season. Parents of cardholders get perks too: they can accompany their children to the Symphony an activity you know they’ll enjoy. Roller skating at Skate Station (skatestationfunworks.com), rock and can purchase additional tickets for just $10. As if the member’s benefi ts weren’t enough, climbing at the South Metro YMCA (fi rstcoastymca.org/southmetro) and laser tag at Adventure Land- those who order their cards before September 18th will receive free admission to the dress re- ing (adventurelanding.com) are great ways to get the blood pumping without running into exercise hearsal of West Side Story on Thursday, September 18th at 7 pm. boredom. For something completely different, give yoga a try at Artoga (artoga.org) or take a spin Sound Check Cards can be ordered now by phone at 354-5547 or via the JSO’s website at around the ice skating rink at Jacksonville ICE (jaxiceskating.com). Last but certainly not least, a jaxsymphony.org. Cards will also be available for purchase just prior to the West Side Story dress low impact stroll through a corn maze combines fall fun and exercise. Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres rehearsal on the 18th. This terrifi c new program will make a great gift for those who want to add a th in Hilliard (connerscornfi eldmaze.com) opens on September 27 and has plenty of fun attractions to little music to their child’s life. keep kids (and parents) busy and, more importantly, moving.

20 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly picturing f lorida

Marie Shell Florida art for your coffee table by erin thursby

munities. Many more, however, were lured by job opportunities and the promise of permanently getting out of the cold. But whatever brought them to the state; these Florida artists are the product of educational and artistic inﬂ uences garnered from throughout the country, and even throughout the world. Once established in Florida, these painters, sculptors, printmakers, and photog- raphers grafted their styles onto the local topography to create art that captures and deﬁ nes this small slice of paradise.” Picturing Florida will be available at Fogle Fine Art & Accessories (3312 Beach Boulevard, 904 296- 1414) from the opening of the exhibition on September 4-October 11.

Jane Lester

Looking for a coffee table book with style, local history and art? Then lay your hands on a copy of Picturing Florida. It is an exquisite portrait of Florida with dazzling lithographs. The book starts on a historical note, about some of Florida’s earliest artists such as Jacques Le Moyne, whose work was reproduced in engravings during the 1500s. These early works depict Native Americans and the exotic landscape of Florida. Later artists were attracted by everything from the weather to the fi shing. A number of stunning depictions of the St. Johns River and classic Florida vistas are included. The growth of Florida art is traced through Flagler’s development in the late 1800s, the opening of several Universities and art museums such as the Cummer. Choosing which artists to feature from our landscape of visual artists had to have been diffi cult, but the book does present a great visual cross-section of Florida artists from Orlando to the Panhandle. The largest color plates in the book are mostly reserved for these contemporary artists. Art lovers can rediscover artists they already know and experience art they’ve never seen. I enjoyed seeing stuff from Sydney McKenna, who paints some awesome Florida skyscapes, but I also got to discover a whole cadre of Florida artists I hadn’t seen before. I loved the vibrant and practically gaudy work of Steve Lotz, the pop art inspired fl amingo of John Wilton and the retro hand-colored gelatin silver prints of Jane Lester. The book just has so much to offer to every eye and every taste. Although the focus is on the nature of Florida, not everything in the book is nature oriented and landscape based. Deland artist Gary Bolding caught my eye with his meticulously realistic but surreal oils that are part portrait, part metal conversation. Styles and mediums vary, with a few 3-D artists thrown into the mix such as Gretchen Lotz, who does bronze and marble garden sculptures. While these artists all live in northeast or central Florida, most of them aren’t natives. They love the land and the culture in ways that natives might not fathom simply because it’s newer to them and they can look at it in a fresh way. The artists who are natives are immersed in the culture of Florida and wield a homegrown love and a closer perspective of the terrain. According to their introduction: “Of these artists, all of whom now reside in northeast or central Florida, less than a third began here. Some were attracted to the area by the artistic possibilities inherent in the local topography, others by the idea of joining established art com-

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 21 happy birthday

Channel 7 celebrates 50 Years of broadcasting by kellie abrahamson

WJCT is a First Coast institution. Throughout the years we’ve seen our local PBS affiliate WJCT-FM. Eighteen months after it launched, the station partnered TV and radio for the first grow from a small station with three staff members and borrowed equipment into an award- time, simulcasting a JSO concert on Channel 7 and “Stereo 90.” In 1979 WJCT made national winning community resource that reaches tens of thousands of people through television, radio headlines yet again, this time for broadcasting the first three-state satellite interconnection. and the internet. On September 10th WJCT will celebrate the golden anniversary of its very first The station brought even more to Jacksonville citizens in the 80s with the construction of broadcast. This impressive milestone is one of many for the station. Metropolitan Park, their new cutting-edge broadcast facility and a partnership with the city that In the early 50s television was comprised of three channels and none of them gave the resulted in the second largest jazz festival in the nation. public a true voice. WJCT changed all that in 1958 when it became the second educational With so much WJCT has done for this community, is it any wonder they wanted to share television station in Florida. Early into its first year WJCT partnered with local colleges to pres- their birthday with the citizens they serve? On Saturday, August 23rd WJCT celebrated their th ent Principles of Modern Physics, the first coast-to-coast televised course for college credit. A 50 anniversary by opening its doors to the community. The very special event brought hun- few months later it broadcast the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra’s The Magic of Music, the dreds of people of all ages to the studio in order to tour the facility, meet the staff and rub el- nation’s first weekly broadcast of symphonic music for school children. WJCT made history bows with some of the biggest stars of PBS Kids. Self-guided tours of the building gave guests yet again in 1960 when it became the second station in the nation to hold a fundraising auc- freedom to move at their own pace and ask as many questions as they wished from the staff. tion, launching a tradition that has engaged community support for nearly 50 years. Upstairs, visitors were able to speak with station experts about the big switch from analog to These early achievements were just the beginning. In September of 1968 WJCT brought digital TV next year, a subject that many people had questions about. In addition to taking a Feedback to the airwaves, a live call-in show that soon became the most copied public affairs peek at nearly every control room, studio and sound booth in the building, guests were also format in public TV. The 70s brought WJCT to the next level with its second media platform: able to step outside and tour the WJCT production truck. While the celebration was open to everyone, it was truly the families that got the most out of the event. Children were able to meet some of their favorite PBS characters throughout the day. Clifford the Big Red Dog, Curious George and the stars of Maya & Miguel and Super WHY! were all in attendance for photo ops and hugs. But the big thrills for kids of all ages were the WJCT timeline special performances by Gordon (Roscoe Orman), a veteran actor from Sesame Street. Dur- ing his 20-minute sets he managed to get the children and the grown-ups dancing and singing

January, 1959 September 10, 1958 JSO’s The Magic of Music, the nation’s WJCT went on the air with a first weekly broadcast of symphonic staff of three music for school children

October, 1958 Principles of Modern Physics, the first Sing Hi, Sing Lo, a music coast-to-coast course for college credit appreciation program for children

April 1993 September 10, 1983 PBS selects WJCT to present National Stereo 90 and Channel 7 began broadcasting Teacher Training Institutes to help math and from their New Metro Park location science teachers use TV in the classroom

April 1985 February 1993 WJCT sponsorship of the WJCT Gallery launches Through Our Eyes: African- Jacksonville Jazz Festival American Artistic Exprssions, an annual art exhibit

22 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly WJCT!

along to Sesame Street’s most beloved tunes. In addition to the education and entertainment, visitors were treated to hot dogs, sno-cones, ice cream and cookies and the first 2500 attendees got free WJCT tote bags. There were also booths set up with activities for the kids, face painting and a pair of photo booths which allowed guests a chance to take home a fun souvenir to remember the day by. My family and I had a terrific time at WJCT’s Open House, as did all of the other visitors I spoke to throughout the day. This very special event showed just how much WJCT cares about the community and how important public- supported broadcasting was, is and will continue to be. WJCT has given us 50 years of priceless education, entertainment and service. Here’s to 50 more!

mid 1960’s 1973 January, 1979 WJCT debuts the First Coast’s first The award-winning Today in the Legislature Broadcast the first three-state satellite interconnection; live comprehensive coverage of the First Coast’s first live comprehensive the one-hour Gator Bowl Preview viewed by residents local government at work coverage of local government at work of Ohio, South Carolina, and Florida.

September 1968 April 10, 1972 November 1973 Feedback launches, soon the most WJCT-FM goes on the air Partnered TV and radio for the first time, simulcasting copied public affairs format in public TV. a JSO concert on Channel 7 and “Stereo 90”

May 1993 July 2003 Radio Reading Service launched bringing independence 2000 WJCT expanded and to vision-impaired residents by providing continuous Developed a radio news department to enhance enhanced its website, and readings of local and national news its delivery of in-depth news and information began audio streaming

1997 May 2003 Today Ready To Learn launches- a standards-based WJCT began broadcasting multiple TV WJCT broadcasts five digital TV educational programming and community workshops to and radio program streams, digital’s channels and three HD radio streams, help parents and caregivers promote early literacy skills new multicasting capabilities in addition to its analog broadcasts

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 23 fall 08 television Fire up your TiVo! With schools starting and temperatures slowly dropping, at least by Florida standards, summer is offi cially coming to an end. While not great news for kiddies and sun-worshippers, TV fans everywhere are rejoicing because the all important fall season is upon us and that means quality programming will soon hit the airwaves. The 2008-2009 television season is actually shaping up to be an interesting one so fi re up your TiVo and read on for a look at what’s coming to your TV in the coming months. by kellie abrahamson what’s new dealing with his ex’s remarriage. Premiering on September 23rd is The Mentalist, a drama about an FBI agent (Simon Baker) who uses his uncanny powers of perception to track down various criminals and look ABC is, for the most part, sticking with last year’s schedule, but they do have a couple of new shows for clues about the identity of a ruthless serial killer. Things lighten up considerably on October 3rd with the set to unveil. On September 23rd their new game show Opportunity Knocks comes to living rooms both unveiling of The Ex-List, a romantic dramedy about a 30-something (Elizabeth Reaser) who fi nds herself literally and fi guratively. Emmy-nominated host JD Roth and his mobile studio will go to a different home on a quest for true love after a visit to an eerily accurate psychic. The catch: according to the medium, the each week and quiz the family who lives there about their own lives. The more the family knows about man of her dreams is one in a long line of ex-boyfriends. Finally, CBS rounds out its new pilots with Elev- each other, the closer they are to winning a semi-truck full of fabulous prizes. Also on the schedule is Life enth Hour, a drama with an X-Files feel. In it, Rufus Sewell plays Dr. Jacob Hood, a biophysicist recruited on Mars, a cop show with a sci-fi twist. In it, an up-and-coming NYPD cop (Jason O’Mara) fi nds himself by the FBI to investigate scientifi c crises and oddities. The show begins on October 9th. transported to 1973 after being hit by a car in 2008. As our hero tries to fi nd a way back to his own time, The CW got rid of nearly all the shows they unveiled last year, leaving plenty of room for new series’. he’s forced to navigate the new-old world he’s been sucked into and fi nds New York circa ‘73 to be like a The fun begins on September 2nd with the hotly anticipated return of 90210. The soapy teen drama brings different planet. The series kicks off on October 9th. new characters to the most famous zip code in the world as well as some familiar faces (Kelly Taylor and Where ABC has just a couple pilots slated this season, CBS has quite a few new shows to share. Brenda Walsh, anyone?). On September 9th yet another group of rich white kids comes to the airwaves New half hour comedies Worst Week and Gary Unmarried premiere on September 22nd and 24th respec- with the C-Dub’s series Privileged. In it, Joanna Garcia plays a recent college grad who gets a job tutor- tively. In Worst Week an accident-prone man, nervous about telling his girlfriend’s parents they are getting ing a pair of spoiled rotten sisters who would rather party like Paris than get into Harvard. In an interesting married and having a baby, makes an endless series of missteps that would make Ben Stiller’s character new merger, Media Rights Capital, an independent fi lm, television, and digital studio will take over CW’s in Meet the Parents cringe. Gary Unmarried stars Jay Mohr as a recently divorced dad looking to return to Sundays and they’ve cooked up some exciting new shows, the dating world while three of which premiere on September 21st. First up is In Harm’s Way, a one-hour reality series about real people with life-threatening jobs. Then comes Valentine, a dramedy about a family of gods living amongst humans and struggling to keep their true identities secret. Rounding out the shows premiering on the 21st is Easy Money, a series that centers on the life and times of a family of loan sharks. Finally, on October

