Kona turns 30

JACKSONVILLE

was worth the wait?

My Little Pony have you comes to life heard... hip-hop in the urban core this sunday entertaining u newspaper free weekly guide to entertainment and more | july 12-18, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper COvER Photo of Summertime in the city festival organizers, Mas Appeal, Ian Ranne table of contents and tony aleggretti. Photo Taken By Rachel Henley. feature Kona’s 30th Anniversary...... PAGES 12-13 Interview with a Stormtrooper (Starlite Cafe)...... PAGE 15 Have You Heard... Hip-Hop / Summertime in the City...... PAGES 17-22 movies Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies in Theaters this Week...... PAGES 6-8 Evening (movie review)...... PAGE 7 Florida Theatre Summer Classic Movies...... PAGE 8 at home Color Me Kubrick (dvd review)...... PAGE 10 New on DVD...... PAGE 10 Live from Abbey Road (tv review)...... PAGE 11 Video Games...... PAGE 11 food Caribbean Sunrise (restaurant review)...... PAGE 14 music Music Calendar...... PAGES 22-26 Rusty Springfield (interview)...... PAGE 23 Cottonmouth Texas (interview)...... PAGES 24 (interview)...... PAGE 25 Rev. Billy Wirtz (interview)...... PAGE 26 N-Word (album review)...... PAGE 27 (album review)...... PAGE 27 kids My Little Pony Live! (interview)...... PAGE 28 arts / theatre / on stage Arts Calendar...... PAGES 28-29 FCCJ Student One-Act Plays...... PAGE 29 Nine (Seaside Music Theatre)...... PAGE 29 columns and stuff BeachWise...... PAGE 30 The Jock...... PAGE 30 NASCAR News & Notes...... PAGE 31

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 3 thisweek 311 friday july 13 Hurley Rip My Shred Stick Aspiring St. Augustine surfers 16 and under will have the unique opportunity surf with some of the world’s best surfers. The day-long event begins at 9 am at the St. Augustine Pier, where registered grommets begin their coaching and competition. Afterward, meet back up with the pros at Café 11 for the RMSS party. Pro-surfers scheduled to attend include Tim Curran, Yadin Nicol, Pat O’Connell, Hank Gaskell, Brett Simpson, Evan Geislman, and july 12 Asher Nolan. The event and the thursday after-party are free. (See this week’s BeachWise column on page 30.) Summer Unity Tour 2007 with 311 St. Augustine Pier- 9 am to 1 Everyone everywhere has had a 311 song stuck in their heads. pm. Café Eleven- 7 pm to 9 You wish you could look as Whether you like them or not, you have to admit that the alt pm. rock/reggae/rapcore group churns out some truly catchy tunes. good at his age. morrissey Info: Call Jordan Dowty (407) performs Tuesday night at the Although they haven’t had a true hit in a couple of years, the band 342-7665 or email Jordan_ Moroccan Shrine Auditorium. is alive and well and is coming to an arena near you. Reggae artist [email protected] Matisyahu (who is, himself, worth the cost of a ticket) and LA jam band Particle will open the show. Tickets: $36.50. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Info: (904) 630-3900 Glass Camels 20 year anniversary 2007 marks another milestone for Jacksonville’s own july 14 psychedelic troupe, Glass Camels. Formed in 1987 as a Grateful saturday Shooter Jennings Dead cover act by Dave Hendershott and Scott Sisson, the group Shooter Jennings has been involved with music his entire life. With has played with bands like Foghat, Ziggy Marley, The Dead, and Breakfast with Hello Kitty country music star Waylon Jennings for a father, Shooter lived his Little Feat during their 20 year career. The Crawfish of Love will Our favorite kitten is coming to Adventure Landing to enjoy a first few years in a crib on his parents’ tour also perform. Tickets: $5 delicious breakfast with her fans. Hello Kitty will be on hand at 8 am bus. Today, he’s building a name for himself tommy chong Freebird Live- 8:30 pm to hang out with breakfast-eating visitors. Afterward, non-breakfast thanks to some serious talent and, no doubt, Info: (904) 246-BIRD or freebirdlive.com eaters can meet the friendly feline at a free Meet and Greet. The some good genes. Check him out live at the scrumptious breakfast buffet is only $9.99 plus tax per person. Add Freebird on Thursday. Tickets: $15 in advance, an attraction pass for just $3 more. Space is limited, so advanced $18 the day of the show. Freebird Live. Info: Bat Boy: The Musical reservations are required. (904) 246-2473 What could be better than a musical based on a story in the Weekly World News? Bat Adventure Landing- Jacksonville Beach Boy: The Musical is a comedy/horror show Info: (904) 246-4386 or adventurelanding.com Tommy Chong & Shelby about a half boy/half bat creature that is Legendary comedian Tommy Chong (yes, discovered in a cave near Hope Falls, West Lisa Lampanelli that Chong) and his lovely wife Shelby bring Virginia and adopted by town veterinarian. Lisa Lampanelli is comedy’s Lovable Queen of Mean. Able to get their hilarious stand-up act to Jacksonville. The award-winning show will run for a away with saying anything, Lampanelli conquered the club scenes Their shows are filled with the type of humor limited time in the Jacksonville area, with in both and in a few short years. A that made them famous during their Cheech performances every weekend beginning cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen, & Chong reign. Together they perform skits, th th July 13 and ending July 28 . Tickets: $25; she even won accolades from The King of All Media, Howard Stern, dance the salsa and sing. It’s like an old $18 for students who described her as “a REAL funny broad.” See her live for one vaudeville act… with an abundance of pot Players by the Sea- 106 Sixth Street North, night only at the Florida Theatre this weekend. Tickets: $35.25 jokes. The duo will bring the funny from Jacksonville Beach The Florida Theatre- 8 pm Thursday to Saturday. Tickets: $25. Comedy Zone. Info: (904) 249-0289 or playersbythesea.org Info: (904) 355-2787 Info: (904) 292-4242

4 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper sunday july 15 Summertime in the City Summertime in the City is a hip-hop festival founded by the DJs of the online audio pod cast The Lyricist Hour and is geared towards exposing independent & unsigned artists. More than a dozen independent acts will perform including Fusik, Elevated Hip Hop Experience, The N Word, Simple Complexity, Dope Sandwich Productions, The ABs and much more. Read more about it on pages 16-21 for interviews with performers and schedule. Burrito Gallery, 21 Adams St. Info: (904) 798-8222 or myspace.com/summertimeinthecity2007 Smooth Sounds of Hot Summer Nights Jacksonville Beach will host an evening of smooth jazz as part of their Summer Jazz Concert Series. The evening will kick off with Kai Alece, a Jacksonville native whose voice will sail across music genres. Next up will be Joyce Cooling with her jazzy guitar licks, lyrical song writing, and captivating stage presence. The evening’s headliner brings back the classically trained Michael Lington for a second visit to Jax Beach. On his first visit he was part of Brian Culbertson’s band. Lighton has been extremely successful and spent many weeks on the Billboard Contemporary Hits Chart. Sea Walk Pavilion – 5-9 pm Info: (904) 247-6100 x3 or jacksonvillebeach.org monday july 16 Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament The AT&T Greater Jacksonville Kingfish Tournament, which kicks off on Monday the 16th, is the largest kingfish tournament in the country. In addition to the two-day general tournament, this spectacular week- long event also includes the exclusive YCOA VIP Tournament, Junior Angler Tournament presented by Carolina Skiff & Winn-Dixie Stores, KidZone, Food Festival, live entertainment, and much, much more. Cost: $345-$495 for participants; free for spectators. Sisters Creek Park, 8203 Heckscher Dr. Info: (904) 251-3011 or kingfishtournament.com Mickey Avalon Rising hip-hop star Mickey Avalon lays out the details of his sordid life as a former heroin addict and male prostitute in his unique act that brings to mind glam rockers like David Bowie during the Ziggy Stardust years. The strange combination somehow works and his live performances have become the stuff of legend. Come see the best, and currently only, glam rapper on the planet live with special guests in Andre Legacy and Dirt Nasty (aka former MTV VJ Simon Rex). Tickets: $15 Jack Rabbits- 8 pm. Info: (904) 398-7496 or jackrabbitsonline.com tuesday july 17 Morrissey The Ringleader of the Tormentors himself, Morrissey makes his way to Jacksonville to share selections from his nearly four decade-long musical career. Well known for fronting one of the most influential bands of the alternative rock movement, The Smiths, Morrissey has a legion of fans all around the world and continues to add to his fan base with each new solo album. With live shows that are notoriously wild thanks to the adoration of his fans, Tuesday’s Morrissey concert should be one of highlights of the summer. Don’t miss this living legend and special guest Kristeen Young. Tickets: $29.75 Shrine Auditorium- 8 pm. Info: (904) 353-3309 july 18 wednesday Ball4Real Streetball World Tour Sure, pro ball is a good time, but Streetball is the real thing with players busting it up and down the court putting all their skills on display. This year’s most exciting Streetball tour will feature AO, Main Event, Spyda and High Octane from ESPN’s Streetball working their magic on the hardwood. -based rap group Shop Boyz will “Party Like A Rockstar” during the halftime show. Tickets: $10-$65 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena. Info: (904) 353-3309 or ball4real.com

NEXT thursday july 19 The 13th Annual Vans Warped Tour It’s the summer tour we’ve all been waiting for. The 13th Annual Vans Warped Tour has been moved over to Greencove Springs, but that won’t keep Jacksonville fans of Bad Religion, Coheed and Cambria, Killswitch Engage, New Found Glory, Pennywise, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, and Yellowcard away. Look out Greencove Springs, here we come! Tickets: $27.75 in advance/ $30.25 day of show plus $2.00 facility fee. Reynold’s Park Yacht Center; Greencove Springs, FL Info: (904) 353-3309 or warpedtour.com

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 5 movies opening faces appear strained and concerned. Harry soon finds that while he’s had no communication from his CAPTIVITY A fashion model and a chauffeur friends, the magical world has been reeling over the are kidnapped and held hostage in a small purported news that Voldemort has returned. Once room by a serial killer. While the madman again, it’s Harry’s word against all others as the methodically terrorizes them, the victims Ministry of Magic and the Minister himself, Cornelius draw strength from each other and fall in love. Fudge (Robert Hardy), deny the evidence of the Dark Starring: Elisha Cuthbert, Pruitt Taylor-Vince, Lord’s return. Daniel Gillies, Laz Alonso, and Michael Harney. And so the political strife and corruption be- Rated R gins, which Director David Yates is known for por- traying with a realistic edge. Whereas once Harry’s HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE only foe was Lord Voldemort in one incarnation or PHOENIX Rumors of Lord Voldmort’s return another, now he faces Voldemort in the flesh, played have been dismissed. Harry and Dumbledore with snakebite precision by Ralph Fiennes, as well as are targeted by the Wizard Authorities. And, an the Ministry of Magic itself. Not only must he defend authoritarian bureaucrat gradually seizes power himself before the Wizengamot, the high court of the at Hogwarts. It’s jungle of wizards out there Ministry of Magic, but he must also face the power with special effects galore. Rated PG-13 of the Ministry’s denial every day upon his return well-worth the anticipation to Hogwarts as the evil Dolores Umbridge has been YOU KILL ME An alcoholic hitman is drying instated as the new Defense against the Dark Arts out on the west coast when he befriends a professor. tough talking gal who just might come in handy Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix movie review Imelda Staunton, whose standard fare is the when it’s time for him to return to Buffalo and portrayal of much more unassuming and pleas- settle some scores. Starring Ben Kingsley, Téa by jaime dusinberre [email protected] ant characters in British dramas, portrays Dolores Leoni, Luke Wilson, Dennis Farina and Philip Umbridge, whose pink pillbox hats and rosy disposi- Baker Hall. Rated R I must not tell lies. Harry Potter & the Order of darkening of the novels and should expect no less of tion hide an evil that is unlike anything the students the Phoenix is well-worth Potter fans’ anticipation. the newest film. have faced in the protected walls of Hogwarts. Her NOW SHOWing With its release coming just a short week ahead of The opening credits leave no doubt that the evil actions both in the classroom and across the the final installment of the J.K. Rowling book series, magical world that Harry and his friends once in- campus are justified and supported by the Ministry, 1408 Based on a Stephen King story, this Harry Potter & the Deathly Hallows, hitting shelves on habited is no more, now that “He Who Must Not introducing the young wizards and witches, as well st scenario involves a man who writes books July 21 , the long wait for both a new movie and a Be Named” has returned. Instead of playful scenes as the young viewers, to one of the harsh realities of about haunted inns and hotels by going there new book feels almost bearable. It has, after all, been with the owl post descending on Number 4 Privet adulthood, injustice. and staying overnight. His overnight visits two years since Harry Potter has graced the silver Drive, viewers are greeted by a sullen Harry (Daniel With Dumbledore (Michael Gambon) seeming are uneventful until he insists on staying in a screen or the bookstore shelves. Radcliffe) feeling dejected and alone. Sent home to avoid him at every turn, Harry finds that he has famous haunted room in the Dolphin Hotel in With yet another director at the helm, this time alone after the loss of his friend, Cedric Diggory, and only his friends to guide him through these troubling NYC. His experience is anything but uneventful. the relatively unknown David Yates, one isn’t quite now cut off from the magical world for the summer, times and help him carry the burden of being the Rated PG-13 sure what to expect upon arrival, and with good rea- Harry has had no communication from his friends at marked one. Just as the actors are growing up be- son. Fans of the series have experienced the steady Hogwarts. fore the audience’s eyes, so are their relationships, EVAN ALMIGHTY This sequel to Bruce And if that weren’t enough to make it clear trust and faith in one another. It is ultimately his Almighty stars Steve Carell who plays Evan that Voldemort’s return has changed Harry’s world, friends’ faith in him that leads Harry to commit his Baxter, a congressman that is visited by God then the ominous clouds and the Dementor attack most daring acts yet, the formation of Dumbledore’s (Morgan Freeman) and told to build an ark in on Harry and Dudley (Harry Melling) in the first five Army, which is outright sedition in the eyes of Pro- preparation for a great flood. Comedic situations minutes definitely gets the job done. Things look fessor Umbridge, and a daring rescue mission to the ensue when Baxter ignores God’s wishes and bleak following the attack as Harry is expelled for Ministry of Magic. he finds out God means business. Rated PG illegal use of magic, but members of the mysterious With new characters on the scene, including Order of the Phoenix arrive to rescue Harry. With the Bellatrix Lestrange, played by a frightening Helena EVENING As Ann lays dying in a morphine- familiar faces of Alastor ‘Mad Eye’ Moody (Brendan Bonham Carter, (Evanna Lynch), induced state, she remembers, and conveys to Gleeson) and Remus Lupin (David Thewlis), and as well as old favorites returning like Neville Long- her daughters, the defining moments in her life the new faces of Nymphadora Tonks (Natalia Tena) bottom () and the loveable Hagrid 50 years prior, when she was a young woman and Kingsley Shacklebolt (George Harris), the magic (Robbie Coltrane). Also including Draco Malfoy (Tom in love. Starring Vanessa Redgrave, Meryl returns as they race on brooms to the hidden head- Felton), whom viewers love to hate, Harry Potter Streep, Toni Collette, Claire Danes and Natasha quarters of the Order. & the Order of the Phoenix provides readers with Richardson. Rated PG-13 Harry is welcomed back into the fold with hugs the details they would expect while offering a plot from Mrs. Weasley (Julie Walters) and Hermione succinct enough for even a Muggle to follow. David FANTASATIC 4: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER Granger () and warm welcomes from Yates and his crew bring Potter’s world back to The four superheroes find out there’s a new Ron Weasley () and Sirius Black (Gary life with stunning clarity, providing both the magic, sheriff in the universe–the powerful Silver Oldman), as well as the rest of surrogate family, Mr. warmth and levity Potter fans have come to expect Surfer with his planet-destroying Galactus. Yes, Weasley (Mark Williams), Ginny (), while introducing them to the new threats and reali- Jessica Alba plays Sue Storm–enough said. George () and Fred (), all ties that Harry and his friends will face as the series Rated PG of whom have aged a bit and whose normally bright continues.

