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downtown living the life and styles of the urban core entertaining u newspaper change your free weekly guide to entertainment and more | january 25-31, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com life in 2007 2 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents Cover photo courtesy of Metropolitan Lofts feature Downtown Living...... PAGES 19-25 movies The Hitcher (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies In Theatres This Week...... PAGES 6-10 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted...... PAGE 7 Catch & Release (movie review)...... PAGE 7 Smokin’ Aces (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Notes On A Scandal (movie review)...... PAGE 9 Breaking & Entering (movie review) ...... PAGE 10 at home The Guardian (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 In Case Of Emergency (TV Review)...... PAGE 13 Video Games...... PAGE 14 Blood And Chocolate (author interview)...... PAGE 15 food Burrito Gallery (restaurant review)...... PAGE 25 music Deborah Rider (Island Girl)...... PAGE 26 Music Calendar...... PAGES 26-30 Lemon Heads (interview)...... PAGE 27 Murder By Death (interview) ...... PAGE 28 Yo La Tango (interview)...... PAGE 29 The Shins (album review)...... PAGE 29 arts / theatre / on stage Tyson Cup Gymnastics...... PAGE 16 Devon Thursby (Oceans 60)...... PAGE 17 Nick Cave exhibit (MOCA)...... PAGE 18 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire (Gainesville) ...... PAGE 30 Sweet Charity (FCCJ Artist Series)...... PAGE 31 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 31-32 See How They Run (DASOTA)...... PAGE 32 Smell Of The Kill (Hippodrome)...... PAGE 33 columns and stuff The Jock...... PAGE 33 NASCAR news & notes...... PAGE 34

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 3 Don’t miss Jamie Foxx this Wednesday at the thisweek Times-union Center. january 25 - 28 january 25 thursday Sweet Charity starring The Queers and the Heart Attacks Molly Ringwald Dance on over to Sweet Charity, the How about some old school punk? Broadway musical that offers fun, Jack Rabbits - $10 Info: 398-7496 laughs, and good times. Read the john mayer review on page 31. Times-Union Center, Moran Theatre, Tickets: $19.00 to $61.00. Info: 632-3373 or online at artistseries.fccj.org. friday january 26

brass castle

John Cowan Band Bluegrass. Newgrass. Rock N’ Rollgrass. True innovators defy Brass Castle and Dark Castle easy categorization and John Cowan is the ultimate innovator. Castlefest 2007 will be the dark horizon between Southern-fried His ability to move easily between music styles and blend and garage rock and serious metal. There will also be Newcastle bend genres into creative new forms has made him one of the John Mayer drink specials and the comedy of Joel Land. You’ll laugh, you most significant voices in acoustic music over the past thirty Even the pros say good things about Mayer; “He can play my probably won’t cry, but you will definitely be rocked. Jack years. Cafe Eleven – 8:30 pm music, he can play Stevie Ray Vaughan, he can play Hendrix, he Rabbits – 9 pm can play everybody. Right now he’s on top, and he’s got a good Ebony Fashion Fair head on him. Let’s put it this way: He can get down.” -Buddy Guy, Bill Gaither and Friends Ebony Fashion Fair continues to lead the way in showing Black Rolling Stone. Check him out for yourselves at the Jacksonville They must be very inspirational because year after year folks America the latest in high fashion with creations by the world’s Veterans Memorial Arena – 7:30 pm Info: 630-3900 flock to this show. Veterans Memorial Arena – 7 pm, $18.00 biggest designers. Florida Theatre - 8 pm, Tickets: $25-35 - 35.50 Info: 355-2787 I Can’t Stop Loving You Info: 630-3900 A sensational song and dance tribute to the genius of Ray Charles comes from London’s West End. Superb singers, razzle-dazzle The Hungarian Symphony Orchestra dancers and outstanding musicians bring you Ray’s legendary hits EMMA Concert Series with six singers, 10 dancers and a 15-piece orchestra., Fine Arts Pianist Paavali Jumppanen accompanies the Hungarian january 27 Center, UNF Campus - 7:30 PM, $44-$52 Info: 620-2878 saturday Symphony Orchestra Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine - 8 pm, $18 Info: 797-2800 january 25 - 28 Indie Rock Showcase Corey Smith with Chris McCarty Hear some of the best indie bands in the area live on one of Jacksonville’s best stages Menopause the Musical – Final Week “Corey is what might happen if you threw Jimmy Buffett, Robert Earl Keen, Donkey (from Shrek), Bob Schneider at the Murray Hill Theatre. Featuring Man Last chance to see the fast paced musical parody that pokes fun at and a few shots of whiskey into a blender, poured it into Apart, Cloven Skies, Odd Man Out, and The hot flashes, memory loss, mood swings, too much sex, not enough one of those 64-oz. traveling mugs that might last long Silhouette, this all-ages show is sure to thrill. sex, wrinkles, night sweats and a whole lot more. Tickets: $39.50. enough to get you to the state line on the most insane Go to murrayhilltheatre.com for more info. Times-Union Center, Terry Theatre through Jan. 28. Thur – Fri at road trip of your life” - John Jeter, The Handlebar - Murray Hill Theatre – 8 pm, Tickets: $8 7:30 pm, Sat at 4 and 7:30 pm, Sun at 2:00. Info: 632-3373 or Greenville, SC. Freebird Live- $15 246-2473 Info: 388-7807 artistseries.fccj.org. Man Apart

4 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The Spencers: Theatre of Illusion The Spencers have been described as “Modern Day Houdinis” by the media. The duo presents a big, high-tech stage show that combines drama, comedy, romance and suspense with elaborate stage illusions that include dazzling special effects and magnificent set design. Florida Theatre - 7: 30 PM $20, $15 Info: 355-2787

Nocturnal Escape Soul Release Acoustic Series with Salakida and spoken word poetry by Knightkrawler. Salakida lives in Atlanta and is a gifted lyricist and vocalist. Her talents have allowed her to travel the world, writing and sharing stages with some of the most promising new names in Soul music, as well as some R&B pioneers, Her sound is a flowing mix of R&B, pop-soul, hip-hop, folk, and you-name-it that she calls Blippie Funk, or a Black Hippie Funk. Boomtown Subterreana, 140 West Monroe Street 8 pm, $7 january 27 - 28 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire The Alachua County Fairgrounds come to life as Gainesville celebrates two decades of historic medieval excitement. The 21st Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire once again brings magic and revelry to Florida. Join hundreds of actors, artisans and volunteers for two weekends of merriment this weekend and again Read story on page 30. February 2-4. Hours are 10 am-6 pm Sat. and Sun. and 9 am-4 pm on Friday. $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-17 and free under 5. Info: 352-334-ARTS. monday january 28 Thursday and Murder By Death - The Strhess Tour Read interview on page 28. Also playing: Fear Before The March Of Flames, Heavy Heavy Low Low Freebird Live - Doors 6:30pm, 18-20 Info: 246-2473 tuesday january 30 Teatro Lirico D’Europa performing Rigoletto The opera contains the famous arias “Caro nome,” “La donna e mobile,” “Questo quella,” and the well known”Rigoletto Quartet.” A traditional version of Verdi’s opera with full orchestra and chorus and international soloists in Italian with English Supertitiles. Times-Union Center, Moran Theatre - 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $27.50 - $47.50. Info: 632-3373 or www.artistseries.fccj.org.

The Lemonheads with Vietnam Read the complete interview with Evan Dando of the Lemonheads on page 27. Jack Rabbits – 8 pm wednesday JANUARY 31

Unpredictable Tour - Jamie Foxx - Evening Of Comedy & Music Jamie Foxx, nominated for 3 Grammy Awards, will be performing songs from his hit album “Unpredictable.” His performance will be a combination of songs and comedy. Times Union Center, Moran Theater - 8:00 pm Info: 633-6110

MOMIX Dance Theater

The amazing grace of the human body is the focus of this playful company of dancer- illusionists under the direction of legendary choreographer Moses Pendleton, one of the artistic directors of Aeros. Performing Lunar Sea, they conjure up a world of surrealistic images using props, music, light and shadow, humor and their own arms and legs. Florida Theatre - 7:30 pm, $27.50- $37.50 355-2787

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 5 opening this week Jim slams on the brakes, sending John into the BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE A young teenage werewolf windshield. Then Jim kicks him out of the car. is torn between honoring her family’s secret and her Shaken by the incident, Jim and Grace continue love for a man. Co-starring Agnes Bruckner and Huge their journey when they pass a station wagon with a Dancy as Vivian and Aiden,. Aiden is deeply in love family inside and John Ryder in the back. Now they with Vivian, but she being a werewolf, could put a have to warn the family that they have picked up a crimp in the relationship. Rated PG-13 psychotic killer, but their efforts end in an accident as the station-wagon speeds on down the road. BREAKING & ENTERING Written and directed Their car is totaled and they are stuck in the desert by master filmmaker Anthony Mingella, the story with only their backpacks. As they walk down the involves a British architect Will, who has moved his road they come upon the station-wagon and find an headquarters into a blighted neighborhood which he unimaginable scene of horror. plans to redevelop. A series of burglaries cause him As the killer makes his way, he leaves behind and his partner to stake out the building. One night, evidence framing Jim and Grace for his crimes. They they spot a teenage boy breaking in, and Will follows are now wanted for killing cops and a family. Boy, him back to his flat. The next day, he meets the boy’s has this road trip run amok? It all started because mother Amira (Juliette Binoche) and is immediately Jim didn’t heed the warning–never pick up strangers. infatuated by her. This leads to an affair. His bizarre The killer is portrayed as a man without a past or tryst is complicated by his knowledge of the boy’s future and no motivation for his killing spree. Clearly, crimes, which sends his life into a downward spiral. he’s intelligent and cunning, but viewers get the idea Rated R that he wants to die in a blaze of glory. Until that moment, he intends to cause as much death and CATCH & RELEASE Jennifer Garner stars as Gray destruction as possible, setting up Jim and Grace to Wheeler, a woman who struggles to accept the death take the fall. of her husband and the secrets he kept from her as As Jim and Grace go through one trauma after she rebuilds her life. Rated PG-13 another, something snaps in their psyches. Now they EPIC MOVIE In the spirit of “Scary Movie” and are running from the police and the killer. They’ve “Date Movie,” a parody that spoofs recent mega- learned that the police will never believe them that blockbusters. The comedy centers itself around the psycho is doing all the killing, so they are on never pick up strangers their own. It’s like a combat version of spring break, four orphans who visit a chocolate factory and are transported to the wonderful land of Gnarnia, after turning these flippant college students into hardened stumbling upon an enchanted wardrobe. There they battle veterans. battle pirates, encounter earnest wizards and attempt The Hitcher movie review Shot by Dave Meyers with screenwriter Jake to defeat Gnarnia’s dastardly White Bitch. Rated PG-13 Wade Wall using Eric Red’s 1986 screenplay as a template, the movie grinds on, building momentum NOTES ON A SCANDAL A teacher, Sheba (Cate and cliches to the big finish. As long as young Blanchett) in a British high school becomes sexually by Rick grant [email protected] people flock to see these slasher-horror films, then involved with one of her students. Judi Dench plays Hollywood will recycle them. (Expect Saw 4.) For another teacher who knows about the torrid affair and C Rated R 83 min producers, it’s a stable market and gives promising uses it to force her friendship on Sheba. The illicit tryst Recycled scripts are as common as short- Whether or not John Ryder wants revenge for young actors exposure. At least this version of the causes a major upheaval in Sheba’s life that escalates term rehab in Hollywood, especially in the grade B the couple leaving him on the road, doesn’t explain slasher-road picture had some original stunts and out of control. It’s one of the best films of last season, category. This scenario is a remake of a 1986 film his sparring, then framing them for his killing spree, Sean Bean’s John Ryder character was one scary on every critics “best of” list including mine. Rated R starring Rutger Hauer as the psychotic killer, John leaving dead cops and a family littering the highway. dude. Despite its flaws, the movie is oddly entertain- Ryder, with C. Thomas Howell and the young woman When John pulls a knife and threatens the couple, ing. SMOKIN’ ACES A Las Vegas snitch named Buddy in jeopardy as played by Jennifer Jason Leigh. Cut to Israel (Jeremy Piven) bravely decides to turn State’s 21 years later – today’s producers know that a new evidence against the mob by testifying. The mob and generation of twenty-somethings love this genre of other criminals take out contracts on Buddy’s life slasher-road picture as date night fodder – so the to prevent his testimony. Then the twists and turns Hitcher rides again. happen and Buddy is hotter than a showgirl’s thong on In an industry skittish about untested product, a Friday night. Rated R remakes are relatively easy and inexpensive to shoot using recycled scripts and up-and-coming ingenues. now playing And, for studio moguls, it is a sure thing. Since the death of the drive-in theater, which was the stalwart ALPHA DOG This drama was adapted from the life of venue for this genre, more of these psycho-dramas Jesse James Hollywood, a drug dealer who became are headed to a theatre near you. one of the youngest men ever to be placed on the The Hitcher 2.0 involves a young collegiate FBI’s most wanted list. Starring Justin Timberlake, couple, Grace Andrews (Sophia Bush) and Jim Hal- Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis. Rated R ley (Zachary Knight), who decide to hit the road in his 1970 Oldsmobile 442 muscle car. The carefree APOCALYPTO This is Mel Gibson’s Braveheart-like couple is traveling to spring break. La de da. Grace portrayal of the downfall of the Mayan kingdom. is a naive young woman who is not necessarily in During the Mayan’s decline, the ruthless king decided that to make things better and appease the gods, he love with Jim, but she’s out for a good time with a would engage in massive human sacrifices. Jaguar guy, and he fits the bill. Paw (Rudy Young blood) is a young man chosen While driving at night through the desert, they for sacrifice. Ah, but he has other ideas and flees encounter a man standing in the middle of the road. the kingdom to organize a rebel army to defeat the After slamming on breaks and doing a 360 to avoid demented king. Bloody violence ensues. Rated R hitting him, they decide not to find out what is going on and continue their journey. When they stop for ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES This French film, gas, the same man, John Ryder (Sean Bean), gets written and directed by Lou Besson, features a out of the semi that had given him a ride. Now, here ten year old boy, Arthur who sets out to save his is where Jim makes his big mistake. Didn’t anyone grandfather’s house form being demolished. In his tell him to never, ever pick up a stranger or a hitch- efforts for his grandfather, he goes looking for the hiker? John finds out it was Jim and Grace who left fabled hidden treasure in the land of the Minimoys–a him stranded. He is polite and asks Jim to give him a tiny people living in harmony with nature. Rated PG ride. Like the dummy he is, Jim says yes. And thus continued pg 8 begins the couple’s dance with the devil.

6 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

Oscar Roster Babel, The Departed, The Queen, Little Miss Sunshine and Letters from Iwo Jima competed for Oscar love in the Best Picture category at the 79th Annual Academy Awards. In a surprise twist, Golden Globes champ Dreamgirls did not make the cut in the Best Picture category but led the field in overall nominations with a total of eight; Babel was close behind with seven nominations. This only proves that the Academy’s internal politics influence choices Twiggy Wiggy Knightley Keira Knightley sued Britain’s Daily Mail, claiming it implied she lied about having an eating disorder by illustrating a Jan. 11 article about a teenage girl who died of anorexia with a photo of a bikini-clad Knight- ley. The actor publicly denied suffering from anorexia last summer at the London premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest, saying, “I don’t have it. I’m very sure I don’t have it.” Right, it’s a simple lack of food, not anorexia. On the Velvet Carpet Isaiah Washington met with the Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network on Monday to discuss how he might work with the group on an ongoing basis to educate people about the dangers of name-calling. Washington issued a public apology last week after he was criticized for using the word “faggot” in connection with his Grey’s Anatomy costar T.R. Then, rumor has it: Isaiah and T.R. kissed and made out. Satellite Foxxhole Jamie Foxx launched the Foxxhole, a new urban comedy, entertainment and lifestyle channel on Sirius Satellite Radio. The actor will be heard on the channel daily, with a dispatch from wherever he may be in the ‘til death do we cheat... world. Paris on Probation Paris Hilton pleaded no contest to alcohol-related reckless driving Monday, a reduction of a DUI charge stemming from her arrest in Catch & Release movie review September. The heiress was sentenced to 36 months of probation, ordered to attend an alcohol education program and fined $390. by Rick grant [email protected] She paid by giving the court her Chihuahua Tinkerbell. Clean and Sober B- Rated PG-13 124 min Keith Urban posted a video message to his fans on his official Remember in the movie The Big Chill, the char- devastating effect on Gray. One day Maureen shows Website Monday, explaining there was “no cataclysmic event” acters were brought together by the funeral of a friend up at Gray’s house seeking information about his that inspired him to enter rehab, but that his life had become at the widow’s house. Kevin Costner was the dead death and her status in his will. Gray tells her she is “unmanageable” before he checked into the Betty Ford Clinic in guy–his first role. Likewise, in this film, writer/direc- the housekeeper, but Maureen soon finds out she is October. Urban thanked his friends and family for their support, tor Savannah Grant’s scenario uses a similar device “the other woman.” Gray also finds out other disturb- especially Nicole Kidman, whom he said was “extraordinarily to bring the characters together and set the stage ing things about her late fiancé’s finances. Yes, her strong and loving” during the three months he was in rehab. He for the story. Jennifer Garner portrays Gray Wheeler, love for him is unraveling as she uncovers his secrets. could have said, “And the chicks were great in rehab.” But Nicole whose fiancé was killed in a freak accident during his Juliette Lewis has a funny scene with Kevin would have had a cow! bachelor party. Instead of a wedding, she has had to Smith that rejuvenates the mid-part of the story. hastily organize a funeral. Otherwise, she was not given much of a part, but she Good, Bad, & Awful Gray’s fiancé was a wealthy executive with Ce- does her best with the role. Gray must make friends The Motion Picture Association of America announced a new system of determining movie ratings de- lestial Seasoning Tea Company in Boulder, Colorado. with her late fiancé’s mother, which is awkward and signed to make the process more understandable to filmmakers. The organization designated a longtime His colleagues and friends Dennis (Sam Jaeger) and painful. It seems there were many things Gray didn’t employee as a liaison to filmmakers to offer advice on scripts and guidance on how ratings are deter- Sam (Kevin Smith) show up for the wedding, turned know about her betrothed, including his financial mined. Was George Carlin consulted? funeral. Also, Gray’s fiancé’s other friend, a bachelor status. The more secrets she learns about him, the filmmaker, Fritz (Timothy Elephant) attends the sad more she realizes that the marriage would have been One Crazy Broad event. Overwhelmed by grief, Gray tries to hold her a disaster. Still, she grieves for him. After being questioned over her bizarre behavior in a series of recent interviews, Paula Abdul denied composure together to get through the funeral and Interestingly, Garner’s character Gray is put in she has been drunk or on drugs while promoting American Idol. Rampant speculation began after sev- wake. Of course, her late fiancé’s friends are there for an unusually stressful situation, and the challenge for eral video clips were posted online showing Abdul slurring her words, giving nonsensical responses her and in Sam’s case, to eat up all her groceries. her is working through her grief-driven emotions and to questions, appearing to fall asleep and swaying wildly in her seat. “I’ve never been drunk. I’m not Director Grant’s orchestration of the scenes are shock at finding out her groom was not the person under the influence of anything,” Abdul told the New York Times. Yeah, and Michael Jackson likes girls! tightly paced and structured. The mixed emotions of she thought he was. Given that she is dropped into Gray’s devastated emotional status is offset by Kevin an emotional black hole, the story focuses on how Talking Daggers Smith’s natural comedic talent. Smith singlehandedly she is able to fight her way back to normal with a little Meanwhile, Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson denied reports they have been meaner to this saves the film from tedium with his snappy delivery help from her friends and some prescription drugs. season’s Idol contestants than in the past and remain unapologetic about the put-downs they have been in perfect diction. Garner plays Gray with a savvy mix At first she uses Fritz as an emotional crutch to heal dishing out. “If you don’t want to hear that, don’t show up,” Cowell told reporters at the Television Critics of grief-stricken depression and hurt as she now has her wounded pride, then the relationship grows into a Association conference Saturday. Simon’s mean quips keep the viewers watching this lame ass show. to deal with her fiancé’s secret past, which gradually more hopeful union. unfolds as she goes through the motions of being a Clearly, the lynchpin of this story asks the No Panties Now a Razzie cordial host to the houseful of guests. rhetorical question: How can she trust men again, Sharon Stone’s performance in Basic Instinct 2 finally got the recognition it deserves, with a leading The shocking turn of events would send most with their avalanche of lies and secret girlfriends with seven nominations for the 2007 Razzie Awards, which recognize the worst films and performances of the people into a downward spiral, but Gray continues to illegitimate kids scattered across the land? Ah yes, year. The Wayans brothers’ Little Man also racked up seven nominations for the dishonors, which will be work and try to maintain a normal life. Dennis, Sam, Gray’s struggle to overcome adversity makes for a awarded Feb. 24, the day before the Academy Awards. and Fritz stay with her to help her get her life back medium cool and entertaining movie with Kevin Smith together. However the grief mixed with jealously has a saving everyone’s butt.

