Drinking Your Way Through the First Coast St

drinking guide 2007 drinking your way through the first coast st. johns town center phase two | ragtime restaurant review | polyphonic spree interview | brittni wood solo exhibit free weekly guide to entertainment and more | november 8-14, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper cover photo by erin thursby, taken at twisted martini table of contents feature Sea & Sky Spectacular...... PAGE 13 Town Center - Phase 2...... PAGE 14 Town Center - restaurants...... PAGE 15 Cafe Eleven Big Trunk Show...... PAGE 16 Drinking Guide...... PAGES 20-23 movies Movies in Theaters this Week...... PAGES 6-8 Martian Child (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Fred Claus (movie review)...... PAGE 7 P2 (movie review)...... PAGE 8 HorrorFest 2007 ...... PAGE 9 home Netscapades...... PAGE 11 Video Games ...... PAGE 11 Kylie Johnson - local author (interview)...... PAGE 12 dish Ragtime (restaurant review)...... PAGES 18-19 music Music Calendar...... PAGES 24-29 Chris Smither (European Street)...... PAGE 24 Kings of Leon (Florida Theatre)...... PAGE 25 Polyphonic Spree (interview)...... PAGE 26 Nathan Holley (interview)...... PAGE 27 Nickel Creek (interview)...... PAGE 28 Crossin Dixon (interview)...... PAGE 29 arts / theatre / on stage Brittni Wood exhibit (Jane Gray Gallery)...... PAGE 30 Wedding Singer (FCCJ Artist Series)...... PAGE 31 Moon over the Brewery (Theatre Jacksonville)...... PAGE 32 The Music Man (JSO/Alhambra)...... PAGE 33 columns and stuff Native Foreigner...... PAGE 34 The Jock...... PAGE 34 NASCAR News & Notes...... PAGE 35

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 3 thisweekBallet Folorico de Mexico

friday november 9 The Gourds The Gourds are an alternative country band, from Austin, Texas best known for their 2000 cover version of Snoop Dogg’s “Gin Spoon and Juice.” Check em out at Mojo Blues Bar, 1500 Beach Blvd. Info: (904) 247-6636 or MojoBBQ.com Talleyrand Music & Arts Festival The Talleyrand Music & Arts Festival will bring over 40 bands and Pretty & Nice 100 local and regional artists to Metro Park this weekend. “This is Pretty & Nice (Fun Power Pop/Dancier Indie Rock) are the the inaugural year of what’s sure to become (hopefully) a yearly four horsemen of pop doom. The glitchy pop quadrangle event. The weather is awesome this time of year, there’s a lull formed 3 years ago and currently resides in a yellow house in between summertime events and the holiday season, it’s perfect!” Boston preparing to emerge and destroy your life with catchy –Urban Jacksonville. Bands include Spoon, The Polyphonic Spree hooks and bad irony. Catch this “Tazer Rock” downtown this (read the EU interview on page 26), The Stills, Keller Williams, The weekend. Tickets: $5 TSIdiscotheque, Info: (904) 424-3531 Bravery, Pepper, Against Me!, The Format, Arrested Development, Rooney, The Julius Airwave, Astronautilus and plenty more. Tickets: november 9 - 10 $37.50 advance/$45 day of show. Metropolitan Park- 11 am to 11 Cabaret Parisien pm, Info: (904) 425-4555 or talleyrandfestival.com First Coast Opera presents a night of music, food and fun with the very popular opera, Cabaret Parisien. Tickets $20 door, $19 The Stills advance and include show, hors d’oeuvres, pastries and coffee. november 8 Bishop Baker Parish Center, 259 St. George St., St. Augustine. thursday Info: (904) 417-5555 or firstcoastopera.com. Ballet Folklorico De Mexico november 9 - 11 Mexico City’s premiere folkloric ballet ensemble heats up the stage Wrong Turn at Lungfish as they bring the past back to life before your eyes! A blend of tech- Players by the Sea presents ‘Wrong Turn at Lungfish’ an off- nical perfection, sophisticated costuming and original dances grant Broadway hit, nominated for the best play prize by both the this company its hallmark for uniqueness and quality. The onstage Tony and Outer Critics Circle awards. It is the story of a blind musicians add an element of living ritual reflecting the regions and and bitter college professor and his encounter with a saucy, cultural diversity of the folk music genres of Mexico. A colorful and street wise young woman who volunteers to read to him in the truly powerful experience for anyone who enjoys dance, music hospital. Both come to their relationship with questions, hers rich in history and a flair for the dramatic! Tickets: $10/students, dealing with her station in life and her handsome boyfriend and $30-$38/everyone else UNF Fine Arts Center- 7:30 pm, Info: bal- his about past life choices. Both leave with hopeful answers, letamalia.com even after the boyfriend shows up. Players by the Sea, 106 Sixth Street North on Nov. 9,10 15,16,17 at 8 pm and the 11th Beth Wood at 2 pm. Tickets: $12. Info: 249 0289 or playersbythesea.org After a few years of playing around Austin in her band, and then in a duo, Beth Wood kissed her day-job goodbye and returned to the beautiful mountains of Western North Carolina to pursue music full- november 10 time. The natural beauty of her surroundings provided inspiration saturday while the supportive community helped Beth to become a standout Dan Zanes in the Asheville songwriters’ community. Now an established sing- Rolling Stone called Dan Zanes’ band The Del Fuegos the “Best sunday november 11 er/songwriter, she resides in Arlington, Texas while continuously New Band” of 1984. But once he got married and had babies, touring to support her six independent releases. Zanes opted to make more family-friendly music. Today, Dan Captured By Robots presents European Street- 8:30 pm, Info: (904) 398-9500 Zanes and Friends are the latest big thing in kid’s music that moms and dads can get behind and he’s got a Grammy to “Dubya” november 8 - 11 prove it. Tickets: $18.50-$28.50. Florida Theatre- 2 pm, Info: After years of dealing with difficult human band (904) 355-2787 mates, Jay Vance of Skankin’ Pickle decided to The Wedding Singer create a band of robots to play with. Direct from Broadway! It’s 1985 and you’re invited to The Wedding Tinsley Ellis Instead of following him, they revolted Singer, where every night is a totally rad reception for Robbie Hart and now force him to travel the universe Hard-rocking blues-soaked guitarist/vocalist/songwriter Tinsley and friends until he’s left at the altar. Based on the hit film, the Tony with them; performing music and making him Ellis sings and plays with the energy and soul of all the great Award nominated show takes us back to a time when hair was big, contemplate the inferiority of the human race. Southern musicians who have come before him. Atlanta greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer sporting Jay (now known as JBOT) and his musical Magazine declared Ellis “the most significant blues artist to a mullet might be the coolest guy in the room. The party only robots will perform their musical adaptation of emerge from Atlanta since Blind Willie McTell.” Tinsley makes lasts until November 11th. Read EU’s review of the show on page the last 7 years of the George W. Bush presidency his way back to Jacksonville Beach performing at Mojo Blues 31. Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, Info: (904)632-3373 or this Sunday at Jack Rabbits. Tickets: $10 Jack Rabbits- 8 pm, Info Bar. Info: 247-6636 or MojoBBQ.com artistseries.fccj.org (904) 398-7496

4 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Shoutfest 2007 SHOUTfest is an annual traveling one day Christian music festival featuring: 15 bands, two stages, extreme games, a battle of the bands contest, carnival food, and great times of worship. This year’s bands include Skillet, Pillar, Superchick, Storyside:B, The Afters and more. Tickets: $17/advance, $20/ day of show Reynolds Park, Green Cove Springs- 1 pm, Info: (800) 526-8216 or shoutfest.com

monday november 12 City of Jacksonville Veterans Day Parade Don’t miss this chance to celebrate America’s freedom and salute all of those who gave of themselves to secure our liberty. This annual parade begins at the Prime Osborn Convention Center and ends at the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Downtown Jacksonville- 11 am, Info: (904) 630-3690

Nickel Creek Distinguished by their youth and eclectic taste, Nickel Creek became a word-of-mouth sensation on the progressive bluegrass scene and soon found their appeal spreading beyond the genre’s core audience. In mid-2006, Nickel Creek announced it would be taking an indefinite hiatus following a scheduled tour (this tour) so its members could concentrate on solo work. See them while you can this week at the Florida Theatre. Read EU’s interview on page 28. Tickets: $31 Florida Theatre- 8 pm, (904) 355-2787

tuesday november 13 Jazzy Art Break Take a break from your Tuesday and experience the benefits of Arts in Medicine at Shands Jacksonville. The Lisa Kelly Trio will be performing. Just tell your boss you need an extra hour for lunch to lift your soul, soothe your busy and stressed mind and inspire you. All are welcome to this event at the Shands Clinical Center Main Lobby from noon to 1 pm. For more info. go to jax.shands.org/volunteer/aim/ or call 244-1142. The Stills Sir Richard Branson presented by the Florida Forum A visionary on land and in the skies, Sir Richard Branson defines the term “business pioneer.” After launching Virgin Records as a young man, he expanded into retail, mobile phones, hotels and other ventures, then turned his sights skyward to begin Virgin Atlantic Airways. Never one to shy away from the limelight and adventure, he launched Virgin Galactic, a space tourism business based on the history- making SpaceShipOne. Proceeds will benefit Children’s Surgical Services, one of the fastest growing areas at Wolfson Children’s Hospital. Florida Theatre- 7 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 or thefloridaforum. com

Madama Butterfly Madama Butterfly, Puccini’s most deeply-felt and imaginative opera, follows the simple story of love between a United States naval officer and a beautiful geisha. This opera features an exciting and torrid story line of love, sacrifice, and unfaithfulness with a breathtaking ending. Hear some of Puccini’s most soaring and captivating music in this classic story of colliding hearts and cultures. Tickets: $35-$55 Times-Union Moran Theater- 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org

wednesday november 14 Bob Weir and Ratdog Bob Weir One of Bob Weir’s best-loved songs is “The Music Never Stopped.” It holds true, even in the 21st century. As a matter of fact, as the century goes along it’s even truer. Even when his first band, the Grateful Dead, was playing close to 100 shows yearly, Weir needed other outlets, and developed an extensive solo career. Teaming up with Dead bassist Rob Wasserman, Weir formed Ratdog in the late 80s and, as the song states, “The Music Never Stopped.” Tickets: $38.50 Florida Theatre- 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787

Cartel What would you call a year in which your band sold nearly a quarter- million copies of its debut album, scored heavy radio and MTV airplay, garnered critical acclaim from the likes of Rolling Stone, USA Today and Alternative Press, launched your first-ever headlining tour and saw fans bum-rush your MySpace site to the tune of 20 million streams? “I’d call that a pretty damn good year,” laughs Cartel vocalist/guitarist Will Pugh. Also playing, Between the Trees and Holiday Parade. Tickets: $15/advance, $19/day of show Freebird Live- 8 pm, Info: (904) 246-BIRD

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 5 David eventually coaxes him out of his box and into the world. MOVIES OPENING John Cusack edges into dangerously saccha- rine territory with this flick. The movie isn’t saved FRED CLAUS Dealing with family around the holidays can from being too cute because his Martian Child is so suck -- especially when you’re Santa Claus (Paul Giamatti) and your older brother Fred (Vince Vaughn) is a a newly out- weird. If you’ve been watching movies lately, you’d of-jail con artist with a penchant for elf-tossing. Rating: PG know that weird is the new cute. I wanted to get behind this movie. I really did. LIONS FOR LAMBS In Robert Redford’s new film - But it just wasn’t that good. I felt like I was watch- - Cruise’s first drama in six years -- he’s a rising senator ing a made-for-TV movie on a women’s channel. whose fate collides with those of a reporter (Meryl Streep), an idealistic professor (Redford) and two Afghanistan-bound Luckily, it’s easy to emotionally manipulate me. I’ve students (Derek Luke and Michael Pena). Rating: R been known to cry over very touching commercials. Unfortunately, even as I was sobbing during Martian P2 A corporate workaholic finds that her decision to work Child, I was totally aware of how trite it was turning late on Christmas Eve has potentially deadly consequences out to be. I sobbed just a little harder, knowing that I in this thriller starring Wes Bently and Rachel Nichols. Star- would never get those two hours of my life back. ring: Wes Bentley, Rachel Nichols. Rating: R In the plus column, this is a movie you can take SLEUTH The updated story of a wealthy writer of detective your eleven-year-old to see and you won’t have to stories, and an aspiring yet out-of-work actor who is hav- answer any questions about violence, sex or drugs. ing an affair with the writer’s wife. The writer’s exquisitely Both Cusacks do their part to lend the movie the modernized Georgian manor, becomes the backdrop for a cat quirkiness it desperately needs. Joan Cusack, John’s and mouse game that pits one creative mind against another. real life sister, plays his soccer mom sister in the Starring: Michael Caine, Jude Law, Harold Pinter. Rating: R movie. AFTERDARK’S HORRORFEST “After Dark Horrorfest 2007” The movie stays interesting and promising until runs over the course of one week (2 weekends) on over David brings his little Martian home. Then it promptly 300 screens across the United States from November 9th to takes a nosedive into contrived sentimentality. the18th, making it the largest film festival in the world. This Maybe I’m being too hard on Martian Child. unique festival is the first of its kind, premiering “8 Films to Die For,” celebrating the horror genre by showcasing films After all, the kid is adorably weird, or at least he is that run the spectrum of horror from thrillers to gore to the when he’s talking to social workers. The rest of the supernatural. This year’s line-up is as follows: Crazy Eights, time he’s actually very alien, as befits the part. And Lake Dead, Borderland, The Deaths of Ian Stone, Mulberry John Cusack stays onscreen for most of the movie, Street, Nightmare Man, Tooth and Nail, and Unearthed. The doing a more than decent job with the material. It films will be shown at AMC, Regal and Cinemark Theaters. just wasn’t enough for me. Read more about it on pages 10-11. Info: horrorfestonline. com It will be enough for some people. If you love those email forwards your friends send with a senti- NOW SHOWING mental message about friendship, puppies, children, God and sometimes Our Troops, there’s a chance 30 DAYS OF NIGHT In Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost you’ll like this flick. My mom would love it. town in the U.S, the winter sun sets and does not rise for a bad feel-good 30 days and nights. From the darkness comes an evil force that strikes terror on the town, and all hope is pinned on a husband-and-wife cop team. Starring: Josh Hartnett, Melissa George, Danny Huston, Jon Bennett, Ben Foster. Rating: R ACROSS THE UNIVERSE Set against the anti-war protests, movie rock and roll revolution, and mind-expanding psychedelia of the 1960s, Julie Taymor’s hallucinogenic musical follows the arduous journey of star crossed lovers Jude (Jim Sturgess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) as they and a small group of Martian Child warms a sappy heart musicians are swept up in the raging waters of the volatile counterculture movement. The music in the film consists exclusively of songs made popular by The Beatles during the by Erin thursby [email protected] time period depicted in the movie. Rating: PG-13 C- Rated PG 108 min. yawning chasm of bad adaptation. This is because AMERICAN GANGSTER Based on the life of drug-kingpin- turned-informant, Frank Lucas, who grew up in segregated 1) The single father in the movie is a tragic widower, North Carolina. He eventually made his way to Harlem where Often, in the leap from book to screen, there is a thus missing an interesting point. 2) I don’t think this he became a heroin kingpin. Lucas was shadowed by law- large gap. In that gap are many movies that fall short movie will be winning any awards. man, Richie Roberts, who finally helped bring the kingpin to of capturing the spirit of the original story. Martian Widower David (John Cusack) lost his wife justice. The two then worked together to expose the crooked Child seems to be one of those. two years ago. He’s a successful sci-fi writer with cops and foreign nationals who made importing heroin so I must confess, I haven’t read the book, but I a ginormous Frank Lloyd Wright-type house, but easy. Starring: Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Josh Brolin, Common , Ted Levine. Rating: R know two things about it: 1) The single father who he’s lonely. He already has a dog, and since he isn’t adopted the child in the book is gay. 2) It has won ready for a girlfriend, he decides to adopt a kid. Be- THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES An action western awards – the 1995 Hugo Award for Best Novelette sides, he wants to do something meaningful with his surrounding the private life and public exploits of America’s and the 1994 Nebula Award for Best Novelette. life. The kid (Bobby Coleman) is the Martian Child most notorious outlaw, Jesse James. As the charismatic and Just based on these two things, I can tell you of the title. He believes he’s from Mars and, at first, unpredictable outlaw plans his next great robbery, he wages that the movie version of Martian Child falls into the spends his time in a cardboard box with an eye-slit. war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward money--and the glory--that is riding on his capture. Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affleck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner. Rating: R