KNOCKED UP The consequences of having unprotected sex is explored in this comedy. Slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) meets a vivacious woman, Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl), in a bar. They get drunk and go back to his place to have sex. Oops, she gets pregnant. 4

6 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ing an atomic bomb of sexual repression. It sent Ben has to grow up rapidly to deal with this life- megawatts of hormonal energy through the couple’s altering event. For the first time in his life, Ben bodies. has to accept responsibility. And, he’s not ready. In fact, for me it was refreshing to view the Rated R bygone 1950s era when couples didn’t immedi- ately jump into bed with one another, they actually LICENSE TO WED Robin Williams plays a courted each other in an erotic dance of love. Later, marriage counselor and reverend who puts Sadie of course, they went on to use and abuse each other (Mandy Moore) and Ben (John Krasinski) through like today, but behind the scenes, it was much more a series of relationship challenges. Reverend steamy, because the titillating prelude to sex height- Frank’s boot camp includes twin baby robots that ened the anticipation before the bedroom gymnas- test the couple’s resolve to stay married. Rated tics. PG-13 On her deathbed, Ann was loaded with mor- phine, so it was difficult for her to tell what was real LIVE FREE, DIE HARD Yes, Bruce Willis is back or what were dream images caused by the drugs. as John McClane, who stumbles onto a plot Her daughters kept hearing her speak of Harris but by Internet-based terrorists to cause havoc in they didn’t know him. Later, when Lila visits, she America by crippling the government’s computer tells Ann’s daughters about Harris, but she didn’t systems. McClane, an old-school kind of guy, glamorize the story as Ann had done. works with a top hacker to foil the terrorists plan, Nina is married to a musician and is pregnant. but gets himself in big trouble again in this 4th When she finally tells her husband, he is ecstatic, episode of Die Hard. Rated PG-13 which surprises her. She had been through a couple of husbands and various lovers, but her mother told OCEANS 13 George Clooney and his partner her there were no mistakes. You make decisions Steven Soderbergh in Section 8 Productions based on how you feel at the time and you go from produce another Ocean film. For the third there. The screenplay is chock-full of philosophi- episode, Danny Ocean (Clooney) assembles his cal debate about the Zen of living and being happy henchmen for another heist. Casino owner, Willy in that moment. In the end, all of the past doesn’t evening Bank, double-crosses one of the original eleven, matter, just the love of your immediate family. Minot Reuben Tishoff (Elliott Gould). The sting is on. takes the viewer into Ann’s mind as she thinks about Rated PG-13 movie review what could have been if she had married Harris. Of course, she is remembering the experience as a PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE AT WORLD’S young woman. Interestingly, these memories seem END Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth by Rick grant [email protected] to be locked in a time warp. Swann (Keira Knightley) are allied with Captain This is an old-fashioned movie that mature Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to A PG-13 117 min ics keyed to the period. Danes brings that seething people will enjoy. Minot’s point is: memories are free Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from sexual tension of the strict mores of the period with distorted by time and should not be looked upon as his mind-bending trap in Davy Jones’ locker. The Writer / producer, Susan Minot wrote the book skillful tact. In a key scene, Ann kisses Harris for the missed opportunities, but joyous happenings in the terrifying ghost ship, The Flying Dutchman, with and screenplay on which this film is based. Helmed first time, and in those days, a kiss was like ignit- flash of the moment. Davy Jones at the helm, are under the control by Lajos Koltai, the scenario involves a dying older of the East India Trading Company. They wreak woman, Ann Grant (Vanessa Redgrave), who on her havoc across the Seven Seas. Rated PG-13 death bed recalls a peak time in her life when she fell in love with her dream man, Harris Arden (Patrick RATATOUILLE A cheeky rat living within the Wilson). walls of a famous Paris bistro longs to become For fortuitous reasons, Ann did not marry Har- a chef but is hindered by his family’s skepticism, ris, but went on to have a full and satisfying life. The the rodent-hating staff, and patrons of the premise of Minot’s story focuses on how our memo- restaurant. Rated G ries of the peak moments in our lives are distorted by time and idealized as fantasy. In Ann’s mind, she SHREK THE THIRD The big green ogre is back kept Harris alive as her perfect man, perpetually with his pals for another adventure. When his young and handsome, although he married, had new father-in-law, King Harold, falls ill, Shrek is children, and became an old man. Ann also married viewed as the heir to the land of Far, Far Away. and had two lovely daughters, Nina (Tony Collette) Shrek, who doesn’t want to give up his beloved and Constance (Natasha Richardson), who are with swamp, recruits his pals Donkey and Puss in their mother during her last hours in their mother’s Boots to install the rebellious Artie as the new house. king. Princess Fiona rallies a band of royal Most of the film is consumed with the young girlfriends to fend off a coup d’etat by the jilted Ann (Claire Danes). She attends Lila Wittenborn’s Prince Charming. Rated PG wedding (Mamie Gummer plays the young Lila and Meryl Streep plays the older) in the 1950s where SICKO In his typical attack-dog journalistic Ann meets Harris. The wedding takes place in a style, documentary filmmaker Michael Moore mansion in Newport, Rhode Island, where the old- took on the broken healthcare system in America, money snobs inhabit the shoreline in regal splendor. featuring HMO horror stories and an in-depth Ann meets her old college pal, Buddy Wittenborn, look at foreign healthcare systems, specifically in who is wallowing in alcoholism and self-pity. He Cuba and France. Rated PG-13 adores Ann and wishes she could reciprocate his feelings, but he will always be just a friend to Ann. SURF’S UP Emperor penguins are the hottest Amid this grandiose setting, Lila confides to animation subject ever since the success of Ann that she has doubts about marrying her fiancé, The March of the Penguins So, in this animated and is still in love with Harris. Ann tells her that she penguin movie, penguins somehow invented will help her get out of the wedding if that is what surfing and this is a behind-the-scenes look at she wants. Ann tells Lila that she will take her away the Annual Penguin World Surfing Championship. and deal with the relatives and her fiancé. But, during Up-and-coming surfer dude, Cody Maverick, a dance before the wedding, Lila asks Harris if he thinks he’s hot stuff. Featuring the voice of Shia still loves her, and he says no. She goes ahead with LaBeouf. Rated PG her wedding–for better or worse. Susan Minot’s script is masterfully written and uttered by a dream cast of esteemed actresses. Claire Danes portrayed Ann with convincing dynam- 4

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 7 TRANSFORMERS The earth is caught in the middle of an intergalactic war between two sundays at florida theatre races of robots– the heroic Autobots and the evil Decepticons. Both are able to change into a variety of objects, including cars, trucks, planes, and other horrifying killing machines. Rated PG- summer movie classics 13 SPECIAL SHOWingS by Rick grant [email protected]

Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Series Years ago, when I was a kid growing up on the Westside, I remember taking the bus to the Florida Theater See great movies that boomers grew up with to see movies like Mister Roberts. In those days, an organist would rise up from the depths of the stage and that still intrigue and enthrall all generations. entertain the audience as they filed into the theater. Yes, I have fond memories of going to the cinema and having Relax at a FREE 5:45 showing of a classic film a bunch of Krystals at that famous burger joint on the corner of Ocean and Forsyth. Later in High School, I’d take in the Jacksonville Public Library Main Branch my dates to the darkened balcony of the Florida Theater and fantasize about getting to second base. Today, the magnificent Florida Theater is continuing its tradition of exhibiting the Summer Movie Classics, Auditorium with complimantary popcorn and soda th nd and then enjoy an evening downtown. Every including Mister Roberts. The showings are on Sundays at 2 pm from June 24 through September 2 . 2nd and 4th Thursday. July 12 SHANE will be July 8th - The Three Faces of Eve (1957) the delusion that their friends or relative are impostors. screened. Info: 630-2665 or www.jaxpubliclibrary. This was the first film about a person with Multiple Skeptical at first, to his horror he finds out the whole org/librarynews/main_boomers_2007.html Personality Disorder (MPD). Eve White, a wife and town has been replaced by alien beings. mother who lived here in Jacksonville, would black IMAX Theater out and find herself in unfamiliar surroundings and August 12th - Young Frankenstein (1974) Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix will living as one of her other personalities. One of them Starring Gene Wilder, Peter Boyle, and Madeline Kahn. be shown on the 80-foot-wide by six-story-high was a party girl who frequented the after hours bars This is Mel Brooks’ classic comedy that is still hilari- screen at the IMAX Theatre beginning July 13. The that used to be on Beach Boulevard. Based on the real ous today, even in black and white. It involves the IMAX Theatre is located in the Word Golf Hall of case, Joanne Woodward portrayed Eve, whose case grandson of Victor Frankenstein, a young surgeon Fame, One World Golf Place, St. Augustine. Info was a benchmark for treating patients with MPD. who has always lived in his grandfather’s shadow, but and tickets: 904-940-4022 or wgv.com. has never been taken seriously. He finds his grandfa- July 15th - Pillow Talk (1959) ther’s diary and travels to the family castle to test his Summer Movie Classics 2007 Starring Rock Hudson, Doris Day, and Tony Randall, famous formulas. Consequently, he creates a lonely The Florida Theatre will be showing Summer this film is based on a French farce about an interior creature (Peter Boyle) that longs for a human soul. Movie Classics on Sundays throughout the decorator and a composer who share a phone line Summer. On July 15 see Pillow Talk, the 1959 (called a 2-party line in those days), but have never August 19th - Mutiny on the Bounty (1935) film starring Rock Hudson, Doris Day, Tony met. Jan Morrow is annoyed because Brad Allen Starring Charles Laughton, Clark Gable and Franchot Randall, and Thelma Ritter. In this classic film, a keeps the line tied up all day, but when Brad sees Jan Tone. This is the timeless tale of Captain Bligh, whose suave playboy and a headstrong interior decorator by chance, he is smitten. He then begins calling her harsh discipline leads to a mutiny after the crew gets must share a party line during a Manhattan line with a disguised voice, trying to hook up with her. a taste of the good life in Tahiti. As the ship sets sail, shortage. The deocorator becomes offended the crew is not willing to submit to Captain Bligh’s when she must listen to the playboy every night July 22nd - Hush...Hush Sweet Charlotte (1964) firebrand justice, and they set him adrift so they can wooing a different girl and soon they become Starring Bette Davis, Olivia de Havilland, Joseph Cot- return to Tahiti. enemies. All showings start at 2 pm. Call 355- ton, and Agnes Moorehead. Charlotte Hollis is sus- ARTS or go to floridatheatre.com for details. pected of committing a grisly murder 40 years ago. August 26th - Mister Roberts (1955) The police never had enough evidence to charge her, Starring Henry Fonda, James Cagey, and Jack Lem- MOCA in the Middle and Summer Cinema but everyone is convinced she’s guilty and shuns her. mon. During WWII, life aboard a cargo ship is routine Wednesday’s come alive at the Museum of Now she lives as a recluse with her personal assistant and boring. Mr. Roberts (Fonda) longs to get into Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville from 5 Velma. When her property is condemned and desig- the real war, while Ensign Pulver (Jack Lemmon) to 9 pm. Bring your family and friends to enjoy nated for demolition, she refuses to leave. A cousin avoids the Captain at all costs so he can goof-off. live music in the atrium during the 5 to 7 pm comes to help Charlotte keep her house and strange Pulver spends his time planning pranks to piss off the happy hour with a full liquor bar. Pamper yourself things begin to happen. Captain, while Roberts and the Doc drink homemade with free makeovers in the lobby — courtesy scotch and plan to mingle with a group of nurses in of Daniel James Salon. Then treat yourself to July 29th - Nashville (1975) a nearby island. But Pulver’s pranks have caused the dinner in the critically-acclaimed Café Nola. Starring Ned Beatty, Shelley Duvall, and Jeff Gold- Captain to cancel all shore leave. Catch the Summer Cinema and stay after the blum. Considered one of the late Robert Altman’s film for dessert. This week MOCA Jacksonville greatest films, this film exposes the behind the scenes September 2nd - Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961) presents AKEELAH AND THE BEE as part of their wheeling and dealing of the Nashville music business Starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. Strug- Summer Cinema film series on Wednesday, July during the 1970s. The characters are based on real gling writer Paul Varjack and socialite Holly Golightly 18. This film directed by Doug Atchison is about life superstars as their careers rise and fall with the are neighbors in a New York apartment building. eleven-year-old Akeelah Anderson. Responding influence of sex, drugs, and divorces. Varjak is smitten and fascinated by the pretty and to a threat by her school’s principal, Akeelah quirky Holly, who, on the surface, is a social butterfly. participates in a spelling bee to avoid detention August 5th - Invasion of The Body Snatchers (1956) But when Paul is alone with her, she is shy and vulner- for her many absences. Much to her surprise and Shown in black and white and starring Kevin McCar- able, which drives him wild. This film set the stage for embarrassment, she wins. Akeelah provides her thy and Dana Winter. Dr. Miles Bennel returns to his dozens of romantic comedies during the 1960s and community with someone to rally around and small town practice to find several of his patients with 70s. be proud of. Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non-members. If you are not already a MOCA member, take advantage of the Film Series membership special – join the Museum the night of the movie and then watch the show for free! Info: 366-6911.

8 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 9 Times theater critic Frank Rich that he was the real new on dvd deal and subsequently survived on their generosity. Once he was discovered, Conway went to Priory, a The Astronaut Farmer (104 min.) substance abuse treatment facility, and became a Charlie Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) is a Texas committed member of Alcoholics Anonymous. ranch owner and former aeronautics engineer He did interviews with the media about his who’s got a homemade rocket in his barn and a days as Stanley Kubrick, claiming he loved the role dream to blast into space. Even though Charlie’s and would have played the part until the day he died deeply in debt and threatened with foreclosure, his if he could have. He admitted that, to some degree, wife (Virginia Madsen) and kids are supportive of he really did believe he was Stanley Kubrick. On Charlie’s Earth-orbit mission, even when he at- December 5, 1998, Conway passed away, leaving tracts the glaring attention of a seasoned Air Force his son with a stack of maxed out credit cards and a colonel (Bruce Willis), the FAA, the FBI, and the number of angry collectors leaving messages on the national media. Rated PG for thematic material, answering machine for “Stanley.” Coincidentally, the peril and language. real Stanley Kubrick died three months later. The Color Me Kubrick DVD only contains one The Last Mimzy (97 min.) bonus feature, a 45-minute long featurette called When Noah (Chris O’Neil) and Emma Wilder (Rhi- “Being Alan Conway.” Here, the filmmakers, many of annon Leigh Wryn) discover a special box on the whom worked with the real Stanley Kubrick during this beach, they open it and unlock an exciting adven- strange era of his life, discuss the making of the film, ture beyond imagination. Inside they find Mimzy, muse about what Kubrick would have thought about a magical stuffed rabbit along with other mystical the movie, share funny stories about working with him toys, which give the children exceptional pow- and, to a much lesser degree, talk about Conway and ers of their own. Able to move objects with their his con. At the end we get a snippet of an interview minds and to solve complex equations, these new with Conway himself. wonder kids begin to attract the attention of their Color Me Kubrick is an interesting, entertaining parents, teachers and even the FBI. Rated PG for film at the beginning and the end. The middle is all some thematic elements, mild peril and language. color me kubrick filler. Basically, we just see Conway tricking people over and over again until he gets caught. It’s funny Super Sweet 16- The Movie (86 min.) and intriguing the first couple times he does it, but Based on the highly popular MTV series, Sarah dvd review after that it gets old. It would have been immensely (Amanda Michalka) and Jacquie (Regine Nehy) boring if it weren’t for the masterful performance by were Best Friends Forever. They shared every- Malkovich, who plays a much quirkier version of the thing, including the same birthday, which they by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] real Conway, complete with wild, flamboyant outfits always celebrated together. This year, however, Stanley Kubrick was a visionary filmmaker who Kubrick. For three years Conway, a life-long criminal and about a dozen terrible-on-purpose accents, one after a huge falling out, the two teens compete directed 13 critically acclaimed films during his career. and conman, has been sashaying around for each sucker. Amusing nods to Kubrick are also against each other to see who can have the best Second to his genius behind the camera, Kubrick pretending to be Kubrick, despite looking nothing hidden throughout, particularly in the soundtrack, and most extravagant sweet 16 birthday party. was widely known as a recluse, shunning the public like him and knowing next to nothing about his films. where selections of music from A Clockwork Orange, This film is not rated. eye and refusing to travel, choosing instead to make His marks are the gullible; those willing to hand over 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining are used actors come to him in London for auditions. It was cash to a perfect stranger who promises to make during key scenes. The film is, at the very least, worth The Contractor (188 min.) during this time in the famed director’s life that a man them stars. From fashion designers to rock bands to a rental if you’re interested in the subject matter. If not, Retired marksman James Dial (Wesley Snipes) named Alan Conway took advantage of Kubrick’s washed-up comedians, Conway gained their trust and this one is safe to skip. has been living a secluded life on his ranch in seclusion. Conway’s deeds are the subject of a film managed to manipulate them into giving him whatever In Color Me Kubrick, we’re never told why Montana, but he is haunted by his failure to exter- called Color Me Kubrick starring John Malkovich, he desired. Conway impersonated the famed director, mostly minate one of the world’s most notorious terror- which is now available on DVD. An alcoholic with a taste for fine food and because no one actually knows, and we never see ists. Dial is approached by his old employers to Alan Conway (Malkovich) is a middle-aged loser younger men, Conway used the director’s name to get Kubrick’s response to Conway’s antics, though it’s finish the job in London, where the terrorist leader who has people falling all over themselves to shower into the best parties, stay in the fanciest hotels and been reported that he was mildly amused by the has been captured and is under heavy protection. him with money, gifts, sexual liaisons and endless sleep with whoever he wanted. After being discovered whole thing. In the end, these things aren’t really What would be a routine mission for the sniper drinks. You see, they have no idea who Alan Conway by one of his marks and having his story exposed in important. The point is that people will believe turns into a nightmare as Dial is forced into hiding is. They think they’re wining and dining Stanley the papers, Conway was forced to resume the life he anything if they think it will benefit them. All of and relentlessly pursued by the British police and was born into, only now slightly more famous. Conway’s marks were certain their chance encounter their lead investigator, Windsor (Charles Dance). Color Me Kubrick actually follows this con- with the reclusive director would be their ticket to easy Rated R for violence and language. artist’s three years of treachery fairly well. The real street, only to discover their shortcut to success was Alan Conway had a long rap sheet that began at age a dead end. In some ways, they deserved what they You’re Gonna Miss Me (94 min.) 13 and consisted of petty crime, fraud, embezzlement got. Still, Conway’s actions earned him nothing but a Kevin McAlester’s documentary discloses pre- and burglary. After leaving his wife for his gay lonely death and the resentment of his only son. Then cisely why (and how) Roky Erickson’s early status lover and falling into alcoholism, Conway began again, he is the subject of a major motion picture and as an icon-a maverick rock genius as demon- impersonating Stanley Kubrick in the early 90s. He a Google search of his name results in nearly 50,000 strated by his band, the 13th Floor Elevators- went convinced actors, musicians and even New York hits. Maybe he got the last laugh after all. sadly awry. This includes, but is not limited to, a terribly broken family; a pressing, age-old “am I my brother’s keeper” predicament; and a relatively simple case of schizophrenia. The film captures Thurston Moore (Sonic Youth), Patti Smith, and Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), among others, testifying to Roky’s genius. This film is not rated.

The Page Turner (81 min.) Paul (Joseph Gilbert), an overly imaginative man, attends his wife’s office party. While watching a piano recital, Paul fantasizes various scenarios involving him and the Page Turner. Each dream takes him deeper into his fantasies, all the while Paul includes his wife (Lucy Owen), her boss (C.J. Baker), the pianist (Julia Silverman) and the rest of the party goers in this fantastic adventure. This film is not rated.