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 7 many techniques from the old Westerns adding some BABEL Tragedy strikes a couple (Cate Blanchett and cleverly executed gun gags with oodles of fake blood Brad Pitt) on vacation, interweaving four stories from a la Hong Kong kung-fu movies. across the globe. Rated R Carnahan adopted a David Mamet-like rhythm Smokin’ Aces for his dialogue. It contains many tells to the com- BLOOD DIAMOND A large priceless diamond plicated story. I used the theater headphones to becomes the center of a struggle between a farmer, a hear every word, which didn’t necessarily lead to smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen trying to movie review my understanding the plot until the end, but it was lay their hands on it. Leonardo DiCaprio co-stars with by Rick grant [email protected] sometimes funny and always entertaining. Carruthers, Daimon Hounsou with Jennifer Connelly in this action Messner, and Locke are key players in this Machiavel- adventure story. Rated R The story asks a question: Are the lives of FBI lian FBI plot. agents being put in jeopardy worth the endgame of This complex style of film making which show- CASINO ROYALE There’s a new Bond in town, and letting this punk live? The question comes up as a cases the orchestration of gun-gags as a dance of he’s rough, tough, and macho–Daniel Craig. Yes, major firefight erupts with many casualties, including death is a tribute to John Wu, who uses overkill as filmmaker Martin Campbell began this new Bond many FBI agents. Carnahan’s orchestration of these his signature style. Carnahan had some original ideas picture like the last 20 movies had never been made. complex gun-gag scenes is electrifying. which put his stamp of originality on this work, which He set out to reinvent the franchise. It worked! Craig Inside Israel’s suite, a disguised hitmen–a tor- is the best Bond yet–chiseled, powerful, and sexy. He gives viewers a heaping serving of action along with ture expert named Acosta-- has quietly slipped into kills without hesitation, teams with the beautiful Vesper intelligently written dialogue, thus greatly broadening the room. These showdown scenes are shot with Lynd (Eva Green) and wears today’s fashions. In this his audience. In other words, like Scorsese’s The rapid lens movement and various camera angles, scenario, Bond is tasked with his first mission from Departed, it’s quality cinema with mass market ap- M (Judi Dench). He must stop a financial backer of adding to the excitement. Carnahan has borrowed peal. And, everyone goes home happy. terrorism from winning a high stakes poker game in the Bahamas. Rated PG-13

CHARLOTTE’S WEB Wilber the pig dreads the end of the season because he knows that pigs go to heaven and end up on the dinner table. So he hatches a plan with a spider that lives in his pen to prevent his demise from happening. Starring Dakota Fanning as Fern and Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte. Rated G

CHILDREN OF MEN In this riveting film written and directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Clive Owen stars as a disillusioned activist, Theodore Faron. The story is set in 2027 in Great Britain–a violent time when, for some inexplicable reason, it has been nineteen years B+ Rated R 108 min since any women on earth could give birth. Theodore agrees to help transport a woman, who is miraculously Masterfully written and directed by Joe Carna- pregnant, to a sanctuary on an island at sea. England han, this scenario breathlessly packs machine-gun- is in a state of anarchy with various activist groups paced dialogue into an ultra-action format with a com- fighting each other. Through this tumultuous backdrop, plex story that explodes. Carnahan’s Tarantinoesque he and the woman go through many life-threatening caper begins with a critically important Federal wit- situations to get her to safety. Rated R ness, Buddy Israel, (Jeremy Piven) who is holed-up in a penthouse suite of a Lake Tahoe hotel, protected CODE NAME: THE CLEANER Cedric the Entertainer by layers of security protection, which may not be plays Jake, a regular guy who is hit on the head by enough. Many big time gangsters want him dead. mysterious assailants. When he wakes up he suffers Israel was a successful magician in Vegas who from amnesia. Suddenly, he finds himself involved in got mobbed up. In his greedy, drug fueled mania to a government conspiracy. His pursuers are convinced make more money, Israel stole from made men. So, to he is an undercover agent. Comedy situations ensue. Rated PG-13 stay alive, he flipped. Not surprisingly, keeping Israel breathing is the FBI’s top priority. Conversely, there are DREAMGIRLS This fabulous film adaptation of the gaggles of assassins vying for opportunity to whack Broadway musical is based on Tom Eyen’s book–a Israel. The gangs of killers include professional hitmen thinly veiled biography of the rise of the Supremes as hired by the mob, a gang of ruthless redneck killers, the first black/white crossover singing group in the two black women, one armed with a 50 caliber sniper 1960s. It’s the best adaptation of a Broadway musical rifle, and assorted freelancers. to film ever. Ex-American Idol reject, Jennifer Hudson Ryan Reynolds plays a pivotal role of FBI Special steals the movie as the Dreams original lead singer Agent Richard Messner, who works for Donald Car- Effie White who is dumped in favor of Deena (Beyoncé ruthers (Ray Liotta) on the difficult job of protecting Knowles) who represents Diana Ross. Jennifer Hudson Israel. Ben Affleck portrays Jack Dupree, head of won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and Israel’s bail bondsmen crew. The crew are amateurs Eddie Murphy won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting compared to their competitors. A gang of death metal Actor. Rated PG-13 neo-Nazi freaks called Tremors also roll into town to cause mayhem and take out Israel. ERAGON A farm boy in his homeland of Alagasia The characters and story have an Elmore finds a dragon egg that leads him on a predestined Leonard-like vibe. Jeremy Piven has fun with his role journey. Eventually, he finds out he is the one person of Buddy Israel. He orders his Russian bodyguard who can defend his homeland against an evil king by around like a slave. He envisions himself as a Frank learning to ride a fire breathing dragon. This fantasy Sinatra clone, and his trip into witness protection is redefines “air power,” as the dragon is used as a just a minor setback. Clearly, Israel is delusional–he tactical weapon. Rated PG-13 doesn’t understand that there is an army of killers in the hotel with his name listed as “target.” One thing FREEDOM WRITERS Hilary Swank stars as a new viewers learn: Israel needs killing–he’s such a smart- teacher in a tough urban school that has all but given up on these ghetto kids. Swank’s character finds new ass SOB. Piven was born to play this role. and innovative ways to motivate her students. This Andy Garcia deftly portrays the FBI’s Deputy scenario is based on a true story of a remarkable Director, Stanley Locke, who is personally supervising teacher. Rated PG-13 Israel’s protection. But he knows that his life is not worth a nickle and the Mafia will not stop until he’s (continuedcontinued on pg 9) 9 dead.

8 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER This animated feature stars teacher + student = blackmail a wizard who is in charge of Fairy Tale World. When he goes on holiday, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother takes over the land and all hell breaks loose. From the Blanchett and Dench are riveting together por- creators of Shrek. Rated PG traying this sick relationship. Their interaction is so Notes On A Scandal movie review complex and entangled, viewers know it’s headed HAPPY FEET In the close-knit world of Emperor for trouble. Barbara’s journal contains her most Penguins, they find their mates through singing. A by Rick grant [email protected] intimate thoughts about Sheba, who eventually finds penguin is born who can’t sing a note. So, the misfit course, Sheba is naive about the sexual implications Barbara’s writings and goes ballistic. “You don’t Mumbles takes up tap dancing, and soon is banished of her friendship with Barbara. It’s juicy material for even like me, and yet you want me to be your lover,” for their community. He meets a posse of outcasts the two consummate actresses to showcase their she screams. Ah yes, it’s the inexplicable female and soon the whole penguin nation is dancing to the respective acting skill. In the context of their charac- consciousness gone terribly wrong when Sheba oldies. The animated film is voiced by Robin Williams, ters complex relationship, the two stage divas shine finds out the truth. Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman, and with duel Oscar worthy performances. Judy Dench As the story unfolds, viewers see Dench’s Brittany Murphy. Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song: The Song of the Heart. Rated PG should receive another Oscar nomination for her desperate need for human contact. In her case, this deeply nuanced performance as Barbara. need has turned her cold and psychotic. She wants LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA Clint Eastwood shot In this emotionally charged atmosphere be- more than a give and take friendship with Sheba. She Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima back tween the two unstable women, one would think that wants to control her life and lord over her with her to back on location on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. Sheba is the crazy one, having clandestine trysts knowledge of her illicit relationship with the boy. In Letters, Eastwood’s scenario involves the brutal with this young boy in the railway yard like some Sheba’s secret affair is a neutron bomb ready battle for Iwo Jima, told from the Japanese perspective lowlife street walker. But Barbara is the twisted one to explode. She has everything she could ask for at in Japanese with English subtitles. Both Eastwood with her intellectual snobbery and her cruel assess- home–a loving family. But for her, a spoiled beauti- films are Oscar worthy. This movie won a Golden ment of her colleagues, including Sheba. Barbara ful woman, it is never enough. She wants men and Globe for Best Foreign Film. Rated R wants to possess Sheba as her lover and confidant. boys to fawn over her like she is a goddess. Women By assuring Sheba she will not blow the whistle on like this are never satisfied. Their hunger for at- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM A hapless security guard, her incredibly stupid indiscretion, she has wormed tention goes beyond the boundaries of consensus Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidently invokes an ancient her way into Sheba’s life, making her dependent on reality. She should realize that the boy will get tired curse that causes the animals and insects on display their friendship. of her, and dump her any minute. Yet, like a junkie to come to life. Rated PG Sheba has no clue that Barbara is manipulat- she can’t stop his injection of ultimate adoration. In ing her with her bombshell knowledge of Sheba’s other words, she wants it all to remind her of her PAN’S LABYRINTH This is the story of a young girl illegal affair. The story delves deeply into Sheba and high priestess status as a desirable woman sucking who travels with her pregnant mother to live with her Barbara’s co-dependent relationship. Barbara’s pre- up every ounce of manhood from this symbol of her mother’s new husband in a rural area in the North of vious companion left her because of her controlling queen bee status. Spain in 1944. It was a time after Franco’s victory. The and possessive personality. Now Barbara is bitter Yes, Sheba and Barbara are two halves of the girl lives in an imaginary world of her own creation and A Rated R 92 min. and lonely. She advises Sheba to end the affair im- same sickness, seething in a caldron of emotional faces the real world with trepidation. Eventually, the girl This film could be a docudrama based on the mediately. But, Sheba continues the affair. Viewers turpitude. The film is an engrossing study of the must come to terms with her life through a fable of her true story of a beautiful Florida teacher who had know this volatile relationship is set to explode in female neurosis and bad craziness. own. Rated R an affair with her fifteen year old student. However, Sheba’s face any minute. So Barbara uses it to keep PRIMEVAL A news team is sent to South Africa to the story is set in the UK. It involves two teachers, Sheba close to her. capture and bring home a legendary 25-foot crocodile. Barbara Covett (Judi Dench) and Sheba Hart ( Cate In an emotionally charged performance Bill But the danger of capturing the crocodile is the least of Blanchett) who develop a strange friendship. When Nighy portrays Sheba’s older husband, whom she their problems. A local warlord targets them for death Sheba confesses to Barbara that she is having an married for security. One of their children has Down and they have to fight for their survival. Rated R affair with her star fifteen year old student, Barbara Syndrome, and he lavishes his attention on the boy uses this knowledge as emotional blackmail over and the other child. Sheba feels neglected. Since she PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Will Smith stars in this Sheba. is beautiful, she is used to continuous attention from true story of a precocious child and his father, who The twisted friendship is based on Barbara’s everyone in her life. She finds that attention with the through circumstances beyond his control, drfits into a obsession with Sheba as a possible lesbian lover, young boy, who could care less about her. For him downward spiral and ends up homeless but working in which greatly complicates their interaction. Of it’s all about sex. a Dean Witter internship. Later he becomes a top Wall Street broker. Smith’s real life son Jaden Smith plays his son in this engrossing docudrama. Rated PG-13

ROCKY BALBOA Sylvester Stallone returns to the ring to write, direct and star as the Italian Stallion in the sixth installment of the “Rocky” series. Rated PG.

STOMP THE YARD A troubled 19 year old step dancer loses his younger brother in Los Angeles. His grief turns him to minor crime. But in court, he is able to bypass jail by enrolling in Truth University,an all-black college in Atlanta where his dance talents are sought after by two campus fraternities to win the national step show competition. Rated PG-13

THE DEPARTED Since Martin Scorsese won a Golden Globe for best director, the film company is re-releasing the film hoping to get more viewers to see it. However, it did fairly well at the box office on the first run. The complex story involves two men from opposite sides of the law who are undercover operatives–one mole is inside the Massachusetts State Police and the other mole works for the police inside the mob. The two moles are found out and eventually the scenario erupts into violence and murder. Rated R

THE GOOD SHEPHERD Matt Damon stars as Edward Wilson, one of the creators of the CIA back in 1945.

continued pg 10

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 9 The film chronicles how Wilson’s contacts at Yale’s secret society called the Skull & Bones helped him build a power base as a stern, patriotic, and driven workaholic. Directed by Robert De Niro with an all-star cast, it’s the best spy film in many years. Rated R

THE HITCHER A young man transporting a car to another state is stalked along the road by a cunning and relentless serial killer who eventually frames the driver for a string of murders. Chased by police and shadowed by the killer, the driver’s only help comes form a truck stop waitress. Rated R

THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND A Scottish doctor travels to Uganda to do humanitarian work. In a chance meeting with Idi Amin, the new strong man of Uganda, he develops a friendship with the dictator, who invites the doctor to be his personal physician. The money is great and he lives large, but as Amin goes mad with power, the doctor is trapped and desperately tries to escape the country. Forest Whitaker received a Golden Globe for his performance as Idi Amin. Rated R

THE PAINTED VEIL Naomi Watts and Edward Norton co-star as an English couple, Walter, (Norton) a middle Advanced Ticketing at amctheatres.com or (904) 264-3888 class doctor, and Kitty (Watts) an upper-class woman, A.M.Cinema - All seats $5 before noon who get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to on Fri., Sat., Sun., & holidays - denoted by ( ) Shanghai, where she has an affair with another man. AMC Select- Special films for select tastes. When Walter finds out about her affair, he accepts a job in a remote village in China, ravaged by a deadly ORANGE PARK 24 epidemic, and takes her along. The trip turns into a Wells Road and Blanding journey of discovery for both Walter and Kitty. The BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (PG13)  (11:35 @ $5), 2:05, 4:40, 7:15, 9:55 scenario was adapted from the Somerset Maugham breaking & entering CATCH AND RELEASE (PG13)  (11:00 @ $5), 1:40, 4:40, novel. Rated PG-13 7:30, 10:35 THE DEPARTED (R) (11:45 @ $5), 3:15, 6:45, 10:10 EPIC MOVIE (PG13)  (11:25 @ $5), 12:30, 1:50, 3:00, 4:25, THE QUEEN A revealing, witty portrait of the British 5:30, 7:20, 8:05, 9:45, 10:30 royal family in crisis immediately following the death of movie review SMOKIN’ ACES (R)  (11:05 @ $5), 1:50, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05 THE HITCHER (R)  (11:30 @ $5), 2:10, 5:10, 7:50, 10:10 Princess Diana. The setting for this fictional account of ALPHA DOG (R) 4:15, 7:10, 10:20 real events is no less than the private chambers of the ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) (11:10 @ $5), 1:40, 4:20 by Rick grant [email protected] FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 1:45, 4:45, 7:40, 10:40 Royal Family and the British government in the wake of PRIMEVAL (R) 10:25 PM the sudden death of Princess Diana in August of 1997. B+ Rated R 120 min. on that he knows her son is a thief working for the STOMP THE YARD (PG13) (11:10 @ $5), 1:55, 4:50, 7:00, 7:45, 9:55, 10:45 The result is an intimate, yet thematically epic, battle Bosnian mob. He’s more interested in Amira than HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG) (11:55 @ $5), 2:30, 4:50 between private and public, responsibility and emotion, The premise of this film could be construed sending her son to jail. Thus, Minghella’s script ex- THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) (11:55 @ $5), 4:00 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 1:45, 4:25, 7:15, 10:00 custom and action - as a grieving nation waits to see as writer/director Anthony Minghella’s dissertation plores Will’s moral conflict, as he enters the forbid- CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:30 @ $5), 2:00, 4:30 what its leaders will do. This movie won a Golden on modern times– told through a snap shot of his den land of cheating on Liv. For Will, what began as ERAGON (PG) 7:15, 9:45 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:05 @ $5), 2:00, Globe for Best Screenplay and Helen Mirren won a hometown in London as the forces of urban renewal seeking justice evolves into a strange but compelling 4:45, 7:35, 10:25 Golden Globe for Best Actress. Starring: Helen Mirren, clash with the Kings Cross Station’s ghetto. Ming- love affair. BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 1:00 CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 7:00, 10:15 Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms, Helen hella’s protagonist is Will, (Jude Law) an architect It turns out, Amira’s husband died in Sarajevo ————$AMC SELECT%———— McCrory. Rated PG-13 who has located his headquarters in the middle of a where she wants to return with her son. Yes, life has NOTES ON A SCANDAL (R) (11:50 @ $5), 2:30, 5:15, 7:45, 10:15 VOLVER (R) 1:30, 4:20, 7:25, 10:30 blighted neighborhood where he plans a vast urban turned complicated for Will who struggles to hold BABEL (R) 12:30, 3:45, 7:10 VOLVER Afer her death, a mother (Maura) returns renewal project. Will lives with his girlfriend Liv on to Liv’s love while seeking solace with Amira. THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (R) 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:40 to her home town in order to fix the situations that LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (R)  (11:45 @ $5), 3:30, 7:05, 10:20 (Robin Wright Penn) and their 13-year old daughter, This situation is bound to explode in Will’s face, and PAN’S LABYRINTH (R) (11:15 @ $5), 2:05, 4:55, 7:40, 10:35 she couldn’t resolve during her life. The ghost slowly Bea, who has a hyper kinetic disorder and suffers when it does, he is faced with telling the truth to both CHILDREN OF MEN (R) 7:35, 10:15 becomes a comfort to her daughters as well as her DREAMGIRLS (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 3:30, 7:05, 10:05 from anorexia. Liv spends most of her time caring women. Ah yes, what a twisted web he weaves as THE QUEEN (PG13) (11:15 @ $5), 1:55, 4:35, 7:25, 10:00 grandchild. Penelope Cruz was nominated for a Golden for Bea whose continual gymnastic contortions drive the story twists and turns in surprising directions. Globe for her performance as Raimunda one of the Will batty. Jude Law proves again why he is in demand as REGENCY 24 ghost’s daughters. Rated R Will works with his business partner Sandy one of Hollywood’s leading actors. He plays Will’s Behind Regency Square Mall BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (PG13) (11:45 @ $5), 2:10, 4:35, (Martin Freeman) who is smitten by the clean up dilemma with savvy and convincing dynamics. Ju- 7:15, 10:10 WE ARE MARSHALL A tragic plane crash claims the woman. Suddenly, the firm’s building is burglarized liette Binoche is naturally attractive and compelling CATCH AND RELEASE (PG13) (11:10 @ $5), 1:45, 4:30, 7:35, 10:10 lives of the Marshall Football team, some fans, and THE DEPARTED (R) 12:30, 3:45, 7:10, 10:25 by young thugs who steal laptops and other comput- as the vulnerable woman who has her own agenda EPIC MOVIE (PG13) (11:05 @ $5), 12:10, 1:00, 2:20, 3:10, 4:40, its new coach. Matthew McConaughey plays Jack er equipment for the Bosnian mob. The police have and will do anything to protect her son. 5:30, 7:00, 8:00, 9:15, 10:25 Lengyel a charismatic coach who rebuilds the Marshall SMOKIN’ ACES (R) (11:40 @ $5), 2:15, 4:50, 7:25, 10:10 not been able to catch the robbers who even know Meanwhile, Liv is at her wits end with Bea who THE HITCHER (R) 1:50, 4:05, 6:50, 9:10 football team so the kids and parents can move beyond how to disable the firm’s security system. As soon is extremely difficult to be around. Clearly, Liv and ALPHA DOG (R) 7:20, 10:05 the grief of the tragedy. Rated R ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) 12:40, 3:05, 5:40 as Will and Sandy replace the equipment, they get hit Will should have sought family counseling to cope FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13) 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:40 again. with Bea’s mental illness and still carry on their PRIMEVAL (R) 8:05, 10:45 STOMP THE YARD (PG13) 1:35, 4:25, 6:30, 7:40, 9:25, 10:35 Special Showings Frustrated by the police’s incompetence, Will relationship in a loving manner. Will’s reckless affair CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG13) 10:30 PM and Sandy start their own surveillance of the build- only further complicated an already murky gumbo of HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG) 12:50, 3:00, 5:10 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) (11:55 @ $5), 3:30 The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Egyptian ing, watching from their car. One night they get lucky emotional turmoil. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:25 @ $5), 2:25, 5:05, 7:45, 10:15 Film Series and see a teenager breaking into the building. They The deeply personal relationships surrounding CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:35 @ $5), 2:00, 4:30 ERAGON (PG) (11:30 @ $5), 2:00, 4:35 The film series is designed to coincide with Temples challenge him and he takes off. Will follows him back Will’s decision to locate the business in the project’s THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 1:40, and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art from the British to his home–a row of low rent flats. Will becomes target neighborhood serves as a metaphor for social 4:20, 7:05, 9:55

