JACKSONVILLE ning! ope

send in the clowns! Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey

Circus comes to the River City entertaining u newspaper change your free weekly guide to entertainment and more | january 18-24, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com life in 2007 2 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus...... PAGES 16 movies Letters From Iwo Jima (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies In Theatres This Week...... PAGES 6-10 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted...... PAGE 7 Pan’s Labyrinth (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Hurricane On The Bayou (movie review)...... PAGE 9 The Last King Of Scotland (movie review)...... PAGE 10 Golden Globe Awards ...... PAGE 14 at home The Night Listener (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 Armed & Famous (TV Review)...... PAGE 13 Video Games...... PAGE 13 All-A-Twitter (Wild Birds Unlimited)...... PAGE 15 food Clark’s Fish Camp (restaurant review)...... PAGE 17 music Eric Johnson (Freebird Live)...... PAGE 19 Violinist Joshua Bell...... PAGE 20 Music Calendar...... PAGES 20-24 Pato Banton (interview)...... PAGE 21 The Heart Attacks (interview) ...... PAGE 22 Brett Dennen (interview)...... PAGE 23 Copeland (album review)...... PAGE 23 arts / theatre / on stage The Art Institute...... PAGE 18 I Can’t Stop Loving You (UNF Fine Arts) ...... PAGE 24 Molly Ringwald Sweet Charity (interview)...... PAGE 27 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 25-26 Defending The Caveman (FCCJ Artist Series)...... PAGE 26 Visiting Mr. Green (PBTS)...... PAGE 28 Leading Ladies (Theatre Jacksonville)...... PAGE 28 The Rainmaker (ABET)...... PAGE 29 columns and stuff The Jock...... PAGE 29 NASCAR news & notes...... PAGE 30

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 3 thisweek january 18 - 23 thursday january 18 Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Jazz Singer Peggie Black In honor of the circus’ 137th birthday, the performers have cooked up a special “Bellobration”. Time Magazine’s pick for Peggie Black, is playing at Layla’s of San Marco (the place for jazz “America’s Best Clown,” Bello Nock, will take center stage every Thursday night). Peggy has her own unique style and won- with his wild and crazy act. Read more about the the Great- derful sound. The wonderful jazz musicians, Barry Greene on guitar est Show on Earth on page 16. and Lawrence Buckner on bass, will join her. Veterans Memorial Arena - 7:30pm, Price: $14.00 - 69.00 Layla’s San Marco, 2016 Hendricks Avenue, 7:00-11:00 PM. Info: (904) 630-3900 Don’t miss the indigo girls Info: 398-4610 tuesday at the florida theatre. Pulp Fiction Theatre See a live presentation of four comedy-drama playlets ripped from january 19 the brains of Jacksonville theatre’s most twisted imaginations: * friday january 20 HELL ON WHEELS - Fast cars, fast women Will they lead to a fast saturday end? * SNATCHING THE SNATCH - A lowlife with short-term mem- Ricky Nelson Remembered the Nelson Brothers ory loss gets in on an heiress’ kidnapping – but will he remember Featuring Mathew and Gunnar Pato Baton where he left her? * ABSTINENCE OF MALICE - A middle-aged man Nelson. Performing the music of Grammy nominee and reggae artist, Pato Banton, gives in to his lust for a neighborhood jogger! Boomtown Subter- 1950s TV heartthrob turned Rock and recorded the song “Drive-By Shooting” after ranea, 140 W. Monroe St., every Thurs. at 8 pm. (starting Jan. 18) Roll Hall of Fame inductee as well as 2 of his children were shot accidentally in a Admission Price: $5.00 ; also offering full dinner and drink menu. the music performed by silky-haired drive-by shooting in Birmingham in 2000. After twin sons Matthew and Gunnar in that he started the Music Technology School in their band Nelson. Audiences will get january 18 - 20 Birmingham in 2002 to teach kids and give them the best of both worlds as the Nelson The Motown Experience opportunities to make music. Read interview Brothers perform their father’s hits, The music of Motown comes alive as the Jacksonville Symphony with Pato on page 21. Freebird Live 246-BIRD Orchestra, joined by the vocal quartet Spectrum, presents “The as well as their own. Motown Experience” on Thursday, January 18 at 7:30 p.m.; Friday Florida Theatre - 8:00pm, $30-$35 january 20 - 21 and Saturday, Jan. 19-20 at 8:00 p.m. in Jacoby Symphony Hall at Info: 355-2787 the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. The four radiant Rob Becker’s Defending the Caveman voices and diverse personalities of the Las Vegas-based Spectrum Gil Mantera’s Party Dream The hit one-person show comedically and affectionately explores create an evening of warm harmonies, smooth choreography and These two blonde, handsome, and strapping brothers, the differences between men and women, and has entertained first-class entertainment. Spectrum recreates the sound and style Ultimate Donny and Gil Mantera, from Youngstown, Ohio, play over 2.5 million people in the United States since it began in San of Motown with favorite tunes. rock-style music mixed with alternative-style. Jack Rabbits Francisco in 1991. Read review on page 26. Saturday and Sunday th Ticket Prices: $25, $30, $40, $55, $65 Info: (904) 354-5547, toll - 8:00pm, $8.00 398-7496 through the 28 . Times-Union Center, Terry Theatre – Sat. - 8:00 free (877) 662-6731, or online at jaxsymphony.org p.m., Sun. - 5:30 p.m. Info: 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org. Cowboy Mouth january 18 - 21 For more than 15 years, the members of Cowboy Mouth have Tibetan Monks Create embraced, embodied, preached and shouted at the a Spiritual Mandala top of their lungs the joys of their hometown, New Tibetan Buddhist Monks from Orleans, sharing a slice of Mardi Gras heaven with the Drepung Loseling Monas- fans around the world. Cake magazine when it tery in India have returned to quoted: “...on a bad night they’ll tear the roof off the create a beautiful and spiritu- joint and on a good night they’ll save your soul.” ally potent sand Mandala (an Freebird Live Info: 246-BIRD artistic design that devotees of meditation use for center- Blue october ing, focusing, and contempla- tion). The public is welcome to witness the Mandala, free and open for viewing every day at 11 a.m.-6 p.m. A special pro- gram of sacred music, dance and chanting, will be offered twice sunday january 21 on Jan. 20. A 50 minute performance with a chat-back will be of- fered on Jan. 20 at 2 p.m. at a cost of $12. Jan. 20 at 7 p.m. the Blue October multiphonic Monks will offer a two-hour dance, music and chanting Blue October, from Essex, England, play emotionally fuelled, synth presentation for $20. Discounts are available for FCCJ students and electro pop fusing electronic wizardry and wild guitar with cool, staff and children 12 and under. Jan. 21, at noon, marks an impres- underlying dance grooves. A diverse repertoire of songs charged sive Closing Ceremony for the Mandala, free and open to the public. with melody, harmony and rhythm. Deep, meaningful lyrics tinged South Campus is located at 11901 Beach Blvd., east of St. Johns Cowboy Mouth with sadness, but always full of hope. Bluff Road. For tickets or info: 646.2222. Plush Info: 743-1845

4 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper monday january 22 Brett Dennen Although Brett Dennen’s influences are many, (Dennen sites Paul Simon, Bob Dylan , Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Joni Mitchell and The Beatles) he is utterly distinctive. Brett will be stopping in Jacksonville after playing this weekend at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. Read interview with Brett on page 23. Jack Rabbits - 8:45pm, Tickets $8 Info: 398-7496

Joshua Bell Riverside Fine Arts and Beaches Fine Arts present “Working in Concert for Kids,” a benefit for music education programs featuring a performance by Billboard’s 2004 Classical Artist of the Year, violinist Joshua Bell, and Jeremy Denk on piano. Do not miss the opportunity to hear this three time Grammy award winning violin virtuoso. Tickets: $65 - $25. Jacoby Symphony Hall - 7:30 p.m. Info: 354-5547

tuesday january 23 Indigo Girls 20 years after they began releasing records as Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers have politely declined the opportunity to mellow with age. You could just say it’s just not in their constitution. Devoted saturday environmental and social justice activists and lifelong music-industry mavericks, the Girls have spent their entire career pushing boundaries on a variety of fronts. Florida Theatre Jacksonville Info: 355-2787

The Dears with the Annuals Canadian indie rock band, the Dears’, new album, Gang Of Losers, made Spin Magazine’s Best of 2006 List – coming in at number 30 of the 50 best albums of 2006. Bluesy and ballad-laden, with rolling pianos and horns, the album features the seductive fusion of Lightburn’s onstage vocal range and studio precision. Recorded without punch-ins or edits, the band played every song from beginning to end in order to capture the technical unity of their live shows. Jack Rabbits, Tickets: $15 Info: 398-7496 the dear thursday nights molly ringwald january 23 - 28 in sweet charity Sweet Charity Starring Molly pulppulp fictionfiction theatrtheatree Ringwald Straight from the 30s Do you want to have fun? Then just dance on over to Sweet Charity, the Broadway musical that offers fun, laughs, and good times. The star of Broadway’s Cabaret, Molly Ringwald, takes center Gritty, thrilling and performed stage as Charity Hope Valentine, who’s a true original, eternal optimist...and the live at Downtown's coolest unluckiest romantic in New York City. Read interview with Molly Ringwald on page Dinner Theatre. 25. Tickets: $19 to $61. Times-Union Center, Moran Theatre Info: doors open at 6, show at 8:30 632-3373 or online at artistseries.fccj.org.

5 bucks (CHEAP!) for the show | full dining | call for more info. wednesday JANUARY 24 Kill Hannah with Pink Spiders, Love Arcade, and Action Reaction boomtown theatre Kill Hannah was named after the ex-girlfriend of lead singer, Mat Devine. Look-out girls, you don’t want to be his ex. 140 west monroe street | 632-0099 | http://pulpfictiontheatre.tk/ Jack Rabbits Info: 398-7496

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 5 battle from the Japanese perspective, the viewer opening this week can at least empathize with the ordinary conscripts who were not necessarily into fighting to the death. THE HITCHER A young man transporting a car to Eastwood’s movie humanizes the Japanese soldier. another state is stalked along the road by a cunning It was only the U.S. Command’s cold resolve to take and relentless serial killer who eventually frames the the island no matter how men they lost and the brav- driver for a string of murders. Chased by police and ery of the Marines that turned the tide in this bloody shadowed by the killer, the driver’s only help comes battle. form a truck stop waitress. Rated R As the title indicates, the story is told through real letters discovered buried in the tunnels after the THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND A Scottish doctor war. This sets up a narrative that uncovers the hu- travels to Uganda to do humanitarian work. In a man side of the Japanese soldier, who missed his chance meeting with Idi Amin, the new strong loved ones and was secretly scared like all soldiers man of Uganda, he develops a friendship with the facing a monumental battle. The letters show that the dictator, who invites the doctor to be his personal propaganda on the American home front exagger- physician. The money is great and he lives large, but as Amin goes mad with power, the doctor is trapped ated the Japanese as cruel inhuman monsters. Sure, and desperately tries to escape the country. Forest there were the fanatics and psychotic guards at the Whitaker received a Golden Globe for his performance Japanese prisoner of war camps, but the average as Idi Amin. Rated R Japanese soldier was a draftee obeying orders, fac- ing death as bravely as he could under the circum- LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA Clint Eastwood shot stances. That is not to say that Eastwood was trying Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima back to cast the Japanese in a more sympathetic light, to back on location on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. but these letters were quite poignant, showing these In Letters, Eastwood’s scenario involves the brutal soldiers were loving husbands and fathers who just battle for Iwo Jima, told from the Japanese perspective wanted to get back home. Many American veterans in Japanese with English subtitles. Both Eastwood of Iwo Jima went back to meet their counterparts, films are Oscar worthy. This movie won a Golden the surviving Japanese veterans. They discovered Globe for Best Foreign Film. Rated R kindred spirits in these brave men. the killing zone In this film, Eastwood tells the important true PAN’S LABYRINTH This is the story of a young girl story, depicting the Japanese soldier as bravely fac- who travels with her pregnant mother to live with her ing a determined enemy as told through their letters. mother’s new husband in a rural area in the North of Letters from Iwo Jima movie review In one scene, Lieutenant Ito orders the men to move Spain in 1944. It was a time after Franco’s victory. The to a safer position. But some of the men were com- girl lives in an imaginary world of her own creation and mitting suicide by exploding grenades in their bellies. faces the real world with trepidation. Eventually, the girl by Rick grant [email protected] The last soldier decided not to do it, and then he got must come to terms with her life through a fable of her A Rated R 142 min the order to move out. As history reveals, a 1,000 own. Rated R sues the” fight to the death” order with no surrender. Not all the Japanese soldiers were raving fanatics Japanese surrendered. It was an honorable way out. THE PAINTED VEIL Naomi Watts and Edward Norton Clint Eastwood shot both Flags of Our Fathers who were willing to fight to the death. Saigo believed co-star as an English couple, Walter, (Norton) a middle and Letters from Iwo Jima back to back on location in the mission but he was more worried about his class doctor, and Kitty (Watts) an upper-class woman, on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. He shot Letters wife and child back home. He desperately wanted to who get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to from the Japanese perspective in Japanese with survive to get back home. click it. Shanghai, where she has an affair with another man. English subtitles. Both films are Oscar worthy. In When the smoke cleared, 21,000 Japanese When Walter finds out about her affair, he accepts a creating Letters, screenwriter Iris Yamashita wrote soldiers were killed and 1,000 captured. There were read it all online job in a remote village in China, ravaged by a deadly the script with master scribe Paul Haggis. about 6,800 Marines killed. Yes, the Allies captured epidemic, and takes her along. The trip turns into a Indeed, the small island was strategically the island but at a terrible cost in lives. Viewing the at eujacksonville.com journey of discovery for both Walter and Kitty. The important to both the Allies and the Japanese, who scenario was adapted from the Somerset Maugham sent 22,000 soldiers to defend the island. American novel. Rated PG-13 generals were committed to taking the island and its airfield at any cost. Failure was not an option. VOLVER Afer her death, a mother (Maura) returns Once captured, it could serve as base for U.S. fighter to her home town in order to fix the situations that planes to accompany U.S. heavy bombers flying to she couldn’t resolve during her life. The ghost slowly Japan from bases on Saipan. The Allies committed becomes a comfort to her daughters as well as her 100,000 troops with two Marine assault divisions grandchild. Penelope Cruz was nominated for a Golden for the initial landing with another two divisions in Globe for her performance as Raimunda one of the reserve waiting on ships offshore. ghost’s daughters. Rated R This film tells the story of the Japanese General Kuribayashi (Ken Watanabe) who established a bril- liant plan of digging tunnels into mount Suribachi (an now showing inactive volcano) and establishing a heavy fire zone with artillary, machine guns, and small arms zeroed ALPHA DOG This drama was adopted from life of in on the beach. The landing beach was targeted Jesse James Hollywood, a drug dealer who became one of the youngest men ever to be placed on the with deadly crossfire from the mountain and the FBI’s most wanted list. Starring Justin Timberlake, surrounding high ground. General Kuribayashi was Sharon Stone and Bruce Willis. Rated R a student of ancient war strategies and military sci- ence. His plan was to let the Marines land and when APOCALYPTO Forget The Passion of The Christ, they were huddled on the beach he would open fire this is Mel Gibson’s Braveheart-like portrayal of the from all directions trapping the enemy in a deadly downfall of the Mayan kingdom. During the Mayan’s crossfire. The Allies would be devastated on the decline, the ruthless king decided that to make things beach before they had a chance to advance. But he better and appease the gods, he would engage in didn’t count on the resolve of the American generals massive human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Young to endure massive casualties to capture the island. blood) is a young man chosen for sacrifice. Ah, but As the scenario unfolds, lead characters are he has other ideas and flees the kingdom to organize developed. Saigo (Kazunari Ninomiya) is a simple a rebel army to defeat the demented king. Bloody baker back in Tokyo. He was drafted--dragged out of violence ensues. Rated R is shop and forced into the Army. He is the typically complaining grunt, forced to do manual labor to dig ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES This French film, the tunnels and gun emplacements. Lieutenant Ito written and directed by Lou Besson, features a (Shidou Nakamura) is a loyal Army officer but not a continued pg 8 fanatic. He is shocked when General Kuribayashi is-

6 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The Best Film Of The Year “A TIMELESS LOVE STORY... LOS ANGELES FILM CRITICS ASSOCIATION • NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW LET IT SWEEP YOU AWAY!” SAN DIEGO FILM CRITICS SOCIETY • LOS ANGELES TIMES ROLLING STONE seen. heard. noted. and quoted. TIME MAGAZINE • BOSTON HERALD • ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY THE NEW YORK TIMES • USA TODAY WINNER Cell Phone Tossing Shedevil “ONE OF THE BEST FILMS OF THE YEAR!” “DARING AND SIGNIFICANT. NATIONAL BOARD OF REVIEW US WEEKLY Naomi Campbell pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault Tuesday CHICAGO SUN-TIMES DETROIT FREE PRESS A REMARKABLE ACCOMPLISHMENT.” SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE THE STAR-LEDGER for hitting her former maid, Ana Scolavino, with a cell phone – KENNETH TURAN,, LOS ANGELES TIMES over a missing pair of jeans. The supermodel called the incident “an accident,” claiming she was not aiming for the maid when #### CHICAGO SUN-TIMES DETROIT FREE PRESS she threw her phone. In exchange for her guilty plea, Campbell THE AUSTIN CHRONICLE US WEEKLY THE OAKLAND PRESS will have to pay Scolavino’s medical expenses of $363, attend THE PROVIDENCE JOURNAL ALBUQUERQUE JOURNAL an anger management class, and do five days of community THE CHRONICLE HERALD KING COUNTY JOURNAL REDEYE ORLANDO SENTINEL (5 STARS) service. If Naomi and Russell Crowe had a phone throwing SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE (5 STARS) contest, Naomi would win. She has more experience. No Pain no Gain Some people just don’t know when to quit. Survivor and Amazing Race veterans Rob and Amber Mariano returned to compete on CBS’ The Amazing Race: All-Stars. The couple is making a profession out of reality shows. Jacko’s Pill Bill Michael Jackson settled a lawsuit filed by a Beverly Hills pharmacy that claimed he racked up more than $100,000 in unpaid bills for prescription drugs over the last two years. Jackson’s spokeswoman Raymone Bain stating the bill has now been paid, and that the issue stemmed from problems with Jackson’s former business managers, against whom the entertainer filed suit last month. He must have taken most of the pills during his trial. Man he was zonked out. www.iwojimathemovie.com Scribes Foresee End of Lost