22nd a real-life version of The Devil Wears Prada makes it to the airwaves. Stylista gives eleven aspiring fashion writers a chance to work at Elle- that is if they can survive working as assistants for Anne Slowey, the magazine’s diffi cult Fashion News Director. Fox has three new shows to offer. On September 9th the network unveils its biggest pilot of the season: Fringe. The J.J. Abrams sci-fi drama is similar in concept to CBS’s Elev- enth Hour (FBI agents teaming up with a scientist to solve seemingly unexplainable phenomena) but seems to have a lot more buzz. The show will star Joshua “Pacey” Jackson and newcomer Anna Torv. Do Not Disturb, a sitcom premiering on September 10th, shows another unexplainable phe- nomenon: Jerry O’Connell’s career. In this series he stars as the egotistical offi ce manager of a chic hotel who must contend with celebrity guests and his team of wacky workers. Finally, on September 11th we’re introduced to an American version of the Japanese game show Hole in the

See 90210 Tuesdays on the CW

24 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly KATH & KIM starts in October on Thursdays on NBC

Wall. Contestants must contort themselves into awkward positions in order to fi t through a hole in a moving wall. Failure to do so means being swept into a pool of water below. NBC takes a page from the CW’s book by remaking a classic American television series. Knight Rider is reinvented on September 24th with Cold Case’s Justin Bruening behind the wheel. On October 9th Molly Shannon and Selma Blair do a little reinventing themselves worldwide day of play in their new comedy Kath & Kim. The series, based on an award- winning Australian program, chronicles the misadventures of a dys- by katherine stevens functional mother and daughter living in the Florida suburbs. The big It wasn’t that long ago when day-long names continue with , a new drama starring My Own Worst Enemy bike rides, playing catch in the front yard Christian Slater. In it, Slater plays a man with a unique problem: he has two lives and doesn’t realize it. When the wall between his two and running through the sprinkler were all identities crumbles, each struggles for control over the body they necessary ingredients for summertime fun. inhabit. My Own Worst Enemy premieres on October 13th. Last But fast forward to the year 2008: the bikes but not least is Crusoe which arrives on October 17th. This 13- are put away and the video game consoles part series is an ambitious adaptation of Daniel Defoe’s classic are out; the ball is defl ated in the garage, novel. the laptop is perched on the couch; and “running” is only brought up when mentioning high-speed internet. What’s wrong with this what’s picture? Why is all the action of childhood being locked inside four walls? returning Today about 25 million kids in the United States are unhealthy or at risk. We’re talking The Alphabet network is bringing back almost one in every 3 children. Time that could some of the best shows on television. Boston be spent exercising is now wasted surfi ng the is fi rst to return on September 22nd fol- Legal net. And if you take a glimpse around, you lowed by the season premieres of and Ugly Betty shouldn’t be surprised at what you see: more Grey’s Anatomy on September 25th. Both Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Sisters come back on overweight children than expected. September 28th. With last year’s writer’s strike, many of 2007’s new series’ were given very little time to So, in an effort to motivate children fi nd an audience. Thankfully ABC is giving most of those shows a chance to do just that. Pushing Daises, Private Practice and Dirty Sexy Money all come back on October 1st while Samantha Who? and Eli Stone (and their parents!) to get off the couch, the also return on October 6th and October 14th. In the reality TV realm Dancing with the Stars (9/22), Extreme First Coast including; JaxParks, American Makeover: Home Edition (9/28), Wife Swap (10/3), Supernanny (10/3) and America’s Funniest Home Heart Association, Police Athletic League, Videos (10/5) are all coming back. Jacksonville Children’s Commission, First CBS kicks off the 08-09 season with Survivor on September 18th. Comedy is back on the menu on Coast YMCA, Jacksonville Jaguars and September 22nd when The Big Bang Theory, How I Met Your Mother and Two and a Half Men return (CSI: Comcast; has partnered with every child’s nd Miami, a show that’s funny for all the wrong reasons, also comes back on the 22 ). Both NCIS and With- favorite television network, Nickelodeon, to unveil new seasons on September 23rd and , out a Trace The New Adventures of Old Christine Criminal celebrate “Nickelodeon’s Worldwide Day of Minds and CSI: NY arrive yet again on September 24th. The hits keep coming on the 28th when The Amazing rd Play.” Race, Cold Case and The Unit return. Finally, Ghost Whisperer and NUMB3RS come back on October 3 On Saturday, September 27 Nickelodeon and the original CSI takes to the airwaves on October 9th. Teens and fans of teen dramas will get the fi rst taste of new TV courtesy of the CW on September 1st will stop programming for 3 hours to when both Gossip Girl and One Tree Hill return. Tyra Banks and her America’s Next Top Model crew will encourage children to go outside, play bring fi erce looks and plenty of attitude to the tube on September 3rd. The boys of the C-Dub come back on and enjoy the day. That’s where our great September 18th with all new episodes of Smallville and Supernatural. Comedies Everybody Hates Chris community comes in. From noon to 3 pm the and The Game round out the returning shows on October 3rd. Clanzel T. Brown Park (4575 Moncrief Road) Fox is also launching the 08-09 season on September 1st with new episodes of Prison Break. Bones will be hosting the “Day of Play.” The free, returns on September 3rd for its fourth season of procedural goodness. Jeff Foxworthy and his strangely fun day will include everything from activities, th popular game show Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader? come back on September 5 . And speaking of relay races and carnival games to nutritional strangely popular, starts its new season on the 8th. The sitcom Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles guidance. And, as a special surprise, one of returns on September 10th, Chef Gordon Ramsey cooks up trouble on on the ‘Til Death Kitchen Nightmares our very own Jacksonville Jaguars will be 11th, and Don’t Forget the Lyrics! sings its way to living rooms on the 12th. On a brighter note, everyone’s making an appearance in a dunking booth. favorite drug addicted doctor House solves medical mysteries once again on September 16th. Last but not That’s right, you can go head-to-head with a big cat! And for parents, there will be a Parent least, Fox brings the funny on September 28th with new episodes of The Simpsons, King of the Hill, Family Guy and American Dad. Zone complete with air conditioning. The Peacock’s hit reality show The Biggest Loser returns on September 16th. On the 22nd Heroes Some experts believe that unless the unhealthy habits among kids stops increasing, comes back for another highly anticipated season. Law & Order is restored on September 23rd when SVU our current generation could become the fi rst in American history to live shorter lives than comes back and the ladies of Lipstick Jungle rock the small screen on September 24th. “Comedy night done their parents. These staggering statistics speak for themselves. So get your kids out of the right” returns on September 25th with My Name Is Earl and The Offi ce (30 Rock, another Thursday night TV glare and into the natural sun! sitcom, premieres its 3rd season on October 30th). ER comes back on the 25th as well. Finally, last season’s charmer and the quirky cop drama return on September 29th and October 3rd. Chuck Life here are a few healthy tips for your kids from the It’s clear the networks are giving us plenty to choose from this season. alliance for a healthier generation: Be sure to check out next month’s issue of EU for an in-depth look at - Kids should get an average of 60 minutes of exercise a day, 6 days a week. - Only serve juice beverages that are 100% juice with no added sugar. the new shows gracing TVLand this fall and a glimpse at the mid-sea- - Include the recommended 2 to 4 cups of fruit and vegetables in your kid’s daily diet. son shows that may be hitting the airwaves. - Cut back on your kid’s screen time by limiting it to a total of 1-2 hours per day.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 25 september family events

September 6 Willie E. Gary Classic The Edward Waters College (EWC) Tigers will face Shaw University 3 free, $200 – Family of 5: 2 adults, 3 Bears in the Willie E. Gary Classic in Raines High School’s Earl Kitchings Stadium at 5 pm. A College Fair children. Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, will also be presented at Raines High School at 12 pm. 6 pm - 9 pm. Info: (904) 757-4462