APOCALYPTO (R) 7:05 2007 Museum, on view at the Cummer until March 18, fascinated by his home life and knocks on the door. conflicts, which ebb and flow with change. Unwit- (11:15 @ $5), 2:35 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 27, 2007. The film series will take a look at Hollywood’s His mom, a beautiful Bosnian woman, Amira (Juliette tingly, by involving himself in the social fabric of CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 7:20, 10:30 image of Egypt featuring classic films. The films HAPPY FEET (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 1:30, 4:00 Binoche) answers the door. Will makes up an excuse the neighborhood Will learned an important lesson. ————$AMC SELECT%———— January will be shown at 9th & Main Theatre in Historic to gain entry. Amira takes in sewing for a living so What Minghella is saying in this screenplay is: All NOTES ON A SCANDAL (R) (11:45 @ $5), 2:05, 4:55, 7:30, 10:00 , Springfield at 7 pm. On January 25, seeCLEOPATRA VOLVER (R) (11:25 @ $5), 2:10, 4:55, 7:55, 10:45 day Will has her alter his suit. He never lets on he’s onto social ills originate from poverty and just dressing up BABEL (R) 12:15, 3:35, 7:10, 10:15

(1934), starring Claudette Colbert and ABBOTT AND her 15-year-old son, Miro (Rafi Gaviron). the neighborhood with urban renewal will not change PAN’S LABYRINTH (R) (11:20 @ $5), 2:05, 4:45, 7:30, 10:20 Satur CHILDREN OF MEN (R) 5:45, 8:15, 10:45 COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY (1955) on February for Obviously, Will is interested in Amira. Life at the people’s problems of making a living on low DREAMGIRLS (PG13) (11:05 @ $5), 1:55, 5:00, 7:50, 10:40 1. The cost is $5 General Admission at the Door. For home has become intolerable lately. Gradually, he incomes and struggling to survive. It’s a universal THE QUEEN (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 2:30, 5:05, 7:40, 10:00 more information, please call 355-0630. Times (continued on pg 11) and Amira start having a torrid affair. He never lets truth. -SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT No passes or discount coupons

10 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Adv. Tix on Sale DALE EARNHARDT (NR) # Adv. Tix on Sale AMAZING GRACE (PG) # BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (PG-13) DIG (125) 415 715 955 1225 SMOKIN ACES (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (130) 420 720 1000 1230 EPICMOVIE (PG-13) DIG (1200 215) 440 740 950 1200 CATCH AND RELEASE (PG-13) DIG (115) 400 700 945 1220 DEPARTED (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (100) 430 830 1145 THE QUEEN (PG-13) DIG (200) 445 730 1035 THE HITCHER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG(1210 220) 425 730 945 1200 LETTERS FROM IWOJIMA (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1200) 345 705 1025 BABEL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1210) 330 645 1005 ALPHA DOG (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 735 1020 STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) DIG (110) 410 750 1035 ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) DIG (1220 250) 510 FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) DIG (1235) 335 645 935 1220 HAPPILY N'VER AFTER (PG) DIG (1230 240) 500 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1245) 350 650 930 1215 CHILDRENOFMEN (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1225) 700 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1215) 330 655 1000 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 320 930 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG (145) 435 725 1015 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) DIG 515 820 1115 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) DIG 710 940 1205 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (245) 1205 PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG (1215) 325 640 925 1210 VOLVER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (105) 405 745 1030

Adv. Tix on Sale DALE EARNHARDT (NR) # Adv. Tix on Sale AMAZING GRACE (PG) # BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (PG-13) DIG(1200 220 440) 735 955 SMOKIN ACES (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1250) 430 720 950 EPICMOVIE (PG-13) DIG (105) 425 735 935 CATCH AND RELEASE (PG-13) DIG (1245) 520 805 1035 DEPARTED (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 350 655 1020 THE QUEEN (PG-13) DIG (1220 250) 510 755 1030 THE HITCHER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1210 225) 705 OC: STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) DIG 450 BABEL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (100) 405 715 1020 ALPHA DOG (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 945 STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) DIG (110) 725 1000 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1155 230 505) 740 1015 THE PAINTED VEIL (PG-13) DIG (1240) 420 710 1005 NOTESONA SCANDAL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1215 230) 500 720 930 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1225) 410 700 950 CHILDRENOFMEN (R) - ID REQ'D (1250) 400 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D 650 1005 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (1205 235) 515 745 1015 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (1200) PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG (1230) 420 750 1025 VOLVER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1255) 355 800 1040 LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1235) 415 730 1010 Times For 1/27/07 ©2007

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 11 new on dvd Doodlebops: Superstars (86 min.) The Guardian Rock stars for the preschool set, The Doodlebops are back on DVD. This time around DeeDee, Rooney and Moe rock out, dance, hang with bus dvd review driver Bob and learn new things together in four fun episodes. The DVD also includes four sing- by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] along songs and three music videos. This film is keeps coming back for not rated. more. The seasoned mili- tary man sees Fischer’s Jesus Camp (87 min.) talent, but must discover if The acclaimed documentary from Heidi Ewing he is pushing himself be- and Rachel Grady follows several children to the cause he wants to be the “Kids on Fire” summer camp run by Pastor Becky best, or because he truly Fischer in Devil’s Lake, North Dakota, where she wants to spend his life schools kids as young as six years old in how to saving the lives of others. “take back America for Christ” and become dedi- The Guardian DVD cated Christian soldiers in “God’s army.” Rated is not exactly fully-loaded PG-13 for some discussions of mature subject with supplements, but has matter. a few. First is an audio commentary track with The Puffy Chair (86 min.) director Andrew Davis and An indie rocker (Mark Duplass) with a stalled writer Ron L. Brinkerhoff. “Unsung Heroes: So Others May Live” gives us a career and a messy romantic life decides to take Their insights, while infor- look at the lives of these service men and women a road trip to deliver a special gift to his father: a mative, are far from enter- through their eyes and the eyes of their loved ones. vintage Lazy Boy recliner like the one he owned taining and probably not The five-minute accolade touches on the USCG’s years ago. His solo journey takes an early de- worth hearing unless you efforts during Hurricane Katrina and shows footage tour when his commitment-obsessed girlfriend really, really dug the movie from actual rescues. (Kathryn Aselton) and his slacker brother (Rhett and wanted to know where The Guardian is not a great movie. It’s cliché Wilkins) invite themselves along. Rated R for each and every scene from start to finish, it has some truly terrible dia- language. was filmed and who each logue and, I’m sorry, but Ashton Kutcher is just not extra was. In an attempt to military material. I never for a second bought his Saw III (113 min.) appease hypothetical audi- character, which is not to say the acting was bad Jigsaw (Tobin Bell) is back once again to test ences, the filmmakers de- but that the guy was simply miscast. Kutcher is not humanity’s ability to survive extreme situations. cided to shoot an alternate hardcore enough to play a military man. I buy him as Instead of focusing on the police’s attempts to ending in case the initial the goofy boyfriend. I buy him as the scruffy college capture the sadistic vigilante, this time we go into screenings went bad. The guy who time travels to fix the problems in his life. I his lair where he is dying due to an inoperable kinder, gentler ending can just can’t, with a straight face, hear Kutcher shouting brain tumor. As he himself struggles to survive his be found on the disc and “HOOAH!” for 136 minutes. It didn’t seem natural at final tests, his test subjects too are toiling through after one viewing, one is all. The length of the film was also a major problem. task after task to hopefully find redemption. Rated glad they went the other It ran way too long and with some tighter editing and R for strong grisly violence and gore, sequences way. Four deleted scenes, the removal of the same tired scenes we’ve seen in of terror and torture, nudity and language. also best left out of the about fifty other military movies, The Guardian could final product, are available have done more to hold my attention. As it was, Sherrybaby (96 min.) for viewing with or without midway through I was just dying to do a crossword Sherry Swanson (Maggie Gyllenhaal) returns commentary from Davis puzzle to pass the time until something, anything home to New Jersey after serving a three year The men and women of the United States and Brinkerhoff. The first of two featurettes is next. interesting happens. prison sentence. Eager to reestablish a rela- Coast Guard get their day in the Hollywood spotlight Davis and some of the cast share their experiences While there were certainly some errors in judg- tionship with her young daughter, Sherry soon with The Guardian, a film which details the self-sac- and effectively pat each other on the backs in “The ment when it came to executing the film, the idea discovers that coming back to the world she left rifice and courage of their elite rescue swimmers. Guardian: Making Waves”. Here, they discuss the behind The Guardian is a good one. The Coast Guard behind is far more difficult than she had planned. The Guardian is now available to own on DVD and challenges they faced during the production, the does not get the respect or acknowledgement it de- Rated R for strong sexuality, nudity, language and Blu-ray. casting of the leads and the assistance they received serves and any recognition of these men and women drug content. Ben Randall (Kevin Costner) in an aging United States Coast Guard rescue swimmer whose life from the USCG. And, just to prove the Coast Guard is a good thing. I only wish that the film itself was love, the second featurette is a tribute just to them. worthy of representing their good work. This Film is Not Yet Rated (97 min.) takes a sudden and tragic turn when his entire team Filmmaker Kirby Dick takes an unflinching look is killed in a horrific accident. Plagued with visions that the Motion Picture Association of America’s from that night and dangerously close to losing his rating system. The documentary features inter- nerve at the wrong time, Randall reluctantly agrees views with big name directors as they unveil their to take some time away from the field and do a little battles with the MPAA, efforts to discover who teaching at the USCG training facility in Louisiana. exactly are the people rating films and Dick’s own There, Randall throws the typical rigorous lesson troubles getting “This Film is Not Yet Rated” a plan out the window in favor of more extensive tasks “passing” (i.e. not NC-17) rating. It should be no to push the recruits to their limits. He forces them surprise that this film is not rated. to tread water for an hour, experience the stages of hypothermia first-hand and spend time at the bottom The Waltons- The Complete Fourth Season of a pool to show them what it’s like to go without (1233 min.) oxygen for long periods of time. All of these tasks In this fourth season of the beloved series a simulate what life as a rescue swimmer is like and movie crew hires John-Boy as a scriptwriter, Mary most of the newbies wash out. There is one, though, Ellen applies to nursing school, Jim-Bob discov- that Randall sees potential in. ers a shocking fact about his birth and a fire Jake Fischer (Ashton Kutcher) was a star drives the Waltons from their home. Events large swimmer in high school, setting many records and and small touch the lives of all 11 Waltons; bring vowing to do the same in the Coast Guard. Dubbed the family even closer together. This boxed set is “Goldfish” by Randall, who is unimpressed with not rated. Jake’s bravado, the newcomer soon becomes his instructor’s pet project. Randall throws everything he has at the cocky recruit and finds that the kid just

12 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper in case of emergency ABC’s new hit comedy by Rick grant [email protected]

David Arquette is a busy man. He, along with his turns out to be Kelly Lee, his high school’s valedicto- wife, Courtney Cox, are co-producing their hot new rian, whose life took a wrong turn. Diet guru Sherman show on FX, Dirt. He is also in his new comedy, In returns home to discover his wife left him and took Case of Emergency which debuted with a stellar cast everything he owns. Traumatized by the shocking and a funny script. Having no laugh track qualified the event, he hijacks a bakery truck and binges on the show for my commentary, since I refuse to review contents. It turns out his wife left him for her spiritual any sitcom still using the offensive and idiotic laugh advisor. tracks. Faced with imprisonment for his part in a cor- Along with David Arquette, veteran comedy ac- porate scandal, Jason botches his suicide attempt by tor Jonathan Silverman portrays Harry Kennison, Greg shooting himself in the foot, which sends him to the Germann from Ally McBeal plays diet guru, Sherman hospital where Dr. Joanna Lupone seems like an an- Yablonsky, Kelly Hu plays feisty Kelly Lee, Lori Laugh- gel. The gaggle of misfits now have a bond to change lin portrays doctor Joanna Lupone, and Jackson Bond their lives for the better. This sets up the comedic plays Dylan Kennison, Harry’s son. situations that keep the laughs coming. The idea for the show evolved from the real lives In episode 2, which aired January 10th, the of producers Howard J. Morris and Emile Levisetti Korean “massage therapist” Kelly’s cop boyfriend who chatted during lunch about series ideas. Morris Frank catches Harry helping move her things out of is a 40-year old, newly divorced, single father who his place. Meanwhile, Sherman gets no help from his had just come from the doctor. When he filled out the friends or staff as his reputation as a diet guru spirals form he didn’t have anyone to name “in case of emer- downward. Jason is now smitten with Dr. Joanna gency.” Thus, the concept for the series popped into Lupone. However, Dr. Joanna (how her character is his head about a group of divorced friends from high dubbed) does not reciprocate Jason’s attempts to win school who reunite years later in a hospital after vari- her favor. In fact, he is becoming a pest and maybe a ous mishaps put them there together. Consequently, stalker. they find out they have a common ground for a re- In the January 17th episode, Sherman and Har- newed friendship. Their personal lives are shattered by ry sneak into the Sherman’s estranged wife’s spiritual an attempted suicide, messy divorces, and in the case advisor’s (David Carradine) ashram to find out her of Jason, (David Arquette) a serious run-in with the endgame. There they find Sherman’s missing furniture law after a corporate scandal. and art. Kelly confesses to Harry that she accidently The scripts are rife with funny adult situations killed her husband during a golf game. Jason, still pur- as these once ambitious friends find out that their suing Dr. Joanna, tries to convince her grandmother to lives didn’t turn out exactly like they had planned. In accept medical treatment to save her life. the three episodes which have already run, various The series offers the hopeful premise that any life changes are affecting the group. Over the course disastrous situation can be overcome with a little help of one evening, a series of disasters happen to the from one’s friends and serious prescription medica- group. This sets up the character development. tions. The dialogue is snappy, featuring intelligent A recently divorced greeting card writer, Harry, comedy delivered by experienced actors. The hot new visits a massage parlor that specializes in massaging series runs on Wednesday nights at 9:30 pm ET on one part of the male body. His “massage therapist” ABC.

eujacksonville.com | january 11-17, 2007 13 video game reviews by Norm stovall [email protected]

Ridge Racer 7 For PS3

Ridge Racer 7 is a well polished arcade-style racing game that fits well in the PS3 launch lineup. I passed up on the last version that came out alongside the launch of the Xbox 360, but with the dearth of good games, I felt I had to at least TRY to find something to make my PS3 worthwhile, and Ridge Racer 7 does just fine. Visually, the graphics are great, although from what I can tell aren’t any more intense than the Xbox 360 version of RR6. Control-wise, Ridge Racer 7 uses the same familiar control scheme that the series has been using since the original Ridge Racer debuted on the original Playsta- tion. One awkward aspect for me however was the placement of the Nitrous button mapped to L2 and R2, as I would accidentally boost into a corner from time to time. Aside from that, the controls are unique and are quite fun to get the hang of. Although graphically, the game is on par with Gran Turismo HD, the gameplay couldn’t be more different, with fast drifting turns you can take on at full speed. With an emphasis on drifting (or sliding your car sideways around a turn), you built up your nitrous meter with every dramatic drifting turn you make. You can build up to 3 nitrous stocks at a time, and you simply press R2 or L2 to activate them, sending you flying forward at higher than average speeds. While Ridge Racer 7 isn’t at all realistic, the graphics are certainly top-notch and really make use of the PS3 hardware, much like the last version pushed the Xbox 360’s hardware. From what I can tell the two versions seem to be a lot alike, but if you have a PS3, this is one launch title that may be worth your money. With smooth graphics and presentation, addictive play and solid online multiplayer, it’s hardly a stinker.

Hotel Dusk: Room 215 For Nintendo DS

If you have ever wanted to read a novel that played like a video game, or wanted to play a video game that read like a novel, Hotel Dusk is the game for you. Sure, it doesn’t sound interesting when I preface it like that, but Hotel Dusk is special. The game places your charac- ter in the middle of a detective noir-style story- line, taking place near New Year’s Eve in 1979. Your character, along with others in the story- line, has been brought to a strange hotel by a dark secret, which you are enticed to uncover through interesting interactive dialogue. In Hotel Dusk, you hold your DS sideways much like a book, using the touch screen to interact with in-game tasks. Although most of the game is based around the dialogue via on-screen text, you are also presented with the task of finding things by ‘pointing’ on the touch screen, and sometimes handy little techniques come into play such as closing and then opening your DS in order to check the flip side of an object you are holding. The Graphics in Hotel Dusk are great. All done in a noir-style setting with stylish old-school col- ors, all the characters in the game are presented as black and white, stationary drawings that look great in terms of gameplay and in atmosphere. Though the graphics are very stylish, the storyline is really what brings the game together, so if you can’t decide between reading a good book and playing a video game, do yourself a favor and pick up Hotel Dusk: Room 215.

14 january 11-17, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper books and the films that abandon them Interview with Annette Curtis Klause, author of Blood & Chocolate by Erin thursby [email protected] EU: You came from England to America at the be- ginning of High School. Did that contribute to the fact that most of your books are about outsiders? Klause: Definitely, definitely. I think all my life I’ve felt a bit of an outsider. You know, having an imagination and things spouting out of your mouth that you sud- denly realize people are looking at you strangely… And we moved from one end of England to the other, where I had a totally different accent from everybody else. Felt kind of an outsider there for a while. Then coming to a totally different country, so yeah, I think that’s why, in part, I write about outsiders.

EU: Your early work was in poetic form, how has that honed your prose writing? Klause: Growing up I was very fond of writing poetry …I was a very good poet, I think, but I definitely had more success with my prose…the thing that carries over is the imagery…creating images and feelings…I think that shows up in my prose writing. I tend to gravitate towards mood and images.

EU: Where does the title Blood and Chocolate come from? Klause: The title was about duality of nature and not knowing if you’re one thing or another. Typical ado- lescent confusion, actually. My husband, someone asked him what the title of a certain book was, and The werewolf thriller movie called Blood and he said ‘Blood and Chocolate’ but it turned out it was www.eujacksonville.com Chocolate will be released in theaters by the end of a mistake. It was actually Blood and Gingerbread the week. Most people don’t realize that this movie and I said ‘Wait a minute… [Blood and Chocolate], started off as a very different product; a novel writ- that’s such a good title though; I’d like to use that. ten for young adults by Annette Curtis Klause. By all That seems to reflect my book.’ Then it turned out accounts, the plot of the movie is going to deviate that it was an album by Elvis Costello…It was also considerably from the original book, something that in that quote from Steppenwolf, and I couldn’t have is sure to anger the fans of the book (as it always asked for a better quote: ‘In fear I hurried this way does). and that. I had the taste of blood and chocolate in Klause has authored several successful books my mouth, the one is hateful as the other.’ Yeah, that in the sci-fi and horror genre. Other titles by her are really does reflect the theme of my book, so I just Alien Secrets (sci-fi), The Silver Kiss (vampire), and put the quote at the beginning of my book. Freaks: Alive on the Inside (about circus freaks). Here, EU interviews her about her book, Blood and EU: How involved are you with the movie process? Chocolate, her writing and life. Klause: Not much. (laughs) About 10 years ago I signed a contract. They sent me a few scripts at the EU: What made you choose the teen/young adult time that weren’t much like my book or what appears age group to write for? to be the final movie. And then I just didn’t hear any- Klause: (laughs) Arrested development. I don’t thing for a long time. In fact, at one point, I thought know, it’s just when I turned to writing short stories the whole thing was falling through and they weren’t after I got out of graduate school and I had the time going to renew the option…Then one day these en- to write again for myself, it seemed like my charac- tries started to be filled in—there was a director and ters were all teenagers…I guess that’s because my suddenly there were crew members showing up. It inner voice is still dealing with the same issues…On was very exciting that day. the cusp of adulthood…your life can go some many different directions…Since fiction often relies upon EU: Have you gotten the chance to take a look at a a pivotal moment…it seems like a good age group script draft lately? to write about…I write what I would have enjoyed Klause: No, I have not seen the script; I have not growing up. seen the movie. It was a bit sad, really. I guess when you sign your first movie contract, you have all these EU: As a librarian do you see people check your grand illusions about how you’re going to be in- books out? volved and how they’ll invite you to the shooting and Klause: Over the years, yes, I’ve seen people check one day there’ll be a première that you’ll go to…This out my books. Most of the time I don’t say anything doesn’t happen, not all the time apparently. I haven’t because it seems rather egotistical to say [that] I even been sent a screening copy. Guess I’m going to wrote that book you’re checking out. be standing in line like everybody else.

