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culture crunch cultural leaders weigh in on funding cuts free weekly guide to entertainment and more | june 21-27, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Pictured on the cover: Robert White, Executive Director of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville table of contents feature Cultural Funding of Jacksonville...... PAGES 19-22 movies Evan Almighty (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies in Theaters this Week...... PAGES 6-10 seen. heard. noted. & quoted...... PAGE 7 Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer (movie review)...... PAGE 8 A Mighty Heart (movie review)...... PAGE 9 1408 (movie review)...... PAGE 10 at home Bridge to Terabithia (dvd review)...... PAGE 12 New Summer Television Shows...... PAGE 13 Last Comic Standing (tv review)...... PAGE 14 Video Games...... PAGE 15 food The Tasting Room (restaurant review)...... PAGE 16 Boomtown Closing...... PAGE 17 Pub Crawl (wine bars)...... PAGE 18 music Music Calendar...... PAGES 22-26 Conrad Oberg (interview)...... PAGE 23 Gator Country 99.9 - Amadeus, Eden & Steve...... PAGES 24 Tommy Womack (interview)...... PAGE 25 Summertime in the City...... PAGE 26 White Stripes (album)...... PAGE 27 Beastie Boys (album)...... PAGE 27 arts / theatre / on stage Russian Icons (Cummer exhibit)...... PAGE 28 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 28-29 Joe Chisholm (interview)...... PAGE 29 columns and stuff BeachWise...... PAGE 30 The Jock...... PAGE 30 NASCAR News & Notes...... PAGE 31

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 3 thisweek bob margolin JUNE 21 - 23 june 21 The Rocky Horror Show LIVE! thursday Break out your rice, make some toast, dust off your squirt-guns and put on your best Nassau Sport Fishing Association Tournament of pair of fishnets, Chancey Productions Inc 5 Points Theatre kicks off their professional Champions production of The Rocky Horror Show on Are you thirsting for some good fishing and maybe some extra Thursday at 8 pm. The Science Fiction/ cash? Look no further than the 25th Annual Kingfish Tournament, Double Feature will continue to run from which kicks off on the 21st and continues until the 23rd. This is the June 21 - July 14 on Thursdays, Fridays, third largest event on the Southern Kingfish Association tournament and Saturdays at 8 pm and Fridays and trail and offers $25,000 for the biggest catch. That’s a lot of green! Saturdays at 10:30 pm. Modified audience Participants: $350-$400, attendees: free participation is allowed at 10:30 pm shows Fernandina Harbor Marina, Fernandina Beach only. Ticket prices range from $21 to $34. Info: 277-3327 5 Points Theatre, Riverside Info: 252-1077 (from Monday- A World of Dreams Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm) or chanceyproductions.com Enjoy a night on the town while helping a worthy cause. This very special event features food and beverages from around the globe as prepared by many of the region’s premier restaurants. This inaugural affair benefits Dreams Come True, which grants the wishes of children who are diagnosed with life-threatening friday june 22 illnesses. Crown Royal Touchdown Club, steve miller band Bob Margolin JUNE 22 - 24 Blues guitar player, Bob Jacksonville st Municipal Stadium Margolin is carrying on the deep Chicago 21 Annual Greek Landing Day Celebration Bring the whole family to celebrate this festive tribute to the Time: 7 pm Blues style and creating his original music today. Bob played guitar in the band of arrival of the first colony of Greeks in North America. Hundreds of Info: 296-3030 Chicago Blues legend Muddy Waters from Greeks came with Minorcans and Corsicans with Andrew Turnbull, 1973-1980, touring worldwide and recording, registering on June 26, 1768 with the governor of the East Florida Steve Miller and learning to play Muddy’s powerful music Province, colonizing what would be known as the New Smyrna directly from him. In 1980, Bob started his Colony. Enjoy Greek music, food and crafts at the St Photios Band own band, and he’s still on the road and Shrine. This three day event is free. St. Photios Shrine, 41 St. “Fly Like an Eagle” recording. Mojo Kitchen & Blues Bar, 1500 George Street, St. Augustine, FL with Steve Miller, a Beach Boulevard, Jax Beach – 10:30 pm. man who learned his Info: 247-6636 first guitar chords from the legendary Les Paul, pioneer of Warren Barfield saturday june 23 the electric guitar It does not take long for the five-year old and also Miller’s and the fifty-year old to be captivated by the Breakfast with Curious George godfather. This show music of Warren Barfield. The passion that is Everyone’s favorite curious little monkey, Curious George, will was rescheduled from displayed as Warren plays his guitar and sings swing over to Adventure Landing to have breakfast with all his fans. April 2. Let’s hope he his original heart-felt songs is contagious. His Guests can enjoy a delicious buffet breakfast from 8 am to 10 am puts on a show worth energetic blend of pop, rock, folk and soul is for just $9.99 per person, with photo opportunities and a chance waiting for. guaranteed to please the ear and uplift the spirit. Barfield will to visit with the furry little guy himself. A free meet and greet with Florida Theatre - 8 pm, Ticket Price(s): $97.50, $72 share the stage with Brian Jones and Parker Roberts. Tickets: Curious George is scheduled until 1 pm immediately following Info: 355-2787 $10 Murray Hill Theatre- 8 pm breakfast.

the besties Adventure Landing, 1944 Beach Boulevard Unwritten Law and Zebrahead The Besties Info: 246-4386 After seven full-length studio albums, five Top 20 singles (one of The infectiously cute, undeniably which made it all the way to #1) and being signed to five different sweet three-piece The Besties Conrad Oberg record labels in the past 17 years, Unwritten Law has managed to bring their beautiful music to TSI Conrad Oberg came out of a newborn illness accumulate a significant fan base, one that they plan on adding to this week. The Brooklyn-based with virtually no vision and was given an with their latest album, The Hit List. The punk band will make its trio creates impossibly catchy electronic piano at the age of two and a half, way to the Freebird with California-based rapcore group Zebrahead, pop songs about everything from six months later he had taught himself enough who are legendary in their own right. Bullets and Octane and zombie to cowboys. Check them to play along with almost any song that Neurosonic will also take to the stage. Tickets: $20 out with Riverside openers Tuffy. appealed to him. Conrad has performed with Freebird- 6:30 pm Tickets: $5 TSI- 9 pm some of the most influential blues legends Info: 246-2473

4 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper our country has to offer as well as being a “featured artist” at George’s Music 2007 Springing the Blues Festival. Read interview on page 23. Conrad will be performing with his band, The One Elevens at 9th & Main – 8 pm. Info: 353-6002 or 9thandmain.com Tommy Womack Aside from spending his spare time learning about the story side b Historical Jesus and reading about the mob, Tommy Womack creates folk/country/indie songs about his life experiences. A typical show will include a dose of Americana, a dose of gritty rock n’ roll, and a corny anthem rock classic cover- all smothered with a warm flowing sauce seasoned with honest and self-deprecating stories and confessions that solicit both a good belly laugh and a bear hug. Read story on page 25. Tickets: $10 Café Eleven, St. Augustine- 8:30 pm Story Side B CD release show St. Augustine boys Story Side B have patiently honed their diverse backgrounds and musical proclivities into a unique and unified sound which has inspired a mad following of fans that have, in turn, propelled the band into the forefront of the Christian music scene. The four-piece will celebrate the release of their CD “We Are Not Alone” that the Murray Hill Theatre with special guest Brendan Trinkle. Admission: $10 Murray Hill Theatre- 8 pm sunday june 24 Summer Movie Classics 2007- High Society Join the Florida Theatre every Sunday, from June 24 through September 2, at 2 pm for Summer Movie Classics. The event kicks off with High Society starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly, and Frank Sinatra. In this Oscar nominated musical, a successful jazz musician tries to win back his ex-wife while two other men vie for her affection. Tickets are $6 for a single admission, $40 for a movie card, which gets you admission into 10 screenings of your choosing. Florida Theatre- 2 pm Info: 355-2787 or floridatheatre. com Brian Regan After years of building an audience in comedy clubs around the country, funny man Brian Regan has graduated to selling out theaters and earning hour long specials on Comedy Central. Regan brings his act, which consists of relatively clean observational humor, to the Florida Theatre this weekend. Tickets: $42 The Florida Theatre- 7:30 pm Info: 355-2787 or floridatheatre.com Black Light Burns Alt-rock supergroup Black Light Burns comes to the Freebird this weekend to support their debut album “Cruel Melody”. The band consists of two entities, the studio band (with former members of Nine Inch Nails, A Perfect Circle and The Vandals) and the live band (featuring former members of The Esoteric, Open Hand and Turn of the Screw). What they both have in common is lead vocalist and guitarist Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit fame. Horse the Band will also perform. Tickets: $10 Freebird Live- 8 pm tuesday june 26 Jimmie’s Chicken Shack Jimmie’s Chicken Shack has always been hard to classify. No two records, let alone songs, have sounded the same. Though confusing to the commercial radio world, their fans appreciate the band’s independent attitude and the varied sounds that each record offers. The band continues to tour as it has for the past 13 years playing the grass roots, high energy shows that built their reputation, often playing sets as long as 3 hours. Supporting acts include Another Way of Life and Mindslip. Tickets: $10 Jackrabbits- 8 pm wednesday june 27 The Ataris After nearly four years of radio silence, The Ataris are back with a new label, a new album and a new sound. Their fifth full-length album “Welcome the Night” gets beyond their melodic hard rock niche and incorporates their love of 90’s alt-rock, psychedelic Brit rock and indie rock to create something completely different from what fans may be used to. Check out the reinvented seven-piece at Fuel with My Getaway and Boys of Summer. Tickets: $10 Fuel Coffeehouse- 7 pm

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 5 In making this dramedy, the main pressure was Movies Opening This Week on Steve Carell to carry the picture with his comedic skill and considerable acting talent. Mission accom- plished! Carell is funny and handles the dramatic mo- ments with skillful verve. Oedekerk’s script portrays God as free of religious dogma. In this premise, there is God and humanity, and when it suits his purpose, God steps in to make an important change for the betterment of all humankind. The story implies that God chose Baxter because he’s a practical man who wants to make a difference. But when he gets to Congress, he’s badgered into supporting Congressman Long’s (John Goodman) anti-conservation bill that would destroy 1408 Based on a Stephen King story, this scenario the natural beauty of the northern Virginia region with involves a man who writes books about haunted over-development. The scenario’s theme implies that Inns and Hotels by going there and staying over every person should work to make a difference. God night. His overnight visits are uneventful until he knew he had the right person for the formidable job insists on staying in a famous haunted room in the of constructing the ark using only the ancient tools of Dolphin Hotel in NYC. His experience is anything but Noah’s time. uneventful. The room is evil. Rated PG-13

park the ark

A Mighty Heart This docudrama is based on Mariane Pearl’s memoir about the tumultuous Evan Almighty movie review time in 2002 when Al Qaeda held her husband, Wall Street Journal writer, Daniel Pearl, hostage in Karachi, Pakistan. Mariane is skillfully portrayed by by Rick grant [email protected] Angelina Jolie. Rated R B + PG 90 min Wanda Sykes, who plays Baxter’s personal as- sistant, is a standout character, uttering all the funny Evan Almighty This sequel to “Bruce Almighty” Former news anchor, Evan Baxter (Steve Carell), lines as she watches her boss turn into a Biblical stars Steve Carell who has gone from Anchorman is newly elected to Congress in this feel-good picture. Noah, complete with long beard and ancient cloth- to Congressman Evan Baxter and is visited by Baxter moves his family from Buffalo, N.Y. to a subur- ing. “Have you been shooting up Rogaine?” she asks God (Morgan Freeman) and told to build an ark in ban mansion in northern Virginia. This sets the stage Baxter. preparation for a great flood. Comedic situations for Baxter to receive a high-profile visitation from the At first, Baxter resists God’s will, but to no avail. ensue when Baxter ignores God’s wishes and he Big Guy (Morgan Freeman), who appears to him one God is determined that he build the ark, because So, despite everything against him–his wife, his finds out God means business. Rated PG day in his car and tells him to build an ark. Of course, on September 22, a flood is coming. Baxter can’t colleagues, and the law–Baxter gets to work. To drive Baxter thinks he’s losing his mind, but God is per- even shave off his beard, as it immediately grows home his conservation message, God has sent the sistent. Soon, a truck delivers a large load of lumber, back. God gives him a copy of Ark Building for Dum- creatures from the forest to hang around Baxter–two- NOW PLAYING much to Baxter’s chagrin. mies and Baxter enlists his three kids to help him. by-two- which makes his life even more complicated Deftly directed by Tom Shadyac and master- Of course, his wife Joan (Lauren Graham) thinks with hundreds of animals following him around and AFTER THE WEDDING Mads Mickelsen stars as fully written by scribe Steve Oedekerk, the scenario is her husband has gone stark-raving mad. She warns thousands of birds flying into his office. He’s an ani- the manager of an orphanage in India. He is sent to predictable, but between the stellar cast and Shadyac’s him that if he goes through with this ridiculous plan, mal magnet. Copenhagen, Denmark where he discovers a life- near perfect orchestration of the scenes, this is a wildly she’s leaving him. But Baxter tells her he has no other Joan finally takes off with the kids, leaving Bax- altering family secret. Rated R entertaining movie. choice. God demands it. ter alone to build the ark. But God intervenes and con- vinces her to go back and help him with the difficult DAY WATCH A horror tale set in contemporary construction. The underlying message is clear– we Moscow that revolves around the conflict and should all lend a hand to make a better world. Yet it’s balance maintained between the forces of light and delivered with humor and secular simplicity. darkness-the result of a medieval truce between the Thanks to the wonders of CGI, the few animals opposing sides. This ancient war between the forces on the set are multiplied a thousand-fold against a of Light and Darkness is reaching a tragic outcome. blue-screen. To make room for the ark and animals, Each side has gained a powerful Great Other, who Baxter buys up eight of the lots around his home, are headed for a clash. Rated R while his construction site becomes a media camp- out location, full of commentators making fun of his DOA: DEAD OR ALIVE First there was the popular project. It seems his career as a member of Congress video game–now, the movie adaptation starring is in jeopardy. Not only has his hair grown long, it’s Jaime Pressly as Tina Armstrong. Also co-starring totally white. Still, Baxter perseveres with his project to complete it before the deadline date. He just couldn’t say no to God. 4 Congressman Long, the bulbous blow-hard, has informed the police and now there is a court order to demolish the ark. Long may be a big-shot with plenty of power, but he’s up against God, who trumps all human power. Yes, this is a big commercial movie designed to pull your heart strings and elicit laughs, and it does especially well and everyone goes home happy. Hey, not bad for a night at the cinema. I’m still smiling.

6 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

Party Girl No More Lindsey Lohan’s intentions are no longer pure. The rehabbing actress has canceled her plans to celebrate her 21st birthday at the Las Vegas hotspot on July 2, the nightclub confirmed to E! News Monday. “Due to the unique circumstances, as of this afternoon, Lindsay’s birthday party at Pure Nightclub has been canceled,” a spokesperson said in a statement. “We think the world of her and look forward to working with her in the future.” Ah, no more party girl shenanigans. What will we write about? Hypocrisy Denied Los Angeles City Attorney Rocky Delgadillo, who championed the decision to send Paris Hilton to jail, has apologized for stay- ing mum about a 2004 accident in which his wife crashed his city-issued vehicle while driving on a suspended license. How- ever, Delgadillo maintains the incidents were not comparable, as Hilton was “driving drunk” and violated her probation. Yeah, and pigs are pink. “If You Got it, Flaunt It” Tony Danza will reprise his role as Max Bialystock in the Las Vegas version of the hit Broadway show The Producers. The Who’s the Boss? star is due to begin his engagement on Aug. 13 and carry on through the week before Christmas. Out of Sync Former Backstreet Boys and ‘N Sync manager Lou Pearlman has agreed to be returned from Guam to Florida to face a federal bankruptcy charge, officials said Monday. The former music mogul is accused of fraudulently securing nearly $20 million in bank loans on behalf of a nonexistent accounting firm. Music biz means crooks get rich. Baby Makes Two Kevin James and wife Steffiana De la Cruz welcomed their second child together June 14, daughter Shea Joelle. The couple’s other little girl, Sienna, will be two years old in September. Jacko’s Creative Accounting Exposed Michael Jackson’s attorneys are preempting a trial by settling a federal lawsuit brought against the pop star by a New Jersey finance company, which claimed that Jackson bilked it of $48 million after it helped him refinance a $272 million bank loan and secure $573 million in financing so that he could buy out Sony’s stake in the Beatles song catalog, of which he had previously owned only half. The terms of the settlement have not been disclosed. Seven of Nine Equals Two Jeri Ryan tied the knot Saturday with chef Christopher Eme in an outdoor ceremony in the French coun- tryside in front of about 120 guests, per People. The Shark star wore a Vera Wang gown for what was her second trip down the aisle. An all-night party followed, culminating in breakfast at the 16th-century manor where the couple and about 30 of the actress’ relatives were staying. Ryan said, “I’ll never have to wear that tight body suit again.” Nut Job? Indeed As reported by the Smoking gun, Britney Spears is threatening legal action against Florida radio station WFIZ-FM for using a bald- headed Britney pic and allegedly questioning the singer’s sanity on billboards promoting the MJ Morning Show. The headlines used in the promos, which feature a photo of Spears next to one of host Todd Schnit, include “Total Nut Jobs,” “Shock Therapy” and “Certifiable.” A letter from attorney Donna Schneider to Clear Channel Communications dated June 14 states that the pop star could be entitled to “very substantial damages” if the ads aren’t immediately taken down. Spector’s Lawyer In Contempt Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Larry Paul Fidler, who’s presiding over Phil Spector’s murder trial, found former defense team lawyer Sara Caplan in contempt for her refusal to testify about seeing fo- rensics expert Henry Lee pick up an object at Spector’s home the day after Lana Clarkson died. Fidler stayed his own order sending Caplan to jail pending the results of an immediate appeal. But I want to know, will Phil’s page boy wig survive this trial? Or will he go back to impersonating Diana Ross?