The producers of Lost announced Sunday that they have been in talks with ABC about setting an end date MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text LETTERS with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)! MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text TPV for the island series, now in its third season. While the series finale may not come anytime soon, having with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549) a date in mind will help the writers to decide how to wrap up the convoluted storyline, Executive Producer STARTS FRIDAY, January 19 EXCLUSIVE ENGAGEMENT Carlton Cuse said. Lost returns to the schedule next month after a lengthy hiatus. AMC Cinemark ORANGE PARK 24 TINSELTOWN STARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Blanding Blvd & Wells Rd Southside Blvd & Gate Pkwy Regal Cinemas BEACH BOULEVARD 18 DIGITAL Friends rivals in Dirt 904/264-3888 904/998-2020 CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS 14051 Beach Boulevard 800/FANDANGO #188 Jennifer Aniston is guest-starring on the season finale of Courteney Cox Arquette’s Dirt, but rather than OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORY OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES friends, the former costars will be rivals, with Aniston playing the editor of a magazine competing with AND SHOWTIMES COUPONS ACCEPTED SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED Cox’s ruthless tabloid. Oh yeah, cat fight in Dirt’s office. Bundle of Joy Forces Ashley to Resign Miss New Jersey USA Ashley Harder resigned her post because she is pregnant in violation of pageant NEVER PICKUP rules, the Philadelphia Morning News reports. The 20-year-old beauty queen told the paper the baby is due this summer and that she plans to marry the father. Harder apparently choosing to step down before STRANGERS. getting fired by Donald Trump. The question is: Who’s the papa? The Terrifying New Thriller from the Producers of “THE TEXAS CHAINSAW MASSACRE” Hynie gets Nada James Brown’s will, which excludes his partner Tomi Rae Hynie and their five-year-old son, was drawn up 10 months before the child’s birth and six months before Brown and Hynie were married, the Augusta Chronicle reports. Brown and Hynie’s marriage was later found to be invalid, as she was still married to another man at the time she wed the soul singer. This broad just can’t catch a break. Dang, now she’ll have to get a job. Two Peas in An Overexposed Pod Britney Spears and Paris Hilton may have made some dubious choices during the past year, but chief among them, at least according to Mr. Blackwell, were their sartorial ones. The self- ROGUE PICTURES AND INTREPID PICTURES PRESENT IN ASSOCIATION WITH MICHAEL BAY A PLATINUM DUNES PRODUCTIONSEAN BEAN“THE HITCHER” SOPHIA BUSH ZACHARY KNIGHTON AND NEAL MCDONOUGH MUSIC MUSIC EDITED PRODUCTION DIRECTOR OF BASED ON THE FILM PRODUCED appointed first officer of the fashion police has deemed the SUPERVISORJOJO VILLANUEVA BYSTEVE JABLONSKY CO-PRODUCERALMA KUTTRUFF BYJIM MAY DESIGNERDAVID LAZAN PHOTOGRAPHYJAMES HAWKINSON WRITTEN BYERIC RED BYCHARLES MEEKER AND ALFRED HABER PRODUCED SCREENPLAY DIRECTED partying pals the co-Worst Dressed Stars of 2006.In his 47th BYMICHAEL BAY ANDREW FORM BRAD FULLER BYERIC RED AND JAKE WADE WALL AND ERIC BERNT BYDAVE MEYERS annual diss list, Blackwell called Spears and Hilton “two peas in an overexposed pod,” adding further insult to pentameter-induced injury by proclaiming them “style-free and fashion deprived...the NEVERPICKUPSTRANGERS.COM ‘screamgirls’ have arrived!” How about sluts with no panties? MYSPACE.COM/NEVERPICKUPSTRANGERS Another Munster Gone Once upon a time, Yvonne De Carlo was a dancer whose moves Regal Cinemas AMC ORANGE PARK 24 AMC REGENCY SQUARE 24 Cinemark AVENUES STADIUM 20 Blanding Blvd & Wells Rd Outside Regency Mall TINSELTOWN bewitched Howard Hughes. Then along came The Munsters. De Phillips Hwy N off I-95 904/264-3888 904/264-3888 Southside Blvd & Gate Pkwy Carlo, whose movie career in Hollywood’s glamorous 1940s and 800/FANDANGO #680 Napels Drive-In Hollywood Theaters 904/998-2020 BEACH BOULEVARD 18 PLAYTIME DRIVE-IN RIVER CITY MARKETPLACE 14 SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR 1950s was overshadowed by her TV career as Lily Munster, died Regal Cinemas DISCOUNT COUPONS ACCEPTED 14051 Beach Boulevard 6300 Blanding Blvd I-95 to Duval Rd East Exit CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR Monday of natural causes at the Motion Picture & Television Fund 800/FANDANGO #188 904/771-2300 904/757-9880 SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES complex in Woodland Hills, California, it was learned Wednesday. MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text HITCHER with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549) She was 84. WIN A CHANCE TO GET “KILLED” ON FILM Queer Eye Out HOLLYWOOD PREMIERES, SET VISITS, WALK-ON ROLES – COOL, BUT COMMON. Metrosexuals the world over are about to face a challenge heretofore unheard of: unsupervised zhuzhing. Rogue Pictures invites you to get “killed” on film. Be the “star” of a death scene in an upcoming Rogue Five seasons after kicking off a male grooming revolution—and spurring untold amounts of hair gel production! To enter, visit WWW.NEVERPICKUPSTRANGERS.COM and get ready to meet your maker! sales—Queer Eye’s Fab Five are officially disbanding. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Ends 6:00 pm (PST) on 2/28/07. Open to legal residents of contiguous Continental US, 18 or older. Subject to Official Rules at www.neverpickupstrangers.com.

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 7 fantasy with tons of fake blood to create his scenes. ten year old boy, Arthur who sets out to save his Although terrified by the labyrinth, Ofelia manages to grandfather’s house form being demolished. In his complete most of her tasks. But, things are getting efforts for his grandfather, he goes looking for the fabled hidden treasure in the land of the Minimoys–a very dangerous at the garrison. tiny people living in harmony with nature. Rated PG When Carmen has life threatening problems with her pregnancy, Mercedes acts as a step mother BLACK CHRISTMAS Bad taste or not, horror stalks to Ofelia, knowing that if Carmen dies in childbirth, Yuletide. A sorority house is terrorized by a serial killer Ofelia’s life could be in danger because she is not who makes frightening phone calls and then murders Captain Vidal’s biological daughter and he would the sorority sisters one by one during Christmas. think nothing of killing her. So, Mercedes tries to (Opens Christmas Day) protect Ofelia, who is always missing in the woods performing her tasks to return to her real family in BLOOD DIAMOND A large priceless diamond another world. becomes the center of a struggle between a farmer, a The way Del Toro melds horror and fantasy is smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen trying to intriguing and at times shocking. In our world of es- lay their hands on it. Leonardo DiCaprio co-stars with calating violence, Del Toro’s bloody fantasy doesn’t Daimon Hounsou with Jennifer Connelly in this action seem too far removed from our consensus reality. adventure story. Rated R Murder and mayhem reign supreme, and movies are an escape. Indeed, Del Toro’s story transcends the BORAT Shot as a mockumentary, Sacha Baron Cohen mundane, giving the viewer a vision of life and death assumes the character of a journalist from Kazakhstan that, whatever one believes to be true, is a comfort- who is dispatched to the United states to report on ing spiritual awakening. In essence, what DelToro the greatest country in the world. Halfway into his is saying is, the afterlife is our real world, and the travels, Borat becomes more interested in locating and physical reality is a fantasy play acted out for un- marrying Pamela Anderson. Cohen’s offbeat humor known reasons. gets old quickly. He even does interviews in character– a ploy that real journalists hate. Golden Globe winner for Best Actor, Musical or Comedy. Rated R The Genesis of Pan’s CASINO ROYALE There’s a new Bond in town, and Labyrinth he’s rough, tough, and macho–Daniel Craig. Yes, horror & fantasy filmmaker Martin Campbell began this new Bond picture like the last 20 movies had never been made. The genesis for director Guillermo del He set out to reinvent the franchise. It worked! Craig Toro’s Pan’s Labyrinth goes back to the very be- is the best Bond yet–chiseled, powerful, and sexy. He Pan’s Labyrinth movie review ginning of his career, before he had even directed kills without hesitation, teams with the beautiful Vesper his first film. “At its roots, the script of Pan’s Lynd (Eva Green) and wears today’s fashions. In this by Rick grant [email protected] Labyrinth resembles my very first version of The scenario, Bond is tasked with his first mission from Devil’s Backbone, and would have been my first Q (Judi Dench). He must stop a financial backer of A- Rated R 112 min film if I’d managed to find the budget necessary terrorism from winning a high stakes poker game in Mexican filmmaker Guill- to make it at the time. Even if resemblances the Bahamas. Rated PG-13 ermo del Toro wrote and directed remain, the new version of Pan’s Labyrinth is this dark Spanish (sub-titled) despite everything, very different, my sentimental CHARLOTTE’S WEB Wilber the pig dreads the end of fantasy about a young girl, Ofelia side having got the upper hand in the end.” the season because he knows that pigs go to heaven (Ivana Baqueio) who travels with Although the movie is meant to provoke and end up on the dinner table. So he hatches a plan her mother Carmen (Anadna Gil) thought, it’s also about horror. Says del Toro “For with a spider that lives in his pen to prevent his demise and adoptive father, Captain Vidal me, fascism represents the ultimate horror and from happening. Starring Dakota Fanning as Fern and for this reason is an ideal subject through which Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte. Rated G (Sergi Lopez) to a rural area in Northern Spain in 1944. The to tell a fairy tale for adults. Because fascism is above all a form of the perversion of inno- CHILDREN OF MEN In this riveting film written and country is thrown into Fascist repression after Franco’s vic- cence, and thus of childhood. For me, fascism directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Clive Owen stars as a represents in some ways the death of the soul, disillusioned activist, Theodore Faron. The story is tory. The living conditions are so as it forces you to make harrowing choices and set in 2027 in Great Britain–a violent time when, for oppressive in the rural military leaves an indelible mark in the very depths of some inexplicable reason, it has been nineteen years encampment, Ofelia escapes those who live through it. Thus the real “mon- since any women on earth could give birth. Theodore into a fantasy world located un- agrees to help transport a woman, who is miraculously derground, where she has many ster” in the film is Captain Vidal, played by Sergi pregnant, to a sanctuary on an island at sea. England adventures. López. A very real monster compared to those is in a state of anarchy with various activist groups The film is similar to The Lion, The Witch, novel adaptations, Blade 2 and Hellboy, has directed who lurk in the labyrinth. Fascism consumes fighting each other. Through this tumultuous backdrop, and The Wardrobe, only much darker. The Fascist six feature films. This is his return to the supernatu- you, inch by inch, not necessarily physically, but he and the woman go through many life-threatening soldiers are like Nazis–cruel and murderous vil- ral fantasy of his 2001 The Devil’s Backbone. The certainly spiritually. This notion was at the heart situations to get her to safety. Rated R lains. Ofelia’s imaginary world is a metaphor for the story is set in the violent aftermath of the Spanish of The Devil’s Backbone, certainly, but I believe I greater forces of life and death. She is swept up into Civil War, showing how children survive the horrors have dealt with it better in Pan’s Labyrinth.” CODE NAME: THE CLEANER Cedric the Entertainer an Alice and Wonderland scenario that turns sinister of war by retreating into their imaginations. As is often true in del Toro’s work, his main plays Jake, a regular guy who is hit on the head by as the jack-boot soldiers torture and kill the towns- While Ofelia is wrapped up in her underground references in the movie come less from the films mysterious assailants. When he wakes up he suffers people for no reason other than the soldiers think world, one of the servant women, Mercedes (Maribel that have impressed him most profoundly, but from amnesia. Suddenly, he finds himself involved in they work for the resistance. Verdu) is a spy for the resistance which is camped more from literature and painting. “I have always a government conspiracy. His pursuers are convinced To make matters worse, Ofelia’s mother out near the garrison waiting for their chance to at- been very influenced by the Spanish painter he is an undercover agent. Comedy situations ensue. Carmen is married to the Captain of the regiment tack the compound. She passes messages to them. Goya, more specifically by his ‘black paint- Rated PG-13 stationed at her village. She is having a difficult Her lover is the head of this rag-tag insurgent force. ings’, which are, for me, his most impressive. pregnancy and he doesn’t care about Ofelia, only the Of course, for her and the civilians living in the gar- The painting of Saturn devouring his son, for CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER Set in 928 AD unborn baby. Ofelia escapes into her underground rison, it’s a dangerous time. Franco’s soldiers are example, was one of the principle inspirations for China during the Tang Dynasty, The Emperor goes off the Pale Man, one of the main characters of the to war, while his Empress has an affair with his son by world–a vast labyrinth-- where she meets the crea- ruthless murderers who think nothing of killing the ture, Pan–half man, half-goat-- who guards the un- townspeople. labyrinth. But for the general ambience, this time another woman. When he returns the palace intrigue I drew most heavily on the works of the illustra- reaches a fever pitch with double and triple crosses derworld. He tells her she is the lost princess of the Ofelia must perform certain tasks that involve Labyrinth and must complete three dangerous tasks much danger from underworld creatures. She has tor Arthur Rackham. I tried to reconnect with the leading to many family members ending up dead–like perversity and very sexual content of his work. Hamlet. Rated R to return to her real home. In so doing, she will learn magic chalk to draw doors of escape on the walls. the secret of her real life. The scenario implies that Her death defying adventures in Pan’s Labyrinth are In fairy tales, all stories are either about the re- turn to the womb (heaven, home) or wandering DREAMGIRLS This fabulous film adaptation of the Ofelia’s real life is beyond her physical reality. Her aimed at adults and older children. This scenario is out into the world and facing your own dragon. Broadway musical is based on Tom Eyen’s book–a life in rural Spain is only temporary–a fairytale-like quite violent with graphic scenes of soldiers killing parable to explain life and death innocent people and frightening creatures in Ofelia’s We are all children wandering through our own continued pg 9 (continued on pg 9) Del Toro, who is better known for his graphic underground world. Del Toro mixes horror with fable.”

8 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper thinly veiled biography of the rise of the Supremes as the first black/white crossover singing group in the 1960s. It’s the best adaptation of a Broadway big storm on the musical to film ever. Ex-American Idol reject, Jennifer Hudson steals he movie as the Dreams original lead singer Effie White who is dumped in favor of Deena (Beyonce’ Knowles) who represents Diana Ross. Jennifer Hudson won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and Eddie Murphy won a Golden big screen Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Rated PG-13 (Opens Christmas Day) Hurricane on the Bayou, imax movie review ERAGON A farm boy in his homeland of Alagasia finds a dragon egg that leads him on a predestined journey. Eventually, he finds out he is the one person who can defend his homeland against an evil king by by Rick grant [email protected] learning to ride a fire breathing dragon. This fantasy redefines “air power,” as the dragon is used as a Freebird Live. One night, prior to Tab’s tactical weapon. Rated PG-13 set, I sat at the Freebird bar drinking beer with him, listening to him spin tales of FREEDOM WRITERS Hilary Swank stars as a new New Orleans and his sorry golf game teacher in a tough urban school that has all but given with Sam Veal. Tab is a blood-line Cajun, up on these ghetto kids. Swank’s character finds new a popular blues artist, pilot of his own and innovative ways to motivate her students. This twin engine plane, and he zips around scenario is based on a true story of a remarkable the wetlands in his air-boat. Tab is seen teacher. Rated PG-13 touring the wetlands on his air boat and flying over the area in his plane, while HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER This animated feature stars narrating the film, educating the public a wizard who is in charge of Fairy Tale World. When on how important the wetlands are to he goes on holiday, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother New Orleans. takes over the land and all hell breaks loose. From the Tab owns a cabin on the marshland creators of Shrek. Rated PG A Rated G 45 min. where he spends countless hours writing HAPPY FEET In the close-knit world of Emperor What started out as a documentary on saving songs. After Katrina, he is seen touring the damage. that they were stranded for three days on their roof Penguins, they find their mates through singing. But a The cabin was wiped out, leaving only a shell still without food and little water. But they were rescued. the wetlands around New Orleans turned into a post- penguin is born who can’t sing a note. So, the misfit Katrina film that included the further destruction of standing. Tab and Amanda also went back to check As Tab points out, Louisiana’s coastal loca- Mumbles takes up tap dancing, and soon is banished the vital wetlands on the ecology of New Orleans. on a female alligator who had given birth just before tion contains an astonishing 48% of all the coastal for their community. He meets a posse of outcasts Oscar nominated MacGillivray Freeman shot the film the storm. She had only one baby left, but that was wetlands in the continental United States. Justifi- and soon the whole penguin nation is dancing to the before, during, and after Katrina, focusing on the an encouraging sign that the alligator population ably, Tab says that New Orleans is the musical soul oldies. The animated film is voiced by Robin Williams, aftermath on both the delicate ecosystem and the would prosper and stay stable. After all, they have of America, but sadly, many musicians have left Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman, and impact of the biggest flood in American history on survived since the time of the Dinosaurs. the area after Katrina. He is leading an initiative to Brittany Murphy. Golden Globe winner for Best Original the wildlife of the region. Since MacGillivray shot his own footage of encourage New Orleans’ musicians to return to their Song: The Song of the Heart. Rated PG Meryl Streep narrates the first half of emotional roots. But it’s an up hill struggle, the film dealing with the steady decline of with the many problems facing the city, not the THE HOLIDAY Two women, played by Cameron Diaz the wetlands due to a myriad of factors, but least of which the escalating murder rate. and Kate Winslet who suffer from romantic difficulties, mostly erosion and contamination by seawa- The city of New Orleans rose up from swap homes in each other’s countries. There, each ter. Of course, hurricanes have devastated the the swamp land to become the Paris of the woman meets the man of their dreams. La de da. Co- wetland region. The stunning IMAX vistas of United States. Its history parallels the history starring Jude Law and Jack Black as the women’s love the vast wetlands marshes are spectacular. of music in America. In his conclusion regard- interests. Typical holiday fare Rated PG-13 In the past, this natural barrier had helped ing the future of New Orleans, Tab says that prevent New Orleans from flooding. Now, the they are making efforts to replant the wetlands NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM A hapless security guard, region is so damaged, that it contributed to with indigenous plants and trees to restore the Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidently invokes an ancient the terrible flooding when the levees gave ecological balance. It’s a monumental under- curse that causes the animals and insects on display way. taking, however. to come to life. Rated PG “We set out originally to tell the story of More significantly, Tab is committed to the PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER Jean- a future, hypothetical hurricane and how the rebirth of both New Orleans as a vital musical Baptiste Grenouille was born into poverty, but rapid erosion of the wetlands left New Orleans epicenter and restoring its wetlands’ ecology. as he grows up being abused by various people, more vulnerable to flooding, but when Katrina Knowing Tab, and his commitment to Cajun he discovers he has a superior olfactory sense. roots music and blues, he thrives on positive struck in the middle of shooting, we were no Eventually, he becomes an apprentice to a famous longer filming what ‘might happen’ and suddenly we Katrina and its terrible aftermath, his documentary thinking and that is just what New Orleans needs to French Perfumer, making the has-been Perfumer rich were like news reporters filming what did happen. presents a completely different perspective than restore its soul after Katrina. There will be a decade- with his talent. His quest for the ultimate scent, leads We had to completely rethink the film, which evolved the news media footage. He makes it personal by long period of rebuilding and uncertainty, but eventu- him down a dark path. He seeks the perfect scent of a into a much broader and more deeply emotional shooting Amanda desperately trying to find out if her ally, The Big Easy will be restored to its pre-Katrina woman. Starring Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman, Alan story than we ever imagined,” Greg MacGillivray grandparents were okay after the storm. It turned out glory. That is the hopeful message of this film. Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, and Corinna Harfouch. said. Rated R Fittingly, the second half of the film deals with Katrina–during and after–with renowned Cajun blues PRIMEVAL A news team is sent to South Africa to artist and wetlands activist Tab Benoit (pronounced capture and bring home a legendary 25-foot crocodile. “ben-wah”) narrating, and with 14-year-old fiddle But the danger of capturing the crocodile is the least of prodigy Amanda Shaw. Also the man who discov- their problems. A local warlord targets them for death ered Amanda and helped produce her first album, and they have to fight for their survival. Rated R noted zydeco accordion master Chubby Carrier is an important part of this film. Rock ‘n’ roll Hall of Fame PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Will Smith stars in this inductee, Alen Toussaint, the world famous Cajun true story of a precocious child and his father, who pianist, is seen jamming with Tab, Amanda, and through circumstances beyond his control, drfits into a Chubby. downward spiral and ends up homeless but working in Of course, Tab has many friends here in a Dean Witter internship. Later he becomes a top Wall Jacksonville including me. I’ve interviewed him for continued pg 10 his performances at Springing the Blues and the