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 15 watching for the olympics hopefuls at the Tyson American Cup by Erin thursby [email protected]

What: 2007 Tyson American Cup When: March 3rd @ 11:30AM Where: Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena

The Tyson American Cup gymnastics competition is one of a few competitions that is a precursor to the Olympic Games, featuring gymnasts that will later be vying for positions on international Olympic teams. One of the gymnasts that will bear watching in the next year or so won’t be competing in the Tyson World Cup, but will be sitting on the sidelines cheering on her team. Her name is Chellsie Memmel, and she very nearly made it to the Olympics in 2004. She ending up being an alternate (because of injury) but is an excellent candidate to win the gold at the 2008 Olympics. She’ll be sidelined at the Tyson Ameri- can Cup because of a shoulder injury, but you can expect great things from Memmel and her team- mates in the next two years. Memmel’s career has been full of ups and downs because of injury. Besides this year’s shoulder injury, she’s also broken her foot, pulled a hamstring and been sidelined with a bruised foot since she’s started competing seriously. When she’s uninjured, she can do great things. She’s the third woman in the world to complete a Dos San- tos, an arabian double front in the piked position. EU: What do you do when you aren’t compet- She even has her own signature moves that have ing? been named after her: a double turn with leg fully Memmel: I like to hang out with my friends. extended in a “Y” on floor and a piked barani on My sister is one of my best friends…We go to beam. movies…In the summer we have a lake house. EU got a chance to speak with this 18 year- We have people come out there, you know, just old gymnast about her past competitions, her life swimming in the lake or riding bikes around it, and future aspirations. stuff like that.

EU: How’s your shoulder doing? EU: What’s your daily diet like? Memmel: It’s healing rather well. My rotator Memmel: I drink a lot of water, eat mostly protein cuff and my labrum were repaired. I’m about ten and fruits and vegetables. weeks out from surgery. I’ve just got the clear- ance to do even more and start training, like, even EU: What’s your favorite indulgence as far as more. food is concerned? Memmel: Pizza. EU: What’s been your most challenging or memorable competition? EU: Is competing in the Olympics a goal for Memmel: I guess the 2006 [World] Champion- you? ship was kind of difficult after the injury because I Memmel: Definitely, that’s my main goal for 2008. competed with my shoulder on the beam and floor. But the 2005 World was also a challenge because EU: Have you gotten any endorsement offers me and Nastia [Liukin] were so close together till yet? the very end. Memmel: I have some of the gymnastics stuff like …a company out of Wisconsin called Gym Trea- EU: Your stat sheet has you born in 1988 and sures, Tumble track and AAI. starting gymnastics in 1989. Did you really start at just a year old? EU: You’ve been all over the world competing. Memmel: Yeah, pretty much. Both my parents Do you have a favorite place you’ve visited? worked in a gym so that’s where I grew up so I Memmel: We usually just see the hotel and the just started playing around right away. gym…I’d like to go back to most of the places I’ve been. England and Switzerland were both EU: Both your sisters have done gymnastics in very nice, very cool places. I’d like to go back to the past. Are they both as serious about it as France and be able to see Paris. you are? Are they still competing? Memmel: My youngest sister, Skyler, is 9 and Tickets for the Tyson American Cup go from does compete…She’s very much into it. My other about $20-50 and can be purchased through sister, Mara, who actually turns 17 tomorrow Ticketmaster online at www.ticketmaster.com, by doesn’t do gymnastics anymore, but she does do calling (904) 353-3309 or by going to the Jack- our dance program at the gym. sonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena box office.

16 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The paintings are the only works displayed that feature color. Mild tones and soft shapes effervesce off the canvas with a minimum of tactility. In other words, the paintings are pretty smooth, which ad- equately ties them to the other printed works in the collection. In contrast, the two lithographs defy the flatness of the paper. With swaths of black and gray tangling behind one another, the images distinctly portray a calm sense of movement, much like the way light and shadow play upon the surface of gently rip- pling waters. They also recall Japanese ink paintings on rice paper. Vague snapshots of land and sea- scapes, the intaglio photo prints are by far the most energetic. They seem to record the history of nature’s movements, like the veiny patterns of a cooled lava flow, or the erosion of earth along the steep bank of a swift river. The small size of the prints serves the im- ages well. If they were any bigger, your brain might be overwhelmed by the information and ideas your eyes try to send. In talking with Thursby, he confirmed many of my impressions about his work. He relishes the confident chaos that nature a catalyst for mental exploration. In other words, it performs so readily, while taking solace in the pure can blow your mind. Most art doesn’t do quite that calculated reason that is necessary for nature’s con- much, and some does nothing at all. Stay away from tinuity. Natural forms have always made more of an the stuff that does nothing, and go see Thursby’s Devon Thursby and his impression on him than man-made ones. Earth Forms. I apologize for making your brain hurt, but the To learn more about Devon Thursby and stay work of Devon Thursby causes one’s thoughts to abreast of future exhibitions and new works, visit his Earth Forms float high. You see, art is not just for the eyes. It is website at www.terraverte.com. by donald dusinberre [email protected]

I drove across the city to the beach. Between ing to be heard was the artwork of Devon Thursby. headlights and taillights I saw gas stations, grocery As I navigated the maze of uncomfortably close stores, banks, and fast food joints brightly lit in their tables and elbows, flowing representations of trees, subliminal languages, all insisting on my patronage. I leaves, and earthen forms lingered just beyond my resisted and trolled a few blocks of half-empty park- reach. ing lots looking for a spot that didn’t cost any mon- Having graduated from the School of the Art ey. I’ll bet that since it was only 8 p.m. on a balmy Institute of Chicago, Devon Thursby is a rising artist Friday, the greedy parking attendants considered the whose work is a fresh recollection of natural forms. lots half full. Presented in an abstracted way, the shapes and lines Once inside Ocean 60, a foofy (yes, that’s within his work don’t shout the subject matter, they right) restaurant one block from the infinite sea, my signal. The collection currently on display at Ocean eyes were finally able to rest upon something I con- 60 is called Earth Forms, and it consists of four sider nature. Not the lettuce in the salads. Just above paintings, five intaglio photo prints, and two litho- the expensive hairstyles and the din of voices yearn- graphic prints.

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 17 EU: By naming them Soundsuits, second skins: sculptural you’ve called specific attention to a mere side effect of their existence. How important is the sound of the suits to their overall aesthetic? Nick Cave: It’s important on two soundsuits and tondos levels. What I had been doing was either installation work or perfor- mance work. If I do performance an interview with the other Nick Cave work, people want to better en- counter the work closer; to see how by donald dusinberre they’re constructed and what they’re made of. And then there’s the other Beginning January 26th and concluding desire to see them in motion. What April 7, 2007, MOCA Jacksonville will be featuring you’re getting at the museum are three new visiting collections. Nick Cave’s ‘Second sculptural objects to get a closer en- Skin: Soundsuits and Tondos’ will be joined by An- counter with the suits. But then there derson & Low’s ‘Athlete/Warrior’ as well as ‘Other will be the performance component. Worlds: The Landscape in Contemporary Art’. They’re both extremely important. While browsing the snazzy new MOCA Jacksonville website, my interest grew in the work EU: Do you think that people will of Nick Cave, so I called him up to learn more about want to know what it’s like to be his fantastic Soundsuits. After just a few moments inside your Soundsuits? of talking with him, I could tell he was no Bad Seed, Nick Cave: Oh sure, but you want to and his creations contain layer upon layer of visual leave it open to the imagination. It’s fantasy, mental assertion, and artistic exploration. not always a good thing to think of “There’s a level of dedication and commitment to everything. You have to have a level the process of art making,” says Cave. “The work of curiosity. is really about raising our consciousness. It is work that really forces the viewer to engage in visceral MOCA Jacksonville is located sensations.” at 333 North Laura Street, Jackson- ville, Florida, 32202. To learn more EU: So…what are you wearing right now? about all that MOCA Jacksonville Nick Cave: (laughter) I have on a black sweater, has to offer, check out their brand black leather pants, and some Adidas tennis shoes, new website at www.mocajackson- which are neon. ville.org or call (904) 366-6911. EU: Have you ever worn your suits in public, ca- sually going about your everyday business? Nick Cave: Not casually going about my business, but I’ve done “happenings” throughout the city of Chicago, with various events in public parks that create a unique experience. Making it an experience is how the com- municator interacts with his work.

EU: In the world of high fashion, clothing design can be outlandish and often presented as artistic, often at the expense of comfort and practicality. Did your Soundsuits begin as clothing with an artistic mean- ing, or was your artistic meaning best expressed through something that only clothing provides? Nick Cave: The second of the two. It was my artistic vision in clothing that was the platform that allowed me to give it meaning.

EU: Since you’ve made clothing, an item so ordinary at its essence, in what way does the museum set- ting help your work accomplish its goals? Nick Cave: First and foremost, it’s sculpture, and then I find it’s about clothing. But I look at it first as a sculp- tural object; look at it as a sculptural, figurative sort of work.

EU: Your Soundsuits involve a wide array of different materials capable of constructing a visual creed for a person who creates and wears one; like a highly involved beaded necklace. How would you feel about the masses using and wearing your ideas? Nick Cave: I think it’s an interesting type of direction. I find that what I’m doing is looking at what already ex- ists in the world. Instead of discarding materials, I find another way of providing them with a different sort of language and reinventing what already exists. So it’s sort of like reclaiming what’s already here. I think it’s really about a level of consciousness at the same time.

EU: Is there a material or found object you consider unacceptable for use on a Soundsuit, besides obvi- ously difficult stuff like refrigerators or rabid animals? Nick Cave: No, I really haven’t by any means explored the array of possible materials. To me, there are no two found objects that are the same; they are all one of a kind. It’s always an ongoing research and development of discovering and being introduced to new materials and sculptural forms.

EU: So the sheer randomness of finding these objects to use is part of the artistic process itself? Nick Cave: Yes. I think what’s important is finding the means necessary to best express my ideas. I visualize my materials of choice.

EU: What are the goals, however complex or simple, you’ve set for your Soundsuits to reach the ordinary viewer? Nick Cave: What you’ll see at the museum is part one of a project. It’s really one-third of a larger project that was presented here in Chicago last June at the Chicago Cultural Center. It was a Soundsuit exhibition that consisted of 60 Soundsuits. You (Jacksonville) will get about 15 to 20. The second half of the project is a performance piece, which will consist of 90 Soundsuits. We’ll work with the community and the public schools to create a huge piece that will travel the country.

18 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper downtown is sexy. give it up for downtown

Life and Style at the Urban Core by jon bosworth

Everyone is calling downtown sexy these days. I have to admit that the skyline is gorgeous and there is something sultry about the way that the St. John’s River slithers through Downtown’s center, but you would be a fool to run and sign a lease because a realtor told you about the walking distance to Alltell Stadium or compensated your lack of a nearby movie theatre by providing a Vespa as a sign-on bonus. So EU went and walked and talked with the people that live, work, and play downtown, as well as some of the shakers and movers that helped make Downtown so sexy, so that you could make an informed decision. The Downtown of today is a far cry from the ghost town that celebrated the opening of The Jackson- ville Landing in the early 90s. In fact, The Landing is probably the least interesting thing happening at our urban core these days, although it always makes for a nice photograph. Now there are galleries, artists co-ops, some of the best dining in the greater metropolitan area, great night clubs, and even a friendly community.

With the introduction of a beautiful new Main Library shoulder-to-shoulder with the Museum of Contemporary Art right on Hemming Plaza, the old Haydon Burns Library building has become available. The word on the streets was that they were going to tear it down, but the outcry to save the architectural anomaly was deafening. The new plan includes making it into a mixed retail space. There are many plans being presented, but the one with the most buzz among people living Downtown is the idea of a natural foods grocery store and restaurant on the bottom floor, various retail and office spaces in the middle floors, and more living space to be built on top of the structure. Other changes that we hope to see in the near future include an improved monorail system that goes all the way into Riverside, more cocktail lounges, music venues, and restaurants, and plenty of activity. There are three new coffee shops preparing to open as you read this. One inside the library, another Star- bucks, and even a coffee shop in the new Chamblin’s BookMine Downtown location. But you don’t have to wait for Downtown to happen. It’s happening now. Just go to any ArtWalk, grab lunch at the Burrito Gallery, or catch a punk rock show at Thee Imperial on Forsythe. From casual strolls along the Riverwalk and jogging paths that go all the way to the YMCA in Riverside to the simple enjoyment of watching the sun set over the River City from the rooftop terrace on your building, life down- town is a unique creature that is waiting for those of you with an adventurous spirit and an open mind. Don’t go into it blindly, take our hand. EU will guide you through your experience and help you dis- cover what everyone is talking about when they secretly watch the Downtown program on WJCT late at night with the lights out. Downtown is sexier than ever before, and now is the time to get on board. 4

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 19 EU: What is the most attractive aspect to living downtown? TL: Walkability and the river. Also, closeness to great restaurants. the downtown vision EU: What were some of the more present challenges to DVI that the organization has made successful headway regarding facilitating life and business downtown? TL: We have been focusing on the basics, which is making it cleaner and safer down here. Our ambassador interview with Terry Lorince program has been really good at changing the perceptions of downtown, and that has worked. People per- ceive it as having changed. Terry Lorince is the director of Downtown Vision Inc. She took some time with me in their downtown offices to discuss the pros and cons facing Downtown, both as a viable place to reside and as a place to do EU: What are some of the pressing challenges you are currently facing? business. TL: Jacksonville is at a point where we need to bring more coffee shops, businesses and amenities down- Lorince cites many organizations, other than just DVI, that have also been a big help in creating a con- town. The people moving here is part of that, but we are trying to connect some of the better venues down ducive environment, such as JEDC. She also lauds the actions of active business owners such as Stephen here. I think in the next couple of months you’ll see a lot of changes. Three new venues downtown, Shelby’s Dare at Boomtown and other area merchants. Coffee at the library, Chamblin’s BookMine, and another Starbucks are some of them. It’s starting to happen. “When I first came here there was a very strong perception that there was nothing to do, it was dirty, You’re going to see Café Nola and Chew opening a couple of nights a week. We also hope to be able to orga- and it wasn’t safe. When we came Downtown, we talked to many different people. We needed to start the nize more activities Downtown to attract people. Many of the newer places will be ready for residences in a ambassador program to stop the nuisance crimes (such as panhandling). The ambassadors have done a couple of months. It’s an exciting time and the pieces are staring to come together. The JEDC just completed great job of being helpful to people and providing an added presence on the street.” 4 downtown committees looking at parking and transportation, as well as retail opportunities, to improve the Lorince called me out on my indictment that ambassadors and the monorail were not useful, and to her situation downtown for businesses and residences alike. credit, she is right about the value of ambassadors Downtown, but as a longtime local that already is accli- mated and enjoys downtown regularly, they are less useful to me, but that is not to say they aren’t useful to With 1500 units downtown, and about 2200 people, there is a growing and thriving community in a wide range of newcomers to our city. Although I may have Downtown Jacksonville. There are 100 sites under construction now and there is a lot of pre-selling and new been wrong about the orange-jacketed ambassadors, I did get plans being made everyday. “The pieces are coming Lorince to concur that the public transportation system could “We are looking at 5000 residents downtown in a couple of years.” together. These smaller and be more effective. “I think one of the most important needs is to connect incremental businesses are Springfield, Five Points, San Marco and even East Jackson- Metropolitan Lofts ville to Downtown. They are just far enough that they are not really getting started. It’s easy to walk to, and we need to connect to those growing nodes with some sort of system. And we need to meet the pretty amazing.” growing demands downtown.” Some headway being made in those directions in- cludes proposals from developments along Riverside Avenue, especially in the Brooklyn area, desiring an additional leg of the Skyway system in Riverside. “The pieces are coming together. These smaller and incremental businesses are really getting started. It’s pretty amazing.” As many of the people I talked to this weekend said, Downtown is no longer just luxury living in River- front condos, there are historic renovations and plenty of funky loft spaces that are available for rent. From Metropolitan Lofts to custom condominium spaces, there is something for everyone in the new Downtown.

make a new address for yourself some new Downtown properties

The idea of living Downtown is very cool. Who doesn’t want to live in a cool apartment or condo with Stainless steel amentities, exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and a view that kills? Well for those of you brave enough to give it a shot, there is no time like the present. Developers are sparing no expense to help you convert from the suburban life to urban living. Many places now offer a free membership to Gold’s Gym (which is a quick walk from almost anywhere in the Downtown area), secure parking, and even various dis- counts or “privileges” at local businesses, so make sure you ask for the details while you hunt for your dream home. 218 West Adams Lofts If you were one of those forward-thinking kids that was in love with our Downtown back in the mid-nine- ties, then you are sure to remember our first truly stylish club: The Moto Lounge. Well, as style gives birth to style, these new loft condominiums are in that building, and they are some of the classiest places among the new developments. If you are looking for a loft that you can call your own, these developers allow you to customize the layout you want for your loft. Artists may want a large open space with no drywall or divisions, while a young couple may prefer to select an arrangement that provides individual spaces. That is no problem. Another as- pect that makes it unique is the plan for a rooftop terrace with a lounge, exercise area, and scenic city views.