10 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper NORA JONES JOHN MAYER

video games by Norm stovall [email protected] 2KSports’ All Pro Football 2k8 for Xbox 360 a studio day in the life Since EA Games has cleverly prevented other publishers from producing NFL games with the use of massive amounts of cash in an exclusivity deal, the people at 2k games had to get crafty. Since they already Live From Abbey Road tv review make some of the best American football games around, they needed a way to sell a new game without the NFL by Rick grant [email protected] license. Well, they finally did that. All Pro Football 2k8 features TONS of former NFL legends, the only difference Back in the mid 1960s, the Beatles recorded The quality production values and the up-close being the team they play for. Yes, you can take your team their most important records in the large studio shots of the artist performing in this intimate setting to the championship match, but you won’t be taking on Abbey Road in London under George Martin’s are what make this concert series special. It could them to the Super Bowl. But who cares? You’ve got Mike production. He told them they had carte blanche to have been shot anywhere, but this tabernacle of Ditka. record 24/7, and he would get them anything they Beatledom offers inspiration to the artists, an occa- needed. The engineers would record continuously, sion tantamount to playing inside the Taj Mahal. and it was a creative dream come true for the Fab The studio setting, and the creative way this Four, who hung out with their girlfriends, achieved al- series is shot, increases the cool factor to the nth Guilty Gear: ^ Core (AKA Guilty Gear: Accent Core) tered states of being, and recorded their most famous degree. The artists seemed to like it, and Mayer was Japanese Import for PS2 albums. very relaxed and played creatively with soul. This I don’t usually take the time to review import Thus, the studio became a recording shrine setting is definitely more laid back than the tedious games. They can be a pain to get to play on US game equal in mystique only to Muscle Shoals, where the business of recording. consoles and, most of the time, they don’t have any Rolling Stones recorded their most famous album, Norah Jones was also relaxed and chatty. We options to change the text to English. With Guilty Gear: Beggars Banquet. Extending its legacy, Abbey Road learned that her bassist is her live-in boyfriend. She Accent Core, I didn’t really have to worry about that. was the venue for a series of live concerts to be played some of her new material with her soulful Almost every bit of text you see in the game is written in featured on the Sundance Channel, highlighting both voice and jazzy piano playing on a Fender Rhodes. English, and the only actual Japanese you see/hear is in one character’s name and in the dialogue that new and established artists. Shot as a documentary, Of course, after selling a gazillion records, she is characters speak. with the artists playing live in the studio, it exudes the financially set for life, so the pressure is off and she Accent Core is the latest edition of the 1-on-1 Guilty Gear fighting game series. This game is in- feel of a live concert, with the quality sound of a live can indulge her wildest creative thoughts. Alas, her sanely popular among fighting game fans, with its fast twitch-style gameplay and precise control meth- recording, but definitely not a real recording session. middle-of-the-road sound comes off as boring. ods. In Accent Core, the game plays just like its predecessor, Guilty Gear XX Slash. You can dash, by The premier, originally broadcast on Thursday, The segments also included Brit phenom Rich- pressing forward twice, anywhere on the playing field, and just about every character can double-jump. June 21st, featured John Mayer, Norah Jones, and ard Ashcroft. His music is strictly modern pop rock, The attack buttons include light kick, hard kick, slash, hard slash and dust. With the dust button you are Richard Ashcroft playing live in the studio. It also influenced by a homogenized gaggle of 1980s super- given the chance to knock your opponent into the air to start a large combo of attacks. In addition to included interviews with Mayer, Jones and Ashcroft, groups. Granted, he has some interesting original these functions, there are plenty of special techniques and defensive moves to learn. giving the viewer some rare insight into these top ideas. However, compared to John Mayer, he’s in a Graphically, Accent Core is the same type of 2D illustrated masterpiece its predecessors have artists’ mindset. different league when it comes to guitar playing and been. All characters have been drawn in large sizes, and when the screen is zoomed all the way in on The band set up in what was essentially a live songwriting talent, although his Human Condition them, you can really see how great they look. The characters themselves are outlandish, absurd and concert venue. The sound is very high quality, and album did well on both sides of the pond. totally loveable. From the possessed dead body fighter to the heavy-metal-guitarist-witch-stripper, there the musicians performed flawlessly. John Mayer These studio concerts were skillfully shot on is plenty to keep you entertained. Accent core is a must-play for fighting game fans- plenty of balance performed with inspired chops as an accomplished 35 mm film, which includes chats with the artists to and plenty of gameplay mechanics to learn and master. Don’t miss this one! guitarist and vocalist. His eclectic style covers a wide give the viewer a more intimate look into their creative range of musical concepts, including funk, blues, methods and performance skills. This series is well classic rock and soul. Mayer is also a prolific writer worth viewing to get close access to the artists. of emotionally felt songs with memorable lyrics, Groups coming up are the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Transformers for PS3 catchy melodies, and solid grooves. Indeed, Mayer Gnarls Barkley, Dr. John, Paul Simon, and Wynton This game sucks. is one of the most important songwriters in today’s Marsalis. Check it out on Thursdays at 10 pm on the music world. Sundance Channel.

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 11 see a single person not enjoying themselves. Even the security guards were cool, for the most part. On Friday night, Kona held an industry and friends-only party dedicated strictly to skateboarders, and anyone recognized for their involvement with the activity of was invited. There was free food from the grill, and wings were provided by Hooters. There was even free PBR on hand for those old enough to drink it. (I didn’t actually realize how well PBR and skateboarding went together ‘til the next morning.) This amazingly successful shred fest gave notable skateboarders from far and wide free run of the park, and though there were some patches of water here and there due to the rain earlier in the day, people worked with what they had, and before too long the park was swarming with the sound of ure- thane wheels rolling on concrete. Saturday provided an al- Jimmy ‘The Greek’ Marcus doing a frontside most entirely different mood as grab off the top of the Tombstone. Kona in the 80s: Barry Floyd performs an invert on the old vert ramp at Kona. seemingly thousands of people swarmed the park to see Tony

Professional skateboarder Ray Barbee with owner of kona skatepark Outer Limitz skateshop Eric and his family. celebrates thirty years by norm stovall

Kona Skatepark turned 30 this week. Many of you may be wondering: “Where did all the time go? It seems like just yesterday that Mrs. Ramos was reminding me to put my inserts back into my wrist guards.” To the rest of you, who aren’t familiar with Kona, Here is the deal. Kona Skatepark in Arlington is Jacksonville’s own little slice of skateboarding history. Being one of the oldest and largest privately-owned parks in the country, and possibly the world, Kona is hardly outdated, with plenty of things for skateboarders to ride, regardless of what era they are from. Through thick and thin, Kona has survived, and this weekend was their time to celebrate. There were tons of skateboard professionals attending over the weekend, some skating, some com- peting in the events, and some just tagging along for the good times. There were even some perfor- mances by pro skaters-turned musicians, including such legends as Steve Steadham and Ray Barbee. While the weather for this weekend’s events wasn’t spectacular, the atmosphere was great and I didn’t

12 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Jacksonville’s Buck Smith does a frontside smith at the top of the tombstone.

Hawk and other popular pros skate on Kona’s Massive vert ramp. Before the main event, Kona hosted a surprisingly entertaining snake run slalom event, which really showed the wide spec- trum of skateboard enthusiasts that the park sup- ports. With longer and softer wheels than what the street skaters are riding these days, these guys might stand out among the main- stream skateboarders of today, but at Kona, these guys fit right in. After the slalom event was done and the sporadic, yet torrential rain arrived and left, came the best trick contest on Kona’s Tombstone, which is a giant vertical extension sitting atop Kona’s main bowl. Staff members and volun- teers worked hard to make the bowl skateable after the rain. Once the surface was clear and dry, the contest began, along with an amazing performance of the National Anthem by Conrad Oberg. Once things were underway, hundreds Binky Conklin rounds the cones in Kona’s timed slolom competition. of people crowded around Kona’s bowl to get a

good view of the skateboarding going down on Sergie Ventura does a huge backside method Skatepark of Tampa Manager Ryan the Tombstone. Crowding around the bowl is Clements doing a frontside grind in on Kona’s vert ramp. no easy task either. Steep embanked surfaces Kona’s newly remodeled pool. surround its perimeter on all but one side. But Kona’s 30th birthday, and the vert ramp was the perfect place to end the night. Needless to say, the no worries- for most of the attendees, the risk event was a huge success. of plummeting to the bottom of the bowl was In closing, I have to say that over the lifetime of the park, the Ramos family has done an amazing no deterrent for the opportunity to see the likes job running Kona. Growing up in the Jacksonville skate community, I saw firsthand what they put into it. of Mike Peterson, Benji Galloway, Buck Smith, (With their policy of offering free skate time for good grades, I think they played a big part in my making Will Powers, Jimmy Marcus, Chris Kendall, and it through school.) Dedicating the park to the youth of Jacksonville, Kona has provided thousands of a slew of other expert skateboarders do what otherwise outcast kids a place to go to express their individuality with skateboarding, and for that, we they came to do. should all be grateful. So here’s to 30 years. Thanks, Kona. Once the best trick contest was done and For contest results and Interviews with some of the attending pros, visit the EU website, or visit the sun was setting, everyone migrated down 904skate.com. the hill toward Kona’s beast-of-a-vert ramp for the final event, which was an amazing demo that included Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, Sergie tombstone best trick contest results: Ventura, Buck Smith, Donnie Griffin, and plenty st of other familiar pros. I nearly went deaf from 1 Benji Galloway kids shouting over my shoulder at Tony Hawk, 2nd Buck Smith and I’m wondering how the guy maintains 3rd Joe Marrara his sanity with the constant shouting in his th direction. Hawk did put on a routinely amazing 4 Mike Peterson demo, along with a high-powered performance 5th Jimmy ‘The Greek’ Marcus by high-flyer Sergie Ventura. It was great to 6th Morgan Burgess see all of these legends in one place again on

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 13 V from the large and diverse crowd of people coming caribbean restaurants through their dining room. 4106 N. Main Street (904) 355-0405 Ameribbean Restaurant (3801 N Main St 904- 798-8500) Mon-Sat 8 am- 10 pm, Sun 8 am-7 pm, $ This Springfield taste of the Caribbean is worth the drive, even if you don’t live in Springfield. Word of mouth has spread quickly about this hole-in-the- wall-esque place, so you might find yourself dining a taste of the caribbean with some of the folks who report the local nightly news. Try their brown stew chicken (another name It can be a little intimidating when you for jerk chicken) and their beef stew, which simmers haven’t a clue what most of the items on a for hours. menu are. Here’s a handy rundown of all the Hours: 8 am – 8 pm Mon-Sat; 9 am- 6 pm most common items on a Caribbean menu that might be a little out-of-the-ordinary for you. Beignets Caribbean Café (4770 Barnes Rd Ste Ackee is actually a fruit, but on most 1 904-737-6789) menus, it refers to salt fish and ackee, a popular That they serve jerk everything here shouldn’t be a breakfast meal. There’s nothing like it here in surprise, but they also serve turkey with a brown the states. The fruit was brought to Jamaica gravy that might be. They’re Caribbean with a touch from West Africa in the 1700s, reportedly by of soul food. Captain Bligh. When unripe, the fruit can be Hours: 9 am- 9 pm Mon-Sat; Closed Sunday toxic, but once ripe is a tasty addition to a breakfast meal. Here in the U.S., you can’t buy Caribbean Choice (5519 Norwood Ave 904-764- these fruits at your local marketplace, so the 1710) On Saturdays, these guys serve up cowfoot, along only place to get an ackee-flavored dish is in a with all the other standard Caribbean foods. Cow- Caribbean restaurant. foot is generally served chopped up, sometimes in real caribbean flavor Cow foot comes chopped up fine, mostly soups, sometimes atop rice with a gravy. in stew form, served on top of rice. Hours: 11 am – 8 pm Tues-Sat; Closed Sun-Mon Escovitch is a dish of poached or dried Caribbean Sunrise Bakery & Restaurant fish, covered with a spicy, vinegar-based mari- Caribbee Key (100 First Street, Neptune Beach. nade for at least 24 hours. You can find pre- 904-270-8940) prepared Caribbean marinades on grocery store The island-inspired food at Caribbee Key has be- by Erin thursby [email protected] shelves. come an important part of the Neptune Beach cul- Irish Moss, less popularly known as car- ture. While Caribbee Key is more inspired by island After checking out several Caribbean eateries, but in much of the Southern portion of the U.S. The rageen or carrageenan comes from the West flavors and flair than slavishly devoted to genuine whether takeout or informal eat-in establishments, Caribbean version at Sunrise Bakery is doused in coast of Ireland and our own Atlantic coast. It’s Caribbean food, it’s still not to be missed. You can I’m afraid I haven’t that much confidence in the a gravy that is infused with hot Caribbean spices. a red algae that you’ve probably already eaten sit outside and enjoy the sunlight and an ocean cleanliness of the kitchen at most of these places. Of The oxtail (which actually comes from a cow) has a without knowing it. Carrageenan is commonly breeze, or you can go to their upstairs bar where course, the food is still fantastic. hearty flavor, like beef stew, enhanced by the spicy used as a stabilizer and thickener of many ice they keep the windows open. Anything on the menu One place you can go for genuine Caribbean gravy. At Sunrise, the oxtail was actually quite tender, creams and is used in processed foods like with shrimp in it is sure to be a winner. Their Island flavor where you won’t have to worry about health- which means they took the time to cook it correctly. Cobb Salad not only looks terrific with an impressive lunch meats. In Jamaica, Irish moss forms the mound of finely grated cheese and artfully arranged code violations is the Caribbean Sunrise Bakery & Some of the more unusual Caribbean dishes base for popular beverages. They boil the moss hard boiled egg, it’s also fresh and delicious. The Restaurant. This well-run establishment displays a are made from portions of a cow that are normally for about an hour, adding flavorings like straw- jerk Chicken is definitely of a Jamaican flavor and “Clean Plate Award,” which means that they expe- discarded. In the 1600s and 1700s, slaves and berry or vanilla and milk. Sometimes rum and can be had fried or grilled. The creamy roasted corn rienced no health-code violations during their latest hired-hands in the Caribbean and the South were spices are also added to the thick mixture. It’s and crab chowder will be a treat for those who love inspection. given what was known as the “fifth-quarters,” all the generally served chilled. Some places make it island chowder. It’s not very spicy, but it is very The place has got a fast-food feel because less-accepted portions of a slaughtered animal, such fresh but it’s now available ready-made in cans. savory. that’s exactly what it is: a tasty alternative to the as skin, head, feet, tail and internal organs. That’s Legend has it that regular consumption of Irish Bar Hours: 11 am - 12:30 am Sun - Thur, and 2 am usual burgers and fries. They’ve got a drive-up win- why you’ll find savory but strange items like oxtail moss has aphrodisiac applications. Fri -Sat. dow, and many diners order their meal at the counter and cow foot on many Caribbean menus. Oxtail used to refer to the tail of an ox, but Kitchen Hours: 11 am - 10 pm Mon - Thur, 11 am to enjoy at home. Some, though, sit down in the The jerk chicken at Sunrise was certainly now refers to the tail of any beef animal, gener- - 12 am Fri - Sat, 11 am - 10 pm Sun. small dining area to enjoy their jerk chicken or oxtail. savory and spicy, though it wasn’t the best I’ve had ally cow or steer tail. The tail is stewed, braised Like most true Caribbean food, they aren’t much in town. Even so, the stuff is incredibly good. The or slow cooked. Without this slow cooking, Caribbean Sunrise Bakery & Restaurant for presentation, but one bite will convince you that standout items at the bakery are their patties, espe- oxtail can be tough. With it, it can be incredible. (4106 N Main St. 904-355-0405) it’s worth the sacrifice. Caribbean Sunrise Bakery cially the beef patties. These flaky, brightly colored The bony, gelatinous meat makes a great base For more than 10 years, Caribbean Sunrise Bak- & Restaurant is also, of course, a bakery. They sell pastry pies are made fresh everyday, encasing some ery has been serving Jacksonville with a taste of for gravies and soups. the sun-kissed islands. They play reggae and sell freshly baked breads and keep a small stock of Ca- kind of flavorful meat. Sorrel was a common ingredient in freshly baked Jamaican-style breads. Try a meat ribbean spices and drinks. They also make a fresh sorrel drink, which is the Middle Ages, but has since fallen by the patty or their tender oxtail, or if you’re adventurous, Oxtail was one of the things I ordered. It’s a made from sorrel leaves, purified water, a little ginger wayside in common cuisine. At Caribbean there’s ackee, which they only serve on Saturdays menu item you can find, not only in the Caribbean, and sugar. It’s a tasty alternative to a soda and it’s restaurants, the word “sorrel” simply refers to a and Sundays during breakfast. Meals are well-priced different than most drinks you can try. drink made from the leaves. The taste is slightly and you can opt for half or whole portions. Whatever you order from Sunrise, you’re going acidic, kind of a cross between sour wild straw- Hours: 9 am – 10 pm Mon-Sat; 9 am – 7 pm Sun to get plenty for the price. It’s a Jacksonville secret berries and kiwi. that might not be such a secret any more, judging Caribbean Sunspot (116 East Adams Street 904-359-2100) Right next to London bridge on Adams, you can find Caribbean Sunspot. With a teeny dining area painted in Rastafarian colors, you can kick back and sip on some fruit nectar while noshing on their veggie plate or jerk chicken. Hours: 11 am-6 pm Mon- Fri

The Conch House Restaurant and Lounge (57 Comares Avenue St. Augustine. 904-829-8646) While this place has a Caribbean/Floribbean flavor to many of their dishes, it can’t exactly be called traditional Caribbean. For one thing, the meals here 4