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 9 women. Yes, womanizing is Nicholas’ biggest weak- Street broker. Smith’s real life son Jaden Smith plays ness. his son in this engrossing docudrama. Rated PG-13 Nicholas’ deal with the devil becomes his undoing as Amin ascends into psychotic paranoia, ROCKY BALBOA If Sylvester Stallone lives to a going on an indiscriminate killing spree. Suddenly, hundred, he could make Rocky in a walker. Stallone Nicholas realizes he is trapped in Amin’s web, with as Rocky is now 60, but he feels like he can fight one no way out. How he deals with this untenable and more time. Rated PG deadly position sets up the tension as events esca- late beyond Nicholas’ control. STOMP THE YARD A troubled 19 year old stomp This story is based on true occurrences of dancer loses his younger brother in Los Angeles. His grief turns him to minor crime. But in court, he is Amin’s bloody rule, but by adding a fictionalized able to bypass jail by enrolling in Truth University –an character, Nicholas. Novelist Foden was able to all-black college in Atlanta where his dance talents create an engaging narrative through protagonist are sought after by two campus fraternities to win the Nicholas. Yes, Amin’s real physician was Scottish, national step show competition. Rated PG-13 but Foden expanded on his motivations to make an exciting story. As Amin’s madness spreads into THE GOOD SHEPHERD Matt Damon stars as Edward genocide, the country is exploding with fear. Wilson, one of the creators of the CIA back in 1945. This is a compelling film showcasing Forest The film chronicles how Wilson’s contacts at Yale’s Whitaker’s giant talent. It could do well at the box secret society called the Skull & Bones helped him office if Fox gets behind it. Also, with Whitaker’s win build a power base as a stern, patriotic, and driven of a Golden Globe, the film will have a second life. workaholic. Directed by Robert De Niro with an all-star cast, it’s the best spy film in many years. Rated R

THE QUEEN A revealing, witty portrait of the British royal family in crisis immediately following the death of Princess Diana. The setting for this fictional account of real events is no less than the private chambers of the Royal Family and the British government in the wake of Advanced Ticketing at amctheatres.com or (904) 264-3888 the sudden death of Princess Diana in August of 1997. A.M.Cinema - All seats $5 before noon on Fri., Sat., Sun., & holidays - denoted by ( ) The result is an intimate, yet thematically epic, battle AMC Select- Special films for select tastes. between private and public, responsibility and emotion, custom and action - as a grieving nation waits to see ORANGE PARK 24 what its leaders will do. This movie won a Golden Wells Road and Blanding forest whitaker is a golden THE HITCHER (R)  (11:30 @ $5), 2:10, 5:10, 7:50, 10:10 Globe for Best Screenplay and Helen Mirren won a ALPHA DOG (R)  1:15, 4:15, 7:10, 10:20 Golden Globe for Best Actress. Starring: Helen Mirren, ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG)  (11:10 @ $5), 1:40, 4:20, 7:00 Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms, Helen FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 1:45, 4:45, 7:40, McCrory. Rated PG-13 10:40 PRIMEVAL (R)  (11:55 @ $5), 2:30, 5:15, 7:50, 10:25 globe winner STOMP THE YARD (PG13)  (11:10 @ $5), 12:20, 1:10, 1:55, 3:20, 4:05, 4:50, 6:15, 7:00, 7:45, 9:15, 9:55, 10:45 THR3E Innocent lives hang on the whim of an elusive CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 2:15, 4:40 psychopath whose strange riddles and impossible time HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG) (11:55 @ $5), 2:30, 5:15, 7:45 lines force three people to end the game before all of BLACK CHRISTMAS (R) 9:50 PM The Last King of Scotland movie review THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) (11:55 @ $5), 6:45 them die. Rated PG-13. NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 1:45, 2:35, 4:30, 5:20, 7:15, 8:00, 10:00 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) 4:10, 9:50 WE ARE MARSHALL A tragic plane crash claims the ROCKY BALBOA (PG) 4:50, 7:20, 10:10 by Rick grant [email protected] CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:30 @ $5), 2:00, 4:40, 7:20 lives of the Marshall Football team, some fans, and ERAGON (PG) (11:05 @ $5), 1:35, 7:15 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:05 @ $5), 2:00, its new coach. Matthew McConaughey plays Jack A Rated R 123 min play by Peter Morgan. The Last King Of Scotland is 4:45, 7:35, 10:25 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) (11:20 AM @ $5), 10:30 PM Lengyel a charismatic coach who rebuilds the Marshall Forest Whitaker seemed tongue tied when the based on a novel by Giles Foden, the setting shifts THE HOLIDAY (PG13) 10:05 PM football team so the kids and parents can move beyond CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 7:00, 10:15 Hollywood Foreign Press Association presented him quickly from James’ hum-drum life in Scotland HAPPY FEET (PG) (11:25 @ $5), 2:15 the grief of the tragedy. Rated R the “Best Actor” Golden Globe Award. Two important to the exotic sweaty environs of Uganda. The de- ————$AMC SELECT%———— BABEL (R) 12:30, 3:45, 7:10, 10:35 factors make this film an Oscar worthy candidate. velopment of Anderson’s character Sarah and her THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (R) 1:30, 4:30, 7:30, 10:40 LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (R)  (11:45 @ $5), 3:30, 7:05, First, Forest Whitaker turned in his best performance husband was incomplete, leaving a hole in the story. 10:20 PAN’S LABYRINTH (R) (11:15 @ $5), 2:05, 4:55, 7:40, 10:35 to date as the twisted strong man Idi Amin. Second, However, they disappear from the film quite early, CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (R) 3:45, 10:30 wasting the considerable talents of Anderson and CHILDREN OF MEN (R) (11:25 @ $5), 2:10, 4:55, 7:35, 10:15 James McAvoy is riveting as the young doctor THR3E (PG13) 9:30 PM special showings Nicholas Garrigan, turning his humanitarian mission Kotz. DREAMGIRLS (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 3:30, 7:05, 10:05 THE QUEEN (PG13) (11:15 @ $5), 1:55, 4:35, 7:25, 10:00 into a rare opportunity to grab wealth and fame. Set Nicholas lands in the country just as Idi Amin The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Egyptian Film Series against Amin’s brutal campaign of torture and geno- takes over. The people are sick of wars and strife. REGENCY 24 cide, McAvoy and Whitaker are riveting as opposing They have endured one coup d’etat after another. Behind Regency Square Mall The film series is designed to coincide with Temples THE HITCHER (R)  (11:45 @ $5), 1:55, 4:05, 6:25, 8:30, 10:40 and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art from the British forces in this Shakespearian drama. This time, Idi Amin stream rolls into power as a smil- ALPHA DOG (R)  12:45, 3:35, 6:50, 9:35 ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG)  (11:10 @ $5), 1:20, Museum, on view at the Cummer until March 18, On a whim, picking Uganda from a spin of the ing bombastic king-like figure, promising reform and 3:40, 5:55, 8:20 FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13) (11:35 @ $5), 2:25, 5:20, 8:10, 2007. The film series, will run for three weeks and will globe, young Scottish Dr. Nicholas Garrigan (James change. Of course, like all the other then deposed 10:55 McAvoy) travels to this third world nation during leaders, he soon goes mad with power and again the PRIMEVAL (R)  12:40, 1:40, 3:10, 4:10, 5:40, 6:40, 8:05, 9:00, take a look at Hollywood’s image of Egypt featuring 10:40 classic films. The films will be shown at 9th & Main the tumultuous reign of Idi Amin. He goes there people suffer. STOMP THE YARD (PG13)  (11:15 @ $5), 12:30, 1:30, 2:15, 3:15, 4:15, 5:10, 6:15, 7:15, 8:00, 9:15, 10:10, 10:50 Theatre in Historic Springfield at 7 pm. The series to do humanitarian work with Sarah Merrit (Gillian On a mission in the field, James encounters CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG13) 4:30, 9:25 HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG) (11:25 @ $5), 1:35, 3:50, 6:00, will kick off on Jan. 18 with MUMMY (1932), starring Anderson) and her husband Dr. Merrit (Adam Kotz). Amin’s motorcade. His car has been in an accident, 8:10 and he has injured his hand. James immediately BLACK CHRISTMAS (R) 10:35 PM Boris Karloff and then on January 25, CLEOPATRA Clearly, the need for doctors is pathetically inad- THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) 6:55, 10:25 (1934), starring Claudette Colbert and ending with equate. James is thrust into the hectic life of a field goes to his aid. His car hit a cow which is moaning NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:05 @ $5), 12:10, 1:25, 2:55, 3:55, 5:30, 7:00, 8:15, 10:05 ABBOTT AND COSTELLO MEET THE MUMMY (1955) doctor, overwhelmed by patients. James is shocked in pain. So Nicholas grabs Amin’s gun and shoots WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) 12:35, 3:30 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) 6:40, 10:00 on February 1. The cost is $5 General Admission at by what he sees–extreme poverty, malaria, and other the poor cow. Amin is impressed by Nicholas’ fear- CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:40 @ $5), 2:00, 4:20 the Door. For more information, please call (904) 355- ERAGON (PG) (11:25 @ $5), 1:45, 7:25 treatable illnesses. less behavior. So they strike up a conversation and THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 1:10, 0630. At first, James is content to do this important when Amin finds out Nicholas is from Scotland, he is 3:45, 7:05, 9:55 APOCALYPTO (R) 7:45, 10:45 work. Ah, but he develops a crush on Sarah and he further impressed. Amin identifies with the Scottish BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 10:45 PM 2007 THE HOLIDAY (PG13) 12:20, 3:25 THE SHINING If you have never seen Jack 20, makes it clear he was willing to ignore her married struggles for autonomy. Nicholas dresses Amin’s CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 4:25 Nicholson’s brilliant performance as the wacky HAPPY FEET (PG) (11:10 @ $5), 12:15, 2:45, 5:15 status and have an affair with her. She’s obviously hand and leaves. Later he gets a call to come to BORAT (R) 10:25 PM

caretaker of a secluded summer resort in the dead of January interested but resists his romantic overtures. He’s Amin’s palace compound. ————$AMC SELECT%———— , BABEL (R) 12:15, 3:20, 7:10, 10:15

winter, then this is your chance. It will also help you day just a randy bloke on a mission and there are plenty As a consequence of the previous circum- PAN’S LABYRINTH (R) (11:20 @ $5), 2:05, 4:50, 7:30, 10:20 understand what is so scary about the Pierson Twins. CURSE OF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (R) 1:45, 6:50 or available women both white and black in Uganda. stances, the two hit it off. Amin invites Nicholas to CHILDREN OF MEN (R) (11:55 @ $5), 2:35, 5:25, 7:50, 10:20 Satur

San Marco Theatre, Jan. 19 & 20 at midnight and Jan. DREAMGIRLS (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 1:50, 4:45, 6:45, 7:40, 9:50, for He’s cocky, smart, and an opportunist which comes be his personal physician. For young Nicholas, it’s 10:30 21 at 1p.m.. Info: 396-4845. THE QUEEN (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 2:30, 5:00, 7:35, 10:00

into play in a random circumstance. a no-brainer. The pay is great and he gets a plush Times (continued on pg 11) Director by Kevin Macdonald adapted a screen- house in which to live, with his choice of beautiful -SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT No passes or discount coupons

10 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Adv. Tix on Sale DALE EARNHARDT (NR) # THE QUEEN (PG-13) DIG (200) 440 730 1020 THE HITCHER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1205 220) 435 730 945 1200 BABEL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 330 645 1000 PRIMEVAL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (125) 405 740 1015 ALPHA DOG (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (105) 420 725 1010 STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) DIG (1215 100) 325 400 700 750 940 1035 1220 ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) DIG (1220 245) 515 735 FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) DIG (1235) 335 645 935 1220 HAPPILY N'VER AFTER (PG) DIG (1230 240) 500 715 920 1130 CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG-13) DIG 1015 1230 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG(1210 250) 700 950 1225 CHILDRENOFMEN (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1225) 340 710 955 1230 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1215) 330 655 1000 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1200) 345 705 1025 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG (1245) 350 720 1005 1235 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) DIG (145) 445 745 1035 CURSEOF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 650 930 1205 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) DIG (215) 505 755 1030 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (115) 410 PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG (1210 255) 640 930 1215 THE HOLIDAY (PG-13) DIG (110) 430 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1200) CASINO ROYALE (PG-13) DIG 800 1115

Adv. Tix on Sale DALE EARNHARDT (NR) # THE QUEEN (PG-13) DIG (1220 250) 510 755 1035 THE HITCHER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1210 225) 520 735 945 BABEL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (100) 405 PRIMEVAL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1215 230) 500 720 935 ALPHA DOG (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1225) 400 710 955 STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) DIG (110) 450 725 1000 ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) (1200 215) 425 FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) DIG (105) 415 655 945 HAPPILY N'VER AFTER (PG) DIG 800 1000 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG(1155 230 505) 740 1015 THE PAINTED VEIL (PG-13) DIG (1240) 435 720 1030 OC & DA: DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG 410 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1220) 700 950 CHILDRENOFMEN (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 1250 430 715 940 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D 650 1040 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (1205 235) 515 745 1015 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) DIG (1245) 440 MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text PRIMEVAL With Your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)! CURSEOF THE GOLDEN FLOWER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 735 1005 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (1200 220) 455 SEE IT NOW! PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG (1230) 420 750 1025 CASINO ROYALE (PG-13) DIG 710 1020 AMC REGAL CINEMAS AMC REGAL CINEMAS CINEMARK HOLLYWOOD THEATERS VOLVER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1255) 400 755 1040 ORANGE PARK 24 AVENUES CINEMA 20 REGENCY SQUARE 24 BEACH BOULEVARD 18 TINSELTOWN RIVER CITY MKTPLCE 14 BLANDING BLVD. & WELLS ROAD PHILLIPS HWY. N OFF I-95, EXIT 98 OUTSIDE REGENCY MALL 14051 BEACH BLVD. SOUTHSIDE BLVD. &GATE PKWY. I-95 TO DUVAL RD EAST EXIT LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1235) 415 730 264-3888 538-3889 264-3888 992-4398 998-2020 757-9880 1010 SORRY, NO PASSES Times For 1/20/07 ©2007

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 11 the cutting room floor, but it is interesting to see and new on dvd apply to the final cut of the film. There is something quietly creepy about this Doctor Who- The Complete Second Series the night listener movie. It’s not a boogeyman-under-the-bed creepi- David Tennant takes over from Christopher ness; it’s far more subtle than that. It simply has this Eccleson in the lively and colorful 21st century uncanny ability to stay with you and, when you think revival of the erstwhile British sci-fi serial, play- about it, that’s far more satisfying than what most ing the rogue Time Lord who hops through time dvd review horror/thrillers give you these days. The film is psy- and space in his souped-up Tardis. Supplements by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] chologically jarring, partly because of the ambiguity include audio commentary by the cast and crew in the plot and partly because of the pacing which on all episodes, picture-in-picture commentary on slowly builds and builds this tension that never truly four episodes, David Tennant’s video diaries and finds an outlet. This could be an annoyance for more. This boxed set is not rated. some, but I found it a terrific way to end this particu- lar tale. Employee of the Month (103 min.) The acting in The Night Listener is superb. When a hot new cashier (Jessica Simpson) Robin Williams impresses me less and less with his transfers to his Super Club location, Zack Bradley comedy and more and more with his dramatic skills. (Dane Cook) is determined to win her heart. But He shines in The Night Listener, turning in a stel- his charm will do him little good since it is widely lar performance. Toni Collette also hits all the right known that this beauty only dates winners of the notes here by thoroughly tapping into the psyche and store’s “Employee of the Month” award. Rated personality of the character she portrays. It’s almost PG-13 for crude and sexual humor, and language. scary how great she is. I can’t say that the script was perfect; far from it. There are times when some Gridiron Gang (125 min.) of the character’s actions become cliché to the point Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson plays a frustrated of exasperation. The Gabriel Noone character, in juvenile detention camp officer who teams up with particular, got the brunt of this sloppy writing. With- a fellow officer (Xzibit) to turn a group of hard out giving too much away, the writers managed to core teenage delinquents into a high school foot- put him in these impossibly ridiculous situations that ball team in four weeks as a way to reach them no rational human being would ever get themselves and teach them self-respect and responsibility. into. I found myself talking to the TV, telling Gabriel Rated PG-13 for some startling scenes of vio- not to be such an idiot. He never took my advice. lence, mature thematic material and language. The Night Listener is a fascinating film that is sure to impress those interested in the Anthony The Protector (81 min.) Godby Johnson case or in true-crime stories. While A Thai peasant boy, Kham (Tony Jaa), is forced certain elements of the storyline are a bit over-the- into a difficult situation when an evil gang kidnaps I really enjoy seeing an actor break the bonds which includes interviews from the filmmakers and top, the bones of the tale are good. The acting is his family’s white elephant during a festival. of typecasting and Robin Williams has impressed me Williams himself. There is also a 3-minute deleted where you really get your money’s worth on this With only his Muy Thai fighting techniques and a yet again in this respect with The Night Listener, one scene which director Patrick Stettner introduces as one. Williams and Collette both do a fantastic job, disgraced Thai-descent police sergeant (Petchtai of his many 2006 releases. Here, Williams is able to “our mistake”. The scene was certainly best left on and that alone is worth the cost of a rental. Wongkamlao) to back him up, Kham must pursue strip off his funnyman persona and take on a serious the gang to save his elephant. Rated R for perva- role. The result is remarkable. The psychological sive strong violence and some sexual content. drama is now available on DVD. Popular radio storyteller Gabriel Noone (Robin Read it and Weep (85 min.) Williams) becomes acquainted with a fourteen-year- When Jamie Bartlett’s (Kay Panabaker) journal old boy from Wisconsin named Pete Logand (Rory accidentally gets entered into a writing contest, Culkin), who has written a book detailing long-time and is subsequently published, the teen finds that sexual abuse at the hands of his parents. Pete is dy- she has become an instant national star. Her new ing of AIDS and this compels Gabriel to continue the life gets turned upside down when she begins to friendship, in part because his increasingly distant act like her alter ego and the book’s hero. Supple- partner, Jess (Bobby Cannavale), happens to be an ments include a making-of featurette, the “Outside HIV survivor. Gabriel also befriends Pete’s adoptive Looking In” music video by Jordan Pruitt, behind- mother Donna (Toni Collette), who explains that the the-scenes interviews with Kay and Danielle Pana- boy’s health is such that he can’t have visitors or baker and more. This film is rated G. take trips. This seems perfectly reasonable to Gabriel until Jess makes an odd observation: Donna and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre: Pete have the same voice. Unable to accept that the The Beginning (91 min.) relationship he has with this family is a lie, Gabriel Two young men and their girlfriends are taking decides to make his way to Wisconsin to visit them, one last road trip together before they’re sent to despite Donna’s warning. Once there, he discovers serve in Vietnam. But, when they get into a terrible nothing he knows about Pete or Donna is what he traffic accident on a lonely highway, the group expected. finds themselves helpless at the hands of a man The Night Listener is one of those movies that who will become one of the nation’s sickest psy- is based on a book which was based on a true story. chopaths: Leatherface. Rated R for strong horror Armistead Maupin was contacted by a boy named violence/gore, language and some sexual content. Anthony Godby Johnson in 1993 after the young man had written a book called A Rock and a Hard That’s So Suite Life of Hannah Montana Place: One Boy’s Triumphant Story, describing the (68 minutes) horrible abuse he went through and how he over- Three of the most watched episodes in Disney came it. Maupin began a friendship with Anthony Channel History are finding their way onto DVD. only to discover months later that the boy may not Characters from “That’s So Raven”, “The Suite exist at all and could be the fabrication of the woman Life of Zack and Cody” and “Hannah Montana” who claimed to be his guardian, Vicki Johnson. Mau- meet at the Tipton Hotel and standard issue chaos pin wrote a book about the bizarre experience which ensues. Supplements include a DVD game, a mu- was published in 2000. The roman à clef novel was sic video for “Who Said” by Hannah Montana and then adapted into a screenplay and here we are. The a never-before-seen episode of “The Suite Life of Night Listener had a quiet theatrical run and is now Zack and Cody”. This DVD is rated G. availible on DVD. The DVD only has two of bonus features. First is a featurette called “The Night Listener Revealed”