BEE MOVIE On a rare trip outside the hive, Barry B. 4

6 november 8-14, 2007, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper down Claus’ toy factory, canceling Christmas. Fred Benson’s life is saved by Vanessa, a florist in New York City. is sent packing back to his shady con-man life. The When he discovers humans are mass consumers of honey rest of the story is as predictable as the national debt he decides to sue the human race for stealing bees’ honey. Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Chris Rock, Ray rising $1.4 billion a day. Vaughn and Giamatti work Liotta, Mark Moseley. Rating: PG hard to make the scenario funny, and for the most part they succeed. THE COMEBACKS This spoof comedy follows an out-of- Fred goes to a Sibling Anonymous meeting luck coach, Lambeau Fields, who takes a rag-tag bunch of with the brothers of famous celebrities, including college misfits and drives them towards the football championships. Starring: David Koechner, Carl Weathers, Matt Roger Clinton and Steven Baldwin. Rachel Weiss is a Lawrence, Brooke Nevin, George Back Rating: PG-13 standout as Fred’s girlfriend back in the city. Before he left for the North Pole she broke up with him for DAN IN REAL LIFE A widower and father of three who also his lying, cheating ways. Kathy Bates enhances her writes a parenting advice column for his local newspaper limited role as the Claus’ mother. falls for the girlfriend of his younger brother during a family vacation in director Peter Hedges’ offbeat love triangle laugher. Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, John Mahoney. Rating: PG-13.

THE DARJEELING LIMITED Three American brothers who have not spoken to each other in a year set off on a train voyage across India with a plan to find themselves and bond with each other -- to become brothers again like they used to be. Their “spiritual quest”, however, veers rapidly off-course and they eventually find themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert with eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine. Rating: R.

ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE Actress Cate Blanchett returns to her Oscar-nominated role and director Shekhar Kapur steps back into the director’s chair for this belated bro ho-ho! sequel to the critically acclaimed 1998 biopic Elizabeth that explores the 16th century romance between the “Virgin Queen” and noted adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive big stars to brighten a bad film in Fred Claus Owen). Rating: PG13 Filmmaker Dobbin wisely hired A-list actors to THE GAME PLAN Gridiron Gang star The Rock picks up the ensure the success of this formulaic holiday fare. by Rick grant [email protected] pigskin once again for this sports-themed family comedy Much expense and detail went into constructing concerning a football superstar who abandons the gridiron C+ Rated PG 116 min shop. When Clyde enters the workshop to see how the set of Santa Land and the toy factory. With high to answer the call of fatherhood after learning that he has a efficiently it is running, Fred has the entire elf work- quality production values and a stellar cast, this daughter he never knew. Rating: PG If we must have feel-good Christmas mov- force rocking and rolling with the gift assembly line Christmas genre movie will do well at the box office ies, at least this one is palatable with Vince Vaughn shut down. as the silly season takes over our consciousness. GONE BABY GONE Two young private detectives are hired to take a closer look at the mysterious disappearance of a portraying Santa Claus’ ne’er-do-well brother and Now, Clyde has the evidence he needs to shut- Deck the halls–suckers. little girl and soon discover that nothing is what it seems. Paul Giamatti donning the fat-suit as Santa. With his Ultimately, they will have to risk everything -- their relation- trademark comedic flare, Vaughn nailed the fast talk- ship, their sanity, and even their lives -- to find a little girl- ing con-man character who has more scams going lost. Starring: Casey Affleck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, than a televangelist. Don Fogelman’s screenplay Morgan Freeman, John Ashton. Rating: R. delves into the sibling rivalry and estrangement, as THE HEARTBREAK KID This remake stars Ben Stiller as applied to this case of the Claus brothers growing up Eddie, a man who is getting married to a woman he pro- with different values. Giamatti is funny as St. Nick posed to after knowing her for just one week. While on their and makes a perfect foil for his brother Fred’s she- honeymoon he discovers that his new bride is in many ways nanigans. a horrible person and at the same time meets a woman Yes, every holiday season I review one of these (Michelle Monaghan) who he begins to realize he should have married. Rating: R schlocky Christmas movies. However, this is something a little different from Tim Allen’s Santa Claus INTO THE WILD After graduating from Emory University movies, and I’m sure Allen was more than happy to in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher McCandless let some other schmuck wear the sweaty fat-suit for (Emile Hirsch) abandons his possessions, gives his entire this seasonal Santa comedy. Director David Dobbin $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska cast an army of little people as elves on an elaborate to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life. Starring: Emile set as Santa’s North Pole Village where the mythical Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt. gifts are made and given away free! Right, and Brit- Rating: R ney Spears is a great mother. The premise involves Fred’s desperate call to THE KINGDOM In the aftermath of a deadly attack on his brother St. Nick for help when he is jailed for American forces in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, diplomats are slow to act, but FBI special agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) impersonating a Salvation Army Santa. He pleads assembles a secret team of U.S. counter-terrorism investiga- with his brother for five grand to bail him out and tors to enter the city and find the criminal behind what has he has the gall to ask his saintly brother for the 50 quickly become an international incident. Rating: R grand he needs to open an off-track betting office. St. Nick wisely only gives him the five grand to bail LARS AND THE REAL GIRL Written by Six Feet Under him out of jail and sends his head elf to take him to scribe Nancy Oliver, This heartfelt comedy stars Ryan Gos- ling as Lars Lindstrom, a loveable introvert whose emotional the North Pole on his supersonic sled with the flying baggage has kept him from fully embracing life. What fol- reindeer. There, he will work to pay off his debt. Well, lows is an emotional journey for Lars and the people around in St Nick’s naive fantasy worldview, Fred can be him. Rating: PG-13 trusted to uphold their verbal agreement. St. Nick’s wife Annette Claus (Miranda Richardson) despises MARTIAN CHILD A recently widowed science fiction writer Fred and is mad at St. Nick for inviting him to their forms an unlikely family with a close friend and a young adopted boy that claims to be from Mars. Rating: PG village. Long ago, she saw through his avalanche of lies. MICHAEL CLAYTON Michael Clayton (George Clooney) Kevin Spacey plays a corporate hatchet man, is an in-house “fixer” at one of the largest corporate law Clyde, who has come to Santa Land to look for ways firms in New York. A former criminal prosecutor, Clayton to shut down St. Nick’s entire operation. He has takes care of the dirtiest work at the behest of the firm’s co-founder Marty Bach (Sydney Pollack). At U/North the already fired the Easter Bunny and was anticipating firing St. Nick. With Christmas in jeopardy, Fred is the last person Santa wants working in his work- 4

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 7 career of litigator Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) rests on the multi-million dollar settlement of a class action suit that Clayton’s firm is leading to a seemingly successful conclu- sion. Rating: R

RENDITION A thriller that centers on Isabella El-Ibrahimi, the American wife of Egyptian-born chemical engineer Anwar El-Ibrahimi, who disappears on a flight from South Africa to Washington. Isabella desperately tries to track her husband down, while a CIA analyst at a secret detention facility outside the U.S. is forced to question his assignment as he becomes party to the man’s unorthodox interrogation. Rating: R

SAW IV Just when audiences thought they’d heard the last of the demented killer Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), here comes Saw IV, continuing his trap-filled legacy -- this time, targeting the last remaining officer who has touched the case, SWAT Commander Rigg (Lyriq Bent). Rating: R.

THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE Audrey Burke is reeling from the shock of the news that her husband Brian, the father of their two young children, has been killed in a random act of violence. She turns to Jerry Sunborne, a down-and- out addict who has been her husband’s close friend since childhood. Rating: R

TIM BURTON’S NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS This stop-motion animated fable was a big hit when it was released in 1993, praised for its stunning originality and for the excellence of its execution. Fans of the innovative animated classic can experience it in Disney Digital 3-D. Rating: PG

TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED? During a trip to the picturesque snowcapped mountains of Colorado, eight married college friends have gathered for their annual seven- day reunion. But the cozy mood is shattered when the group comes face-to-face with one pair’s infidelity. Rating: PG13

WE OWN THE NIGHT Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix) manages one of New York’s hottest clubs. Realizing that his career - and perhaps his life - could come to a sudden end if anyone discovers who his family is. Rating: R SPECIAL SHOWINGS

Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Series The Jacksonville Public Library Main Branch will have a park your terror FREE 5:45 showing every 2nd and 4th Thursday of a classic film in the Auditorium with complimentary popcorn and soda. FIVE EASY PIECES will be screened November 8. P2 Info: 630-2665 or www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/librarynews/ main_boomers_2007.html by Rick grant [email protected] Night Owl Cinema Series The St. Augustine Amphitheatre will be showing RAIDERS B Rated R 98 min many months. Now he is reveling in a position of OF THE LOST ARK on Friday, November 9, at 8:00 pm. power. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Amphitheatre is located 1340 Just when I think that there can’t be another Ah yes, but what Bob doesn’t realize is that A1A South in St. Augustine. Info: 904-471-1965 or stau- Angela is smart and thinking of ways to defeat him. gamphitheatre.com. original spin on the cliche horror/suspense genre, writer director Franck Khalfoun shot this clever flick When Angela woke up as a hostage, she made Midnight Movies with two actors who play characters facing-off in the decision to not be a victim, and to fight him at This weekend at midnight David Lynch ‘s first feature film, a duel of life and death. An empty, locked-down every turn. Her actions exacerbate Bob’s adrenaline ERASERHEAD screens. Lynch took this film out of distribu- parking garage is the scene of this cat-and-mouse rush. Let the games begin. tion for a number of years but has recently re-struck new game between an innocent young woman, Angela Director Khalfoun masterfully creates the 35mm. Nov. 9 & 10 at 11:55 pm at the San Marco Theatre. Info: 396-4845 or sanmarcotheatre.com. Bridges (Rachel Nichols), and a psychotic security suspense in this large eerie setting. Note that the guard, Bob Harper (Simon Reynolds), who is hold- entire parking garage has wet pavement to add to MOCA Underground ing her hostage. the reflections and ominous look of this dungeon- Wednesday’s come alive at MOCA Jacksonville from 5 to To add more tension to the scenario, it’s like fortress. Angela runs through the parking 9 pm for MOCA in the Middle. WHY HAS BODHI-DHARMA Christmas Eve and Angela had been working late. garage trying to find a way out, but Bob has made LEFT FOR THE EAST? will be screened on November 14th. sure all exits are locked. He watches her every This is simply one of the most visually stunning films ever When her car won’t start, Bob offers to help her made. (145 minutes, 1989, color, Korean, not rated) Info: and invites her into his office so she can call a move through his security cameras, so her actions 366-6911or mocajacksonville.org. cab. He exhibits no signs of being a psychopath. In are only playing into Bob’s warped game of saving fact, he’s cordial and even handsome. Everything his catch until after he has worn her down. STRANGE CULTURE, will screen on Sunday, November 18 seems normal. She calls the cab but the parking As the story unfolds, Khalfoun cranks up the - 1 pm at the San Marco Theatre. The surreal nightmare of garage gate is locked, so she can’t get to the cab. tension as Angela is now a physical and mental internationally-acclaimed artist and professor Steve Kurtz wreck. Only her will to survive keeps her moving began when his wife died in her sleep of heart failure. Police Her cell phone can’t get a signal, then she loses it who responded to Kurtz’s 911 call deemed his art suspi- outside the gate. Now she’s frustrated and mad. and avoiding Bob’s relentless onslaught of terror. cious and called the FBI. Suddenly, Angela goes unconscious and The two actors each perform with method acting wakes up wearing only her slip, handcuffed, and verve, and play off each other with convincing This year’s TALKIES will include George Romero talking chained to Bob’s office table (think urbanBlack intensity in this fight to the death. The action and about NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. On February 2nd at Snake Moan). He treats her like she is there will- suspense are riveting, as viewers are swept up into 9:30p.m., not only will George Romero be there for the screening, he will be providing live commentary throughout ingly. Judging by his conversation, it’s obvious to the horror of Angela’s situation. The fact that there the film. Not motivated by a moderator, Mr. Romero will be Angela that Bob has been stalking her and watch- are creeps like Bob floating around our society freely skipping on down memory lane regarding the making her on his bank of security cameras. Bob’s gives the story credibility. Indeed, this film was ing of his film. For more info and to purchase tickets go to: intentions seem related to his twisted obsession a pleasant surprise in a genre overcrowded with www.thetalkies.net. with Angela, about whom he has fantasized for cheap horror schlock.