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 7 Holly Valance, Sarah Carter, Devon Aoki, Natassia Maltha, and Eric Roberts. Rated PG-13

FANTASATIC 4: RISE OF THE SILVER SURFER The four superheroes find out there’s a new sheriff in the universe–the powerful Silver Surfer with his planet destroying Galactus. Yes, Jessica Alba plays Sue Storm–enough said. Rated PG

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

JINDABYNE On an annual fishing trip in isolated high country, three friends find a girl’s body in the river. It’s too late in the day for them to hike back to the road and report their tragic find. The next morning, instead of making the long trek back, they spend the day fishing. Their decision to stay on at the river is a little mysterious, almost as if the place itself is exerting some kind of magic over them. When the men finally return home to Jindabyne, and report finding the body, all hell breaks loose. Starring: Laura Linney, Leah Purcell, John Howard (II), Deborra-Lee Furness, Gabriel Byrne. Rated R KNOCKED UP The consequences of having

unprotected sex is explored in this comedy. Slacker Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) meets a vivacious woman, Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) in a bar, they get drunk, and go back to his place and have sex. Oops, she gets pregnant. Ben has to grow up rapidly to deal with this fantastic four: life-altering event. For the first time in his life, Ben has to accept responsibility, and he’s not ready. Rated R MR. BROOKS Kevin Costner stars as a charming rise of the silver surfer man who has a split personality. In his spare time, he’s a serial killer. Demi Moore plays a homicide Detective, Tracy Atwood, who is on his trail. Dane movie review Cook portrays Mr. Smith–a follower of Mr. Brooks who wants to be just like him. Rated R by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] NANCY DREW The famous teenage sleuth from the book series, Nancy Drew (Emma Roberts) now has Grade C Rated PG 105 min. globe. The couple tries to ignore the phenomenon, her own film to thrill a new generation of pubescent but when the silver object flies overhead during their girls with her wily investigations. This caper includes a It’s no big surprise that Fantastic Four: Rise of wedding ceremony, causing a helicopter to crash effects are top notch, particularly the CGI effects famous movie star–natch. Rated PG the Silver Surfer managed to snag the top spot at the and threatening the lives of their guests, the Fantastic used to create the Silver Surfer. The addition of this box office its opening weekend. Despite being mauled Four have no choice but to try and stop the UFO. inventive and beloved character is no doubt what OCEANS 13 George Clooney and his partner Steven by critics, the first film in the franchise was a box After an exciting chase, Johnny Storm/Human Torch brought many to the theater this weekend, and they Soderbergh have produced yet another Ocean office smash, earning over $300 million worldwide. (Chris Evans) comes face-to-face with the object were most likely satisfied with the portrayal. Despite film. For the third episode, Danny Ocean (Clooney) Devotees of the series stormed theaters last weekend and discovers it’s a silver alien flying on a strange lapses in the acting department, with all fingers assembles his henchmen for another heist. Casino to see the second installment, which earned the surfboard. With the help of the four superheroes, pointed at the female member of the super squad, the owner Willy Bank double-crosses one of the original sequel more than $57 million. That’s $1 million more the government captures the Silver Surfer (body by characters remain lovingly flawed, their quirks adding eleven, Reuben Tishoff (Elliott Gould), and the sting is than its predecessor made its opening weekend, but is Doug Jones, voiced by Laurence Fishburne) and soon necessary comic relief to the plight faced throughout on. Rated PG-13 the new film any good? discovers that the alien works for a far bigger threat, a the film. With a more toned down script, this second PARIS JE T’AIME Through the neighborhoods of The film picks up two years after the last one planet-eating entity known as Galactus who will soon installment is more kid-friendly, giving families a tame left off. The Fantastic Four, a group of astronauts suck all the life out of the Earth. Mr. Fantastic, Invisible evening of popcorn fare to look forward to. 4 stuck with superpowers after traveling through clouds Woman, Human Torch and The Thing (Michael By and large, Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver of cosmic energy, continue to struggle with their Chiklis) must join forces with the Silver Surfer and find Surfer isn’t the greatest movie ever. It wouldn’t even newfound fame. Reed Richards/Mr. Fantastic (Ioan a way to stop Galactus before the world comes to an make it to the top ten of the superhero genre, but it Gruffudd) and the lovely Sue Storm/Invisible Woman end. is an entertaining piece of celluloid that will please (Jessica Alba) are planning their wedding, which Like most superhero films, there’s nothing deep existing fans, amuse the youngest moviegoers and has been called off twice before due to one world about the Fantastic Four. In fact, the franchise is by far catch the attention of those who crave cool special catastrophe after another. As the countdown to what the shallowest of the genre. Like the cartoon series, effects. The story lacks in nearly every department, the press calls the wedding of the century begins, a these films are over-the-top, cheesy and, at times, but if you’re going to see a movie about astronauts strange silver object enters Earth’s atmosphere and downright goofy. But, while they’re not as fantastic with superpowers, you’re not really expecting a future causes massive molecular fluctuations all around the as the title suggests, they are kind of fun. The special Oscar contender, right?

8 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Paris, love is veiled, revealed, imitated, sucked dry, the kidnappers. The FBI agent sent to work with the reinvented and awakened. A group of internationally Pakistani police used every resource at their command to renowned directors rediscover the city of Paris in a find Daniel. It was an impressive international effort. collective work about love. Starring: Ben Gazzara, The crisis was rapidly building to a tragic end and Bob Hoskins, Elijah Wood, Emily Mortimer, Fanny everyone was frustrated by their failure to find Daniel. Ardant. Rated R There were false alarms that sent the investigators to PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: AT WORLD’S END morgues to see bodies that were not Daniel. Finally, to the team’s horror, they received a video with Daniel’s beheading on the tape. Clearly, this horrific scene was not faked and Daniel was dead. Now they had to tell Mariane, who, when she found out, used her Buddhist belief in primal screaming to let out her initial shock. This story is Mariane’s journey through the darkness to give birth to her son and overcome her grief. Her commitment to chronicling the truth about the war on terrorism helped her write the book and reflect on the dangers of being a journalist in places like Karachi, Pakistan. Her love for Daniel and her strength of spirit guided her through this catastrophe to emerge on the Will Turner (Orlando Bloom) and Elizabeth Swann other side with Daniel’s spirit and love melded into her (Keira Knightley) are allied with Captain Barbossa soul. (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain In a poignant scene toward the end, Mariane tells Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending a television interviewer, “Yes, Daniel’s death was tragic, trap in Davy Jones’ locker. The terrifying ghost ship, but many innocent civilians have died at the hands of The Flying Dutchman, with Davy Jones at the helm, is these terrorists, and their families are equally upset. I will under the control of the East India Trading Company dedicate my life to telling their stories to bring the truth to and wreaking havoc across the Seven Seas. Rated chaos and confusion the world. Daniel always told the truth, and it cost him his PG-13 life. Now I will take up his cause.” SHREK THE THIRD The big green ogre is back with Using gritty documentary techniques, Winterbottom puts the viewer onto the streets of Karachi– a teeming A Mighty Heart movie review mass of humanity where it would seem impossible to find one person. But the Pakistani investigators did a remark- by Rick grant [email protected] able job tracking down the perpetrators. Sadly, it was too late for Daniel. Ironically, the terrorist who masterminded A Rated R 100 min Pakistani investigators traced the telephone numbers of the kidnapping of Daniel to free his associates from This edgy docudrama captures the chaos, clamor, the suspects, which led them to various safe houses that Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ended up there himself. A fitting and confusion of Karachi, Pakistan in January 2002. they promptly raided. But they were always a day behind punishment. Mariane Pearl is coping with her pregnancy while exhausting every effort to find her kidnapped husband, Daniel Pearl. In this sea of humanity filled with dark shadows, Daniel Pearl is being held captive, a pawn in a psychotic fundamentalist Muslim’s “jihad.” based on Mariane Pearl’s book, director Michael Winterbottom has recreated the trauma and desperation his pals for another adventure. When his new father- of the search for Daniel by a cadre of Pakistani in-law King Harold falls ill, Shrek is viewed as the investigators, the FBI, a State Department security agent, heir to the land of Far, Far Away. Shrek, who doesn’t Randall Bennett (Will Patton), and Daniel’s colleagues want to give up his beloved swamp, recruits his pals at the Wall Street Journal. The Pakistani government Donkey and Puss in Boots to install the rebellious was embarrassed by the high profile kidnapping and Artie as the new king. Princess Fiona rallies a band of desperately wanted to end the crisis. Even the Secretary royal girlfriends to fend off a coup d’etat by the jilted of State, then Colin Powell, got involved to free Daniel. Prince Charming. Rated PG The entire scenario required an actress to get inside Mariane’s head and deliver a convincing performance. SPIDER-MAN 3 Spidey is back for a third episode as Indeed, Angelina Jolie’s portrayal is riveting. She he explores his dark side when an alien entity lands channeled Mariane’s emotional pain and delivered one of on earth and attaches itself to Peter Parker (Tobey the most awe-inspiring characterizations in film history. Mcguire). Suddenly, Spidey is acting like a jerk but Her skillful method acting helps the viewer understand enjoying his new powers. His new personality puts the depth of Mariane’s emotional trauma while keeping a strain on his relationship with Mary Jane (Kirsten her composure to help the many investigators who Dunst). Rated PG-13 had descended on her friend Asta’s (Archie Panjabi) house, which was turned into the Find Daniel group SURF’S UP Emperor penguins are the hottest headquarters. animation subject after the success of The March Mariane and Daniel were both journalists working of the Penguins. In this animated penguin movie, on in-depth stories of the post 9/11 Pakistani turmoil, penguins somehow invent surfing and we get a where the Taliban fled after American and coalition forces behind-the-scenes look at the Annual Penguin World achieved victory in Afghanistan. Daniel was pursuing an Surfing Championship. Up and coming surfer dude interview with a cleric associated with Al Qaeda. The fact Cody Maverick thinks he’s hot stuff. Featuring the that Daniel was Jewish was not a secret and probably voice of Shia LaBeouf. Rated PG contributed to his being kidnapped. The splinter group that kidnapped Daniel wanted WAITRESS This indie from filmmaker Adrianne their operatives released from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Of Shelly, who also appears in the film, was a winner course, the United States was not going to give in to their at Sundance. But the film took on new significance demands. A quiet unofficial chain of diplomatic contacts when Shelly was murdered by a construction worker were established to negotiate Daniel’s release. However, in her own apartment in NYC just before the picture’s it proved futile to negotiate with crazed killers whose premiere. Shelly’s scenario is about a waitress, fanatical beliefs had driven them stark raving mad with played by Keri Russell, who is unhappily married but overzealous indignation. Amid the noise of Karachi’s crowded streets, the 4

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 9 hopes to win $25,000 in a pie-baking contest. She loses all hope when she finds out she is pregnant, until she meets a newcomer to town and falls into an unlikely relationship with him as a last attempt at happiness. Also starring Jeremy Sisto, Cheryl Hines, Nathan Fillion and Andy Griffith. Rated PG-13

a terrifying tale of evil Special Showings

Summer Movie Classics 2007 The Florida Theatre will be showing Summer Movie possession Classics on Sundays throughout the Summer. Enjoy great selections from cinematic history in the beautiful setting of one of Jacksonville’s own classics. The series begins with HIGH SOCIETY, starring Bing 1408 movie review Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra on June 24. The classic, MY FAIR LADY will be shown July 1. All showings start at 2 pm. Call 355-ARTS or go to by Rick grant [email protected] floridatheatre.com. B+ PG-13 94 min happenings that drive him to the edge of madness. Trust Stephen King to rattle viewer’s cages with Most of the film’s lens time goes to Cusack, MOCA Summer Cinema this frightening scenario based on his short story. who portrays Enslin skillfully, carefully building the On Wednesday, June 27, MOCA Jacksonville’s Film Directed by Mikael Hafstrom, the story follows the tension and not overplaying Enslin’s slow descent Series will be showing THE IRON GIANT. In this adventures of Mike Enslin (John Cusack), who falls into hell. Cusack does this without resorting to PG film for both children and adults, a giant metal apart after losing his daughter. He leaves his wife to overblown histrionics. With great cynicism, Enslin machine falls to Earth and frightens the residents of go on the road researching famous haunted houses sees the room as a normal hotel suite complete with a small town in Maine in 1958. It befriends a nine- for a book that will debunk their claims that the a refrigerator and other amenities. year old boy named Hogarth and ultimately finds its places are haunted. As things go from bad to worse, Enslin sees humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own Enslin’s book on the subject hits the best his dead daughter. Clearly, the evil that exists in the fears and prejudices. Based upon the 1968 story, Iron seller list, but his success is bittersweet. Mike is still room is playing with his head. Soon, Enslin can’t tell Man, by the British poet laureate Ted Hughes. Tickets reality from paranormal activity. His world is turned are $6 for members and $8 for non-members. If you grieving for his daughter. During his travels, Enslin are not already a MOCA member, take advantage becomes cynical about so-called haunted houses into a bad acid trip that will not end. He tries to of the Film Series membership special – join the just being promotional gimmicks to draw tourists. send a video E-mail to his wife, who calls the cops, Museum the night of the movie and then watch the He stays overnight at many of them, and no ghosts but they arrive to find an empty room. Enslin has show for free! Info: 366-6911. appear. He rates each Inn or Hotel with a scare crossed over into another dimension of a powerful factor. evil entity that is trying to destroy him and take his Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Series Then Enslin hears about a haunted room at the soul. See great movies that boomers grew up with that Dolphin Hotel in NYC. He tries to book a room there Wow, Enslin just wanted a room with a good still intrigue and enthrall all generations. Relax at but is refused by the desk clerk. He finds out from bed and a well-stocked liquor bar so that he could a FREE 5:45 pm showing of a classic film in the a lawyer that they have to give him the room. So he say he stayed there and say that nothing happened. Jacksonville Public Library Main Branch Auditorium travels to NYC’s Dolphin Hotel and requests room What he got was the mother of all haunted rooms, with complimentary popcorn and soda, then enjoy an 1408. The hotel manager (Samuel L. Jackson) offers which left no doubt that the room was alive evening downtown. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday. The him an upgrade to a penthouse suite if he’ll agree and holding him captive. Early in his hour-long next film is ON THE WATERFRONT on June 28. not to stay in that room. In fact, the manager takes nightmare, Enslin went from skeptic to believer. Now Info: 630-2665 Enslin into his office and pleads with him not to he had no escape except to kill himself, which he stay in the room. “It’s evil,” he says, and produces resisted. a portfolio of gory pictures of people who were so Cusack’s riveting acting holds the scenario frightened they killed themselves. One guy gouged together, making the viewer cringe, and hoping that his own eyes out. Enslin can figure out how to beat the demon. But no, Enslin is insistent and demands the key. Stephen King has once again crafted a Finally, the manager gives in but warns him that no terrifying tale of evil possession. Hafstrom’s evenly one has lasted an hour in that room. One can say he paced scene-craft and special effects add the was properly warned, but Enslin thinks it’s a clever finishing touches on this classic horror picture. Hey, pitch to get him scared before he enters the room. the manager warned him! But nooo, he had question But Enslin is walking into a hellish trap of paranormal the manager’s wisdom.