12 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper video game reviews by Norm stovall [email protected]

strip search Lost Planet Armed & Famous tv review For Xbox 360 Lost Planet is one of those above-average shooter games that gets lost in a sea of great games. Sure, many people are talking about it in the gaming media, but for the most part people are still stuck on by Rick grant [email protected] Gears of War. Gears of War is great, don’t get me wrong, but there is something really great in Lost When I first heard about this new reality bulls eye of the target with his police issue Glock. Planet that you really should experience for yourself. In addition to the single-player modes, Lost Planet show, I couldn’t believe it. The concept was the Of course, La Toya Jackson is the most unlikely has a great multiplayer game that really is a lot of fun to play over Xbox Live. Although the game tends dumbest idea since Car 54 Where are You? “Have recruit. She has led a sheltered life and is dependent to slow down in the later levels, Lost Planet has some really entertaining moments, and is certainly the CBS moguls gone stark raving mad?” I thought. on her big brothers for emotional support. She didn’t worth a rental. Well, the idea of giving a badge and a gun to B-list tell her brothers she was taking this gig, and when celebrities was so outrageous, I had to watch it. I she called up Jermane and told him what she was was immediately intrigued by the show. And yes, I doing, he went ballistic. But she held her ground. Wario Ware: Smooth Moves was dying to see if these goofy celebs could actually Wrestler and swimsuit model, Trish Stratus, seemed For Nintendo Wii get through the Police Academy–for real. The lineup to be the most qualified person in the bunch. Trish is of Erik Estrada, LaToya Jackson, Jack Osborne, confident and physically fit. If you have ever played the Game Boy Trish Stratus, and Jason ”Wee Man” Acuna sounded Amazingly, Wee Man took to being a cop with Advance version of Wario Ware, you’ll know like a real police force’s worst nightmare. “La Toya natural talent and enthusiasm. Hey, he’s tiny but to expect plenty of short, action filled, zany Jackson packing heat!” Whoa! Now that is just he can kick butt. He is ready for anything and he mini-games designed to entertain, frustrate, wrong. loves women. They love him, evidenced by women and totally get you addicted. Well, the Wii The first problem the producers faced was coming up to his squad car when it was parked. Sequel of Wario Ware is no different, as this finding a police force to actually go along with this His partner didn’t look too happy that a little person game will have you more cracked out than outrageous caper. The producers were offering recruit stole his glory. Whitney in a mug shot. In this version, your money to support the force and many other perks to After the initial novelty of these hapless has- goal is to complete as many ‘microgames’ cooperate with the shoot. Muncie, Indiana–a town been celebrities taking on an impossible mission as possible within the allotted time, by of 70,000 people-- was the only city to agree to the wore off, I was riveted by their progress which was performing various tasks using the Wii terms. The Muncie police reserved the right to train brave and noble. Everyone did well in all aspects remote. For example, one game will have you the recruits and wash out who they wanted. After of the training. La Toya was shockingly tough in holding the remote in an ‘umbrella form’, as their training, the celebrity cops would be sworn the physical training which included self defense if you were holding an umbrella. Similar tasks in as real police officers able to make arrests, and combat. When she cuffed Wee Man for practice he involve you holding the remote at your waist while emulating a hula-hoop motion. All in all, Wario Ware: God forbid, defend themselves with deadly force. quipped, “I never imagined I’d ever be handcuffed by Smooth Moves will surely be the life of more than a few parties around town, so do yourself a favor if However, they would be closely supervised by a Jackson.” There were brief funny ad libs, but the you have a Wii and a bunch of friends: pick this game up. veteran officers. group took the training seriously. On the pilot episode, when the motley crew of La Toya had never shot a firearm in her life. clueless celebs was first briefed, the officer in charge So on her first attempt, she missed the target five Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection laid down the law–they had to take this seriously and times. But after some one-on-one instruction from a For Playstation 3 (Via Download) there would be no fooling around. Addressing Wee very patient instructor, she learned quickly and was Man directly, the officer tells him, “If you Jackass in emptying her clip into the bulls eye every time. The Shortly, Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection will be available to download via the Playstation Store through this outfit you’ll be gone.” The group looked somber four-week police academy training was condensed your PS3. Some people may ask why this version would be worth their time, as the original Tekken 5 is as the reality of actually becoming cops entered their into the first episode and the group was sworn in as available for the PS2 for around 20 bucks. Well, I have a few reasons. First off, this game runs in High superficial consciousness. They all had that fearful police offers in a noisy ceremony. Then it was put- Def. While the PS2 version looks great, the PS3 port of this arcade game (which is an arcade perfect look of “On my God, what have I done?” up-or-shut-up time. The recruits were assigned to translation, as far as I can tell) looks amazing on a big HD display. Not that any of the graphics are Erik Estrada, who hasn’t done much since his officers to ride on real patrols, busting real criminals updated from the arcade version of DR, but you can really tell the difference in the hardware pushing schlocky 1977-1983 show CHiPs, paid the bills by in the red zones of Muncie. It was like Celebrity it. The next thing I should mention is the new stuff that isn’t in Tekken 5. There is the issue of balance, acting in Mexican soap operas for years. So this Cops! where you won’t see Steve Fox owning everyone for free. There are also new characters, which really was his biggest exposure on American TV since his Wow, I was flabbergasted by how well this do add to the moody feel of the game. These characters include Sergei Dragunov, a Russian SPETZNAZ series was cancelled. The idea of going from fake gaggle of B-listers did for their first day. By the time operative, Lili, a ballet-dancing street fighter, and Armor King, returning from days of Tekken past. cop to real cop appealed to his ego. the first episode was filmed, the town knew the Another update comes in the form of graphical and audio presentation, with newly redesigned stages Fresh out of long-term rehab, Jack Osbourne whole cast. They were the talk of the bars. When the and graphics for each character, in addition to new voiceovers that aren’t quite so corny as they have joined the cast as a righteous thing to do. He looks dust cleared, becoming police officers must have been in previous iterations. fit and trim. Surprisingly, he is the only cast member been the only real thing these celebs had ever done For about 20 bucks, I’d certainly say this download will be worth it when it becomes available. to have experience with firearms. And, he turned out in their entire life. Now, I’m hooked on this not-so- How do I know? Well, you could say I was lucky enough to get my hands on an import copy. to be a crack shot, placing a nice even pattern in the dumb show.

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 13 zling question. Since films are a director’s medium, America Ferrera and if the director wins an award for his film, then logically, wouldn’t the film be best picture? It seems logic has nothing to do with the HFPA’s choices. red carpet ride Conversely, a picture can win but the director of that picture is snubbed. Oh well, it’s Hollywood–the twi- 2007 Golden Globe Awards light zone where strange things happen. by Rick grant [email protected] It’s about the dresses! Well, it’s also about extreme self promotion as the Golden Globes’ glitzy television show managed to get boring after the first thirty minutes. Yes, the spectacle of filthy rich ce- lebrities schmoozing and boozing on an overly-long television show has long made most of us working stiffs nauseated. Ah, but we can’t help but watch as Forest Whitaker America’s royalty strut their stuff on the red carpet and try to be gracious when receiving a Globe. Let’s One of my favorite pictures this season was face it, how many thank-yous can viewers take? The Last King of Scotland. Justifiably, Forest Whitak- None. Memo to GG producers, ban thank-yous. Just er won for best actor in a drama for his tour de force take the damn statue and leave the stage. We know performances as Idi Amin. Also, Helen Mirren–an you’re thankful. accomplished actress on both sides of the pond- Most of the winners paralleled my choices on won two Globes, one for The Queen and one for her my SEFCA ballot except for Babel, which I thought HBO miniseries Elizabeth I. musical and America Ferrera won best actress in a was convoluted with a murky scenario and poorly comedy or musical. I love that show and Ferrera’s developed characters. And, Sacha Baron Cohen’s characterization of Betty, the ultimate underdog in a win for best comedy actor for Borat left me dumb- viciously competitive business. “I’m sorry I’m such founded. To me, Borat was just another Jackass put- a mess. I’m still getting over the shock of our first on. However, the rest of the GG winners were righ- award,” Ferrera said. Now, Betty is beautiful. Grey’s teous choices. For the most part, the 85 members of Anatomy won best TV drama. I’m puzzled by this the Hollywood Foreign Press Association gave credit show’s critical and audience acclaim. To me, it’s a where credit was due and spread the awards around sappy nighttime soap opera. But hey, plenty of other to deserving actors and directors in films and televi- TV critics and viewers love the show. sion. Kate Winslet and Martin Scorsese won for best director but his Leonardo DiCaprio film The Departed got nada. This brings up a puz- Hugh Laurie

Jennifer Hudson

Dreamgirls won a Globe for best musical or comedy. Eddie Murphy and Jennifer Hudson won for their remarkable performances in that film. Hud- son looked fabulous in her tasteful dress and said, “This goes far beyond everything I could have ever imagined.” But she was thinking, “Eat your heart out Simon!” Murphy was uncharacteristically contrite but Not surprisingly, Hugh Laurie won for best brandished his trademark Cheshire Cat smile. actor in a drama for his eccentric portrayal of every- By virtue of the fact that Meryl Streep was in a one’s favorite curmudgeonly doctor in House. It’s film, she won a Globe for it–The Devil Wears Prada. on the top of my DVR’s preferred recording list. And, She now owns six Globes. another of my favorite shows, The Closer’s star, Kyra Clint Eastwood’s penetrating film Letters from Sedgwick, won best actress in a drama. Iwo Jima won for best foreign language film. Indeed, Alec Baldwin, who is hilarious in 30 Rock , won it was a righteous choice. Both of Eastwood’s films, best actor in a TV musical or comedy. At the bar, Flags and Letters, shot back to back on location Tina Fey was ordering another whiskey straight up on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima, are Globe and and thinking “Well at least we won something.” Oscar-worthy. In my opinion, Eastwood and Scors- As usual, HBO dominated the TV movies win- ese are the best directors in Hollywood. They truly ning best miniseries for Elizabeth I, which yielded deserve any awards they receive. Globes for best actress in a miniseries to Helen Mir- Screenwriter Peter Morgan won best screen- ren and best supporting actor to Jeremy Irons. play for The Queen. And those lovable talking cars Even the most star struck TV viewer didn’t in Cars won for best animated film, which didn’t make it through the 3 hours of boring thank-yous surprise anyone. and false modesty that dragged on ad infinitum. The Unlike the Academy Awards, the HFPA recog- final coup de grace was Warren Beatty receiving his nizes worthy television shows and miniseries. To Cecil B. DeMille Award, which finally prompted me to my absolute joy, Ugly Betty won best TV comedy or change the channel.

14 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper hoot, hoot, hooters all-a-twitter by MEG MacDONLAD [email protected] Creatures of the night. A term reminiscent from a cult flick of the 80’s; but also a tag line for some of our favorite and fabled winged creatures. Whoo may that be, you ask? If you are thinking owls, you are right. We can boast that we share habitat with sever- al species of owl. Jacksonville has three distinct owl populations. This population ranges from the 9”tall eastern screech owl to the 25” tall great horned. Even more amazing is that their food sources range from insects to small mammals. Be warned. Once you read this you won’t put the cat out at night any longer. Like the hawk and like the eagle, these birds are predators. Their eyes face forward. The eastern screech owl may be small in stat- ue, compared to his cousins, but may still be one of the more widely ranging owls. The eastern screech owl may be found throughout the lower 48 states, minus Maine, but they prevail east of the Rock- ies. Because of their diminutive size they are much harder to find and observe despite their abundance. These owls do not sound the common-lore ‘whooo’ call. These owls call a tremulous or quavering, descending whiny trill. It’s a mournful, hair-on-the- back-of-your-neck-raising call. No wonder owl lore includes the belief that a sighting of this owl is an omen of misfortune. The barred owl is somewhat larger. This owl may be as tall as 20” with a 3 and a half foot wing- span. While the call of this owl may at first sound All these birds are cavity nesters. Like Wood- like a dog barking or various other yawl sounds , it peckers, these birds will utilize broken stumps, follows with a distinct question of ‘who-cooks-for partial cavities or actual abandoned Woodpecker you, who-cooks-for-you?” Despite being a creature cavities. Like the Eagle, this species will fledge their of the night, this creature is often sighted roosting young in time for spring. This provides the predators during the day. the distinct advantage in age and foraging develop- Completing our selection of owls is the ‘Tiger ment to prevail over the confusion and exuberance of of the Night’, the great horned owl. This owl is dis- first year birds, rodents, and other small mammals. tinguished from its peers both by the widely spaced Creatures of the night. Of course. But this ear tufts and by its size. This owl may grow as tall discourse has only alluded to their terrific sense of as 25”, have a wing-span of four feet, and weigh sight. The great horned can also hear a mouse move up to 5 pounds. This owl is a fearless hunter. It has under a foot of snow. Good thing we don’t have been known to prey upon both skunk and porcupine snow. successfully. Its more common food sources are But when you are out on these temperate snakes, rats and ducks but may also eat available nights, when you hear the whisper of wings and insects. This is the most widespread species of owl. have your shadow consumed by yet a larger, darker It is a permanent resident throughout North America. shade, understand you are witnessing the source of Its vocalization consists of 5 syllables on one pitch: centuries of lore and campfire scares. Fear not for “hooo, hoo-hoo-hooo, hoooo.” This is the time of yourself, fear for the dog at the other end of the leash year most likely to hear this call. This bird is a winter you are holding. That is fishing with bait for tigers. nester, laying eggs from January into February. Happy Birding in the New Year!

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 15 ing Bailey to handling the circus on his own. Meanwhile, five brothers from Wisconsin were making a name for themselves for their entertaining shows and honest dealings with the public. The Ringling brothers were able to purchase the Barnum and Bailey Circus in 1907, after Bailey passed away. Twelve years later, the circus we all know and love, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, was born. The Circus Today Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey is now owned and run by the Feld family. Since they acquired the circus, the Felds have continued to provide quality family entertainment and have used the name and reputa- tion of the enterprise to do some good. In 1995 Ringling Bros. established its Center for Elephant Conserva- tion. “Its a 250-acre facility where, just last year, we celebrated the 20th birth of an Asian elephant,” Rosser said. “We have the largest gene pool outside of Southeast Asia, and we actually are the experts in raising and rearing Asian elephants… We’re trying to save the Asian elephant population because there are less than 35,000 in the world and if we don’t take the lead on it, as we have been, we will see the demise of this spe- cies and it will be on the extremely endangered list of species in the next 20 years and they could all be gone within 40-50 years.” The entertainment giant is now taking on childhood obesity with its new program CircusFit, which can be experienced before the shows and accessed at www.circusfit.com. “It’s a step by step process that the kids and parents and teachers can also go through to help,” Rosser explained. “[It gives] basic facts like hydration, strength training, encompassing jumping rope or the dash or eraser tag. And then there’s fun projects for the kids. They can download postcards to send to their friends or decals or logos suitable for printing on your home computer and putting them on tee shirt transfers. So, it’s an interactive, very easy web site.” The Greatest Show on Earth If you’re planning a trip to the circus this week, the All-Access Pre-Show is something you don’t want to miss. Every ticket holder is invited to come to the arena an hour early to get a behind-the-scenes look at life under the big top. You can get up-close and personal with an elephant, become part of a clown gag and get autographs from actual circus performers. This special event happens before each performance and is sure to be a hit with kids of all ages. In honor of the circus’ 137th birthday, the performers have cooked up a special “Bellobration”. Time Magazine’s pick for “America’s Best Clown,” Bello Nock, will take center stage with his wild and crazy act. “It’s been four years since the Jacksonville community has seen Bello perform,” Rosser said. “Two years ago when the show came through he had been injured and did not perform for the first 12 weeks… So this is Bello up to his usual antics. You will see all the energy and the excitement. All his stunts can be nail- biting and funny at the same time.” Speaking of nail-biting, the Bellobration show will feature several death-defying routines from some fear- send in the clowns! less duos. Rosser gave me a sneak peek at what circus-goers can expect: “We have two daredevils who are defying the laws of gravity atop the Wheel of Steel. And the wheel is unique in itself, I don’t want to give it away, but it’s very unique… There are two brothers who have changed Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus your traditional high wire act. [Normally] there’s just one wire. This time the two brothers are doing it on a duel high wire side-by-side. They’re jumping back and fourth, doing flips over each other blindfolded… We have a married couple Brian and Tina Miser who shoot out of a double cannon. So they explode across the comes to the River City By Kellie Abrahamson arena and you have to keep your eye on it because there are some changes that take place by the time you go “5,4,3,2,1, BANG!” and it’s a nice finale.” The circus has always been a magical, incredibly exciting place for me. I remember being a little girl and Rosser promises that the show will be completely different from what you’ve experienced in the past. seeing the trapeze artists, acrobats, clowns, all the animals and just being so awestruck by the whole spec- “You’ll definitely notice a huge change in the show if you haven’t been in many years. Just the excite- tacle. Today, I’m much older and a lot more cynical, but I can’t help being excited about seeing the Ringling ment level and how together and just how energizing it is. You’ll walk out of there and go Wow that was fun!” Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus this weekend. The circus has officially rolled into town and will be here The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey will have performances from Wednesday January 17 until Sun- until January 21. day, January 21. Tickets are currently on sale and range in price from $14 to $24. A limited number of front row, VIP seats and special “Circus Celebrity” tickets, which allow you to actually be a part of the show, are A Brief History also available. To order tickets go to www.ticketmaster.com or call (904) 353-3309. “We’re one year older than baseball,” Me- linda Rosser, a spokesperson for the Greatest Show on Earth, proudly proclaimed when I spoke with her earlier this week. The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has been enchanting children of all ages for 137 years. Showman P.T. Barnum began his career in 1835, when he was just 25 years old. His earliest shows featured “curiosities from every corner of the globe” such as General Tom Thumb, the Fiji Mermaid and Siamese twins Chang Bunker and Eng Bunker. Thirty-five years later, Barnum launched the largest circus ven- ture in American history: P.T. Barnum’s Grand Traveling Museum, Menagerie, Caravan, and Circus. The shows were an instant success and by 1872, Barnum had dubbed his enterprise as “The Greatest Show on Earth”. James A. Bailey, a long-time circus manager, joined forces with Barnum in 1881. The two attracted enormous crowds with their acquisition of Jumbo the elephant a year later. By 1888, the business partners were touring around the world with their “Barnum and Bailey Circus”. P.T. Barnum died in his sleep in 1891, leav-