14 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper AK: Someone said that we are the bad guys with aren’t dirt cheap. It’s really very Key West. The good hearts. It’s all in fun. eatery is attached to a Marina resort, right next to a pool and the water. The Seminole Raw Bar EU: Do Stormtrooper costumes chafe? and Everglades Dining Area, complete with a live AK: Yeah. (Laughing) Big time. A lot of these guys alligator exhibit, are the newest additions to the resort. Food selections include Caribbean Chicken join up and get their armor together and think they’re Pasta, Fried Oysters and Butter Rum Scallops. done and that’s it. I’ve had my armor for almost a Expect to pay an average of $24 for a dinner en- year and I’m constantly modifying it. You get what are trée. called armor bites. The second weekend of Star Wars Hours: 11 am- 9 pm Mon-Thurs & Sun; 11 am- 9 Weekend I was marching at Disney and my thigh pm Fri-Sat plate and my knee plate kept getting part of my knee- cap between them and it kept pinching the hell out of Da Real Ting (128 West Adams Street, 904- my knee the whole way. It was terrible. I’m trying to 633-9738 ) march and trying to twist my leg around to move it, The jerk chicken here at Da Real Ting really is the but I just had to bear it. It was awful. real thing. It’s the best jerk chicken we’ve found in Jacksonville. For some bar bites that can’t be beat, EU: Are Stormtroopers big drinkers? try their conch fritters, served with a spicy sauce. AK: That’s a big argument with our group. Some Hours: Fri-Sat 9 pm- 3 am; Sun 7 pm- 11pm members don’t drink and they have an absolute fit when they find out that we’ve been trooping some Flavors (1410 Palmdale St Ste 1. 904-764- bars. 7700) Just off Lem Turner Road, you can find Flavors, which used to be called Caribbean Express. It’s EU: How does a Stormtrooper drink, do you have to just a few tables, but they also carry Caribbean take off the helmet? spices, groceries and some produce. For an au- AK: Yeah. I’ve had a few guys that have talked about thentic taste of the Caribbean try the oxtail served starlite cafe: pub making a mod and installing a drinking tube, but no, with red beans and rice, a staple of most true you gotta take it off. Caribbean restaurants. Hours: 11 am – 9:30 pm EU: How do you raise money for the charities? Do you just make an appearance and ask for a dona- Plantains at the Sea Turtle Inn (1 Ocean tion or do you charge admission to events? Blvd. Atlantic Beach. 904-249-7402) crawl this AK: We’ve done that before. One of our members This high-end restaurant runs the culinary gamut, in Georgia, Scott Rose, lost his house in a fire, so but it’s rooted in Floribbean flavor. Try the pan my buddy Fabian and I set up an event at The Pearl, seared crab cakes with a Key Lime mustard mayo interview with a Stormtrooper where he works, where we bartended. Everything or any of the fish dishes. With a lovely view of the we made in tips went to the Scott Rose fund and, if I Atlantic and a fusion ingrained with Island flavor, it’s one of the top restaurants on the beach. remember right, we raised $1,400 for him that night. Hours: 7 am- 9 pm Mon-Sun; extended to 10 pm We did other events for them as well and ended up by jon bosworth [email protected] on Fri raising close to $10,000 for him. Vader’s Fist 501st legion is a Star Wars costuming group that focuses on dressing up as the vil- Pepper Pot Restaurant (4233 Brentwood Ave st lains. Although it may seem like a narrow margin of people, the 501 has more than 9,000 members Although Kahler wanted a Stormtrooper cos- 904-355-2740) worldwide, according to the website. The organization has been mentioned in Star Wars books, invited tume ever since he first saw Star Wars, with the Serving up genuine Island-style curry goat is by George Lucas to appear in Rose Bowl parades, and regularly march in Disney World events. This exception of a Pic ‘N Save Halloween costume during the Pepper Pot, which has been part of the his childhood, he didn’t get a chance to actualize that Jacksonville scene for over 20 years. They’re legion of imperial characters is available for parties and fundraisers. To be an actual member requires dream until he went to the premiere of Episode Three famed for their homemade fruit punch and they some serious criteria as far as authenticity is concerned, but the members don’t all necessarily take at Tinseltown and met someone from the 501st in also include a few American and Chinese dishes. themselves too seriously. Aaron Kahler is having an event at Starlite on Sunday, July 15th, so if hip-hop their full Stormtrooper regalia. After that, he found a We’ve heard that the shrimp fried rice is especially tasty. Most of the curried meals come with a small music isn’t your scene, instead of downtown on that night, you could take in some drunk Stormtroop- costume online and has been involved ever since. If you are interested in becoming a Stormtrooper in the salad. ers in 5 Points. I caught up with Kahler at Wall Street to ask him more about this bizarre phenomenon. 501st, it definitely has its perks. To start, check out Hours: 11 am – 10 pm Mon-Thurs; 11 am – 11 the local squad’s website at FL501st.com/boards. If pm Fri & Sat; Closed Sun EU: How do you get your costumes, do you make mtroopers as dehumanized imperial soldiers that that doesn’t scare you away, come watch all of the Puerto Plata Restaurant (2045 Blanding them? relate to the Nazis, and yet you raise money for Star Wars films at Starlite Café, where they will be th Blvd 904-388-5888) AK: Yeah. You can get them in kit form. It’s like a humanist organizations. So as far as accuracy, celebrating the 30 anniversary of Star Wars starting The line between Caribbean and Latin gets blurred 1:1 scale model kit. You can build them. Some of to some degree, is it all in fun, do you have some at 12 pm on Sunday. You can meet some of Squad 7, at this family-owned restaurant on the Westside. the guys actually vacuum-form the costumes them- levity to it? as well as other Star Wars enthusiasts. The charming servers speak terrific English and selves, they have the vacuum-form tables. are great at helping customers navigate their menu. If you love plaintains, they have some of EU: Where and how did this organization start? the best in town. Their Dominican fried chicken is AK: A guy named Albin Johnson in South Carolina. also exceptionally good, but look out for bones, It’s been around since 1997, so it’s actually the tenth these aren’t McNuggets, they’re LatinoAmericano anniversary of the 501st. His daughter got cancer delicacies. Some other notable dishes include their and they started doing fundraising events for her roasted pork, the soups, and their Cuban sand- treatments. Unfortunately, she passed away, but they wich. Make sure to try the hot sauce and instead kept doing the same types of events and going to of a soda, get their delicious Parcha, a passion children’s hospitals and raising money for sick chil- fruit juice. dren and families. It’s really exploded. A lot of guys Hours: Tues – Sat, 11am – 10 pm and Sun 11 am get into it because of the costuming, but it really pays – 8 pm off because we do the charity events. Spices Caribbean Restaurant (1319 Rogero Rd. 904-744-0660) EU: Why the affinity with the villains? Sip a little Irish Moss at this Caribbean restaurant AK: Albin Johnson had always wanted a Stormtroop- while you eat a little pepper steak or snack on their er costume, so it started out there. Later, another delish jerk ribs. You can find all of the standard group started up and it’s the Rebel Legion, they dress Caribbean favorites like jerk chicken and Escovitch up like the good guys and that’s our sister organiza- fish. tion. Hours: 11:30 am-8 pm Mon- Thurs; 11:30 am- 9 pm Fri-Sat; Closed Sun EU: In the Star Wars mythology, we see the Stor-

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 15 16 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Mr. Al Pete

the smile rays “I think music is the weapon of the future,” said Batsauce when I asked The Smile Rays about their place in the Summertime in the City festival. They look like the poster child for the new urbanism. Therapy is all hip-hop, Batsauce looks like an indie rocker, and Daisey is like a happy hippie flower sitting between them. Together they represent the diversity that this festival seeks to endorse. Not only that, but their live show is first-rate. It’s simultaneously energetic, palpably positive, and truly fresh. EU sat down with The Smile Rays to ask them a few questions.

EU: How did The Smile Rays ever get together? BATSAUCE: Well, Therapy was doing his thing with The Abs, and his solo stuff, and we’ve been doing our thing with Heavenly Noise and we just sort of collided. have you THERAPY: Basically the Smile Rays is just me, Therapy, and Daisey and Batsauce from Heavenly Noise trying to create something different from Heavenly Noise and The ABs.

EU: So when you first came together, was it in a performance or a recording scenario? THERAPY: I remember it like it was yesterday. It was actually at their house. Batsauce and I have known each other for years, but then one day the stars were aligned and I called him and said “Bring some beats to my house,” and we just hung out and the next thing you know… We were basically just going back and forth for a heard… while on musical theory and then it melded into some songs. BATSAUCE: It happened in the studio, it wasn’t live, but it was natural. He heard a beat he liked and that was it. jacksonville’s hip-hop scene is exploding. We didn’t have a plan. EU: How did the live dynamic come together? DAISEY: The live dynamic is really awesome because we have been doing what we do for so long as separate by christina wagner and jon bosworth | photos by rachel henley entities, that when we come together it’s exponential coolness. The questions flowed easily from out of my fingertips, being that I’ve known these guys for a bit. No matter what I ask, not only will their responses be eccentric and brilliant, they’ll be a tad long-winded. Halfway EU: How do your performances in the hip-hop scene compare to performances outside the hip-hop scene? DAISEY: Wow, umm. That’s a hard question. through my Simple Complexity questions, my phone rang and Ian Ranne was on the line. I had completely forgotten to let Mas Appeal and Tough Junkie know that the interview had been bumped from 9 pm to 10 EU: Like what’s the difference in crowd dynamic? pm due to Niam’s (aka Willie Evans Jr.) work schedule. I grabbed my laptop and headed like a bat out of hell DAISEY: There’s a big difference in crowd dynamic. At hip-hop shows everyone is up front with their hands up towards Shanty Town. and there’s a lot of energy. Where what we were doing before was definitely more low-key, a little softer, and A bunch of young metal kids were lounging around the front door when I reached my destination, so I people would sit and watch the show. Whereas at Smile Ray shows no one sits down. You don’t sit in hip-hop. knew this could prove to be interesting. I wondered how the guys would react when the music started. Sitting EU: What does Summertime in the City mean as far as the culmination of the hip-hop scene and the urban patiently were Tough Junkie, Aaron Jr. and Mas Appeal. I’ve met Aaron Jr. a couple of times, he’s a sweet guy core? and he helps Mas Appeal with his PodCast, Urban Synthesis Radio. We all made our way outside to start the BATSAUCE: It’s an awesome declaration that we’re here. It’s a testament to our strength and endurance and ruckus. the fact that there is a movement going on here. As unrecognized as it may be because people at the beach or While the four of us were sitting around giggling like little school girls, Therapy arrived with a huge the colleges may not know we’re here, but there is something really going on here. smile spread across his face. He stuck around for a hot minute and was checking out the bands inside. He EU: Is it a snapshot of something that’s bigger than the underground? explained to us that the hardcore scene was actually the first scene he really got into. I didn’t see that one THERAPY: I think it’s a snapshot of something that’s bigger than Jacksonville. And I just want to take the time coming, but it was a pleasant surprise. out to say that I’m really proud of Ian and Tony and Mas for putting this together. As I set up my laptop for the interview, I slyly eavesdropped on the surrounding conversation. Every BATSAUCE: It’s great and it’s really what we need. I think all of the artists feel that way. scene is connected one way or another, but not this tight. Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene is so incestuous, it DAISEY: And the scene really is growing and Summertime in the City is a festival, it isn’t just a show. It’s big- is hard to keep up. Everyone is making a beat for someone who is in a group with another guy, who used to ger than that because the scene is getting bigger and bigger. be a part of a collective with someone that the first guy played a show with. Everybody has a stage name, an EU: What is unique about the Jacksonville scene versus the scene at large? alias, and a real name, which adds to the confusion. But essentially, the core of Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene BATSAUCE: The best of it here is that everyone is working really hard and has to work for recognition and has consists of about fifteen to twenty performers that make up about seven to ten acts, many sharing members. to fight for it. It keeps us humble and sincere. They are a close-knit group, and every one of the artists EU talked to for the Have You Heard…Hip Hop THERAPY: All of us are friends. That’s one of the things I’ve been trying to champion for a while. People need issue is performing in the Summertime in the City festival in downtown Jacksonville on Sunday July 15. We’ll to just be cool people. This whole group of artists is cool in their regular life and they don’t translate anything different in their music. introduce the players, but to really grasp the music, you’ll have to check out this free event for yourself. 4

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 17 BATSAUCE: I think it’s unique that we are all friends and we influence each other. THERAPY: It’s really like a kind of collective. Ideas get bounced around to people in other groups before they get out to the masses.

To listen to the complete interview, go to eujacksonville.com.

dillon Dillon Maurer is a Jacksonville native who currently lives in Atlanta. EU caught up with him at the photo shoot at Shanty Town for this “Have you Heard…Hip Hop” issue. He came into town to work on his new record, which is being produced by Therapy and engineered by Batsauce of The Smile Rays. He will also be performing live at Summertime in the City.

EU: How is it in Atlanta? Are you performing a lot up there, how hard is the scene to get into up there? D: The scene is tough because it’s bigger. There’s more opportunity, and then there’s more room for garbage.

EU: It’s got a loud voice because of Outkast and Juvenile… D: With that loud voice, though, there comes a certain stigma, a certain sound that people expect and that can be to your advantage or to your disadvantage. But good music is universal. No matter where you’re at, hopefully, you’ll get some appreciation. But I wouldn’t say Atlanta is the “hip-hop mecca” that people say it is. It’s more of a media-hype thing. It all depends on your sound.

EU: You used to go by the name Intellekt, which has an obvious semantic meaning about where you think your rhymes really are, and now you’ve moved to Dillon, have you lost some intellect in going to Dillon? D: No, I think I gained a lot more. I started rhyming when I was 16 or 17, writing rhymes and whatever, I was always enamored with it. Intellekt was the first name I picked because I’m a nerd, super nerd, always have been. Straight A student, really into books more than anything, more than sports. I was always into books, so it really fit, right? As I delved more into hip-hop and just music, it came off as cheesy to me. Cliché. My whole sound, my whole approach to it was a little bit over-the-top. It was a little nerdy- too nerdy. I’m not mad at it, it’s where I’m from. Jacksonville will give you a sheltered perspective when it the alias brothers (the abs) comes to doing that sort of music. Unless you’ve been living under a rock or have no interest in hip-hop at all, you’ve heard of the controversy that once engulfed Asamov, now called the Abs (which I discovered in this interview stands for the Alias EU: So was the shift about authenticity? Brothers). These local legends have pushed through it, while receiving national praise for their stellar debut, D: Absolutely. That’s dead-on. It’s authenticity. By taking off all of the “gimmicks” I think that that’s actually And now... EU was able to steal a few moments from Therapy and Niam to talk about the group. working harder, I guess. Because it’s a lot more honest. I want to be serious enough that people will take me serious but at the same time universal. Personal, but at the same time not too personal. EU: Originally Asamov, you were required to change your name to the ABs because of the late science fiction novelist, Isaac Asimov. This happened right after your release And now... Were you able to get the EU: Maybe there’s a guy who’s looking for a show to go to this weekend, and he’s got a handful word out in time, or did it affect your CD sales? of flashy flyers in front of him, and one of them is for Summertime in the City. Why should he pick Therapy: It didn’t affect the CD sales as far as I know. Caroline had just about sold out of the first pressing Summertime? about the time it happened. It affected the CD sales in terms of us not being able to re-press it. D: Hands down, it’s absolutely about the food at Burrito Gallery is why they should go. F**k all the other Niam: Yeah, so it’s like a yes and no. sh*t, the rap shows and all the other sh*t, it’s usually just a bunch of dudes that are broke as sh*t, and Therapy: Ultimately, it did. We weren’t able to re-press it, and at the time it was hot, so we could have sold I’m one of them. I just want some mahi tacos and that’s why they should go. Otherwise, if you’re at all a some more. hip-hop fan in Jacksonville, it’s like, the way I envision this shit is going to go down, it’s like the fair for our generation. It’s like Come Together Day for some motherf**kers that want some real sh*t, not this EU: Did the name change affect your live performance attendance? old bullsh*t. People I went to high school with, we’re all growing up and some of them are married with Therapy: Not so much. kids…This is a family-oriented event, which is dope and good for Jacksonville. And the mahi tacos are Niam: People really took to the story. really f**king good, yo. They got the chimichurri sauce that’s so good. Mmm.

To listen to the complete interview, go to eujacksonville.com. EU: I Googled “Asamov” online, and a bunch of indie hip-hop sites showed a bit of outrage over the mat- ter. Did you come out better in the end?

18 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Niam: I guess at the time we thought we were obligated to not really speak on it in a negative light. What it really comes down to is that we were obligated to be gracious about it. Therapy: The thing about it is, at the time, we were asked to be gracious about it. At this point we just stick to the facts and the fact of the matter is, they threatened to sue us if we continued with that name.

EU: But it’s not even the same spelling. Niam: It’s absolutely not and there is no way that we could be confused with any of his work. Therapy: It really boils down to two things, money and a loophole, so it’s all good.

EU: You guys have been at it for a while. When and how did the group form? Therapy: The group formed long ago. Many, many moons ago. Basically, I would say that it all started, tech- nically speaking, when Willie (Niam) dropped, “Underground Utilities.” He had all the guys that are in Asamov come down, that was the first time we all rapped on Willie’s solo project. It was alright. (All laughing) Yeah so, that was the first time we all rapped, and shortly thereafter, just us being friends and traveling, we record- ed some tracks at the house where at the Joe and Niam were staying. And that’s what started it.

EU: We did a show together in for the “Dirty But Sophisticated” extravaganza last year. How did you guys get on that bill? Therapy: We got on that bill through Slop. Niam: We were on tour with Akrobatik, he was booked there and subsequently, we were booked there. Therapy: The guy there was a hip-hop mover and shaker. He actually hooked us up. We’ve got a considerable following there, we’ve done a lot of shows out there in Tampa.