20 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper They boast a true urban lifestyle in a modern loft space, inside of a historic building in the middle of down- town. Metropolitan Lofts If purchasing isn’t in your cards right now, that doesn’t mean you are out of luck. The new Metropolitan Lofts on Church Street have just recently opened their funky Downtown loft apartments. They have secure i like to boogie underground parking and they allow pets. The best part is that many of the apartments available are going for less than $1000 per month. And since this building is a true high-rise, you will be “moving on up” to your apartment in the sky to enjoy spectacular views. Go to jaxlofts.com to learn more, but make sure you actually Downtown’s nightlife inspires eu writers to crawl go and take the tour of these fabulous apartments. If the view doesn’t wow you, the amenities will. by jon bosworth Whether you are interested in a penthouse condominium on the river or a simple and minimalist life void of cars and lawns, Downtown has the perfect place for you. Just like the cuisine, the nightlife, and the neigh- It was a bizarre beginning to a long night. Only four hours earlier I was in Manhattan. It was a bors, Downtown has an eclectic collection of hip places to live, the only trick is finding the right one for your Saturday and the streets, parks, and sidewalks were full of people. A lot of that had to do with the fact lifestyle. that it was 75 degrees in January, so New Yorkers were taking full advantage of global warming and there are always lots of people engaged in all sorts of interesting activities. No sooner had our ride dropped us at our home than my friend, and a contributing writer to EU, John Dooling was at my door. I had told him we were going to go Downtown and check out the night life for an article. As we waited for our cab to pick us up, so that we wouldn’t have to worry about driving. Another friend, John Hubbard, arrived at my house and offered us a ride. So the triumvirate of Johns was united and our destination was the big city: Downtown Jacksonville. Driving into the city was surreal after New York. It was a Saturday night and the streets were barren, like a ghost town. When we arrived at our starting point, the Burrito Gallery, we got truly dis- tressed that we were doomed to fail in our mission. At only 10:05 on a Saturday night the Burrito Gal- lery was closed. We met up with another contributing writer for EU, Katie Veltri. I had hoped that my friend, one of the owners of the Burrito Gallery, Marco, would take us on his regular route of Downtown hot spots, but unfortunately he was at a sports bar across town watching his beloved Dallas Cowboys lose, so it would be up to us to find our own way around. As we glanced across Adams Street, we noticed that the London Bridge was still awake and there were even some people in there. Well, there were three people in there. Nonetheless, this is a study of the Downtown night life and so far, this was the only life we had found. After a couple of beers, Katie got to know the Johns better and we decided we were all ready for some liquor drinks. Making our way from London Bridge to Mark’s seemed daunting, and even a little dangerous, in my mind, but actually it was quite a nice walk. Usually when one is approaching Mark’s, it can be discerned by the comfy tables and chairs out front for those who prefer to enjoy their drinks outside of the smoky bar, but today that wasn’t the case. As it turns out there were some policies that police have been newly enforcing that require revelers to stay inside of the bar. Presumably because of this policy, Mark’s was crammed with people, in spite of the $3 cover charge. So we skipped it for the time being and headed to The Dive Bar, one of Downtown’s newest bars. As Katie put it: “Dive Bar is too modern and sanitary to be considered anything remotely close to an allegretti sort of town a dive bar; however, it does have many themes resonating throughout. Cluttered with road signs, man- nequins held buoyant from the ceiling, and funky mirrors, this bar is somewhat of a whirling mass of colorful distractions that are enough to cloud you from the sub par music.” Although there is a kitsch sort of cool to a theme bar, Dive Bar is more like a Paradise Island in interview with Tony Allegretti bar in Orlando. Its theme isn’t very clear, and that makes the bar feel insecure. And, as she said, the music was atrocious. I would have sworn I was at a prom in 1994. Tony Allegretti is one of those people that never looks obnoxiously enthusiastic, in fact he is very down- Fortunately, as we were running out of jokes to make about the music, Marco and some of our to-earth, but his vision of what Downtown could be is largely why Downtown has been so successful. I first other Downtown friends arrived. We went to Mark’s with them, and the atmosphere was far cooler. learned of him when he was a consultant to Mayor Peyton and his face showed up in some publications. I The place is classy and well-designed, although it is small and packed with people. Not packed, like later learned more about him when my wife was a cook at Henrietta’s in Springfield. He’s been a big part in dangerous, but packed enough to make a trip to the bar difficult when you are ready for another round. the revitalization of Downtown and Springfield, not only as a consultant and advocate of urban living, but he’s Katie found her way straight to the dance floor, as the DJ at Mark’s seemed to have some idea about put his money and influence where his mouth is. As a partner in one of Downtown’s best success stories, music. Burrito Gallery, he has had the very direct opportunity to be a part of one of the businesses that have truly I’m no kind of a dancer, but I’d rather have new hip-hop songs I don’t know piped through a place taken part in cultivating the lifestyle of our urban core. EU talked to Tony at the bar in Burrito Gallery. then find myself singing Love Shack in my head all night. Of course at this point each of us was chal- lenging everyone else in our group to another round of shots. After four or five of these rounds, the end EU: What changes have you noticed in the past year that bolster your confidence in the dream of Down- of the night got closer quicker. That is why John Dooling insisted that we head over to TSI before it was town? two o’clock. TA: When you’re downtown everyday, several times a day, and/or all day, you see a lot of small changes, Although TSI often stays open past two, they are strict about State laws (for some reason) and rather than big breakthroughs. Some of these small changes are the fact that Chew has good coffee, so now will not serve any beers if we arrive too late. Fortunately, we stumbled in at the nick of time. The indie one block away we have Italian coffee. The art co-op in the Carling is a great idea. rockers were really shakin’ at this hour. For a brief moment I thought I actually saw people having sex on the dance floor, but I had been doing shots of Jagermeister at the previous bar, so it is entirely pos- EU: What are the issues do you think most pertinently need to be addressed to benefit people living sible that my eyes were playing tricks on me. downtown? The younger crowd at TSI tends to be snooty in their own way, but so was the crowd at Mark’s TA: Well that makes it sound like it isn’t accessible and convenient. If you live Downtown, you get a parking and the three people at London Bridge. I guess the one good thing I could say about Dive Bar is that space, so you overcome everyone’s perceived number-one problem, and you can walk to nearly everything. there was room for me to sit, and I felt comfortable doing so. But while Mark’s is all but empty at 2:15, We could use more convenience, like a grocery store, but there will be more grocery stores. There is one TSI was still loaded with hot young girls and dudes that dress for irony. Or at least I hope they were on Market and State, so when you really need one there is one there, but as more people come, in more dressing that way for irony. If they weren’t, wouldn’t that be ironic. conveniences will come in. Whereas Downtown used to be exclusively luxury, and not affordable, it is becom- Finally we sauntered back to Burrito Gallery where Marco let us wait for our cab while we weath- ing more accessible. Now with Metropolitan Lofts and City Place in the Ashley towers, there are places that ered our buzz. people can afford to live. “We should do this all the time,” John Dooling recommended, and with that the idea was born. The EU Pub Crawl. We can go to the various sides of town, drink at their bars, and provide thorough EU: What did it take to become the pre-eminent downtown business? and knowledgeable reviews of the bars in that area. TA: For the BG [this is Downtown local slang for the Burrito Gallery], the beautiful thing about the BG is the “You mean pub crawl? Yeah we should,” I replied. quality and value of the food. That will always be the cornerstone of this restaurant and any other Gallery “No, I mean get John Hubbard to drive us here and then lose him.” Restaurant Group project. 4

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 21 4 EU: Is Downtown a single person’s environment, or is family living realistic downtown? TA: I lived here for a year when my house was being built in Riverside and I think it is ready right now. We urbanizing jacksonville often talk about moving the family and the kids back Downtown. I think when you start seeing multi-family projects like the Shipyards and the Saint Johns coming on, you know there is a community. In the Berkman interview with Joey Marchy of urban jacksonville you have a pool and a place for your boat, which isn’t unlike other apartment communities. EU: How do we encourage retail to come downtown? “For me, having TA: If retail follows rooftops (how people think that retail grows) then that will happen here, because we have visited bigger cities like a lot of rooftops on the way, but that will make it a lot less affordable to own retail space downtown. It will New York and Chicago, I never be as affordable as it is right now, so cash in your 401k and lease it now. like living close to the city. I like stuff like, this is go- ing to sound weird, but I kind of like urban decay. I like the way it looks. I like the people and activity of Downtown. I would never live in the suburbs because I don’t like them, it’s a per- sonal choice.” Joey Marchy isn’t sure if he considers himself an “activist,” but he is defi- nitely one of the most ac- tive voices in Jacksonville when it comes to dealing with the real issues, and introducing people to really great aspects, of the down- town and Springfield area. “I’m not a busybody. Activist has kind of a bad connotation. But yeah, I guess I am a concerned citizen, an active citizen. I talk about things that are going on in my neighborhood. I shine lights on things that I think need light. I like to promote Springfield and talk about Springfield and talk about Downtown because it’s fun because no one else is really doing it. Part of the reason I started Urban Jacksonville is because I wanted something like that and no one was doing it, so I started doing it.” Marchy currently lives in Springfield and agreed to meet up with Rachel Best Henley, EU’s creative director, Brian Jerin, an EU sales rep, and myself at Shanty Town Pub, one of Springfield’s newest and most talked-about pubs. But he wasn’t always a Jacksonville urbanite. “I grew up on the Southside. I went to Stanton, which is near where I live now, and then graduated from UNF. Then I lived in Minneapolis and I didn’t know how much I would like it. Riding my bike through the neighborhoods, picking up a scone in a neighborhood deli, walking through parks, I loved all of that stuff. Living in Springfield was trying to recreate that feeling.” jacksonville’s legendary When I contacted Marchy about interviewing him for the EU Downtown Living issue, because of the voice that urbanjacksonville.com represents to this community, I found that he had just contacted us about interviewing EU to discuss the new look of our paper. So we all got together to interview each other. For the complete audio of that interview go to his website (urbanjacksonville.info). While you’re bookstore by erin thursby there, look back at all of the issues Marchy takes on. In many ways he is a more respectable local media than many of the media outlets in town. He is unafraid of telling the truth and he is eager to promote the things in town that he thinks are really great. Chamblin’s Uptown opening Downtown He is as likely to blog about how much he likes the clothes at Wolfgang in Five Points as he is to take a poll on how people feel about videos of homeless people defecating in the streets all over the In- 215 North Laura has been a lot of things over the years, though most people will remember it as being ternet. empty. So many projects and businesses have half started there in recent years that people have started to “I’ve been writing [Urban Jacksonville] for about a year and a half. I started a blog so that my wife wonder if Chamblin’s Bookmine would do the same, especially since they’ve had the property for several and some of my friends could keep up with each other, and then I was at work and I heard about the months. Ron Chamblin has taken his time with planning the renovations so that he can get things right. He Haydon Burns library thing and I decided to start a blog so that I could talk about it. I was on a website enjoys the history of the building, which is solid brick and over 100 years old. The old brickwork, which was called problogger and you had to set blogging goals. One of the blogging goals I set was to be acknowl- covered in a layer of plaster, was revealed by sandblasting and elbow grease. They’re also keeping the steel edged by local media, and within six months I was written about by Folio and the Times-Union.” I-beams exposed over an awning. Chamblin wants to contribute an architecturally interesting building to the Marchy stands by the notion that Jacksonville’s greatest opportunity for success depends on the block. He proudly talks about the design details he and his architect have come up with. On the outside of the people that see the new Jacksonville and patronize Downtown and Springfield businesses. building he plans to place owls on every other I-beams, keeping with the library’s owl theme. “Support the businesses that are [Downtown] now. Go to ArtWalk, go to Burrito Gallery, go to As the workers cleaned out the building and reconfigured the structure, they found interesting things MOCA. You know, if Tony gets a grocery store in the Haydon Burns, go to it. Go to TSI, Mark’s. Do the left behind by previous owners and tenants. Upstairs, there was a fair amount of junk and strange objects, stuff that is downtown. If those are successful then people will see that this is viable. If these places start because the man who stayed there was a bit of a packrat. Old papers, antiques, a collection of window failing then people will say it’s a broken dream.” panes, woman’s vintage clothing and unidentifiable objects were unearthed as they cleaned it out. Previous While admitting that there are benefits to the developers coming into town, because for them to find businesses have also left things behind. The store included a big walk in vault, which Chamblin thinks is tenants and buyers, they have to cultivate the potential of downtown. They are selling the sexiness of from its days as a jewelry store. It’s also been a shoe store, a frame shop and a photo processing store. Old downtown, but someone that can afford that sexiness might not be interested in dealing with dilemmas photography equipment was among the things they excavated. such as parking, a lack of public transportation, or panhandlers. At this point in the project they’ve filled 11 industrial dumpsters, both with debris from the walls they “There are kind of two people I see that are going to move Downtown. There’s the people that want knocked out and with all the assorted junk they found. They’ve had to deal with half-finished plumbing to buy into that sexy living thing, they want to live in a condo, they want to have views of the river and because the location was almost an Italian restaurant. I say almost, because the restaurant owners walk to the stadium. But then there’s also people that have lived in an urban environment before who abandoned the projects before they were even done with renovations. Workers also had to rip out a raised are moving from New York or San Francisco or Atlanta and who are looking for gridded streets, public stage that looked like it was intended for performance. transportation, bike friendliness and walkability…A lot of the developers think if they build it, people will Despite renovations costing three times as much as what was originally expected, Chamblin will be come, but it’s going to take a critical mass to make it work.” sticking to the project and is looking to be Downtown for the long haul. Marchy had a lot of great things to say about Downtown and Springfield businesses. Chamblin doesn’t have to worry about too-high rent because he has purchased the location. Says Chamblin, “Shanty Town and Burrito Gallery are my two favorite things about Downtown. Burrito Gallery’s food is “I’m not at the mercy of the landlords.” so consistent. The thing I love about Shanty Town is that they are open at 5 and they will be there when I Asked about the survivability of a Downtown business, Chamblin responds passionately: “I don’t say ‘I need them.” wonder if I’m going to survive?’ Bullsh*t! I say I’m going to make it so damn good, like I did with Roosevelt that we’re going to draw in the people.” Since Chamblin is experienced and renowned as a bookseller, he

22 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper knows his philosophy works. Indeed, in Jacksonville and all over the state, people know about Chamblin’s Bookmine. “If you make a store good enough, the environment good enough, people come to you…I get people the restoration generation coming to Roosevelt from Gainesville, Tallahassee…the Beaches [and] Fernandina…because we’ve got such a variety [and] because of our trade-in policies…I lost three competitors this year. They’re dropping off; we’re getting bigger.” interview with Stephen Dare He has plans to be part of the Downtown Art Walk, staying open on the nights that they’re held. Few people have more to say about the culture of Jacksonville than Stephen Dare, and he has Chamblin also sees a need for night time business in the Downtown area and says that he plans to earned the right to be vocal. Ever since I was a teenager that bought blue hair dye in Five Points, Stephen “experiment [with staying open] two nights a week, initially…I think it’ll be a nice addition to the environment has been at the front of the alternative, or progressive, or forward-thinking movements in this town. Dare …I’m going to try to have an art wall…to have some rotating art.” Chamblin is also eager to display his own calls Generation X, people that are currently between 30 and 40 years old, the “restoration generation.” collection of engravings and old maps that he’s collected over a thirty year period. “We are doing our best to create a community that probably never existed. We’re recreating an Books and art won’t be the only things for sale at the Downtown Chamblin’s. There will also be a small ideal perception of a Downtown that we have heard about. A Downtown of intellectual life and cafes. café with about 15 tables that will be offering coffee and cold sandwiches. While the location won’t have a Without the blight and racism. We’re recreating someone else’s perfect memories. Our generation is kitchen, each sandwich will be made fresh to order. Chamblin originally intended to go with a smaller coffee busy trying to recreate something from the past that we hope existed.” shop, but says that “it’s going to be a more important aspect than what I first planned.” As an unofficial spokesperson for Downtown merchants and the leading force behind the advocate The Downtown version of the bookstore will, in some ways, be a scaled-down duplicate of the original website metrojacksonville.com, Dare sees the biggest problems facing Downtown as being simply a Chamblin’s on Roosevelt. If you can’t find a book, they can of course order it from the other store and have it strict adherence to bad policies that address the concerns of prior eras. at the Downtown Chamblin’s within just a few hours or days. When Dare was making Five Points happen, there was certainly a degree of homelessness to deal This location will be twelve thousand square feet, including the upstairs and downstairs areas. Opening with, and there was prejudice. However they were able to overcome those because there weren’t laws is tentatively scheduled for March or April, depending on how quickly the construction goes. Of course, you and policies in place that made success more difficult. By being creative and cultivating an artistic ethic can be sure that this will be a major event in Jacksonville, so keep reading EU to find out when the shop will that eventually grew to be inherently associated with Riverside, property values went up. That taught a be opening its doors to the public and when it will be having its grand opening. lesson to Jacksonville at large. An alternative community isn’t dangerous, and it doesn’t foster Satanism or even paganism, but rather helps rejuvenate an otherwise useless district. That is the ethic that inves- tors are taking into Springfield and Downtown. Among the policies that are trapping a current Downtown in a modality of the past are old “im- provement plans” that once destroyed 4 million feet of retail space in the center of town. Also, parking policies were developed when they were a lot more people parking downtown. In 1984, according to live downtown Dare, 80,000 people parked Downtown, whereas today only 18,000 people park Downtown, and yet the rules developed to accommodate those 80,000 from yesteryear are still being applied today, and parking is one of the foremost problems brought to the forefront of Downtown. Berkman Plaza For Rent W.A. Knight Lofts San Marco Place “This is the killing zone for small businesses.” 400-500 E. Bay St. 113 W. Adams St. 1300 Riverplace Blvd. Some of the hope that Dare sees in Jacksonville is that there are younger people moving into criti- North Bank 11E Central Downtown South Bank cal positions in the city, from the heads of museums and libraries to the younger generation of police berkmanplaza.com 11 E. Forsyth St. 904.598.1368 sanmarcoplace.com officers. This helps resolve the disconnect between the older generation and the upcoming generation. Central Downtown 904.633.7900 904.346.3636 “Right now the counterculture and the establishments have the same aims.” vestcor.com/lynch Finally the punks are not blaming First Baptist Church for their problems. In Dare’s perspective, if it 904.358.6464 For Sale Churchwell Lofts at East Shipyards weren’t for First Baptist, Downtown wouldn’t be as salvageable as it is right now. Bay 950 E. Bay St. “If it weren’t for them half of the symphony people wouldn’t have been able to survive in the 70s Cathedral Residences 16:flat 301 E. Bay St. North Bank and 80s. You don’t have to go to First Baptist, but in terms of Downtown, without them it would have 601 N. Newnan St. 208 N. Laura St. Central Downtown shipyards.cc devolved into a hell hole. The real villains were the city planners, and they are still around and making Central Downtown Central Downtown 904.343.5721 904.562.7447 decisions. The guy that shut down retail downtown is still one of the city’s consultants.” 904.798.5353 16flat.com “The growing numbers of people Downtown are helping us whittle down these policies. There is a 904.252.5404 Home Street Lofts The Peninsula large group of people here, but we are a group of fellow travelers. This is the pleasant part of the renova- Stevens-Duval 1050 Hendricks Ave. 1403 Riverplace Blvd. tion; we all know each other and like each other. Eventually they’ll carve out their little fiefdoms and we’ll 601 N. Ocean St. 218 West Adams South Bank South Bank grow to hate each other.” Central Downtown Lofts thepeninsulacondos.com To own the Downtown is to own the city, and Dare and his assortment of “fellow travelers” have 904.358.8872 218 W. Adams St. Parks at the Cathedral 904.306.9606 made their way through Riverside and Springfield, and those places are better for it. Now they are Down- Central Downtown 256 E. Church St. town and great things are sure to follow. The Carling 218lofts.com Central Downtown The St. John “We haven’t all always liked each other, but we are the best and brightest of this local generation.” 31 W. Adams St. 904.358.3131 999 Prudential Dr. Dare believes that Generation X is the bridge generation. He speaks of Generation X as though they Central Downtown Residences at City Place South Bank are the chosen ones, come to heal, restore, and in some cases, create from nothing the ideals that gen- 904.356.6400 1951 Market 311 W. Ashley St. thestjohn.com erations before them claim once existed. These ghosts that drive them are unknown to anyone younger 1951 Market St Central Downtown 904.399.1555 than them. So those 30 to 40 year olds are making ideals true that have never been true for them, re- The Metropolitan Springfield cityplacejacksonville. gardless if they were the most aborted and neglected generation in history and not to mention the first 421 W. Church St. 1951market.com com The Strand generation to have education dollars taken away from them. Central Downtown 888.385.2099 904.358.CITY 1403 Riverplace Blvd. “It’s a wonderful vibe. Whatever the progressive or alternative thing is, it’s about change and being jaxlofts.com South Bank open to new things. We’ve created a place where we are comfortable. We are that bridge generation that 904.358.2100 thestrandsouthbank.com connects our parents’ ideals to our friend’s children. I’m at the age now where I have friends with 20- 904.306.9606 year old kids that are the new ones doing things. The people that we’ve known are voices that are in our heads. People that are dead. Younger people don’t have those voices. It’s up to us.”

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 23 two ways to spend the day Downtown activities for the whole family by kellie abrahamson Downtown Jacksonville is an untapped goldmine for families looking for a way to spend a Saturday. Because of how diverse the area is, one can spend a day downtown for virtually nothing or break the bank on activities, events and entertainment. In order to give you an idea of some of the fun things to do downtown with kids, I’ve come up with two itineraries, one for folks on a budget, the other for those willing to spare no expense. Both of these routes allow you to park your car on the South Bank to avoid the hassle of finding parking and give you a chance to see the city in a whole new way.

Downtown on the Cheap Yes, you can show your kids a terrific time downtown for under $20. There are plenty of fun, free things to do and see right on the river. I highly recommend you pack a stroller if you have little ones since there is a bit of walking involved with this route. Begin your day on the South Bank. Park your family car in the convenient parking lot near MOSH and make your way over to the Jacksonville Maritime Museum at the foot of the Main Street Bridge. The small river-front museum gives families a chance to see nautical artifacts and models of famous ships like the Titanic and The Three Friends. The Maritime Museum has an extensive collection of paintings and photos and is a must-see for those interested in North Florida’s maritime history. Because an average walk-through only takes about 15 minutes, little guests should hold up fairly well. The museum is open Monday-Friday from 10:30am-3pm and Saturday-Sunday from 1pm-5pm. Admission is free of charge and donations are accepted. Once you’ve taken a look at all the model boats, head over to the Friendship Fountain and have a picnic lunch while watching real boats float by on the St. Johns River. Tables are nearby, as is a shaded grassy area that’s just begging for a picnic blanket. Spread out and enjoy your meal, then give the kids a chance to stretch their legs while you relax and take in the delicious view. Next, hop on Water Taxi for a quick boat ride to the Jacksonville Municipal Marina. Just $3 for adults and $2 for children ages 4-12 (kids 3 and under are free), you and your kids can experience the beauty of the River City from the middle of the St. Johns. Exit your vessel and head over to Kids Kampus, a ten-acre park that has plenty for kids to see, do, learn about and explore. You can check out bicycles and helmets free of charge and let your kids ride on miniature Jacksonville roads or turn them loose on sandboxes and playgrounds. When you’re able to drag them away, take a stroll past the Veterans Memorial Wall across the street and catch the Sunflower Line Trolley at the Veterans Memorial Arena. The trolley service is free of charge and is a charming way to traverse the big city. Get off at the Laura Street stop and it’s just a couple of blocks to the Main Library where you can wind down with a story or a puppet show. The library has a terrific children’s area with events happening all the time. For dates, times and events, visit www.jpl.coj.net. When you’re through relaxing among the stacks, take the Skyway at Hemming Plaza back over to the South Bank. At just 35 cents per person, this is a great deal. Kids get all the fun of a train ride without the price tag. It’s important to note that the Skyway does not operate on Sundays unless there is a special event going on.