September 6 - 7 Riverside Arts Festival The Riverside Arts Festival, in its 37th year, features art, food, September 14 Jacksonville Jaguars music, a guided bus tour of the area, and an Art Activites Tent for kids. Riverside Park, 1400 Cherry Street vs. Buffalo Bills First home game of from 10am to 5pm, Info: (904) 389-2449 or riversideavondale.org the season. Single game tickets start at $50. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium at September 13 4th Annual Jacksonville’s Puerto Rican Parade & Festival This parade and festival is 1pm. Info: (904) 633-2000 or jaguars. considered the biggest hispanic event in Jacksonville. It is a family-oriented, cultural and educational event. com It showcases the very best of the Puerto Rican culture, arts and crafts, Puerto Rican painters, exhibits September 14 Little Red Ridinghood anda colorful and cheerful parade. The Jacksonville Landing will be sizzling with the sounds of Latin mu- Friday Musicale hosts this opera for sic, marching bands, beauty queens in foot-high tiara and dancers, all moving to a thumping salsa beat! 12 young audiences (ages fi ve through pm - 2 am The Jacksonville Landing, Info: (904) 353-1188 ten), performed by the Children’s Opera Theatre. Friday Musicale, 645 Oak St. at September 13 Foundation Academy’s Grand Opening Join the Foundation 3 pm. Info: www.fridaymusicale.com Academy’s Grand Opening Celebration in their new 23-acre campus. There will be local artwork, local cuisine and local musicians. The Foundation September 19 Professional Bull Rid- Academy’s new location is at 3675 San Pablo Rd. South between Beach ers “Every time these guys go out there Blvd and JTB next to San Pablo Apartments. Celebration from 11 am-2 pm. to ride, there is a realistic risk of being Info: (904) 241-3515 or foundationacademy.com maimed or killed,” says Dr. Tandy Free- man, Director of Medical Services for September 13 ZOObilee The casual, fam- the Professional Bull Riders. You can ily, after-hours fundraising event will in- even go to their website, pbrnow.com clude Splash Ground in Play Park (kids bring and get a list of recent injuries (three your bathing suits), entertainment, games and in the last show). Now that sounds like activities, carousel and train rides, kid friendly FUN! Jacksonville Veterans Memorial food, adult-friendly drinks, animal encounters, Cake Arena at 8:00pm, Info: (904) 630-3900 Walk, silent auction and more. All proceeds will fund the care and feeding of the animals, edu- September 20 Dog Days in the Park Join the Springfi eld Animal Care and Rescue Club’s 3rd annual Dog cational programs and conservation initiatives. Days in the Park Festival. Enjoy live music, a silent auction, a kid’s area, food, drink, vendors and meet Cost: $75 adult, $25 children, Children under adoptable animals at the free event. All proceeds benefi t the Springfi eld Animal Care & Rescue Club, a non-profi t organization dedicated to rescuing and caring for abandoned animals in historic Springfi eld. All members of the family welcome - including the pups. Klutho Park, 635 3rd Street, Springfi eld from 11am to 5 pm. Info: sacarc.org

September 20 International Coastal Cleanup The International Coastal Cleanup is the world’s oldest and largest volunteer effort to clean up our marine environment. Each year, volunteers remove and record data on the trash and debris collected from their local beaches, rivers, lakes and streams as well as along shorelines and underwater. If you’re interested in helping, come out to the GTM Research Reserve from 8am to 11am. Check in is from 8 am to 9 am at Education Center located at 505 Guana River Road, Ponte Vedra Beach or at the Marineland ofﬁ ce located at 9741 Ocean Shore Boulevard, St. Augustine. Info: (904) 823-4500 or gtmnerr.org. Little Talbot Island will also participate in International Coastal Cleanup Day. Visit the Talbot Islands State Parks, 12157 Heckscher Drive and garbage bags and gloves will be available at the ranger station. This is a self guided clean up and you can participate anytime during normal park hours (8 am till sunset). Info: (904) 251-2323 or ﬂ oridastateparks.org

September 27 Dog Lovers Day with Scooby Doo Adventure Landing is hosting its Third Annual Dog Lover’s Day on Saturday, September 27th. This fun-ﬁ lled, all-day long, free outdoor event to create aware- ness of the ongoing problem of the overpopulation of pets, and hopefully provide many homeless pets a permanent home through the Dog Adoption Fair. Adventure Landing, 1944 Beach Boulevard, Jax Beach, Info: 904-246-4386 or adventurelanding.com

September 27 Founder’s Day Celebration Grand Opening of Conner’s A-Maize-Ing Acres for the season. See antique farm machinery, enjoy fresh homemade ice cream, and more. All attractions included with the price of admission. Conner’s A-Maize-ing Acres, 19620 CR 121, Hilliard at 10 am. Info: (904) 879-5453 or connerscornﬁ eldmaze.com

September 28 Musical Storytime Come for a musical story time with the Jacksonville Youth Symphony Orchestra and “Jacksonville Suzuki Strings.” Barnes and Noble, 11112 San Jose Boulevard, from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm, Info: (904) 886-9904 or barnesandnoble.com

September 28 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Houston Texans Single game tickets start at $50. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium at 1pm, Info: (904) 633-2000 or or jaguars.comJacksonville

26 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly August Burns Red

SEPTEMBER 1 The Mystic Orchestra- Flashback “The Classic Rock Experience” Step into the Arena on the 1st and prepare to be transported back in time courtesy of the Mystic Orchestra! Thirty of the best songs from the 60s and 70s will be performed black kids by over two dozen world-class musicians. As if that weren’t enough, the tunes will be accompanied by a light show that has to be seen to be believed. Trippy! Tickets: $17-$57. What a difference a year makes! Not long ago the kids of Black Kids were quietly making a Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 name for themselves amongst local hipsters, playing TSI, Jack Rabbits and the occasional show at St. Augustine’s Café 11. Then they headed up to Athens for their annual Popfest and the rest is rock SEPTEMBER 2 Valencia Philadelphia-based Valencia is taking the underground music history. Since then our little local band has become indie pop’s newest darlings, selling out shows in scene by storm. The quintet creates an infectious blend of guitar-mangled, multi-layered, Europe, getting write-ups in the biggest national magazines and playing for the entire country on Let- melodic rock reminiscent of early Saves the Day and fused with a little Thrice for good terman. measure. See Valencia at Jack Rabbits on the 2nd. Sing It Loud, Zolof the Rock N Roll Black Kids proved that they were worthy of their seemingly overnight success with their debut Destroyer, Single File and Cash Cash will also perform. Tickets: $8/advance, $10/day of album Partie Traumatic, which was released in the States in late July. The album, which peaked on show. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 the UK charts at #5 (#127 in the US) got rave reviews nearly across the board. NME declared the record “the sexiest, most outrageous outright pop album of ’08,” and the Guardian, one of the UK’s SEPTEMBER 4 Art Attack Tour Christian rock has become more mainstream over the years with the success of bands like POD and Switchfoot. Christian hip-hop, on the other largest news sources, said “almost everything here sounds like a hit waiting to happen.” hand, has stayed mostly hidden from public view, despite the fact that acts like GRITS have Still, even with all the praise that’s being lavished on the band by the international media and been around for well over a decade. Check out what you’ve been missing when GRITS, their fans, Black Kids haven’t completely forgotten about where they came from. The band is swing- Jade, Syntyst, T’Juan and DJ Will take to the Murray Hill’s stage on September 4th. Tickets: ing back by Jacksonville to kick off the US leg of their fall tour. Whether you’re a new fan or one $10. Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 of those hipsters that caught on early, this is your chance to catch Black Kids at home before they th

september music events become a household name. Black Kids will be performing at Freebird Live on September 19 with The SEPTEMBER 10 August Burns Red Metalcore kids August Burns Red formed in 2003 Virgins and Sunbears. Tickets are $13 in advance and $15 day of show. For more information, call and almost instantly began turning heads with their undeniable talent. The Lancaster, PA 246-2473 or visit freebirdlive.com. ﬁ vesome will be at Fuel on the 10th with A Skylit Drive, Sky Eats Airplane, Greely Estates and Words In Red. Tickets: $14. Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835

SEPTEMBER 11 The Queers Back when men were men and punk was a way of life, not a SEPTEMBER 12 HORSE the Band Fresh off of HORSE the Band fashion statement, The Queers emerged out of New England to share songs about getting their self-booked, self-ﬁ nanced and almost entirely laid, getting wasted and having fun. With eleven albums under their belts, the Queers are unpromoted EARTH TOUR, HORSE the Band is back one of the more proliﬁ c pop punk bands around, surprising considering the amount of in the States and showing no signs of slowing down. line-up changes the group has gone through since forming in 1982. See them with The Even after 73 shows in 45 countries and $60K in Independents and The Plastic Stars on September 11th. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 credit card debt, the California metalcore act is hitting the road again and will be stopping by Fuel in what SEPTEMBER 11 Memorial Concert for Peace UNF Chamber Singers, Douglas Anderson should be one of the most energetic live performances Chorale, Paxon SAS Honor’s Chorus, JMAC, and the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus come the Riverside club has ever seen. Heavy Heavy together for a peace building performance. St. John’s Episcopal Cathedral, 256 E. Church Low Low and So Many Dynamos will also be in St., 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm, Info: (904) 356-5507 attendance. Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835

SEPTEMBER 12 What Made Milwaukee SEPTEMBER 14 Sound Effects: Music at MOCA Famous Barsuk Records artist What “Roots Revisited” Spend a Sunday afternoon enjoying Made Milwaukee Famous is coming to user-friendly contemporary chamber music. Free for Jacksonville in support of their latest Museum members, $8 for non-members. Museum of album What Doesn’t Kill Us. The Denver Contemporary Art, 2 pm, 366-6911 Post said “What Made Milwaukee Famous adroitly balances shiny pop SEPTEMBER 18 United States Navy Band Country hooks with indie rock swagger - a rare, Current This country-bluegrass group is the Navy’s welcome attribute.” Catch them with Wild premier country music ensemble. Commander Ned Sweet Orange at Jack Rabbits in San Mufﬂ ey formed the seven-member group in 1973 Marco. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 under the leadership of legendary banjo player Bill Emerson, and they quickly established themselves in all aspects of country and bluegrass music. Currently, the group is under the direction of banjo instrumentalist SEPTEMBER 12 All is Art: Jax Beach Chief Musician Keith Arneson. Tickets are free. Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts, 276-6750 Art & Music Celebration Looking for a little art with your music? Look no further SEPTEMBER 19 Bob Margolin After playing with legendary blues man Muddy Waters for seven years, than All is Art: Jax Beach Art & Music “Steady Rollin’” Bob Margolin became something of a legend himself. Since splitting from Waters in 1980, What Made Milwaukee Famous Celebration. Over 40 artists will display Margolin has played guitar in several bands, toured the world many times over and has won numerous and sell their work at the Ocean Club on September 12 while bands like Antarctic, Blorr awards for his hard work. Margolin will be in Jacksonville on September 19th to share some of his and Onslaught Dynamo play throughout the night. Tickets: $5/21 and up, $10/18 and up. catalogue. Tickets: $12. Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 Ocean Club, 242-8884 » continues on page 28 »

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 27 Rhett Butler SEPTEMBER 25 Rhett Butler Dubbed the “Obsessive Compulsive Guitarist,” Rhett Butler has made the disorder work for him. Butler has been known to make jaws drop with his phenomenal live performances, especially when he ﬂ awlessly plays two guitars at the same time. One of the most renowned solo musicians in the state of Texas, Rhett’s brand of music appeals to people in and outside of guitar circles and his playing is just as entertaining to listen to as it is to watch. See him at the E Street Listening Room on September 25th. Tickets: $10. European Street, 399-1740

SEPTEMBER 26 James Cotton Band James Cotton has been in the business for 64 years, an achievement only a truly talented musician can boast. Cotton’s hard-driving, powerful harmonica performances have earned him a reputation as a foot-stomping, infectious good-time entertainer. Cotton and has band will perform at Mojo Blues Bar on September 26th. Tickets: $25. Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636