10 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 11 the DVD’s supplements, one with Csupo, writer Jeff new on dvd Stockwell and producer Hal Lieberman, and the other with Hutcherson, Robb and producer Lauren Levine. The Abandoned (94 min.) I expected a lot more from the Bridge to Tera- An American woman (Anastasia Hille) searching bithia DVD, particularly some deleted scenes and for her birth parents learns she has inherited a maybe a gallery with concept art, as is customary house in the middle of a forest in a remote area of with fantasy films like this. Luckily, the quality of the Russia. Abandoned and uninhabited for 40 years, movie itself is enough to justify the purchase price. it stands in total disrepair and neglect. There, she Bridge to Terabithia is a beautiful story that will hold meets a mysterious man (Karel Roden) claiming your interest, capture your imagination and touch to be her twin brother and together they find the you in a way few children’s films can. I won’t give house holds dangerous secrets to a past they anything away, but I will say that the movie puts don’t even remember. Rated R for violence/gore, you through an emotional wringer. I found myself some disturbing images, nudity and language. laughing and smiling during the first half and trying hard not to sob during the second half. The film’s Big Nothing (86 min.) ad campaign did it a great disservice. Bridge to Charlie (David Schwimmer) is an ex-teacher Terabithia is far from a rip off of Lord of the Rings or turned reluctant call-center employee who gets Narnia. In fact, most of the fantasy elements in the fired on the first day. Distraught and unable to film are shown in the trailer. The bulk of the film is provide for his family, he partners up with Gus about human relationships, the power of imagination and the importance of finding a true friend. After the (Simon Pegg), an aspiring scam artist, on a Disney Channel subjected my children and me to far seemingly snag-free plan to make some cash: too many of these commercials, I considered letting blackmail Reverend Smalls (Mitchell Mullen), a them watch the film with me since they had shown man of the cloth, who has frequently turned up an interest. I’m glad I didn’t. At 3 and 5, some of the in a database of visitors to illegal adult websites. finding fantasy themes in Bridge to Terabithia would have been way This film is not rated. too much for them to handle. Parents of children under 10 should probably preview the film first to Bridge to Terabithia (96 min.) Bridge to Terabithia dvd review make sure its right for their child. If you do choose Jesse (Josh Hutcherson) is a fifth-grade loner to let your children watch it, I strongly suggest you whose life completely changes when two writ- by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] view it with them. Be prepared to dry some tears and ers and their daughter Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) answer some questions. move in next door. The two soon bond over their I’ve never read Bridge to Terabithia, but I might that tackles the special effects work the Weta Work- Despite being a film based on a book for chil- love of make-believe, creating a magical kingdom after seeing the feature film adaptation of the now shop contributed to the film. If you happen to watch dren, I found myself caught up in the world of Tera- called Terabithia in the woods near their homes classic children’s tale. The poignant story masquer- the Disney Channel, you’ve most likely seen An- bithia and the lives of these two inventive kids. This where they rule over mythical creatures and fight ading as a fantasy film has won over most critics naSophia Robb’s music video for “Keep Your Mind beautifully told story is truly for families to enjoy the forces of evil. Rated PG for thematic elements and is now available on DVD, where it will no doubt Wide Open” at least a hundred times. If you want to together. When my kids are a bit older, we’ll sit down including bullying, some peril and mild language. win more fans. make it one hundred and one, the video is also on and watch Bridge to Terabithia together. Until then, I Jesse Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is a fifth- the disc. Finally, two audio commentaries round out get to keep this wonderful gem to myself. Gray Matters (96 min.) grade loner at school and at home. His parents are They finish each other’s sentences, dance like too busy trying to make ends meet to notice that Fred and Ginger, and share the same downtown their only son is being alienated by his sisters. At school he finds himself the target of bullies when he loft--the perfect couple? Not exactly. Gray and shows up wearing pink hand-me-down sneakers. Sam (Heather Graham and Tom Cavanagh), are a His life completely changes when two writers and sister and brother so compatible and inseparable their daughter Leslie (AnnaSophia Robb) move in that people actually assume they are dating. next door. At first Leslie seems a threat to Jesse. His Mortified, they both agree they must branch out plans to earn some notoriety and respect by being and start searching for love. He’ll look for a guy the fastest kid in the fifth grade are dashed when for her and she’ll look for a gal for him. But when Leslie enters the “boys only” race and wins. But Sam finds his perfect mate in Charlie (Bridget soon the two are drawn together, bonding over their Moynahan) Gray’s life turns inside out. Rated creative outlets; Jesse is secretly an artist and Leslie PG-13 for some mature thematic material, sexual follows in her parents’ footsteps and excels at cre- content and language. ative writing. The two bond over their love for make- believe, creating a magical kingdom called Terabithia In a Dark Place (95 min.) in the woods near their homes. They rule over Anna Veigh (Leelee Sobieski), a recently qualified mythical creatures and fight the forces of evil and art therapist and teacher, is finding work at her monsters inspired by the bullies they face at school. inner city special school a tougher psychological Together, the kids teach each other valuable lessons challenge than she can cope with. The offer of about love, friendship, courage and the importance a new post minding two wealthy young orphans of keeping an open mind. whilst their wealthy uncle is away on business Bridge to Terabithia is based on the 1978 New- seems a perfect escape for her. But Anna’s per- bery Medal-winning book by Katherine Paterson. She drew her inspiration from her young son’s relation- fect world quickly begins to fade as she makes ship with his best friend Lisa. This is the second time disturbing discoveries. Rated R for some sexual Bridge to Terabithia was adapted into a film. In 1985, content/nudity and disturbing images. a TV movie starring Annette O’Toole aired on PBS. The latest version of the story was directed by Gabor Longford (90 min.) Csupo, best known for co-founding animation studio This HBO Films drama tells the true story of Klasky Cuspo, and was filmed in New Zealand. The the British Lord Frank Aungier Pakenham (Jim film grossed $100 million worldwide during its theat- Broadbent), 7th Earl of Longford, and his contro- rical run and makes its way to DVD this week. versial, colorful, headline-making friendship with The Bridge to Terabithia DVD has only a hand- one of Britain’s most notorious criminals, child ful of extras, suggesting a double-dip is on the hori- murderess Myra Hindley (Samantha Morton). zon, possibly in time for the Christmas season. First Their unlikely friendship ultimately undermined his is “Behind the Book: The Themes of Bridge to Tera- career and, possibly, her 36-year attempt to win bithia,” which revisits the children’s classic through freedom. This film is not rated. interviews with the cast and crew. Next is “Digital Imagination: Bringing Terabithia to Life,” a featurette Miss Potter (92 min.) 12 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper shows to check out Burn Notice (USA) According to the commercial for USA’s latest drama, “When spies get fired, they don’t get a letter from human resources…They get BURNED.” Apparently, that is exactly what happens to agent Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) and he wants to know why. Burn Notice certainly doesn’t sound like the most interesting show of the summer, but it’s hard not to be curious about a show featuring Bruce Campbell as a CIA Agent. Satisfy your curiosity when the show premieres on June 28th at 10 pm.

American Body Shop (Comedy Central) If you’re a fan of the improvised comedy stylings of Reno 911!, this series about a dysfunctional group of mechanics may just be right up your alley. Expect plenty of laughs from this promising new comedy. The of- ficial premiere is July 8th at 10:30 pm, but you can catch a free sneak peek of the series on July 1st on apple. com/itunes.

Chelsea Lately (E!) Admittedly, I had no desire to see this show until I caught comedienne Chelsea Handler promoting it on Jay Leno. Her daring, tell-it-like-it-is take on celebrity gossip had me hooked from the start. Anyone who secretly (or not so secretly) enjoys reading about train wrecks like Britney, Lindsay and Paris in trashy gossip rags should gobble up Chelsea Lately. The late-night show will air weeknights beginning July 16th. Keep an eye on eonline.com for more details.

Damages (FX) meadowlands A couple years back when the Oscar-winning actress had a 13 episode stint on The Shield, we learned that Glenn Close and FX are a great combination. They try their luck again this summer with Damages, a legal drama about the difficult choices lawyers must make when struggling to balance their professional and per- sonal lives. The commercials, which air pretty much constantly on the network, look pretty good. Find out if it’s time to reset the dvr the show lives up to the hype on July 24th at 10 pm. Flash Gordon (Sci-Fi) Cashing in on the recent superhero explosion is Sci-Fi’s latest effort Flash Gordon, starring (ironically) summer tv programming Smallville’s Eric Johnson. The live action series based on the comic strip has fans of the character on pins and needles in anticipation. The rest of us will find out what all the fuss is about when the show premieres on by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] August 10th. The regular season is long gone, the network upfronts have passed and those who lost a beloved show (like, Californication (Showtime) say, Veronica Mars) are beginning to heal. That means it’s time to take a look at the most promising shows I have an immediate aversion to anything that reminds me of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, but because Mulder, taking to the airwaves during the lazy days of summer. I mean, David Duchovny stars in this new Showtime comedy, I may just check it out. Duchovny plays a de- praved novelist balancing addictions, creativity and family. Sounds like a hoot, no? We’ll find out on August th new shows to catch up on 13 . returning gems John from Cincinnati (HBO) There’s something about this bizarre surfing series that has me intrigued. Perhaps it’s the fact that every You love them; you missed them, now here they are! Here’s a list of some of the best returning shows pre- character is completely bonkers. Or maybe it’s because it’s from the guy who gave us Deadwood. Or maybe miering this summer. it’s because Dylan McKay is on it. In any case, John from Cincinnati is getting a lot of positive buzz from TV critics and is worth checking out. Track down the first two episodes ASAP and be sure to tune in this Sunday already back at 9 pm. Big Love (HBO- Mondays at 9 pm) The Closer (TNT- Mondays at 9 pm) Flight of the Conchords (HBO) Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List (Bravo- Tuesdays at 10 pm) New Zealand folk/pop/comedy duo The Flight of the Conchords brings their quirky humor to the States with Rescue Me (FX- Wednesday at 10 pm) this new series, which follows the band as they attempt to make it in New York City. The series premiered last The 4400 (USA- Sundays at 9 pm) Sunday and got mixed reviews around the EU office. Still, the series has potential, so it may be worth giving a Entourage (HBO- Sundays at 10 pm) second chance. Give it a try this Sunday at 10:30 pm. The Dead Zone (USA- Sundays at 10 pm) Meadowlands (Showtime) coming soon Also premiering for the first time last Sunday was Meadowlands, a new British drama about a family who’s in the witness protection program. Unlike the CW’s failed series, Runaway, which had a similar premise but was Monk (USA)- Premieres July 13 canned after three episodes, this one’s actually worth watching. Check out the first episode online at sho. Psych (USA)- Premieres July 13 com/meadowlands and watch new episodes on Sundays at 10 pm. Weeds (Showtime)- Premieres August 13

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 13 Ant

ready for laughs? Last Comic Standing tv review

by Rick grant [email protected] You know it’s summertime when the television The number of nitwits who show up at the open landscape goes goofy with repeats of network shows auditions and actually think they are funny boggles and replacement programs of questionable quality. Of the mind. They are the nameless boring louts who get course, reality shows are proliferating like poppy fields drunk and tell bad jokes at a bar. These dunderheads in Afghanistan, and summer is a great time to trot them are under the delusion that they are born comedians. out. They’re cheap to make and easily pulled because I love it when the judges get rid of them with extreme they use no actors or scripts. Well, that statement may prejudice. be controversial. Some months ago, editors for reality After the auditions come the semi-final rounds. TV shows wanted to be compensated as writers since The comics chosen at the open auditions perform in the way a reality show is edited can drastically change front of the judges and a live audience. Each comic is its content. Thus, it’s written by the manipulation of given five minutes to knock ‘em dead. Afterwards, the images–a visual script, as it were. judges decide which ones move on to the finals. Nonetheless, a few of these reality shows are Indeed, for the competitors, this show is high well worth viewing, such as American Idol, America’s stakes TV exposure. Ant said that winning the competi- Got Talent and the established, Emmy-nominated Last tion made him a celebrity overnight. Like in American Comic Standing, which just launched its 5th season on Idol, just being in the show is major exposure, reaching NBC. The first weeks of the show are hilarious because far more people than would be possible just playing of the auditions that take anyone off the street who clubs. So, the comic must come out and kill with his thinks they are funny. The show is now international, or her best material. If a comic bombs, it’s in front of going to various big cities across the globe, including millions of people. The humiliation happens on a large Los Angeles, New York, London, Minneapolis, and San scale, potentially ending a comedian’s career. Antonio. This year, the roving band of Talent Scouts are The winner receives $250,000 and an exclusive the previous winners of the show: Ant, Kathleen Madi- half-hour comedy special on Bravo. Yes, the stakes gan, and Alonso Bodden. It’s hosted by Bill Bellamy. are high and the competition is fierce. By the time the Clearly, the open auditions feature a gaggle of hopefuls reach the semi-finals, the standards are even crazy people who are rapidly dismissed. A few of the higher–on a big time professional level. Of the thou- hopefuls have experience as professional comics, but sands of wannabes at each open audition, the throng is wherever they were working, their standards must have culled down to only a few worthy comics. been very low. One comedian, Mike Silverback, came Interestingly, most of the finalists have been out in a gorilla suit. It was a stupid gimmick. However, working as professional comedians for years looking he is actually funny and has great timing. The gorilla for a break. This show gives them that break, and even costume got old quickly, but he was chosen to move on if they don’t win, they can use the appearance on their to the next level. Once a comic uses a gimmick, it’s a resume to get higher paying gigs. severe limitation. Remember the Unknown Comic with Last Comic Standing is great alternative summer a bag over his head? No? I rest my case. We’ll see how viewing. It’s better than repeats or other mindless real- far Sasquatch goes. ity shows.

14 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper video games by Norm stovall [email protected]

DiRT For Xbox 360

DiRT is totally awesome. I really mean that. From the moment I got my antsy hands on the demo, I was hopelessly in love. I’m a big fan of rally racing games in general, so I guess that makes me a little biased going into this review, right? Well, hear me out. DiRT has a terrific mix of simulation-style rally racing and arcade style gameplay. With a ton of true-to-life cars and buggies to choose from, you are sure to find your favorite rally vehicle. In addition to standard style rally races on dirt, gravel and tarmac, DiRT also features head-to-head racing, a la NASCAR. The damage that happens to your car is realistic, and if you run off the road into a tree, chances are gonna be good that you just ended the race for yourself. While playing, you can choose from multiple viewpoints, including two from inside the car, which is perfect for playing with the Microsoft steering wheel. If none of this sounds cool to you, then maybe I am a little biased, but I still stick to my opinion that this game is totally awesome.

FinaL Fantasy For PSP

Some of you may be sick of remakes and re-releases. Fair enough. One of the main selling points of both the Nintendo Wii and Xbox live is the steady flow of classic games and remakes. Well, the PSP also has a few, of course. Nothing to rant about, as there is plenty of new content for the PSP. But you know what? This week, PSP got a really good remake of a really good game. About 20 years ago, the first Final Fantasy game was released with much fanfare. It may be hard for some of you to believe that it was actually that long ago, but yeah, 20 years. With the remake, Final Fantasy is just as good as it ever was (and even better than it eventually became), with all-new bells and whistles that fans of the series will go gaga over. An all-new bestiary system is at your disposal, allowing you to easily view the enemies you have defeated, which is actually pretty cool to use. Additionally, all the graphics have been redone and enhanced. The dungeons have had their share of revamping as well, though the tried-and-true gameplay mechanics and story have stayed the same. Whether you’re a fan of the original or a new player learning the roots of console RPGs, it’ll do you good to play Final Fantasy.

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 15 Restaurants & the Theatre grilled lobster paired with jamón Serrano of Spain. The flavor of Manchego can vary according to the age of the cheese, from mild to tangy. This particular You’ve got a grand eve- Manchego seemed to be fairly young, with a subtle but ning planned at a complex flavor, coaxed to fullness by the taste of the wine and the contrast of the olives. concert or to Under pinchos (foods on skewers), we were caught see a play by the bold flavor of the sweet grilled lobster paired with and what jamón Serrano, a dry-cured Spanish ham similar to pro- sciutto. The flavor of high-quality Serrano can be saltier better way to and more intense than prosciutto, and the Tasting Room make your outing a uses excellent ingredients. special event than with We had an incredible salad experience. Those who haven’t had grilled romaine lettuce simply need to try it some great food. These are just a few of the at the Tasting Room. The smoky flavor coupled with the places that the theatre, symphony and art crisp lettuce will leave you thinking about their salad for show crowd flock to before and after shows. days. Ours was topped with roasted red peppers, onions, You might see your favorite restaurant or you pine nuts, chives, a sherry cream sauce and delectable little anchovies. (For those nay-sayers who think they might find something new to you! don’t like anchovies, I challenge you to try this salad.) For a little of everything, you might want to try the b.b.’s (1019 Hendricks Avenue, Jacksonville Chef’s Daily Flights, which features a selection of three mini-appetizers. It runs about $20 but you’ll get an ad- (904) 306-0100) For diverse, stylish American venture in taste. We sampled a mini-dish of pan-seared food in a mod-bistro atmosphere, minus the scallops with an amazing corn ragu flavored by the Ser- pretension, b.b.’s in San Marco is a Jackson- a study in spanish excellence rano ham, a tender, flake-to-the fork mahi-mahi on a bed of exquisite lentils, and a grilled quail paired with roasted ville favorite, especially prior to a night at the paprika potatoes. theater. They’ve reportedly got a bisque soup By the time you reach dessert, you may be too full that will have you wanting to lick the bowl Tasting Room to go on. Desserts aren’t a main focus of the menu, but clean. Under each entrée, one of their by-the- they do have an authentic Spanish style that is rare in by Erin thursby [email protected] North Florida. Ask for the dessert menu at the end of your glass wines is suggested as a pairing. Like meal, which suggests wines to pair with each dessert. its sister restaurant, Biscotti’s, b.b.’s is also There are some eateries that just invite conversa- We began the evening with something from the It’s rare to find a “tapas” bar or eatery that sticks to known for its large, luscious desserts, so plan tion and camaraderie, whether it be the cook-it-yourself bocadillos section, which consists of petite snacks to traditional fine Spanish cuisine and ingredients, so I was fun of fondue, the simultaneously comforting and exotic whet the appetite. These range in price from $4 (curried happy to find this tesoro España. Many of the ingredients to share! Last we heard, they don’t accept res- atmosphere of a hookah bar or, in the case of the Tast- yucca chips) to $10 (stuffed Spanish olives and roasted that are part of the tapas selections at the Tasting Room ervations, but you can give them a call an hour ing Room, a tapas bar where appetizers with a Spanish marcona almonds.) are exclusively made in Spain, including the Manchego before you arrive, give them a specific time and finesse are perfectly paired with fine wines. If you don’t speak Spanish, the menu headings cheese and the Serrano ham. If you’re into adventurous The Tasting Room is marvelous for a romantic meal will need a little explanation. Fortunately, the servers are cuisine, you just might experience flavors at the Tasting they will put your name on their call-ahead list. or as a place to take a large group. Either way, the place equipped to explain each dish and if they don’t know a Room that you’ve never had before, but if you love to seems to encourage a slow meal and a sense of fun. minute detail, they aren’t afraid to go to the chef and ask. indulge in the classics, these flavors won’t all be unfa- Bistro Aix (1440 San Marco Boulevard, Jack- Service is quick enough, but you’ll want to savor each In the next section, under tablas, we indulged in miliar. sonville (904) 398-1949) French-style bistro tapas course and the wine you select. the well-balanced flavor of the marinated Manchego You can be seated in four different areas: a private cheese and olives. Manchego cheese is a sheep’s 25 Cuna Street, St. Augustine, FL (904) 810-2400 fare at its finest with an eclectic flare, they’re a party room towards the back, the general dining area with cheese, exported exclusively from the La Mancha area Cost $$$$ pre-show dinner stop for patrons of the Sym- a yellow rose at each table, red napkins and dark wood phony and Theatre Jacksonville, among others. tables, the lounge, complete with comfy retro couches, or take a seat out on the patio. Although Bistro Aix has a reputation for upscale Although wines are the stars of the drink list, there cuisine, there are some tasty options on the is a beer list available for the wine-shy. Even those who menu for under $20 and they have half portions aren’t particularly fond of wine should give the Tasting Room’s wine selections a try. The wait staff knows their available on many of the selections, something pairings and can give you the perfect complement to you might be grateful for, if you like to have a each tapas platter you sample, heightening the flavor of little taste of everything! For a post-theater des- both the food and the wine. sert, try their classic crème brûlée. By the time you finish sampling their tapas and sipping wines, you too will believe that entrées are over- rated. If you crave a full meal though, you can opt for the Burrito Gallery (21 E Adams Street, Jack- entradas. sonville (904) 598-2922) A casual but artistic choice before a show at the T-U or the Florida Chef’s Daily Flights Theatre, Burrito Gallery was one of those busi- nesses that used Jacksonville’s hosting of the Super Bowl in 2005 to launch their business to much success. Since that time they’ve be- come a much loved and talked about bastion of burritos and artwork. The huge mural painted on the side of the building has helped change people’s perception of Downtown. Inside, the walls are a shifting gallery of artwork from local Jacksonville artists. It’s become a real hotspot during the monthly Art Walks. You’ll often see a 4