Total estimated cost for a family of four (with kids under 12): $12

A Higher-End Visit It’s easy to splurge in a city like Jacksonville because there is so much to do and see. Here’s a great way to spend the day if money is no object. Like before, park on the South Bank and visit the MOSH. This hands-on museum is a great way to spend an entire day with the family. See animals, take in a show at the planetarium and learn about Jacksonville history. There’s something here for the whole family. Admission is $8 for adults and $6 for children ages 3-12. Take the Water Taxi over to the Landing and grab a quick bite to eat at one of their many restaurants and eateries. The Landing has a wide variety of restaurants, each with very different flavors, atmospheres and prices. Once you’ve eaten your fill, do a little shopping. Pick up unique gifts at Edgewater Treasures or an “I Love Jacksonville” T-shirt at Destination Jacksonville. Be sure to pop on over to The Toy Factory and let the kids check out some of the hottest toys in town. Next, hop on the Magnolia Line Trolley and ride on over to Hemming Plaza and MOCA Jacksonville. Their one of a kind ArtExplorium Loft is a must-see for creative kids. Here, children of all ages can learn about modern and contemporary art and try their hands at different mediums to get a better understanding of how artists create their works. There are 16 learning stations in the Loft, giving kids plenty to do during their visit. Admission for adults is $6, students with current ID pay $4.00 and children under 2 are free. When you’re through at MOCA, take the Skyway back over to the South Bank.

Total estimated cost for a family of four (with kids under 12): $100

24 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper thursday nights pulppulp fictionfiction theatrtheatree Straight from the 30s

Gritty, thrilling and performed by erin thursby live at Downtown's coolest Dinner Theatre. it’s not a gallery of burritos doors open at 6, show at 8:30 it’s an art gallery that just happens to serve burritos

21 East Adams Street sherry tarragon vinaigrette served on the side. It (904) 598-2922 comes with grilled chicken, but you can sub that 5 bucks (CHEAP!) for the Its past noon and the people I’m supposed with steak or shrimp. The waitress encouraged my show | full dining | call for to meet for lunch haven’t shown. Luckily, Burrito tendency for indulgence by suggesting that I try the more info. Gallery has plenty of art to look over, and they Cobb with both the steak and the shrimp. For this, have a full bar. In my book, art and full bar are she gets happy points. always a plus. While I’m waiting, I start on a rum Other salads at Burrito Gallery include a classic and coke in their courtyard. My coat and their Caesar, a taco salad bowl, avocado-tuna salad and alcohol seems to hold back the cold brought by a the lovely smokehouse turkey salad. I say lovely boomtown theatre grey day and bitter winds. There’s no color in the because it includes smoked bacon, and bacon just 140 west monroe street | 632-0099 | http://pulpfictiontheatre.tk/ sky, but there’s color in the courtyard because of makes everything better, especially when it stars mactruQue’s multihued cityscape mural. I’m the with tomatoes, jack cheese, salad greens and turkey. only one out in the courtyard because of the cold. I Now, if you go to a place called Burrito Gallery, chose it because it’s full service and has plenty of you might want to order a burrito. Go ahead. But be light for taking pictures of massive burritos. warned. Burritos come in two sizes here, ginormous In spite of the nasty weather, indoors the and gargantuan. Bring your appetite and plan on Gallery is a packed house. People have ventured a doggie bag. First timers should take it slow and out of their offices and into the cold to consume order the smaller sized burrito. If you can handle a soul-satisfying burrito. On the right wall as you that, move up to the larger, more gargantuan size enter, are the low-tone but soul capturing portraits on the next visit. I order the ginger teriyaki tofu, by Sean Mehan. As a total contrast on the left, you mostly because I wanted to see if they knew how to can take a gander at Dan May’s crisply colored, handle tofu. They do. Vegetarians who haven’t yet boldly saturated, often cartoonistic, odd world of discovered this place should come in for the ginger amoebas, monsters and sea things. Take a walk teriyaki tofu burrito and the grilled veggie. The tacos throughout the eatery, and it is like being in a are a smaller choice, but just as tasty. The fillings gallery. The paper menus include website info on choices include many of the same options. Try the the artists currently on display. fresh mahi, carnitas (pork) or the shrimp. Burrito Gallery was one of those businesses As for the deli wraps, it’s a difficult choice. that used Jacksonville’s hosting of the Super Bowl I sample the curry walnut chicken salad, an in 2005 to launch their business to much success. excellently balanced combo of green apples, white Since that time they’ve become a much loved and raisins, a curry chicken salad and greens. talked about bastion of burritos and artwork. The The menu isn’t huge, but everything they huge mural by mactruQue and Shawn painted on serve is fresh and tasty. Their sauces and salads the side of the building has helped change people’s are particularly notable in this area. They make a perception of Downtown. Inside, the walls are a fresh tomato, jalapeño cilantro sauce that’s hot shifting gallery of artwork from local Jacksonville but flavorful. Because they use fresh ingredients, artists. It’s become a real hotspot during the the heat signature of this sauce might be different monthly Art Walks. You’ll often see a crowd because different batches of jalapeños can be a spilling out of the place on that first Wednesday of little less or a little more mouth-searing. I’d say you the month. should sample a little first to see if you can handle Great art might keep people interested, but it the current batch. might not keep people coming back to a restaurant Most people simply order their meals from were it not for the great food they serve here. It’s the counter and sit down to wait for the food to fresh of course, and much, much better in quality come out to them (which it does, pretty quickly) than the majority of quickly prepared meals, deli- but you can opt to sit at the bar or in the courtyard style and otherwise. Besides the sorts of items (both towards the back of the establishment) for you’d expect from a place with burrito in the name, full service. Burrito Gallery is now open most of the they also serve killer wraps and ginormous salads. week for dinner, from Tuesday through Saturday The Cobb salad is a most excellent choice. from 1PM-10PM and Fridays till midnight. Mondays The spring mix is topped with bleu cheese, egg, they keep short hours, from 11AM-3PM and grilled scallions, tomatoes and bacon with a tasty Sundays they’re closed.

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 25 live music cigar smokers mecca shows calendar Debra Rider Blues Trio at Island Girl Cigar Bar THURSDAY, JANUARY 25 Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) by Rick grant [email protected] Silver Lake Drive Cortesse’s, St. Augustine (825-6775) Debra Rider is a remarkable woman who has “In Jacksonville clubs, people like a Gutterboy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132) and does it all. She writes award-winning songs, variety of music from blues to country to she’s in five bands, she attends classes at UNF, and rock. So I have to be ready for anything and Out of Hand Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) she’s a super-mom and loving wife whose husband fortunately Mark and Dave can play any Dot Wilder Jazz Trio Layla’s, Jax owns a restaurant. I admire her boundless energy style. For this gig, the club owners wanted and talent. Indeed, I’ve been friends with Debra for blues, so I stuck to blues and took a few Eric Taylor European Street, Jax (399-1740) over twenty years, including her tenure with Lynyrd requests in different genres,” Debra said Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) Skynyrd as a backup singer. Today, Debra plays out during a break. with various ensembles including her roots music Yes, Debra’s long-esteemed career has Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) duo Mumz The Word with her duo partner Torrey. had many milestones. From 1990 to 1993 Dayve Stewart & the Vibe UNF Lazzara Theatre, Jax Again, I crossed paths with Debra at an exciting she sang backup with Skynyrd, touring the Dan Voll Green Turtle Tavern, Fernandina Beach new club, Island Girl Cigar Bar near the corner of the globe. In 1998 she was awarded a scholar- Gate Parkway and 9A, off the UNF exit. She had put ship to UNF and studied with Professor Wil- Blistur Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) together a blues trio for this gig with Mark Gibson liam Brown. Debra was an American Tradi- Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) on guitar and Dave Smith on bass from Baystreet. tions Competition quarterfinalist in 1997 and 1999 at for this guilty pleasure. Now, I also have discovered In fact, Debra has been singing with Baystreet and the Savannah Music Festival. Her songwriting talents the Island Girl. Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) subbing for John Miller as one of her projects. gleaned her an award in 1996 from Unison Interna- This cigar bar is roomy with plush easy chairs Porcelain Black French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) Because Mark and Dave are such accom- tional for her song Charlotte. In the summer of 1998 and tables. It features a huge walk in humidor (the Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) plished musicians, Debra was able to pull off an Debra sang with Sam Andrew of Big Brother and the biggest I’ve ever seen) with a wide variety of fine evening of blues despite the fact that the group has Holding Company, Janis Joplin’s original band, cov- cigars for sale. Owners, Joyce and Rick Lay are Agnostic Front Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) just recently formed. Guitarist Mark Gibson is a UNF ering Joplin tunes with local musicians. Debra was hands-on operators. They are cordial to all custom- David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs graduate and versatile player. He can literally play featured with the Jim McKaba Quintet in 1996 and ers and they make sure everyone is comfortable and any style on demand, including Johnny Cash’s trade- 2000. has been served. They have three smoke eaters in Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) mark sound. Debra adopted the body language and In 2005, Debra opened the Marcia Ball show at the ceiling to keep the room clear of smoke. There Chasing Betty Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) sultry voice of a blues singer in the plush environs of Freebird. Debra and Torrey, as the Mumz the Word is a fully equipped bar from which they serve fine Island Girl. Man, Saturday night at Island Girl, Debra duo, are involved with community service playing wines and have exotic beers on tap. The Lays also Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) was the blues. And I was ecstatic. nursing homes and hospitals. Ah yes, Debra’s re- have a well supplied package store connected to the Switch Back Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) sume is that of a major artist, who has always put club. Corey Smith Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) her family first, staying in Jacksonville and touring Of all the cigar bars around town (and yes I’ve intermittently. Her voice has many colorful nuances been inside most of them), this is the largest and Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) and covers a wide range of octaves. Her blues per- most comfortable. I love the tropical fans and lighted Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) sona and voice were perfect for a Saturday evening palm trees out front. The Lays are 24 fans and fea- of sipping wine and smoking cigars at Island Girl. ture the popular series on Monday night (9:00 pm on De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) This cigar bar is my new hangout for my occa- Fox) on their three large plasma screens that can be Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) sional night off. Since I’m a long-time cigar smoker seen from any spot in the room. Join the 24 club and and wine drinker, Island Girl is Mecca, baby. It’s Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) there are prizes for guessing how many people Jack such a hoot to light up a cigar inside a club without Bauer kills per episode. Hey, sign me up if I’m not Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) receiving death threats. Normally, I do not smoke viewing a film on Monday night. Island Girl is throw- Sh*tstorm, Dead Friends Ouroboros, Jax cigars in public because of the angry complaints. ing a big party for the Superbowl. Call 854-6060 for This leaves me my car and home as the only place more information or log-onto www.islandgirljax.com. Orlino & the Bodies of Def London Bridge, Jax (359-0001)

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, JAN. 25-27 Shrimp City Slim A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax

Dawn Patrol Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473)

Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300)

Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Nunez The Norm, Jax (384-9928)

John Cowan Band Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311)

Rebecca Zapen 95 Cordova, St. Augustine (827-1888)

Str8 Up Po Boy’s, Atlantic Beach (246-4121)

Chillakaya The British Pub, St. Augustine

Island Mood Duo River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299)

Yancy Clegg Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994)

Cliff Worrell & the Restless Kind Papagallos, St. Augustine

Sounds Trains Make TSI, Jax (635-3024)

26 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Brad Payne All-Stars Sports Bar, St. Augustine (827-9842) heartthrob turned practical punk Dot Wilder Village Café, Jax (389-3995) EU talks to Evan Dando Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) Purple of Cassius The Glow Recording Gallery, Jax by brenton crozier [email protected] Brass Castle Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Jerry Melfi, LoriAnn Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646) WHO: The Lemonheads with Vietnam a month that would pay the bills. WHEN: January 30th Vision Quest Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) WHERE: Jack Rabbits EU: That’s very utilitarian of you. El Toro Loco Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055) INFO: jaxlive.com or 398-7496 ED: I’m a practical guy. Evan Dando was nice enough to call and talk Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) recently about the new Lemonhead’s album, books, EU: Has your perception of the music business and Esther French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) his past Jacksonville experience, and about not be- even your music changed since the early to mid Colton McKenna High Tide Café, St. Augustine ing taken seriously. 90’s when you were considered more commer- ED: I started reading that, but couldn’t get into it. cially viable? Jonzed Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) EU: I’ve got to thank you for making many of my ED: Yeah, when I was in my 20s I did whatever I was EU: The first 50 pages are a bit tough to get used Out of Hand West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) mix tapes a success during the courting process told, but now I do my own thing. We were offered to, the way he writes, but it would be worth giving of my younger years. Lemonhead’s songs were the Fall Fashion Show with Rolling Stone but turned it another shake. Mid Life Crisis Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) always a sure thing. it down. We probably would have done it before. I’m ED: Yeah I will. Also, Speed by William S. Burroughs Trophy Scars Fuel, Jax (425-3835) ED: Cool. We always wanted to be a mix tape band. much wiser about things now. Jr. is a great book. Ace Winn Duo Copeland’s, Jax Some bands shy away from that, but we liked that. What about Einstein a Go-Go’s? We played there EU: Your drug use is often brought up in inter- EU: Does age 40 feel very indie rock? Brian Turner Bogey Grille, Ponte Vedra (285-5524) back in the day and they made us fried chicken in views. What relevance does this have and does it ED: (Laughing) I’m still 39. I’ll be 40 in March. It’s With Blood Comes Cleansing Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) the basement. They also had those T-shirts with bother you? wild. I can’t believe it. everyone that came through there. ED: It doesn’t. I’ve made it a policy not to talk about Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) it because of things like the recent Spin article. EU: Were you ever worried about your music tak- EU: It’s now defunct, unfortunately, but it sounds ing second seat to your heartthrob status? FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JAN. 26-27 like you had the real Southern experience. EU: What happened with the Spin article? ED: Oh yeah, it did. People don’t take you serious. ED: I figured it was. We met Artemis Pyle when ED: As a joke I said that I’m crazy and still take I thought doing the People’s Most Beautiful People Lisa & the Mad Hatters Whitey’s Fish Camp, we were down there and put him on our list for the drugs and they put it on the cover. thing was funny at the time, but it did hurt. Orange Park (269-4198) show, but he didn’t show up. Do people still drive up Driven Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) and down the road down there? EU: What made you work with members of The EU: So life is good. Marriage, a new album, what’s Descendants? What was that process like? next? Red River Band Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-9336) EU: Um, I’m not sure, but I don’t think so. ED: It was great. Bill Stevenson has been a songwrit- ED: The tour. We’re going to Australia, New Zealand, Chuck Nash Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) ED: I should probably let you ask your questions. ing hero of mine since I was 16. You don’t want to and, um, England. We’re really looking forward to play over Bill Stevenson’s parts. They brought a Florida, it has always been a good place for us. Cupid’s Alley Cap’n Odies, Jax Beach (241-8848) EU: No problem. Going back to mix tapes, do you great edge. Gutterboy Casey’s Hideaway, Yulee have any staples of your own? Boxrockers Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine ED: Oh yeah. ‘Another Girl, Another Planet’ by the EU: You’ve referenced classic literary figures like Only Ones. Have you heard that song? F. Scott Fitzgerald and James Joyce as inspiration. Cloud 9 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Are there any contemporary writers that work as a 3-D Band The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) EU: No. muse for you? ED: You really need to check it out. Also ‘Folly of ED: Definitely. Murakami, the Japanese author that Roger That Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Youth’ by Pere Ubu and, um, ‘Outdoor Miner’ by wrote Norwegian Wood and Kafka on the Shore. Spektra Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Wire. He’s like a Japanese JD Salinger mixed with some- thing else. Have you read anything by him? Boogie Freaks Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) EU: Besides the solo efforts, what have you been Blistur Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) doing since Car Button Cloth came out in 1996? EU: No, but I would like to. I’m reading Everything Ron Perry Connection Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) ED: Playing live shows. I figured if I played 5 shows Is Illuminated by Jonathan Safran Foer. Ghost Rider Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337)

Aerial Tribe Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach (247-0060)

Jalapeno Bros. Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Skytrain New Neighborhood Tavern, Jax (721-5087)

Big Al & the Kaholics Monkey’s Uncle, Jax Beach (246-1070)

Boogie Freaks Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

McKenna Champs, Ponte Vedra (285-7777)

Sax of Soul Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777)

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

SATURDAY, JANUARY 27 Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600)

Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828)

Salakida Boomtown, Jax (632-0099)

Vagabond’s Dream Duo Box Seats, Orange Park

Murphy Murphy Pizza Garden, St. Augustine (471-9455)

The Elderly Brothers Steele City, Jax (396-8557)

The Mountain Yellers Tangerine Festival Memorial Park, Jax

Riptide w/Brian Turner Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646)

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 27 Josh Kirkland Band The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300) the brighter side of darkness Irving Clements Quartet Starbuck’s/Tinseltown, Jax

D.B. Rider Island Girl Cigar Bar, Jax (854-6060)

Thee Monarchy V TSI, Jax (635-3024) interview with Murder by Death

Callous Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488)

Dubwise Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) by jon bosworth [email protected]

Man Apart, Cloven Skies Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) What: Murder by Death, Thursday, Heavy Heavy town if they hadn’t given us the confidence and Kim Delaney Band Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Low Low, & More jumpstart we needed to get out on the road and Where: Freebird Live in Jacksonville Beach be a band. Quicksixx Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach (246-6024) When: January 28th Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) EU: What struck you about The Divine Com- Heavenly Noise Aurathai, Jax “With a name like Murder by Death you have to edy? be careful about associations, so this way we could AT: Well we wanted to write an album about sin Thirteenth Stone Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) put out our record and do our own thing. The biggest and redemption, and that is the definitive work. X Sister Z French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) difference from the last album to this one is that a lot It seemed like if your gonna’ write an album, more people have an idea of what we do. We haven’t then you should do some research. I wanted Dancefloor Tragedy Fuel , Jax (425-3835) had a review in this entire album that compared us to to have some idea of what other people had Big Engine Rivers Edge, Fernandina (491-3849) emo and used the names that used to get dropped in written about sin, so before I wrote a concept album about sin, I read The Divine Comedy. It Matt Collins Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) every write up, so this gave us our own identity.” Singer and guitarist Adam Turla provides me- helped set the mood. Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) lodic, albeit dark, dirges that sound like something Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) between Peter Murphy and Black Heart Procession, EU: Is there a sort of incidental, but somehow but the instrumentation hinges on Sarah Balliet’s meaningful, connection between the maca- Lyris Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) evocative cello playing. Their music has a dark and bre nature of “The Divine Comedy” and how Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) saloon-like quality. Live they used to have a pianist un-comedic the story actually is and the film to add even more of a classical music overtone to “Murder by Death,” which has a macabre title that she’s pretty, but when they talk to her they are Guitar Red & the Red Hots Cliff’s, Atlantic Beach the standard rock rhythm section. but is actually a comedy? learning about classical music, and a lot of people Chuck Nash Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) On their latest release, In Bocca al Lupo, they AT: The idea of the band is that we cover some dark are inspired to play cello because of her, so that’s Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299) have shed some of the keys that gave them the subject matter, but we’re not overdramatic as people. nice. sort of saloon feel and embraced songs that sound We tend to enjoy the dark side of life. The name Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, almost like Irish dirges. On this album you will hear came from the movie. We thought the name was EU: If you had to create a genre to define your Jax (287-9900) more Johnny Cash and Tom Waits influence than sort of funny. Grammatically the name doesn’t make sound, what would you call it? Out of Hand Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Cursive, and yet their music is definitely their own. sense, so that is definitely part of the whole concept. AT: We’ve been getting Southern Gothic a lot. Edgar EU caught up with Adam while he and Sarah were at There is a kind of irony. I think there is a relation. The Allen Poe in a rock band. The southern helps out be- The Embraced, My Own Sin Freebird Live, Jax their home in Indiana listening to Beethoven records. Divine Comedy is not a funny story, but the idea that cause there is a hint of country and saloon. A lot of Beach (246-2473) life is a comedy is something that we can identify people hear the band name and think dark rock, like EU: Thursday sort of helped break you out of with. A comedy of errors. Marilyn Manson. A lot of people don’t realize that it SUNDAY, JANUARY 28 obscurity, are you at the point yet where you are doesn’t have to be dramatic or heavy to be dark. The coming free of their shadow? EU: Does Sarah get a lot of stalkers on the road, hardest part of our band is that there isn’t a generic Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) AT: Well this is the first time that we’ve played with being so talented, passionate, and attractive? title you can give us or fit us neatly into a category. Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) them in three or four years, so in that way, yes. But AT: Interesting question. A lot of that has to do with they helped us get the record deal and took us on how you treat people. If you act like a big star you’ll Murder by Death is joined by Thursday, Fear LeMonde Cortesse’s Flamingo, St. Augustine (825-6775) tour, which helped us realize what the life is like. We have more negative interactions with “superfans,” before the March of Flames, and Heavy Heavy Low ‘3’ Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) had a great time, but this time we are sort of odd- but usually, when you treat people like people, every- Low at Freebird Live this Sunday night. The show man-out on this tour because we’re going in such a thing works out pretty good. She gets a lot of fans. starts at 8pm, so get there early to be sure you don’t David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) different direction. We definitely chose our own path. The people who respond to her are into her cello miss the Murder. Call 246-BIRD or visit freebirdlive. Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) We owe them a lot. We might have not gotten out of playing. Sure, they might be motivated by the fact com for more details and ticket information. El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099)