16 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ral causes or old age. This time of year they throw in those moving wicker reindeer, festooned with holiday lights. The animals come from all over, not just Florida. Many of them are from Africa. As you first come into the restaurant there is a huge display immediately on your right which includes lions. Another collection at Clark’s that you might want to take a look at are the “fish plates” displayed and encased in glass on your way past the hostess station. Also in that same area is a tank with baby gators, an attraction that delighted the kids waiting to be seated. There’s so much to look at, you’ll discover something new each time you go, because you’re bound to miss some small, tacky-but-fun detail on the first visit.

a taste expedition Clark’s Fish Camp by Erin thursby [email protected] Clark’s has been part of the landscape for locals since it was a tiny bait store. These days it’s a sprawl- ing restaurant on the banks of Julington Creek, a tributary of the St. John’s River. If you aren’t a local, you’re Maybe you have a taste for adventure. Perhaps not likely to know about the place, although I’ve noticed that locals delight in sharing it with newcomers, you scan menus looking for an unfamiliar item, recounting Clark’s rise from humble bait camp to eatery. something you’ve never heard of or never tried. If so, Our waitress knew the menu, a difficult feat since it’s so damn huge. If she hadn’t personally tried a you may want to seek out Clark’s Fish Camp, hidden menu item, she could recall what customers in the past had said about the item. She was also eager to hear in Mandarin, off the standard thoroughfares. what we had to say about what we ordered, both to see that we were satisfied, and also to file the information Not everything on the menu is thoroughly ex- away on her mental rolodex of menu items. otic, in fact the extensive menu (with well over 125 We perused the extensive appetizer section, finally giving up and asking our waitress to choose some- selections) is mostly made up of things you’d find in thing for us. What she recommended was the tastiest item we tried. It’s called Brinda’s Seafood Bake. Fresh many seafood joints and bars, like onion rings and crab, tender shrimp, pillowy scallops and fish are baked in a divinely rich white wine cream sauce, topped grouper. But if you’re looking for a taste adventure, with mozzarella cheese. Excellent garlic toast comes with the bake, so you can pile it on and eat it up! I would go straight for the section entitled “Call of the Wild walk over a frozen tundra without shoes to eat this dish. It’s just as good as something you might find in a Appetizers.” For the scant price of around $7.50- fancy-smancy restaurant, minus the pretension and the presentation. $9, you can try a taste of turtle, quail or ostrich. I My entrée was good, but it didn’t top the spectacular bake. However, I would recommend the Flounder zeroed in on the three most usual selections because Florentine to those who love rich fish dishes. My husband was a bit taken aback by his entrée, the Boudin I’d never tried them before. We asked the waitress Ala Nawlins, which is a very popular menu item. He hadn’t read the description very thoroughly and was which of the three (kangaroo, antelope or snake) that surprised by the taste and texture of the sausage topping the dish. The sausage was stuffed with rice and we should try. She told us frankly that the snake, though reportedly tasty, was a lot of work because of all the crawfish, great for crawfish lovers, not so great for my poor husband, who was expecting a different taste bones. We finally settled on the kangaroo. It reminded me of flank steak, though it had a texture that screamed and texture altogether. If you like spicy Cajun and crawfish, this is the meal to order. “I DID NOT COME FROM A COW.” It was strange, but it wasn’t so weird that I hated it. We brought the left- For dessert, my husband ordered the fried cheesecake bites and I had the Key Lime pie. The cheese overs home to nosh upon later. Antelope has now been added to my list of “strange things to eat before I die.” cake bites are topped with a raspberry sauce and are tasty little treats. The Key Lime wasn’t the most genuine If you’re ordering from the “Call of the Wild” section, know that you order at your own peril. Clark’s guaran- Key Lime pie I’ve ever had, but, it was not unnaturally green and it was pleasantly tart. Dessert at Clark’s is tees the quality of their meat in that section but, they say, “We do not guarantee it to be to your liking.” adequate, but it isn’t one of the dishes most people come back for. Mounted and stuffed animals are EVERYWHERE at Clark’s. That freaks some people out. No matter What people do come back for at Clark’s is the atmosphere and the incredible seafood and freshwater where you sit you’ll get a feeling you’re being watched. Look around and you’re sure to lock eyes with an fish dishes. Whether it’s broiled, blackened, baked or deep fried, they know how to cook the things that used ocelot or tiny deer. If you have trouble dealing with it, just ask for a few shots from their full bar. As for myself, to swim. I love the homegrown kitsch of Clark’s, including the mounted animals. The restaurant owner, Joan Peoples, collects mounted animals, but she’s an animal lover so she makes certain that all her animals died of natu- eu critic’s choice awards information 12909 Hood Landing Road (286-3474) www.clarksfishcamp.com We are sending our food critics out to Jacksonville’s favorite local restaurants on the hunt for the best menu items in town. Who do you think has the best burrito? What about cheesecake? Lend us your expertise Ratings (1-5) Cost Guide $ = under ten dollars for a single person and nominate the items you believe to be the tastiest in town, and we’ll send our critic’s Atmosphere 4 1/2 Service 5 $$ = over ten to twenty for a single person out to taste it and compare it to other nominees! For more information or to vote on your $$$ = over twenty to thirty-five for a single person favorite item go to our website (www.eujacksonville.com) and click on ‘Critic’s Choice Food 4 $$$$ = thirty-five and up for a single person Awards.’ Cost $$

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 17 Current Programs A graphics design degree from the Institute can land you in a number of fields. Besides the general training you’ll receive, you can take very focused classes that zero in on the specific career you’ll want to pursue, whether it’s illustra- tion, art direction or ad copy. The interactive media design job not only gives you a foundation of basic graphic design, it also helps you learn how to use technology as a tool for delivering your designs. Knowledge of computer ap- plications tends to open many the new art institute of doors, even with an art degree. The interior design pro- gram teaches students about the history of the design and jacksonville the differences between corpo- rate design and home design. Many interior designers work independently, so they also getting an art degree that’ll buy you school students on practical things like writing a legally binding contract and how to more than a cup of coffee keep accurate records. Future by erin thursby Programs By the summer, the Art Institute should be of- The Art Institute’s fering three courses new to the Jacksonville school: Can an artist make a living at art? Making a living as an artist can be tough go. Once you have that goals are: culinary arts, culinary management, and digital film- art degree in hand you might be spending time wondering why you spent money on a degree while you pull making/production. espresso shots at Starbucks. But there are places where the focus is on the practical application of making a • To foster within students the desire to The culinary arts program handles cooking and living at art, and the newly opened Art Institute of Jacksonville is one of them. maintain high levels of professionalism in their dish presentation for the aspiring chef. You’ll learn EU spoke with Erika Orris, President of the Art Institute of Jacksonville, who had this to say about the chosen careers and continue learning through- how to keep things to code, nutritional information, school: “We are not a fine arts school, we have a career focus on the areas of graphic design and interior out their lives while contributing to their com- how to keep your food overhead low, and how to design…We’re teaching students to have a viable career in art.” The Art Institute of Jacksonville currently munity and society, build a menu. You’ll also gain kitchen experience and offers three tracks for students: graphic design, interactive media design and interior design. They don’t offer learn how to work with others in a restaurant environ- any program until they get real world data that shows that there are a feasible amount of jobs available for the • To provide students broad foundations in ment. students when they graduate. They track employment the theory and practice of their chosen occupa- Culinary management deals with the business trends not only on a national level, but also on a state- tions, end of cooking such as running a catering business wide level. The Art Institute has three other locales or how to run your own restaurant. Cooking, baking in Florida in Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and Miami. The • To help students identify their personal, and practical management skills form the core of this Jacksonville school will be the 33rd Art Institute to academic, and career goals within the specific program. open North America (2 of the schools are in Canada) fields offered and to help them develop means Digital filmmaking prepares students for a job as and the 34th will be soon be opening in Charleston. of achieving these goals, video editor, video producer, or digital videographer. The eminently realistic President Orris is Coursework will help make students acquainted with more interested in the hard stats backing the school’s • To ensure a continuous quality improve- new tech in high definition video, storage area net- success, and makes sure we know that the school ment process that encourages growth and works, and software. You’ll also get to work with the isn’t interested in offering such courses as pottery facilitates learning for all constituencies, latest equipment. or painting, because there just aren’t enough steady jobs to justify having such courses. “Our success is • To encourage the academic freedom of measured on our outcome…In 2005 90% of all our A Pool of Potential instructors in a student-centered environment, students accepted positions in their field within 6 months.” Employers • To recruit and retain a qualified faculty Orris herself isn’t an artist per se, but is an with the appropriate academic credentials and experienced administrator with a history of manage- Art Institute graduates can land jobs at major professional experience, ment at the Art Institutes. She hails from Pittsburg, corps like Disney, Lockheed Martin, Nordstrom, where she managed all the high school recruitment for Nintendo, MTV and many more. They work with over • To offer student support services that the Institutes across the country and directed all the 40,000 employers across the nation to offer intern- recognize the diversity of the student population high school recruiting efforts. ships and priceless industry connections to their and provide a safe and comfortable learning Since the school builds its reputation on students. Average starting salary for one of the 90% environment, the number of students with decent jobs upon gradu- who get a job in their field is $29, 710. Programs ation, they have vested interest in making sure those to come in the July quarter are culinary arts, digital • To continue to provide students with a students have the experience they need. To that end, filmmaking and video production. An A.S. takes 21 vehicle for life-long learning in their field by the Art Institutes integrate volunteer opportunities into months to complete and a B.A­ takes 36 months. For providing accessible graduate level instruction their program, giving students experience that they can info on classes call (800) 924-1589 or go to the web in appropriate disciplines. put on their resume, helping them to land a job. site at www.artinstitutes.edu/jacksonville.

18 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eric johnson at freebird electric guitar taken to a higher consciousness by Rick grant [email protected] The first thing I learned about Eric Johnson at hold one’s interest indefinitely. His presentation begs his Freebird show last Saturday was he hates pho- for another instrument like horns or keyboards to tographers. “Here we go again,” I thought. He had his break up the monotony of Eric’s showcase playing. road manager roaming the club looking for photogra- That is not to say it wasn’t exciting, but it drags on as phers. Of course, (I reasoned) I was different since I too much guitar after a half hour. was there as a member of the press. The photo-cop “I prefer playing live because I can take the found me after I had taken a set of shots on the bal- music and expand it through improvisation. It’s also cony. I was glad to sign a release, agreeing that the great to see how the audience receives it,” Eric said photographs I was taking were only to be used in EU. on his website. Well, the Freebird audience was eat- Nevertheless, Eric did come on stage like a ing up his presentation. I noticed many veteran gui- sonic boom with a stack of Marshalls and enough tarists and young players in the audience there to pay electronics to launch the Space Shuttle. His sound is homage to a master blaster. an eclectic fusion of various rock styles, and intricate In a world teeming with guitar wizards, it’s dif- guitar stylings reminiscent of a dozen guitar gods ficult to stick out as an original. Eric does that with from Les Paul to Stevie Ray Vaughan to Jeff Beck. wings flying on his own sound. He shines on his orig- Remarkably, he has carved out a distinctive sound inals like his tribute to the Columbia Space Shuttle. that fills the room with guitar electronica, showcasing His intricate playing on Cliffs of Dover distinguish Eric Eric’s inventive improvisations. as a legendary guitarist with intriguing new ideas, Eric’s musical lineage gives him heady creden- taking the electric guitar into uncharted territory. tials with Sammy Hagar and The Wabos and play For guitar fanatics interested in Eric’s unique dates as Steve Miller’s special guest. Recently, Eric style, he released his DVD with his 10 must know was nominated for a Grammy for his latest CD Bloom musical concepts in an intimate one-on-one format in which includes the wildly popular instrumental Cliffs his recording studio. Eric covers his unique perspec- of Dover. Eric has moved away from being strictly tives on improvisation, chords, lead guitar, songwrit- eu critic’s choice awards an instrumentalist, and is singing on a dozen original ing and performance. This is both a performance songs. Clearly, this broadens his horizons as a hit- film and instructional DVD. Also, Eric’s critically making artist. Just mention the Dixie Dregs and we acclaimed 1988 Austin City Limits Performance has We are sending our food critics out to Jackson- know what happens to instrumental rock artists. been released on DVD and CD. All Eric’s works are Presently, Eric is touring with his best rhythm available on his website www.ericjohnson.com ville’s favorite local restaurants on the hunt for the section to date with bassist Roscoe Beck and Tommy During my tenure as an entertainment journal- best menu items in town. Who do you think has the Taylor on drums. At Eric’s Freebird show, Roscoe and ist, I’ve covered many guitar gods, but Eric rates up best burrito? What about cheesecake? Lend us your exper- Tommy laid down a wicked groove over which Eric there with my top five. Now if he would just loosen up layered his improvisations with his trademark elec- about people photographing his show, he would be tise and nominate the items you believe to be the tastiest in town, and we’ll send tronic sound. Yes, Eric is an exceptionally creative viewed as more fan and media friendly. Hey, fans buy our critic’s out to taste it and compare it to other nominees! For more informa- guitarist who can hold his own with any of the top the tickets and the media makes things happen. It’s players. not worth pissing people off for the sake of a photo- tion or to vote on your favorite item go to our website (www.eujacksonville.com) However, in the context of his trio presentation, graph. and click on ‘Critic’s Choice Awards.’ Eric’s various guitar improvisations are not enough to

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 19 live music true love and a shows calendar THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 violin Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) talking with Joshua Bell Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Gutterboy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132) by Erin thursby [email protected] What: Joshua Bell accept an insurance settlement. This Mother Load Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) When: January 22 @ 7:30PM disappearance of this priceless instru- Peggy Black Jazz Trio Layla’s, Jax Where: Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times- ment remained a source of mystery Pierce Pettis European Street, Jax (399-1740) Union Center for the Performing Arts until a modestly successful New York violinist named Julian Altman made a Livid Yesterday’s, Jax (387-0502) Joshua Bell plays on a twice stolen Stradivarius deathbed confession in 1987. Wheth- Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) violin, without the customary tails and tie associ- er Altman stole the violin himself or ated with those that play classic music. He’s one of purchased the violin from a friend is a Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) the new generation of classicalists bringing youth point of contention, but he did own it Chistopher Moore Open Gallery, Jax and joy to a genre mistakenly perceived as old and for all those years. Restoration work Alaskan Pirate & His Salty Seamen Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) musty. Because of that, he’s willing to step outside had to be done once the violin was the classical box to draw in new listeners. When EU recovered by the insurance company, Yancy Clegg Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune spoke with Bell this week, he had this to say about since Altman had been too afraid to Beach (241-8221) drawing in a new audience: “I think that there’s a bring it in for a professional cleaning, for fear of its drawer knobs at different tensions (controlled by Ron Perry Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) large audience of people that would enjoy classical being recognized. Bell knew that he had fallen in opening the drawers) to pluck out the notes he had Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) music but that doesn’t go to concerts…It takes… love with the instrument the moment he played just heard his mother play on the piano. It’s one of Bell’s something to attract them…I did something that was two notes. For about four million dollars, the price earliest memories, something he says he did “on my Porcelain Black French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) outside the classical realm with Josh Grogan, who’s he paid for the Strad, it had better be true love. On own, my parents noticed it and that’s when they got Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) sort of a classical pop singer…I can’t tell you how the back of his newest album Voice of the Violin, he me a violin, probably earlier than they would have, many people have written me e-mails and shown holds his Strad against his cheek and chest as you so I’m very grateful for that.” David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs up to my classical concerts saying ‘You know, I had would a lover, and when he talks about finding his You can be sure that his concert will be any- Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) never heard of you before, until I bought the Josh perfect instrument, he sounds a bit like he’s talking thing but typical for the avid listener of classical mu- Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Grogan CD. Now I bought all of your CD’s, your about the person you wait a lifetime for. sic, because Bell likes taking risks and strives to play Beethoven and your Mozart.’ Sometimes it does take “For me there’s something hard to describe, it’s with freshness, because he believes that “a sense of Rick Arcusa Band Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) reaching out and doing something a little bit outside just sort of a goosebump factor, when you’re playing abandon is something that the audience does feel. Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) [traditional classical] to kind of bring them in.” on a violin and you just feel it…there definitely is a I think an audience can tell if you’re getting up sort The Real Anastasia Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) The fact that Bell’s look is appealing and youth- chemistry with an instrument when you pick it up, of reciting something that you’ve been practicing for ful doesn’t hurt his CD sales either. Plus, he’s single. which involves, really, how it responds when I play.” weeks.” Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) The most soulful relationship he has seems to be Bell began playing concert venues when he Schumann and Beethoven pieces will make up Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) with his violin, which has a checkered past. It was was just 14. Surprisingly, his bio doesn’t read like the first part of the show on the 22nd, but Bell will be stolen twice from its owner, Polish virtuoso Broni- the typical story of a child prodigy, pushed relent- finishing out the concert with a more modern com- De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) slaw Huberman, in the early 1900’s. In 1919 it was lessly by parents with no other life or interests poser, Edgar Meyer. Says Bell of the Meyer’s piece: Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) taken from Huberman’s hotel room, but was soon outside the violin. In his case, he had time to goof off “He manages to combine elements of bluegrass and Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) recovered when the thief tried to sell the hot Stradi- and be a kid. He played tennis and almost didn’t at- Irish fiddle, [in] a very modern classical sound…in a varius. It was next swiped from Huberman in 1936, tend his first solo recital because he was injured by a very natural voice…The audience will like it on what- Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) when he left the instrument in his dressing room boomerang. Despite a fairly balanced childhood, his ever level they will see it on.” Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) while playing a second violin onstage. This time, Hu- aptitude with strings was made obvious to his moth- Buy tickets at Riverside Fine Arts www.river- berman never recovered the Stradivarius and had to er when he, at age 4, used rubber bands on dresser sidefinearts.org or just call (904)389-6222 THURSDAY-SATURDAY, JAN. 18-20 The Bush Doctors A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) Out of Hand Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax Cowboy Mouth Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Motor City Josh The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300) Sugar Bear Cliff’s, Atlantic Beach Big Engine Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Glass Camels House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) Go Ask Alice The Norm, Jax (384-9928) Tom Reese Po Boy’s, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) Jager Dave Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) The Naked Lunch Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs Cloud 9 Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) David Milam Benny’s Steakhouse, Jax