16 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper cially in the indie and arts community, you’re going to have people that are jealous and relationships will go sour.” crowd spilling out of the place Stephen knows about this separation because on that first Wednesday of the for years he was one of the local people that was month. Plus, their burritos are known for being divisive in this local scene. That huge and fantastic! was twenty years ago, and now he has learned to try to work with others to create success through numbers rather than through being the quintessential Carrabba’s (9 North 3rd Street, Jacksonville success story on a solo basis. Beach (904) 249-5550) Players by the Sea “John and a girl in Indiana mellowed me out a little. The ego just gets in the way. I landed with a is partnered with this Jax Beach restaurant. loud thud from my ego, and even when I was feud- Although it’s a chain, it’s still a big favorite ing, I still regretted it when I looked back. I liked the with theatre goers looking for big Italian flavor people I was feuding with.” Right now John and Stephen are both exhaust- at a mid-range price before an evening at the the end of an era ed, so they intend to take full advantage of the time theatre. off, but Boomtown is not gone for good. When they re-open, we can expect Nocturnal Escape to return Casa Dora (108 E Forsyth Street, Jacksonville Boomtown’s last supper and the theatrical aspects of Boomtown to reclaim the stage, but the restaurant will take some time to (904) 356-8282) On a more casual note is by jon bosworth [email protected] come back. It needs to rebuild its reputation and Casa Dora, a cozy Italian restaurant often fre- Boomtown is down, but it isn’t out. “I’m throwing myself into theatre stuff. John become more manageable for the ownership. quented by folks heading to a Florida Theatre “I’m taking off for a little while. In order to do and I are taking the rest of the summer off, our first Because the overhead on an 8,000 square foot the restaurant I need training manuals. There isn’t a vacation in twelve months. I’m throwing myself into restaurant in the middle of Downtown was so expen- show. It’s right on the same block, so it’s an culinary institute here that teaches technique, so I sleeping and blogging.” sive, they had to work harder than most to keep the easy walk. While it might be a little short on have to actually make a video about how the sauces Stephen’s activism through Internet blogging facility operating. In addition to the costs of the the- ambiance, we’ve heard that it more than makes are made and the consistencies.” intends to bring Metro Jacksonville to the next level. atre and live music space, they had to pay the bills Stephen Dare is the self-taught chef at Boom- “With our email list of 12,000 contacts, it’s not on a vast amount of space that made no money at all up for it with an awesome chicken marsala and town, a downtown restaurant that has proven that like we’ll run out of gossip.” for them. So they brought the restaurant concept to manicotti. culinary expertise doesn’t have to come with a So although Stephen and John are getting out life. As it turns out, Stephen Dare is a cook who can snobby attitude. Granted, Boomtown’s cuisine is of the entertainment business downtown, they are hold his own against many a celebrity chef, but he Eleven South (216 11th Avenue South, Jack- only a portion of what made Boomtown the success not getting out of downtown’s business. The Dalton needs his time away from his sauté pan. story that it has become, but their food has certainly Agency, one of the leading advertising agencies in So Boomtown will go into a brief hiatus and sonville Beach (904) 241-1112) A blend of set them apart from the other restaurants in Hem- town, has purchased the building that Boomtown when we see it again, it will be more focused on world cuisine, with an emphasis on Mediter- ming Plaza that have tried to stake their claim on was in, but Boomtown doesn’t intend to disappear theatre and less on cuisine, but that’s not to say we ranean is mainly what graces the tables at the Downtown Jacksonville’s culinary legacy. quietly into the night. can’t expect to see cuisine in the future. In fact, one “We’ve been discussing franchising opportuni- “Jacksonville is such a political place. We of their key objectives is to bring the restaurant back upscale Eleven South. You can take a seat on ties in the Beaches and Arlington.” were looking at Craig VanHorne’s space (9th and to multiple venues through franchising, so look for the patio, at their custom-made bar or in their The other things that made Boomtown notable Main) but he is so up against the wall for cash that Boomtown dishes all over town in the coming years. dining room. It’s often a choice for theatre over the past few years are their focus on local the- he needed a $36,000 deposit to bring a successful But don’t expect to see Stephen spending the rest atre and Stephen’s perpetual activism with groups business into his floundering space.” of his active years slaving over a hot stove. He has patrons before they enjoy a show at Players by such as metrojacksonville.com. Stephen has been Some say that Craig originally took the concept a lot to accomplish, and the rich sauce on his pork the Sea. an activist in Jacksonville since the early Five Points of the 9th and Main space from Stephen and John to chops isn’t exactly at the top of his priority list. Look days of the mid-nineties, but in the last five to seven begin with, but they’re not bitter about it. for Boomtown’s comeback after the summer. Layla’s (2016 Hendrix Avenue, Jacksonville years, he has been involved in taking a live theatre “We found a perfect location for what we “We say we aren’t going to do the restaurant and restaurant concept from a private kitchen in wanted to do, but someone from the neighborhood anymore, but we just purchased a lot of restaurant (904) 398-4610) With a sultry atmosphere a downtown loft apartment to a real business in queered the deal, saying we were being evicted from equipment, so it doesn’t look like we’re really com- and Thursday Night Jazz, Layla’s is a frequent Springfield, and then one of the most expensive- our current space. Of course this isn’t true, but ac- mitted to that promise.” haunt for Theatre Jacksonville patrons before to-operate restaurants in downtown with business cording to John: Look for Boomtown’s re-opening in the Spring- partner John Allen Harrett. “Anytime you have any level of success, espe- field or downtown area after the summer. and after shows. They serve Middle Eastern cuisine and have a patio area for hookah smok- ers. Because it’s within walking distance from Theatre Jacksonville, you can safely down a few drinks during their Happy Hour (4 pm-7 pm Monday-Saturday) before hoofing it to the theater. Layla’s is also open late, so it’s a great post-theater place to relax, drink and eat. Food selections range from seared tuna entrées and Middle Eastern favorites like hummus and grape leaves to their Shawarma Lamb Wrap.

Pom’s (1974 San Marco Boulevard, Jack- sonville (904) 338-0269) This pricey, white table-clothed Thai eatery in San Marco often serves chicken satay to the pre-theater crowd. Located just off San Marco’s square above Square One, you can enjoy traditional Thai fare as well as fusion twists on old dishes. Try their seafood dishes or see if you can stand the heat of one of their spicier dishes; but be 4

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 17 forewarned, unless you’re a Crush true aficionado of Thai-spice, pub crawling gets fancy Location: Corner of Park and Dancy in Riverside you might be sweating at Type: French Restaurant and Wine Bar your table. Serving: Fine wines and a terrific selection of im- Wine Bars by the eu professional drinkers ported draft beers and bottled microbrews. Raintree (102 San Marco Avenue, St. Au- Amenities: Outstanding bathrooms. Drink Specials: Half price bottles of wine every gustine (904) 824-7211) This St. Augustine Although wine bars aren’t the usual haunt for us professional drinkers, because wine hangovers are the worst, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout the summer. bastion of fine American/Continental dining is the topic of “culture” made us think of sticking our noses in some fine wine glasses. Given the number of often a stop for those who take in a show at the wine bars that are springing up, we thought it would be good to bring a sharpened eye and a smart ass to the It’s difficult to report on wine bars. Pretention is usually part of the experience at a wine bar. Crush is primarily Limelight, just a block and a half away. Since cellars around town and deliver the dry and bitter to you so that if you decide to try to really impress someone the Raintree is partnered with the Limelight, a French restaurant, but it started as a wine bar by the with your knowledge and experience when it comes to fine wines, you can at least fake it. On the other hand, if original owners and chef of the place. Now it is serious- they always know what time the curtain goes you are a wine drinker who is looking for a good place to sip, these are some of the most notable wine bars in ly French cuisine. It is expensive, but at $36 to $350 a up and can suggest when you should make bottle, it is exactly what you would expect from a casual/ town. We didn’t go to them all (we are saving The Wine Cellar, The Grape and some others for a future issue) your reservation. Each item is meticulously high-end restaurant. The server suggested the 2005 we did get to some good ones in the Riverside and San Marco area. Hahn Estates California Meritage, which was delicious prepared and servers are very knowledgeable and only $9 a glass, and the white 2005 Dr. Burklin- about the menu. Enjoy their beef Wellington, Wolf German dry Reisling, which was only $8 a glass. a great cut of filet surrounded by a puff pastry They also have Spaten, Maudite, Kronenbourg 1664, and Simons A Wine Bar Tucher Weizen on draft. Glasses of wine range from $8 with a savory Bordelaise sauce. The Wellington per glass to $14 per glass. –Johnny St. Thomas is a specialty at the Raintree and it’s always on Location: Prudential and Hendricks the menu. After the show, patrons drop into the in San Marco/Southbank Raintree’s Dessert Room, for a little after-show Type: Wine Bar with full dinner menu Serving: An outstanding selection of sweetness. exquisite and fine wines. Amenities: Covered patio seating. The Row (1521 Riverside Avenue, Jacksonville Drink Specials: Tuesday through (904) 354-5080) Many of the people heading Saturday, from 5 pm to 8 pm, a free for a symphony or theatre show Downtown eat bottle of wine with dinner for two. at the Row inside the Riverdale Inn beforehand. If you tell your server that you’re trying to be Our server Frank was more knowledge- able about the wines than most servers out by a certain time, they can ensure that you at other wine bars. He suggested the make your show with time to spare. Reserva- 2004 Carpe Diem Edna Valley wine tions are recommended, but you can always at $16 a glass as a red and the 2005 Spann Vineyard California Chardonnay Tastings take a seat at the classy Gum Bunch Pub, a for $11 a glass as the white, and these favorite post-theater bar inside the Row. Per- were superb selections. The wines on Address or Directions: 1515 Prudential haps the pinnacle of The Row’s entrées is their their menu are categorized by region Drive, next to the Chart House. signature Chicken Marsala. It’s not the standard and you can find Austrian wines from Type of Place: Wine Bar and Restaurant $21 per bottle or a 1995 Bordeaux for thin, rough-pounded chicken, but is instead $3,400. They sometimes feature live Serving: An overwhelming selection of wine, served as a roasted de-boned chicken stuffed jazz, but every time I’ve been there, brews in the bottle and on tap, full menu. with stunningly flavorful spinach, goat cheese they’ve had classic rock on the stereo. Amenities: You get to freaking pour your own This is easily the most fancy wine bar freaking wine! and pecans, topped with an excellent marsala to ever play Lynyrd Skynyrd on the over - Drink Specials: Aww shucks. You’re special sauce, mushrooms and capers. head system. But their entrees are out of this world, so don’t hesitate to put this place at the top of your list when you want excellent food at a reasonable price in a wine bar atmosphere. –Johnny St. Thomas enough!

The Tasting Room (25 Cuna Street, St. Augus- So, everyone and their mother has been trying to tine (904) 810-2400) With their emphasis on get me out of the house (Starlight) to check out this new place. Had I known what I know now, I wine and tapas, the Tasting Room has just the The Grotto would have been there much sooner. This place is right atmosphere for a post-theatre chat in St. truly like no other. Located right off of Prudential Augustine. It’s rare to find a so-called “tapas” Address or Directions: 2012 San Marco Boulevard, in San Marco Square in historic San Marco, this little jazzy joint is every bar or eatery that sticks to mainly traditional Type of Place: Wine and Tapas Bar wine rookie’s dream. First you purchase a card, Serving: Eighty wines by the glass and even more by the bottle, tapas and bottled import brews. where you can put as little or as much money on fine Spanish cuisine and ingredients, so we it as you choose, then you insert the card into a Amenities: Knowledgeable and courteous staff willing to answer any questions, great location, covered outside were happy to find this Spanish treasure. Many machine and choose which wine you’d like to try seating. of the ingredients that are part of the tapas whether it’s a taste, half glass, or full. Brilliant! No Drink Specials: Weekly wine tasting every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm more harassing the bartender, no more settling for selections at the Tasting Room are exclusively wines you “kinda” like, just charge up your card made in Spain, like the Manchego cheese and Located in the heart of San Marco square, this quaint little wine bar is one of those not-so-hidden gems that has re- and float around like a kid in a candy store. There the Serrano ham. If you’re into adventurous mained very close to my heart. From the midnight champagne toast of my twenty first birthday, to the late night im- are eight machines with eight bottles each and they promptu visits that start with sobriety but ultimately end up in the ever familiar path of memory lane with family and even scroll through the prices for you. The staff is cuisine, you just might experience flavors at the friends, this place is special. With a five-star staff and menu that make it almost impossible to leave, take advantage extremely knowledgeable and are willing and ready Tasting Room that you’ve never had before. of my experience and make some memories of your own. The Grotto boasts an impressive wine list and now serves to answer any questions you have, there are even eighty wines by the glass. Unsure of what to try? Stop by on any Thursday night from six until eight pm and experi- books lying around with everything you might want So, next time you’re planning dinner and a ence their weekly tastings featuring wines from all over the world. You’ll be up to your eyeballs in yuppies, but it will to learn about your new favorite wine. They have a be worth it. I like to treat it like a sport. Yuppie hunting Steve Irwin style. Crikey! If the “San Marco Old Money Scene” show, map out your choices to save time and full menu, serving up salads, sandwiches, desserts is not your bag, show up the last Saturday of every month and witness the “awesomeness” that is “Last Saturdays.” and gourmet flatbread pizzas. Stop by on a Sunday make it to the opening act. Clever name, eh? It features a more sophisticated pairing of wines along with down tempo experimental jams with to catch live DJ sets and try the Rosenblum Paso DJ Catharsis and Brian V. I’ve poked my head in there from time to time. More shaken, less stirred. If you get this in Robles. It’s tasty. –Christina Wagner time, meet me there for the “Summer Champagne Party” tonight. –Christina Wagner

18 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper culture crunch interview with Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville by jon bosworth

Probably the most visibly affected and most aware of the implications of the current tax reform to Jacksonville is the culture Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. Headed by the Executive Director, Robert White, and the Deputy Director, Amy Crane, this is the local arts agency that serves as a funding umbrella for cultural organizations. The dollars that they award are the very dollars that the mayor is currently planning on cutting off. We aren’t talking about random little organizations that put scandalous plays on little stages, the Cultural Council shock has their hand in the success of some of Jacksonville’s favorite institutions, including MOCA Jacksonville, the symphony, and so much more. But the concern doesn’t end with their immediate cultural awareness as far as arts are the art in politics concerned, they are also concerned about the loss of valuable non-profit by jon bosworth organizations and the impact all of this will have on our community. “Pending the outcomes that come Entertaining U Newspaper is never about politics or opinions, but we are about Jacksonville’s culture, and down from the state, it looks like all when that culture is coming under sudden scrutiny, we do feel an obligation to bring you, that North Florida citizen public service grants would be zeroed that participates and supports the local culture through patronage of the arts, attendance at art shows, participation out...Those cuts will translate to a loss in local theater, going to local concerts and so forth, into the discussion. We want you to be informed when political of jobs, loss of programs, and in a worse decisions can affect your ability to participate in the things you love. This issue is your opportunity to weigh in, for or robert white, executive director of the cultural council case scenario, a loss of institutions, and against, on something that is certain to be the big discussion around town for the next few weeks. I’m talking about, perhaps in some cases, flagship institutions,” Said White. On June 14th the state legislature came together for a special session to legislate the largest tax cut in So the affect will be tangible and we can expect to see plenty of fallout, including programs that will Florida’s history. There was no outcry, as far as we in Jacksonville could hear, demanding a tax cut. No one in this disappear altogether. community was letting out tortured screams demanding tax relief, yet governor Charlie Crist was insistent on bring- “I’m not so much concerned about programs as I am about access, especially access by vulnerable ing our congress together to pass two components to this tax cut. The first is the statutory reform component, which constituents. Because of the level of funding that a lot of these organizations receive, you are able to buy a will take effect on October 1, 2007. As of that day all local governments will have to cut property taxes at a level that ticket at a certain price, without that funding the price goes up and so access to that program becomes more is determined by the historical growth of each area. limited. Also as a function of receiving public money, we require agencies to make their programs available to In Duval County there will be a 3% cut, in St. Johns and Clay Counties there will be a 9% cut, so no one in families, children, less fortunate people. I’m concerned that the only people able to take advantage of the artistic North Florida will escape unharmed. In the mega-money scheme of city budgets, what does that mean to us locally? opportunities that exist here will be the people that can afford to pay top dollar for it,” said White. Can property owners expect bundles of extra cash at their disposal? No. Actually the cut is described as being equal These are the standard concerns and the direct results of the legislation, but the reciprocal affects include to one latte from Starbucks a day. But that latte could be purchasing a lot for our community and the culture that de- myriad details that most people haven’t even considered yet. After all, the legislation was just passed last fines us. When people discuss this cut, they refer to the programs that will fall prey to the reforms as “quality of life” Thursday. But White and Crane have spent a valuable amount of time considering those details. programs, but “quality of life” doesn’t really thoroughly describe what will be impacted. It isn’t just less live theatre “I think that art is our most important community-building tool. What art does, and especially public pieces, and museums, it will be our local economy that takes the hit. From the businesses that patrons of the symphony and is make a statement about the traditions and values that we share together and the aspirations that we hold dear local live theatre spend their money on during a night out, such as restaurants and bars, to the jobs that will be lost, together. That is the thing that identifies a community and defines what is unique about it.” this will have boatloads of peripheral damage, and saying that isn’t just scare tactics. It’s a fact that the Jacksonville For those that think this is an issue about government handouts, it is not. It’s an investment in the future of Cultural Council can provide the numbers to prove. our city. The second aspect of the tax cut is the constitutional legislation that will go onto a ballot in January determin- “I hear a lot of people talking about public service grants, and some public service officials have said we ing the level of the homestead exemption. According to the Jacksonville Regional Chamber of Commerce, Duval need to get out of that business, but the reality is that the art and culture industry is actually a driver of economic County stands to lose more than 100 million dollars annually. development. We have numbers to support the fact that when the city makes an investment in arts and culture, it One perspective is that these cuts simply take the public’s money out of the government’s hands and puts generates money for the community. It’s not a handout, it’s an investment.… It is a contribution that helps sustain it back in the pocket of those paying the bill to decide how they want to use it for themselves. So some contend our local community. The non-profit sector as a whole is an efficient way to deliver services to our city, which that the money stays here and people can still use it to go see the symphony or contribute it to the cultural or so- saves the city money,” said Crane. cial organizations that they feel passionate about, but most people see the reality of that money going to dinner at “We hear a lot of people talk about public safety and protection, I would submit to you that the fact that there Applebee’s or a night at the local megaplex, which translates to those dollars leaving our community and going to are vibrant activities going on downtown at night contributes to public safety. The lights are on, people are moving companies headquartered outside of our state. around and it makes for a much safer environment,” added White. “Close your eyes and think about any great city or civilization. I’ll bet you anything that the picture you come “What I dread thinking about is that this could create a scenario where flagship institutions and key up with is a piece of publicly funded art or architecture. Those are the things that last. At the end of the day, it’s the programming is completely lost and people mourn that loss. For a small investment, relative to the entire budget, piece of art on the Riverwalk that will outlast all that stuff and tell an important piece of Jacksonville history that we because we are talking about less than ¼ of one percent of the entire city budget, when they feel that loss or all share together. It’s very important that everybody has access to it because it belongs to all of us,” said Robert realize that loss, these organizations will not be able to bounce back and become as vibrant as they are today. We White of the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. are losing years and years of progress that these organizations have worked very diligently to achieve. The gavel is falling in slow-motion right now, but when it hits the surface, it could hit hard. Most of the orga- “When you think about a latte a day, it’s arts, culture and all of those services. If you look at the recipients of nizations that receive money from the state are preparing for a worst case scenario, which is a zero contribution to all of the public service grants you’ll be surprised to see the diversity of interests that they serve. It’s from crime “quality of life” programs, but planning is all tenuous because things could drastically change between now and prevention services, victim’s services, programs for children and families, homeless, its on and on. And that isn’t when Peyton sits down to make up the new budget in July. And things could change even more between then and the even considering the arts and culture organizations. That latte does a lot,” added Crane. city council’s final determination in September. The statutory portion of the legislation can be rescinded in our own county if two thirds of the city council There are 26 organizations that receive cultural service grants in Jacksonville. The money is awarded through will vote down the rollback. So if you are worried about losing this funding, the time to get active is now. Be vocal the Jacksonville Cultural Council and there are three tiers of institutions. The level one institutions require more than to your council members and let them know how you feel about local issues. This is the perfect opportunity to a million dollars a year to operate. These organizations include Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, The Florida get involved. To find your council member, go to coj.net or review the list we have provided. Regardless of what Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Jacksonville Symphony and Orchestra, the Museum of Science happens politically, the only way to be sure that the artistic things you are interested in stick around, is to support and History and WJCT Public Broadcasting. These valuable organizations receive between $275,000 and $461,000. those organizations with your dollars. 4 (to read the full version of this interview go to eujacksonville.com)