SEPTEMBER 20 Sara Evans Strength, versatility and a spunky sense of adventure are qualities more often associated with literary heroines than successful country singers, but then there’s nothing typical about Sara Evans. Whether dominating country radio airwaves with one of her many hit singles or attracting a new legion of fans with her spirited turn on “Dancing with the Stars,” Evans’ drive, talent and determination have placed her in an elite class of artists who transcend musical genres to become a household name. See her live at the Florida Theatre on the 20th. Tickets: $36-$54. Florida Theatre

SEPTEMBER 22 UNF Cummer Family Foundation Chamber Music Series Saxophonist John Sampen and composer/engineer Mark Bunce have traveled all over the world, offering unique master classes and concert presentations for the saxophone and the electronic medium. Mysterious Morning represents their new 2008 multi-disciplinary presentation and is designed as an exciting “seamless” musical experience featuring projected visuals, interactive electronics, and september music events theatrical activities. UNF Robinson Theater, 7:30 pm. Info: 620-2961

omg, lol! Margaret Cho

If you look hard enough you can fi nd a concert happening in Jacksonville every day of the week. The same goes for plays and art exhibits. It seems we can soon add comedy shows to that list as well. The River City apparently loves to laugh and comedians are getting the message and adding Jacksonville to their itineraries. September will bring two big names to Jax. Tony Rock, best known for his starring role on CW’s sitcom All of Us will be at the Comedy Zone (292-4242) from the 16th to the 20th. Tickets range in price from $14 to $20 depending upon the day and seat selection. Then on the 26th Margaret Cho, one of the funniest (and busiest- the opinionated comedian is also a fashion designer, author, and actress) women alive will be at the Florida Theatre (355-2787). Tickets for her show are $30 to $47. October will bring two more famed comedians to the First Coast. Lisa Lampanelli, known as Comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean, sets her sights on the Florida Theatre on the 3rd. The “REAL funny broad,” according to Howard Stern, is a fi xture on Comedy Central and at NY Friars Club Roasts. See her hysterical act for just $32.75. From the 7th to the 11th television personality Billy Gardell will bring the funny at the Comedy Zone. Tickets are anywhere from $10 to $18. November just brings one noteworthy comedy act to Jacksonville but it’s a big one. Carlos Mencia, a self-proclaimed “equal opportunity offender” and the host of his very own Comedy Central show Mind of Mencia, will have people rolling in the aisles on the 29th at the Times-Union Center. All tickets for this show are $42.50. Finally, Jacksonville gets some real comedy gifts in December. Jeff Dunham has quickly become one of the biggest names in comedy with his arsenal of wacky puppets from the cantankerous Walter to the hysterically politically incor- the Last Comic Standing crew. The fi nalists from the sixth season of rect Achmed, the Dead Terrorist. Dunham will bring the whole gang along with the NBC reality series will be in town to spread around some com- him when he comes to the Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena on December edy cheer. This not to be missed event will take place at the Florida 13th. Tickets are $40.50. We’ll fi nish up the Christmas season with a visit from Theatre on the 26th. Tickets are $36 and $41.

28 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly SEPTEMBER 1 Dedringers St. Augustine Jazz Society presents: Jazz Personiﬁ ed- The St. Augustine Jazz Society All-Stars Plaza de la Constitución- St. Augustine, 825-1004 Flashback “The Classic Rock Experience” Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900

SEPTEMBER 2 Sing It Loud / Valencia / Zolof the Rock N Roll Destroyer / Single File / Cash Cash Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Ballyhoo / Danka / First Hit Freebird Live, 246-2473

SEPTEMBER 3 Navy Band Pride St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 Hit the Lights / A Rocket to the Moon / Fireworks / My Getaway Jack Rab- bits, 398-7496 Bleeding Through / Thick As Blood / Devour The Dead / The Dahmer Anato- my Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835

SEPTEMBER 4 SEPTEMBER 10 Yellowman & The Sagittarius Band Freebird Live, 246-2473 Nightfall St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 Art Attack Tour- Grits / Jade / Syntyst / T’Juan / DJ Will Murray Hill Theatre, Battle For Planetfest 2008: Out of Style / Look Alive / Say Goodnight, Mean 388-3179 Goodbye / Fat Satchel / Chasing Ghosts Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Recon / Stray from the Path / Soldiers The Pit, 223-9850 August Burns Red / A Skylit Drive / Sky Eats Airplane / Greely Estates / Words In Red Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 SEPTEMBER 5 Society Red / The Embraced / His Name Was Iron Freebird Live, 246-2473 SEPTEMBER 11 Leeland Murray Hill Theatre 20WT / The Bastard Suns / The Duppies / The The Queers / The Independents / The Plastic Stars Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Long Johns Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Irene Kelley European Street, 399-1740 Detoura / Condemn the Infection / Saturate The Pit, 223-9850 9 on Bali / The Marys / Evolucid Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 SEPTEMBER 12 John McCutcheon Flagler College Auditorium, 819-6400 The Dark Romantics / Sunbears / Matlock Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Dublin City Ramblers Culhane’s Irish Pub, 249-9595 Wild Sweet Orange / What Made Milwaukee Famous Jack Rabbits, 398- Carolina Rain / The Lost Trailers The Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 7496 Dedringers Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 Cethkyn / Almost Winter / Dead Southern Bishop Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 For the Fallen Dreams / The World We Knew The Pit, 223-9850 All is Art: Jax Beach Art & Music Celebration Ocean Club, 242-8884 HORSE the Band / Heavy Heavy Low / So Many Dynamos Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Randy Houser / Phil Stacey The Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188

SEPTEMBER 13 Red Letter Bullet / We Still Dream Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 E.G. Kight Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 MAE / Automatic Loveletter Cafe Eleven, 460- 9311

SEPTEMBER 14 Silver Jews / Monotonix Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Dark Cloud Radio / The Ruthless The Pit, 223-9850

SEPTEMBER 15 The Action Design / Killola Jack Rabbits, 398-7496

SEPTEMBER 16 The Street Dogs / Time Again / Flatfoot 56 / Nasty Crew Jack Rabbits, 398- Dubconscious 7496

SEPTEMBER 17 SEPTEMBER 6 Crabgrass St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 Fusebox Funk / The Merks Freebird Live, 246-2473 Lovecraft Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 » continues on page 30 » Global Battle of the Bands Challenge Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Libyan Hit Squad Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922

SEPTEMBER 7 Battle For Planetfest 2008: I Am God/ Whiskey Face Jack Rabbits, 398- 7496 Dubconscious Freebird Live, 246-2473 Underneath the Gun / Don the Reader / Dawn of Plague / Until the Day / When Ashes Fall The Pit, 223-9850

SEPTEMBER 8 Sparks The Rescue / Signal The Escape Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Ivoryline / There for Tomorrow / Take the Crown / Aviate The Pit, 223-9850

SEPTEMBER 9 MUSIC @ MAIN : Virtuoso Music for Solo Cello Main Library, 630-2665 Battle For Planetfest 2008: Karma for Liars / Trains Followed Us / Harloe / Wicked Nick / The Riff Raff Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 The Queers

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 29 Mercy Mercedes / My Favorite Highway / We Shot the Moon Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 SERA CAHOONE / Sam Champion / The John Carver Band Cafe Eleven, 460- 9311

SEPTEMBER 18 Tracy Grammer / Mark Williams Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 Stacey Earle / Mark Stuart European Street, 399-1740 United States Navy Band Country Current Thrasher-Horne Center, 276-6750 Christina Wagner / Johnathan Appleseed / Win Win Winter Jack Rabbits, 398-7496

SEPTEMBER 19 Black Kids / The Virgins / Sunbears Freebird Live, 246-2473 Bob Margolin Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 My Own Sin The Pit, 223-9850 The In Crowd Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 West Side Story: Opening Night Party Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, 358- 1479 Clayton Senne / Corey Knight / Millhouse Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Adam Gregory / John Michael Montgomery The Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188

SEPTEMBER 20 Zac Brown Band / Sonia Leigh Freebird Live, 246-2473 Sara Evans Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Five Across The Eyes Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Copper / Stereoside Jack Rabbits, 398-7496

SEPTEMBER 21 Chamber Music Society of Good Shepherd presents works by Handel, A. Scarlatti and Bach Church of the Good Shepherd, 387-5691 Battle For Planetfest 2008: Amber Rose / The Last of What’s Left Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 café eleven kick starts fall with SEPTEMBER 22 Ari Hest Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 sera cahoone

SEPTEMBER 23 After cooling it for the summer, Café Eleven is getting things going this fall with a great Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 The Gaslight Anthem / American Steel / O Pioneers!!! line-up of artists that will bring their own unique styles, stories and talents to Saint Augus- SEPTEMBER 24 tine. Modern rock troop Mae with Automatic Loveletter will appear Sept. 13th, the brilliant 1st Coast Jazz Orchestra St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 and unique Tracy Grammer along with Mark Williams will perform Sept. 18th, the unabashed, New Riders Of The Purple Sage Freebird Live, 246-2473 homegrown rock ‘n roll of Spraky’s Flaw and Lighthouse Music will play Sept. 26th and not to Jack Rabbits, 398- Battle For Planetfest 2008: Wings of Victory / Blistur / Circle of Strife be missed is Sera Cahoone on Sept. 17th. 7496 Seattle-based songstress Cahoone started out not in front of the microphone but behind

september music events SEPTEMBER 25 the drums. Stuck behind the kit since age 11, Cahoone spent time in the rhythm sections Battle For Planetfest 2008: Shawn Fisher & the Jukebox Gypsies / Amaru / The Secret of both Carissa’s Wierd (no folks, that’s not a typo!) and the rapidly rising Band of Horses State / Tragedy Hero / Roseline Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 before setting out on her own. Her self-titled, self-produced ﬁ rst album got rave reviews, Rhett Butler European Street, 399-1740 prompting Sub Pop to offer a place to sign on the dotted line. Now, two years after her coun- Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Lisa Williams try-folk coos wowed those critics and record execs, Sera’s newest offering, Unearth / Protest the Hero / Gwen Stacey / White Chapel Freebird Live, 246-2473 Only As The Day JSO: Sarah Plays Sibelius Times-Union Center, 633-6110 Is Long, is available for your listening pleasure. “Easy listening” is the best way to describe Only As The Day Is Long, though that may give some people the wrong idea. The ten-track effort is ﬁ lled with accessible folk songs Ari Hest with a charming country twang. The bittersweet tunes are far more intimate and introspective than what we’ve come to expect from Cahoone’s previous bands and, according to fans, the songs only get better when experienced live. Sera Cahoone is currently on tour in support of Only As The Day Is Long, and will be stopping by Café Eleven on September 17th. New York indie kids Sam Champion and Jack- sonville’s own John Carver Band will also perform. Tickets are just $7. For more information, call Café Eleven at (904) 460-9311 or visit cafeeleven.com.