8 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper horrorfest 2007 by Erin thursby [email protected] Halloween is over, but you still have a longing for blood, gore and thrills. If so, you might want to check out Horrorfest, a film festival of 8 horror thrillers. The fest has partnered with AMC, Regal and Cinemark to create the largest film fest in the world. Across the country, those hungry for horror can see these films by either purchasing individual passes or by getting a pass to see all the movies. When it was introduced last year, it broke into the top 10 at the national box office, grossing 2.5 million. 350 theatres will be participating this year. In Jacksonville this year’s Horrorfest will be playing at Tinseltown and Regency. Check your local listings, ask at the theater or go to horrorfestonline.com for more info. Here’s the listing of what should be playing as part of the fest:

gates of a redneck infested hell. The psychotic family occupying the inherited property goes on a long awaited, and much enjoyed killing spree. As the family’s twisted motives unravel, the sisters discover a terror worse than death.

MULBERRY STREET The city that never sleeps may shut its eyes for good when a deadly infection turns its residents to savage creatures. There is only hope for a small few, including six recently evicted tenants who must protect their crumbling apartment complex as the city around them is thrown into chaos. BORDERLAND (based on true events) In BORDERLAND, three Texas University seniors, NIGHTMARE MAN on the eve of their graduation, road-trip to a Mexi- When a woman orders an ancient fertility mask to can Border town for a final weekend of drinking help her conceive, her quest for motherhood turns and debauchery. Their vacation becomes a living into a quest for survival as it becomes clear the nightmare as the trio runs afoul of an ancient mask is possessed by a demonic spirit. Will any- blood cult looking for human sacrifice. Based one survive the NIGHTMARE MAN? on true events, Borderland blends the raw fear of Texas Chainsaw Massacre with the gritty true TOOTH AND NAIL crime realism of In Cold Blood, evoking a world of A small group of survivors in a post-apocalyptic paranoia, death and terror. world take refuge in an empty hospital with plans on re-building society. They rescue a young girl CRAZY EIGHTS who is the victim of a brutal attack, but soon dis- Six people are brought together at the funeral of cover that they were followed by a savage band a childhood friend. While settling the estate, they of cannibals known as Rovers. The Rovers begin discover a map, which leads them on a search for to kill them one by one, and the trapped survivors a long forgotten time capsule, at the request of must find a way to outwit their stalkers. their dead friend. What they discover reawakens repressed childhood traumas and leads them on UNEARTHED a journey through their long abandoned child- After a sinister crash occurs off the highway of a hood home: a home with a terrible secret and a small desert town, things take a horrific turn for its mysterious dead girl who will lead them to their residents. As people vanish and nature dies, the strange fates. local sheriff investigates, only to discover that the fate of her town rests just below the earth. THE DEATHS OF IAN STONE On an otherwise ordinary night, the young Ian the horror fest all access pass Stone encounters a mysterious creature and is forced him into the path of an oncoming The All Access Pass grants the holder entrance train. Rather than facing certain death, Ian finds to all of the 8 Films to Die For®. The holder is himself reborn into a new life that feels strangely guaranteed seating and receives a Goodie Bag familiar. After his second death, it becomes from After Dark Films with horror collectibles and apparent that Ian is being hunted by an evil pres- various discount coupons from horror giants such ence, and will be forced to die every day until he as Suicide Girls and Lionsgate. All Access Passes can solve the mystery of his own life. are good for the weekend screenings only. Ad- ditionally, the passes will be valid on the weekend LAKE DEAD of your choosing, either Weekend 1 (Nov 9-11) or Three beautiful sisters learn of a long lost grandfa- Weekend 2 (Nov 16-18). Midweek screenings will ther, but only make this discovery upon the news be sold on an individual ticket basis. An All Access of his grisly death. Enticed to visit grandpa’s old Pass costs $75.00. Individual tickets will be sold home after hearing of an inheritance, the sister’s after October 31 through normal ticketing outlets head to the back country with some friends. We (e.g. Fandango, MovieTickets) and at your local quickly follow the group of friends through the theatre.

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 9 10 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper netscapades video games by brenton crozier by Norm stovall [email protected] a battle of mini proportions tribute band edition

MySims The EU’s theme of drinking this week caused me to brainstorm on the subject of alcohol. I proceeded From EA Games, for Nintendo Wii to brood over the inhibitions we are willing to let go and the things that we are willing to subject ourselves to once we have consumed an adult beverage or two. After looking for sites exploring the free beer phenom- Some people say that the Nintendo Wii is the perfect platform enon and zany drinking stories, which produced a number of ridiculously bad blogs, it hit me. When you go for family friendly videogames, and I’d have to agree with those out drinking, what is that one thing that always seems to be waiting for you at the bar besides a sleazy jerk people. Sure, there are a few titles available with content on the with a bad pickup line? That’s right, a horrible bar band! level of R-rated movies, but for the most part, the Wii is a pretty Bar bands are often comprised of weekend warriors (dudes that shed their weekday corporate gigs to friendly platform for people who love to play games and for be rock-n-roll; you will normally find this type playing Eddie Money and Eagles songs with the occasional people who don’t know much about games but still want to enjoy original that everyone really dreads), young cover bands or, if you’re lucky, a tribute band. A tribute band them. MySims from EA fits this demographic with it’s colorful charac- can sometimes be a bit creepy, sometimes funny and sometimes interesting in that “I can’t believe those ters, simple control schemes and lighthearted humor. Basically a dudes spent that much time getting that down” type of way, but they are always given more credence than toned-down version of the PC megahit game The Sims, MySims they deserve if you have consumed large amounts of libations. Anyhow, my search into the world of cover starts of with the creation of your character, or “Sim.” You have a and tribute bands led me down some pretty hilarious and often sad roads, but none more magical than that pretty broad selection of customizable features, including cloth- of the mini KISS war. ing, hairstyles, voice and skin tone. Once your Sim is made, you are off into the new neighborhood. The opening tutorial shows you how to build homes, construct www.minikissonline. and customize items for your home, and interact with the town in com which your Sim will be residing. The game is pretty simple to get into, and younger crowds and parents will appreciate the creativity the game allows. While more serious gamers may get tired of the cutesy graphics They are the “First & Hottest Littlest Kiss and simplistic gameplay rather quickly, MySims still has a lot to offer for people who like to create. Tribute Band in the World.” As told by Joey Fatale With the surge of below average and boring games coming out for the Wii that are geared towards kids, the creator and owner of Mini Kiss, the band was its good to know that games like MySims are out there. The game is pretty simple, but it’s never patronizing born on September 1st, 1996. While putting away or insulting to your intelligence, and that is something that most games for kids fail at. his vinyl records, he came across Alive!, Kiss’s pivotal album. This was the divine inspiration he guitar hero 3: needed to go forward and give the world Mini Kiss. The site is quite interesting with Joey’s stirring bi- legends of rock ography and the photo gallery that contains images For PS3, Wii, Xbox 360, and PS2 sure to haunt any child’s dreams. Although a little people KISS tribute band should have been enough in itself, I mused over the line that Joey tries to pass off as “flattery.” He writes, “I even have copy cats now!! Guitar Hero is one of those rare To me, imitation is the best form of flattery.” Nice try Mr. Fatale, I sensed the hostility and was implored to and amazing hits that has found its search further. way into the homes of millions. While most music games are fun and well http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth. thought out, they tend to fall short of the big sales numbers that other net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=50898 genres bring in. While Dance Dance Revolution is great in small doses or Not the catchiest URL, but we are getting to the heart of the story people! The Los Angeles Times in gym class, it’s hard to keep inter- (can you believe they actually occupied a reporter with this?) reports that Joey Fatale tried to “sneak past est in jumping around in your socks security at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas to confront a rival band leader, 4-foot ‘Little’ Tim in the living room in front of your family. Not to say people don’t do that, it’s just that MOST people don’t do Loomis of TINY KISS, for allegedly ripping off his idea for such a group.” that. With Guitar Hero, however, the interesting gameplay element of using a guitar shaped controller to ac- Flattered are we Mr. Fatale? I didn’t think so. Please, please, read this article. I haven’t laughed this complish perfectly-timed notes in harmony with on-screen elements is really hard to resist. The first three hard since the stunning break up of Lesbian Aerosmith or All Indian Rolling Stones. Anyhow, Loomis appar- versions of Guitar Hero were a big hit, and with Guitar Hero 3, the series has only gotten bigger. ently had him 86’d from the Hard Rock, but Fatale disputes the accusation, saying that it “didn’t happen.” For some, the new development team behind the game and the subtle changes to the gameplay seem This is gearing up to be the greatest story ever told . . . sorry Jesus. a little off-putting, but after 3 or 4 songs, it’s all water under the bridge. With multiple console versions released, it may be difficult to choose which one to get, so it’s important to know the strengths of each version. With the Wii and the PS2 version, the graphics are not quite up to par with the PS3 and the Xbox 360 http://beachersmadhouse.com/bio-tinykiss.htm versions, but they do have their own benefits. All your old PS2 Guitar Hero controllers will work with GH3 on the PS2 (NOT the PS3, however). The Wii version of the game allows you to snap your Wii remote into your I can’t locate TINY KISS’s official website, but guitar, which provides rumble for star power and ‘plink’ sounds for missed notes. The Wii version is also 10 stumbled on this site, which contains a number of dollars cheaper, and allows for online multiplayer. creepy-fantastic pictures and a bit of a biography With the PS3 and the Xbox 360 versions you’ll also get online multiplayer, with the addition of down- and explanation of this tiny battle rock royale. This loadable content in the form of songs and hi-res graphics that pretty much leave the PS2 and Wii versions in site paints Mr. Fatale as quite the miniature gangster, the dust. I have to say, after playing the Xbox 360 version of the game; the Wii version looks pretty wacky, threatening Loomis if he didn’t get a cut of his money. especially with the singer that looks like he came straight from the children’s book Where the Wild Things “I’m the big guy in this Muchkinland,” Fatale is report- Are, and the drummer that looks like he came from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater. The first one. ed as saying. Please read on as this travel-sized soap Overall, the game itself is great regardless. The developers at Neversoft somehow managed to make opera epic spans conspiracy, intimidation, the courts moves like hammer-ons much easier, but it seems that the songs are a lot more difficult and have more and little people. notes to hit. The new battle modes are an interesting improvement and allow for players to face off against Who knew that there wasn’t enough room in Vegas videogame versions of real-life guitar heroes such as Tom Morello, Slash and Brett Michaels. I know you are for two miniature sized KISS tribute bands? If I were wetting your pants over that last one. to manage an all-dwarf KISS tribute band, I would All in all, Guitar Hero 3 is a great package with loads of great hits ranging from Kool Thing by Sonic insist on calling them PECK. You can catch videos of Youth to more standard hits like Rock and Roll all Nite by Kiss. If you like rock music, video games and play- both groups on You Tube. Weigh in for yourself on this ing with electrical toy guitars (or any two of the previously mentioned things), you shouldn’t miss this one. gargantuan little battle. It’s a whole lot of fun.

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 11 just an (extra) ordinary teen interview with author Kylie Johnson

by kelliE abraHamSoN

It’s an exciting time for Kylie Johnson. The local author recently had her first novel, Fit for a Prin- cess, published. The book is currently available in bookstores nationwide and online at mega-retailers like Amazon.com. All this success and she’s not even finished with high school yet. The 16-year old, home-schooled junior carved some time out of her Friday afternoon to speak with EU about her new book and her plans for the future. For Kylie, it all started with a single line. “I remember thinking there was a very specific sentence in my head and I thought ‘That was a really cool sentence,’ so I put it down and then I just started writing after that,” she said. One year later, her novel about a 17-year old destined for a life of royalty was complete. With no connections in the publishing world, Kylie did what any self-respecting teen would do: she turned to the World Wide Web. “When I was finished I Googled publishers and Tate [Publishing] was the first one I saw actually,” she explained. “So I just sent in my manuscript over the Internet.” To her surprise and, she admits, trepidation, Tate contacted her about publishing her story. “I actually didn’t want to do it at first,” Kylie said. “I wasn’t planning on doing it; I just wanted to see if I could. Then my dad ended up talking me into going through with it.” Set in a fictional world, Fit for a Prin- cess tells the story of Kylian Skyling, a young girl who finds herself faced with huge dilemma when she discovers she is actually a princess. Unfortunately, the job description does not include sitting around and looking pretty all day. Her uncle, a horrible tyrant, is in charge and is unwilling to part with the power he wields. Kylian must decide if she will allow her uncle to continue to rule or fight to take her rightful seat on the throne. “It’s basically a big adventure,” Kylie explained. “And it’s a romance too. It’s more for teenage girls, I guess, but my brother liked it and he’s 18.” Besides having a teen lit novel in nearly every bookstore in the country, Kylie is your average 16-year old First Coast teen. In addition to reading and (naturally) writing, she enjoys playing football with her brothers and rollerblading. “I’m kind of sports-y, I guess,” she said with a bit of a laugh. Somewhat surprisingly, Kylie doesn’t dream of being a writer forever. What she really wants to do is become a missionary. “I want to work with children, so hopefully I’ll be able to do that,” she said, when asked where she sees herself 10 years from now. That’s not to say she’s done with writing. Since penning Fit for a Princess, Kylie says she’s actually written quite a few stories and is contemplating her next move. “My parents are really encouraging me to [submit more books for publishing] so it’s a big possibil- ity” Until then, the talented teen is spending time with her friends and family and enjoying her current success, which will bring her to Barnes and Noble in Mandarin on November 18th at 2 pm for a reading as well as a question and answer session. Part of all proceeds will benefit HERI (Home Education Re- sources Information), an area home school association. For more information on Kylie Johnson’s appearance at Barnes and Noble, call (904) 886-9904. To find out more about Tate Publishing or to order a copy of Fit for a Princess directly from them, visit tatepublishing.com. Finally, to get the scoop on HERI and what they are all about, check out their website at herijax.com.