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 19 4 Whereas the Jacksonville Symphony and Orchestra receives more than $436,000, that only represents 5.5% of their 8 million dollar annual operating expense. In the case of The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens, it receives more theatre = $ for the first coast than $461,000, but that amount represents 16% of their annual operating expenses. an interview with Players by the Sea by erin thursby The level two recipients, organizations such as Players-by-the-Sea, Theatre Jacksonville, and various fine arts programs, receive between $23,000 and $108,000 per year. Level three recipients, such as Atlantic Beach Experi- “Property tax reform and reduction mental Theatre and the Jacksonville Children’s Chorus, receive between $2,000 and $37,000 per year. By law, none sounds great. I’m a homeowner myself. of these organizations can receive more than a quarter of their annual expenses from the government, so it isn’t that Ask anybody, would they like their taxes the government is necessarily dooming every program that currently receives funding, but ask any business owner if cut—who the heck wouldn’t, but we their enterprise could succeed if they lost 25% of their revenue in three months time with no advance warning. Most have to think: what is the price?”—Joe could not. Schwarz Another fallout from this decision is the impact that the loss of funds will have on non-profit organizations. Executive Director Joe Schwarz Erik Hart, president of the Florida Theatre, admits that no one will know the full effect until after the Mayor provides of Players by the Sea is passionate the budget, but that in a worse-case scenario, which is a likely scenario based on what Peyton’s offices have already and well-informed about the effect the said, the situation is bad. Dire even. impending cuts to arts and culture in the “It’s bad. It’s really bad. We get about 11% of our budget from the city. What we use that money for is to subsi- area. Though it’s hard to put a price on dize our overhead so that we can, in turn, serve the non-profits with reduced rental rates. Theatreworks, for instance, theatre and art, Schwarz does his best to pays us pennies to rent the theatre, versus a commercial rock show. The dilemma is a double-whammy. In the worse quantify that price in terms of dollars and case scenario, we lose that operating revenue, so we have to make up for that somewhere, but our constituents are cents for the hard-nosed economically going to get clobbered. We’re talking about a lot of smaller arts organizations who are living on the edge anyway, and minded folks, who look at art in terms of we are talking about a lot of charitable organizations and social service organizations that we do concerts and ben- investment. efits for. There’s a lot of peripheral damage. A lot of charitable organizations are really going to suffer and they won’t all be standing after this.” EU: Are you budgeting for a complete cut of funding from the government? Another thing to consider, something that was mentioned by almost every person interviewed for this issue of JS: I have two budgets, one where it’s not gone (but we don’t think that’s going to happen) and then EU, is that the cultural offerings that a city brings to the forefront are how a city is defined. Great cultures throughout I have a budget if it is gone…We’re going to try to make it up with private donations but the problem history are remembered for their art, not for their road systems or police forces, so culture is, in this sense, the most is that if that money is gone…for all the arts organizations in Jacksonville…we’re all going to have important thing to a city. our hands out and there’s only so much [private] funding to go around…We will survive it one way “When we look at cultures we study what they created in the way of art. A city without that dynamic is not go- or another…but there are organizations that won’t…What I think is the most important point to make ing to be able to grow as it should,” said Alan Hopper of the Jacksonville Symphony and Orchestra (see more of that is that the people who will be impacted are the people who can afford it the least. The after-school interview further in this feature). programs are going to have to lay-off staff. “We like to say that Jacksonville is a Super Bowl City, we take a lot of pride in it, but we didn’t get that because of the potholes we filled in, we got that because we have a beautiful city with a beautiful river and a robust cultural EU: As both a homeowner and a theatre director, what’s your position on the tax cuts and their climate. We achieved the level of a Super Bowl City because of all of the work of these non-profit organizations and effect? cultural organizations. We won’t be able to stand up and say that of ourselves after this because we won’t be that JS: …I think it was Thomas Paine who once said ‘Taxes is the price we pay for a civilized society.’ If city,” said Amy Crane, the deputy director of The Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville. we want to have a library…the arts and culture, care of the homeless and things like that—we have The real question is, would you rather have a latte from Starbucks everyday or a free night at the Cummer? to pay for it…It’s not free. That’s what my position is. I don’t see where my property taxes will be Would you prefer a dinner at Applebee’s once a week, or to show your out-of-town visitors a beautiful city that can reduced significantly enough that it would make up for loss of services…Also locally, the 3.7 million compete with any of the other great American cities. That latte is worth a lot. dollars that we’ve invested in cultural organizations made an impact of 131 million…Now that’s a really good investment, so why would you want to cut something with a return that good. District 1: Lake Ray District 11: Warren Alvarez Phone: (904) 630-1389 EU: Art tends to bring money and business to a city, sometimes in ways that aren’t immediately Phone: (904) 630-1383 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] apparent JS: That’s one of the reasons that we were able to host the Super Bowl, because we were able to District 2: Lynette Self District 12: Daniel Davis make infrastructure and quality of life improvements to the city…The art and cultural options that we Phone: (904) 630-1392 Phone: (904) 630-1380 have, it’s one of the things that companies look at when they want to re-locate to Jacksonville. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

EU: Economically, people are just not seeing how much this can affect Jacksonville. For example, District 3: Richard Clark District 13: Arthur Graham theatre-goers tend to make an evening of the theatre; going to dinner, spending money on drinks Phone: (904) 630-1386 Phone: (904) 630-1397 afterwards… Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] JS: Absolutely. Here’s a very interesting fact…statewide the figures reach 2.9 billion for the cultural impact…7 million people, out of state tourists, going to the Cummer or the Florida Theatre, 7 million District 4: Suzanne Jenkins District 14: Michael Corrigan out of state people traveled to Florida to attend specific arts and cultural events. That accounted for 1.5 Phone: (904) 630-1394 Phone: (904) 630-1390 billion in tourism dollars in hotels, dinners…maybe they rented a car. Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

EU: Maybe during the day they went to 5-Points, bought some clothes… District 5: Art Shad At-Large Council Members JS: Maybe went to 5-points or San Marco, maybe even to a Suns game… Phone: (904) 630-1382 Email: [email protected] Group 1: Ronnie Fussell EU: So how has Players by the Sea given back to the community here? I know you have various Phone: (904) 630-1393 programs… District 6: Sharon Copeland Email: [email protected] JS: We scholarship young adults on a talent and need basis. We do give out free tickets…So we do, Phone: (904) 630-1388 and a lot of this is possible because we have the money in our budget…but if that gets cut, well—the Email: [email protected] Group 2: Elaine Brown things we give away will be the things we have to look at first. I’m not saying all of it but… Phone: (904) 630-1381 District 7: Pat Lockett-Felder Email: [email protected] EU: It does limit possibilities. Would you say the money from the Cultural Council enables you to Phone: (904) 630-1384 do shows that might not necessarily be a box-office draw, but are more forward thinking? Email: [email protected] Group 3: Lad Daniels JS: Yes and no. The funding that I get is about 18% of my budget. Now that’s significant, I am not Phone: (904) 630-1396 minimizing it, but it’s not a huge consideration. What’s going to happen is that my programming District 8: Gwen Yates Email: [email protected] choices will be more limited…I would not have done Suburbia, a show that had limited, narrow Phone: (904) 630-1385 appeal, but it was an important show to be done. Email: [email protected] Group 4: Kevin Hyde Phone: (904) 630-1398 EU: What do you say to the folks who believe that a theatre should stand completely on its own District 9: Warren A. Jones Email: [email protected] through ticket sales? Phone: (904) 630-1395 JS: They’re entitled to their opinion. That’s a valid argument but unfortunately, when you look at any Email: [email protected] Group 5: Glorious J. Johnson civilization, either in the present or through history, what defines that civilization or even city, is their Phone: (904) 630-1387 art and culture, be it their art or architecture or music. When you think of Greece you think of the District 10: Mia Jones Email: [email protected] Parthenon…When you think of Rome you think of frescos, of their art. So funding our art is very Phone: (904) 630-1684 important to our country and our city. Email: [email protected]

20 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper bummer at the cummer an interview with the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens by donald dusinberre surviving the cuts by erin thursby Money in our pockets. It sounds good when you describe the new property tax cuts that way. It sounds real good. an interview with Theatre Jacksonville But the issue is much broader than we realize. When we decrease the revenue stream from one area of the budget, Theatre Jacksonville has been part of our cultural landscape since the 1930’s when it first opened. money has to be taken from somewhere else in the budget. There is always a price to pay, and this time, we’ll be pay- In 1972 the community theatre was declared Jacksonville’s “official theatre” by mayoral proclamation. ing for the extra cash in our pockets with a decline in the arts, recreation, entertainment and community services. These days the mayor is proclaiming something different--that they should prepare for the worst. It, We hear about this stuff sometimes, but we never make a real connection to what it can mean for us. As an like most other theatre organizations on the First Coast, gets a percentage of their budget from Cultural entertainment-based periodical, EU decided to find out just what the new property tax cuts would do to the arts and Council funding. Because that funding comes entirely from State property taxes which have just been entertainment programs in our city. lifted, Theatre Jacksonville is preparing to weather the cuts. EU got the chance to speak with Theatre We conducted an interview with A. Maria Haynes and Hope McMath of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Jacksonville Executive director Sarah Boone about the looming cuts. and asked them to explain what’s going to happen to our city’s most prestigious museum. The prognosis does not look good. Says McMath: “Unfortunately, the worst-case scenario was the most likely scenario.” EU: What do you say to those who believe that theaters should stand completely on their own through ticket sales? EU: What percentage of the Cummer’s operating cost does state funding cover? SB: I think that if you were to poll any arts organization, tickets that earn income never make up 100% Haynes: Last year, through the cultural council, we were funded with $461,000. There is also other revenue that of the expenses in that kind of organization…Yes, we have to compete in the market, certainly…If we comes in from other agencies or other partners who also get public service funding. We are estimating about a were to put…bad shows on, our box office income would be affected…There’s always cause and effect. $500,000 impact on our operating budget, and the $461,000 accounts for about 16% of our operating budget. It’s You have to put out a good service and a good product, but what people don’t understand is the actual very significant. cost of doing all this is going to trickle down to ticket prices. They’re going to have to be willing to put up more for tickets to get what they’re getting now for less. EU: When will the funding cuts begin to have an impact on the Cummer? McMath: If the city is to do what they’ve indicated [with the public service grants], which is to zero those out, that EU: Do you work with different places to get the materials you net for sets and such? funding cycle begins October 1st. But I think we can clearly say the impact would begin sooner than that, in that plans SB: All of the theatres borrow from each other when they need to…[but] the trickle down effect is going are laid in place and decisions have to be made. to be tremendous. Vendors that we use, when we start cutting back on our budget…those vendors are Haynes: For instance, the funds for programs that wouldn’t get implemented until next year…they wouldn’t get going to get hit. planned now. EU: But Theatre Jacksonville will survive… EU: What impact do you think these funding cuts will have on our community’s cultural core? SB: There are places that are going to be hit harder. Right now…economically we’re very strong. This is McMath: What’s sort of interesting is that we can say [the funding cuts are] impacting the Cummer as an institution, going to hit us [in a] huge [way], but will our doors close? No. Any organizations that are struggling at but you’re talking about us providing true community work. This isn’t about just who’s walking into our door. If we’re the moment [for them] this is going to have a far greater impact…People think funding for the arts is a not going into classrooms, there’s going to be a negative impact on the school system. If we don’t have a partnership bad thing but this is not just a gradual weaning off of public funds, it’s a total cut. with DA anymore, then that’s one less community-based program that students have exposure to. I think in the area of the work we do with people with disabilities, that’s probably going to be felt the deepest. The (to read the full version of this interview go to eujacksonville.com) Cummer is THE art department for The Florida School for the Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine. The state will not pay for an art teacher in the blind school because they think children who can’t see don’t need art. We’ve been the art depart- ment for about five years in a very intense yearlong program where we have impact on 150 kids without sight. By los- ing that program, there isn’t anyone else who will step in to do that program because there isn’t anybody else who can step in and do that program. Some of these programmatic cuts we’re seeing; for those that are being served, it is an essential service and there’s not anybody that’s going to be able to plug that gap. tax cut blues Haynes: If you remove what have now become basic services, then there is nothing left. So, it’s not just trimming how The River City Band worked through loss of funding by rick grant the fat, it’s removing the meat from the table. There is no meat left; you only get the side. Not only are the children we serve going to lose that opportunity, but the people that come together to make it happen will now no longer be a part All the ballyhoo about the property tax cuts proposed by Governor Crist came to an abrupt conclusion on of what we do. Thursday, June 14th, when the state legislature approved the tax cut package. In a speech two weeks before the McMath: If we look at the adult audiences that we serve outside of our walls, we run several arts and healthcare pro- final vote, Mayor Peyton called the $170 million local budget cut tantamount to the 1901 fire. grams. If these cuts happen, those arts and healthcare programs are gone. That’s where we work at the bedside, bring- Despite strong lobbying by a Jacksonville delegation, the governor got his massive statewide property ing art and quality of care into the healthcare system at three local medical facilities. That’s going to go away. And one tax cut through the legislature with few changes. The so-called super-homestead-exemption provision will be a of them in particular, we work with frail seniors and patients with Alzheimer’s. It’s not sexy work, and yet we’ve been voter issue on the January 29, 2008 ballot. doing that program for seven years now. The short and long-term ramifications of this tax cut will vastly reduce the cultural quality of life in Jack- sonville. The voters who elected Charlie Crist Governor will have to ask themselves, “Is it worth paying less EU: What sort of changes might a Cummer visitor expect? property tax to live in a city stripped of its cultural soul?” McMath: Specific to our Cummer audience, we’re going to have to cut programs, everything from classes and lec- To attract more high-tech companies to the city, Peyton presented an attractive package to various corpo- tures and workshops for adults. We’re also going to have to trim our operating hours, which means access to us is rations, touting a progressive city with great schools and a rich cultural life. Now, his pitch has been deflated. going to be limited… [including] the loss of our two free ‘Family Days’. That’s two thousand family members that may To find out how this new tax cut will affect a specific non-profit, I called Mike Davis, director of the River not have the opportunity to visit the Cummer. They are our most diverse audience for all the programs we offer. City Band. Mike, in fact, is resigning from the RCB, effective June 30, to go back to work for Disney and teach at Haynes: There will be things that they probably will begin to detect. We provide a huge value to the community when the University of Florida. However, Mike will still help the band in any way he can, although he admitted that the you walk in the door. But the reality is they’ll see the deterioration of the gardens. They will see less exhibition design. tax cut will cause some cultural organizations to fold. The more exciting, the more interactive, the more interpretive the exhibition design is, of course the more money it is. “We get much of our funding through writing grants. Because we are the Official Band of Jacksonville, we So when you slash those budgets, you get bare minimum, you get zero interpretation. That’s one of the things we are get funds from the City for special events like the Mayor’s Older Buddies, the Memorial Day at the Wall, etc. The strongest in is connecting the people with the art, and that’s what’s going to suffer for the visitor who walks in. It gets Snyder Building situation was caused by a cut in our funding. As a result, the money we were going to get for reduced down to just the art on the wall. the historical restoration was cut. That’s when we had to find another headquarters for the band. I stepped up McMath: One of the reasons we’re cutting as many programs as we are is that whatever remains on line must be the to the plate and took over as both Executive Director and Band Director. We then found more money by writing absolute highest quality it can be with whatever resources we have. That means that rather than continuing to try to do grants and using our official status as the Florida State and City of Jacksonville Band to get funds.” more programs and do them all lesser, we’re preserving what is our core, which is our art collection, our exhibition “Of course, I started booking more paying gigs to offset the loss of funds. We just got creative. As you schedule, our interactive facility, and our school tour program. We’re still going to be doing good work, but the inno- know, the RCB is highly regarded among band directors and musicians, and has played important concerts vation of what we do, the ability to bring in niche audiences, the ability to attract a more diverse audience because we around the country. Not only is this band unique, but our members are nationally respected musicians and mu- have a more diverse way of providing the arts experience, those are the things that will be lost. sic educators. So, I truly believe in this band and will do everything I can to support it from Orlando.” Haynes: There will be a loss of instruction to 1,200 classroom teachers who use the arts to teach those core, stan- “The passage of the property tax cut will push some non-profits over the edge. The RCB will probably be dards-based curriculum, like math, reading, and writing. That’s the kind of impact you’re going to feel in five more okay. It’s just unfortunate for the City of Jacksonville’s culture; quality of life will suffer. Diantha Grant has taken years, when we let, not just what the Cummer provides, but all those different social services and cultural services over the RCB as Executive Director. She is well qualified to run the business end of the band. She comes from a start to deteriorate. background of running non-profits successfully. Presently, we are interviewing for the Director’s position.” McMath: The outreach is where the cuts are probably going to be deepest and where those individuals are definitely “Although I will be busy with my job at Disney and teaching at UF, I will be helping the RCB in any way I going to feel it. We’re really committed to...whatever it is we have, whether it’s fewer exhibitions but still trying to do can. It’s a first class big band that has impressed many top people in the band business. Clearly, the non-profits them the best we can within our resources. in Jacksonville will be running scared and the property tax cut will have a negative effect on the quality of life in Jacksonville and all over the state,” Mike said. EU: Will the cuts affect the way exhibits are curated? Will you tend to gravitate toward more popular ex- That concluded our chat. The tax cut looms as a dark cloud over the city. When the dust clears, we may be hibits like the Egyptian exhibit and other events that draw in more people? living in Cowford once again. Haynes: Exhibits that draw people in more are also more expensive. So the focus will be on our amazing permanent 4 eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 21 4 collection. We have 120-130 pieces on the walls downstairs right now, but we have a collection of almost 6,000 piec- es, so there is a lot to draw from. It’s really a quality collection. Not that we don’t have special exhibitions scheduled jacksonville’s culture is jacksonville now, because we do, but that will probably be less of a strategy. interview with the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra by jon bosworth McMath: What you’ll see is that, for example, next year, we have two exhibitions that are remaining on the schedule that are sort of powerhouse exhibits. One is of Roman art from a town that was buried at the same time as Pompeii This past season the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, and Herculaneum. It’s really great, world-class stuff. What it means though, for our exhibition schedule next year, to arguably the most visible cultural organization in the River maintain those two sort of big important shows, the smaller shows that are either more intimate or deal with subjects City, received $436,000 from the Cultural Council. That num- that may challenge some of our visitors, or exhibitions that help complement the larger exhibits, those are the ones ber is large, for certain, but it only represents 5.5% of their that we’re losing. overall budget. Haynes: That speaks to the experience of the visitor, when you have two or three shows that complement each other “We have had some good years, with big increases in and take the experience to a much deeper level. And a lot of those smaller, more niche type of shows, are also the revenue lines, substantial increases in individual giving and shows that help us diversify our audience and provide something for audiences that maybe we don’t have already. ticket sales, but our expenses have increased significantly as well, so this year we do have a deficit.” EU: Without the funding, will you really be forced to cut all these things, or is there a way to get the fund- Alan Hopper is the executive director of the Jacksonville ing from elsewhere to keep up that activity? Symphony, although not as visible as Fabio or the musi- Haynes: The public service grant dollars go to operating funds, which are the most difficult to fundraise for. Nobody cians that perform, he is the one that makes everything work wants to give you money to turn your lights on; they want to fund a program or fund a fellowship or a position. But, just behind-the-scenes, from budgets to fiscal reporting, so the for general operating dollars, those are pretty much irreplaceable funds. decisions made in Tallahassee last week will come straight to McMath: Right now, the programs we just listed are among the ones that are going to be cut. Will there be opportuni- his desk. ties, as we go through this process, for new dollars? They’re going to be very difficult to get. As an institution, and “I have started working on a budget that assumes the I’m assuming other organizations are doing the same thing, we have had to prioritize what to cut. It also means we’re worst case, which is zero dollars, but in our case the money prioritizing what we might be able to bring back as financial resources may become available. we receive from the cultural council is between 5 and 6% of Haynes: You start layering all of that together and a our total budget. It’s big in dollars, but other organizations Alan Hopper, executive director of the Symphony penny becomes a dollar in no time at all. It becomes a may lose more than 60% of their funding.” very powerful impact overall on the community. Hopper is quick to point out that Tallahassee is simply reducing the amount of the community’s money McMath: We’re using the arts in the community to help that it will assign to different organizations. The money still remains in the community, especially in the pock- transcend community problems. Whether it’s partnering ets of the citizens of Jacksonville, so the hope is that the people of Jacksonville will spend that money on the with Clara White Mission to change the experience for things that benefit our city the most. First and foremost, art and culture. people who are there having to get their midday meal, or “The positive thing of all this is that that money is still in the community. It’s not like the 67 million dol- if it’s going into hospice care to try to make end-of-life lars is not going to flow into Jacksonville, it’s here. It’s at the discretion of the members of the community to experiences more palatable for the family members who invest that in the community in ways that they see fit or invest it in their own needs. So it presents a different might be there, a lot of people consider that extremely type of challenge. It’s not like a huge repression that goes through some cities and the money is not there. In essential. That’s not a frill, and when you can teach a our case it’s a little different. It’s still a challenge, but I like to look at the positive side of what we have to do. child to read because the arts are a part of that experi- “The reality is that if they value these things, they can certainly, within their own budgets, define how they ence and it makes them want to read, the value of all of contribute to organizations that they value, organizations that they think are valuable and they enjoy.” what the non-profit sector does is so linked together. The symphony is not currently in jeopardy of going away because of this cut, the tax money they receive With every program we’re cutting, you’re going to see the is only 5.5% of their operating budget, but it is a loss of funds, which means that they will have to change how problem multiply. and what they provide to the community. “We are in a deficit situation already. Income is not meeting expenses. We are looking at how we can make adjustments to increase budgets and reduce expenses.” According to Hopper, orchestral organizations around the country are facing similar challenges, it is not currently the most lucrative industry in entertainment, so these are challenges that they are somewhat accus- tomed to, but there are implications that come with cutting funding to one of the largest cultural organizations in the city. “What if half of those cultural organizations just couldn’t manage? What affect does that have on the city and the city’s ability to present itself as one of the next great cities in America? Those are challenges that are far-reaching. Jacksonville is growing up very fast and doing a great job of that. This could set that back. When you think of New York, what do you think of? You think of entertainment. It’s Broadway, it’s the Met, it’s the New York Philharmonic, the gazillion clubs that have jazz and popular music playing.” The important thing is not to take a political side that is based on some disconnected ideology about government spending, but to take this opportunity to take the reins of your money and your access to your city council member. Let them know what you think of the decisions they make on your behalf, no matter which side you stand on. It is also a wake-up call that the things you cherish and are passionate about may not be around forever without citizen input. “I think there is a sense of ownership that might be missing a little bit in Jacksonville, people need to step forward and really take ownership of organizations they enjoy and be involved…Any community needs to be more involved with their local politics. Hopefully this initiative will bring people closer to local politics. Every voice is important.”