SEPTEMBER 26 James Cotton Band Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 Scholars Word / Humble Souls Freebird Live, 246-2473 King of the Hill 2008- Chasing Ghosts / Don’t Sigh Daisy and more Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Blameshift / The Material / And Then There Was You / Run Doris Run Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Hollywood Petey / Look Alive The Pit, 223-9850 2 Sweet / Hollywood Lies / The Sophomore Attempt Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 JSO: Sarah Plays Sibelius Times-Union Center, 633-6110 Sparky’s Flaw / Lighthouse Music Cafe Eleven, 460- 9311 Fisher Stevenson / Lonestar The Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188

SEPTEMBER 27 John Ricci Terry Concert Hall, 256-7677 JSO: Sarah Plays Sibelius Times-Union Center, 633-6110 Chuck Ragan / Ben Nichols / Tim Barry Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 The Hot and Heavy / The Riverwind / Farewell Flight Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Frontiers: A Tribute to Journey Freebird Live, 246-2473 Dillinger Bukkets Baha, 246-7701

30 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly Dolly Parton

Kid Rock Oct. 3, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 Lisa Lampanelli Oct. 3, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 O.A.R./Between the Trees Oct. 4, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 Randy Owen Oct. 4, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Staind, Seether/Papa Roach Oct. 10, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 Tracy Byrd Oct. 10, UNF Fine Arts Center, 620-2878 David Allen Coe Oct. 10, Crazy Horse Saloon, 641-8777 Montgomery Gentry Oct. 11, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 Buju Banton Oct. 12, Plush Nightclub, 743-1845 upcoming shows Nashville Star on Tour Oct. 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Tony Bennett Oct. 17, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Claire Lynch & Michael Smith October 18, Flagler College Auditorium, 826-3297 Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat: NBA Preseason Basketball Oct. 18, Jacksonville Arena, 630- 3900 Dolly Parton Oct. 21, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial, 630-3900 Sarah Chang The Cheetah Girls Oct. 24, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 Steve Miller Band Oct. 25, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 SEPTEMBER 28 Widespread Panic/Los Lonely Boys Oct. 26, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 Battle For Planetfest 2008: JoEveritt / Society Red / Captain Kid / The Embraced / Hollowpoint Militia Joe Satriani with Mountain Oct. 28, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Nine Inch Nails Oct. 29, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 Reverend Horton Heat Oct. 29, Freebird, 246-BIRD SEPTEMBER 29 Oct. 30, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 Michale Graves / Ghostwitch / Dead Man’s Waltz / Knock Galley West Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Neil Diamond Corey Smith Oct. 31, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Warsaw Philharmonic with Valentina Lisita Nov. 2, UNF Fine Arts Center, 620-2878 Badﬁ sh Nov. 4, Freebird, 246-BIRD jacksonville symphony has Metro Station Nov. 5, Plush, 743-1845 Sugarland Nov. 6, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 something for everyone Michael W. Smith/Stephen Curtis Chapman Nov. 8, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 Majic Slim & the Teardrops Nov. 8, Mojo Kitchen, 247- 6636 While most folks tend to associate the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra with classical Jerry Seinfeld Nov. 13, Times Union Center music, they may be in for a surprise when they see what the JSO has cooked up for their Styx Nov. 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 2008-2009 season. The fun begins with a fully-staged production of West Side Story, com- Black Crowes Nov. 14, The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 plete with performances by the always talented Alhambra Theatre cast. The musical takes Vince Gill Nov. 19, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 place September 19th through the 21st so be sure to get your tickets now. Johnny Winter Nov. 20, Freebird, 246-BIRD If musical theatre isn’t your thing, how about a little rock n’ roll? The Symphony will be do- Doobie Brothers Nov. 20, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 ing tributes to Elton John (October 11), the Rolling Stones and the Who (January 24), the John Prine Nov. 22, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Beatles (February 27-28) and James Taylor (May 2). They’ll also cover pop with a tribute ZoSo Nov. 26, Freebird, 246-BIRD to ABBA (October 24-25), Motown with the Ladies of Motown tribute (January 30-31), big Carlos Mencia Nov. 29, Times Union Center, 633-6110 band with a performances by the Manhattan Transfer (February 20-21) and jazz with a per- Jason Mraz Dec. 2, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 formance featuring Doc Severinson (April 24). The Jacksonville Symphony will make a trip A Morning with Men & Women of Courage featuring Stedman Graham Dec. 12, Florida to the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on February 8 to perform with Art Garfunkel. Theatre, 355-2787 Finally, for something completely different, the Jacksonville Symphony will be ac- Last Comic Standing Live Tour Dec. 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 companying acrobats on November 14th and 15th during Cirque de la Symphonie. The whole Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Dec. 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 family will get a kick out of seeing some of the best cirque artists in the world fly through Classic Albums Live: the Eagles: Hotel California Jan. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 the air, perform impossible feats of strength and contort themselves into pretzels while our Leo Kottke Jan. 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 very own musical superstars set the mood. Art Garfunkel & The Jacksonville Symphony Feb. 8, St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 For more information on these and other performances by the JSO, visit jaxsymphony. Classic Albums Live: the Who: Who’s Next Feb. 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 org or call 354-5547. Classic Albums Live: the Beatles: Abbey Road March 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Classic Albums Live: the Doors: the Doors April 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 31 perfecting the band

Kip Kolb klobbers fans with new old favorites by jon bosworth

Klob may be the only perfect band. I first caught up with Kip Kolb of the blues-rock outfit Klob to start this article back in the Spring. The band had just returned from Greenwich Village where they played a showcase at the Soul of the Blues festival at the Cornelia Street Café. Coming off a gig like that, you might think they’d be insistent on a certain caliber of venue, but before they had even been back in Jacksonville for a full day, here they were setup under a tent in the parking lot in front of a strip mall playing for the Sunday afternoon regulars at a Westside bar called Lillian’s. And they seemed perfectly content with the intimate and sweaty situation. “There’s nothing better than playing a show where people say they were bummed when they heard it was an original band. Then they listen and can relate and it was good and fun and they want to buy a CD,” Kip told EU. Whether it’s a bar parking lot in the afternoon or under an elaborate scaffolding stage at the Talleyrand Music and Art Festival, Klob is the sort of band that can master any performance space. This is exactly why they are the perfect band. They would just as soon play the Tin Roof in Charleston until 4 am as Burrito Gallery during a fairly sweaty summertime Art Walk. The point isn’t the place, it’s the access to listeners that drives Kip to lead his band into less likely places. But sometimes the point is the place. Or rather, what “the place” is not. You won’t usually see Klob playing where most original blues and rock bands play around town. You’re not likely to catch them at Jack Rabbits or London Bridge. They prefer to play places where the expectations are high and they have to earn the crowd. If you think it’s easy to be an original band that plays at bars that usually feature cover bands, you are mistaken. When a drunk couple that is out celebrating their anniversary wants to hear a Joe Cocker song, they tend to insist. But Kip sees the benefit of a more discerning crowd. “I got guys out at the Bonefish that are sixty plus. Seeing somebody that age that still loves music, it’s awesome. I like the older crowd, but I want people of all ages to like it.” He also insists on playing in bars where the patrons are comfortable. Less distractions. He also seems a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to his music, but this is fitting coming “When people are comfortable they are more likely to pay attention. Once they listen, I got from a former junior high English teacher. Kip left his teaching behind to spend more time them.” focused on his music. It’s true. “Teaching school was mentally exhausting. It is so depressing to me, raising other people’s Klob is the last band I ever thought I would like. I’ve known Kip for a couple of years, but children, the lack of love that is out there for kids and the absolute hardness that it can be. Come I’ve always avoided seeing him play live for fear that I would hate it and he would insist on out to Arlington. There’re a lot of kids out there whose mom’s not coming to the baseball game. knowing what I thought. Before striking out on his solo gig full time, he played keyboards with the It was depressing.” Chad Jasmine Factor. He is a carpenter now and spends his free time writing, rehearsing, and recording with Klob. But communication is as important to him now as it was when he was a teacher. Especially his lyrics. It is important to him that his audiences can hear what the songs are about. Their first full-length release, Speed Dial: LOVE, features all of the songs on Klob’s “When people are comfortable they are more likely previously released 4 Fresh Flavors EP plus eight fresher ones, many of which were a surprise after Klob’s fanciful EP. Instead of just fun, almost Charleston-paced blues ditties, the full-length to pay attention. Once they listen, I got them.” came loaded with some serious, if not epic songs. {} “Yeah, I get a chance to do that! ‘Parting Gift’ and ‘I Will’ have a little bit of a darker feel to it. ‘Lima’ has a dramatic, theatrical feel to it.” “I love Chad like a brother, so there was never any competition. It was always ‘what can I do The EP did a good job of introducing this fun-time bar band in all of their natural funk and to make this show great?’ Grooving around, the repartee with Chad on stage, that stuff is there. with Kip’s leading keys and raspy, playful croon. This new effort plays less like a romp and more For me to turn it into my own show was always something I wanted to do.” like an album. Like there is much more than a bar band in there. But when I finally went out to see him play, I fell in love with it. Not in the way I fall in love In spite of the many side and solo projects the band members are involved in, they are with a great new post rock band or a raunchy-but-clever punk band, but the way you fall in love all primarily committed to Klob. Louis LeClaire plays bass, Brian Jenkins plays drums, Mike with a Billy Joel song even if you’re afraid to admit it. Kip has enough of some classic blues Kiramarios plays tenor sax, Kip plays keys and sings and Mike Bowman plays guitar and element to allow me to forgive his obvious lack of concern over cool points. He isn’t a hipster percussion. and he isn’t trying to be. Although every member of the band is a consummate musician, and most of them are “There’s a familiarity to the blues. My songs never sound the same, but they sound like skilled on multiple instruments and musical disciplines, Kip called Mike the true jack-of-all trades something you’ve heard before.” of the group. Apparently Mike does everything well, from football to guitar. He even played for a Kip sounds like the vocal love child of Randy Newman and Dr. John. It is hard to imagine stint with the Green Bay Packers. how he could have kept his gregarious charisma at bay behind Chad Jasmine for so long, but he From the new classics Klob seems to be writing to the perfect ensemble of musicians to is perfectly at home on stage and his wit is natural and sincere. That said, Klob is nothing like who breathe life into the songs, Klob is probably the perfect band. Chad Jasmine Factor, or any of Chad’s projects. Go to myspace.com/klobsong for a sample or buy a CD from one of their frequent live Kip’s band is surprisingly meek for musicians of their caliber. Most of them have a lengthy gigs. The new album is also available on iTunes, CD Baby, Rhapsody or through their website at list of reputable band credits and all are consummate musicians. Kip wouldn’t have it any other klobsong.com. way. He speaks of the band as family, with himself as the father figure. “If I can get people to listen, I can get the fans. Put us in front of a thousand people and “I make the guys wear collared shirts when we play shows. I don’t want it to look like we’re we’ll step up to that. If I can sell 60 CDs at Brix, we could travel around the country and win fans at band practice, I want it to be a presentation of these songs.” anywhere.”