12 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper not your typical day at the beach Sea & Sky Spectacular 2007 by kelliE abraHamSoN and RICHARD ABRAHAMSON

The Sea & Sky Spectacular had Jacksonville Beach booming last weekend as thousands flocked to enjoy an incredible air show, a festive street fair and gorgeous weather. It was so packed that certain areas of the beach were impossible to navigate as throngs of aviation aficionados gathered to watch the skies. If you happened to miss the weekend’s biggest party, we feel for you. EU was there and we had a great time! During the six hour air show, the skies above Jackson- ville Beach were never calm. Over two dozen performers showed their skills each day, doing death-defying stunts that boggle the mind and caught your heart in your throat. Pilot Gene Soucy and “wingwalker” Teresa Stokes were one of the stand-outs, amazing the crowd with their phenomenal routine, which at one point had Teresa doing a handstand on top of the plane as it flew by. World-renowned stunt pilot David Martin also put on an incredible show, making his Breitling CAP 232 plane do impossible feats of aerobatics. The highlight of the show was, of course, the Blue Angels. It seemed all activity on the ground stopped once the squad- ron took to the sky. Their “high speed, minimal distance” maneuvers had jaws dropping throughout their demonstration. Of course, there was plenty on the ground to do and see as well. Sea & Sky Spectacular sponsors set up booths peddling their wares and giving away free goodies. Members of the US Armed Forces had really cool booths- many offering tours of their incredible vehicles. In addition, the Army set up a rock climbing wall while the National Guard let people try out their flight simulator. Guests could meet their favorite high-flying pilot celebrities during the Aviation Alley autograph sessions, which took place all day on Saturday and Sun- day. Children were catered to in the Kiddy Hawk Kids Area, sponsored by Jax4Kids.com. A massive aircraft carrier slide was a huge hit throughout most of the day and a booth offering personalized dog tags was also a popular offering. Little guests could also get their faces painted, play games and do crafts to pass the time. In addition to all of this, the Sea & Sky Spectacular had a special VIP area roped off near the show’s center point. For $25 for adults and $15 for children, aviation enthusiasts got the best seats in the house plus a meal and a couple of drinks. This area was also home to the even more exclusive, by-invitation-only VIP Viewing Cabanas. Carlyle & Co., the only officially licensed retailer of Breitling timepieces in Jacksonville, teamed up with the high-end watch company to host one of the cabanas. Their beach-front spot, situated at the show’s center point, provided guests with snacks, shade and exquisite views of the planes as they performed their daring feats of aerial acrobatics. “We decided to join with Breitling and be at this event together as a way to give back to our customers and say thank you,” Christian Abrahamson, manager of Carlyle & Co. at the Avenues, explained. In addition to their clients, several pilots, including a few Blue Angels and David Martin, stopped by the Carlyle/Breitling cabana to enjoy the festivities. We spoke with Martin between acts and he had high praise for the Sea & Sky Spectacular. “It’s been great,” he said. “They put on a good show and they’ve treated us really well.” All in all, the Sea & Sky Spectacular was a terrific and not at all typical day at the beach. From the incredible acts in the sky to the fun activities on the ground, this is one event that the whole family can enjoy. It’s too bad it only happens once a year!

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 13 stores around town. But now these places are lined up in a convenient, well-groomed row, and there is something different about walking into one of these stores. Such decisiveness shows purpose among Jacksonville residents that we truly are worthy and are willing to spend our hard earned money on a luxury handbag. People want to seem at ease in this new environment. Although it is clearly new and very exciting, it wouldn’t be proper to display such attitudes. But when there is no easily marked entrance to the new section, when drivers are busy staring out the window while trying to navigate through the crowds and stores, that desired ease is not exactly displayed. It will probably take a few months for people to grow accustomed to the new section of the Town Center. But soon they’ll learn where their favorite stores are located, where the best parking is and how to find their way there without getting lost en route. So, it is appropriate the Town Center is not having its official Grand Opening until a few weeks after unlocking the stores’ front doors. On November 10th, the St. Johns Town Center will hold their First Annual Official Tree Lighting Ceremony in true Florida fashion- by lighting a palm tree. Or rather, a set of five palm trees connected at their base, purchased from a lawn in South Florida and shipped to Jacksonville as the centerpiece for a whole new level of wealth and fashion.

The celebration will last from 5 pm to 8 pm. There will be stage and street performances, an appearance by Santa Claus, and carolers will roam the manicured sidewalks. There will also be a lavish fireworks display to officially declare Jacksonville a city with high- end fashion. Voila! We have arrived. st. johns town But the entertainment doesn’t begin and end with the official grand opening. Even on the first day the stores were open to the public, and there was more entertainment provided for shoppers than just merely shopping. center phase two A live band was setting up in front of Bakers. One store was passing out free flowers. Metropark had a live DJ spin- ning just inside the store’s front. There Jacksonville gets ritzy was even a life-sized chess set located at the end of the center next to the main palms. Two Bishop Kenny students were already down there, putting the pieces to life. by hilary johnson [email protected] “I’m still looking for LaCoste,” said Conner Seth, holding up an oversized pawn into the air. “Have you seen it?” Jacksonville has just become a lot more fashionable. Phase two of the St. Johns Town Center is open Matt Niles, his friend and chess mate, voiced his opinion on the new mall, saying, “It’s not as crowded for business, bringing with it such high-end designers as Louis Vuitton, Betsy Johnson and Juicy Couture as any other mall and it’s outdoors. It’s nice. And I like how it’s moved upscale, too.” He also wanted every- just to name a few. But the list doesn’t end there. The entirety of the new section is introducing a new level of one to know that he was winning upscale shopping that Jacksonville has never before seen. the chess game, pointing to his So what does Jacksonville do with all this new elitism? Well, they shop. On the first day of the opening pile of oversized chess pieces people came out in hordes, albeit confused and somewhat bewildered hordes. An air of awe and excitement stacked against the bench be- was stifled by serious, nonchalant faces and attitudes. Sure, Jacksonville has never seen the likes, but it’s no hind him. big deal to us! And that kind of attitude is exactly what these stores require. Two new restaurants will Until now, you couldn’t possibly find this level of name brand designers in boutiques or department even be ready for the public by the time of the Grand Opening. Mitchell’s Fish Market, which boasts fresh fish brought in daily, and The Capital Grille can both be found at the end of the Town Center by the palm tree, surrounded by waterfalls and a luscious rose garden. There really is something for everyone at the St. Johns Town Center, from food options to store choices, to extracurricu- lar activities. Even free wireless Internet is available throughout the entire mall, offered by Simon Properties. It’s obvious upon first glance that in the making of the new, upscale Jacksonville there was no expense spared, a favor these high-end shops are likely to expect in return. For a full list of all the stores opening at the Town Cen- ter, please visit EU’s website at eujacksonville.com.

14 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper shopping and eating St. Johns Town Center dining by Erin thursby [email protected] When I go shopping one of the most important things for me to consider is where I will be fueling up for the next round. If it’s marathon Christmas shopping I’m doing, I won’t settle for the vagaries of a food court. That’s why I love the Town Center. They’ve got plenty of sit-down dining options. the cheesecake factory cocktails here, always a plus. This is a fabulous While they do cheesecake well, their menu place for corporate Italian dining. The place has is far too massive for them to do everything well. flavor, with black and whites of Italian-American The best thing to do is to ask your server. If they’ve men and women from the 1930s on. been there more than a couple of days, they can You can opt for family style dining, which tell you what the tastiest items are. That being means you get large portions that everyone said, there really is something for everybody on the shares, kind of like dining at home—the casserole menu (like their slogan says). If you’re watching comes to the table and everybody puts some onto your weight, turn to the “weight management sal- their plate. It’s a great value and you can try a little ads” section, or just ignore it completely and skip of everything, especially if you can convince ev- ahead to the filet mignon or a tasty sandwich. eryone at the table to go in for family style. Whatever you decide to order, make sure you save room for dessert. The word cheesecake is in the original pancake house the name, after all. Right now you can get one of I like pancakes, but I’ve never been to the the Cheesecake Factory’s holiday offerings: their Original Pancake House in the Town Center. It’s Pumpkin Pecan Cheesecake. easy to miss because it’s not part of the walking area, but is situated in one of the front parking lots the grape adjacent to the main road. Sometimes nothing less The Grape is a growing chain of wine res- than a hearty breakfast will do after a hard day of taurants. They focus on wine, but the food tastes shopping. marvelous and is worth trying, even if you’re not into wine. The Grape also serves iced or hot tea, p.f. chang’s coffee or water. The number of wines available by Last time I was there, everyone (including the the glass is staggering. Luckily, the menu breaks servers) was slip-sliding on their beautiful, though the wines down into ten color-coded taste classifi- treacherous, wood floors. The food’s expensive cations. but it’s got a great atmosphere to go with the ex- Mediterranean quesadillas are the most pense. It’s a favorite date and pre/post prom place. popular item on the menu, possibly because they The food is upscale Chinese American, with selec- are a twist on the familiar, but also because they tions such as lo mein, Cantonese roasted duck and are quite tasty – packed with feta, sweet sun-dried Kung Pao chicken. tomato pesto, provolone and, of course, chicken. Their Le Chocolat dessert is a study in ted’s montana grill decadence–chocolate cake and chocolate mousse If you’ve ever been struck with the urge to eat encased in a dark chocolate shell, lightly flavored buffalo, Ted’s is the place to do it. They also serve with butter toffee, caramel and a strawberry sauce. conventional steak and burgers for the less adven- They often have entertainment in the eve- turous. nings (like jazz) so check yourgrape.com under the tab of “What’s happening” for a schedule of the upcoming wine events and entertainment at The phase two! Grape. Four restaurants are launching with Phase II of healthy way the Town Center This is an order-at-the-window type of place, but the food is healthy and tasty. Ever had an or- j. alexander’s is a contemporary American ganic banana? Until I plunged a fork into Healthy restaurant placing a special emphasis on food Way’s fruit salad I never had. It was so full of life quality and professional service. They feature an and flavor that regular bananas will be forever interesting array of in-house chef-prepared prod- ruined for me. Salmon-lovers simply must try the ucts. Healthy Way Wrap, a delicious combination of wild salmon, organic romaine, lettuce, tomatoes and cantina laredo serves authentic Mexican spouts. dishes in a sophisticated atmosphere. Apparently The food isn’t the whole story here; even the they serve “gourmet Mexican food.” Can’t wait to seemingly plastic knives and forks are made of a try it. “potato-plastic” that biodegrades in less than two months in a compost heap. The clear cups are also mitchell’s fish market is actually a made of another biodegradable material, derived seafood restaurant with a focus on supplying ex- from corn, though they look and feel like conven- tremely fresh fish dishes. tional plastic. the capital grille covers the steak end of maggiano’s fine dining, though they do have an array of other Can I just say—yum. And they pour stiff things for your pleasure.

eujacksonville.com |november 8-14, 2007 15 PaperRoot and cloth. “This kind of show blends well with custom screenprinting and the people that do the cut-and-sew pieces,” says Dettra. “You don’t need a ton of pieces to be involved. You don’t have to be super professional. If you are doing something that is creative and fashionable, that’s what we’re looking for.” Local jewelry designers will also make an appearance, exhibited along the bar inside Café Eleven. Lost & Found Jewelry will be there, a company that uses all recycled, reclaimed or vintage items in their creations and will even display a “For Amusement Only” collection, featuring tax and amusement park tokens. And Salt Run Designs jewelry feature ocean- inspired, handmade pieces that incorporate vintage pieces with natural brass and sterling silver. There will even be some more contemporary styles of clothing available at the show. House of Kil- roy will be participating in the show, presenting unique boutique fashions with a flare for funk. ZulaStudio, recognized as one of the fashion industry’s emerging designers, will also be participating. ZulaStudio won Designer of the Year in 2006 from New York City’s Talent in Motion Magazine. They were also alumni of inside st. augustine’s GENART Fresh Faces Miami in 2007. closet Café Eleven’s Big Trunk Show by hilary johnson [email protected] These days, the word fashion defines much down its innovative path. more than just clothing. Music is fashion. Dance is Rosa Loves is another company that will fashion. Art is fashion. Style is Fashion. Fashion can showcase its T-shirts and accessories at the show. be anything that is an expression of the self in a cre- However, Rosa Loves takes their art a step in another ative way, a sensory depiction of who, what, or why direction, not only producing creative pieces of cloth- we are. But that doesn’t mean fashion doesn’t still ing, but donating a portion of all their profits to charity. rock it hard in the clothing department. “Rosa Loves is less about charity and more St. Augustine’s Café Eleven is taking a music about awareness, awareness that we are all a part of venue and using it to showcase their Second Annual something greater and are therefore joined by com- Big Trunk Show. Along with the SJCC, the Closet, and mon threads,” says Chris Lewis, one side of the Rosa PaperRoot Clothing, the show will feature twenty lo- Loves design team duo. Honeywell cal designers and artists who have found unique and Cut-and-sew items will be another aspect of interesting ways to use fashion as art. the show’s unique approach to and display of local “As a whole, [Café Eleven tries] to be the kind fashion, hanging off ten foot long racks strung from Many of the designers have been working hard of place that supports the arts, from music to paint- the ceiling. The majority of the show’s designers use on new lines that will be displayed at this year’s Big ing and even fashion,” says Greg Dettra, founder of vintage clothing and fabrics, cut them up, and put Trunk Show. There will be a high caliber of designers PaperRoot Clothing and organizer of this year’s event. them back together making them new again. Luna featured, providing the local community an opportu- “We consider fashion an art form and want to bring Myst and Sew Pimp are two of the designers primarily nity to see what kind of fashion is being created just attention to another kind of talent. What better way to focused on the cut-and-sew strategy featured in the around the corner. do that than to bring together all the talented designers Big Trunk Show. Fashion is an expression of the self. Café Elev- in the area?” Flirt with the Earth offers hand-dyed garments. en’s Big Trunk Show is throwing open St. Augustine’s Of the twenty designers appearing at this year’s Bella Dulce Creations provides handcrafted items closet doors, revealing all the talent to be found inside. show, most of the pieces will not be the kind of thing made of unique fabrics that are both comfortable and Come see (and purchase) the not-so-secret secrets you would find in a department store. The pieces are versatile. They often make items on an individual ba- behind the city’s own unique fashion sense November eclectic and definitive of the people and the place from sis, allowing the customer to choose their own style 14th, from 7 pm to 11 pm. which they come. The purpose of the show is to display the unique fashion sense that decorates the city. Screen printed T-shirts will make up a good third of the featured items, located in five stations other local trunk shows along one of the bar’s walls. PaperRoot Clothing itself focuses primarily on screen-printed T-shirts, using 3 Eclectic Chicks Trunk Show in San Marco – December 15 the casual wear as a new form of artistic expression, Featuring local glass artist Heather Ferman, greeting cards, embroidered items and photographic art from literally coming from local artists. Beth Sullivan, and an assortment of personal and home décor originals from 2 of the 3 Eclectic Chicks, “We find local artists who have never tried put- Marcia and Mona. There will be light refreshments and great gift ideas. For more information call 306-0923. ting their art on a T-shirt and we help them do it,” 1704 Hendricks Avenue, 11 am – 7 pm. says Dettra. And by help, he means providing the tools and Charity Trunk Show at the Cultural Center in Ponte Vedra – November 27 the resources to make it happen. Each shirt is hand Underwood Jewelers will be presenting the 2007/2008 line of designer jewelry from Roberto Coin. Portions silk-screened by the artists themselves, creating a of the sales will benefit the Cultural Center. Only members of the Renaissance Society are invited to pur- continuation of the actual piece and making it a tangi- chase this exclusive Italian jewelry, but the reception will be open to the public from 6 pm – 8 pm. For more ble, transportable version of the art. The artists make information call 280-0614. 50 Executive Way in Ponte Vedra. the designs, run the production and lead the company