EU: You’re currently on the Indie label, 6 Hole Records, how are they treating you? Therapy: We’re not on 6 Hole anymore. We are currently unsigned. We are still on really good terms with 6 Hole. 6 Hole, as a company, is really comprised of one dude, who is a really good friend of all of ours. But right now, we are really looking to see where we want to place our second album. The response was good on the first album, and we got a lot of national exposure, so we want to make sure that the second album is right.

EU: You hip-hop people kill me. Your myspace profile is still under myspace.com/asamov, your name on the flyer reads the ABs, but your website and profile title are under Alias Brothers. Care to explain? elevated hip hop experience Niam: The reason that the MySpace address is still Asamov is because once you create your address, you Elevation and the Elevated Hip Hop Experience is a hip-hop group that plays all of their own instruments. can’t change it. The ABs, stands for Alias Brothers. So, end of story. They are a perfect example of the difference between the mainstream rap you see dominating the video channels and this new hip-hop that is about music, lyrics, and style. EU caught up with J Maestro and EU: Therapy, you’re pulling a double duty with the ABs and The Smile Rays. Is it hard coming up with the Steady Rock from Elevation and the Elevated Hip Hop Experience at Shanty Town during our “Have Your amount of material required to fuel two projects? Heard… Hip-Hop” photo shoot. J Maestro is a consummate musician who specializes in keyboards Therapy: That’s an interesting question. Yes and no. With the Smile Rays, I had to write two albums simul- but currently plays bass for the group, since that is where he is needed to complete the sound of the taneously. But I was able to do that while the ABs were on a recording hiatus. But, at the same time, I have Elevated Hip Hop Experience. Maestro is also the man who originally assembled the group. done only music as my job coming up on a decade. So, I do this. (All laughing) Tough Junkie: He pulled his mustache out and twisted it at the end. EU: Were you instrumental in getting the group together? Therapy: It can be tough sometimes, but The Smile Rays and The ABs are different, musically. I’m able to JM: Since I was in high school, that’s where the name Maestro came from, I’m a classically trained write from totally different angles. musician and putting together a band was an idea I had as I was coming up, but I didn’t have the money Tough Junkie: He opened up his hand and pixie dust flew out. All, “I do this.” or know the people to get it together. My cousin is the other half of Elevation.

EU: A far as work ethic is involved, how do the two groups differ? EU: The Elevated Hip Hop Experience is a full band that plays live, right? Therapy: (All laughing) I will keep it real, because I do that, too. (Laughing) They differ entirely. The basic JM: The Elevated Hip Hop Experience is the full band that will back up anybody, you know what I’m reason is, the good answer is because with The Smile Rays, [Batsauce] is also a stay-at-home musician. He saying? So if it was me and the band, it would be Maestro and the Elevated Hip Hop Experience. has a studio we work out of daily. With the ABs, the other guys are not full time musicians, they have jobs as Elevation is the two-man MC team that is Steady Rock and J Maestro. well. So they don’t have the luxury of just sitting in a studio, or free studio time. Also with the ABs, we don’t really have a studio. Work ethic is different. Smile Rays is more like a business, it’s a daily operation. We had EU: How would you describe the sound of the Elevated Hip Hop Experience? Is it more vocal, is it to make two albums in the course of a month and a half, so it’s more of a day-to-day thing. The ABs are like, more instrumental? best friends who make really great music when they happen to see each other. I am going to be putting out a JM: It’s definitely hip-hop because MCing is at the forefront of everything we do. We do have plans petition though, at the Summertime in the City, for people to sign if they actually want to hear a second ABs to eventually be a kind of band-for-hire. Where, if you were an MC with a CD or something, you could record, and then I’m going to present that to Joe, Basic and Niam and hope that I can get the enthusiasm come to the Elevated Hip Hop Experience and we could try to mold a show with you and perform with raised. (Laughing) you sometime. But right now, we are very vocal about being MCs. It’s me and Steady Rock standing right in front, and a lot of times Mr. Al Pete jumps right up there with us.

EU: Who do you consider your contemporaries, as far as other acts that are kind of doing a similar simple complexity thing? JM: This would be an excellent opportunity for me to give a shout out to Voice of the People. Simple Complexity is two local musicians: Mas Appeal and Tough Junkie. Collectively, these two people pro- duce not only great music, but a wildly entertaining live performance. I was first introduced to these guys by EU: They’re playing Summertime too, aren’t they? my former roomie, Rob Roy (another major player in the Jacksonville hip-hop scene who is sadly absent from JM: Yeah, they’ll be there. My man Marley, he started a new band in Gainesville called Voice of the this issue because he is currently out of town). After an Atlanta road trip, Tough Junkie unveiled some of his People. They have saxophone, bass, guitar, drums and two MCs as well. We met them through Mas solo works to Rob and I, and Tough Junkie couldn’t shut up on how I had to work on a project with him. Did I Appeal and Urban Synthesis Radio. Their band is awesome, they are very talented. And, although not a mention I was a procrastinator? contemporary by any means, but more of an influence, is The Roots. We don’t directly take from them, but Black Thought has inspired me as an MC. And their music, the way they bring hip-hop into live EU: Tough Junkie, the first several times I’ve seen you boys perform, you were always costumed in an instrumentation, is very good. I can’t help but be affected by that. extremely fashionable hat. But when I saw you at the Burrito Gallery the hat was gone. What happened? TJ: I don’t have it on today, but I still wear it at shows. EU: With Elevation and the Elevated Hip Hop Experience performing at Summertime in the City, EU: I didn’t see it last show. what can people expect from the set? TJ: Were we at the last show? JM: I would say your head bobbing and your hands in the air. We’re into crowd participation a lot. And EU: I think it was Mas Appeal’s birthday party. the name Elevation means a lot to us. We’re about uplifting. We are trying to elevate minds and we do TJ: Oh hell, it was raining outside. I’m not fixin’ to put my hat out in the rain. talk about things that are poignant to society in a lot of cases. We try to get you to move and be hype, but its always lyrical and it’s gonna be funky. EU: What is the most awkward bill you’ve ever been put on? Mas: Ocean Club. To listen to the complete interview, go to eujacksonville.com. 4

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 19 EU: Are you guys ever not working? Mas: Me more than Junkie, I think Junkie never stops working, he makes fifty beats a day.

EU: Big in Europe? TJ: Yeah, getting close. I have a fan base there now, which is good. Thanks to the Boondocks mix tape. I was the only unsigned artist, which felt good because I was right before Dangerdoom and right after Talib Kweli.

EU: What do you like about our scene and what would you like to see happen with it? Mas: From when I got here in 2002 to now, it has definitely grown. The hip-hop scene has grown thanks to groups like Asamov (now the ABs), Simple Complexity, the Smile Rays. When I first got to Jacksonville, I think that Hip Hop Hell had just started. I think that was a big help as well. Hip Hop Hell was a little breeding ground for groups to get started and to meet. It’s grown, I don’t think it’s anywhere near where it needs to be at still. The first person I met in the scene was Therapy. TJ: What was his first word to you? Mas: Cue Estey was playing and there were a bunch of rock bands. I walked up to him, because I had heard of Asamov, and I was like, is Asamov playing? And he was like, “Yo! I’m Therapy, son. That’s me.” (All laugh- ing)

tony allegretti summertime in the city festival organizer

“We want to raise awareness of the fact that there is no recycling downtown. That’s just a tragedy that we have to at least acknowledge. I don’t think most people in the city know that the most important neighbor- hood in our city doesn’t reduce, reuse and recycle.” Tony Allegretti is a name associated with many of the good things happening downtown over the course of the last seven or eight years. When he was with Downtown Vision, he helped bring events such as Art- Walk, Take Me to the River, and Jazz in June to the people of downtown. As a part owner of Burrito Gallery, he has continued that mission and constantly improved the quality of life for people downtown. Although this is the second installation of Summertime in the City, this is the first year that Tony has taken part in the leader- ship of the event. It is Tony that brought the “green” aspect to the festival, giving it the “new urban” concept that includes sustainable living, financing home ownership in distressed neighborhoods, and a festival with a minimal carbon footprint. Although Summertime is a “green” festival, that doesn’t make it more about message than hip-hop. “We’re not trying to be overwhelming with message, but we did make it so it’s about quality of life and the quality of life for everybody, and being able to afford your place and have an earth that we aren’t always abusing. All with a cold beer and good jams.” EU caught up with Tony at Burrito Gallery and asked him a few questions about the festival and the part- ners he has rallied together.

EU: Let me ask you about Jazz in June. I know that, conceptually, there is a large part of Jazz in June that you have taken into Summertime in the City... TA: Well, just in terms of having a big outdoor jam. Jazz in June was jazz and we had jazz derivatives; really good soul and really good hip-hop...and it’s non-violent. It’s good, it’s roots, it’s blues. It’s our cultural DNA.

EU: How do you address an average Jacksonvillian who might live in the outskirts, and their misconcep- tion of hip-hop as being all gangster rap? TA: Marketing the hip-hop is outside of my expertise. Ian hooks all that up. I don’t know how to tell somebody except to tell them to go to a show downtown. I’m super lucky to have Ian around. He books half my stuff. I call him for the jazz, the hip-hop, almost anything with soul. Plus the break-dancers. I’ve worked with them probably 20 times and every time they kill it. They provide content that you just can’t get on cable or any- where else, and usually the backdrop is the river or drinking a cold beer. What more do you want? It’s a great thing. simple complexity EU: It seems to me that the whole concept of Summertime in the City is like an abstract painting, in TJ: I would say Endo Exo, after the Grind 2 Shine show. That was kinda awkward because those cats didn’t that people wouldn’t organically put together this idea of the new urbanism, a sustainable and diverse understand what they were doing onstage. So, when we got onstage, nobody was moving, nobody was do- community, with hip-hop, and yet when you put it all together in this festival it somehow seems to make ing anything. And then when we started actually getting into the show, all the chicks started dancing, all the sense. How does that tie together? dudes started to like it. TA: If you look at the greatest neighborhoods in the greatest cities in the world, the one thing they have is Mas: That was one of the awkward shows. The other one was the Atlantic Theater, because everyone was respect for diversity. They have a walkable and sustainable culture. They know everybody that they see every- sitting down. day. TJ: You’re on stage going like, “Yeah! Put your hands up!” Motherf**kers are sending text messages. (Laugh- EU: For instance? New York? ing) TA: Well, the neighborhoods in New York. Yes, Chelsea. Yes, if you go out to Williamsburg. Those are hyper- realized. Chicago is the same way and so is Memphis. Milwaukee is just like us except they’ve got ten million EU: What advice would you give an aspiring artist in this scene? lofts right in the middle of downtown that are affordable to a wide variety of people. That’s true here, but it’s TJ: Do you want to answer that? I have a lot to say about that. a little more disconnected, a little further out. But look at Riverside and Springfield. You can make a modest Mas: All I would say is that if you’re a new and upcoming artist in this scene, you’ve got to make sure that, income and live in Springfield right now. I’ve been working with Ian for 7 years, and this is a lot like other number one, you come correct. Because, I mean, I think the Jacksonville hip-hop scene, especially, has shows, but we are starting to put in messages and we are starting to get serious about taking care of it. stepped up. So you just can’t come with just this regular bullsh*t that people have been trying to pass out at Amoco gas stations lately. You’ve got to step your presentation up. No more CDs with sharpie writing on them EU: For a long time you have been, whether you wanted to or not, a figurehead for the urban core. You’ve anymore. You’ve got to come well-packaged. popularized the idea of living downtown, doing business downtown and really centralizing Jacksonville TJ: I guess for me, it’s learn the definitions of the words you’re trying to say. Wack people exist, and if you culture. What do you think Jacksonville needs that Summertime in the City can help get? don’t understand what wack is, then you won’t know that you’re wack. And there are a lot of wack-ass people TA: Well, we got to start looking at the recycling and the ramifications of how we can take care of this and on this planet. What we’re doing; it’s music. We put thought behind our songs. thrive so that people want to be down here. Then they come down here all the time and want to live down Mas: Yeah, it’s not a hustle. You gotta love music and make music because you love music. Not because you here. And more and more people are doing that every year. Once you live down here, you realize, “Holy sh*t, don’t want to go to jail for selling crack anymore, you can just sell CDs on a corner now. we have to work on some things.” But the people that live down here have such loyalty. They get into it. To listen to the complete interview, go to eujacksonville.com.

20 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ian ranne summertime in the city festival organizer

Ian Ranne has been instrumental in focusing Jacksonville’s hip-hop scene, and that is one fact that every artist EU talked to agrees on. Hip Hop Hell is an event he organized to bring together some of the most talented hip-hop musicians in the area. As Hip Hop Hell gained momentum and popularity, he began to attract national and regional acts to our humble city. Now he and Mas Appeal are bringing their initial concept to a larger scale. I caught up with Ian shortly before a DJ gig at Tastings to learn more about the origins of Sum- mertime in the City and his role in the Jacksonville hip-hop scene.

EU: Is this the second year of Summertime in the City? IR: Yeah, this is the second one we’ve done. The first one was inside of the Burrito Gallery. It was like one of the regular parties we throw in the Burrito Gallery each month. This year we were trying to step it up and do it bigger. Originally we wanted to bring it to Metropolitan Park. We intend to do it yearly, every summer, and that’s the goal, to get to Metropolitan Park.

EU: When did you decide to do one this year, and when did you start putting it together? IR: It was Mas Appeal from Simple Complexity’s brainchild. He wanted to do it at Metropolitan Park this year in conjunction with his Urban Synthesis Radio. The only person I knew that could help me get those means is Tony [Allegretti]. When I mentioned it to him, he wanted to jump in as a full partner. It went from Metropolitan Park being unfeasible to let’s just do it in our backyard (laughing). We took it from there and it grew from there, but the three of us came up with it together.

EU: How important is an urban core? IR: It’s real important. It’s vital. People have to be able to walk from place to place. From their house to the club, you know? It’s just as important as having any neighborhood or community at all. I grew up in Jackson- ville and I saw the whole downtown crumbled as a kid, you know. I like to see it come back together. That’s just the way it should be.

EU: What made you want to bring Hip Hop Hell to downtown? You do all these events downtown, is it at all about downtown? IR: I guess, at first, it was all coincidence. That’s just where I was at, you know? I would go to the Voodoo downtown and see hip-hop every Sunday when Therapy and them were spinning. Then when I would get off work at London Bridge and I’d walk to Thee Imperial and hang out there and think “They should play some rap music.” I guess initially it was just where I was at. Over time, from working at London Bridge for so long, it was just natural. I don’t know why I started hanging out downtown so much, since I live in Riverside. I guess I just saw good opportunities there. The stuff in 5 Points was already established, but stuff downtown needed some help.

EU: It seems to me that it’s something unique about Jacksonville that the hip-hop scene and the art scene are so interrelated. I know you’re into street art and graffiti. What, in your experience, has con- nected the hip-hop scene and art scene? IR: I don’t know, man, when I was growing up it was always the same thing. When you walked out your door in Riverside there was hip-hop all around you. (Laughing) When you were walking down the street, every little summertime in the city schedule tag you saw was part of hip-hop and you had your headphones on and there’d be kids break dancing and it always went together as one to me. It was always a total package. 12 noon- sponsor presentations and recognition, The Snacks Blues Band

EU:Would that street experience be something that helped you appreciate visual art? 1pm- The Royal Treatment DJ crew and guests, open breakdance cyphers

IR: Definitely. Without a doubt. It all started from looking at tags. One of the best examples is Shaun Thurston. 3:00- 2 on 2 breakdance battle for $500, hosted by Kenski and DJ Basic of Main Ingreedyantz Crew We went to high school together and everything, and we were all into graffiti. You can still see that influence in [his art], he just took it to a different level. It’s all grown from hip-hop. My organizational skills, his painting 5:00- open Breakdance cyphers with performance set by FUSIK (live funk/soul band from Ft. skills, it all came from hip-hop. Lauderdale)

EU: What should a person who doesn’t know anything about this scene expect from Summertime in the 6:00-The Elevated Hip Hop Experience (live Hip-Hop band from Jacksonville)

City? 6:30- Voice of the People (live Hip-Hop band from Gainesville) IR: Aw man, I guess just good visual spray art, really good break dancing, all the best hip-hop in the city at least, maybe even in the region. We’re bringing it out from Savannah and Orlando and Atlanta. Hip-hop the 7:00- The N Word (Hip Hop Hell Records, Jacksonville) way it’s supposed to be, basically. It’s urban expression the way I remember it from when I was a teenager, in 7:20- Dope Sandwich Productions (10 member Hip-Hop crew from Savannah, Ga.) one big festival, you know what I’m saying? To listen to the complete interview, go to eujacksonville.com. 7:45- Dillon (Arc the Finger Records, Atlanta)

8:10- The Smile Rays (Jacksonville, Therapy plus Heavenly Noise)

8:35- X:144 and SPS (Nonsense Records, Orlando)

9:00- Simple Complexity (Jacksonville True School Hip-Hop)

looking for an 9:20- Hezikiah w/ DJ Static (Rawkus Records, / DC area)

entertaining career? 9:45- The AB’s (Jacksonville Hip-Hop hometown heroes) Guest DJs include: call DJ Basic (LGA, The ABs, Main Ingreedyantz) DJ Skeme (Urban Synthesis Radio, Kansas City) 904.730-3003 DJs Valis and Life (Dope Sandwich, Savannah) (pictured above) eu Kidd Yzer (Hip-Hop Hell) JACKSONVILLE tony allegretti, ian SPS (Orlando) and more ranne and mas appeal