22 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper live music young blues shows calendar interview with Conrad Oberg THURSDAY, JUNE 21 Von Barlow’s Jazz Journey Layla’s, Jax (398-4610) Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, by christina wagner St. Augustine (829-8646) Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) WHO: Conrad Oberg you? Go Ask Alice Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) WHERE: 9th and Main CO: Well, the feeling and the emotion Madison Fadeout Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) WHEN: Saturday, June 23rd behind it and also, like, the history, and all of the guys really made it Railroad Earth Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) The first time I met Conrad, I wasn’t sure what sound good. So that’s basically what The Smile Rays, Tough Junkie TSI, Jax (635-3024) to think. He was very quiet, very polite and extremely made me love it so much. Steve Miller Band Florida Theatre, Jax dedicated. I thought for sure the fascists that make Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) up this evil society we call the music business would EU: I saw you jump up with Guitar The Undertones Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, swallow him up whole, but I was wrong. I should have Shorty when he last performed at Neptune Beach (241-8221) known better. Conrad has always been a fighter. Born Jack Rabbits. Do you still get a bit Out of Hand Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) in the summer of 1994, Oberg was brought into this of stage fright when performing in Debra Rider Island Girl Cigar Bar, Jax world more than three months premature, weighing only front of legends? CO: He was a real nice guy, too. One of the nicest one pound, three ounces. As a result, he remained in CO: I don’t, and I don’t think I have ever gotten stage people you’d ever hope to meet. Ron Perry Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) intensive care for more than three and a half months fright, and when I’m playing with Guitar Shorty or Buddy Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) and came out of it with no vision in his left eye and only Guy and people like that, I’m usually very honored to EU: George’s Music named you a “featured artist” Aerial Tribe Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) fifteen percent in his right eye. get to play with them. You know, because they’ve played for the 2007 Springing the Blues Festival. That’s Capleton Plush, Jax (743-1845) Conrad was given an electronic piano at the age with a lot of the different people that I like. quite an honor. You have accomplished so much Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) of 2 and a half, and six months later he had taught for such a young age. What are some of the goals himself enough to play along with almost any song that EU: When you were ten years old, you recorded you have set up for yourself? Skin & Bonz The Plaza, St. Augustine appealed to him. He hasn’t really slowed down since. on Jerry Lee Lewis’ Wurlitzer piano while being CO: Umm, as I said earlier, I hope to go overseas, like in Still Standing Palace Saloon, Fernandina Accompanied by his father, Michael Oberg, backed by several of his former members. How Ireland and all sorts of, like, the European countries and Stephen Simmons European Street, Jax (399-1740) “the world’s most underpaid roadie” (not that he’s was that experience? stuff like that. And I hope to go to a good high school, Deron Baker Trio Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine complaining), Conrad has already met and performed CO: It was pretty fun. Yeah, that was uh, a really fun time too. Just kinda see what happens from there. David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs with some of the most influential blues legends our because, you know, we actually got to hang out with country has to offer. If that’s not enough, he even has people that actually know one of the people that I loved Go to eujacksonville.com to read the entire Jam Session w/Jason Anderson Pub Ragusa, Jax (443-7888) fans flying in from all over the country just to catch most at that time. It was pretty cool, it was really fun and interview. Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) his gigs. Nevertheless, he keeps a good head on his it was my birthday on that trip too, so yeah. Matt Collins Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra shoulders, never gets star-struck, and has never been Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) afraid of the stage. Amazing. I was able to catch up with EU: Oh Awesome. Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Conrad and his father one afternoon in San Marco where MO: He turned ten in the studio, recording. we discussed music, future goals and this family’s CO: That’s when I got my first guitar, too. Midlife Crisis Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) obvious obsession with halves. MO: I told him I was never going to be able to beat that Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) birthday, so remember it forever. And the next day he got Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) EU: How old are you now? to meet Jerry Lee at the airport. They told us what gate Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) CO: I’m going to be 13 in three and a half days. to go to and…they checked it out with him and made John Waters, Bush Doctors A1A Aleworks, St. sure it was ok. So we went out to the Memphis airport Augustine (829-2977) EU: Blues seems to be an unlikely influence for a to visit with him before he left, so that was a pretty fun Lisa & the Madhatters Players Grille, Orange Park (264-4633) young man your age. What about the genre hooked birthday for him. (Laughing) Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Unwritten Law Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) A Rocket To the Moon Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453)

FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Livid Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Oscar Barnett Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Mammal Eggs, The Besties TSI, Jax (635-3024) Lokyata Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Dave Massey Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) Glass Camels Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) Lantern Pelican Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Blue Sage Shoes Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine Zoso Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Biz Markie Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Bogey Grille, Ponte Vedra Beach (285-5524) Slumpbuster Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach (246-6024) Rick Arcusa Band The Landing, Jax (353-1188)

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 23 Amadeus, Eden Kendall and Steve Sutton Johnathan Appleseed Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Jacksonville’s favorite morning show teams back to The Jamdown Alliance San Sebastian Winery, St. Augustine the airwaves, but instead of surrounding their morning Mike Gottuso Mandarin Cigar Company, Mandarin antics with Britney Spears songs, Amadeus, Eden, Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine (824-9317) and Steve Sutton will be goofing off with you in the C1 Jazz Arielle’s, Jax (721-4271) mornings between George Strait and Faith Hill songs. Yancy Clegg Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999) I caught up with the morning team just after their first show back on the air. After twelve years on WAPE, the Something Distant Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) crew left Cox (on good terms) and waited out their Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) no-compete contract. Regi Blue Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Finally back on the air, they didn’t miss a step. Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) “After 12 years, we know when we’re going to Hunnert Proof Cap’n Odies, Mayport (241-8848) speak. And the music here is a hundred-fold better Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) than the music from before,” said Sutton. Roger That West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) “It more closely reflects our lives. Personally, it’s the songs that have a message that is more impor- David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs tant than top forty. Love, family, romance. These are Lisa & the Madhatters Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) things we are passionate about,” added Eden. “It’s awesome to be back on the air. There are What About Me Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach (246-6024) no words to describe it, it’s like being back home,” Mommy’s Mistakes Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) said Amadeus. Fifth South Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) Although Amadeus was reluctant to say anything Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) negative about the old digs at Cox versus the new Aerial Tribe Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) studio at Gator Country, he did admit that a Mom and Esther Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Pop organization is more of his speed and he definite- Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) ly feels as though he’s being treated better by Renda. gator country’s new “The difference is being in a company that is run by Riff Raff Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) radio and broadcasting experts, not lawyers. Renda Warren Barfield, Brian Jones Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) does radio and that’s it. Cox sells automobiles and newspapers and they don’t concentrate on one thing. Elisabeth Cramer Fuel, Jax (425-3835) morning team Tony Renda has a commitment to radio, and that’s what we love,” said Sutton, “It’s nice to work where FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 22-23 you’re respected for your knowledge and experience Red River Band Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine interview with Amadeus, Steve Sutton & Eden Kendall rather than being treated like another number.” (829-9336) Tune into Gator Country on 99.9 FM every week- Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) by jon bosworth [email protected] day between 5:30 am and 10 am to listen to their zany Livid Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) There isn’t enough local radio in town. If you are featuring fewer and fewer local people on the antics in the morning, or just tune in for the latest Lisa & the Madhatters Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange haven’t noticed, most of the radio stations in town airwaves. Think about it. Who is your favorite local country artists and the newest hits on Jacksonville’s Park (269-4198) radio celebrity? Take your time. There aren’t many newest country station. From the standards, such as Big Al & the Kaholics Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337) left. When Cool FM went the way of The Eagle, they Kenny Chesney or George Strait, to artists so new that Something Distant Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) also dropped their morning show. Lex & Terry can they haven’t even hit yet, like Whiskey Falls and Emer- The Company Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) hardly be considered local these days, and I haven’t son Drive, Gator serves up cutting edge country every Al Naturale Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) really kept up with Planet since they moved their ho- day. Listen to Michele Chase from 10 am to 3 pm or mogenized rock to a different place on the dial, but I check out the program director’s show, Jeff Davis. Shawn Lightfoot The Grape, Jax (642-7111) have definitely noticed a decline in Klinger Road Rage “Jeff discovers the next big artists and puts them CrabGrass A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) bumper stickers. The point is, there isn’t much that is in rotation weeks before anyone else has even caught A1A Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) “local” on local radio these days. on to them.” Uncle Meat & the Bumblebee Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine Is that any kind of surprise? The stations that The crew is excited to be back and they hope to Out of Hand Players Grille, Orange Park (264-4633) Clear Channel doesn’t own, Cox does, and these hear from all of their loyal listeners. Drivin’ South 747 Lounge, Jax (741-4331) are enormous media conglomerates. But there is a “There are so many things coming up, concerts Sidewalk 65 Champs, Ponte Vedra (285-7777) safe-haven. Renda Communications specializes in and events. We can’t wait; we know we will be very Jacksonville radio and the company is owned by Tony busy. We have interviewed close to a hundred artists Roger That Square One, Jax (306-9004) Renda, a local radio man. One of their latest success in the last two weeks. We just got back from Nashville, Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) stories is Gator Country 99.9 FM. In an effort to show it was so amazing. We are looking forward to this next Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune his ties to the community, Renda has brought one of year,” said Amadeus emphatically. Beach (241-8221)

SATURDAY, JUNE 23 Quest Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) Tommy Womack Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646) McKenna Jerry’s Sports Grill, Jax (220-6766) Rabbit Rabbit Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) Suenalo Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Lionheart The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Five Star Failure Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Aerial Tribe House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) Jose LeMonde Trio Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine Blueground Undergrass Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Battle of the Bands Main Library, Jax