16 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 17 Sesame Tuna dish. where to eat, drink and be merry.

new orleans in atlantic beach Ragtime restaurant review

by Erin thursby [email protected] The Soprano Martini from Heirlooms Down at Atlantic Beach, not far from the Sea Turtle Inn, you can find Ragtime, a microbrewery and restaurant that’s been around for about twenty years. It’s a well-loved staple of Atlantic Beach. There’s only one Ragtime, but it’s owned by the Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant Group, which includes Big River Grille and Brewery, Rock Bottom Restaurant Brewery, Seven Bridges Grille and Brewery, A1A Ale Works, Ragtime Tavern and Seafood Grill, and Bluewater Grille. All of these include page 18 dish update | page 18 - 19 ragtime restaurant review microbrews on their menu. The group owns twenty-seven eateries in fourteen states. Chef Jamie Walton makes sure everything that comes out to the tables is perfectly delicious. page 20 - 23 drinking guide | page 20 - 23 favorite bar foods The appetizers here have always been a favorite of mine, particularly the to-die-for lobster taco. We sampled their Ragtime Shrimp, made with a coconut beer batter (the beer they use, by the way, is their Red Brick Ale) and served with a hot-but-sweet honey mustard sauce. The sauce complements the shrimp, starting out sweet and finishing with a kick. dish update It’s a very fish-driven menu with a New Orleans flair. Entrée prices range from about $13 to $28, with most hitting around $18. Their salads and sandwiches, which you can make a meal of, hit MOCA Lunchtime Lectures are starting up again. Also, Café Nola (333 N. Laura St.) will be offering cooking demos for holiday meals with Chef Kathy Collins. Cost is $50 a person and includes 3 course a slightly lower price-point at less than $10. There’s the microbrewery for the drinking crowd as well dinner and accompanying wine. Space is limited, so sign up for the November 13th session today! Call as a full bar. Tina Mendez for reservations. (904) 366-6911, x225. There’s still no word on when Murray Hill’s Aurathai will be opening back up again. Word on the street is that they closed in October because of damage caused by heavy rains. They were due to open their doors back up on the 26th of October, according to the Murray Hill message board. Native Sun Natural Foods Market (11030 Baymeadows Road) invites customers, friends and family to the 5th Annual Fall Open House on Thursday, November 15th from 6 pm to 8 pm. The popular event promises guests delicious organic samples of their favorite holiday dishes, recipe ideas for a healthy holiday table, arts and crafts for the kids, and a chance to meet the Native Sun staff. Last year the Open House brought over a 1,000 people to the Southside store. This year’s attendance is anticipated to be even bigger. Do arrive early, and guests are encouraged to carpool if possible. The Ritz-Carlton at Amelia Island will be celebrating the arrival of the latest Beaujolais Nouveau. The event starts at 5 pm on November 15th. As usual, it’s a swank event. This year they’ll be displaying 2008 Mercedes Benz automobiles. It’s $74 a person, but it’s worthwhile for an evening of wine, lovely hors d’oeuvres and an excellent atmosphere. Make reservations by calling (904) 277-1028. Heirlooms Bistro (104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Julington Creek) the more dinner-oriented version of their more casual Café (9545 San Jose Blvd), has had its opening party. To check out our review of the place, go to eujacksonville.com and type Heirlooms Bistro in the search box. Are you a chocolate lover? Then head over to the grand opening of Etiquette of Chocolate (1988 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park) this Sunday. Remember, if you’ve got any dish on Jacksonville food and drink, do send us an email at [email protected].

18 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Under specialties, we tasted the Sesame Tuna. It is, bar none, Ragtime Shrimp the best seared tuna preparation I have ever had. The secret might be in the 24-hour marination in a mix- ture of soy, pineapple and ginger. This infuses the thick slab of tuna with flavor all the way to the center of the cut. The outside is finished with sesame seeds, sesame flour and a sweet and creamy ginger remoulade. It was served atop fried spinach, which was excel- lently prepared. Often, when I order fried spinach, it can be needlessly greasy. Chef Walton makes sure the spinach has time to drain. The tuna is also served with a side of their red beans and rice. There are people who are absolutely devoted to their vegetarian red beans and rice. It’s easy to taste why. We also took a taste of the Grouper Oscar, which we enjoyed, but found to be too salty. The mashed potatoes were buttery and exquisite, so I do recommend that as a side. Beer lovers should check out their signature microbrews, pumped straight from the vat through refrig- erated tubes, into the tap and into your glass. You can’t get any fresher than that. Scott Bannester, the Master Brewer for Ragtime, has been brewing beer for twelve years. He got into the beer culture because his roommate worked for a microbrewery. The roommate would “bring home the bottles that they couldn’t sell because they were either too full of beer or too short.” Bannester soon developed a taste for microbrews and began working as a salesman for a microbrewery. It wasn’t long before he made the transition from selling beer to making it and helped build a new brewery from the ground up. He pursued a master’s degree at the University of Califor- nia in Fermentation Science and continued to work in the industry. Being a pub brewer is good, Ban- nester says, because “I wanted to be responsible for everything…and it’s a more social environment than a big brewery. It’s a lot more White Chocolate Sun-dried fun to work in a restaurant.” Cherry Bread Pudding You can sign up for their “passport” program that can get you into one of their exclusive Brewer’s Dinners. Unfortunately, there’s a long waiting list to get into the program. Just the smell of their White Chocolate Sun-Dried Cherry Bread Pudding is utter intoxication. The smell of the butter rum sauce was enough to make me hungry again, even after such a full meal. Those sun-dried cherries had a great intensity of flavor, their tartness balancing the dish. They were definitely a more interesting and tasty choice than the traditional raisins. It’s a great thing to eat as the weather gets colder, as it offers warmth and delight when the weather is bitter.

207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach (904) 241-7877

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 19 landshark café A very punk rock beach bar and restaurant at 1013 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach. In the Publix shopping center. Serving: Domestic and imported drafts and bottled beers, house wines, and hot sake. Atmosphere: This is a punk rock beach bar and café with rock and roll décor that is welcoming to every type of person. Amenities: Live music ranging from punk rock and ska to reggae, sick video games, pool tables, and patio seating.

grab a bite landshark cafe This bar/eatery, in the same shopping center as Culhane’s, has become a local lunchtime favorite. It looks like it might just be a bar, but it actually serves food from open at 11:30 am to close at 2 am. Because they serve food so late, they’re a great place to go for a late night bite in Atlantic Beach. Off the bar food beaten path—their piquant fried banana peppers. We particularly recommend the fish tacos or the Mayport Shrimp tacos, served with a side of salsa and sour cream.

ocean 60 Martini bar and fine dining restaurant on Ocean Drive in Atlan- tic Beach across from the Sea Turtle Inn Serving: Bottled beer, top shelf liquors, and fine wines from their wine bar. Atmosphere: A rotating gallery of original art on the walls. Amenities: Live music on the weekend and on some weeknights.

ragtime Family-style casual dining restaurant with 3 bars at 207 Atlantic Blvd. on the corner of Atlantic and Ocean, Atlantic Beach Serving: Imported and Domestic Beers, Wine, Liquor, and full menu, as well as their own freshly brewed beers. Atmosphere: Open with very family friendly dining areas and fun bar areas and a patio. Amenities: Live music in the Tap Room, a full menu of Award-winning entrees, appetizers, soups, and salads.

cliff’s at the beach bar and restaurant on Atlantic Boulevard just West of Penman Serving: Domestic and imported draft and bottled beers, full liquor bar, and a variety of wines. Atmosphere: Sporty beach bar with a surf theme and several televisions. Amenities: Watch the game, play pool, darts, or one of their video games. bourban bayou Featuring every kind of live entertainment from live bands to karaoke.

pete’s bar A Smoky Full-Service Beach Bar (that doesn’t accept credit cards) on Ocean Avenue Serving: Domestic and Imported Beers, House and Top-Shelf Liquors Atmosphere: Filled to the gills with surfers, frat boys, real beach people, and from pub to pub old school whiskeys that have whiled their years away in the joint. Enter the bathrooms at your own risk. Amenities: $.25 pool, 1 free pool table, free ping pong, pinball machines, drinking your way through the first coast by the eu professional drinkers digital jukebox, 2 large bars.

Our professional drinkers really get around. EU has been bringing the pub crawl to readers for a year now, and we’ve gotten to review many of the fin- Watch your step when you walk into Pete’s bar. The place has been open est establishments on the First Coast, but there is still plenty more to do. After reviewing this list, I realized that we have barely made a dent in the fabulous since 1933 and I swear I saw some of the founding customers still there enjoying themselves. Pete’s brings the bar scene the way it should be: 25 cent world of libations that this part of Florida has to offer. Which means that John Dooling, Christina Wagner, Johnny St. Thomas, Oscar Volge, Katie Veltri and pool, cheap drinks, and dirty bathrooms. God I love this bar. Oh…because of Erin Thursby are going to be doing a lot of drinking in 2008 (and we’ll probably have to recruit a few more). We’ve provided a listing here of some of the the ping pong table. Seriously, Pete’s IS the beach bum hangout of Neptune pubs we crawled. Check out eujacksonville.com and search by the name of the bar we’ve mentioned here to read our full review. Erin has also picked out and Atlantic Beach, so if you’re in the neighborhood and want to hear what the swells are like, or the latest news on what happened to Joey the other some of the neat eats you can find in local bars along the way. night after the party, stop in. You will be back. -John Dooling A couple of reminders before you hit the bars. Jacksonville is a very spread out town and this guide covers bars from Fernandina down to Crescent Beach, so make sure you keep about $50 aside when you go out to afford a taxi home, even if you think your designated driver will actually stay sober. Keep sun dog diner Family restaurant with a nightlife at 207 Atlantic Blvd. Serving: A Full menu and bar featuring imported and domestic draft and a close eye on your drink (unless you’re hoping someone will slip something in it), liquor before beer – in the clear; beer before liquor – never sicker, candy bottled beers, as well as a great selection of wines and top-shelf liquors. is dandy but liquor is quicker and, of course, when drinking beers and hoping to wake up with a new lover, monitor your FPOs (Farts Per Ounce – the darker Atmosphere: Hip, clean, comfortable, and well-lit. This isn’t a dive bar, but it the beer, the less they’ll hear – I made that one up). Remember, don’t be a Harvey Wallbanger (may he rest in peace) and try to crawl all of these bars in a isn’t too fancy for a sloppy good time either. single month. And don’t drink and drive. And for the love of God don’t drink too fast. Amenities: Lift your leg in their nice, clean bathrooms. Featuring live music, video games, and several televisions that are viewable from the bar. beach bars mojo kitchen bbq pit & blues bar Barbecue restaurant and full bar at 1500 Beach Blvd, next door to The Homestead grab a bite bukkets oceanfront grill Bar and restaurant at 222 N Oceanfront Serving: Newcastle, Blue Moon, and Yeungling on tap. Many domestic and the atlantic 333 First St. N. Jacksonville Beach Dr. imported bottled beers and a selection of red and white wines. Also featuring If you haven’t yet gotten the news, the Atlantic is a bar that happens to Serving: Full bar with domestic and imported drafts and house wine a variety of top shelf and well liquors. serve serious sushi. They start dinner early at 5 pm, but the dedicated Atmosphere: this is Jacksonville’s beach bar, so it owns the beach bar atmo- Atmosphere: The original blues-inspired folk art perfectly complements the drinkers and partiers invade the club sometime after 10:30 pm. They sphere in Jacksonville beach. shanty blues bar décor. serve an assortment of sashimi and various rolls. For the sushi shy, they Amenities: nice bathrooms, tabletop games, and sometimes they have Amenities: Live blues music on stage, a large bar, 2 flat screen televisions also offer up traditional and fully cooked Japanese dinners. acoustic acts playing on the patio. and some of the best barbecue in town.

20 november 8-14, 2007, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper fly’s tie irish pub at 177 E Sailfish Drive, just off of Atlantic Blvd. Serving: Imported and Domestic Beers, Wine, Liquor, Specialty Drinks (Lunatic Soup) Atmosphere: Rustic Euro-Irish with an outdoor patio. Amenities: Darts, Live Music, Open Mic Night, Sunday brunch fionn maccool’s Irish Pub and Restaurant at 333 1st St N, next to the Ocean Club Serving: Full liquor with a good selection of imported draft and bottled beers. Atmosphere: Large traditional Irish pub, but a bit on the corporate side. No smoking inside, but there is a large patio in the back. Amenities: Authentic Irish food with an Americana twist to the menu. Scotch eggs were pretty good. The bartender seemed pretty nice, but my whiskey shot cost way too much. (I tend to prefer the scummy bar’s pricing) lynch’s irish pub in Jacksonville Beach at 514 1st St N for 13 years Serving: Imported and Domestic Beers, Wine, Liquor, Specialty Drinks, and full menu Atmosphere: Dark and cozy with authentic Irish décor. Amenities: Karaoke Sundays; A full menu of entrees, appetizers, soups, and salads; Irish folk music, rock bands, 28 import beers on tap. culhane’s irish pub at the corner of Atlantic and Penman at Atlantic Beach. Serving: Full liquor with a good selection of imported draft beers Atmosphere: Large traditional Irish pub on the upscale side. No smoking. Amenities: Authentic Irish food (even Blood Pudding), great bathrooms, outstanding service, occasional Irish story- telling, and live music.

culhane’s grab a bite Serving the best pub grub in the area is Culhane’s. Try their lush leek & potato soup with your Guinness, or get their Nana’s Sausages appetizer—lovely Irish sausage surrounded by just a little bread. It’s the Irish version of pigs in a blanket. downtown burrito gallery Latin restaurant and bar at 21 East Adams Street Serving: Full liquor, great wines, domestic and imported beers. tacos, burritos, salads and more. Atmosphere: Metropolitan drinking inside and out. Amenities: Live music, eclectic DJs, outdoor seating, great art.