20 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper wonderful experience, I missed performing live. So, Giuseppe, Alex Moore TSI, Jax (635-3024) with my music programs now in ten colleges, being managed by other people, I went back on the road Alex Nguyen Village Café, Jax (389-3995) to share my new love of music as a spiritual force. Nelson Remembered Florida Theatre, Jax Much to my surprise, I discovered there was a new Mike Parker, Veronica’s Veil Club Liquid, Orange Park generation that was into my music. The audiences were young and enthusiastic.” Brad Payne All-Stars Sports Bar, St. Augustine (827-9842) During our conversation, we talked about the Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) terrible violence and death in war-torn nations and I mentioned that I was not religious, but I thought Gil Mantera’s Party Dream Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) about the words of Jesus, which were simple and Jerry Melfi, LoriAnn Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646) profound. I told Pato that Jesus said, “Love one an- The Hold Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) other. And, God is love.” Words to live by. Astonish- ingly, after I said that, Pato said that he just finished Aerial Tribe Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055) a two album CD with 14 tracks, titled The Words of Chris Miller Santa Maria Restaurant, St. Augustine Christ, in which he speaks the words of Jesus over Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) his specially composed music. I believe that music is the language of God–it connects the player and Cystic Dysentry French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) listener on a higher consciousness plane, beyond Hyper Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) our physical reality. Pato vehemently agreed with my performing for the right reasons hypothesis and he said that now he feels renewed Yankee Slickers West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) spiritual energy every time he performs. Sidewalk 65 Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) “There is a spiritual connection between the Danka Deke’s Billiards, Jax Beach Pato Banton performing at Freebird audience and me as we take our concert journey together. This is what I was missing before I decided Cliff Worrell & the Restless Kind Arnold’s, St. Augustine by Rick grant [email protected] to do humanitarian work in Birmingham. I had to find Burning in December Fuel, Jax (425-3835) my spiritual core and bring it into my music and life, My efforts to contact UK reggae avatar Pato tually involved with my own people. This evolved Vagabond’s Dream Duo Copeland’s, Jax Banton in Europe were thwarted by Pato’s busy from my sons getting shot. It was a wake-up call which are now one in the same. I’m now committed schedule and fast travel commitments. Last Wednes- from God. I approached a local college and offered to bring my spiritual energy to the people and share Agnostic Front Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) day, Pato flew into Los Angeles and finally called me. to help the students with music by letting them come my joy and pride with them at being a spiritually Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) It turned out Pato was going through a major crisis. into my recording studio and record their music.” savvy musical messenger,” Pato said. When he landed at LAX, his wife of sixteen years “The college administration thought it was That ended our conversation. Indeed, it was a presented him with divorce papers. (Yeah, welcome such a great idea they offered to have me bring my remarkable connection with a kindred spirit. It moved FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JAN. 19-20 me deeply. Pato Banton will be performing at Free- home, dearest!) Of course, divorce ranks up there on recording equipment into the school and set up a Susie Kite Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) the stress scale with the loss of a loved one. Clearly, music education program for talented students. They bird Live Saturday, January 20. His official website my patience was rewarded. We hit it off and discov- remodeled a room and I set up a recording studio lab is being constructed, but you can log onto his www. Something Distant Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) ered that we had a lot in common. Our conversation for students. I brought my five staff members with myspace.com/patobanton site and listen to samples was a consciousness raising experience for both of me. Then, during this time, I went back to school of his music. Pato is performing music for exactly Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) the right reasons. us. and became an official certified teacher. Then as the Cheshire Cats Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-9336) Up until 1999, Pato was a successful UK reg- program took off, I expanded it to other colleges. It gae artist from Birmingham, England. He traveled the became all consuming and a real passion. I felt like I Big Al & the Kaholics Square One, Jax (306-9004) globe armed with many hits and successful albums. was making a difference in my own city. During the Gutterboy Cap’n Odies, Jax Beach (241-8848) That all changed when, in 2000, while performing in seven years I participated in community service, my Dot Wilder Jazz Duo The Grape, Jax (642-7111) Europe, his two sons were shot in a random drive-by song Life is A Miracle was nominated for a Grammy. shooting back in Birmingham. They survived but the I was proud of my accomplishments and it gave me 3 Way Street Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune tragic incident made Pato re-examine his life and a strong sense of spiritual satisfaction.” Beach (241-8221) priorities. He saw the many problems in the poor “After much soul-searching, I was much more Nightowls The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) neighborhoods of Birmingham. So, he decided to spiritually-oriented than I was before I got involved Mid Life Crisis Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) become involved with making positive changes to with helping the young people of Birmingham. It his city–giving back to his community. was time to share my new music with audiences Al Naturale Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) “I just felt that I needed to become more spiri- again. Although my tenure in higher education was a Wild Card Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Ron Perry Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) Mother Load Kat’s Hideaway, Yulee Boogie Freaks Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337) Martha’s Trouble Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) Skytrain New Neighborhood Tavern, Jax (721-5087) Don’t Tell Anne Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Sax of Soul Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600) Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Karl hague & Rick Miller Steel City Bar, Jax (396-8557) Boxrockers Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach (247-0060) Go Ask Alice Box Seats, Orange Park Bro Schro The Reef, St. Augustine Ron Rodriguez Po Boy’s, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) Elvir Gazic Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) Riptide w/Brian Turner Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646)

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 21 D.B. Rider Island Girl Cigar Bar, Jax (854-6060) then. No consequences is what helps out a lot with raising hell.” Kings of Hell Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) EU asked Chase about the cut ‘Tearstained With Blood Comes Cleansing Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Letters’ with Joan Jett, but he shared that “we never 13th of Nazareth Boomtown, Jax (632-0099) met her” and that she recorded the track overseas. Says Haircut “I’m not sure if she remembers doing Electrocide Factory@Eclipse, Jax (387-3582) it…she must have been doing a lot of sh*t [at the Shaun Fisher, Second Thief Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) time]…We played a couple of shows with her…she never mentioned the song.” Livid Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Chase wrote most of the tracks on their album Aerial Tribe Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) Hellbound and Heartless at the tender ages of 15- Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) 17, holding on to his best stuff for the album. He has been in one band or another since he was about 11 Sugar Bear Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055) years old. One punk band he fronted was named And The Ray Gradys Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Guest, a name the band chose based on the same Eve To Adam French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) logic as Bare Naked Ladies, though a name like And Guest simply didn’t build the fan base the band Veronica’s Veil, Philler Fuel, Jax (425-3835) had hoped for. The Heart Attacks did what the now- The Real Anastasia Scarlett’s, St. Augustine (824-6535) defunct And Guest didn’t; they got on a major label, namely Hellcat Records. This success came on the McKenna Jerry’s, Jax (220-6766) heels of a major disappointment for the band. Bakersville Conspiracy Club Fusion, St. Augustine When the band left for Warped Tour in 2005, (829-8333) says Chase “We were all pretty sure the girlfriends The Impediments The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina that we did have were going to leave us…Everybody Beach (261-3300) quit everything, just to go on a little tour and come to find out we weren’t even supposed to play…our Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) raising hell with no manager [at the time] was a jackass.” Still, the band Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) had put everything on the line to go on Warped Tour, Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) so they decided to follow the tour and sell their CDs in the adjacent parking lots. “We would get really, Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, really drunk like at 8 in the morning just to loosen up Jax (287-9900) consequences and sell CDs to kids.” Pato Banton Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) They also decided to open a makeshift bar Sly Poonce House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) in the parking lot to make ends meet. “We had Heart Attacks play at Jack Rabbits somebody in our van that was old enough to buy it…We sold the beer for like $1 or $2. We weren’t SUNDAY, JANUARY 21 by Erin thursby [email protected] like a real bar…I was surprised, we’d get like $100 in tips a night.” The relatively cheap booze attracted Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) What: The Heart Attacks bands and their fans. Says Chase “Kids [would] Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) When: January 25th @ 8PM the same [punk] attitude, they just didn’t put safety just hang out…with their favorite band…and get LeMonde Cortesse’s Flamingo, St. Augustine (825-6775) Where: Jack Rabbits pins through their noses and ears and sh*t”. drunk with them and raise hell and scream and The Heart Attacks aren’t just about a punk The fearsome fivesome of Chase on vocals, shout. [It’s the] funniest sh*t to see 15 year-old ‘3’ Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach sound; they’re about a punk attitude, one that’s Tuk on lead guitar, Dave on rhythm, Paulie on bass kids puking…I get a kick out of sh*t like that, I’m a (241-8221) refreshingly old-school. There’s much about their and Brad on drums look like a hair/glam band with sick motherf*cker.” While pimping booze and CDs, David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) sound that harkens back to the 1950’s and early a shot of punk and a lot of trouble. They sell the they happened to pass one of their CDs on to Tim Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) 60’s riffs and beats, but with a punk edginess that idea of raising hell because, well, they like raising Armstrong of Rancid, who soon encouraged the throws poodle skirts and bobby socks into a whole hell, and so far it’s paid off for them. “I guess it was boys to sign on with Hellcat Records. “I’m glad it El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) new punk-infused light. about [at] 17, I started getting real dumb. I was happened the way it did. I’d never do that sh*t again Big Pineapple Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) EU had a chance to speak with lead singer pretty smart for a while and then I stopped worrying though, that’s the most embarrassing thing in the Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax Chase (aka Teenage Haircut) who says of the 50’s about everything and doing whatever I wanted to. I world. Don’t even wanna be near the Warped tour and 60’s: “back then there were a lot of people with guess if it ever comes back on me I’ll worry about it unless I’m playin it.” LeMonde Quintet Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Death Do Us Part Fuel, Jax (425-3835) John Winters Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) Billy & Vinnie Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Blue October Plush, Jax (743-1845) 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) The Tropics Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

MONDAY, JANUARY 22 Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299) A Plea For Purging Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Joshua Bell Performing Arts Center, Jax Chris The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Second Thief Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Johnny Flood My Place, Jax (737-5299) Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040)

22 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper you get a buzz when you’re creating.” Brett Dennen Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) And song isn’t the only thing Dennen can create, Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) he also creates art on paper, particularly watercolors. Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Both of his album covers feature his art. “I always pick watercolors as the kind of art that I put into an Goliath The Casbah, Jax album mostly because I think the medium of water Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) color best describes what I try to do with music…The medium is very dreamy, it’s open, there’s a lack of control. There’s only a certain amount of control TUESDAY, JANUARY 23 you can have in watercolors…When you touch a Vinnie & Billy Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune sopping wet brush to wet paper, color just goes all Beach (241-8221) over the place and you can’t really control that…so Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) your painting, a lot of it is just up to chance, whatever happens on the page you just have to go with it…I Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina think it partners well with my music.” Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) Dennen’s biggest boost in popularity came when three of his songs were part of three episodes Indigo Girls Florida Theatre, Jax on ABC, once on an episode of Grey’s Anatomy and Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) on two different episodes of Men in Trees. This led to Tribal Dance Ragland’s, Jax (598-5271) a spike in sales on i-Tunes, where he had the largest amount of downloads in the folk genre. Dennen Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) describes the surreal nature of hearing a song in the Steven James Empire Coffee, Jax context of a hit television show: “When you write a song, it’s very personal…It’s your song…The context Vagabond’s Dream Duo Copeland’s, Jax transformative folk that you write the song in, I think that sticks with you, Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) and then when you hear your song play on a television Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) show…then the song takes on a completely different top iTunes folk artist meaning, a meaning that I had no idea was going to Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) be conveyed…It’s almost like the song took off and Chris Camans The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) traveled around the world, met people and grew and Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) by Erin thursby [email protected] developed…then it comes back and it stands right in What: Brett Dennen with Christina Wagner Listening to him can be a life-changing experience, front of you, the same person but different, with a new Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach When: January 22nd @ 8:45PM something that is better heard than described. meaning and a new message. That’s a really good (246-4293) Where: Jack Rabbits EU recently got a chance to talk with Dennen feeling because it’s not your song anymore—it’s El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) about his unique sound. He’s been rapidly rising everybody’s song.” The Dears Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) If you’re still listening to Bob Dylan because in popularity since he started tackling singing and Dennen sometimes sings about ugly things, you’ve lost the hope of finding a new folk hero, it’s songwriting as a career just after college. He decided but he transforms them into something beautiful by time to throw off the shackles of hopelessness and to make performing a career based on the high he singing about them, writing some of his best work TUESDAY-WED., JAN. 23-24 seek out the sound of Brett Dennen. His sound is gets from singing and song writing. Says Dennen: when he employs imagery in song. “Every song I comforting and androgynous, youthful with an edge “I started writing songs and people started to really write about is about hope,” says Dennen “and you Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) of age. His lyrics speak to the best and worst we have enjoy them and…it felt really good to sing them…It can’t have hope without some kind of a struggle, in ourselves, always with hope just in the background. was an epiphany because other people were having some kind of a mess, some kind of ugliness...I try to WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 24 Although his influences are many, (Dennen sites Paul the same reactions that I was having when I wrote find beauty in the struggle.” Become a new convert to Simon, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye, Joni [the songs]. I just never had so much joy creating his music by coming out to see him on January 22nd The Hackers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Mitchell and The Beatles) he is utterly distinctive. anything…Writing a song for me was the ultimate… at 8:45PM at Jack Rabbits The Cover Band Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099) Mystic Dino Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) voice is sweet and melodic. It’s almost similar to Copeland comes from Lakeland, Florida and Kill Hannah Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) copeland Dashboard Confessional’s Chris Carrabba but a little has frequently toured through Jacksonville at the more pleasant and soothing. snugly fit venues of Fuel, Plush, and Freebird. At Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) The first track, ‘Where’s My Head?’ sounds one point they had almost performed 400 shows in E.T. Swings The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) album review like Copeland took one of Bjork’s songs and put in a span of a year and a half. They were voted num- Marsh’s voice. It almost sounds like it would be fit ber one on Billboard’s Alternative New Artist Chart Livid Snookers, Jax (696-0714) to play for meditation or yoga. This is somewhat in 2004 with In Motion. You won’t be able to find Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) different from their freshman debut, Beneath Medi- Copeland on any radio station in this city, or even Vagabond’s Dream Duo River City Brewing cine Tree with a giddier pop sound, with tracks like on MTV. They’ve let other more commercially ap- Company, Jax (398-2299) ‘Downtown’. It’s also much mellower than their last pealing alternative rock groups fill those spots like more punk charged, In Motion. Fall Out Boy and Panic! Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) To many, this is probably the best Copeland It might not have paved a way in the “indie- Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) album yet, although it definitely takes a few listens rock” music category yet, but it’s definitely put Nunez The Norm, Jax (384-9928) to develop a true appreciation. ‘The Last Time He its foot in the door. Their lyrics are still a little too Saw Dorie’ with accompanist Anna Becker is touch- emotionally charged and their style lacks the im- Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) ing and almost beautiful. The band definitely takes pulsiveness and originality that normally sets indie- Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) a turn into a more indie-rock sound, leaving behind rock bands apart from the larger “alternative rock” Rebecca Zapen The Casbah, Jax Artist: Copeland their more pop-rock infused resonance. The intense category. It’s hard to categorize Copeland into any Title: Eat, Sleep, Repeat ‘Control Freak’ starts out like you’d expect from a musical genre without comparing them to groups The Loved Ones, Zoloft Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Release Date: 10.31.2006 soulful songstress like Fiona Apple, but then it slowly such as Dashboard, Senses Fail, and Mae. One Seth Ramsdill Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Label: Militia transitions with a more upbeat hook. amazon.com user appropriately dubbed Eat, Sleep, The lyrics can get a little nagging and similar Repeat as “indiecoustic”. The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) Although Copeland seems to spend most to but, the diversity of guitar and piano styles keeps the If you’re a fan of Copeland, you’ll be pleased El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) album alive. The group tried to change things up by with their latest effort. It stays true to their signa- all of their time touring, they somehow squeezed Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune in some extra time to make their third album: Eat, eliminating the use of rhythm guitar. On the group’s ture sound with Marsh’s voice and songwriting. If Beach (241-8221) Sleep, Repeat. Their emo turned indie-rock sound website, Marsh explains, “We just wanted not to be you haven’t been a fan of Copeland but enjoy other is mellow, soft, and much more relaxed than the lazy and take every idea that we had and build it to indie-rock or mellow pop-rock artists, Eat, Sleep, Ambertone Elixir, Orange Park (215-4400) previous releases. Their emotionally charged lyrics its full potential. That meant doing lush orchestra- Repeat is definitely worth checking out. The album Cloud 9 Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) tion with real players and not programmed strings or itself is pretty solid, not leaving any track behind in are drenched in sorrowful memoirs of relationships Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) or too gracious sentiments about love. It’s got a anything like that. We’ve never had real strings on a originality or talent. pleasant sound and lead singer Aaron Marsh’s Copeland record.” - REVIEW BY MORGAN HENLEY Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299)