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 21 the night. live music EU: Will you guys be spinning between all the sets? TRICLOPS: Yeah. We also got guest DJs in. We got shows calendar DJ Skeme from Kansas City and some DJs from Savannah, but as far as holding it down, you know THURSDAY, JULY 12 what I’m saying, we’ll be holding it down for the day. Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, EU: Who spins to the break dancing stuff? St. Augustine (829-8646) CHAKA: Good question. (All Laughing) Blistur Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) TRICLOPS: We’re just going to take turns. We don’t really plan it out, we just sort of go with the vibe of Formatta Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) the gig. Get Fresh TSI, Jax (635-3024) EU: So the lineup, is it going to be Snack Blues Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) and then y’all? Ron Perry Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) TRICLOPS: We’ll be the first ones to touch the tables for the day and just take it from there. There will Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) probably be mad DJs there. Mike Sweet & Friends Kingshead Pub, St. Augustine EU: How often do you guys get booked out, outside El Toro Loco Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) of the stuff you put together, like Hip Hop Hell? Sweet Little Ditty Spare Time, Jax Beach (246-8099) TRICLOPS: We met doing TSI every week together, so we’ve always got Thursday, regardless, and now Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) we’re starting to get good gigs. We’ve only been Matt Still Buckets, Jax Beach (246-7701) together as a crew for two months now, but we’ve been completely killing it for those two months. We Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) got wine bar gigs, art shows, block parties, every- Rod McDonald, Jamie Defrates, Larry Mangum royal treatment thing available, man. The work’s been really coming European Street, Jax (399-1740) in, you know? Some paid some not paid, but overall we’re having a real good time with it. Heartstrings Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine (824-2111) PRINCE: We come and we destroy it and people David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs there have a good time and then they know to look out for us next time. We did Hot Wet American Sum- Joe Wytiaz, Jan Crawford The Plaza, St. Augustine mer at TSI and that was probably the party of the year so far and I’m just glad we were part of that. Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) dj crew There were DJs inside and then the regular DJs. Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Brendan invited us to play and it was not just the hip-hop heads that usually come out to see us, but Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) the seams of Summertime in the City the hipsters, the skaters, and whoever else came, Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) saw that we can tear a party down. That’s it. CHAKA: Guaranteed to have something for ev- Dana Salmela House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) by jon bosworth [email protected] erybody. With all of our different styles of music, Shooter Jennings Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) someone’s going to go away feeling good. “We’re going to be there from noon until ten, will be holding the event together, keeping the event Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) so I’m going to try to bring as many records of dif- pumped full of music, even when the live acts are EU: Everything from cheese ball to dance hall? Paths of Possession Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) ferent kinds that I can and represent independent changing up on stage, making it a seamless experi- TRICLOPS: Everything, dude. Between the three of and underground and good music. Stuff that is on ence that will keep your ears from being bored for us, there’s everything. Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) the radio and that you already know and already even a second. EU caught up with these three at PRINCE: For as much as we love classics and Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) hear and are already sick of, I’m going to leave that Burrito Gallery to get a dose of the Royal Treatment. everything, you know classics, when we say clas- at home, but classic rap to funk to soul, we’re just sics we mean stuff that people already know and Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) gonna cover all of the basics,” said Prince Rainier of EU: So in the lineup of the Summertime in the City love, when we do it, it’s like no one has ever done it Sugar Bear Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-7877) the Royal Treatment. Festival, what is your role? before. I don’t hear this kind of stuff, and I’m ringing In no time flat (two months to be precise), the TRICLOPS: We’re pretty much the main DJs for the my own bell here, but I don’t hear the same kind of De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Royal Treatment DJ crew has taken over Jackson- whole festival. There will be other people coming in stuff coming from any other DJs or crews. When we ville’s DJ scene. Chaka Zulu, Triclops I, and Prince and out, but we’ll pretty much be holding it down for do a party, that’s it, it’s the Royal Treatment. Rainier provide a wide range of hip-hop, reggae, and THURSDAY-FRIDAY, JULY 12-13 classics when they start spinning their vinyl collec- Out of Hand Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) tions for a party. At Summertime in the City they

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 12-14

Tony O A1AAleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

Busted & Confused Paxon Liquors, Jax

FRIDAY, JULY 13

Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Cliff’s, Jax Beach (249-2777)

Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax

Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Another Losing Streak Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Dave Massey Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994)

22 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper EU: Since your featured vocalist is geographically Battle Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) unavailable, doesn’t that mean Nightfall is kaput? out of the rusty cage Are you planning to replace her? Sidewalk 65 Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Rusty: Not at all. We fly her down for important gigs. The Swillers Spare Time, Jax Beach (246-8099) I thought about replacing her, but she is so special that I feel like the band can’t go on without her. In the Tribe Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach Rusty Springfield interview meantime, I work with guitarist Ron Norris in a duo, (249-9595) which is booked at the Kingfish Grill on Wednesdays. Ron has a big hit and is a member of the Rock’n’roll Diario Vivir Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) by Rick grant [email protected] Hall of Fame. Complete Package Springfield Station, Jax These days, I’ve been writing new music on which I collaborate with Christi in St. Louis. I also Band Marino Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) formed a quartet called Funksway and a trio. Since Broken South Brewsters Pub, Jax (223-9850) Christi left, I call Nightfall without her Chaos Theory. So, as you can see, I’m flexible enough to keep Glass Camels w/Crawfish of Love Freebird Live, Jax working and the cash flowing. Between my teaching Beach (246-2473) and my other projects I stay busy in the St. Augus- BayStreet, The Ride Landing, Jax (353-1188) tine region. Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine Rusty seems to have found a niche in the busi- (824-9317) ness where he can make a decent living and stay Phil Powell Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) in St. Augustine. It’s always difficult for musicians to find that island of hope where they can put down Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) roots. Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268)

David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs

Cloud 9 Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311)

Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) WHO: Rusty Springfield and Ron Norris WHERE: Kingfish Grill in St. Augustine Normal Town West Inn, Jax (389-1131) WHEN: Every wednesday night through Esther Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) August Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) There are legions of bass players gigging featuring vocalist Christi John Bye with guitarist Tony Blue Sage Shoes Pizza Garden, St. Augustine (471-9455) throughout the region. I’ve witnessed hundreds play. Scozzaro. (nightfallmusic.net) Most are competent or above average. However, To find out more about Rusty I called him at his home in St. Augustine. nationwide, there are few bassists of Rusty Spring- eu FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JULY 13-14 field’s caliber. A Berklee College of Music alumnus, JACKSONVILLE Rusty has been playing bass for thirty years. EU: Tell us about the milestones in your career Cheshire Cats Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine Rusty’s musical experiences are eclectic and over the years and what you are focused on today. (829-9336) international. He is skilled in funk, R&B, jazz, rock, I know most of this information is on your website and symphonic work. In the past, Rusty was fea- bassentials.com, but I wanted to get a personal- looking for an Driven Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) tured at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. ized account from you. The Ray Callendar Quintet Ocean 60, Jax Beach He has performed with a variety of artists, including Rusty: Well, I’ve played with some big names in entertaining career? (247-0060) vocalist Lou Rawls, The Cliftons, Danny and the jazz and done some symphonic work. Today, I teach Juniors, The Four Lads, as well as jazz greats Ed- bass, which keeps me busy, and I have some com- 3D Band The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451) die Harris, Bill Evans, Mose Allison, Ira Sullivan and mercial projects going. My main band is Nightfall, Absylom Rising Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Tower of Power’s David Garibaldi. which features vocalist Christi John Bye, who is phe- call Presently, Rusty resides in St. Augustine where nomenal. Her husband worked for the Jaguars but he 904.730-3003 Wild Card Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) he teaches and fields various band projects to keep was offered a position with the St. Louis Rams. So, Ron Rodriguez The Grape, Jax (642-7111) working. His main musical initiative is Nightfall, she and her husband moved to St. Louis. Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)

AWOL, Livid Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777)

Drivin’ South Chicago Pizza, Jax

The Company Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-7877)

Bush Doctors Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine (824-2111)

Lisa & the Madhatters Players Grill, Orange Park (264-4633)

SATURDAY, JULY 14

Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551)

Falling Bones Pizza Garden, St. Augustine (471- 9455)

Sophomore Attempt Cd Release Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807)

Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855)

Bobaflex Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Sugar Bear, Lisa & the Madhatters Landing, Jax (353-1188)

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 23 Amy Steinberg Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) taught her to be polite, to make a good first impression, put on airs, Ryan Emling Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) put on appearances… Yankee Slickers Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) EU: How long did you date her? Greg Baril Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) JL: Almost a year. That was about 3 ½ years ago. Took a long time Dillinger River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299) to be able to get to the point to Name Bran Seawalk Pavilion, Jax Beach write about it…I left her and she flipped on me, put me in the McKenna Jerry’s, Jax (220-6766) hospital. Madison Fadeout Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) EU: In the hospital? What hap- De Lions of Jah Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach pened? (249-9595) JL: …There’s a certain ambigu- Von Barlow Jazz Springfield Station, Jax ity when it comes to making the songs. You don’t want to give Theo & the Skyscrapers Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) away too much. The people who Miliard Fillmore Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) it is about, they hear it…so you have to leave it open-ended. Be As You Were Fuel, Jax (425-3835) just ambiguous enough to where Chain of Fools Box Seats, Orange Park other people can relate to it; plug in their own experiences. Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828)

Baker Act Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) EU: Spoken word poetry isn’t re- ally the standard act at Warped Matt Still Sneakers, Jax Tour…how’s it been so far? Riff Raff Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) JL: We’ve only had one show and that’s it. You’re right, it’s not typical at all…it’s very different. Every- Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine body on this bus is some kind of comedian or writer (824-9317) riding the creative or DJ or rapper. It’s all good stuff that’s definitely left Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) of center, for the Warped Tour anyway.

Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) EU: You did Lollapalooza in ’97 and ten years later you’re doing Warped Tour. How different is the Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) wave stuff you’re doing now from what you did back Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, then? Jax (287-9900) JL: Well there’s a lot different about it actually. The Cottonmouth Texas interview stuff in ’97 was all first person, it was all true stories filtered through Cottonmouth Texas personally, and SUNDAY, JULY 15 by Erin thursby [email protected] the stuff I’m writing now is not real poetry, it’s just reactionary dialogue. Especially political stuff that’s Summertime in the City-Simple Complexity, The AB’s, WHAT: Cottonmouth Texas on Warped Tour alone. It’s a weird, cool mind trip that’s gone from happened in the past 5 years…it’s less about me Dope Sandwich, The Smile Rays, Hezekiah & many WHEN: July 19th, from 11 am – 11 pm personal stories of parties and people gone wrong to personally. I’m painting with a much broader stroke. more Burrito Gallery, Jax (598-2922) WHERE: Reynolds Park Yacht Center political statements. We got the chance to interview Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) Jeffrey Liles, the writer and voice behind Cotton- EU: I read on your blog that you’re in the middle Cottonmouth Texas might be one of the more mouth Texas. of one of your spurts of creativity. What compels Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) unusual acts traveling on Warped Tour. While some- those? What gets the ball rolling? 3 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) times the members of starving pop-punk bands EU: What can you tell us about ‘Charming Psy- JL: I don’t know. I’m at the mercy of it coming and seem to outnumber the crowd, Cottonmouth Texas’ chotic,’ the first spoken word song that pops up on going. This creative bender has gone on for almost a JW Gilmore Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine spoken word poetry, backed by music, stands eerily your MySpace page? Is it just a general statement year, that’s the longest time it’s ever happened. It’s Feel The Love Landing, Jax (353-1188) about how screwed up people can be? usually only there for a month or so, every couple of JL: That particular song was just about one person, years—then it’s gone. Jazz Series-Michael Lington, Joyce Cooling Seawalk not a bunch of different people. Pavilion, Jax Beach EU: Kind of like a surfer. Unless you have the Mike Fox Spare Time, Jax Beach (246-8099) EU: About a girl… wave, you can’t ride it. JL: Both her parents were doctors, you know, and JL: Exactly. That’s an apt metaphor. Soulo Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine (824-2111) her family had really high expectations of her and she didn’t really live up to her family’s expectations, You can catch Cottonmouth Texas on Warped Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach so she took it out on other people…Her family had Tour on July 19th. (249-9595)

Elderly Bros. The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451)

Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax

David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Crash the Satellites Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Normal Town Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-7877)

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

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

Jay Garrett Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

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

3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966)

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

John Winters Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

24 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper lucky enough to have the sense that this band could MONDAY, JULY 16 probably go anywhere it wanted to and not be stuck in a genre. So in our first album…we did ourselves Sol Island Music Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) a favor by making it a little diverse. Some of it’s real basic, some of it’s rock and in-your-face, some of it’s Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) trippy and some of it is more experimental. We just Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) gotta feel that we’re gonna be heading slowly-but- surely in ALL those directions simultaneously…with a Mickey Avalon Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) little more focused effort. We’re still finding our sound. Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) We’re a young band, we’ve only been together like two years or so. It’s awesome, it feels great. Stab Corp. Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Better Half The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451) EU: Lyrically, your newest album, is stronger than Juturna. What was the inspiration for Almost Sober Spare Time, Jax Beach (246-8099) the some of the lyrics this time around? The Cellar Dwellers Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) CF: I totally agree with you. Anthony…in the same way we’re all getting better as musicians, he’s really Billy Bowers Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune honing his craft as a writer. I think over the last year, Beach (241-8221) while we were writing this album, there’s a lot of stuff Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) going on…a few of us just went off on…tangents, looking into all kinds of strange research, strange Matt Still Ginger’s, Jax Beach metaphysical concepts. I think there’s a lot of spiritual Out of Hand My Place, Jax (737-5299) undertone to the album, or at least like a questioning that’s going on. It’s much less bitter and angry… Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) lyrically, and I think it’s directed more inward… making it to the main Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) EU: How has Warped Tour been so far? CF: Actually, it’s been f**king amazing. I was TUESDAY, JULY 17 not…dreading it or anything, but I was kinda nervous. ‘Cause we did it- I guess two years ago- and it was Billy & Vinnie Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune stage nightmarish...We were on a small stage, we were in Beach (241-8221) a van. It was really terrible. But we decided that the Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) timing was just a little too ridiculously perfect for us to interview with Circa Survive pass it up [this time], with the new record coming out. Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax If there was a right time to do this, it was definitely (355-5099) now. So we agreed to do it, being on the main stage by Erin thursby [email protected] and being on a bus. We’re two days in right now, and Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) WHAT: Circa Survive at Warped Tour Esao Andrews…How did you guys hook up with it’s f**king amazing. MC Chris Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) th WHEN: July 19 , Warped Tour (11 am – 11 pm) him? Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) WHERE: Reynolds Park Yacht Center CF: It’s kind of an interesting story. Like a lot of things that happen with us, there’s just a lot of strange The Outcasts The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451) From the fragments of the band This Day coincidences that link us together. Brendan and PM Today Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Forward, Circa Survive emerged as an experimental I…were in another band together and…just a couple rock band that quickly established itself by touring of years back he could remember a friend showing Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) with major bands like My Chemical Romance. The him [the artist’s]…work but he could never remember Blues Night Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) lead singer, , came from a band called the his name. When we started looking for artists, . Although that band was on the edge of major he was like ‘I gotta find out who that one guy is, I Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) success, he left both because of homesickness and think he’d be perfect for us.’ He was randomly on the Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach because he was looking to head a different musical Internet one day and someone IMed him, ‘Hey you direction. should check this guy’s artwork out.’ and it wound Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Just a couple of years ago, when the band was up being the person that he had been talking about [to Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax brand new, they joined the Warped Tour, traveling in a us]. So we were all just, like, freaked out…[Andrews] van and playing one of many side stages. This year, had never worked with a band before so he was like Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) things are different. They’ve made it to the main stage. ‘Sure I guess, lemme hear your stuff.’ And he was We got the chance to speak with Colin Frangicetto, into it, thought he could complement it… It wound up Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach former drummer in , who’s now the working out just awesome. (246-4293) current guitarist in Circa Survive. El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) EU: How have you guys changed since the band EU: I really love the cover art for your last two formed? albums, Juturna and On Letting Go. The artist is CF: I think it’s evolved naturally. I think we were TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, JULY 17-18

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

WEDNESDAY, JULY 18

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

Richard Buckner Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Chicago Blues Boys Wicked Davey’s, Fernandina

Effed Fuel, Jax (425-3835)

Tokyo Rose Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488)

Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299)

Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004)

Elisabeth Williamson Creekside Dinery, St.

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 25 Augustine (829-6113) and a chance to write some new material.

Formatta Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) EU: So, you’ve been out of commission for a while, Shawn Lightfoot The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) but I hear you’re healed and ready for the road again. Tell us about your illness and your plans for Murphy Murphy-Music by the Sea The Pier, St. the immediate future. Augustine Rev. Billy: Yes, my illness forced me to take some time off. The lung infection was serious and life Ian Kelly Music Castillo de Mexico, Jax Beach threatening, but for the first time in my career, I had Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) to get off the road and take it easy. I’m feeling much better now, and I’m ready to start touring again on Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) a limited basis. I like playing the smaller listening FunKtion Brix, Jax Beach rooms in a more intimate setting. I still have my ra- dio show and I write a travel column for the Charlotte The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) Observer. Yeah, I know it seems strange, but in the El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) course of my job as a gypsy musician, I’ve traveled extensively and taken notes on the various places, Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune so I feel like I’m an expert on telling the public about Beach (241-8221) the real soul of various towns and cities I’ve experi- Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) enced, not the typical tourist-oriented stuff.

Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) EU: I always considered what you do unique and I live at european street wouldn’t compare you with anyone else. I think it’s fair to say you are part stand-up comic and part upcoming shows writer of satirical songs. But you seem to thrive on Rev. Billy Wirtz interview continuing to write original material on an ongoing Vans Warped Tour w/Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Yellowcard, basis. Is that a fair assumption on my part? Bad Religion, Norma Jean, Boys Like Girls, Circa Survive, Rev. Billy: Yes, I’m always working on something Amber Pacific and more July 19, Reynold’s Park Yacht Center by Rick grant [email protected] new, which comes to me mostly on the road. On in Greencove Springs, 353-3309, warpedtour.com WHO: Rev. Billy Wirst First House of Polyester Worship, where he heals the this tour, I’m breaking into new rooms, which is Reverend Billy Wirtz July 19, European Street Café, 399- WHERE: European Street (San Marco) faithful of their snobbery and uptight conservatism. stimulating for me to introduce my material to virgin TH 1740 WHEN: Thursday, July 19 8:30 PM Rev. Billy’s eclectic style of piano playing and ears. I’m playing more listening rooms rather than funny songs heal the sick and scare the bejesus out so-called blues rooms. It’s a much more intimate Lee Roy Parnell July 20, Freebird Live, 246-2473 The Reverend Billy Wirtz defies comparison as of the sniveling politicians who get their underwear setting and gets me closer to the audience. I thrive My Little Pony Live “The World’s Biggest Tea Party”, July an original artist. He is a stand-up comedian, clever in a bunch over the slightest detour from the middle on audience interaction, which gives me a chance songwriter, and keen observer of the human condi- of the road. Yeah, Rev. Billy makes George Bush run to improvise based on the vibes of the room. I also 20-22, Times Union Center, 353-3309 tion. Above all, he’s funny and very entertaining as a for cover and other clueless politicians shudder with like going out solo, which gives me more leeway Tim McGraw and Faith Hill July 22, Jacksonville Arena, solo act. His red-haired holiness preaches the salva- fear. He pierces their heart with the Word according to improvise both musically and comedically. And, 630-3900 tion of the redneck culture. Rev. Billy established The to the Rev. Billy, a skewed reality where the good old I can play at my own pace. I really feel what I do boys win and tractor pulls rule. is uniquely original and I hate being compared to Candlebox July 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Hearing that Rev. Billy had been seriously ill anyone else. On this tour, I will be introducing new The Fab Four July 31, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 with a life threatening lung infection, I was con- material and digging into my vast repertoire to offer cerned that the good Reverend would be out of ac- a variety of my past material. But it all depends on Bonerama August 3, Mojo’s Blues Bar, 247-6636 tion for far too long. Rev. Billy had to take some time the audience and the specific situation. Left Alone August 7, Thee Imperial475-0488 off the road to get better, but he is now healed and The Rev. Billy Wirtz will be performing at ready to start touring on a limited basis. He is now the European Street listening room on San Marco Brad Paisley August 10, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 concentrating on playing the listening room circuit Boulevard on Thursday, July 19th. Call for reserva- Evergreen Terrace August 11, Fuel Coffeehouse. 425-3835 as opposed to the blues clubs, which he feels have tions at (904) 399-1740, or email andy@hacking- gotten away from blues and into more mainstream cat.com. Florida Space Coast residents can hear Aly & AJ August 12, Times Union Center, 633-6110 acts. I think in retrospect, Rev. Billy’s time off the Rev. Billy’s radio show on WFIT 89.5 FM on Friday Billy Bob Thornton & The Boxmasters August 14, Freebird road was a catharsis of spirit– a much-needed rest nights from 10 pm to midnight. Live, 246-2473

Static X August 29, Freebird Live, 246-2473

Stone Sour August 31, Plush, 743-1845

The Rentals & Copeland Sept.2, Freebird Live, 246-2473

Dave Matthews Band Sep 11, O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL, (352) 392-1653

Sinbad October 12, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

Clint Black October 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

JUST ANNOUNCED

Poison w/ and

Sept 2, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900

Tickets on sale Sat. 7/13 at 5 pm, 353-3309

26 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper the n word album review

Artist: The N Word Title: The N Word Release Date: 06.07 Label: Hip Hop Hell Records

Some things are better in pairs: peanut butter and jelly, yin and yang, Sonny and Cher. Nomad and Notsucal are no exception. Fully recorded and produced with no outside guid- ance and released in early June, this self-titled debut album for both The N Word and Hip Hop Hell Records is a true fusion of old school blues, soul and even disco, translated with witty lyricism that takes you inside the minds of two truly talented and promising individuals. There’s the upbeat ‘My People’ chanting, “This is for my people, holding it down, keep the party jumping ‘cause I’m feeling alright.” I personally love the lyrics in the cleverly-titled track, ‘Gimmicks,’ where Nomad rants about the commercially-driven hip-hop that infects our airwaves with,”Every time I tune into the radio and videos, same commercial product, but they’re switching up scenarios.” Every song is packed with something special that really sets this group apart from the others. I love the backing tracks. You can tell Notsucal does some serious crate digging. Another favorite has to be ‘D.A.R.Y.L.,’ which is also Nomad’s alter-robot-ego “Data Analyz- ing Rockin’ Youth Lifeform.” The driving beat and bass line in ‘Breakfast Club’ gives your ass a little something to do, too. Check out their snazzy video, a couple of live clips, and some tracks from their CD on myspace.com/thenwordmusic. - by christina wagner

the needles the space album review

Artist: Straylight Run Title: The Needles The Space Release Date: 06.19.07 Label: Universal Republic

In what seems like an odd fit for the Vans Warped Tour lineup, Straylight Run will be holding down the indie-rock scene in the usually punk//hardcore Warped Tour environment. With the male and female team of and Michelle DeRosa at the helm, this sometimes folksy and sometimes haunting four-piece plays a hard-to-pin breed of rock music. From the -turvy, gypsy boat feel of ‘The Miracle that Never Came’ to the melancholy Southern Gothic feeling of ‘How Do I Fix My Head,’ this band knows how to be taken seriously. Yet songs such as ‘Soon We’ll Be Living in the Future,’ and ‘Take It to Manhattan,’ show that the band can play the songs that the radio is willing to play, too. They give nods to Wilco, and they certainly experiment in a careful way with Nolan’s keyboards and by twisting seemingly incongruent genres together. But otherwise, this is a fairly straightforward studio album. The artistry stands out as unique, not so much in song structure, but in the eclectic differences in the various tracks. DeRosa’s voice is seductive and somewhat sad, while Nolan’s is driving and intentional. If you find yourself at Warped Tour and bored with the homogenized sound of the majority of the bands on that bill, or if you are a Murder by Death fan, make an effort to check out Straylight Run. They will certainly reset your ears and you might just find your new favorite.

- by jon bosworth

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 27 culture & arts letting little girls be JULY 12 Arthritis Foundation’s Lunch & Lecture River City Brewing Company, Jax 12 Cooking Demo I: Whats New What’s Hot in Kitchens! Laura Street Gallery, Jax little girls 12 Café Night Cummer Museum, Jax 12-13 Camp Cummer Cummer Museum, Jax interview with My Little Pony Live performer Timothy Caouette 12-14 The Rocky Horror Show Live! Five Points Theatre, Jax 12-14 Exhibit: Anna Tomczak- Odes & Travels Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] 12-14 LibraryCon: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Festival Main Library, Jax When I was a kid, the closest I got to see- EU: Tell us about your character, Rainbow Dash. 12-22 “The Wizard of Oz” Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax ing my favorite toys come to life was on TV during TC: Well, her favorite thing, of course as her name Saturday morning cartoons. These days, nearly all would suggest, is rainbows. She’s a very girlie-girl, dolls where a little girl is playing a mom or Barbie 12-22 “Nine” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach of my children’s favorite toys have stage shows or and she loves to have fun. She loves to play dress dolls where it’s kind of encouraging little girls to act 12-27 Summer Adventure Camps MOSH, Jax live-action movies about them, and My Little Pony is up with the other ponies. She’s a lot of fun. like teenagers or young adults. My Little Ponies do 12-29 Contract: Death Murder Mystery Players Dave & Busters, Jax no exception. A toy that I grew up loving, My Little everything that little girls love to do: they like to play Pony is now a favorite of my five-year-old daugh- EU: What’s you’re favorite part of the show? dress up, they like to have tea parties, and they like 12-AUG. 10 Summer Teen Workshop Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park ter. The very first My Little Pony stage show, “The TC: Rainbow Dash actually has a big dance number to bake cookies and cakes. The whole My Little Pony World’s Biggest Tea Party,” is coming to Jacksonville in the second act of the show. It’s called “Disco franchise just really embraces little girls being able to 12-AUG. 12 “Rather Strange Developments” Picasso, on July 19th, and EU got an opportunity to speak with Dash,” and that would have to be my favorite part be little girls and have fun and do the things that they Kandinsky & Mondrian Cummer Museum, Jax one of the performers, Timothy Caouette, who plays of the show. There’s a lot of stuff going on; all the really love to do. 12-AUG. 17 “Go, Dog, Go!” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach Rainbow Dash. ponies are on stage dancing around in pretty boas 12-AUG. 26 Impermanence: Recent Works By Andres and the audience loves it. It gets one of the biggest EU: I played with My Little Ponies as a kid. If I Michelena MOCA, Jax EU: What’s your theater background? audience reactions in the show. brought my daughter, is this a show I’ll enjoy too? 12-SEPT. 3 The Cabaret of St. Augustine-Spirits Community Timothy Caouette: Last spring I graduated from TC: Absolutely. We actually hear about that all the School of Performing Arts, St. College with a degree in Musical Theater. EU: Tell me about these costumes. Looking at pic- time. It’s ironic because the My Little Pony franchise 12-SEPT.2 Tradition in Transition: Russian Icons in the Age of I’ve basically been a performer ever since I was tures, I can’t imagine you can see, let alone move originally came out in 1983, which was the year Romanovs Cummer Museum, Jax little. I would just put on shows for my family back around and hit your marks and dance. I was born, so there were My Little Ponies in my at home, and when I was in middle school I joined TC: You would actually be surprised at how expres- house when I was growing up. My sister loved to 12-SEPT. 4 Hurricanes III-Dora The Destroyer Exhibit Beaches Museum, Jax Beach the drama club, and…the choir and…the band. As sive the costumes are. Basically…the front legs of play with them. So we hear a lot of mothers who I got into high school- that’s when really I got into the pony are the performers front legs, we put them come to the show and say, “I grew up with My Little 12-OCT. 14 Dinosaurs & Ice Age Mammals MOSH, Jax musical theater. I did all the shows in high school. I on like they’re pants. The backside of the pony is Pony. I watched the TV show, I played with the toys 13 Summer Cinema “When Fried Eggs Fly” With Bruce Mack really fell in love with theater at that point, and that’s onto like a harness and the back legs are connected and now it’s something that I get to enjoy with my MOCA, Jax when I decided that’s what I wanted to go to school to our front legs, so basically, if I step forward with own children.” We really enjoy hearing things like 13-28 “Bat Boy: The Musical” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach for. So, when I graduated in the spring [from Long my legs, then the pony’s rear legs will move as well. that, and we hear them all the time. You see the 14 Tonca’s Birthday Celebration MOSH, Jax Island College] that’s when I auditioned with the VEE The head sits on top and basically takes up our en- parents out in the audience with their kids enjoying it Corporation. They ended up offering me the job. tire upper torso and our arms and one of our hands just as much as they are. 14 Air Guitar & Lip Synching Contest Regency Library, Jax will work the mouth of the pony and the other will 14 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Sanctuary, Jax EU: How long have you been on tour? blink the eyes. EU: What’s the best part of your job? 14 Modernism in Nature: Mixed Media on Paper Workshop TC: We first got together to begin rehearsals for the TC: The best part of my job, without a doubt, is see- Cummer Museum, Jax show at the end of September 2006, and the show EU: So how heavy is the costume? ing the reaction from the kids. When you’re in the 14 Dance Dance Revolution Main Library, Jax opened in mid-October. We’ve been on tour ever TC: They’re really not very heavy at all. If you actu- concert performing on stage, there are a lot of times since. ally watch the show, you can see the ponies dance where the kids come right up close to the stage 15 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach around and jump around. They’re very mobile, and they’re screaming out the name of their favorite 15 Music For A Sunday Morning-Shawn Lightfoot Unitarian EU: What’s a typical day on tour like for you? they’re very agile, and they’re very expressive. pony, they’re laughing, they’re dancing around, Universalist Church, Jax TC: Well, basically we will travel to a new city on they’re singing and they’re just having a great time. 15 Chamber Music Society – Craig Hall Church of the Good Monday, and then our first show is usually on a EU: What message will the children take away To be able to bring that kind of excitement to kids is Shepherd, Jax Thursday night. We’ll get to the theater and we’ll do from the show? an extremely rewarding thing for me. 16 Auditions: “Criminal Hearts” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine our notes session, and we’ll usually do a blocking TC: There’s a very strong message of friendship 16-20 CSI Summer Camp FCCJ Advanced Technology Center, Jax rehearsal. Then we have performances all weekend and working together. Hasbro, one of the partners My Little Pony Live! The World’s Biggest Tea long, Thursday through Sunday. putting on the show, are a very firm believer in little Party will be at the Florida Time-Union Center- Moran 16-21 AT&T Greater Jax Kingfish Tournament Sisters Creek, Jax girls being able to be little girls, and that’s basically Theater Thursday, July 19 through Sunday, July 22. 17 Playstation Game Day Pablo Creek Library, Jax EU: What is “The World’s Biggest Tea Party” what the My Little Pony franchise is all about. A lot Tickets range in price from $14 to $30. For more 17 Jax History on the ½ Hour Laura Street Gallery, Jax about? of toys for little girls today kind of encourage little information, visit mylittleponylive.net or call (904) TC: It takes you through a day in the life of every- girls to grow up too fast, you know, whether its baby 353-3309. 17 Theatre of the Mind: Storytelling Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine body’s favorite My Little Pony characters. It takes 18 Summer Cinema “Akeelah & the Bee” MOCA, Jax you through all of the ponies waking up in the morn- 18-19 Especially For Seniors Talks & Tea Cummer Museum, Jax ing and trying to decide what they want to do that day and, of course, all the ponies have their own 19 Teen Program-Readers Theatre Main Library, Jax favorite thing they like to do. So, Pinkie Pie, who is 19 “It’s Your River” Meet the Riverkeeper Laura Street Gallery, Jax basically the star of the show, she decides, with the 19 Ooze, Bubble & Fizz! Library, Neptune Beach help of the audience, that they’re going put on a big 20-21 “Oklahoma!” YBAG Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach tea party, and they’re going to bring everybody’s favorite activities together all in one day. As the show 21 Day of Total Luna-See MOSH, Jax goes along, you get to see all the ponies helping to 21 Books Alive Main Library, Jax bring their favorite thing to the tea party. Eventually, 22 Music For A Sunday Morning-Shawn Hanlon Unitarian toward the end of the show, there’s a big problem Universalist Church, Jax that, with the audience’s help, they’re able to still put 23 Classic Movie Night Library, Neptune Beach on the tea party.

23-AUG. 3 Summer Music Camp First Coast Community EU: So, it sounds like there’s a lot of audience Music School/FCCJ Jax participation. 24 How To Get Your Book Published, Promoted & Sold! Author TC: Oh, absolutely. The kids are very involved from Joanelle Mulrain Laura Street Gallery, Jax start to finish.