Burrito Gallery is bar none the best bar and restaurant downtown. When they have music, it’s usually cool music (jazz, indie rock or avant-garde) on the patio (which they call an “urb garden”). When you don’t like the band, it’s easy to slip into the bar where the holler of the evening crowd ricochets off of the bare brick walls. This urban chic restaurant has excellent fish tacos that they usually serve almost until close. Enjoy their full liquor bar and great draft beers while you can, but save some sobriety for down the road. Burrito Gallery is only the first stop on the downtown bar strip. –Johnny St. Thomas the dive bar Bar and Dance Club 331 East Bay Street Serving: Full liquor, fine wines, a wide selection of domestic and imported draft and bottled beers. Atmosphere: This is what you thought a bar was like when you were fifteen. It is brightly Disney. Amenities: Black light room, softcore porn in the bathrooms, and a cigarette machine. koja sushi Sushi Bar, Bar and Restaurant In the Jacksonville Landing Serving: Full liquor with domestic drafts Atmosphere: This urban skybar gives you more loft than most downtown bars, it’s where Asian meets the St. Johns. Amenities: Great Kimchee and the best view of the river at the Landing mark’s Bar and Night Club at 315 East Bay Street Serving: Full liquor, fine wines, domestic and imported beers on draft and in bottles. Atmosphere: LA hip bar that radiates “nice oxford, man.” To which the reply is, “Urban Outfitters”(it used to be Ba- nana Republic) Amenities: Spacious dance floor hidden from the main bar area, separated seating booths, immaculate bathrooms. tsi discotheque Bar and Night Club at 333 East Bay Street Serving: A great selection of imported draft beers, domestic and imported bottled beers, a fine selection of wines. Atmosphere: Show your tattoos, get your haircuts out and get ready to be hip. Amenities: Pool tables, old school video games, an art gallery upstairs and an outside DJ and bar area.

grab a bite twisted martini Smoking and drinking aren’t the only oral fixations you can satisfy at Twisted Martini; there’s also a terrific selection of appetizers to pleasure your palate. The well-priced appetizers are large enough to share and heavy enough to soak up the alcohol you might be drinking. First, get a martini. Then enjoy some Sweet Potato Nachos and a Twisted Skewer Platter. riverside european street cafe European-Style Deli and Bar at 2753 Park St (other locations on Beach Blvd, at Jax Beach and San Marco) 4

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 21 tootie green’s restaurant Down Home Bar and Grill at seven bridges Restaurant, Microbrewery and Full Bar at 9735 Gate 3210 Roosevelt Boulevard Parkway (Next to Tinseltown) Serving: Bottled and Draft Imported and Domestic Beers; Bar Foods Serving: Microbrews, premium and call liquor drinks, house wines and a full Atmosphere: Casual interior bar and dining area with a large outdoor menu. area. Atmosphere: Expect brick and steel everywhere you look in this spacious Amenities: Uncle Louie entertains with yarns of life and love, there’s one-room restaurant with plenty of outdoor patio seating, including a beer a juke box loaded with your favorites, horseshoes by the highway, and garden. electronic bowling. Amenities: Tournament-sized pool tables, live acoustic music on Thursday and Friday nights, open mic in the beer garden on Monday nights. west inn cantina (aka. monty’s) Tex Mex Restaurant and Water- ing Hole at 3644 St. Johns Avenue Is there such thing as corporate chic? This Southside bar boasts micro- Serving: Imported and Domestic Beers, Wines, Margaritas, and All brews. The beer may be brewed here on the premises, but the crowd is Types of Liquors; A Full Menu of Tex Mex & American Fare all owned by Merrill Lynch, Blue Cross, and other area mega-employers. Atmosphere: Spacious bar with an attached package store. Also a patio Find yourself a wife with high-expectations or land a man on his way up the in the front. corporate ladder. Try to ignore that nagging desire to put your resume on Amenities: There are pool tables, a digital juke box, and video games to Monster.com. -Johnny St. Thomas keep the kiddie’s occupied, as well as live music and an open mic night. tera nova Nightclub (that thinks it’s the China Room) at 8206 Philips ocean 60 san marco Hwy (corner of Baymeadows and Philips) Serving: Full liquor, wine, and bottled beers 4 jack rabbits Live Music Venue and Bar on Hendricks Ave near Lasalle Atmosphere: Tres chic unless the Russian mob shakes you down for the Serving: A full menu of delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Serving: Wide variety of import and domestic beers and ciders; draft and twenty dollars your single cocktail costs. A HUGE selection of imported and domestic beers and wines. bottle. Basic wine choices. Amenities: A door guy and a VIP room. Are those amenities? Atmosphere: Quaint cafe-style indoor dining area with a small outdoor patio. Atmosphere: Cozy authentic rock bar, smoking allowed, with a laid back Amenities: More types of Euro-beers than you could try in a week; really, local feel. springfield really delicious sandwiches; decadent desserts; and a wide selection of Amenities: Great local and national live music (with bathrooms – sort of). imported chocolates, candies, and confections (not to mention a miniature the pearl Dance Club and Bar at the corner of 1st and Main just north of European market). locals Bar and “grill,” but I wouldn’t order any food. It’s like an airport Downtown hotel bar without the airport or hotel. On Kings Road, next to Endo Exo Serving: Full liquor, dozens of imported and domestic draft beers, a decent casbah Restaurant, Bar and Hookah Lounge 3628 St. John’s Avenue Type of Place: Serving: Liquor bar, featuring top-shelf and well liquors, do- selection of wine. Serving: A wide variety of domestic and imported draft and bottled beers, a mestic and imported bottled beers and house wines. Atmosphere: Dance party USA. There are plenty of tattoos and haircuts, but terrific selection of great wines and flavorful hookah tobaccos. LIQUOR COM- Atmosphere: Smoky with loud televisions and low low lighting. the crowd is generally a little more mature than TSI but not all plastic creeps ING SOON! Not to mention some of the best Middle-Eastern cuisine in town. Amenities: A pool table, a juke box, and a big screen television. like at Endo Exo or Leopard Lounge. Indie music means the vibe is usually Atmosphere: Feel sexy in this sultan’s den. Sit in the hookah lounge, take a good. table, sit at the bar, or enjoy their spacious outdoor patio. Featuring a perfect mix of creepy oglers and weekend warriors, Locals is Amenities: A light-up dance floor, trees inside the building, a pool table and a Amenities: Hookahs, belly dancing, and hot waitresses. the ideal setting for a TNT original movie starring Michael Madsen as an big patio area in the back. ex-detective searching for a petty crook that hangs out in not-so-seedy bars. This is the original hookah bar in Jacksonville. When you want to go some- How a place like this avoids having a karaoke night is anybody’s guess. Their shantytown pub Neighborhood Pub at 22 W 6th St, just one building place sexy, hit up the quaint little Riverside treat that makes you look oh-so- flagship event is Lingerie Night, which attracts the finest selection of off-duty away from Main St. chic. Not only do they have some the greatest Middle Eastern cuisine (try the waitresses and their misogynistic boyfriends anywhere on this side of the Serving: An outstanding selection of imported draft beers and exotic bottled fool and some stuffed grape leaves), but they have the best imported beers tracks. Nothing makes you appreciate your life more than watching “models” beers. on draft (Guiness, Bass, and Stella, Tucher, Lambic, and more). Their selec- prance around in their undies after a long day of serving blue plate specials. Atmosphere: This is Springfield. The bar area is cramped, the tunes are tion of wines is outstanding. They also carry a selection of champagnes. Enjoy your drink but don’t stare too long. -Oscar Volga always good (from indie hip-hop DJs to live jazz bands to punk and metal Finish off your night with some live jazz or enjoy the belly dancers while you bands) and the back yard is a great place to relax. puff on your apricot hookah. Look for full liquor there later this year. -Johnny sherwoods Bar. Period. San Marco Boulevard, under I-95 Amenities: The back yard, dog, totally. St. Thomas Serving: Liquor bar. Don’t worry about beer or wine, although they have them, Sherwoods is known for serving the cheapest, stiffest drinks in town. st augustine grab a bite Atmosphere: It is smoky but riotous at all times. This is THE local bar in San casbah Marco. Anyone who says they don’t go to Sherwoods just doesn’t remember it. ann o’malleys pub Irish Pub and Restaurant at 23 Orange Street Favored for a late night bite by the cool set is Casbah. We love their Amenities: Five pool tables, dart boards, and video games, as well as a juke Serving: Good selection of Import and domestic Drafts with even more bottle kibbie, a deep fried football-shaped snack deep fried, stuffed with beef, box that is as annoying as it is rewarding. selections onions and pine nuts. Like most Middle Eastern-style restaurants in the Atmosphere: Quaint and authentic. No smoking. U.S., the Casbah has items on their menu for those less attracted to ex- square one Yuppie Bar (with the occasional cool cats) on San Marco Amenities: Beautiful historic building with a huge front porch that hosts the otic seeming selections (like their Casbah “pizza”). That means if you like Ave in the middle of San Marco Square most amazing breeze I’ve felt in years. to try different types of food, but all your friends are more apt to hit up Serving: Draft and Bottled beer most domestics and imports. Decent wine Bennigan’s, then the Casbah is actually an apt compromise. list and an excellent selection of liquor and legal advice the british pub 213 Anastasia Blvd. Atmosphere: Clean, rich, lavish and almost regal. Serving: Imported draft beers (plus Miller Lite and Yeungling), draft cider and Amenities: An attractive happy hour that fits any budget with some great all sorts of bottled beers. They also serve a delectable traditional sausage roll gum bunch pub Restaurant and Bar 1521 Riverside Ave. local cover bands. wrapped in a flaky pastry and scotch eggs. Serving: Full liquor, imported draft beers and a terrific selection of wines. Atmosphere: It’s a delightful hole with walls coated in “football” jerseys and Atmosphere: Historic early 20th century bar in a historic 20th century home. southside bars British memorabilia. Dave, the proprietor, makes every Yank feel like a fellow Amenities: Besides a decent wine list and good selection of beers, they’ve Brit. got a full bar for those who like the stronger stuff. Happy Hour is offered aromas Cigar, Wine, and Martini Bar and Restaurant at 4372 Southside Amenities: An Internet juke box, a dart board and a small stage for perform- Monday-Friday from 5 to 7 with two-for-one draft beers, selected wine, and Boulevard, Suite 101 ers. well brand drinks. Serving: A wide selection of mixed drinks and flavored martinis, very good scotches and whiskeys, gourmet food, and 700 different types of cigars. jp henley’s Restaurant, Beer and Wine Bar on Menendez between A1A mossfire grill Bar and Restaurant at 1537 Margaret St in Five Points Atmosphere: Upscale establishment with a private club. Aleworks and OC Whites. Serving: Full liquor, domestic and imported draft beers and a decent selec- Amenities: Very clean dining area and bars, a large humidor with any kind of Serving: Featuring 50 beers on tap, more than 100 bottled beers, 25 wines tion of wines. cigar you desire and a cool ice bar to keep your drink cold without watering on tap, fine wines, champagne, cigars, and a full menu. Atmosphere: Southwestern cuisine served in an oh-so-LA folk-art sort of it down. Atmosphere: This spacious bar has gorgeous wooden fixtures, fabric-cov- restaurant and bar. ered chairs and plenty of tables. Enjoy the bar area or have a seat in the Amenities: The only rooftop tables in town and a nice upstairs bar area. mellow mushroom Pizzeria and Full Bar at 9734 Deer Lake Court champagne room. (and on Fleming Island in Orange Park) Amenities: Featuring a small smoking patio, a selection of cigars (make sure starlite café Full Bar at 1044 Park St Serving: Specialty pizzas, hoagies, calzones, pretzels, salads, and a full bar. its not stale before you buy it) and plenty of flat screen televisions. Serving: full liquor, domestic and imported draft beers and some house wine Atmosphere: A comfortable, casual, retro 60’s-style dining room with a Atmosphere: A punk rock bar where anyone is welcome. small bar and an outdoor patio. I didn’t expect much from this spacious bar with a yankee, wooden, classic Amenities: Live bands play almost nightly and they make a stiff cocktail. Amenities: The restaurant is very clean from the dining area to the bath- tavern look. They have a “cellar,” which is actually just a cooler, separated They also have a hard rock jukebox and art by local artists on the walls. rooms. 24 imported beers on tap, bottled microbrews, and liquors range room. One that the manager (Lauren) called a “champagne room.” To her There is a pool table. from top-shelf to well drinks. Live music 6 to 7 days a week. credit, there are cases displaying wines and Champagne, but it is not like a