24 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Derick House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) Chant The Factory, Jax (387-3582) Stephen Pigman High Tide Café, St. Augustine still crazy after all th Conrad Oberg 9 & Main, Jax The Goldmembers San Sebastian Winery, St. Augustine Serving the Oath Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) these years Man Apart Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) David Redding Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine (824-9317) an interview with Tommy Womack Riff Raff Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Storyside B Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) by christina wagner Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) WHO: Tommy Womack man and genius comparison is something I can After 11 Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) WHEN: Saturday, June 23rd understand, considering all the articles I have Debra Rider Island Girl Cigar Bar, Jax WHERE: Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine been mulling over, but what interests me is the Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) strict Bible upbringing and Rolling Stones com- Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) ment. Born in Kentucky in 1962, Tommy Womack has Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) released 13 albums in his 22-year career, written an au- TW: I grew up a preacher’s son, and...pictures of Je- sus hung on every wall, but dad was a sociopath who Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, tobiography and a novel, and still has time to search for Jax (287-9900) the “Historical Jesus.” His recent work seems to reflect preached a whale of a sermon on Sunday, came home him better than any single project, almost as if each re- to his recliner, and you didn’t get between him and cord served as a stepping stone to finding exactly where the television the next six days if the house wasn’t on SUNDAY, JUNE 24 he needs to be. His most recent album, There I Said It, fire. Mom was clinically depressed; I turned out that Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) embodies just that. His frank and almost abrasive lyri- way. It wasn’t a happy home, but it was the most reli- Bobby Flynn Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) gious home you could imagine. But were we happy? cism screams out anthemic questions and answers that Colton McKenna Zhanra’s, St. Augustine every honest musician asks himself at some point. Content? Spiritually at peace? Not in the least bit. And Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) Much like his music, Womack holds back very that sticks under my saddle to this day and always will. little and embellishes on the exciting details, making The Rolling Stones? They’re the world’s greatest rock Jazlin Beautyfull Landing, Jax even daily routines seem more like an adventure. I had and roll band. When I’m playing acoustic, I imagine, 3 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) the pleasure of stealing a few moments from Tommy what would Dylan do? When I’m playing electric, I’m Chris Siefferman The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) always wondering what would Keith do? Archetypes are during his family vacation in South Florida: JW Gilmore Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine archetypes. Blacklight Burns Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) EU: We share similar breakfast routines. I never knew cigarettes contained zero carbs. Were you EU: On your website you mention “Skot Willis Sam Pacetti Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) informed of this tasty fact or did you do your own once said I was the craziest person he’d ever met David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) research? who had his life together. Todd Snider says I’m Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) the only person he’s ever met in Nashville who’s TW: I did entirely my own research, funded by myself. I Select Few Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) bought all the cigarettes personally except for the ones crazier than he is.” Soulo Kingfish Grille, St. Augustine I bummed. I’ve given up my lungs for the dietary benefit TW: I was, we have concluded in retrospect, a case of mankind. of undiagnosed childhood ADHD. It didn’t exist in Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) Kentucky in the ‘60s and ‘70s. You just “weren’t right,” Big Al & the Kaholics Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange EU: You mentioned that your recent album, There and I wasn’t, and haven’t been ever since. It became Park (269-4198) I Said It, was unexpected, and that you had not who I am. If I weren’t gifted, I would be in jail or some his say. I never TRY to be nuts. I try very hard NOT to be. El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) anticipated doing another album. Why is that? institution now. My whole life is saved by the fact that Trying to turn a nickel with what gifts and curses God Lenny Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) TW: Because I had a nervous breakdown from too many I can make up lyrics like ‘Alpha Male & the Canine laid on me. Douglas Campbell Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) years of drug abuse and I was toast. Out of the business. Mystery Blood’ and remember them all night after night. 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) That was about 2003. These songs wrote themselves I seem to be able to do a few entertaining...things rather To read more of Christina’s interview with Tommy while I was living in hell and the music business kinda well. One of which is I can write, and another of which Womack visit www.eujacksonville.com. Chillakaya Jack’s BBQ, St. Augustine “came back to get me.” is I can deliver lyrics well, and often scads of them at a Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) time. And after all this time, I can play pretty good guitar El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) EU: Your writing style has been described as “tip- and at least sing the best I’ve ever sang in my life. But underlying it all is that I’m crazy, and I write outrageous toes the line between punk and poet, crazy man MONDAY, JUNE 25 and genius…influenced by many things- a strict songs and say outrageous things onstage and it lets that Bible upbringing, the Rolling Stones, Dylan, the crazy guy in me out of the cage for a while. When it’s Sol Island Music Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Kinks, and the crazy world we live in…” The crazy over, I’m a little more at peace, and the crazy guy’s had Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Billy Bowers Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Rezolushun The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040) Mike Gottuso Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999) Soap Jack’s BBQ, St. Augustine T.F.P Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) Lambgoat Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Roadtrip Summer Tour Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Out of Hand My Place, Jax (737-5299) Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765)

TUESDAY, JUNE 26 Billy & Vinnie Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 25 Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) summertime in the city Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) Blues Night Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Jacksonville’s Hip-Hop Festival Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach by jon bosworth [email protected] Jimmies Chicken Shack Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Steve Beck Band The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

TUESDAY-WED., JUNE 26-27 Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27 Cloud 9 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) The Bath Party MOCA, Jax Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) Those Guys-Music by the Sea The Pier, St. Augustine Sleep Serapis, Sleep Yesterday’s, Jax (387-0502) Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) Drop Dead Gorgeous Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) SIMPLE COMPLEXITY Out of Hand Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) Sly Poonce House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) There have been rumors floating around Jack- THE SMILE RAYS Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) sonville that we have a hip-hop scene that is about to make some national noise. Here’s a brief history: after Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Outkast, Goodie Mob, and Ludacris started blowing up Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) out of Atlanta, all the hip-hop talk was about the “dirty The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) south.” Then came the “crunk” movement, which, when El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) described, seems as though it should be similar to the Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune rap-metal of the Limp Bizkit heyday, but instead of white Beach (241-8221) boys bringing rap into metal, this is black dudes bring- Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) ing punk into rap, in the case of Lil’ Jon (whom you may Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) remember from the Dave Chapelle Show), and black dudes bringing rap into their punk, in the case of Whole Wheat Bread. It just so happens that Jacksonville’s upcoming shows Whole Wheat Bread has been in Utah helping Lil’ Jon Street Dogs June 28, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 with his new album, forging yet another local tie to the national rap scene. Although Limp Bizkit and Whole Corey Smith June 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Wheat Bread are both from here, it may be something Cedric The Entertainer June 29, Times Union Center, 353-3309 of a stretch to call Jacksonville the home to either style, Rooney July 2, Fuel, 425-3835 but the point is that more and more groups from Jack- Tinsley Ellis July 7, Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 sonville are rising to the top. The Moscow Cats Theatre July 7-8, Times Union Center, 353-3309 Last year, a movie called Grind 2 Shine debuted at the Florida Theatre. This film claimed to be the first American Idols LIVE Tour July 8, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 documentary of the Jacksonville hip-hop scene, and the 311 with Matisyahu July 12, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 hope must have been that it would either help launch Shooter Jennings July 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 this scene out of obscurity, or become the documenting With that as the starting point, Ian recently joined Lisa Lampanelli July 14, The Florida Theatre, 355-2787 authority of a movement that was moving up on its own. forces with Tony Allegretti, an owner of Burrito Gallery Morrissey July 17, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309 Neither happened. Nevertheless, the hip-hop culture in and Allegretti Consulting, who has been instrumental in this town keeps on brewing. the new popularity of Downtown and Springfield, to put Van’s Warped Tour July 19, Reynold’s Park Yacht Center in Greencove Springs, 353-3309 At the crest of this wave is Ian Ranne. Ian put together a festival called Summertime in the City. The first festival of its kind in Jacksonville, Sum- Lee Roy Parnell July 20, Freebird Live, 246-2473 together a little event at Thee Imperial called Hip Hop Hell, and it was a place for people who were interested mertime in the City will be an all day, free, outdoor My Little Pony Live “The World’s Biggest Tea Party”, July hip-hop festival complete with jazz, funk, and R&B acts 20-22, Times Union Center, 353-3309 in the artistry of hip-hop to show off their chops. There was freestyling, organized acts, touring acts, and all early in the evening and a break dancing competition Tim McGraw and Faith Hill July 22, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 sorts of mayhem. Hip Hop Hell quickly became a domi- to complement the full lineup of live hip-hop acts. All Candlebox July 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 nant force in the late night club scene and outgrew its of this will take place at the corner of Main and Adams, The Fab Four July 31, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 reputation as strictly a hip-hop event. The music coming directly in front of the Urban Core mural on the side of Brad Paisley August 10, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 out of this creative engine was culminating. It was fresh, the Burrito Gallery restaurant. As the media sponsor of this event, EU will feature interviews with the bands that Aly & AJ August 17, Times Union Center, 633-6110 new, and multi-cultural. People that first donned the stage during a freestyle battle eventually developed an will be performing every week between now and July 15, Copeland Sept.2, Freebird Live, 246-2473 entire set and now they are touring the region. Hip Hop the date of the festival. Dave Matthews Band Sep 11, O’Connell Center, Gainesville, Hell happens in several clubs on several nights of the Stay tuned and tap into this musical movement as FL, (352) 392-1653 week, and constantly the crowds are growing, because it swells into the national scope. This is the first year of Sinbad October 12, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 this isn’t the kind of hip-hop that looks down its nose at an annual festival that will eventually be far too big for a Clint Black October 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 anyone that isn’t “fronting,” this is the kind of hip-hop parking lot downtown, so get on the pulse and look here Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 that anyone that likes music can get into. next week for an interview with The N Word.

26 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper the mix-up album review

Artist: Beastie Boys Title: The Mix-Up Release Date: 06.26.07 Label: Capitol

I was so excited to hear that the Beastie Boys were releasing an instrumental record. Their last two albums, To the 5 Boroughs and Hello Nasty, were released painfully far apart and provided little if any of the stylish Californian jams that made such an impact on Check Your Head and Ill Commu- nication. Giving way primarily to their classic brand of Hip-Hop, the last two albums left me yearn- ing for the old days, and it makes me feel old when I do that. The feel of those old instrumental and less digital songs was so catchy, unique and smooth. They were the eclectic stoner jams that made you feel chill and excited at the same time. That’s why the new record, The Mix-Up, is such a relief to hear. I feel young again not having to yearn so deeply for the sounds of old. The B-Boys have begun to flow again, this time bringing us an entire album of liquid compositions with angular beats. The songs sound great, as if they intended them to pick up right where The In Sound from Way Out left off. Obviously, the line up for The Mix-Up is a given: Mike D on drums, Adrock on guitar, MCA on bass, and Money Mark on keyboards. Just like always, the sounds on this record feature wah and envelope-filtered guitar squawks, seamless bass grooves with just the right mix of sharp funk and smooth jazz, slippery notes from the organ and snappy drums with syncopated bongos and snare. For many of us Beastie Boys fans, this new record is just what we needed to hear. It’s great to know that they are still continuing to evolve and create while recalling some of their talents that never gel old. - by donald dusinberre

icky thump album review

Artist: White Stripes Title: Icky Thump Release Date: 06.19.07 Label: Third Man / Warner Bros.

For a minute, I thought maybe the good Lord didn’t want me to have the new White Stripes album. I despise liking a band that is releasing one of the most anticipated albums of the year, because I waited with baited breath for Modest Mouse and made a fool of myself in the hunt for the new Radiohead album several years back. I am none-too-discreet when it comes to veiling my commercial desires. First I called Inertia Records, because I believe in supporting my local record store primarily, but they told me to go to Best Buy. The only thing I hate more than Best Buy is Wal-Mart, yet I went to Wal-Mart and called Best Buy when Target didn’t have the album on their shelves. In the end, I found it at Circuit City (after more than ten stops looking for it at other record stores) and to be truthful: as is the case with every White Stripes album upon release, I love it. This record is as experimental (ala Sonic Youth) as it is traditional (ala blues from Johnny Cash and country from the Dixie Rose), but this album has an undercurrent that is not precisely political, yet certainly deliberate in its expression of other cultures. Past White Stripes albums have been so focused on representing the classic Americana sound, that it is almost ridiculous to listen to this album’s assortment of nationality influences. From almost Arabic sounding instrumentation to the Spanish mixed with blues influence of the album’s hits, the White Stripes have once again man- aged to celebrate classic music while foraying into a whole new genre entirely. As is the case with most new White Stripes albums, I currently think it is the best album ever made, but by next year I will be uncertain as to why I liked any songs except for a select few.

- by JON BOSWORTH

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 27 culture & arts JUNE 21 Especially for Seniors Talk & Tea Cummer Museum, Jax 21-22 Lights, Camera, Action Media Literacy Camp JU, Jax 21-23 CSI Summer Camp FCCJ Advanced Technology Center, Jax 21-23 “State Fair” Orange Park Community Theatre, Jax 21-23 “Guys and Dolls” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax 21-24 “South Pacific” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 21-24 Comedian John Witherspoon Comedy Zone, Mandarin 21-30 The Sea Turtle Show Exhibit First Street Gallery, Neptune Beach 21-30 Exhibit: Jim Smith’s “Grand Secrets, Petits Objects” Gallery at Screen Arts, St. Augustine 21-JULY 5 Out of the Shadows Exhibit UNF Gallery, Jax 21-JULY 8 “Silver Screen Seranade” Seaside Music Theatre, Christ Enthroned from Portable Iconostasis, Russia, about 1700, Daytona Beach Tempera on wood with gilding, 15 x 58 ½ 21-JULY 13 Camp Cummer Cummer Museum, Jax 21-JULY 14 “The Rocky Horror Show Live!” Five Points Theatre, Jax was considered greater than them, and so they often 21-JULY 14 Exhibit: Anna Tomczak- Odes & Travels Cultural remained in pious anonymity. Center, Ponte Vedra Also interesting and clearly evident were the 21-JULY 22 “The Wizard of Oz” Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax differences in style. Due to an increasing Western 21-JULY 27 Summer Adventure Camps MOSH, Jax influence, the style and technique used to create icons became less intricate and rigid as time rose 21-AUG. 12 “Rather Strange Developments” Picasso, through the 1800s. You can plainly see the influence Kandinsky & Mondrian Cummer Museum, Jax in the Cummer’s display. As a result, as certain 21-AUG. 17 “Go, Dog, Go!” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach styles became unfashionable, artists crafted oklads, 21-AUG. 26 Impermanence: Recent Works By Andres Michelena which embellished and covered up most of the out- MOCA, Jax of-style imagery, thereby renewing the impact of that holy image. The oklads were plates made of silver 21-SEPT. 3 The Cabaret of St. Augustine-Spirits Community or gold, with carefully placed cutouts arranged to School of Performing Arts, St. Augustine expose the painted faces and gestured body parts 21-SEPT.2 Tradition in Transition: Russian Icons in the Age of showing from beneath it. Romanovs Cummer Museum, Jax 21-SEPT. 4 Hurricanes III-Dora The Destroyer Exhibit Beaches Museum, Jax Beach 21-OCT. 14 Dinosaurs & Ice Age Mammals MOSH, Jax 22-23 Greek Landing Day Celebration St. Photios Shrine, St. Augustine 22-24 21st Annual Greek Landing Day Celebration St. Photios Shrine, Mother of God “Plege of Sinners” Russia, about 1912, Tempera St. Augustine on wood with gold, pearls, diamonds and emeralds, 5 x 3 13/16 23 Art Adventures-Crazy Collage Cummer Museum, Jax 23 Second Annual Battle of the Bands Main Library, Jax 23 Journey to EmPOWerment III Workshop Ramada Inn, Mandarin traditions in transition: 24 The Huls Clark Duo Main Library, Jax 24 Comedian Brian Regan Florida Theatre, Jax 25-29 Lights, Camera, Action Media Literacy Camp JU, Jax russian icons in the age of 25-29 KidzfACTory Workshops & Camp Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine 26 Profitable Poultry-Raising Birds on Pasture Duval County the romanovs Extension Office, Jax Resurrection Russia, about 1775—1800, Ivory and silk on 27 Summer Cinema “The Iron Giant” MOCA, Jax a review of the exhibition at the Cummer Museum of wood, 15 7/8 x 14 3/8 28-29 Art Unleashed Benefit No More Homeless Pets Bella Sera, Jax 29 Cedric the Entertainer Performing Arts Center, Jax Art & Gardens My favorite icon in the exhibition was Resur- 29-JULY 1 River of Life Musicfest St. Johns Cultural Art rection. Although many of them have identical or Center, St. Augustine by donald dusinberre [email protected] similar names, this one was especially ornate and For nearly one hundred years, Russia has not where Russian icons were a common yet holy sight. amazingly crafted. Made in Palekh, Russia sometime been a place known for its religious fervor. With the The examples gathered from throughout the age of between 1800 and 1900, its overwhelming intricacy JULY rise of Lenin and Socialism in 1917 came the forced the Romanovs range from peasant-owned icons, to left me in awe and I wondered how it was created 2 Leave ‘em Laughing Tent Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society demise of organized religion throughout the country. those fit for the richest, to those guarded by the holi- so finely, especially so long ago. I could look at it for Library/Pablo Creek, Jax But prior to that political upheaval (and somewhat est. Whether they’re painted with tempera on wood hours and get lost in the artist’s depiction of Biblical 3 Red, White & Boom World Golf Village, St. Augustine since the fall of Communism in 1991), Russians or they feature an intricate gilded cover, each of the events. were largely and deeply associated with the Russian icons is a monument to God as well as a testament Even if you don’t subscribe to the basic prin- 3-4 Our Country Day-Arts & Crafts, Fireworks, Fish Fry City Park, Keystone Heights Orthodox Church, a part of the larger Eastern Ortho- to the skills of the artist. ciples of Christianity, there’s no denying the impact dox Church. One of the most interesting things I learned is these icons can have on you. Even if you had to th 3-4 American Pie 4 of July Moosehaven Park, Orange Park From now through September 2, 2007, The that most of the icons made during the age of the remove their religious context completely, the Rus- 4 4th of July Liberty Celebration Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach Cummer will display 45 examples of religious history Romanovs were unsigned and painted anonymously. sian icons on display at the Cummer Museum of Art in Russia. The Romanovs, the Russian monarchy Whether artists were copying an icon already in and Gardens are glorious examples of man’s will to 4 Freedom, Fanfare & Fireworks Metro Park, Jax in power from 1613 to 1917, governed a society existence or creating brand-new ones, the process make something beautiful, even extraordinary.