32 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly TALES OF DESPEREAUX fall & holiday movie preview SEPTEMBER 5 the discovery. Starring: Brad Pitt, Frances McDormand and George Clooney. Directed by Joel and Ethan Coen. Rated R BANGKOK DANGEROUS This adrenaline-charged action thriller stars Nicolas Cage as “Joe,” a re- morseless hitman who is in Bangkok to assasinate four enemies of a ruthless crime boss named TOWELHEAD This gripping drama follows the dark, bold and shockingly funny life of Jasira, a 13- Surat. He hires Kong (Shahkrit Yamnarm), a street punk and pickpocket, to run errands for him year-old Arab-American girl, as she navigates the confusing and frightening path of adolescence with the intention of covering his tracks by killing him at the end of the assignment. Strangely, Joe, and her own sexual awakening. When Jasira’s mother sends her to Houston to live with her strict the ultimate lone wolf, ﬁ nds himself mentoring the young man instead and is drawn into a tentative Lebanese father, she quickly learns that her new neighbors ﬁ nd her and her father a curiosity. Thrown romance with a local shop girl. As he falls further under the sway of Bangkok’s intoxicating beauty, into an unfamiliar suburban world, Jasira must confront racism and hypocrisy at home and at school Joe begins to question his isolated existence and let down his guard …just as Surat decides it’s time - and at the same time struggle to make sense of her raging hormones and newfound sexuality. to clean house. Starring: Nicolas Cage, Steve Baldocchi, Chris Heebink, James Wearing Smith and Based on the critically acclaimed novel by Alicia Erian and stars Aaron Eckhart, Toni Collette, Maria Charlie Young (II). Bello, Peter Macdissi and newcomer Summer Bishil as Jasira. Rated R

THE WOMEN Happily married Mary (Meg Ryan) fi nds her world shaken when she discovers that SEPTEMBER 12 her husband is cheating on her with shopgirl Crystal (Mendez) -- and she was pretty much the last to know. Crying, divorce, recriminations, and revenge follow. The Women is about friends and moth- A FAMILY THAT PREYS Here we go with another Tyler Perry comedy but this time instead of Made- ers and daughters. It’s about breaking up and fi nding your way back. It’s about reinventing yourself. na there’s wealthy socialite Charlotte Cartwright (Kathy Bates) and her dear friend Alice Pratt (Alfre It’s about walking through fi re for what you believe in. It’s about Women. Based on the star-studded Woodard), a working class woman of high ideals. The two have enjoyed a lasting friendship through- 1939 classic starring Norma Shearer, Joan Crawford and Rosalind Russell and updated to the pres- out many years. Suddenly, their lives become mired in turmoil as their adult children’s extramarital ent day. Starring: Meg Ryan, Annette Bening, Eva Mendez, Jada Pinkett Smith, Debra Messing, Bette affairs, unethical business practices and a dark paternity secret threaten to derail the family. Charlotte Midler, Candice Bergen and Cloris Leachman. Rated PG13 TheWomenTheMovie.com and Alice decide to take a breather from it all by making a cross-country road trip in which they rediscover themselves and possibly fi nd a way to save their families from ruin. Starring: Kathy Bates, Alfre Woodard, Tyler Perry, Cole Hauser and Sanaa Lathan. SEPTEMBER 19

BURN AFTER READING In this Coen brothers espionage comedy, a disk containing the memoirs of GHOST TOWN Bertram Pincus (Ricky Gervais) is a man whose people skills leave much to be de- a CIA agent ends up in the hands of two unscrupulous gym employees who attempt to beneﬁ t from » continues on page 34 » eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 33 GHOST TOWN

sired. When Pincus dies unexpectedly, but is miraculously revived after seven minutes, he wakes up to discover that he now has the annoying ability to see ghosts. Even worse, they all want something from him, particularly Frank Herlihy (Greg Kinnear), who pesters him into breaking up the impending marriage of his widow Gwen (Téa Leoni). Rated PG-13

In a land of mad scientists and diabolical IGOR IGOR inventions, what do you do when you¹re born with a hunch on your back? You become an Igor. A hilarious twist on the classic monster movie, Igor tells the story of one Igor with dreams of becoming a scientist instead of a lowly lab as- sistant. When his cruel master kicks the bucket a week before the annual Evil Science Fair, Igor fi nally gets his chance. With the help of two of his experimental creations - Brain, a brain in a jar who’s a little light on brains, and Scamper, a cynical bunny brought back from being road kill, Igor embarks on building the most evil invention of all time, a huge, ferocious monster. Unfor- tunately, instead of turning out evil, the monster turns out as Eva, a giant aspiring actress who wouldn’t hurt a fl y. Igor and his band of mon- strous misfi ts soon uncover a plot that threatens their world. Now, they must fi ght to save it and prove that heroes come in all shapes and sizes. Featuring the voice talents of John Cusack, Steve Buscemi, John Cleese, Jennifer Coolidge, Ar- senio Hall, Sean Hayes, Eddie Izzard, Jay Leno, James Lipton, Molly Shannon and Christian Slater. Rated PG igor-movie.com

LAKEVIEW TERRACE When young mixed couple (Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington) move into their California dream home they become the target of their next-door neighbor, who disapproves of their interracial relationship. A stern, single father, this tightly wound LAPD ofﬁ cer (Samuel L. Jackson) has appointed himself the watchdog of the neighborhood. His nightly foot patrols and watchful eyes bring comfort to some, but he becomes increasingly harassing to the newlyweds. These persistent intrusions into their lives ultimately turn tragic when the couple decides to ﬁ ght back. Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Patrick Wilson and Kerry Washington. Rated PG13 sonypictures.com/movies/lakeviewterrace

MY BEST FRIEND’S GIRL Smart, beautiful and headstrong, Alexis is the girl of Dustin’s dreams. But after only fi ve weeks of dating, the love-struck Dustin is coming on so strong that Alexis is forced to slow things down – permanently. Devastated and desperate to get her back, Dustin turns to his best friend, Tank, the rebound specialist. A master at seducing – and offending – women, Tank gets hired by freshly dumped guys to take their ex-girlfriends out on the worst date of their lives – an experience so horrible it sends them running gratefully back. But Alexis is the fi rst girl who knows how to call his bluff, and Tank soon fi nds himself torn between his loyalty to Dustin and a strange new attraction to his best friend’s girl. Starring: Dane Cook, Kate Hudson, Jason Biggs, and Alec Baldwin. Rated R mybestfriendsgirlmovie.com

SEPTEMBER 26

EAGLE EYE In this is a race-against-time thriller, two strangers, Jerry Shaw (LaBeouf) and Rachel Holloman (Monaghan) are thrown together by a mysterious phone call from a woman they have

34 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly never met. Threatening their lives and family, she pushes Jerry and Rachel into a series of increasingly dangerous situations – using the technology of everyday life to track their every move. As the situation escalates, these two ordinary people become the country’s most wanted fugitives, who must work together to discover what is really happening – and more importantly, why. Starring: Shia LaBeouf, Michelle Monaghan, Rosario Dawson, Michael Chiklis, Anthony Mackie and Billy Bob Thornton. Rated PG13 eagleeyemovie.com

MIRACLE AT ST. ANNA A murder committed by post-ofﬁ ce worker Hector Negron in 1984 sets in motion an investigation that ties back to the experiences of a battalion of black American soldiers who became trapped in a Tuscan village during WWII. Four soldiers from the army’s Negro 92nd Division found themselves separated from their unit and behind enemy lines. Risking their lives for a country in which they are treated with less respect than the enemy they are ﬁ ghting, they discover humanity in the small Tuscan village of St. Anna di Stazzema. Starring: Derek Luke, Michael Ealy, Laz Alonso, Omar Benson Miller and Matteo Sciabordi Rated R miracleatstanna.movies.go.com

NIGHTS IN RODANTHE

NIGHTS IN RODANTHE Adrienne Willis (Diane Lane) is a woman whose life is in chaos and retreats to the tiny coastal town of Rodanthe, in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, to tend a friend’s inn for the weekend. Here she hopes to ﬁ nd the tranquility she so desperately needs to rethink the conﬂ icts surrounding her. Her wayward husband has asked to come home and a teenage daughter resents her every decision. Almost as soon as Adrienne gets to Rodanthe, a major storm is forecast and Dr. Paul Flanner (Richard Gere) arrives. The only guest at the inn, Flanner is not on a weekend escape but rather is there to face his own crisis of conscience. Now, with the storm closing in, the two turn to each other for comfort and, in one magical weekend, set in motion a life-changing romance that will resonate throughout the rest of their lives. Starring: Richard Gere, Diane Lane, Christopher Meloni, James Franco and Viola Davis. Rated PG13 nightsinrodanthe.com

OCTOBER 3

BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA A pampered Beverly Hills Chihuahua named Chloe ﬁ nds herself accidentally lost in the mean streets of Mexico without a day spa or Rodeo Drive boutique anywhere in sight. Now alone for the ﬁ rst time in her spoiled life, she must rely on some unexpected new friends. Featuring the voices of Piper Perabo, Jamie Lee Curtis, Drew Barrymore, Andy Garcia, Salma Hayek, George Lopez and Cheech Marin. Rated PG

NICK & NORA’S INFINITE PLAYLIST When Nick (Michael Cera) asks Nora (Kat Dennings) to pre- tend to be his girlfriend for 5 minutes so he won’t have to feel as awkward around his ex, who just walked into the club where Nick’s band is playing. But when the fake couple decides to kiss, sparks occur, leading to a fi rst date which seems to span all of New York City. Though they have nothing in common, except for their taste in music, their chance encounter leads to an all-night quest to fi nd a legendary band’s secret show and ends up becoming the fi rst date in a romance that could change both their lives. Starring: Michael Cera, Kat Dennings, Alexis Dziena, Ari Graynor, Aaron Yoo and Jay Baruchel.