22 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper champagne room at your local show bar. They also have a pressurized sys- Amenities: Hi-Definition televisions everywhere. 8 Brunswick Pool Tables, teenage waitress in short shorts and sneering at us, our first instinct was to tem of wines on tap. Since I’ve never actually had a Pilsner Urquell on tap, I Golden Tee, Dart Boards, 3 full-service bars, 7 Big screen (22-foot) TVs and leave, but we didn’t want to let Westside rednecks smell our fear, so we went thought the bright, refreshing flavor of it was indicative of the brand. It was more than 80 other TVs. on inside. Once they warm up to you, this can be a very friendly bunch, but so delicious it shocked me. When I tried another brand, Smithwick’s, which I Atmosphere: All sports all the time. when the beers wear off, going four-wheeling at “Smokey’s cousin’s house” have had on tap before, it gave me the same surprise. This beer is delicious! might not sound like as much fun as it did when you were all beer-faced. Apparently, according to the owner who I chatted with on the smoking patio, –Johnny St. Thomas most draft beer is carbonated with some percentage of benzene, but the grab a bite beer at Henley’s is benzene-free, meaning no draft beer headaches and a ale house wine bars vastly reduced hangover effect. They also have glass beer lines, so the beer 1756 Wells Rd, Orange Park is never bitter from invisible buildup. So when you want a truly superior beer, 11112 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville simons a wine bar (and Restaurant) Prudential and Hendricks in check out JP Henley’s. –Johnny St. Thomas 9711 Deer Lake Ct, Jacksonville San Marco/Southbank The Ale House is in the running as the most popular chain sports bar in Serving: An outstanding selection of exquisite wines. nobby’s sports tavern 10 Anastasia Blvd the area. If you look at the menu, you’ll find the usual cadre of bar foods: Amenities: Covered patio seating. Serving: Domestic draft beers and domestic and imported bottled beers with wings, fried mozzarella, nachos and chicken fingers. Their Zingers (bone- Drink Specials: Tuesday through Saturday, from 5 pm to 8 pm, a free bottle a full bar. less wings) are a favorite, and so are their chicken nachos. If anything is of wine with dinner for two. Atmosphere: Sports bar all the way. Smoky, slightly intimidating and dirty as sharable, it’s their chicken nachos, which is so large it’s almost obscene. hell. Always. Almost. the grape Restaurant and Wine Bar in the Town Center, next to Kilwins Amenities: Several TVs (one big screen) pool tables, Internet juke box, a Ice Cream cigarette machine, some tabletop touch screen games and an outdoor patio. Serving: More than 120 domestic and imported premium wines by the glass kickbacks Sports Bar and Restaurant at 910 King Street in Riverside. or by the bottle.ATMOSPHERE: Upscale and intimate wine bar. st. george’s tavern THE St. Augustine Bar. 116 St. George St Serving: Full lunch and dinner menus, imported and domestic draft beers, all Amenities: They feature live jazz every Friday and Saturday night. Serving: Full bar, great imported and domestic drafts. kinds of bottled beers and a full liquor bar. Atmosphere: A bar’s bar. It’s dirty, smoky, and dripping with loud, intoxi- Amenities: Outdoor tables, trivia nights, many TVs and a sometimes bi-curi- the grotto Wine and Tapas Bar at 2012 San Marco Boulevard, in San cated, authentically St. Augustine charm. ous crowd. Marco Square Amenities: Some pinball games, and ATM, the loudest juke box in town and Atmosphere: Casual. Serving: Eighty wines by the glass and even more by the bottle, tapas and a scenic view of historic St. George Street. bottled import brews. Often referred to by locals as “Brokebacks,” it is no surprise that the gayest Amenities: Knowledgeable and courteous staff willing to answer any ques- tini martini is located inside the Casablanca on San Marco Boulevard, sports bar in town is in Riverside. That doesn’t mean it’s a gay bar, it’s not. tions, great location, covered outside seating. across from the Bridge of Lions And that doesn’t mean it isn’t a good place, it is. It’s convenient, cheaper Drink Specials: Weekly wine tasting every Thursday from 6 to 8 pm Serving: Shelf and call liquor drinks, bottled beer, and a selection of wines. than most of the bars in Riverside, and it’s easy to feel comfortable there. It Atmosphere: An intimate, elegant little bar that could easily be referred to as just so happens there will be more homosexuals in this particular sports bar “charming.” They even have a mini grand piano. than is common at sports bars. Don’t worry, they aren’t going to hit on you Amenities: Featuring a player piano and live music on Thursdays, usually (unless your really cute and alone) and they aren’t going to look over at you jazz. in the bathroom (it’s too small…the bathroom, that is), so have a reasonably priced pint of Yeungling and watch the game with friends or meet up there st. augustine beach to play trivia, but don’t be mad when you get beat in the musical theatre cat- egory. –Johnny St. Thomas café 11 Casual Gourmet Restaurant, Beer Bar and Music Venue at 11th and A1A in St. Augustine Beach chicago pizza & sports grill 8206 Phillips Highway on the Serving: An outstanding selection of draft beers, some select wines and corner of Baymeadows Road great food. Serving: Domestic and imported draft beers, some bottled beers, house Amenities: Live music, patio dining, steps from the beach. wines, and full liquor.Atmosphere: Sporty as all get out with an open, spacious dining area, and private booths. the sand bar A1A South Crescent Beach Amenities: Sports video games, flat screen televisions everywhere you look, Serving: Liquor drinks and bottled beers. including in each booth, and a patio that looks like a football field. Amenities: Pool tables, a jukebox, televisions, and an ATM machine. the stadium club Restaurant and “Sports” Bar at 3225 Southside tastings sports bars Boulevard, Suite 8 (On the corner of Southside and Beach). Serving: They have a full bar however, all of the beers come bottled and all of hooters It’s a Hooters! They have “great wings” (breasty waitresses). the liquors are on tap. No shit. There is also a huge menu with daily specials tastings Wine Bar and Restaurant at 1515 Prudential Drive, next to the There are 6 in the area. We went to the one at 4521 Southside Boulevard, available. Chart House. near Tinseltown. Atmosphere: Although it’s a sports bar, you really feel like you’re in a strip Serving: An overwhelming selection of wine, brews in the bottle and on tap, Serving: Bar food, casual seafood, hot wings and beer. Some locations have club. There’s a bar, a few booths and stand alone tables, and a stage featur- full menu. a full bar. ing a pole. Rad. Amenities: You get to freaking pour your own freaking wine! Amenities: Do we really have to tell you? The ladies, the ladies! Amenities: Sports video games, a coupla pool tables, 8 flat screen televi- Atmosphere: “Delightfully tacky yet unrefined.” sions, and a large projection screen. This place is truly like no other. This little jazzy joint is every wine rookie’s dream. First you purchase a card, where you can put as little or as much grab a bite Who doesn’t love throwin’ back some suds whilst watching a match of ath- money on it as you choose, then you insert the card into a machine and hooters letic competition? It was as staggering as learning that there were no draft choose which wine you’d like to try whether it’s a taste, half glass, or full. Sure, they’ve got scantily clad waitresses, but as far as bar food is con- beers, so…I settled for a draft Crown and ginger. Seriously, the liquors are Brilliant! No more harassing the bartender, no more settling for wines you cerned, Hooters turns out consistently yummy bar food we can eat while ALL on tap. The crowd was miniscule and it really doesn’t have a “Sports “kinda” like, just charge up your card and float around like a kid in a candy watching football. Wings are the most popular item, followed by their Bar” feel like it used to. It does have potential, and they are working on it. store. There are eight machines with eight bottles each and they even scroll classic more-than-a-mouthful burger. You probably won’t see me back in here until they get it up to par. But hey, be through the prices for you. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and are will- your own man and give it a look. After a couple cocktails, maybe you’ll use ing and ready to answer any questions you have, there are even books lying the stripper pole. –John Dooling around with everything you might want to learn about your new favorite wine. the mudville grille Restaurant and Sports Bar. There are 3 loca- They have a full menu, serving up salads, sandwiches, desserts and gourmet tions, We are at 3105 Beach Boulevard. box seats Sports bar & grill at 4329 Blanding Boulevard Wilson & flatbread pizzas. It’s tasty. –Christina Wagner Serving: Domestic draft beers, domestic and imported bottled beers, house 103rd. wines, and full liquor. Serving: domestic draft beers, bottled imported and domestic beers, house grab a bite Atmosphere: A great nostalgic sports atmosphere complete with commemo- wines, and liquor bar as well as a full food menu. tastings rative bats, pictures, and Wheaties boxes. A bit heavy on the baseball theme, Atmosphere: The service is great, the facilities are fairly run down, but this is The most popular salad on the menu at the wine bar Tastings is the Spicy but hey, this is where Casey Jones struck out. I however hope not to… a neighborhood bar. A Westside institution, which isn’t always saying much. Salmon Skewers & Baby Spinach. It’s a salad that pops with flavor. It’s Amenities: A slew of video games, televisions, and pool tables. There’s Amenities: Pool tables, bunches of arcade games, televisions everywhere, a lightly spiced salmon atop spinach, set apart with the lemony taste of plenty of seating too. Also, on Wednesdays they have Karaoke and Thurs- two inside bars and a patio bar. the deliciously simple vinaigrette. Wine and cheese lovers will enjoy the days there is Trivia. thorough selection of more than fifteen cheeses. John Dooling just turned to me and said “This place has class…Class C sneakers Sports Bar and Restaurant at 111 Beach Blvd in Jacksonville Hepatitis.” Unlike Chicago Pizza, this IS the sort of place where alpha meat- Beach heads go to get drunk and rumble with Westside’s best. When we pushed want the EU Professional Drinkers to crawl your pub? Serving: Full menu, full bar. our way through the rowdy rabble of men outside who were leering at the email us: [email protected]

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 23 live music hacking cat’s shows calendar th THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249- 400 show 9981) Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) Chris Smither live at European Ralph Friedrichsen Jax Fair, Fairgrounds Go Ask Alice Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Street Neil Freestone A1A Ale House, St. Augustine (829- 2977) Gary Lee Stewart Shannon’s, Green Cove Springs by Rick grant [email protected] Victory At Last Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Chris Smither is one of folk’s legendary times way back in Tanya Morgan, Tough Junkie TSI, Jax (635-3024) purveyors–a grizzled troubadour dating back to another age when the Bob Dylan era. It was fitting indeed to feature folk artists were Bigga Rankin Plush, Jax (743-1845) an artist of Chris’ iconic standing at Hacking Cat’s paying homage Big Blue Audio Stadium Club, Jax (641-2301) 400th show. Now in his sixties, and after surviving to all the singer/ Blistur Rivers Edge, Fernandina (491-3849) the 70s drug scene, Chris started recording again songwriters who 22 years ago as an artist who had rededicated have gone since Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) himself to continuing to write noteworthy songs and then. ‘Shilling Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) performing with a new found purpose. for the Blues’ Open Mic w/Krank Shaft Overtime Sports Bar, Jax When I met Chris before his set, he exuded a has a mournful (786-5466) road-weary spirit–a man who has finally come to quality steeped terms with his life as gypsy singer/songwriter. Chris in blues tradition. Beth Wood European Street, Jax (399-1740) is out touring to promote his 12th album, Leave the As in all of Chris’ Target X Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Light On. His humor is self-deprecating and funny. songs, his voice Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Between songs he spins tales of romances gone bad blends in with the music becoming part of his total Chris adds his distinct style to Dylan’s haunting and his struggles to keep his name on the marquees performing style. His guitar playing is so fluid it’s ‘Visions of Johanna.’ Chris transcribed the song Mike Sweet & Friends Kingshead Pub, St. Augustine of folk clubs and festivals. He wears a cynical smile mesmerizing. The combined effect of Chris’ voice into his soulful delivery, making it his own, relating Sweet Low Down Aroma’s, Jax (928-0515) of someone who has been beaten up by life, but was and guitar flowed into my consciousness like a to Dylan’s image-rich poetry, and expressing it as Lift Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) able to get back on his feet and start again. Now, warm feeling of peace. Chris’ foot-stomping had its his own feelings. “These visions of Johanna make Chris’ second coming is much more satisfying as a desired percussive effect, punching the song with it seem so cruel... harmonicas play....and these Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) respected wise sage of songwriting. infectious rhythm. visions of Johanna are all that remain!” Yeah, it Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) Chris uses a flowing finger picking style that “If down was up you couldn’t get much higher” takes me back to seeing Dylan at the Newport Folk Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359- is precisely nuanced with clever improvisations. Chris sang on ‘Seems So Real’ with a funky rhythm Festival. 0001) His world-worn voice delivers his songs as a and deftly executed blues figures. I was so in-the- For me, experiencing Chris play was a trip back road-seasoned troubadour wrestling with the moment I was paralyzed with instant recognition in time. It locked me in a time warp with clouds of David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove big questions of life, death, love, and love’s lost of a time long ago when words and music came pot smoke and sweet tea as the blues echoed from Springs (230-9670) promise. His sense of humor saves him from letting together defining my feelings. When Chris sang everywhere and we waited impatiently for the next Cloud 9 Twisted Martini, Ponte Vedra his cynicism turn sour. ‘Cold Trail Blues,’ I could feel his pain searching for Beatles or Bob Dylan album. Chris was my time Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- Listening to Chris perform Leave the Light On something to hold on to as he traveled the long trails machine that took me back and suddenly it was back 4293) conjured up images of my lonesome walks through to finding love, but came up empty. “Cold trail blues to the future of 2007–and I, like Chris, had made the Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) the East Village on Sundays too many years ago. – something I needed but just couldn’t see. There’s a journey alive with a new purpose and feeling the joy His voice has a slight waver indicating his hard whole new crowd here... they don’t seem to care.” of the moment. Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Fortitude Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) 3 Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- 9499) Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Open Mic w/Ron Perry Tailgaters, Green Cove Springs (529-1976) Saltwater Grass Spare Time, Jax Beach Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269- 4198) Midlife Crisis Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241- 7877) Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax (260-0810) Ace Winn The Melting Pot, Jax

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Telepathik Friend Shantytown, Jax (798-8222) Dana Salmela TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra Self Employed Rebar, Jax

24 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper photo by chase ulrich don’t take my camera bro! Kings of Leon at the Florida Theatre by brenton crozier Yes, yes, the Kings of Leon and Black Rebel unfortunate dust up. Motorcycle both sounded fantastic and played Black Rebel Motorcycle Club played a power- engaging, inspired sets, but that is merely the back ful set with a huge sound that filled every inch of story to this event. The Florida Theatre apparently the venue. Their sound ran off the stage in a thick, has a stringent rule about snapping pictures dur- hypnotic stream that was seemingly Vicodin-laced. ing a show. While this is understandable, it should Although the theatre was only about three-quarters not apply to people who receive photo passes. full during their set, the crowd was connected and Especially photo passes from the band. They may mouthing the words to their songs. They had that fear that a photo pass given to press may result in full-but-raw sound that conjured up my younger pictures of the event that will lead to a review or days of begging for rides to go see Common story, which in turn could promote future shows at Thread, Juggernaut and Sella at the Civic Centre in their venue. So you can see the photo stranglehold Orange Park. It was really magical despite my lack is completely warranted. of familiarity with their catalog. My photographer and I were enjoying the Other than the police-state shutdown of my show and doing our job. Although he was ac- photographer’s camera, Kings of Leon were quite costed throughout the entire night about not taking commanding, playing almost everything from Be- pictures, he calmly showed his photo pass and cause of the Times and many of their earlier hits like was told to go about his business. I’m not sure if ‘Red Morning Light,’ ‘Slow Night,’ ‘So Long,’ and it was a slight case of amnesia or a security guard ‘Molly’s Chambers.’ shift change, but my photographer was once again I failed to realize just how good of musicians confronted by security as he approached the stage that the members of Kings of Leon have become. when the Kings of Leon opened their set. And once The dual guitar work was brilliant with imaginative again, he showed his pass and was told to go syncopation, complementary rhythms and infec- about his business. Another security guard boldly tious melodies. The young Jared Followill played stepped in and repeated their tired mantra of no deceptively intricate bass lines and Nathan provided photography. By this time, my photographer was the foundation with solid beats and remarkable fills. understandably upset and caved in to slight bellig- It is obvious that they have learned something about erence. showmanship from the industry heavyweights that Cue the fireworks! The security guard mo- they’ve played with including U2 and Pearl Jam. tioned to the off-duty JSO officers at the event and It also seems like they have taken certain cues they promptly responded by restraining him in a with their appearance. No longer the hillbilly chic chokehold and removing him from the premises. that made it so apparent that they were kin, the Fol- Then, just to drive their ambiguous point home, the lowills now appear cleanly shaven and with smart officer broke his camera. (Note to self: be careful rock haircuts. Lead singer and American heartthrob, about drinking the cocktails they serve you at the Caleb, threw in an unwarranted microphone-stand Florida Theatre, they might decide to throw you out throw-down, a couple of Jesus Christ poses and a of the building Old West saloon style and say you contrived scowl. Their rock stock is only rising, their were drunk.) new record is fantastic and they can put on a hell Perhaps it was the tame twenty-something of a show, but there was a faint impression of rock crowd, ornamented with thirty-something hipsters star cliché and ego. and teenage girls that were there to scream their It was a night of two stories. A great rock adoration for the Followill brothers that whet the show was enjoyed by the sold out audience, but an appetites of the security guards to get their hands injustice was perpetrated by The Florida Theatre. dirty. Everyone was enjoying themselves, were The good news is, many people at the show saw into the show and were following the rules, so they the event occur and sent their sympathies, along must have salivated at the first sign of trouble and with pictures they all caught of the show from the they were sure to get their “money’s worth.” Oh audience. Even though none of them had photo yes, there was a show going on during this most passes and pictures aren’t allowed.