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 23 remember that he stood up for world peace and upcoming shows against segregation. Despite the fact that Jamie Foxx’s Ray brought all his demons to the fore of the public John Mayer Jan. 25, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 consciousness, the most important thing has always been, and always will be, his incredible musical talent. The Queers Jan 25, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 EU spoke by phone to Regi Brown, one of the Bill Gaither and Friends Jan. 26, Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 singers in the show and a former Raelette who trav- Corey Smith Jan 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 eled with the late Ray Charles. As she speaks about Ray, there’s a respect and fondness in her voice. Cigar Store Indians Jan. 26, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 When I asked her why she thought he had such an John Cowan Band Jan. 26, Café Eleven, 469-9311 impact on music, Brown replied: “You feel Ray. You know there’s singers that perform and they sound Dr. Dog Feb. .27, Café Eleven, 469-9311 good, but you don’t feel them in your heart…I think… Murder By Death Jan. 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 you feel him through his lyrics, through his delivery, The Lemonheads Jan 30, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 the way he would express a song and internalize it…People make love to [Ray’s songs], they propose Jamie Foxx, A Night of Comedy & Music Times Union Center , Jan. 29 & 31, 633-6110 [to Ray’s songs] and they change their lives…He has a healing property and Ray had that effect on people. Los Lonely Boys Feb. 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Wherever we toured, all over the world, people just Leon Russell Feb. 1, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD loved him.” The show began playing to West End audiences Yo LA Tengo Feb. 2, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 in England for 3 months, with an overseas tour of 6 Hammell On Trial Feb. 2, Café Eleven, 469-9311 months. The tribute has now hopped back across the Less than Jake Feb 2 & 3, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 i can’t stop loving you pond, with a few modifications, and will be touring the country through May. After a short hiatus, the Willie Nelson Feb. 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 show will again be playing to audiences for a 5 month Billy Joel Feb. 7, Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309. Monte Carlo run. With energetic dance numbers, a 15 Yonder Mountain String Band Feb. 7, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Ray Charles tribute at UNF piece orchestra and singers that can really belt it out, this show is sure to have the audience clappin’ and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Feb. 9, Plush, 743-1845 by Erin thursby [email protected] toe-tappin’. Joe Bonamassa Feb. 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Brown has plenty of “Ray stories,” though she The Matches Feb 12, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 What: I Can’t Stop Loving you rather than the bleak realities of his heroine addiction coyly says she “can’t give up all the secrets.” But, When: January 25th @ 7:30PM or the trail of illegitimate children he fathered. He’s she recounts her audition with “Mr. Ray” and proudly ZZ Top March 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Where: UNF Fine Arts Center remembered by fans for the good he did in the world, speaks of his compliments of her voice as though Dark Star Orchestra Feb. 14, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD for the soul he put into the music, for the love of they are well worn memories that will forever be keep- Old Crow Medicine Show Feb. 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 This tribute to Ray Charles is more focused on music so intense that it was expressed in every note, sakes in her mind. She also told a story that illustrated the music itself, the successful part of Charles’ life, even when he was singing about heartache. People how much of a stickler Ray could be when it came to JJ Grey and MOFRO Feb. 16, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 music. Against ME, Riverboat Gambleers, Fake Problems Feb. 20, “It was a televised program, and Ray, in the Café Eleven, 469-9311 middle of the show, pushes his finger down on the Taylor Hicks Feb. 21, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 piano ‘ding, ding, ding’ and he said (not to me, to one of the other performers) ‘Baby, I can’t hear this note. Boney James Feb. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 You ain’t singin’ your note loud enough, sing it out!’ In Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash Feb. 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 the middle of a television performance! He didn’t care; Catie Curtis Feb. 25, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 he wanted it to be right. He was a perfectionist.” Of the 33 songs that are featured in the piece, Dr. Dog Feb. 27, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Brown most certainly has a favorite, ‘Unchain My Michael Franks March 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Heart.’ Kathleen Madigan March 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 “It’s moments in the show where the Raelettes are featured (doing background of course) but they’re Jake Shimabukuro March 7, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 featured in that stance—you know the Raelettes used Larry the Cable Guy March 8, Jacksonville Veterans to sing in huddle…It gives me goose bumps because Memorial Arena, 630-3900 it reminds me of that time when I was singing with the Moe March 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 girls.” I Can’t Stop Loving You will only be in Jackson- Taste of Chaos March 8, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309 ville for one night, on the 25th. Call (904) 620-2878 or The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra March 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 go to www.unf.edu/fineartscenter/performances for John Gorka, Sam Pacett March 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 ticketing info. Medeski Martin & Wood March 9, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Toots And The Maytals March 10, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD The Beach Boys March 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

Explosions in the Sky March 12, The Alcazar, 469-9311 Pepper March 12, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD

The Temptations and The Four Tops March 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Tom Rush March 22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Anoushka Shankar March 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Vince Gill March 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Leo Kottke March 29, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Tom Jones April 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 Relient K May 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473

24 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper culture & arts JANUARY how sweet it is 18 Especially For Seniors Talks & Tea-The Art of Ancient Egypt Cummer Museum, Jax Molly Ringwald in Sweet Charity 18 Pulp Fiction Theatre Boomtown, Jax 18 Art For Two-Egyptian Animal Symbols Cummer Museum, Jax 18 Two To Tango Class Twisted Martini, Jax by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] 18 “The Motown Experience” JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax which means that she dances with men for money and we’ll turn on the television and there I’ll be, so 18 Open Gallery Grand Opening San Marco, Jax in a dancehall called the Fan-Dango Ballroom in for her she just thinks it’s normal. She doesn’t think 18 Egyptian Film Series-“Mummy” 9th & Main, Jax New York City… She really doesn’t like her life as a it’s anything extraordinary. It’s normal for her. 18 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax dancehall hostess, she really wants to do something better, so she kind of goes out, leaves the dancehall There was some talk of a sequel to Sixteen Candles 18 Lecture: Faith Ringgold Main Library, Jax and tries to find something better. And it’s kind back in 2005. Is it still something you’re considering? 18 “Caring For Your Edible Landscape” Urban Garden Field, Jax of like her adventures in the city. She meets this It’s something that I’m thinking about and I’m inter- 18-20 “See How They Run” DASOTA, Jax movie star and spends the night with him and finds ested in and I think it would be great, but there’s no 18-21 Tibetan Monks-Sacred Music, Dance & Chanting FCCJ somebody else and falls in love. It’s about her life, definite plans right now. South Campus, Jax everything from her point of view. 18-27 “Rumors” Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park I also read a while back that you had a novel in the The musical has been around in one form or another works. What’s the status of that? 18-27 “The Rainmaker” ABET, Atlantic Beach for about 40 years. Has this latest revival been up- That’s kind of on hold right now because I can’t 18-27 “Leading Ladies” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax dated at all? really do anything while I’m doing this. 18-28 “Rob Becker’s Defending the Caveman FCCJ Artist Well, it still takes place in the 60’s. I think it has Series Performing Arts Center, Jax a little bit more of a modern sensibility about it. It Once the Sweet Charity tour is over, what are your 18-28 “Menopause the Musical” FCCJ Artist Series Performing really does seem modern to me, it doesn’t really plans? Arts Center, Jax seem that dated, you know? It’s just really charm- Vacation. I’m going to take a long vacation and then 18-29 FAB Fest: Future Artists of the Beaches Cummer Museum, Jax ing and the music is just so great. look at what I want to do after that. 18-31 Salsa Classes Pharcyde Entertainment, Jax Are you anything like Charity Hope Valentine? 18-FEB. 4 “King Lear” Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando No, not really. She’s very wide-eyed and a little Sweet Charity will be performed at the Times-Union 18-FEB. 4 “The Smell of the Kill” Hippodrome State Theatre, Gainesville bit naïve… I guess she has her own sort of street Center January 23 - 28. For more information and to 18-FEB. 16 Jax Consortium of African American Artists Exhibit smarts but she gets knocked around a lot and she purchase tickets, call 904-632-3373 or visit www. FCCJ North Campus, Jax just remains incredibly upbeat and optimistic about artistseries.fccj.org. 18-FEB. 24 Classes For Children-Drawing & Painting MOCA, Jax it all. I think I’m a little bit more lucid. I’m certainly 18-FEB. 28 Exhibit: Joanelle Mulrain Gallery 1037, Jax more educated than she is. [Laughs] But yeah, she’s very different. She’s a lot of fun to play, but 18-MAR. 18 Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art she’s very different than me. Cummer Museum, Jax 18-MAR. 30 Youth Actors Classes Theatre Jacksonville, Jax You played Sally Bowles in Cabaret before coming 18-MAR. 30 “Bright Young Things” Art Show Jane Gray Gallery, Jax onto Sweet Charity. How do the two roles compare? 18-MAR. 11 Celebrating Black Hisotry Exhibit MOSH, Jax WHAT: Sweet Charity Well, their both these incredibly iconic characters, WHEN: January 23rd - 28th but they’re actually polar opposites. Where Char- 19 “Einstein Alive!” Theatreworks FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax WHERE: Times-Union Center ity is really naïve and kind of guileless, I think 19 Arbor Day Programs Duval County Extension Office, Jax INFO / TICKETS: 904-632-3373 or www.artist- Sally is very cunning, and where Charity ends up 19 Arbor Day Program Duval County Extension, Jax series.fccj.org. a survivor, Sally kind of self destructs at the end. 19-20 JSO “The Motwon Experience” Performing Arts Center, Jax So, they’re really completely two opposite ends of ND Molly Ringwald, the 80’s teen queen best known the spectrum. But they’re both very charismatic. I 19-20 2 Annual Gem City Film Festival Larimer Arts Center, Palatka for films like Pretty in Pink and The Breakfast Club, think that’s the similarity because all of this stuff 19-20 “The Fan” First Coast Theatre, Jax is all grown up and is back in the spotlight, this time happens around them and they kind of create havoc 19-20 Comedian James Gregory Comedy Zone, Mandarin in the Broadway musical Sweet Charity. The Tony- wherever they go. 19-31 Devon Thursby Art Exhibit Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach winning production will make a stop in the River City 20 Lecture Series: Lives of Objects-Artists and Patrons in next week. I got a chance to speak with Ms. Ringwald For you, what’s the most difficult part of doing a Ancient Egypt Main Library, Jax about the show, living out of a suitcase and her plans musical? for the future: I think probably for me it’s just the stamina. It takes 20 Open Casting Call-Independent Films-12-4pm Boomtown, Jax a lot of energy both physical and mental energy, 20 “Mo-Town And Mo” Lip Sync Show Flagler College, St. Augustine You’ve been on tour for four months now. How have and so by the end of the week, we have eight per- 20 Books Alive! Film Festival Main Library, Jax you adjusted to life on the road? formances a week, I think by the end of the week 20 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax It’s challenging. It’s adventurous. There’s a lot of it’s pretty hard to find that energy reserve to keep packing and unpacking. I think I’ve gotten much going. 21 JSO Family Series Performing Arts Center, Jax better at it. When I first started out what I thought 21 Acting For Adults Theatre Jacksonville, Jax was essential turns out that it’s not really essential. Do you think you’ll encourage your daughter to follow 22 Beaches Fine Arts Series-Joshua Bell Performing Arts Center, Jax I’m down to one suitcase now as opposed to three. in your footsteps? 22 Brahms String Quartet & Clarinet Quintet UNF, Jax [Laughs] No, I really want her to do what she wants to do. I don’t think I want her to act as a child, but if she 23 Clarinet Virtuoso Guy Yehuda Library, Ponte Vedra Beach You’re traveling with your three-year-old daughter. wants to take it up when she’s older then that’s 23 Musical Lecture Series: Davis and Dow; Jazz Divas FCCJ How is she handling life on tour? totally up to her and I’ll support her in whatever she North Campus, Jax She’s great. She loves it. For her it’s just hotels wants to do. But, I want her to get a good education, 23-28 “Sweet Charity” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax and airplanes and she loves both. She doesn’t, of go to college and hopefully, if she wants to do it, 24 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Acrylic Painting MOCA, Jax course, have to do any of the packing or unpacking she’ll take it up later 24 MLK, Jr. Birthday Commemoration w/Nat Glover FCCJ [laughs] so she’s having a great time. Downtown Campus, jax Has she seen any of your movies yet? 24 Musical Lecture Series: Davis and Dow; Jazz Divas FCCJ For those who may not already know, what is Sweet She’s seen me on television and she’s seen me on Kent Campus, Jax Charity about? stage but she doesn’t really put it together yet be- 25 “Rip Van Winkle” Theatreworks Florida Theatre, Jax Sweet Charity is about a woman that I play named cause she’s just three-years-old. She turns around Charity Hope Valentine. She’s a dancehall hostess, all the time and sees the poster for Sweet Charity

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 25 25 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax 25 Musical Lecture Series: Davis and Dow; Jazz Divas FCCJ South Campus, Jax 25 Two To Tango Class Twisted Martini, Jax woman vs. man 25 “I Can’t Stop Loving You-The Music of Ray Charles” UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax 25 Egyptian Film Series-“Cleopatra” 9th & Main, Jax Defending the Caveman 25 Culinary Workshop-Sicilian Cooking Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach 25 JSO “Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony” Performing Arts Center, Jax by Erin thursby [email protected] 25-FEB. 8 Reflections of the St. Johns Art Exhibit Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax What: Defending the Caveman any means, but it is fun, which is really the point. 26-27 Comedian James Gregory Comedy Zone, Mandarin When: January 20th, 21st, 27th &28th @ 8PM on The show also gets repeat customers. The couple 26-28 13th Annual Official Electric Football Super Bowl & Sat., 5PM on Sun. behind me had seen the show a few years ago, but so that I can get everything done in one day. Maybe Convention Embassy Suites, Jax Where: Terry Theater at Times-Union Center for commented that the show was different because the it’s funniest to the people that are most typical of 26-APR. 8 Other Worlds: The Landscape in Contemporary Art the Performing Arts performers add their most recent experiences. their gender. The audience laughed because the Museum of Contemporary Art, Jax Allegedly, the play is supposed to defend men stereotypes were familiar, repeated on the hundreds 26-APR. 8 Second Skins: Sculptural Soundsuits & Tondos by This irreverent look at the gender wars strikes and absolve them of the title of “asshole.” Apparent- of sitcoms that air daily. They air daily because the Nick Cave MOCA, Jax back against the oft held opinion that “All men are ly men are completely incapable of wrenching their majority of people do find them humorous. 27 Auditions: Stage Aurora-Disney’s High School Musical 12- assholes.” In fact, the show begins with a short attention away from the television unless a woman I did think the show was funny and I must say, 6pm FCCJ North Campus, Jax film illustrating the gender differences and a whole shakes them. That’s not because they’re assholes— it’s solid date material for couples. You can laugh 27 Lunch & Learn With Artist Allison Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax chorus singing “All men are assholes.” Everybody they’re just made that way, because they’re pro- about what doesn’t apply to you, and laugh about laughed, but, as our host pointed out, starting the grammed to be hunters, to be focused on one thing what does apply. Many couples in the audience were 27-28 Auditions: Shakespeare in Orange Park 2pm Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park show with a phrase like “women are bitches” just and one thing only. “A man doesn’t just watch the giving each other knowing looks or nudging their wouldn’t fly. We are inundated with books and televi- TV,” says Valentine “a man actually becomes TV.” mate when Valentine came to something they had 27 Book Signing-Dr. Hal Baumgarten “D-Day Survivor” Barnes & Noble, Mandarin sion telling us that men are completely insensitive Women, on the other hand, are programmed to be experienced. This show has had phenomenal staying jerks. In all reality they really are just different than gatherers, so they notice details and can multi-task, power since it opened in 1991 in San Francisco, and 27 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax women and operate on a different wavelength. The so it’s hard for them to understand that men aren’t later became the longest running non-musical solo 27 Story-book Theater with LaVilla Main Library, Jax short film featured the Philadelphia-born, Vince Val- wired the same way. show on Broadway. Since that two and a half year 27 Pianist Xiang Wang Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Gainesville entine, who also stars in the one-man show. I didn’t laugh as much as I would have because run, Caveman has come to cities across the world. 27 Art Adventures-Drawing From Life Cummer Museum, Jax The stage was dressed with a TV set right out these rules of behavior don’t necessarily apply to The show has traveled to a staggering 30 countries of the Flintstones, letting us know right off the bat me. For example, Valentine talked about how women around the world and found a receptive audience in 27-28 Auditions: “The Taming of the Shrew” 2pm Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park that stone-age logic would be applied to modern cir- shop, with no particular goal in mind, while men each of them. cumstance. Tech wise, it was a fairly smooth show. simply “hunt down” the shirt that just wore out. If you’re searching for a fun, light weekend 27-28 Acrylic or Oil Painting Workshop , Ponte Vedra Beach Cultural Center Minor glitches on the first performance of a traveling When I go Christmas shopping, I POWER SHOP. I show you can enjoy with friends or a date, Caveman 28 Concert Music Series-Joan Kwuon-Violinist Friday Musicale, Jax show are expected, and Valentine rode through them have a list of who I’m shopping for and what store is an excellent choice. It will be running through the 29 Crafty Kids Southeast Branch Library, Jax with professionalism. I’m most likely to find a gift for them. Sometimes I 28th at the Terry Theater at the Times-Union Center 30 FCCJ Artist Series-Rigoletto, Teatro Lirico D’Europa Valentine has experience as an East-coast even have an exact item with two alternates for each for the Performing Arts. Call the FCCJ Artist’s Series Performing Arts Center, Jax stand-up comedian, something that suits him to the person. I actually map out the most expedient route at 904-632-3373 for showtimes and tickets. loose format of the show. In 2002, Valentine was 30 “Music of Our Time” UNF, Jax cast in The Soapranos, an interactive parody of the 30-FEB. 3 FCCJ Artist Series-Jackie Mason FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax HBO TV series. Valentine also qualified as a finalist 31 Book Signing-Robert Drury “Halsey’s Typhoon” Barnes & Noble, Mandarin in Philadelphia’s 93.3 WMMR’s Philly’s Last Comic 31 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Acrylic Painting MOCA, Jax Standing and in 2004 appeared in the Philadelphia Fringe Festival as a member of the Sketch Comedy Troupe Skitzoids. FEBUARY Although Vince Valentine only filled in for Mi- 1 FCCJ Artist Series-Drum, Electrifying! 4 Cultures, 4 Rhythms, chael Van Osch because Osch had a bout of food One Heart Performing Arts Center, Jax poisoning, the core of the material and all the major 1 Writers Night Featuring Bill Belleville and Al Letson Fogle Fine bits will be the same. Art Gallery, Jax Valentine puts his own Philly wise-guy spin on 1 Egyptian Film Series-“Abbott & Costello Meet the Mummy” 9th & Main, Jax Caveman, making it his own. He’s one of several 1 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax comedians that are part of the “Caveman Team.” Each of the Cavemen put on the one-man-show in 1-APR. 17 The Walter O.Evans Collection of African American Art Cummer Museum, Jax different cities using the format of the show that writer and performer Rob Becker perfected. 2 Out of School Art (Ages 6-8) Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach The show has its share of clichés and some of 2-3 “Rent” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax the lines are so predictable that audience members 3 Water Education Festival MOSH, Jax were mumbling them before Valentine got to the 3 African Folktales Kingsley Plantation, Jax end of many of his phrases. Of course, that’s part of the charm of the show. It’s not avant-garde by 3 Lunch & Learn With Photographer Will Dickey Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax 3 Book Signing: Jill Conner Browne Books A Million, Jax Beach 3 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax 5 Book Signing: Kris Radish Books A Million, Jax Beach 5 Musical Lecture Series: The Blue & Gray in Black & White FCCJ North Campus, Jax 6 Musical Lecture Series: The Blue & Gray in Black & White FCCJ Downtown Campus, Jax 6 Gallery opening; Tracy Mims FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax 7 African American Cinema-“Body & Soul” MOCA, Jax 8 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax 8 Artifacts of the St. Johns Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax 8 Musical Lecture Series: The Blue & Gray in Black & White FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax 8 Book Signing: James Harris Books A Million/Regency, Jax 8 United Way Community Celebration Florida Theatre, Jax