A Plea For Purging Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)

Gary Campbell Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Ron Perry Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

Chris Caman The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

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

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

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

Lisa & the Mad Hatters Reni’s Rooster, Jax (880-1111)

Thursday Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473)

MONDAY, JANUARY 29 Boxrockers Cortesse’s, St. Augustine (825-6775)

Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299)

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

Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040)

Merauder Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488)

28 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Cage Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) there are some stupid Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) The Hackers Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) questions Out of Hand Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) evasive answers from Yo La Tengo Goliath The Casbah, Jax Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) by jon bosworth [email protected] TUESDAY, JANUARY 30 What: Yo La Tengo Live with The Sun Ra Arkestra things these days are just over-ex- Vinnie & Billy Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Where: The Florida Theatre plained. I don’t remember reading Beach (241-8221) When: February 2nd a detailed explanation of Sargeant You may have thought it was another uber-chic Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) inside joke, calling the band some obscure Spanish it was up to people to decide for Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina phrase, and that would be in line with Yo La Tengo’s themselves. Record reviews make Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) M.O., but there is actually a pretty good baseball you feel like you’ve already heard story behind the name. According to Wikipedia: the record. Like movie previews. Once you know EU: Does Matador treat you all like kings? Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) “During the 1962 season, New York Mets center- IK: (laughing) Well, they treat us fine. If we get out of what’s going to happen in the movie, why go see it? Silver Lake Drive Cortesse’s, St. Augustine (825-6775) fielder Richie Ashburn and Venezuelan shortstop Elio EU: Will Oldham is starring in Old Joy, a film line we might be beheaded. Chacón found themselves colliding in the outfield. you participated in scoring. Does Oldham have EU: What can fans look forward to in this Steven James Empire Coffee, Jax When Ashburn went for a catch, he would scream, anything to do with the music and have you col- performance? Ace Winn Duo Copeland’s, Jax ‘I got it! I got it!’ only to run into the 160-pound laborated with Oldham musically before? IK: Our shows are all different from each other. I Chacón, who spoke only Spanish. Ashburn learned IK: We have not collaborated with him and he had think people should come to more than one show Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) to yell, ‘¡Yo la tengo! ¡Yo la tengo!’ which is ‘I’ve got nothing to do with the music. We have done shows in Florida. On this tour I’d be surprised if each show Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) it’ in Spanish. In a later game, Ashburn happily saw with him before. On a prior film by the same film- doesn’t have a couple of songs that we don’t play Gasoline Heart Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Chacón backing off. He relaxed, positioned himself maker he did the score and we appeared on the anywhere else on tour. to catch the ball, and was instead run over by 200- soundtrack, but again we didn’t work with him. Old EU: Do you go out about town after the show? D.B. Rider Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) IK: We don’t go out much after the shows. I don’t pound leftfielder Frank Thomas, who understood no Joy is a beautiful film and he’s great. His perfor- Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Spanish.” mance is terrific. I was happy to be a part of that know, is there something going on? Is there Jai Lai? EU Jacksonville caught up with a founding film. EU: No, not in Jacksonville. There’s mudding. Steve Beck Duo The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) member of Yo La Tengo, Ira Kaplan, at home during EU: You are in a unique place when you play IK: Mudding? Is that what it sounds like? Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) a brief break from the road, to ask a few questions the Florida Theatre, it is usually reserved for the EU: All you have to do is go to the Winn Dixie about the eternally touring three-piece and their artists like Willie Nelson, BB King, and Styx. As parking lot and look for the guy drinking beer in Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) backup band on this tour, the legendary Sun Ra indie-rockers of almost legendary status, but too the back of the biggest, dirtiest 4x4. El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) Arkestra. young to mix with this particular crowd, how do IK: They do this in the middle of the night? The Lemonheads Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) you feel about falling in that category? EU: We do it anytime in Jacksonville. EU: What inspired the title I Am Not Afraid of IK: I love the care that goes into the show at a place IK: Maybe that’s where we’ll be. You and I Will Beat Your Ass? like The Florida Theatre. I don’t want to complain TUESDAY-WED., JAN. 30-31 IK: Well, I don’t really answer that question. To me about anything, but when you go to most clubs and Yo La Tengo and The Sun Ra Arkestra perform what inspired it is less important than that it seemed there’s a calendar, it’s easy to feel like you’re just the at the Florida Theatre on February 2nd. Tickets range Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) to be a good title. Where it’s from distracts from why next day on the calendar. When you are brought into in price from $22.50 to 27.50, which is a steal when it seems to fit this record. you consider how legendary both of these acts are. The Florida Theatre with Sun Ra Arkestra, you know WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 EU: Why does it fit this record? that it means something. That elevated the experi- Call the Florida Theatre at 355-2787, or go to florida- IK: That’s for other people to decide. I think that ence for me right from the start. theatre.com to purchase tickets. Mr. Natural Cortesse’s, St. Augustine (825-6775) The Cover Band Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099)

Narrow, their latest release Wincing the Night Away in just a little higher pitch and wasn’t singing about Mystic Dino Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) the shins shouldn’t leave anyone disappointed. Wincing the ‘Surfin’ USA.’ Sol-illiquest Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Night Away has been eagerly expected by hungry Wincing the Night Away experiments with Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) album review Shins fans and indie rock fans alike. The greatest some synthesizers and eclectic beats. ‘Pam Berry’ part about Wincing the Night Away is how it keeps starts out like they asked Jimi Hendrix to play E.T. Swings The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) the Shins’ signature sound but gives this album its backup for Mercer’s vocals. Their latest single Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) own feel that strays away from Chutes Too Narrow. ‘Phantom Limbs’ has the mellow peppiness that is If you take a listen to Wincing the Night Away so characteristic of the Shins. It’s got a great pop Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) you’ll see exactly what you’re in for on the first track, sound with Mercer’s untypical voice. Sometimes Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) ‘Sleeping Lessons,’ which is also probably one of Mercer’s constant, unchanging voice gets to be a the best on the album. The first half of the album has little too much. The album’s 41 minute length goes Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) an innovative spirit that will leave you impressed on by quite fast and at the end you’ll probably be left Kim Delaney Band Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) the Shins’ lyricism and beats. The CD starts with an wondering why it ended so quickly. Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) amazing momentum of great proportions. The album The Shins were glorified in Garden State with slows to a winding stop of greatness on ‘Red Rab- their single ‘New Slang’ from their debut album Oh, Rebecca Zapen The Casbah, Jax bits’ and grows even less impressive after. It’s not Inverted World. This instantaneous popularity will Fall of Troy Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) that the rest of the album isn’t good; it’s just nothing definitely help sales for Wincing the Night Away but 5 stars out of 5 out of the Shins’ realm of experience. not without a deserving effort. The Shins have paid Seth Ramsdill Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Artist: The Shins If you aren’t familiar with the Shins, or with the their dues, touring with such legends as Modest The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) Garden State soundtrack, Wincing the Night Away Mouse and Belle and Sebastian. The Shins have Title: Wincing the Night Away isn’t a bad place to start. If one were to create an it pretty well off as they’re liked by critics, fellow El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Release Date: 01.23.2007 “indie rock for dummies” manual, the Shins would musicians, and listeners alike. One of the lines in Boys Like Girls Fuel, Jax (425-3835) probably be number one on the list of “where to get the song ‘Spilt Needles’ is “It’s like I’m pressed on Label: Sub Pop Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune started.” Wincing the Night Away is the group’s third the handle bars/Of a blind man’s bike/ No straws Beach (241-8221) When Natalie Portman declared in Garden album and takes their sound to a somewhat different to grab, just the rushing wind/On the rolling mind.” State that the Shins’ song ‘New Slang’ would level, but stays true to their Shins-y nature. They al- Apparently they aren’t pressed on the handle bars Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) change your life, she actually probably changed most have a sound that’s similar to the Beach Boys, of a blind man’s bike with Wincing the Night Away Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) The Shins’ life more than anyone else’s. Coming if the Beach Boys were around today. James Mercer, as they know exactly what they are doing, and do- from their massively popular album Chutes Too the lead singer, is like a Brian Wilson if Wilson sung ing it well. - BY MORGAN HENLEY

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 29 upcoming shows

Los Lonely Boys Feb. 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Leon Russell Feb. 1, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Yo LA Tengo Feb. 2, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Hammell On Trial Feb. 2, Café Eleven, 469-9311 Less than Jake Feb 2 & 3, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Willie Nelson Feb. 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Billy Joel Feb. 7, Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309. Yonder Mountain String Band Feb. 7, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Feb. 9, Plush, 743-1845 Joe Bonamassa Feb. 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The Matches Feb 12, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Dark Star Orchestra Feb. 14, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Old Crow Medicine Show Feb. 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 JJ Grey and MOFRO Feb. 16, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 tender as mounted knights joust in full plate armor on the tournament field. Applaud street performers Against ME, Riverboat Gambleers, Fake Problems Feb. 20, who dance, juggle and jest for your amusement. Café Eleven, 469-9311 Listen to minstrels playing period music and enjoy Taylor Hicks Feb. 21, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 continuous live entertainment on seven stages. Coco Montoya, Willie Green Feb. 22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Browse through the bustling medieval marketplace for that perfect gift or trinket. Sugar Minott Feb. 23, Freebird Live. 246-2473 Watch and enjoy as warriors and magicians Boney James Feb. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 battle one another in a living chess match, or test your own skills in games of chance, strength and Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash Feb. 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 skill. Watch and learn as artisans demonstrate their skills in blacksmithing, weaving, leatherworking, Catie Curtis Feb. 25, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 woodcarving, pottery and much more. Indulge in a Gym Class Heroes Feb. 27, Freebird Live, 246-2473 fare fit for a king in our food court, where you can find sweet potato fries, fresh-squeezed lemonade Dr. Dog Feb. 27, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 and our famous giant turkey legs. Michael Franks March 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The Faire is the perfect place to bring even the Kathleen Madigan March 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 youngest members of the kingdom. Children delight in visiting the royal pavilion, where they will become Jake Shimabukuro March 7, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire lords and ladies of the court of Hoggetowne. Indulge Larry the Cable Guy March 8, Jacksonville Veterans not only your children, but also yourself with rides Memorial Arena, 630-3900 powered push rides and live animal rides. Prepare on a camel, pony or even an elephant. Human-pow- Moe March 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 to be tempted by the delicacies of the Food Court, ered push rides further add to the authentic medieval gainesville where even a King’s appetite can be pleased. For fun. Taste of Chaos March 8, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309 Step back in time, cheer on royal knights as over 20 years, the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire has Faire hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra March 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 they joust on horseback and charge head-on at a been one of the most highly anticipated festivals in and Sundays and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday. Admis- full gallop with only a lance and shield to defend sion is $12 for adults, $5 for children ages 5-17 and John Gorka, Sam Pacett March 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 North Central Florida. Thousands of fairgoers flock to this event each year to be whisked away into an free for children under 5. For further information call Medeski Martin & Wood March 9, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD authentic Middle-Age revival. 352-334-ARTS. Band Of Horses March 10, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 The Alachua County Fairgrounds of Gainesville celebrates two decades of historic medieval excite- Toots And The Maytals March 10, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD ment. The 21st Annual Hoggetowne Medieval Faire The Beach Boys March 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 once again brings magic and revelry to Florida. Join The Thermals, The Big Sleep March 11, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 hundreds of actors, artisans and volunteers for two weekends of merriment January 27-28 and February Explosions in the Sky March 12, The Alcazar, 469-9311 2-4, 2007. Revel in the sights and sounds of one of Pepper March 12, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD North Central Florida’s premier events. Join the crowd and cheer for your favorite con- ZZ Top March 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Lucinda Williams March 16, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The Temptations and The Four Tops March 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Tom Rush March 21, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Cold War Kids March .22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Anoushka Shankar March 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Vince Gill March 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Leo Kottke March 29, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Tom Jones April 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 themselves. Watch a chess game played out with Plain White T’s April 10, Freebird Live, 246-2473 our human chess pieces on the Living Chessboard. Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 Laugh along with our jugglers, magicians and color- ful cast of characters. In the marketplace visitors Patty Larkin May 6, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 will find more than 150 skilled artisans selling and Relient K May 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 demonstrating their time-honored arts and crafts of the Middle Ages. Feel the exhilaration of human

30 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ing the actors in this production, from the musicians to the wig master must be mentioned because they were fabulous. Immense kudos to the orchestra and the conductor, Ross Scott Rawlings, for well wrought culture & arts and excellently timed orchestrations. Some inhu- JANUARY manly long notes were played, the result of another 25 “Rip Van Winkle” Theatreworks Florida Theatre, Jax musician picking up that same note. The technique 25 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax was seamless. Not all traveling shows are as skillfully lit as 25 Musical Lecture Series: Davis and Dow; Jazz Divas FCCJ South Campus, Jax this one, and I always look at the lighting in a show. David Grill, the lighting designer, won my vote by 25 Two To Tango Class Twisted Martini, Jax skillfully using one of my favorite lighting gimmicks 25 “I Can’t Stop Loving You-The Music of Ray Charles” UNF to full advantage, the scrim. Scrims are specially Fine Arts Center, Jax made pieces of fabric that, when lit from the front 25 Egyptian Film Series-“Cleopatra” 9th & Main, Jax appear opaque, but are transparent when lit from 25 Culinary Workshop-Sicilian Cooking Cultural Center, Ponte behind. Lighting can change the tone and color of a Vedra Beach scrim dramatically and are great for big “reveals.” 25 “Freedom Road” Main Library, Jax I won’t spoil the best scrim reveal in the show, but I have to say that some of disadvantages of using 25 JSO “Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony” Performing Arts Center, Jax a scrim (like the fact that it can be a pain to hide 25-27 “Rumors” Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park the source lights behind a scrim) are used instead 25-27 “The Rainmaker” ABET, Atlantic Beach as advantages. The gimmicky scrim was the most 25-27 “Leading Ladies” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax obvious lighting technique used in the show, but the overall lighting of each scene set the mood and was 25-28 “Sweet Charity” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax exquisitely executed. 25-28 “Rob Becker’s Defending the Caveman FCCJ Artist The costumes in this production are vibrant Series Performing Arts Center, Jax and vital to dating it as a period piece, circa the late 25-28 “Menopause the Musical” FCCJ Artist Series Performing 1960s. The hair and wig design by Bernie Ardia Arts Center, Jax helped to date the piece with Bridget Bardot styles, 25-29 FAB Fest: Future Artists of the Beaches Cummer Museum, Jax afros and mod cuts. The leader of the “Rhythm of 25-31 Salsa Classes Pharcyde Entertainment, Jax Life” Church, Daddy Brubeck (David Glaspie), had 25-31 Exhibit-Painter/Sculptur Steve Williams Stellars Gallery, such an outrageously large afro that I expected it to Neptune Beach fly from his head. Despite all his movement around spend a little time with 25-31 Devon Thursby Art Exhibit Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach the stage, the afro was well affixed to his head and it looked awesome. The costuming and wigs alone 25-FEB. 4 “King Lear” Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando are worth a show of their own! To get tickets to the 25-FEB. 4 “The Smell of the Kill” Hippodrome State Theatre, Gainesville sweet charity show call 904-632-3373 or go online at www.artist- 25-FEB. 8 Reflections of the St. Johns Art Exhibit Fogle Fine series.fccj.org Art Gallery, Jax by Erin thursby [email protected] 25-FEB. 16 Jax Consortium of African American Artists Exhibit FCCJ North Campus, Jax What: Molly Ringwald in Sweet Charity 25-FEB. 24 Classes For Children-Drawing & Painting MOCA, Jax th When: January 23-28 25-FEB. 28 Exhibit: Joanelle Mulrain Gallery 1037, Jax Where: Moran Theater - Performing Arts 25-MAR. 18 Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art Center Cummer Museum, Jax Charity Hope Valentine (Molly Ringwald) 25-MAR. 30 Youth Actors Classes Theatre Jacksonville, Jax is a dance hall hostess, otherwise known as a taxi-cab dancer. In the 1960s everyone knew 25-MAR. 30 “Bright Young Things” Art Show Jane Gray Gallery, Jax what a dance hall hostess was, but today it’s a 25-MAR. 11 Celebrating Black Hisotry Exhibit MOSH, Jax little cloudier. Dance halls reached their peak in 26 Mad Cowford Improv Theatre Boomtown, Jax about the 1930s when some respectable girls 26-27 Comedian James Gregory Comedy Zone, Mandarin still worked the halls. Because they were so popular in the 30s, that period probably lends 26-28 13th Annual Official Electric Football Super Bowl & Convention Embassy Suites, Jax a little flavor to the first ensemble number ‘Big Spender.’ It’s clear from that first dance-hall 26-28 Pilot Club Annual Antiques Show & Sale Fairgrounds, Jax number that these women (circa the1960s) are 26-APR. 8 Other Worlds: The Landscape in Contemporary Art just one step above strippers, and that many Museum of Contemporary Art, Jax of them engage in “extra-curricular” activities 26-APR. 8 Second Skins: Sculptural Soundsuits & Tondos by for extra cash. The official duties of a dance- Nick Cave MOCA, Jax hall girl were to dance with men and entertain 27 Auditions: Stage Aurora-Disney’s High School Musical 12- them. The men simply paid them for their time. 6pm FCCJ North Campus, Jax In California, as of 2002, there were at least a 27 Lunch & Learn With Artist Allison Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax few dance halls left, but not many. 27 Tangerine Festival, Workshop, Music & Art Memorial Park, Jax Charity is often disappointed in love, but ever optimistic that her prince will come to rescue 27-28 Auditions: Shakespeare in Orange Park 2pm Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park her. Ringwald does a more than passable job as Sweet Charity, although they do scale back the 27 Book Signing-Dr. Hal Baumgarten “D-Day Survivor” Barnes & Noble, Mandarin dance in the traditionally dance-heavy part for Ring- pected delight. wald. Instead, the part concentrates on her stronger Guy Adkins plays the delightfully neurotic Os- 27 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax aspects of stage performance, such as acting and car Lindquist. Oscar first meets Charity in an elevator 27 The Spencers Theatre of Illusion Florida Theatre, Jax singing. She’s excellent at physical comedy, pulling that breaks down. He reveals that he’s claustro- 27 Story-book Theater with LaVilla Main Library, Jax it off in a way that seems effortless and genuine, but phobic and proceeds to twist his body all over the 27 Pianist Xiang Wang Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Gainesville takes practice and talent. elevator in configurations that would make a contor- Francesca Harper and Amanda Watkins play tionist proud. Charity keeps him calm by singing him 27 Art Adventures-Drawing From Life Cummer Museum, Jax Charity’s dance hall friends, Helene and Nickie. Both ‘I’m the Bravest Individual’ and a romance blooms 27-28 Auditions: “The Taming of the Shrew” 2pm Orange Park have a fabulous set of pipes, which they show off between the ever buoyant Charity and the nervous Community Theatre, Orange Park throughout the play. I particularly enjoyed their duet Oscar. 27-28 Acrylic or Oil Painting Workshop Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach in the second act ‘Baby, Dream Your Dream.’ The technical aspects of a show can make or 27-FEB. 4 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire Fairgrounds, The solo tenor work from Richard Ruiz, who break a production, but they often go unnoticed, Gainesville plays Herman the dance hall owner, was an unex- especially when done right. All of the things support-