28 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper 25 Summer Cinema “Cinema Paradiso” MOCA, Jax 25 Tuller & Weinberg Summer Serenade Main Library, Jax The play gets more and more convoluted. The fccj student directed plays ship Captain (Alex Palmer) enjoys wearing a sex 25-SEPT. 2 Smokey Joe’s Café Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax toy for a hat when pursuing women. He has a sex- 26 “Cooking Demo II: Fall Into Fall With A New Kitchen” Laura starved daughter named Lidia (Kasi Walters) who Street Gallery, Jax summer shorts one-act plays has strange habits concerning her body. 26-29 “Inherit The Wind” A Classic Theatre Limelight Theatre, That is as deep as I am going to get into this St. Augustine by dick kerekes [email protected] plot, or I may sink as rapidly as the Titanic did. 26-AUG. 19 “Snapshots” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach There are some zany sailors and passengers who 28 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax Hurrah, the drought is over! At least in my children Skeeter (Cory Change) and Doublement complete the cast and include David Farrington, opinion. The FCCJ one-acts that opened last (Chelsa Donovan), live an odd life. They constantly Ashley Chlebus, Hancock, Solomon Levine 28 All Age Variety Show Regency Library, Jax weekend at Wilson Center fall into the category of check the level of their house, measure the crack in and Zdravko Rozic. Titanic is a very funny play and 28 Art Adventures “Silver & Gold” Cummer Museum, Jax Theatre of the Absurd. You can see for yourself by the basement wall, and look at various meters indi- could be best classified as an unconventional sex 29 Music For A Sunday Morning-Terrance Peters Unitarian attending either of the two final performances at 8 cating levels of carbon monoxide, decibels of sound farce. Universalist Church, Jax pm on July l3th and l4th. and temperature. They do many other strange things Durang has always been a prolific writer of 29 Family Day Cummer Museum, Jax Since First Coast Theatre closed up shop, that I will let you discover for yourselves, but be plays featuring bizarre creatures with sexual permu- theatre-goers have not had the opportunity to expe- forewarned, the language is earthy and the action is tations as a central theme. This play debuted l974 30 “For the Love of Paiting” Laura Street Gallery, Jax rience mind-boggling madness on local stages. The wrought with sexual situations. This play closes with and has two gay marriages in it, which was some- two one-act plays, The Root of Chaos by Douglas a bang, courtesy of the only other character, a local what of a phenomenon at that time. AUGUST Soderburg (directed by Dee Riche) and Titanic by police officer played by Zdravko Rozic. The set and Mr. Mechoso did an excellent job of casting Christopher Durang (directed by David Mechoso), various props were very interesting, while lighting and and directing and was fortunate to have actors with 1 Summer Cinema “Y’Tu Mama Tambien” MOCA, Jax besides twisting realities in every direction, share sound added to the drama and humor. The cast did a good physical skills (lots of running around in un- 1-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art Cummer Museum, Jax another thing in common: both are based on histori- fine job of portraying these off-the-wall characters. derwear) and incredible timing. The costumes were 2-19 “Peter Pan” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach cal events. After a brief intermission, the deck of the ship great and looked just like l912. Kudos to the light- 3 First Friday Art Walk Various Venues, St. Augustine The Root of Chaos concerns the plight of Titanic appears. This, of course, is the famous ocean- ing and sound engineers for creating an extremely a family living in Centralia, Pennsylvania, dur- liner that, on its maiden voyage from England in l9l2, versatile set. You will leave the theatre humming 3-25 Torch Song Trilogy First Coast Theatre Arts, Jax ing the Centralia mine fires. In l962, a fire was hit an iceberg and sank. This tragedy remains a popu- ‘Nearer My God to Thee,’ I guarantee. 4 First Coast Pride Festival Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach set in Centralia’s garbage dump. It found its way lar subject for both books and films. Thanks to the theatre department of FCCJ, 8 Summer Cinema “An Inconvenient Truth” MOCA, Jax through a hole into the huge labyrinth of abandoned As this definitely X-rated play opens, rich Operations Manager Beth Harvey, Theatre Coordi- coalmines that lay beneath the city. The city, the businessman Richard (Kevin Gilbert), his attractive nator Ken McCulough, Technical Theatre Director 9 Café Night Cummer Museum, Jax state and the federal government were unable to wife Victoria ( Cumpton) and young son, Teddy Johnny Pettegrew, and Scene Shop Supervisor 12 Library Night-Suns Baseball Baseball Grounds, Jax control the fire and it spread under the town, send- (Justin Reynolds) are in the ship’s dining room com- Robert Rupp for encouraging and facilitating the 14 FCCJ Artist Series “Thomas & Friends Live Performing ing dangerous gases into one house after another. plaining about not being at the Captain’s table. This development of new talent in all aspects of live Arts Center, Jax In l983, Congress approved 42 million dollars to leads quickly to an argument in which Victoria tells her theatre. The one-acts have become an annual event 15 Summer Cinema “The Notorious Bettie Page” MOCA, Jax relocate anyone who wanted to leave. 90% moved husband that Teddy’s real father is a derelict she met I would not dare miss. Don’t you miss all this crazi- out and the fire continues to burn to this day. on the beach. Richard tells Victoria she is not really ness and fun! Get thee to Wilson Center on the l3th 17-SEPT. 15 Exhibit: Jim Draper – “Produce” Stellers Gallery, Neptune Beach Set in a home above the fire, Joe (Kevin the mother of their daughter and her sister Harriet is. or l4th. The Wilson Center is located at the FCCJ Gilbert), his wife Wilma (Mary Cumpton), and their He says, “Harriet and I did it with mirrors.” South Campus, 11901 Beach Boulevard. 18 Dog Days of Summer MOSH, Jax 19 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach Peter Pan should be a special treat, especially 19 Craig Hall – Purcell & Bach Church of the Good Shepherd, Jax since the amazing actor, Mark Chambers, will be 24 Toast to the Animals-Wine Tasting/Auction Florida Theatre, Jax playing Captain Hook. Chambers has many Jackson- 25 ZOObilee Zoo, Jax ville fans from his appearances at Gainesville’s Hip- rounding up fellini 29 Audtions: FCCJ Repertory Dance Company 6pm FCCJ podrome in Hedwig and the Angry Inch, The Rocky South Campus, Jax Horror Show, and most recently in the record-break- Seaside Music Theatre performs Nine ing hit The Great American Trailer Park Musical. I am sure you will be “hooked” on Chambers after you SEPTEMBER see Peter Pan. 5 First Wednesday Art Walk Various Venues/Downtown, Jax by dick kerekes [email protected] Want more information? Call (386) 252-6200 5-OCT. 7 Steel Magnolia’s Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax Daytona Beach’s Seaside Music Theatre singing voice is wonderful and so are the many other or visit seasidemusictheater.org. 6-23 “Criminal Hearts” Limelight Theatre, St. Augusitne opened the 3rd show of its 30th summer season with marvelous voices who sing the exquisite Maury the Tony-award-winning NINE last weekend. The Yeston score. 7 First Friday Art Walk Various Venues, St. Augustine show originally opened in l982 and won 5 Tonys. It Scenic Designer Michael Brewer has created 8 Delicious Destinations Benefit Ponte Vedra Inn & Club, was revived in 2003 and won two more. a visual delight that draws the audience into the Ponte Vedra The musical is based on the l963 Federico story and makes us part of the fantasy. I recall this 13 Café Night Cummer Museum, Jax Fellini movie 8 l/2. This unique musical is the self- show playing in Jacksonville many years ago for 14 Opening Reception: Coherent Structures by Carol Prusa portrait of a famous Italian film director as he strug- one or two nights as part of the FCCJ Artist series. MOCA, Jax gles with his career and film projects. He wanders Seaside’s production offers a rare opportunity to see through his childhood with hallucinatory fantasies. a highly-acclaimed addition to musical theatre his- 14-16 Southern Monster Truck Showdown Clay County Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs This musical may be one of the most unusual tory. you have ever seen. It opens with twenty-one attrac- I know that many of our readers are musical 14-JAN. 6 Sculptor: Minoru Ohira Exhibit MOCA, Jax tive females on stage, all wearing different stylish fans, and that is your preference when going to the 16 Craig Hall – Brahms Church of the Good Shepherd, Jax black clothing and singing the overture. They are theatre, whether it be to the Artist Series, the Alham- 22 Miracles in the Moonlight Gala Benefit Hyatt Regency, Jax also on stage for the entire first act with the main bra or any of the community theatres. I know, as eu character, Guido Contini. well, that many residents make trips to New York to JACKSONVILLE In Act II, as Guido searches for film projects to see shows on a regular basis. Well, listen up. OCTOBER restart his career, the ladies come and go in dozens Seaside Music Theatre has done Broadway- of lavish costumes. Guido also has flashbacks of his quality shows since they started in l977. I have been 3 First Wednesday Art Walk Various Venues/Downtown, Jax youth and of his mother, perhaps seeking to learn reviewing them since l988 and can’t recall ever being looking for an why he has an obsession with other women (lots disappointed by any production. Want to feel like you 4-6 First Coast Classic Dancesport Championship World Golf and lots of other women), but always comes back to are at a Broadway show? Are you on a budget? The entertaining career? Village, St. Augustine his rich and understanding wife. 90-minute drive to the state-of-the-art New Journal 4-7 Fall Home & Patio Show Prime Osborn Center, Jax Director Lester Malizia has selected a truly Center in Daytona, and reasonably priced tickets, 4-7 Amelia Island Book Festival Various Venues, Amelia Island outstanding cast, with Michael Shawn Lewis in the make Seaside a true theatre bargain. call 5 First Friday Art Walk Various Venues, St. Augustine leading role. Lewis came to Nine from Broadway Nine will run through July 22nd. Two more and The Phantom of the Opera, a show he has per- shows follow with Snapshots on July 26 and Peter 904.730-3003 6 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk Seawalk formed in five different times all over the world. His Pan opening August 2nd.

eujacksonville.com | july 12-18, 2007 29 the number of guys a pit crew can use during a race. If they took THE one or two boys out of the crew, that would easily cause some serious con- JOCK sternation for by tom weppel cars during a race. Or they could make the team drive one race with- out any decals Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... on the car. Now that would be painful. Someway, somehow, the guys running these BASEBALL races are going to eventually find a way to make The All-Star game marks the halfway point of sure everybody is doing things the way THEY want the MLB season, and it’s a good time to take a look them to be done. In the meantime, we’ll continue to TIM CURRAN at what teams and players are doing. In the Ameri- hear about the plights and fortunes of different driv- can League, the Red Sox are looking pretty good, ers and the things they do to bend the rules. mainly because the Yankees have had such a tough time with their pitching and hitting. While it’s not a TENNIS beachwise by Shaun Robbins done deal by any means, Boston has played well. Roger Federer and Venus Williams won the New York needs to turn things around, but not by Men’s and Women’s singles titles, respectively, at making trades or bringing in new players. The Tigers Wimbledon last week. Federer defeated Rafael Nadal, Kids Have It So Good These Days and the surprising Indians have a nice battle going who had beaten Federer for the French Open title The youth are our future, and companies are starting to understand this. Hurley has started a program on in the Central, while the Angels are on top in the a month or so ago. For Roger, it was his fifth con- called “Rip My Shred Stick.” This program gives young groms the opportunity to meet and surf with West, although the Mariners are not far behind at all. secutive victory at Wimbledon, matching a record some of the world’s best pros, including Tim Curran, Yadin Nicol, Pat O’Connell, Hank Gaskell, Brett In the National League, the slumping Mets previously set by Bjorn Borg. The guy is certainly Simpson, Evan Geislman, and local favorite Asher Nolan. Fortunately for us, St. Augustine is hosting one and resurgent Braves once again are ahead in the showing his prowess, but it’s only a matter of time of the few events being put on this year. East, with the Phillies not far away. The Braves have before the 21 year-old Nadal will claim a Wimbledon played some good baseball in the last week, and victory. About the Event need to keep that going if they want to hit the play- Meanwhile, Venus stormed through the field, “Rip My Shred Stick” is a 100% FREE-to-the-public offs. The Brewers have ruled the Central. Most fans coming out of nowhere to win her fourth Wimbledon event that is all about FUN. Open to surfers of all didn’t anticipate it, but Milwaukee has good young title in the last eight years. At 27, she has made a skill levels, age 16 and under, this year’s event talent that has kept things rolling. The Cubs are a comeback of sorts after being injured for about a will be held at the St. Augustine Beach pier Friday, few games back after making a push in the last few year. She and her sister Serena are certainly making July 13th from 9 am to 1 pm. Each kid will have weeks. Out West, there will be a real dogfight be- their own mark in the history of the Women’s game. the opportunity to meet and surf with some of his tween the Dodgers, Padres, and Diamondbacks. San Serena won the Australian Open at the beginning of or her favorite surfers, receive some tips from the Diego has a great team, but Los Angeles has great the season. pros, and use and abuse the waves while riding pitching that can play with anybody in the League. This year’s Wimbledon, however, will be as the pro’s very own boards. That’s right – the pros Arizona will hang in there. much remembered for the rain that plagued its ability have brought their personal quivers to be ridden by Meanwhile, the one guy who has really tanked to get matches played. It caused some players to all. There will also be a contest held during the day is Andruw Jones of the Atlanta Braves. This season, play four consecutive days, which ultimately meant for all participants who want to join in, so you can Jones’ batting average has hovered around .200. He they lost because of their inability to physically fin- test your skills on the pro’s boards against other simply can’t seem to get out of a slump, but he’ll ish matches. Of course, you can’t change Mother area groms. have to if the Braves are to succeed. To make mat- Nature, but perhaps better scheduling will be consid- ters worse, this is the final year of Jones’ contract, ered in future years. That Night and he is leaking money on a new deal like nobody’s The fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down; it business. His agent must be crying in his beer! In FINAL WORD just keeps on rolling into the night. From 7 pm to the AL, Alex Rodriguez continues to kick serious tail This past week in Pamplona, Spain, the annual 9 pm, Café 11 will host a fun recap of the day’s YADIN NICOL in the Bronx. He hit the All-Star break with 30 hom- running of the bulls commenced, as thousands of activities, which is free to all. This will be a time ers and 86 RBI, which is a solid SEASON for most. crazy idiots from all over the world take excitement for the kids, their parents and locals to get together. Let’s see what he does in the second half. and joy in getting chased by 1,500-pound animals. Guests will enjoy a show of the day’s surf session, and the pros will be on hand to hang out with The length of the route in which the bulls are herded and talk to all who are interested. NASCAR is about 800 yards. In the last few weeks, we’ve seen NASCAR try This annual rite of passage was made famous How to Sign Up to crack down on racing teams and their ability to in 1926 when Ernest Hemingway wrote about it in Event sign-up information can be found by going to Hurley.com, clicking on the “Rip My Shred Stick” ‘bend’ the specs when it comes to cars. In doing so, his famous book, The Sun Also Rises. banner at the bottom of the page, and then clicking on the Event Registration Information link. Once there, the crew chiefs on various teams have been sus- The reason for my mentioning this event is guests will be prompted to fill out some information and download a parent consent form, which must be pended, but it really hasn’t worked. Even though the actually for the LACK of injury we ever hear about or taken to the beach the day of the event to participate. There is no set limit on the number of kids allowed teams of Jimmy Johnson and Jeff Gordon got fined see from the morons who think this is some really to sign-up, so don’t let that stop you from checking out this unique experience. But most importantly, and/or suspended, the drivers still finished in the top cool thing to do. It seems the bulls never do much remember “Rip My Shred Stick” is 100% free to the public and all about having fun. ten in their respective races. To top it all off, a few harm to these humans, although you’d think that at crew chiefs simply hung around the entire week at least a couple of people would get tagged. Forecasted Conditions the race site, staying in a camper or just outside the Well, this year, it happened. On the first day of It seems to be the summer of the longboarder. Last week there were little waves with no power behind track, watching the race on TV, while using a radio this week-long excursion, two people were gored them. This upcoming week looks to be more of the same. Saturday and Sunday show no sign of rideable to communicate with the teams in the pits. All this and at least seven were trampled. And you know surf unless you have a . The rest of the week seems to follow suit, providing no genuine threat certainly got the boys of NASCAR very heated. They what I say? GOOD FOR THE BULLS! It’s about time for rideable surf at all. Looking to the tropics, there is storm activity sitting between South America and had to tell the teams to make SURE their crew chiefs someone found out these bulls are not little play- Africa, but it is no more than what just came through our area late last week. Even if a storm does pop weren’t around for the races AT ALL. toys. up, it will be a while before it pushes any waves our way. But don’t take my weekly word for it, call or log Since this punishment didn’t really work, I Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, onto your local report daily to find out what the present conditions are for your favorite break. thought of a few items NASCAR can impose on Lonnie Marts, Eugene Chung, and Ron Duguay on teams to REALLY get their ire. How about reducing SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

30 july 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ain’t no more Kurts and Howards, are there? I hope and Casey you’re better than what they think of you. that ESPN’s Rusty Wallace doesn’t make another Man, were there some big-time rumors last mistake in Indianapolis like calling it the Indy 500 or week, or what? With Kasey Kahne leaving Ray Ever- nascar news & notes something. You know, it will be fun, if not funny, to nham and the Daytona 500 moving to the last race see how all the new camera guys and the producers of the season and all, yes indeed! I was reading on by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] handle a race. I wonder if they’ve been practicing or the Diecast Warriors website about how NASCAR watching the other people do it. Just what kind of was planning to swap the Homestead race, and Saturday night was the first time I’ve had a With the position ticker, I could only see two new D.A. thing will they come up with to make their them guys really had a few words about it, myself chance to watch TNT coverage of a NASCAR race, or, at best, three drivers’ names when I looked fast coverage better than the rest? included. Some thought it didn’t matter too much and the only thing that will help me see it next time and had my specs on. There’s just too much hap- All right, I think that’s enough about the and some felt is wasn’t the best thing to do. I went is a giant screen television. I thought I was watching pening at one time on my little 35-inch tube to be networks, so let’s talk about racing. First off: Kyle on to say that it would be un-American to change the CNN with all the stuff on the screen, like the position able to enjoy or understand who the heck is racing. Busch. The poor baby doesn’t feel like he’s getting “Great American Race” to the end of the year. Not ticker and the eternal sponsor logo in the bottom left Hey, just go on and go to commercial. Please give any help on the track, and he’s getting advice from only because of the fans who wait all winter long for corner. me more space to watch the race. big brother Kurt. “There’s not much you should do to Speedweeks to thaw out with some racing, but the I sure hope that when ESPN picks the races expect help from the other guys,” says Kurt. Believe townsfolk who need that big input of money to get up for the next six weeks, they have learned and him, because he knows what it’s like after racing the year started. remembered a few things about how to broadcast with the Roush boys in his last season there. I don’t Thank goodness NASCAR made the statement a NASCAR race, but I guess I’ll just have to wait know whether to feel sorry for him because he is a that all that was Crap with a big C and no such thing and see. I haven’t watched them too much in the very good driver, or to tell him to just shut up and was even thought of like that. Then there’s another past few years, quite unlike when we first got cable drive, which I think is probably the best thing. Could poor young un’, with Kahne not having a stellar year back in the 80s and I would sit up all night to see Jeff Gordon have put him in front of McMurray so in the #9, and even if he is under contract for three everything from car racing to surfing and some that he wasn’t beat by five thousandths of a second? more years, he’s going to run out on Ray. Kasey other sports that I didn’t know even existed. My wife You had a teammate in the Busch race and says that’s poppycock and he doesn’t have any such would wake up, come in and ask, “What in the world you won it without any help from Mears, so don’t plans, but with a 9th place finish Saturday, he may are you watching at 3 am?” go saying you should have gotten a push to win the be telling the truth. So two big rumors that got killed Since then, they’ve added a few new chan- Cup race. Jamie got his chance and he took it. If you quickly right after they got started. People sure got in nels and I haven’t kept up, so I’ll be flipping through weren’t there to take the win, it might be your own an uproar, but they calmed down. It was said that Bill them to try to find the race (no, I won’t look at the fault, don’t ya think? My advice is to drive the wheels France never liked the idea of moving the 500 to last, TV guide, because I’m a man, just like I won’t ask off that #5 and leave them thinking about how good but he’s gone now and Brian France is in charge, so for directions when I’m lost). I just got used to where Junior is going to do with it. If he does ten times look for the most unexpected to happen in the fol- FOX and SPEED are, and now I have got to find ESPN better, oh well, you did your best. Show your owner lowing weeks, months and years. 1 and 7 for different weeks. Will they be on ESPN 27 and the other drivers (not just your team, all of them) Just one more ditty before I go, can you say or 38 next season? I’ve got faith that they’ll do good that you are a racecar driver and you do the best you “NASCAR Sprint Cup”? I knew you could, so that’s work and give me what I want in race coverage, but can, even if you get no help. Dang it boy, you’ve got not big news is it? Want to contact me? You can, you know, what really scares me are three little let- many years of racing to do and you’ll do well with at [email protected]. Do you like stock car ters: A-B-C! any team. There will be plenty of times that your racing even if it’s in a COT? Well then remember, If it They host the last eleven races of the season teammates won’t help, so show Rick, Jeff, Jimmie ain’t NASCAR, It ain’t s**t!! and the ten most important ones, including The Chase. ABC did their part years ago (and I mean years) with the few races they televised, but that was with the old Wide World of Sports, and there just

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