OCTOBER 10

BODY OF LIES Based on Washington Post columnist David Ignatius’ 2007 novel about a CIA operative, Roger Ferris (Leonardo DiCaprio), who uncovers a lead on a major terrorist leader suspected to

» continues on page 36 »

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 35 be operating out of Jordan. When Ferris devises a plan to inﬁ ltrate his network, he must ﬁ rst win the backing of cunning CIA veteran Ed Hoffman (Russell Crowe) and the collegial, but perhaps suspect, head of Jordanian intelligence. Although ostensibly his allies, Ferris questions how far he can really trust these men without putting his entire operation - and his life - on the line. Directed by Ridley Scott and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Russell Crowe, Mark Strong, Golshifteh Farahani, Oscar Isaac, Simon McBurney. Rated R body-of-lies.com

THE EXPRESS

THE EXPRESS Based on a true story, this inspiring drama follows the extraordinary life of college football hero Ernie Davis (Rob Brown), the fi rst African-American to win the Heisman Trophy. Raised in poverty in Pennsylvania coal-mining country, Davis hurdled social and economic obstacles to become one of the greatest running backs in college football history. Under the guidance of legendary Syracuse coach Ben Schwartzwalder (Dennis Quaid), he became a hero who superseded Jim Brown’s achievements and set records that stand to this day. As the growing civil rights movement divided the country in the ‘60s, Davis became a symbol for achievement that transcended race. Refusing to fl inch from others’ prejudices, he achieved all his goals -- until he faced a challenge that would make most men crumble. He joined the ranks of black pioneers by teaching a generation toler- ance, inspiring a movement that smashed barriers on and off the fi eld. Starring: Dennis Quaid, Rob Brown, Omar Benson Miller, Clancy Brown and Charles S. Dutton. Rated PG

OCTOBER 17

MAX PAYNE Maverick cop Max Payne (Wahlberg) is hell-bent on revenge against those responsible for the brutal murder of his family and partner. His obsessive investigation takes him on a nightmar- ish journey into a dark underworld. As the mystery deepens, Max is forced to battle enemies beyond the natural world and face an unthinkable betrayal. Based upon the video game created by Remedy Entertainment and 3-D Realms Entertainment. Starring: Mark Wahlberg, Mila Kunis, Beau Bridges, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, and Olga Kurylenko.

SEX DRIVE Eighteen year old Ian ﬁ nally gets the opportunity to lose his virginity when a woman he meets on-line offers to have sex with him if he drives to Knoxville to meet her. Time for Ian to dust off the condoms and view some how-to sex videos to prepare for SEX DRIVE his long awaited ﬁ rst time. Go- ing along for grins are Felicia and Lance. Ian has a thing for Felicia, but she in turn has a thing for Lance and the totally confused trio take off on a road trip in Ian’s brother, Rex’s beloved 1969 GTO --without permission of course. Starring: Josh Zuckerman, Amanda Crew, James Marsden, Camille Guaty, Charlie McDermott. Rated R

W Whether you love him or hate him, there is no question that George W. Bush is one of the

36 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly most controversial public fi gures in recent MADAGASCAR: THE CRATE ESCAPE memory. In an unprecedented undertaking, acclaimed director Oliver Stone is bringing the life of our 43rd President to the big screen as only he can. This political commentary takes viewers through Bush’s eventful life -- his struggles and triumphs, how he found both his wife and his faith, and of course the critical days leading up to Bush’s decision to invade Iraq. Starring Josh Brolin as George W. Bush, James Cromwell as George Sr., Barbara Bush is played by Ellen Burstyn (another Exorcist) with Elizabeth Banks as Laura Bush and the ever lovable Karl Rogue portrayed by Toby Jones. Richard Dreyfuss takes aim as Dick Chaney and Scott Glenn has the role of face of this obstacle, the New Yorkers have hatched a plan so crazy it just might work. With military Donald Rumsfi eld. wthefi lm.com precision, the penguins have repaired an old crashed plane — sort of. Once aloft, this unlikely crew stays airborne just long enough to make it to the wildest place of all — the vast plains of Africa, where the members of our zoo-raised crew encounter species of their own kind for the very fi rst OCTOBER 24 time. Africa seems like a great place…but is it better than their Central Park home? Cast: Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Sacha Baron Cohen, Cedric The Entertainer, Andy BROTHERS BLOOM Two brothers who Richter, Bernie Mac, Sherri Shepherd, Alec Baldwin and Will.i.am. dreamworksanimation.com are the world’s best con artists live a high style life until one decides to quit their life of W crime. However, his brother persuades him NOVEMBER 14 to do one more job, swindling an eccentric millionaire. But things go wrong as Penelope, their intended target, turns the tables on the duo. Star- NOTHING LIKE THE HOLIDAYS It’s Christmastime and the far-fl ung members of the Rodriguez ring: Rachel Weisz, Adrien Brody, Rinko Kikuchi, Mark Ruffalo, Zachary Gordon Rated PG13 family are converging at their parents’ home in Chicago to celebrate the season and rejoice in their youngest brother’s safe return from combat overseas. For Jesse (Freddy Rodriguez), coming home HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL 3 As seniors in high school, Troy (Zac Efron) and Gabriella (Vanessa has rekindled feelings for an old fl ame, although she can’t seem to forgive him for leaving. His older Anne Hudgens) struggle with the idea of being separated from one another as college approaches. sister Roxanna, a struggling actress, has been chasing her Hollywood dreams for years with little to Along with the rest of the Wildcats, they stage a spring musical to address their experiences, hopes show for it. And much to the dismay of their mother Anna (Elizabeth Peña), eldest brother Mauricio and fears about their future. Starring: Zac Efron, Vanessa Anne Hudgens, Ashley Tisdale. (John Leguizamo) brings home a high-powered executive wife (Debra Messing) who would rather raise capital than a child. In the course of one eventful week, traditions will be celebrated, secrets PASSANGERS After a plane crash, a young therapist, Claire (Anne Hathaway), is assigned by her mentor (Andre Braugher) to counsel the fl ight’s fi ve survivors. When they share their recollections of » continues on page 38 » the incident -- which some say include an explosion that the airline claims never happened -- Claire is intrigued by Eric (Patrick Wilson), the most secretive of the passengers. Just as Claire’s professional relationship with Eric -- despite her better judgment -- blossoms into a romance, the survivors begin to disappear mysteriously, one by one. Claire suspects that Eric may hold all the answers and becomes determined to uncover the truth, no matter the consequences. Starring: Anne Hathaway, Patrick Wilson, Chelah Horsdal, Ryan Robbins (II) and Andrew Wheeler (II). Rated PG13

OCTOBER 31

ROCK N ROLLA When a Russian mobster orchestrates a crooked land deal, millions of dollars are up for grabs, and all of London’s criminal underworld wants in on the action. Everyone from a dangerous crime lord to a sexy accountant, a corrupt politician and down-on-their-luck petty thieves conspire, collude and collide with one another in an effort to get rich quick. Starring: Gerard Butler, Tom Wilkinson, Thandie Newton, Idris Elba and Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges. Rated R

NOVEMBER 7

THE CHANGELING Clint Eastwood directs An- gelina Jolie and John Malkovich in a provocative thriller based on actual events. Christine Collins’ (Jolie) prayers are met when her kidnapped son is returned. But amidst the frenzy of the photo- op reunion, she realizes this child is not hers. Facing corrupt police and a skeptical public, she desperately hunts for answers, only to be confronted by a truth that will change her forever. Also starring: Amy Ryan, Jeffrey Donovan and Riki Lindhome. Rated R

MADAGASCAR: THE CRATE ESCAPE When Alex, Marty, Melman, Gloria, King Julien, Maurice along with the penguins and the chimps ﬁ nd themselves marooned on the distant shores of Madagascar the zoo crew has to endure. In the THE CHANGELING

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 37 revealed and familial bonds are re-afﬁ rmed and the healing power of laughter works its magic as the family discovers they are much stronger than they ever realized. Rated PG13

QUANTUM OF SOLACE This Bond edition continues Daniel Craig’s 007 high octane adventures of James Bond. Known for his irresistible charms, James is astonished when he is betrayed by Vesper, the woman he loved. Pursuing his determination to uncover the truth, Bond and M (Judi Dench) in- terrogate Mr. White (Jesper Chistansen) who reveals the organization which blackmailed Vesper is far more complex and dangerous than anyone had imagined. Forensic intelligence links an Mi6 traitor to a bank account in Haiti where a case of mistaken identity introduces Bond to the beautiful but feisty Camille (Olga Kurylenko), a woman who has her own vendetta. As he gets closer to ﬁ nding the man responsible for the betrayal of Vesper, 007 must keep one step ahead of the CIA, the terrorists and even M, to unravel Greene’s sinister plan and stop his organization. 007.com

ROLE MODELS Paul Rudd and Seann William Scott star as Danny and Wheeler, two fast talking energy drink salesmen. After one of their sex and beer romps gets out of hand, a pair of thirty-something perpetual frat boys are forced to sign up to be Big Brothers at Sturdy Wings, a troubled kids camp, as part of their court-mandated community service. The court gives them a choice: do hard time or spend 150 service hours with a mentorship program. After one day with the kids, however, jail doesn’t look half bad. Danny and Wheeler are forced to tailor their brand of immature wisdom to BOLT their charges. And if they can just make it through probation without getting thrown in jail, the world’s worst role models will prove that, sometimes, it takes a village idiot to raise a child. FOUR CHRISTMASES During the holiday things can get complicated and the reindeer drops hit the fan in this comedy about a married couple (Witherspoon and Vaughn) from two divorced families who are tasked with attending four Christmas Day celebrations. Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Vince NOVEMBER 21 Vaughn, Mary Steenburgen.

AUSTRALIA Set in northern Australia TRANSPORTER 3 Jason Statham returns as Frank Martin, the ex-Special Forces operative who spe- before World War II, an English aris- cializes in high-risk deliveries. Starring: Jason Statham, Francois Berléand and Robert Knepper. tocrat (Nicole Kidman) who inherits a sprawling ranch reluctantly pacts with a stock-man (Hugh Jackman) DECEMBER 12 in order to protect her new property from a takeover plot. As the pair drive THE DAY THE EARTH STOOD STILL Aliens land on Earth with an important message for its citizens. 2,000 head of cattle over unforgiv- A remake of the classic 1951 sci-fi fi lm directed by Robert Wise. Starring: Keanu Reeves, Jennifer ing landscape, they experience the Connelly and Kathy Bates. dtessmovie.com bombing of Darwin, Australia, by Japanese forces fi rsthand. DECEMBER 19 BOLT For super-dog Bolt, every day is fi lled with adventure, danger and SEVEN POUNDS Will Smith delivers a powerhouse performance as Ben Thomas, a deeply troubled intrigue - at least until the cameras CIA agent on the edge and who is close to suicide for his role in an auto accident that claimed the stop rolling. When the canine star of lives of seven people. He fi nds a reason to live, and to atone, when he falls for Emily who wants to a hit TV show is accidentally shipped help him deal with his grief. Starring: Will Smith, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Michael Ealy from his Hollywood soundstage to and Robinne Lee. New York City, he begins his biggest adventure yet - a cross-country jour- TALES OF DESPEREAUX Once upon a time, in the faraway kingdom of Dor, there was magic in ney through the real world. Armed the air, laughter aplenty and gallons of mouthwatering soup. But an accident left the King broken- only with the delusions that all his hearted, the sunlight disappeared and the world became gray. All hope was lost in this land...until amazing feats and powers are real, Despereaux Tilling was born. Despereaux (Matthew Broderick) is a brave mouse who is banished to and with the help of two unlikely the dungeon for speaking with a human. Tiny and graced with oversized ears, Despereaux was born traveling companions - a jaded, aban- too big for his little world. Refusing to live his life cowering, he befriends a Princess named Pea and doned housecat named Mittens and learns to read (rather than eat) books--reveling to him stories of knights, dragons and fair maidens. TV-obsessed hamster in a plastic Banished from Mouseworld for being more man than mouse our hero is alone and must fi nd a way to ball named Rhino - Bolt discovers he save the kidnapped Princess and restore sunlight to their kingdom. In this tale of bravery, forgiveness doesn’t need superpowers to be a and redemption, one small creature will teach a kingdom that it takes only a little light to show the hero. Featuring voices of: John Tra- truth: what you look like doesn’t equal what you are. Featuring the voices of Matthew Broderick, Ben volta, Miley Cyrus and Susie Essman. AUSTRALIA Falcone, Emma Watson, Tony Hale and Dustin Hoffman.