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 31 28 Concert Music Series-Joan Kwuon-Violinist Friday Musicale, Jax Diers, who played Ida, the maid, had the most dif- ficult task since she had to use a cockney accent, 29 Crafty Kids Southeast Branch Library, Jax which is very foreign to American ears, and it is diffi- 30 FCCJ Artist Series-Rigoletto, Teatro Lirico D’Europa cult to understand. I have seen My Fair Lady a dozen Performing Arts Center, Jax times and I still don’t understand Eliza Doolittle as a 30 “Music of Our Time” UNF, Jax cockney flower girl. Ms. Diers played the maid like a 30-FEB. 3 FCCJ Artist Series-Jackie Mason FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax wind up kewpie doll and was very funny. 31 Book Signing-Robert Drury “Halsey’s Typhoon” Barnes & This script gave all the characters a chance to Noble, Mandarin hold the spotlight for many moments of outrageous 31 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Acrylic Painting humor. Ash Saunders as Reverend Humphrey, a MOCA, Jax visiting vicar, was especially funny while drinking an imaginary glass of sherry. Justin Freeman was the old man of the bunch as the important Bishop of FEBUARY Lax, but soon he was romping around in his pajamas 1 FCCJ Artist Series-Drum, Electrifying! 4 Cultures, 4 Rhythms, without his toupee. Austin Miniard was a hoot as One Heart Performing Arts Center, Jax Sergeant Towers; with his giant fake moustache he 1 Writers Night Featuring Bill Belleville and Al Letson Fogle Fine truly looked like a Keystone Cop. Ms. Hudson was Art Gallery, Jax impressive as a meddlesome biddy who could not 1 Egyptian Film Series-“Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy” 9th & Main, Jax hold her liquor. 1 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax Greylyn Paluszynski, as Penelope, and Camer- on Frew, as her soldier friend Clive, had great chem- 1-APR. 17 The Walter O.Evans Collection of African American Art Cummer Museum, Jax istry together, a great stage presence and they did most of the frantic running in and out. I was winded 2 Out of School Art (Ages 6-8) Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach just from watching them. Cole Marshall played an 2 Jane Austen Society Book Discussion European Street, Jax escaped Russian spy who also wound up dressed 2-3 “Rent” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax like a vicar. Chris Sibson, as the proper Reverend 3 Water Education Festival MOSH, Jax Toop, spent much of the night wandering around in his underwear with a concussion. 3 African Folktales Kingsley Plantation, Jax Director Higgins used every comic trip ever in- 3 Lunch & Learn With Photographer Will Dickey Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax vented, with actors encouraged to overact, mug the 3 Book Signing: Jill Conner Browne Books A Million, Jax Beach audience, and use broad and exaggerated gestures. I 3 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax cannot recall ever seeing a play with so much physi- cal comedy. Actors were diving off the porch, tum- 5 Book Signing: Kris Radish Books A Million, Jax Beach bling over couches, throwing each other in the air 5 Musical Lecture Series: The Blue & Gray in Black & White see how they run and hop-scotching all over the stage. It looked like a FCCJ North Campus, Jax Three Stooges comedy and the audience responded 6 Musical Lecture Series: The Blue & Gray in Black & White with long and loud applause and cheers. The incred- FCCJ Downtown Campus, Jax dasota theatre review ible timing of entrances and exits by the performers 6 Gallery opening; Tracy Mims FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax impressed me. I was exhausted at the end of the 7 African American Cinema-“Body & Soul” MOCA, Jax by dick kerekes [email protected] evening and I am sure the actors were as well. 8 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax The Douglas Anderson School of the Arts did face with very broadly played comedy. Kudos to the great set by Nolan O’Dell; the Eng- The setting is the home of a vicar. The Rev- lish rectory home was picture-perfect. The costumes 8 Artifacts of the St. Johns Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax three performances of Philip King’s l946 farce See How They Run. I wanted to see this show and review erend Toop has a visitor in his living room, church appeared to be accurate for the most part, although 8 Musical Lecture Series: The Blue & Gray in Black & White member Miss Skillon. At the same time Toop’s wife, the Army guy was wearing a vintage l969 version, FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax it, as this seems to be the year for farce in Jackson- ville. In the twenty-five years I have been reviewing Penelope, is singing at the top of her voice, off-key but who could notice in all that traffic? 8 Book Signing: James Harris Books A Million/Regency, Jax plays, I cannot recall a weekend when three plays of at times, making her husband and the audience ir- I always enjoy going to Douglas Anderson 8 Hip Hop Dance Workshop FCCJ South Campus, Jax this style and genre were on the boards at the same ritable. School of the Arts to see a play. They are always 8 United Way Community Celebration Florida Theatre, Jax time. Rumors is at Orange Park Community Theatre, Penelope is American and a former actress. professionally produced and the talent is always While her husband is out for the evening, Clive, an exceptional. Thanks for a fun evening of brilliant 9 The heART of ART Workshop Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach Leading Ladies at Theatre Jacksonville, and now, of course, See How They Run. old acting chum, drops in to visit. They decide to go comedy. 7-MAR. 18 “Crime 7 Punishment” Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando This play was presented on the London stage see a performance of Private Lives. Clive, who is 10 Valentine’s Day Dinner Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax when the Brits really needed a lift and a laugh, hav- now an American soldier and cannot go out in uni- 10 Rotaract Club 6th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala Library ing gone through all the bombing in WWII. The play form, dresses as a vicar. click it. Main Branch, Jax is sixty years old and still funny and charming today. The real madness begins when they arrive 10 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax Most farces start off slowly and the plot seems back home. Eventually four men, dressed as vicars, probable at the start, slowly building to what is al- are running about. The army uniform is lost and the 10 Chinese New Year’s Celebration & Expo UNF Lazzara Theatre, Jax ways a rip-roaring finish. Director Michael Higgins, procession of mistaken identities begins. read it all online at 10 Family Art Days Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach assisted by assistant student directors Niki Dreistadt Since this is a British play, all the actors use 10 Guided Walk at the Slave Quarters Kingsley Plantation, Jax and Diamond Lott, used a different approach. With accents, which, for the most part, were very good eujacksonville.com 11 Piano Sundays-Robin Spielberg Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park the opening curtain: Bang! This show hits you in the due to help of dialect coach Bonnie Harrison. Clarice 12 Book Signing: Kimberla Lawson Books A Million/Regency, Jax 12 Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society Meeting Library/Pablo Creek, Jax 12 Tale Tellers of St. Augustine “Civil War Stories, Part 1” The Lighthouse, St. Augustine 12 Musical Lecture Series-Politics of Hip Hop Culture FCCJ South Campus, Jax 13 Whirling Dervishes UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax 13 UniverSoul Circus Norwood Shopping Center, Jax 14 African American Cinema- “Buck & the Preacher” MOCA, Jax 14 “Goin to the Chapel” Murder Mystery Players Dave & Busters, Jax 14 “A Cruise Ship Crime” Professor Plum’s Playhouse, Jax 14 Musical Lecture Series-Politics of Hip Hop Culture FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax 15 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax

32 january 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Basketball has without question become an interna- tional sport. Meanwhile, the defending champion Miami Smell Of The Kill Heat have been dealing with injuries to their two star players, Shaquille O‘Neal and Dwayne Wade, and their head coach, Pat Riley. Shaq hasn’t played at all hippodrome theatre review this season due to a knee problem, but should return THE within the next week. Wade had played on and off this by dick kerekes [email protected] year and hopes to be 100% by the end of the regular Gainesville’s Hippodrome Theatre opened its show or the Sunday Matinee at 2 PM? These times JOCK season. Riley is a question mark to return. first show of 2007, The Smell of the Kill, and it will allow a leisurely daylight drive down and back. While the Western Conference certainly has I am often asked to recommend plays to vari- their strength in numbers, the Eastern Conference be on stage until February 4th. If you like your com- BY: TOM WEPPEL edy on the dark side with exceptionally good acting, ous theatre groups, since I see so many outside of is in shambles. It’s possible that one or two teams make plans to catch this gem. the Jacksonville area. This play would do well on a will make the playoffs this year with a losing record, The women in this show, Molly (Cady West full-sized stage, but is excellent for the studio spaces which to me shouldn’t even be allowed. Gary), Debra (Nell Page) and Nicky (Laura Rohner), that Wilson Center and Player’s by the Sea currently NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE along with their unseen husbands (who are only have (and the Limelight Theatre will soon have). And so we will see the Colts and Bears head NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE heard a few times off-stage), have dinner every Plays with really good parts for women do not seem down to South Florida next week as they prepare for The NHL goes into the second half of their sea- month at one of their homes. After dinner, we find to be plentiful, and this one gives each actress a role the massive, ridiculous coverage that the Super Bowl son with some pretty strong teams at the top, such them chatting in Nicky’s classy, modern kitchen. The they can sink their teeth into and shine. has now adopted. To me, it has become way, way as the Nashville Predators, the Atlanta Thrashers, and ladies have been friends for a number of years and Last Saturday, was a very special day for the too much hype, publicity, and overkill, as everything the Buffalo Sabres. The problem, though, with those were drawn to each other because their husbands Hippodrome as they celebrated the 25th anniversary concerning each team will be highly scrutinized and teams is that nobody knows who they are, and a lot were classmates at the same college. of their cinema theatre that is on the main floor in the reported upon, including the family tree of all players, of folks in their cities don’t care. They are not in big, All marriages seem to have problems, or at same building. The building was overflowing with coaches, and even the cheerleaders! Each player and marquee markets, and the players on those squads least challenges, and our three ladies have their theatre and movie patrons that shared some pizza both teams will be analyzed from top to bottom, and are not household names, which the NHL desires very share. as they went to their choice of entertainment. If you lots of us will probably not care. much to help continue bringing their sport out of the Nicky’s husband has been indicted for em- have not experienced the Hipp, I highly recommend So many people are going to invade South toilet known as the lockout a year-plus ago. bezzlement of several million dollars, and is causing a visit. Call (352) 375.HIPP or visit their website at Florida, the whole region might just sink into the Ca- Maybe you will see squads like the Red Wings, financial burdens for the family. Debra’s husband thehipp.org. ribbean. And while there is interest in what will happen Devils, and Anaheim Ducks keep playing solid hockey is a real estate salesman who can’t keep his hands Opening on April 20 is The Chosen, adapted during the game, in a way, a lot of us will just want as the League continues their move into the playoffs off his female customers or the wives of his best from the novel by Chaim Potok. It was the winner of to get the damn thing over with. We shall see how it in a few months. We shall see how things evolve. friends, and she knows this and lives with it. Molly’s the Barrymore Award for Outstanding New Play in all plays out, and please, correct me if I end up being husband is obsessive and wants to know where she l998. Make your plans now as I am sure that one will wrong! NASCAR is all the time, day and night, but pays no attention to be well attended. The Head Coaching Carousel continues to spin Almost all the drivers and their teams are now her physical needs and hasn’t for a while. She says out of control in the National Football League. While camping out in Daytona, doing a lot of test-driving of she loves him but has a lover on the side. quite a few have been fired, Bill Parcells has decided vehicles as they continue to prepare for the Daytona On this particular evening, when the ladies let Click It! to call it a career (for now) and bailed out of the Dallas 500 and the 2007 season. Earlier this week, CEO their hair down and discuss their spousal difficulties, read it all on line at Cowboy juggernaut. He certainly leaves Jerry Jones Brian France announced that changes would be an opportunity comes that could allow them to shed with quite a bit of work to do. Meanwhile, 34 year-old adopted this year to the way things are calculated in their husbands permanently, like in death. I won’t EUjacksonville.com Mike Tomlin and 31 year-old Lane Kiffin were both determining a Champion. Two more drivers will be reveal more because that is part of the fun and hu- hired to be head coaches of NFL teams. Now, I know allowed to participate in ‘The Chase’ for the Cup, and mor in this play. that youth can be a positive in many aspects of life, more points will be given to drivers who WIN races. Opening on Broadway in 2002, this play has but maturity and experience need to be considered as While we are hearing opinions both pro and con, over- been popular with theatres around the country. Play- well. I think its very possible one of these guys could all the feeling is that these changes will be good and wright Michele Lowe has a well-crafted script that get overwhelmed by their job workload. Hell, before more favorable for the season. As always, we shall see. zips along without a dull moment, I guarantee. The long, we’ll be hearing that “little sixteen year-old ladies do a mini striptease as they unveil their inner Johnny is the new Head Coach of the Patriots. Johnny LAST WORD feelings about each other and their husbands. Don’t kicked ass playing Madden ’08 during interviews, There were reports this past week concerning worry – the effect is tantalizing but tasteful. which the owners loved! He says he will bring an the ACC Championship Game keeping its home in J. Jeffery Guice’s set would qualify for House explosive offense to the team, since he has already Jacksonville, mainly for football, but for baseball as Beautiful Magazine, and is fitting for the lifestyle that ‘played’ every team in the league and used every Pa- well. Nicky has been living. It is gorgeous and practical triot player during his Madden Days!” Look, no city would’ve had a full house in their to accommodate the sight lines of the Hippodrome stadium for Georgia Tech and Wake Forest, a school seating on three sides. NATIONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION with an enrollment of about 4,000. Neither school is a This is the first show directed by Robert H. So far this season we see two teams that seem football powerhouse. On top of all of that, this region Sagtterlee and he has selected an outstanding cast to be dominating the season. The Dallas Mavericks is more dominated with an SEC flavor, mainly due with wonderful chemistry and timing. and the Phoenix Suns are heading for a Western to Florida and Georgia, without question, and I find The Hippodrome is located in downtown Conference showdown that will prove to be extremely it hard to think that might ever change. Locals don’t Gainesville. May I recommend the Saturday 5PM tasty. care about the ACC. And so I believe there will always Both of these teams have been good for a few be a struggle for the ACC to generate local interest in years, with the Mavs even playing up in the Finals, its teams and sports. losing to the Heat. What I find interesting is that you’ve Tom Weppel talks trash on Thursdays from 7-8 got a German, Dirk Nowitski, leading Dallas, while the p.m. on WIOJ-AM 1010, and on SportsAvengers.com Canadian, Steve Nash, runs the engine for the Suns. 24/7.

eujacksonville.com | january 25-31, 2007 33 The other “adjustment” that I think is not really pay increase I want, but we are still at the bargaining a winner is that a winner from the first 26 races gets table and I hope to have an announcement real soon. to double dip, you might say, because he gets 10 I wish I could tell y’all the particulars, but like the po- nascar news & notes extra points per win that determines his start in the lice say, the investigation is on going and I can’t say by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] Chase. Now here’s your guy and he’s 200 points anymore than I have already. If you feel the need to out in front of my guy after 26 – BUT – my guy has contact me, it can be done at tinynascars@yahoo. Sometimes change is good…and then some- haven’t kept up with the current events in NASCAR, won three races and had five DNFs and is still in the com. And as I feel the need to say: If it ain’t NASCAR times change is STRANGE! Take, for instance, when because I have - I’m just not all giddy about the start top 12. Your driver hasn’t won a race and he starts it ain’t s**t! you’re driving down the road and you look up and of racing.” I couldn’t believe that at all because this at least three spots behind my driver. Is that justice every car in front is heading right at you. Well, then woman is one of the biggest NASCAR fans I know looking at it either way? That race winner got his you realize you’re going the wrong way on a one and she says she’s not excited about the start of the points for the race he won and he’s now getting 5 way street, you better make a change. That’s a good new season. This was even before the new format more than last year per win, why get any more? If Get change. Perhaps you’re standing in a checkout line for the Chase was announced. I can’t even imagine the format is here to stay, can’t you just give them all and you see a shorter line, so you change to it and what she thinks of the new set up. 5000 points and let it rip? But oh no, you got to have then the person in front of you has got an item that I think that more and more fans, me included, somebody that can say he started the Chase in first won’t scan. The clerk then calls the toy depart- are feeling this way. And with the first major change place, don’t you? ment for a price check, which could have been a for this year! How will we feel as the season pro- I guess we will all have to wait and see how good change to start, but then it turned to crap. gresses? I did tell her that the only thing that has the drivers feel about these adjustments/changes How about the times you change your mind and do kept me looking forward to the start of the season and wait for the outcome of the season. Like always, something different from the way you always have? was that I did get my invite to Media Day and a there ain’t nothing you or me can do but watch them JACKSONVILLE It seems like forever only to find out that it isn’t as chance to interview all the drivers. Beyond that I’ll take effect and talk about how we feel. Where will good as it used to be. That can be a real mess. have to wait and see. I know that I will not be able to it go from here? I don’t know and I don’t have my It appears to me that’s what NASCAR has contend with much more of NASCAR’s way of doing crystal balls any longer to predict what NASCAR done, and is doing, with the changes in the way a things but also, like I told her, I hope seeing all the will do next. You can bet the farm that it could be At Your champion is chosen. You all know that I have never drivers will pick me up. One more thing that might anything from A to Z, so it might just be fun, if not help wanted. hidden my dislike for the Chase for the Nextel Cup, get me “all giddy” about the start up is the shopping interesting, to see the season get started. I sure we are seeking a professional, enthusiastic person and now with this new format it is even more offen- for NASCAR accoutrements with my friend John in a Business hope Melinda gets just a little bit “giddy” before too to represent the area’s leading weekly entertainment sive to my non-descript opinion. Brian France says, few weeks. long and like I also told her, “our boys Jeff and Tony publication.If you thiswould is an excitinglike to oppurtunity distribute to deal “In 2004 when we unveiled the Chase, we said we Now for the adjustments, changes, or what- will be racing” and we love to watch that, don’t we directly with leading entertainment venues would keep a close eye on it, and make adjustments ever the heck you want to call the blooming things. girl? Entertainingand businesses U and Newspaper to promote exciting at your if needed.” Now there is the “key” word: “adjust- Let’s talk about them now. Adding two drivers to OK I’m done for now about NASCAR, but I placenew movie of business, premiers. ments.” Let’s see how good ole Webster defines the Chase is dumb. What happens next year if a top would like to interject a little something right here please call 730-3003 these two words. First, adjustments: “a correction name driver ends up 13th or 14th after 26 races? Will and that’s about my new five year contact with the or modification to reflect actual conditions.” Now, the following year have fourteen drivers in the Chase sales experienceor send email is preferred,to: newspaper. My old dear friend, that may just soon be [email protected] changes: “to make different in some particular way,” or will it take two more years before that change? If my ole dear ex-friend, has still not come off the hip. enthusiasm necessary. or “to make radically different.” you’re going to try to get the top teams or drivers in He doesn’t seem to be planning to give me that big You see the words “modification” and “dif- the Chase, why not just go on and say it? “Only the (904) 730-3003 · ferent” in those definitions, don’t you? Ever since favorites, multi car teams, top ones in points or race a locally and family owned business for over 25 years. the big change from the complete season deciding winners will be in the Chase.” How about the cars a winner to a ten race season, I don’t think “ad- that have even numbers on them can be in when it’s justment” can be the correct word for NASCAR’s an even number year and the odd numbers on odd vocabulary, do you? Yeah yeah yeah, I’m one of number years? I got it, how bout the prettiest car, or those “few fans” that would like to see it the way it the one with the best paint scheme, can be in and once was even if you big-time NASCAR columnists let the fans or some fancy artist pick the Chase con- look down on me and a few other million fans and tenders for that season. say what jerks we are. Those guys sit up there and Now y’all know I could go on all night coming kiss butt on everything that NASCAR does and keep up with scenarios for this but I think I have saved the right on writing about how great Mr. France is and best one yet and that is: “Go Back to the OLD WAY!” how great the sport is doing and only once in awhile Alas, poor NASCAR, I knew you well when a Winston you’ll read some guy like me that speaks his mind Cup Champion was chosen by the way a guy drove about the sport we love and how it’s turning (into for 29 or 30 races and not just the last ten. You what? I don’t know). know, I get tired of beating this ole dog about the Let me share with you what my favorite reader Chase format, but I also feel that it’s my NASCAR emailed me the other day, and when Melinda takes DUTY to say what I believe a lot of race fans feel. I the time to write, I listen. She wrote, “Well we’ve all do know that there are a bunch of you guys that like made it through the holidays and for lots of folks the Chase, but perhaps you forgot how good it can the countdown to Daytona has begun. Not so much be when your diver is way out front and you ain’t for me, because right now I can take it or leave got to worry about him losing the championship in it. The thrill is just not there. That’s not to say that I Homestead.

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