26 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 27 visiting mr. green Players by the Sea theatre review leading ladies by dick kerekes [email protected] Theatre Jacksonville review Players by the Sea opened their 2nd show of two plays in two years. Last year his Keely and Du the Studio Theatre season with Jeff Baron’s Visiting won an award for best studio performance and best Mr. Green. Let me warn you from the get go, that ensemble. I think this one is a winner as well. by dick kerekes [email protected] the plays in the studio or black box theatre only run The acting of this two-man cast is excellent. for two weekends, and since there are less than 100 Dustin Whitehead is perfect as Ross. Whitehead has Theatre Jacksonville opened its first show of seats available, they usually sell out. If you want to tremendous charisma and rapport with the audience, 2007 last weekend with the North Florida premiere see the current show, you should call immediately at and when he mentions he is gay, we are as surprised of Ken Ludwig’s Leading Ladies. I need only men- th 249-2022 to reserve seats. It closes on the 20 . as Mr. Green, but certainly more sympathetic. tion two other Ludwig’s plays, Moon Over Buffalo Visiting Mr. Green is probably a play you are I have been enjoying Fritz Reinhardt as an actor and Lend Me a Tenor, and that is all you need to not familiar with, but it has been tremendously suc- since the l960s and, in fact, was in a melodrama with know about Ludwig, since he is currently the funni- cessful. It has been translated into 22 languages and him at the Woman’s Club years and years ago. Rein- est contemporary playwright. received Best Play awards in Israel, Greece, Turkey hardt, with his real German accent, was also perfect Award-winning director, Shirley Sacks direct- and Germany. for the role of the Jewish refugee who never fit into ed. This is the 33rd show in her directing career. As The plot in this drama/comedy concerns Ross the American way of life and never made an attempt in all her plays, the cast is selected so that exactly Gardiner (Dustin Whitehead), a 20ish American to do so. Fritz made me feel sorry for this character the right person is playing the right part. When the Express executive, who is forced by a court order to at first, but his misery, lack of friends, and loneliness Jaguars need a new player personnel director, I visit 86-year-old Mr. Green (Fritz Rienhardt) once a were mainly the product of his attitude and lack of am going to nominate Shirley. Ms. Sacks, in her week after nearly hitting this man with his car. any attempt to adapt to life in the USA. program’s Director Notes, gives an excellent his- The initial community service visits are hostile, Anne Roberts designed the stark, run- down tory of gender-changing disguises in performance, as Mr. Green is recently widowed and set in his ways New York apartment with its worn paint walls and movies, and plays since the 1940s. Of course, that with outdated ideas. lousy plumbing. Lighting Designer Ryan Maloney did is the main theme of Leading Ladies. The pacing Green was married 59 years, and lived most some interesting designs with spotlights isolating and timing are precise because of Shirley’s defini- of those years in an apartment over a dry cleaners locations and Mr. Green in poignant moments. tive direction. where he once worked until he became ill. His wife If I found any fault with the play, it is with the I will not get too elaborate with a plot de- cleaned, cooked and did everything, so without her, music used for the many scene changes (Ross made scription; a farce is farce. Two down on their luck with her great facial gestures, but she has moved Green is lost, lonely and bitter. many visits and some were very short in length). Shakespearian actors are now playing Moose and to being a sex-symbol as well. Their friendship gradually ignites by the two Director Collins used some kind of jazz music, mostly Elk Lodges. They conceive a plot to try to con a Roger Lowe is Duncan, Meg’s up tight minis- men’s shared Jewish heritage. Their relationship is instrumental but some with lyrics. I did not recognize York Pennsylvania dowager out of her money by ter fiancée, who could care less about sex but does strained and almost ended at the end of Act I, when any of it, and felt it was too upbeat and not in the pretending to be her two long lost relatives. They love money and tries to expose the two imposters. Ross reveals that he is not married because he is style of either of the characters. I personally think wind up imitating two nieces instead of two neph- Winner of several Best Actor awards in pre- gay. Mr. Green is extremely devout and cannot accept some Yiddish music would be more appropriate. ews and fall in love with two small town gals, as vious years, Brad Trowbridge only does a show homosexuality. This was a moving evening of theatre, and al- they zip in and out of their male and female cloth- every couple of years due to his other activities, so In Act II we learn that Mr. Green has a secret in though the subject seems somber, there were a lot of ing. The rest I will leave for you to discover. don’t miss this one. He is terribly funny as the fam- his past that shapes the direction of the play to what humorous moments in the encounters between these This is a full-blown farce, which means that ily doctor not too old to chase young women. could be considered a happy ending. two men. Great acting, great direction, great show. you check all your sensibilities in the hatcheck Every farce seems to have a bimbo blond, This play was directed by Jason Collins, who Bravo. room when you pickup your tickets. As one actor and Leading Ladies has a wonderful one in Heather has established himself as very good director with in the play says, “Actors are liars; they lie for a liv- Butler who plays Audrey. You probably missed her ing.” And Leading Ladies is wall-to-wall lies. When first appearance on TJ’s stage as the Blue Fairy in viewing a farce, just think of it like riding a roller Pinocchio, which occurred some years ago. Since coaster. It will be fast with lots of up and downs then she has done theatre around the country, has and in the end you never get anywhere but you been an NFL cheerleader, sang in Carnegie Hall and have a lot of fun. done several movies. I guess what aced the role in If you transported someone from across the this play was her role as Kiki in the TV movie Bikini country to Theatre Jacksonville and did not tell Zombie High School. (Sorry I missed it. Is it on them this was a community theatre, they would DVD?) certainly feel that they had seen a professional Daniel Owen Duncan has one of the smaller production of Leading Ladies. but significant roles as Butch, Audrey’s boyfriend. Scenic Designer Kelly J. Wagoner’s two- He does have a notable moment of humor as he story interior of an expensive Pennsylvania home mangles Shakespeare and Mississippi. (I told you is gorgeous! It could put a lot of Ortega homes to this was a farce). shame. Alice Beardsley plays the old rich lady, Flor- This show has as many costumes as a musi- ence, and she was just a delight and a crowd cal, considering all the dresses the “guys” wear. favorite. She left Florida 55 years ago, but is now Costume Designer Audrey Wagner has once again back living here and finally making her Theatre topped herself, with eye-appealing and very color- Jacksonville debut. She has been in show business ful apparel. all her life, on Broadway, Off Broadway and even Josh Waller, plays Leo of the cross-dressing made three films with Woody Allen. Attention local duo. He is a triple-threat performer and not only is theatres! It is time to dust off those copies of Driv- he an excellent comedian, but he does drama roles ing Miss Daisy, as I have found the perfect Miss and is a wonderful singer. Daisy. His partner, Joel Sumner, pays Jack and I heard nothing but praise for the show, as reminded me of a young Jimmy Stewart with his the opening night audience left the theatre, in very great smile. He and Waller have wonderful chemis- jovial mood. Leading Ladies is obviously going to try in these roles. be a big hit, so make your reservations quickly. Tracy Olin is Meg, the small town girl who has the 3 “Gs”’, gullibility, good looks and great Theatre Jacksonville has a newly decorated legs! You will think she is auditioning for Cat on a lobby that is quite stylish and much brighter than Hot Tin Roof when she appears in a slip at the top the old one. Call 396-4425 for information and of the stairs in act II. I have always been impressed reservations.

28 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper since Manning hasn’t been playing well lately, throw- ing picks left and right. He can’t do that against New the rainmaker England, which has a good set of DB’s. So, in the end, I like the Patriots, and I’ll play it safe and stick with the hometown Bears to win this abet theatre review weekend. It’ll be a Chicago/New England Super Bowl! THE by dick kerekes [email protected] COLLEGE BASKETBALL I just wanted to let Florida Gator sports fans The Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre opened the audience. Is he a rogue or just a dreamer? Pratt’s JOCK know your basketball team is currently ranked #1. I 2007 last weekend, with N. Richard Nash’s l954 ro- romantic scene with Lizzy in the tack house, was a de- know most of you aren’t aware of that because you mantic comedy The Rainmaker. After a successful run light. Starbuck is dressed all in black (including a black BY: TOM WEPPEL are still in a state of total euphoria over your FOOT- of l25 shows, it became a staple of regional and com- undershirt), just as I have seen Starbucks in previous BALL TEAM winning the BCS Championship. munity theatres. In l956, Burt Lancaster and Katharine versions. And while a lot of you are out there right now Hepburn made the movie that still shows up on cable Director Lipp designed the set, the picture perfect Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... thinking I’m trying to be funny or being sarcastic, TV. western home in the 30s. Thanks to a loan from An- the reality is that this is the damn TRUTH! Gator fans The play is set in the l930s in a midwestern tiques Warehouse in St. Augustine, even the furniture NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE only have a passing interest in their basketball squad, state suffering from a drought. Con man Bill Starbuck was authentic. Lipp even managed to add a small After four games last weekend that were very even though Billy Donovan (the HEAD COACH) has comes to town and works miracles, not only on the office for the sheriff on the right and a tack room, entertaining and closely contested, we now come done a masterful job in assembling a great team that weather, but also on the spinster Lizzy Curry. Calling complete with real hay on the left side of the stage. Set down to the nitty-gritty, with four teams playing to is playing very well as a collective group. They pos- himself a rainmaker he offers to make it rain for $100. décor expert JoAnna VanderKolk added those props compete in Super Bowl 41. sess strong talent and good depth on the roster, and An outrageous sum in the middle of the Depression, (old time radio, phone) for the set that completed the The NFC Championship gives us the top two so the Gators have a damn good shot at going to the and probably equivalent to a 1/2million dollars today. picture. seeds, with the New Orleans Saints traveling to the Final Four AGAIN this year (they went last season, and Award-winning actor/director Michael Lipp The guys wore cowboy-type clothing, nothing Windy City to face those nasty Chicago Bears. WON!). makes his directing debut at ABET, and works his ex- spectacular there, but Lizzy’s plain, simple dresses Last week the Saints gave us a nice showing, So, if you get a chance, stop parading around, pected casting and directing magic once again. were lovely. Thanks to Executive Director Barbara Ev- complete with some strong running by Deuce McAl- and pause from following recruiting prospects for the All the action takes place in the home of H. C. ans for finding them. lister. While the play of Pro Bowl QB Drew Brees is ’07 football season to maybe catch ONE basketball Curry (played wonderfully as a wise and caring father If you have never seen this play, I am not going certainly a key this weekend, it seems McAllister is game. You might actually be entertained. by Cliff Rigsbee). to tell you if Starbuck makes it rain, but when you go, the heart and soul of the offense. His ramrod style Frank Healey returns to the stage for the first time bring an umbrella just in case. The Rainmaker is a very gave New Orleans great yardage against the Eagles, COLLEGE FOOTBALL since his high school days and is very believable as enjoyable evening of theatre. The message is uplifting and he will absolutely be a key factor to victory. Brees This past week, we saw a pretty strong exodus son, Noah, the very honest and very sensible member and there is a lot more humor than you would expect needs Marques Colston and hopefully Joe Horn to of quality players who decided to leave college and of the family. Physically he was perfect for the role, considering the subject but I guess that is why it has come through. But watch for McAllister, who will be enter the NFL Draft. We see running backs such as being tall and muscular and someone not to mess endured all these years. th looking for Bears LB Brian Urlacher. Michael Bush from Louisville, Antonio Pittman out of with. The Rainmaker is on stage until January 27 at Meanwhile, last week Rex Grossman made Ohio St., Andrian Peterson from Oklahoma, Georgia’s The youngest son, Jim, played by Gary Baker the Adel Grage Cultural Center at 716 Ocean Blvd in some nice throws to his receivers in having a decent Danny Ware, or Notre Dame’ Darius Walker. Then we gives the play most of the humor, as a not-too-smart Atlantic Beach. Call 249-7l77 for reservations. game, and Head Coach Lovie Smith will want the see a group of wide outs like Calvin Johnson from but not-too-young man flexing his hormones for the Just a side note, if you are a musical theatre fan, same out of him. He will have to count on WR’s Muh- Georgia Tech, Ted Ginn from Ohio St., Dwayne Jarrett first time. check out the musical version of The Rainmaker titled sin Muhammad and Bernard Berrian to get open. If out of USC, or Sidney Rice from South Carolina, it’s Rounding out the Curry family is Lizzy, in her 110 in the Shade. The dialogue is exactly the same as the weather is nasty, which it probably will be, look for like college play has only become a three-year gig. I’ll mid 20s she’s already considered an old maid in those the play except it has songs. Two of its best numbers more running from Cedric Benson and Thomas Jones. be damn curious to see in the end where these boys times. You will fall in love with newcomer Taylor Lee are “Old Maid” and “Raunchy.” Check it out. In the AFC Championship, we see a rematch land in the Draft, and how they perform in their first in this role. I did. She captures the spirit of the truth- from recent years past, as the New England Patriots year or two in the NFL. speaking girl who considers herself plain but won’t go to Indianapolis to take on the surprising Colts. The resort to womanly tricks, like flirting, to get a man. storylines in this one are huge. You wonder if Peyton AUSTRALIAN OPEN TENNIS The most important character, outside of the Manning has had dreams this week about past experi- It seems a lot of talk this week has centered on Curry family, is deputy File, a middle-aged man un- ences/failures. The Patriots know this, and don’t think the extreme Australian heat and how it has had an lucky in love and too shy to admit his loneliness. He for a second Bill Belichick doesn’t want to get into effect on players during matches. A few participants has a fondness for Lizzy but is unable to express it. Manning’s head with some nice Defensive scheming. had to retire due to exhaustion. There are two sides to Welcome back Rick Despain as File. Rick stays too Not many people, media critics included, ex- this debate. One angle goes with the belief that play busy as head of the Drama Department at La Villa, pected the Colts to be in this game, much less HOST- should be halted at a certain temperature, especially and only occasionally appears on local stages. He is a ING it! It seems the Indy Defense has woken up. They since the court temps can be far greater than the consummate actor and a joy to watch in this role. have done a fabulous job the last two games in shut- air itself. The other side says these are athletes that Bill White, as Sheriff Thomas, has the smallest ting down opponents’ Offensive play, which has been should be prepared for the intensity of the conditions role in the play, but he has his day in the sun in a very a total shocker. If the Colts can shut down RB’s Corey and deal with it. While I believe most athletes should funny bit when he tries to give his deputy a dog to Dillon and Laurence Maroney, it can be a huge factor be able to tough-it-out, I also think this Aussie Open relieve his loneliness. to them finally beating New England, for sure. should give consideration to easing up, especially This play rises and falls on the central character, But the Patriots are a veteran group that knows since a few of their courts have retractable roofs that Starbuck, and AJ Pratt was an excellent choice for this EXACTLY what they need to do to go to Miami in two can be closed. part. He had the charisma to charm the Currys and weeks. Tom Brady has been doing a good job throw- Tom Weppel talks trash on Thursdays from 7-8 ing to his corps of receivers. I think it’s gonna be p.m. on WIOJ-AM 1010, and on SportsAvengers.com damn tough for the Colts to win this one. Especially 24/7.

eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 29 camera running. Tapping the babes on the beach and have to go hunting for an old-folks home. You can go goin’ to the places where everybody goes. These race for a little bit.” Hylton talks about his races with days they got those camcorders and them little tiny Childress back in the 70s and said, “he went on to cell phones that can broadcast a single picture or a be a multimillionaire and I went on to be poor.’’ Well nascar news & notes full-length movie to their buddies with a laptop in the if James can get a spot in the 500 field and start the by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] next room. With all the gadgetry in the world today, race, there’s the chance of making almost 300K for and it’s availability to these young people (our lead- last place, which, like I said, is about 1/5 of his Cup The Monster is stirring. What is the Monster I will do it when I get me a Harley or don’t spend all ers tomorrow), the words of Bob Dylan sure do have earnings SO FAR! Now that’s the part about the So- you ask? Daytona International Speedway, what my money in February. new meaning: “For the times they are a-changin.” cial Security, will he still be able to draw his the rest else? Besides stirring, you could say it’s awakening Speed Week and Bike Week may not run at the Here again, the city seems to be the center of of the year? from a winter’s sleep. The past few days have al- same speed, but there are a couple of things that the universe, and all the good town’s folk are stash- Don’t call him goofy yet, cause with the Busch ready brought smiles to the city that seems to close- the two have in common. One is that you get to see ing those hard-earned dollars away once more. Even record he also holds the same one in ARCA, so just up between August and December, because there some real fancy rides, in the four and two wheel with the Pepsi 400 (formerly the “Firecracker 400”) don’t count him out. Well maybe in a few days ya are people coming to town. Not just any people: race versions, and then there is the fact that NASCAR only a short time in following, it’s just not the same can, but not now. Does the word “triple header” have fans, race drivers and racecar owners. Not to men- fans and bikers are known to have FUN! With more as these three big events. Hey, all that’s down the any meaning here? By the way here are his statistics tion the media that has to cover the start of the 2007 and more new people watching NASCAR, and the road and right now, all I’m worried about is that I get for 27 years of Grand National / Winston Cup racing: NASCAR season. And with all that there is money number of motorcycle owners increasing every year, that email from NASCAR telling me when John, my 2 wins (one at Talladega, 1972), 140 top fives, 301 everywhere, just ask Brian France. the influx of humanity to Daytona will probably reach cameraman, and myself can register and when to top tens and 4 poles. These all came from 1966 to Now I’m not really saying that Daytona doesn’t an all time high this year. Growing numbers of RVs show up for “MEDIA DAY” in Daytona. My first media 1980. Then from 81 until 1993 he came up short, have the Snow Birds, it’s just not the same as fur- at the speedway and more hotels sold out, with the day was last year, and let me tell ya, it was by far but he also curtailed his racing career those years. ther south or others parts of Florida. Well Bubbas Beamers and Toyotas parked outside the rooms, better than canned beer or dirt. In the weeks to come we will be hearing all and Bubbets, it’s fixin’ to get going, and if the past shows you just who is coming. The same with the Let’s talk NASCAR and Social Security. James about Benny Parsons, the things he has done, the few test sessions at the track mean anything, it will bikers. With so many trailers and haulers bring the Hylton wants to be in NASCAR’s record book as the way he has lived and the lives he has touched. We be going close to two hundred miles an hour real two-wheelers in, it’s a far cry from the pickup trucks oldest guy to ever race in Cup, and after being the must remember him by the way he has touched our soon. Over the next four weeks the speed of things and groups of bikes turning off I95 at HWY 17/92. 1966 “Rookie of the Year” he feels he’s got a shot lives whether as a driver or a person, from afar or as will only increase right up to the Daytona 500. Then, after all that is done, the city sits back at it. Why not? He holds that record in the Busch a friend. We also need to pray for his family and all But have no fear, y’all, because right after and awaits the real speed demons from all over the Series (soon to have a name change) at the age of of his loved ones in this time of sorrow. He will truly that comes the slower, but just as important, “Bike country to show up, and many of the articles I have 71, which he did last season at the Milwaukee Mile. be missed by so many as he makes his way to be Week.“ And I bet Mr. France would love to figure out seen over the past few years say that Daytona may- Let’s not talk about how it was only four laps of the with those that have gone ahead to wait for his ar- a way to get a piece of that also. Now I have never be loosing some of its charm to other cities. “Spring 258 race, but he did qualify and start and he did take rival. been to Bike Week, but not really because I haven’t Break” is when Daytona is turned into a place from home $13,680.00, which ain’t bad for a four-lap day. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my wanted to, it’s just that I don’t own a motorcycle. I another galaxy, with the way these kids travel at With the RCR Chevrolet that J.C. Weaver course, I have kept the faith: have been asked to go several times by some of my light-speed. They try to crowd a whole year into just bought from Richard, the dynamic duo of Hylton Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of friends that do own them, but it seems I never have a few days or weeks by eating, drinking and – I’ll use and Weaver have started testing at Daytona. With righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, any money left after Speed Week. I definitely have the word – “socializing” here, rather than what they his other good friend, Richard Childress, as “unof- shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but fun when I’ve spent the week in Daytona before the may call it. ficial” backing. As James puts it, “I am doing this unto all them also that love his appearing. -2 Timo- 500 but, from what I have heard, to be there with all Yeah, I’ve been to spring break before and for seniors. To show that at 70 years old you don’t thy 4:7&8 them bikers is the real challenge. Perhaps one day driven on the beach with the ole 18-pound movie

30 january 18-24, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | january 18-24, 2007 31