THE SOLOIST Its sweet tunes in this emotionally soaring drama about the redemptive power of YES MAN Jim Carrey stars as Carl Allen, a man who signs up for a self-help program based on one music. Journalist Steve Lopez (Robert Downey Jr.) discovers Nathaniel Anthony Ayers (Jamie Foxx), simple principle: say yes to everything...and anything. At ﬁ rst, unleashing the power of “yes” trans- a former classical music prodigy, playing his violin on the streets of L.A. As Lopez tries to help the forms Carl’s life in amazing and unexpected ways, but he soon discovers that opening up his life to homeless man ﬁ nd his way back, a unique friendship is formed, one that transforms both their lives. endless possibilities can have its drawbacks. Also starring Zooey Deschanel, Bradley Cooper, Rhys Darby, John Michael Higgins,Danny Masterson and Terence Stamp. yesisthenewno.warnerbros.com

NOVEMBER 26 DECEMBER 25 CURIOUS CASE OF BENJAMIN BUTTON “I was born under unusual circumstances.” And so begins an incredible story adapted from the 1920s story by F. Scott Fitzgerald about a man who is born in BEDTIME STORIES Adam Sandler stars as a man whose nighttime tales do more than just put his his eighties and ages backwards: a man, like any of us, who is unable to stop time. We follow his nephew to sleep; instead, his imaginative stories become reality. story, set in New Orleans from the end of World War I in 1918, into the 21st century, following his journey that is as unusual as any man’s life can be. This is a grand tale of a not-so-ordinary man REVOLUTIONARY ROAD The story of a young couple trying to fi nd fulfi llment in an age of confor- and the people and places he discovers along the way, the loves he fi nds, the joys of life and the mity. Trapped in a world of encoded convention, they dream without faith, as lies and self-deceptions sadness of death, and what lasts beyond time. Directed by David Fincher and starring Brad Pitt and build to explosive consequences. Starring: Leonardo DiCaprio, Kate Winslet, Kathy Bates, David Har- Cate Blanchett with Taraji P. Henson, Tilda Swinton, Jason Flemyng, Elias Koteas and Julia Ormond. bour and Michael Shannon. Rated R

38 SEPTEMBER 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly movies now showing THE NEVERENDING STORY

BABYLON A.D. A mercenary charged with delivering a young woman from Russia to Canada learns that she has been manipulated by a synthetic virus and what lies inside her could doom the human race. Vin Diesel muscles his way from Eastern Europe to New York City in this post-apocalyptic thriller. French director Mathieu Kassovitz (La Haine, Gothika) helms this ﬁ lm based on the novel Babylon Babies by Maurice G. Dantec. Starring: Vincent Cassel, Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, Melanie Thierry and Gerard Depardieu. Rated PG-13. babylonadmovie.com

DEATH RACE Terminal Island, New York: 2020. Overcrowding in the U.S. penal system has reached a breaking point. Prisons have been turned over to a monolithic Weyland Corporation, which sees jails full of thugs as an opportunity for televised sport. Adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for violence and a spectacular, enclosed arena come together to form the ‘Death Race,’ the world’s biggest, most brutal sporting event. Five-time NASCAR champion Jensen Ames is a man who has become an expert at survival. After eight years of hard time, he has only six weeks before reuniting with his family. But when Weyland demands a driver to headline the big game, Ames is forced to submit. Donning the costume of mythical rider Frankenstein, the racer becomes an instant crowd favorite, an unequaled sporting superstar. Driving a monster car outfi tted with machine guns, fl ame- throwers and grenade launchers, Ames must now kill or be killed to win the most treacherous spec- BOOKS ALIVE On the fourth Saturday of the month come and spend an afternoon at the movies tator sport on Earth: ‘Death Race’. Starring: Jason Statham, Joan Allen, Ian McShane, Tyrese Gibson with Books Alive!- a screening series from the Jacksonville Film Festival in partnership with the and Natalie Martinez. Rated R. Jacksonville Public Library featuring fi lms created from children’s literature. Read the books and watch the movies. For kids of all ages and accompanying adults. On September 27- THE Shelley Darlington has lived at the Playboy mansion for the last nine years. She THE HOUSE BUNNY NEVERENDING STORY, rated PG. Main Branch Library, 303 North Laura Street- 2:30pm Info: 630- is Hef’s favorite and acts like a den mother to the other girls. On her birthday, she is unceremonious- 2665 or jpl.coj.net. ly evicted from Hef’s pad for ‘being too old.’ Homeless and without essential skills, Shelley wanders around L.A. until she fi nds a new job as the housemother at the most unpopular sorority on campus the sorority girls from Zeta Alpha Zeta. Unless they can sign a new pledge class, the seven socially clueless women will lose their house to the scheming girls of Phi Iota Mu. In order to accomplish changes in the local movie scene their goal, they need Shelley to teach them the ways of makeup and men; at the same time, Shelley With moviegoer’s demand for ever-improving technology AMC Theatres has announced needs some of what the Zetas have– a sense of individuality. The combination leads all the girls to plans to open two giant IMAX theatre screens here. Both area AMC’s, Regency and Orange learn how to stop pretending and start being themselves. Starring: Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Rumer Park are converting auditoriums within each complex. Look for many of our area popcorn Willis, Kat Dennings and Katherine McPhee. Rated PG-13. thehousebunny.com palaces to be going more high-tech to attract the crowds to hawk their varieties of over-priced concessions. Digital projection and more 3-D fi lms are scheduled from all the major fi lm com- Written and directed by Ben Stiller who is joined by Jack Black and Robert TROPIC THUNDER panies. Downey, Jr. as a stellar laugh trio complete with automatic weapons and explosions galore. Comedy From the cutting edge to the cutting room fl oor, movies are designed to enthrall and en- fans can start drooling immediately at the thought of these three funnymen joining forces. A group of tertain. At one time so were the theatres designed to enthrall and amaze patrons. One of the self-absorbed actors set out to make the most expensive war fi lm. But after ballooning costs force grand emporiums of Jacksonville has announced it will be re-opening. The Five Points Theatre the studio to cancel the movie, the frustrated director refuses to stop shooting, leading his cast into delighted this writer in the late 50’s when they showed Cinerama fi lms (an early forerunner to the jungles of Southeast Asia, where they encounter real bad guys. The men star as a trio of actors IMAX), which consisted of three conjoined theatre screens and three synchronized projectors. whose fi lming experience in southeast Asia gets a little too real as they must become as tough as the In 1959 is was an incredible spectacle. Then in March of 1972 the Five Points opened characters they play to get out of a crisis. Starring: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Jay The which held over for a nationwide, record-shattering 52 weeks. It takes someone with Baruchel and Nick Nolte. Rated R. tropicthunder.com Godfather vision and determination to take on this new drive to regain its popularity. That person is Mike Shad (Yes, that guy with the Ford dealership. Maybe some of ole Henry Ford’s genius rubbed off). The theatre will present a variety of fi rst run, independent and foreign fi lms bringing smiles special movie showings to faces throughout Riverside. Several months ago when Jacksonville’s last drive-in movie theater went dark, it appeared NOT JUST FOR BABY BOOMERS FILM SERIES Enjoy free showings of Boomers’ favorite fi lms on this type of entertainment was gone for good. Dan and Angela Tuchmann, the owners of the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month at 5:45 pm in the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium. September Epicurean Delight Bakery and restaurant, had other ideas. According to Chef Dan Tuchmann, 11- PILLOW TALK, NR and September 25- BRINGING UP BABY, NR Info: 630-1741 or jpl.coj.net. “We felt this city needs more events that you can bring the entire family to and without taking out a loan from the bank.” The only problem was they didn’t know how to get the movies into LAUREL AND HARDY APPRECIATION SOCIETY Monthly meeting of Jacksonville’s chapter of The their restaurant without building their own theater. That’s where local fi lm historian and movie International Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society (a.k.a. Sons of the Desert) will take place on memorabilia collector ED Tucker came into the “big” picture. In addition to being an expert on Monday, September 8, 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm. Free to all ages; free light snacks and sodas will be cult motion pictures, Tucker has an impressive collection of both 16mm fi lms and movie post- served. Movies to be screened at the meeting: Popeye cartoon, I Wanna Be a Lifeguard (1936), L ers. Epicurean Delight is well under way to hosting its own movie series for people who enjoy and H silent short subjects The Finishing Touch (1928) and Bacon Grabbers (1929), and their 1933 the look and feel of actual fi lm. The restaurant will offer a special menu and muchies from sound shorts The Midnight Patrol, Busy Bodies and Dirty Work. Pablo Creek Library, 13295 Beach their deli, a dairy-free bakery on movie nights and also has beer and wine available. Films are Blvd., Info: 992-7101 or jpl.coj.net shown on Saturday nights at 8 pm. Epicurean Delight is located at 2777 University Boulevard West at the Dollar Tree Shopping Plaza and further information can be obtained by calling 355- NIGHT OWL CINEMA The St. Augustine Amphitheatre will show movies every other Friday night 0789. through November 7. Doors open at 6:30 pm and movies begin at 8 pm. Food is available from local restaurants. Friday, September 12- TOY STORY, PG and Friday, September 26– GREASE, PG-13. At the Earth’s Core Saturday, September 6 The St. Augustine Amphitheatre is located on A1A South in St. Augustine. Info: (904) 471-1965 or Dalek Invasion of Earth: 2150 AD Saturday, September 11 staugamphitheatre.com Damnation Alley Saturday, September 18 MOVIES IN THE PARK On Friday, September 19, JaxParks presents Movies in the Park with a Yellow Submarine Saturday, September 25 showing of LIL RASCALS, rated PG. Come and picnic on the lawn of A. Philip Randolph Park - Without Warning Saturday, October 2 6:30pm. Movie starts at dusk. Info: 630-4100 or coj.net. Destroy All Monsters! Saturday, October 9 Blood of Dracula’s Castle Saturday, October 16 FILM AUDITIONS KillaCozzy Productions Present “Self-Portrait” and will hold a casting call for Giant Spider Invasion Saturday, October 23 extras on September 13, 12 pm - 3 pm and September 20, 1 pm - 4 pm at the Lobby of the Fine Arts Center at UNF. Info: killacozzy.com/selfportrait Night of the Living Dead Saturday, October 30

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2008 39