28 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper 4 July 4th & Familes Festival Downtown, Fernandina Beach 4 Flagler’s Fabulous 4th Veterans Park, Flagler Beach 4 July 4th Celebration Bayfront, St. Augustine 4 Fireworks & Freedom Festival Downtown, Middleburg joe chisholm 5 Beginner Salsa Classes Café Bolero, Jax 5-22 “Nine” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 6 First Friday Art Walk Various Venues, St. Augustine North Florida actor’s star will be 7 Art-Rageous Main Library, Jax 7 Super Chef’s Live with Daisy Martinez Avenues Mall, Jax rising in Cincinnati 8 Beg/Intermediate Salsa Classes Studio One, Jax 9-14 LibraryCon: Sci-Fi/Fantasy Festival Main Library, Jax 9-AUG. 10 Summer Teen Workshop Orange Park Community by dick kerekes [email protected] Theatre, Orange Park 10 Big Cats For Kids Auction Morocco Shrine, Jax There many aspiring young actors 11 Summer Cinema “When Fried Eggs Fly” MOCA, Jax in the Jacksonville area who want to make theatre a career, but none I have ever met 12 Arthritis Foundation’s Lunch & Lecture River City Brewing have worked as diligently to reach their goal Company, Jax as has Joseph “Joe” Chisholm. 12 Café Night Cummer Museum, Jax In September, Joe will enter the Cincin- 13 Summer Cinema “When Fried Eggs Fly” Encore MOCA, Jax nati Conservatory on a full scholarship, and in four years he will earn his BSA in Theatre 13-28 “Bat Boy: The Musical” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach Arts. In the process, he will study musical 14 Tonca’s Birthday Celebration MOSH, Jax theatre in what is considered one of the fin- 14 Air Guitar & Lip Synching Contest Regency Library, Jax est programs in the county. The road to Cincinnati began back 14 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax when the acting bug bit Joe at the age of 8. 14 Dance Dance Revolution Main Library, Jax He tagged along with his sister to an audition 15 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach at Orange Park High School, just to watch, but he wound up trying out. The role he was 16-20 CSI Summer Camp FCCJ Advanced Technology Center, Jax chosen for was actually written for a girl, 16-21 AT&T Greater Jax Kingfish Tournament Sisters Creek, Jax but the director was so impressed that he 17 Playstation Game Day Pablo Creek Library, Jax changed it to accommodate Joe. Since that start and up to the present, 18 Summer Cinema “Akeelah & the Bee” MOCA, Jax Joe has taken acting, dancing and vocal les- 19 Teen Program-Readers Theatre Main Library, Jax sons, as well as years of practice, practice and practice. He has also taken every oppor- 19 Ooze, Bubble & Fizz! Library, Neptune Beach tunity to be on stage all over North Florida, 20-21 “Oklahoma!” YBAG Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach whether as a singer, dancer or a dramatic 21 Day of Total Luna-See MOSH, Jax actor. In his four years at Ridgeview High 21 Books Alive Main Library, Jax School in Clay County, the quickest way to 23 Classic Movie Night Library, Neptune Beach find Joe was to look at who was playing lead 25 Summer Cinema “Cinema Paradiso” MOCA, Jax or supporting roles in plays like Damm Yan- kees, Little Shop of Horrors, and Godspell, 25 Tuller & Weinberg Summer Serenade Main Library, Jax just to name a few. 25-SEPT. 2 Smokey Joe’s Café Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax As much as Joe loved acting, he did not musicals so that high school groups throughout the 26-29 “Inherit The Wind” A Classic Theatre Limelight Theatre, neglect his studies. He was in the International Bac- country can more easily do them. St. Augustine calaureate Program and a member of National Honor Joe played the title role in Tommy and was Chris Society. in the MTI World Premiere of the first non-professional 26-AUG. 19 “Snapshots” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach I asked him what advice he would give to other performance of Miss Saigon. Last season also found 28 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax aspiring actors still in school, and Joe’s reply was, Joe playing Roger in a special production of Rent. 28 All Age Variety Show Regency Library, Jax “Academics should come first, and the rest will follow New York agents regularly come to the productions, if you really want it.” and one has approached him about a contract to rep- I started making a list of the shows I have seen resent him in the future. AUGUST with young Mr. Chisholm in them, and I am amazed at Joe decided he wanted to attend Cincinnati 1 Summer Cinema “Y’Tu Mama Tambien” MOCA, Jax the variety of roles and places he has performed. He Conservatory and applied. Because of his excellent was in The Sound of Music and The King and I at the grades, he was invited to compete for a full scholar- 2-19 “Peter Pan” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach Alhambra Dinner Theatre. At St. Augustine’s Limelight ship with 1500 other students of similar excellence. 3 First Friday Art Walk Various Venues, St. Augustine Theatre, he played Billy in On Golden Pond. His most The testing Joe went through had nothing to do with 3-25 Torch Song Trilogy First Coast Theatre Arts, Jax dramatic role was in Dead Eye Boy at Players by the his acting or singing talents, but was strictly based on Sea. His resume also includes a long list of musicals academics. Joe was thrilled to receive one of only ten 4 First Coast Pride Festival Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach and comedies at Orange Park Community theatre. scholarships awarded. 8 Summer Cinema “An Inconvenient Truth” MOCA, Jax Joe studied acting for TV and film with Maury Four to five years in the future, on my annual 9 Café Night Cummer Museum, Jax Covington and Betty Detamore and has had roles in trip to New York, I fully expect to go to a theatre, open commercials and independent movies, including the my program and see the name Joseph Chisholm. But 12 Library Night-Suns Baseball Baseball Grounds, Jax TV series, Safe Harbor. I expect to see his name in playbills sooner than that, 14 FCCJ Artist Series “Thomas & Friends Live Performing In a couple of weeks, Joe will leave for upstate since Joe hopes to do summer theatre in the Florida Arts Center, Jax New York to attend an intensive three-week program area, possibly at Seaside Music Theatre or maybe 15 Summer Cinema “The Notorious Bettie Page” MOCA, Jax of musical theatre at Stagedoor Manor. This will be even back on the stage at the Alhambra. his third and final year at this prestigious school that Well, good luck and break a leg, Joe. You are 18 Dog Days of Summer MOSH, Jax limits it class to about 200 and puts its aspiring stu- definitely a man with a plan and when you reach 19 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach dents of all theatrical disciplines in seven-day-a-week Broadway, please don’t forget to invite your favorite 24 Toast to the Animals-Wine Tasting/Auction Florida Theatre, sessions. theatre critic to opening night. I will be there, I prom- Jax One of the purposes of the camp is to rework ise.

eujacksonville.com | june 21-27, 2007 29 franchise it has been for so long. Of course, Dr. Buss has beachwise: his own issues to deal with, including not one, but two the top 5 surfers of all time by shaun robbins DUI charges. THE While this nation is There are many debates among surfers on who the top surfers of all time are. Depending on whom you talk to known as a place where we and what qualifications they are going by, you might hear an assortment of surfers named and, undoubtedly, a JOCK can all express ourselves, multitude of differing orders in which they will be placed. Below are my top five surfers of all time. Each of them our feelings and our opinions, has shown pure supremacy at the top level of surfing, and several have changed surfing for the better. Kobe forgets that he is essen- tially one of the best players 1. Kelly Slater: currently in the NBA, and it Without a doubt, Kelly Slater is the greatest surfer ever, bar none. Early on, Slater showed his potential by dominating would be close to impos- the amateur ranks, taking home six Eastern Surfing Association titles and four national titles. In 1992, Slater joined sible for the Lakers to receive the Association of Surfing Professionals Tour full time, claiming his first world title and becoming the youngest world equal and fair compensation champion at age 20. Fifteen years later, he has accumulated 33 tour wins, tying him with Tom Curren for the most tour for his value if he were to be wins ever. Retiring once, he claimed his unprecedented eighth world title, making him the oldest world champion at by tom weppel traded away. age 34. He is currently ranked fifth on tour after three events. The bottom line here is that Kobe Bryant is not going 2. Mark Richards: anywhere. He should accept Known to most simply as MR, Mark Richards is one of a kind, and is outdone by only one other surfer. One of the Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... the fact he is a Laker and is most dominant surfers to ever compete, MR helped lead the charge from the single fin to the twin fin. His dramatic going to remain a Laker until the end of his contract. turns and cutbacks, when depicted in pictures, seem to show reckless abandon, but he was far from out-of-control MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL Maybe then he can consider going to another team. when atop a surfboard. In fact, from 1979 to 1982, MR was so dominant in all types of surf, from overhead Waimea We see that Barry Bonds inches closer to Hank Maybe he should simply consider helping the Lakers to disappointing Sydney, that he collected four consecutive world titles. Plagued by injuries, MR dropped off the Aaron’s Home Run record. While he continues to re-establish themselves to the team they were, and world tour, coming back on occasion to continue his dominance at each event he participated in. In 2001, MR took be productive, drawing a lot of walks and getting on can be. part in the World Masters Championship’s Over 40 division, in Ireland, knocking off all other competitors to score base, it almost seems as if the media coverage of one more title. his plate appearances isn’t as strong as it has been NASCAR in the past. I would’ve anticipated more coverage This weekend, the boys head out to the West 3. Tom Curren: of Bonds’ at-bats to see what is happening. But we Coast and take on the Sonoma road course. In my From his juniors’ division title at the World Amateur Surfing Championships in 1980 to his subsequent domination of rarely see any of Bonds’ plate appearances. And I opinion, most NASCAR fans don’t really care for the the 80s surf scene, Tom Curren helped revolutionize surfing. With his smooth, powerful style and an unseen approach ask, does anybody care? road tracks at all. They think it’s not even a part of to surf of all sizes, Curren dominated the surf scene. He won his first world title in 1985 and followed it up the next On top of that, Yankee 3B Alex Rodriguez is NASCAR. But it is driving, and it takes skill, and there year with another. After winning his second title, Curren retired to pursue other interests until returning to the tour in having a banner season hitting, leading the League is competition, and there will be a winner. 1990. Upon his return, Curren won a record-tying seven events that year on his way to his third world title. Undoubt- in HRs and RBIs. We have seen and heard a lot Now that Dale, Jr. has signed his deal with Rick edly, he would have won more titles if he had not left for three years in his prime. Tom is still hitting up events on the more of Rodriguez this season than Barry Bonds, Hendrick, the questions will center around who his World Qualifying Tour and putting it to surfers 20 years his junior. even though there has been controversy surrounding sponsor will be, and what number will grace his car. A-Rod, from his indecision on honoring his Yankee Will it be Budweiser and the #8? DEI owns the #8, 4. Joel Tudor: contract, to his play time in Toronto with a little and Hendrick must decide whether to cut a deal for The Kelly Slater of the longboard, Joel Tudor is the best longboarder to ever live. Combining the grace and style of honey. that number. Meanwhile, Budweiser wants to keep the past with contemporary flair and determination, he helped break the stereotype of the old, fat longboarder lacking I don’t know if Rodriguez is overshadowing their association with Dale, so it remains to be seen skill to one of youthful elegance – something that younger surfers actually wanted to be. At 15, Joel became the Bonds, but I do know that a majority of the public is if they keep things standard. youngest surfer ever to win an ASP contest, and if he has ever entered a surf contest, he has won it at some point still fairly lackluster in their enthusiasm for Bonds’ And now many fans are wondering where we in his career. pursuit of the most popular record in all of Baseball. will see Kyle Busch land, now that he is out of the Hendrick camp. As a free agent, Busch has a lot of 5. Frieda Zamba: NBA potential employers, including DEI, Chip Ganassi, That’s right, a woman made the top five of all time. In a male-dominated sport, Frieda Zamba can certainly hang The television ratings for the NBA Finals and Robert Yates, among others. with the best guys in the water. Known as one of the top East Coast surfers by age 15, Zamba was well on her way to weren’t too good. There are myriad excuses that can And of course, we simply cannot avoid the becoming a surfing legend, defiantly closing the gap between men’s and women’s surfing. During her first year on go along with the reasons for this. Were there not radical, massive duel building between AT&T and the Women’s Pro Tour, she finished in sixth place, a career low, and took home rookie of the year honors. Zamba won enough ‘stars’ playing to generate interest among NASCAR. The #31 car driven by Jeff Burton has her first of three consecutive world titles in 1984 and her fourth and final title in 1988, matching the male record held fans? Were the two teams simply not sexy enough? been sponsored by Cingular for quite a while, but at the time by Mark Richards. She is a local talent, having grown up in Flagler Beach, where she now resides again. If Is it simply a matter of public apathy in the game now that AT&T has taken over Cingular, NASCAR you are lucky, you might catch her surfing. If you are wondering how you will know which one she is, she will be the overall? does not want the AT&T logo to be so prominent best one out there ripping harder than ever, tearing apart waves and boosting airs. While David Stern and his staff can shake off in the NEXTEL Cup. AT&T just signed a three-year this season as an anomaly, the bottom line is that extension for their sponsorship of Burton’s car, right

forecasted conditions they need to give serious consideration to re-posi- after NASCAR laid down a lawsuit against AT&T. And You may see an occasional small wave appear that could be ridden on a longboard or fish this coming weekend or the tioning the League as a great sport, featuring the so, my friends, this is gonna turn into one nasty, week that follows. Besides these little waves, the buoys are showing no real chance for sizable surf. Remember, this best basketball players in the world. I think the public rough, big-time battle. We shall see who comes out is hurricane season and a small storm can pop up at any time to give us some decent surf. But don’t take my weekly has been lost on this. on top in the end. word for it, call or log onto your local daily report to find out what the present conditions are for your favorite break. This whole deal with Kobe Bryant and the Lak- And so, the soap opera continues. ers is crazy. Bryant has publicly requested a trade Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, now, saying Dr. Jerry Buss and his staff aren’t doing Lonnie Marts, Eugene Chung, and Ron Duguay on the best job in turning Los Angeles into the winning SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

30 june 21-27, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Kasey will be in a Budweiser Toyota come 2009. Dodge probably making plans to help each other next year. made the big return, and with all the billions involved Well, at least they should be. You know, you might see a in the sale of the parent company, can they keep their little taste of it this year if you watch real close when Jeff nascar news & notes promise to stay in racing? Over the next two years, there passes Junior or Jimmie drafts Junior and helps him to will be more teams going to Toyota than we expected the front. Come on now, you don’t think that will hap- by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] because they’ve got the big bucks to spend, and they pen do ya, or could it? Well, that’s it for now, so if you want to do like they did in the CTS. How many different have any comments or suggestions, send them to me at Yeah, I don’t have too much to say about Dale say that it was an unpopular move, but you know there teams have you heard talking about changing manufac- [email protected]. And remember folks, if It ain’t Earnhardt Jr. and the big announcement last week. Well, are some folks who will have to buy a new TV because turers? Chevy and Ford can’t keep adding them to their NASCAR, It ain’t s**t! maybe just a few things, while I’m on the subject. Was they threw beer cans at their old one after Gordon won a expense accounts. can they? I know, with the COT and the team he chose a big surprise? Did any of y’all think couple of races. all, NASCAR could let Porsche or Honda in. They got he would go to Hendrick Motorsports? Come on now, Smart move you ask? Yes, very smart if you think plants here in America, don’t they? be honest about it. Was it a popular move or a smart about it. What other team in NASCAR is as hot and on I guess I did have a little to say about the “Big one, and just how long will he be there before he wins fire when it comes to winning races? With the jump Announcement” last week, but I really didn’t mean to. a championship? To me, those are the big questions they have on the COT, it’s about as slick a thing to do Yeah, right. I ain’t even got started yet, but space is run- among a few others, but let me address these first and as buying Wal-Mart stock. With the COT going full-time ning out so I’ll just let y’all wonder what other thoughts the rest will have to be answered later. Oh yeah, just one next season, HMS should be a light year ahead of the I got on the subject. But, does it really matter? The deal more question, and I don’t think I can even get close to other teams, but will Junior be up to speed in one with a is done, the line is crossed and the new teammates are an answer. What does Teresa Earnhardt think about the number 5 on the side of it? Why, of course he will, and deal? that is why it’s a good move for him, with his hopes of Sure fooled the s**t out of me, because HMS said winning races and a Cup title. But there is one thing that that there was no room for him, what with the inn being will come into play: will Johnson and Gordon work with full and all. Maybe they really meant it at first, but then him after all these years of working against him? They Richard figured out a way to ease his stepson (not really will if Richard Hendrick has anything to say about it. his stepson, but that’s what Kyle seems to be in public) After the “napkin contract,” you know that he’s wanted out of the number 5 car. When the deal was done, Dick this for a long time. said that the negotiations with Busch and his contract Like always, I have my own idea of just how this were not working and they both felt that a move should is all going to turn out, and like many times in the past, be taken, and what better way than to hire Junior? Kyle I’ve been full of bull. Here what’s going to take place: sang a different song about how he thought things were First DEI ain’t going to give up Budweiser or the #8 no going, and he was shocked by the announcement, but matter what anybody wants. Kyle Busch will sign with what could he do but sing the praises of HMS. You know DEI and drive the car Junior left and win races. Dale a fly on the wall could tell us what was said, and I bet it Earnhardt Jr. will have to turn in his Bud fire suit and wasn’t for family listening. get a “Got Milk” one, because we all know that beer Now Busch is the hottest thing since Junior on the don’t go good with cereal. Instead of a Clydesdale on free agent list- or at least he was for a day or two. Then his shoulder, he’ll sport a pair of Roosters and maybe it was back to Earnhardt and what car he’ll drive and who a Tiger or two. We’ve all heard about how the fruity bird the sponsor will be. If Kelly and Dale wanted to firm it is being replaced, so Junior will be spared the multi- up so that the paraphernalia (there’s that favorite word colored bird with the big beak. I know Dale, you ate your of mine again) manufacturers would have plenty of time Froot Loops every morning when you were growing up. to make his stuff by Daytona 2008, they haven’t done I don’t know if I can get use to seeing him drive it yet. Junior said he would like it if Teresa let him take the #5 Kellogg’s car or not. When Busch was at the the #8 with him, and Hendrick said he would talk to her wheel it just was never the same. Heck, Terry Labonte about swapping the 5 for the 8, but I don’t think that will was the real Terry the Tiger, and now we got Junior happen. If she wouldn’t give up the 51%, why would she behind the wheel. Hmmm, that just don’t fit either. Two let the 8 go to Hendrick Motorsports? Now that’s a real things can happen here with Kellogg’s, and one is that question, and the answer to that one may be a long time with the driver changes they could bow out of NASCAR coming. altogether. But that would be about the dumbest thing I Most of my friends (yes I do have a few, maybe ever heard. The other, and really the only thing that they very few since I am a very opinionated kind of old guy) could and should do, is make sure that Dale Earnhardt didn’t see this coming and thought that RCR was going Jr. drives the #5 Kellogg’s car for as long as he wants. to get him. We knew that if Childress was on a hunting Everybody thought that Bud would go with Junior wher- trip when the press meeting was called that RCR wasn’t ever he went, even if it was to the moon, but have y’all the one. But did anybody see Hendrick slip in the back heard the rumor that they are talking with Kasey Kahne? door that morning? When I called my friend John after With the sale of Chrysler being done this week, the news broke, he said, “Oh, well.” That seems to sum just how long will they be in NASCAR? If they leave, up most of the other views I have heard so far. I can’t Evernham will need a new car and sponsor, so perhaps

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