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 25 Tough Junkie Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) Blues Moon Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) choral symphonic Inner Demons Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- 9499) Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine (824-9317) rock Kings of Hell Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) My own Sin Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) interview with the Polyphonic Spree Big Engine Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Video Hippos TSI, Jax (635-3024) by jon bosworth [email protected] Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) WHAT: Tallyrand Festival tary-like uniforms. EU caught up with WHERE: Main Stage, Metropolitan Park them the day after their Halloween Pretty & Nice TSI, Jax (635-3024) WHEN: 5:45 pm Saturday, November 10th performance at the Filmore in San BayStreet West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Francisco Clayton Bush Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) Polyphonic Spree is not a cult. Tim DeLaughter is not a cult leader. I asked him how I could join. EU: What made you decide to start Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) I asked him if their compound was like a Branch playing music again after Tripping Neurotic Butterfly Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park Davidian thing or maybe more like an Aztec temple Daisy? (269-4198) somewhere in Dallas, Texas, where the band calls Tim DeLaughter: It was something Mcilroys Culhane’s, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) home. that I was thinking about in Tripping “I don’t think I’m a cult leader. Hell, I might be, Daisy all the time and I thought I Split Tone Spare Time Grill, Jax Beach I don’t know. I don’t think you really know until you would end up doing this later on in Boogie Freaks Fleming Island Plantation, Orange see yourself on the front page of the paper. If I am, life. Once the dust settled from Wes Park then every rock band out there could be considered departing, I started to want to play music again and that payoff in a song. It is by design, but it’s a natu- a cult.” this is one thing that I wanted to do, so I decided to ral instinct for me. go for it. FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9-10 Calling Polyphonic Spree a “rock band” feels like a wild understatement. Their “choral symphonic EU: What distinguishes Fragile Army from other Spanky Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829- rock” is concocted by bringing together dozens of EU: Is there something that modern music has been Polyphonic records? 9336) people playing several different instruments and a missing that Polyphonic Spree provides? TD: It’s a very urgent rock record with short sonic Mr. Beam A1A Ale House, St. Augustine (829-2977) ten-person choir. They also have a pair of keyboard- TD: Yeah, musical texture. We definitely provide that. blasts of our songs rather than the fourteen-minute, Ron Perry The Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) ists, a percussionist, a drummer, a bassist, a guitar- We have the best of all of the world of music in our taking-our-time-to-take-you-around-the-block songs, ist, a flautist, a trumpeter, a trombonist, a violinist/ band. We can be as subtle as a feather and as pow- these are little sonic bursts. I think it’s the most rock Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) violist, a harpist, a French horn player, a pedal steel erful as a volcano. With the musicality of the group record we’ve put out. Those characteristics are dif- Kelly Scott Quintet The Brick, Jax (387-0606) player, a theremin player and an electronic effects it’s an amazing experience. ferent. Livid Cap’n Odie’s, Jax Beach (241-8848) person. Their 25 piece band makes Skynyrd look like a trio. EU: Why the outfits? EU: What do you enjoy about the immensity and Dueling Pianos Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax In the past, when they opened for David Bowie TD: To unify the group. I thought street clothes were communal aspects of Polyphonic Spree? Quest Players Grille, Orange Park (264-4633) on his tour, they wore matching robes that made a bit too distracting. People try to sum you up by TD: It’s a necessity [to have so many musicians], Don David Trio Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829- them look like moonies with too much hair. Although what you’re wearing and I thought if we’re all wear- the songs wouldn’t exist without it, that’s the point. 2329) they looked like a New Age sect that traveled in a ing the same thing then we can dispel that distrac- It is what it is. It was built by design and it oper- time machine from the sixties, their sound is more tion and listen to the music. ates exactly how it’s supposed to and I love it. It’s Stu Weaver Mizu Jananese Restaurant, Jax like The Flaming Lips and the Electric Light Orches- like talking about the big choruses (laughing) when The Outcasts The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451) tra, writing heroic anthems for unseen heroes. EU: The uniforms for this album are much more you get all of these things all running on all eight Chuck Nash Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) Tim DeLaughter and two of his Tripping Daisy institutionalized than the flowing robes of the previ- cylinders, it’s undeniable, and I love that aspect of bandmates, Mark Pirro and Bryan Wakeland, started ous albums, what spurned the change? the group. Livid Overtime Grille, Jax Polyphonic Spree back in 2000. On their new album, TD: It’s kind of mocking our environment, where Little Green Men Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249- The Fragile Army, the group appears in black mili- we’re at right now. The spirit of the war here in Polyphonic Spree rolls into town as part of the 5181) our country and being streamlined for the future, it Talleyrand Festival on November 10th, their set will Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) seemed appropriate for right now. We still have the happen on the main stage at 5:45 pm and Tim feels robes, but it was just something interesting, some- that it is really important that you see this show. Soulo Ragtime Tavern, Jax Beach (241-7877) thing different. “Polyphonic Spree, in my opinion, is a band Spade McQuade Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246- you gotta see. You gotta take care of them, because 4293) EU: Every song is so anthemic, is that intentional or I don’t know how much longer I can do this…It re- Big Al & the Kaholics Square One, Jax (306-9004) a by-product of writing such enormous songs? ally is a remarkable show and it’s a huge force that TD: I love choruses and I love a big payoff. It’s more people shouldn’t miss. I implore them to come on an internal desire that I need as a songwriter, I need out, get a kick in the pants and have a good time.” SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Talleyrand Music & Arts Festival-Spoon, Metro Park, Jax Keller Williams, Polyphonic Spree, Against Me & More BayStreet Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Lyons Sharky’s Place, Orange Park (215-5890) Run Kid Run Murray Hill, Jax (388-7807) Karl Denson Trio Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246- 2473) After Eleven Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Scenic Void Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) Southern Wailers Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241- 6453) Dan Zanes Florida Theatre, Jax

26 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Rock the Casa Morocco Shrine, Jax The Elrods Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269- 4198) Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) fair play Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine (824-9317) interview with local rocker Bobby Flynn Culhane’s, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) Nathan Holley Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, Jax (287-9900) by Rick grant [email protected] Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax

What: Nathan Holley “Yes, I was thrilled to SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Where: Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair be booked for the Fair. It’s When: Saturday, November 10th at 8 pm a great opportunity for me Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) to showcase my material John Thomas Group Shelby’s, Atlantic Beach (249- A year ago I crossed paths with Nathan Holley in front of a large audience 5182) at a solo gig inside Sneakers at the Beach. Indeed, I of many different types Flashback Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269- was impressed with his original songs and technical of people. And, I’m going 4198) ability to loop the rhythms he plays against, greatly out as a solo act. I have Captured By Robots Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) expanding his sound. There is no prerecorded music been rehearsing with two other musicians, which Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) and his rhythm loops are set up live. Since Nathan will become my new band, Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax but we’re not ready yet to moved to Jax from Chicago, Illinois two years ago, Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax he has been steadily gigging five to six nights a week play such a prestigious as his sole source of income. gig. So I’ll do what I do Colton McKenna Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829- Clearly, since Nathan set up shop in Jax, he best for now, playing with 2329) has built up a loyal fan base. He’s recorded four CDs augmentation to achieve a David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) produced by his friend in Chicago, producer/engineer fuller sound. Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) Eric Gross. His latest CD, soon to be released, is “In the past, I’ve titled Illiorida (Illinois + Florida). shared the stage with Bon Pillar, Storyside B Reynolds Park, Green Cove Springs At 10-years old Nathan took up the drums, Jovi, Goo Goo Dolls, Ja but he soon realized that he wanted to be out front. Rule, Ciara, Better than Demiricous Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Some years later he learned to play the guitar and Ezra, Seven Mary Three, Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829- sing lead. After playing gigs in Chicago and then and many other acts. I’ve 8646) Jacksonville, Nathan has proven he can write catchy, played Orlando’s House Mike Lyons Duo Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach original music that he can present in commercial of Blues, Tweeter Center, (241-7877) settings, winning over his audiences. Recently, Mississippi Nights, Free- Nathan formed a band with Willi Neal on drums and bird Live, Jack Rabbits, 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) Justin Mandel on bass. and many other showcase El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) In my review of Nathan’s show last year I said, clubs. Before and after my gig at the Fair, I will meet ments of modern rock with contemporary folk woven Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine “Really talented songwriters are rare in a business and greet people with the WAPE’s on-air personali- into the fabric of his orchestration. His rhythms (825-6775) overcrowded with wannabes. But Nathan is the real ties at their booth. This is a big deal for me,” Nathan cover the spectrum of modern rock, including reg- deal. He writes songs with hit potential and performs said. gae and funkadelic. In other words, Nathan’s music them with charismatic verve.” To refresh my memory, before writing this is fiercely original yet it begs for second and third MONDAY, NOVEMBER 12 When I learned that Nathan had been booked piece, I listened to Nathan’s music on his MySpace replays. I’m sure Nathan will be a big hit at the Fair. Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) for a Fair gig Saturday, Nov.10th, I called him to chat website. I was struck by how well he has assimilated Whatever happens, his Fair gig will be a great refer- about this remarkable coup. his influences into an original sound that has ele- ence for his resume. Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Chris C-4 Mann The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451) Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) The Laysan Rail Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Tiffany Lee Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- 4293) Goliath & Dorian Lopez Casbah, Jax (981-9966) Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765)

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Second String Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829- 8646) Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) Boogie Freaks Sharky’s Place, Orange Park (215- 5890) Blistur Rivers Edge, Fernandina (491-3849) Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 27 BlameShift Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Lickin Gravy The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451) fond farewells Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827- 1822) Scenic Void Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) interview with Nickel Creek Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach by hilary johnson [email protected] Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) expanded our range of Chelsea Saddler Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) WHO: Nickel Creek WHERE: Florida Theatre writing, playing, soloing… Mystic Dino Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) WHEN: Monday, November 12th everything. Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax EU: Why did the band Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) Nickel Creek, a band notorious for it’s rock- infused bluegrass sound, a sound almost impossible decide to go on hiatus? Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach to define but wonderful to experience, is coming to SW: We have been a band (246-4293) Jacksonville’s Florida Theatre on November 12. As for 18 years. I’m only Ron Perry Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) the band prepares to go on an indefinite hiatus after 26, so since I was eight El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) performing together for the past eighteen years, the and Chris was eight and Farewell (for now) Tour will end just weeks after they Sean was twelve. The way come through the First Coast. EU got on the phone the band works is all or TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13-14 with the three-piece’s violinist, Sarah Watkins, to nothing. So, we have to Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) discuss their music, their lives, and how they are work really hard to write saying goodbye. a record, record a record, and then tour a record. For WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14 EU: How do you think the band’s approach to music doing 120 shows a year in addition to writing and will probably be touring with them, opening for them recording, that keeps us very busy. It’s a nervous and playing with them. And Chris has his record Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) has morphed and progressed over the years? Sarah Watkins: Our musical understandings when breakdown waiting to happen. After Watching the with Punch Brothers, his new band. It’s amazing. John Waters The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-2451) we were eight were not the broadest. As we’ve Fire Die, a record we really identify with and are I listened to it last night. I am really excited to see Chuck Prophet Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) gotten older we have tried to identify, listen to and really proud of, we all agreed this was the perfect where each of us is going. place to put it down for a while. It could be forever or Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) be excited by a much broader spectrum. It’s almost impossible for that not to come through when we’re it could be for ten or fifteen years. EU: What will you miss most about Nickel Creek? Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) playing. We grew up imitating songs we really SW: It’s a really great lifestyle. It keeps me away Tokyo Rose Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) enjoyed. Sometimes they were Radiohead songs, EU: How has this last tour been, knowing it’s your from home, but I feel like I’ve been in college all final one? these years, and I’m finally graduating. You will miss Cartel Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) sometimes blues songs, sometimes Irish songs. I think that has made us a little more capable and SW: Really great, really fun. It’s getting more and the gang. You miss living on a bus and driving down Bob Weir & Rat Dog Florida Theatre, Jax more fun too. We are two and half weeks from a road to a town where you know you sold enough Wes Cobb Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) the end [of the tour]. It’s getting more and more tickets to help keep you alive for another day. But fun every night. There is a little bit of a relief from on the other hand, I think it’s a really good thing for Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) pressure, touring with people we love. The guy who us to get out of. In terms of a musician’s life and Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (737-9938) will be out for your show is a comedian friend of what is required to be creative. Being outside of this Rebecca Zapen The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) ours from Los Angeles. He’s great. So this whole particular band has sparked a new flame under our tour has been a really wonderful experience. butts to produce more and to be more individual. Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) EU: What do you (each) plan to do after the tour Sarah, Chris and Sean will be taking the Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) ends? beautiful stage of the Florida Theatre next week Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) SW: I’m going to make a record this winter. I haven’t to present their parting gift to all of their fans in Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax made a record before and I’m really excited about Jacksonville. it. John Paul Jones is going to produce it. Hopefully “We always want people to leave the show Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) that will be out by the end of the summer. That will having been lifted up a little bit, having been inspired The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396- be my main focus, but I really want to be actively in some part of their life, whether it’s musically or 3396) involved in a couple main projects. Immediately, my just their spirit being lifted if they are going through a El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) brother is doing a record. He just finished it with a hard time.” friend of ours, John Foreman, who is a singer and To learn how the band has redefined itself, Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune songwriter. But he’s a friend and lives really close what indie bands Sarah has been listening to and Beach (241-8221) by so they just started collaborating for fun. They some of their most memorable moments from Sidewalk 65 Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) decided they really enjoyed working together and their long career, read the entire interview at Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) so they’ve made a proper record. It’s really great. I eujacksonville.com Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) upcoming concerts

Wiggles Nov. 15, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Slightly Stoopid Nov. 15, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Jeff Coffin Nov. 15, Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 Spill Canvas Nov. 17, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Planetfest 8 w/ Breaking Benjamin, Finger Eleven, Seether, Sum 41, Drowning Pool, Operator and more, Nov. 17, Metro Park Hawthorne Heights/Amber Pacific Nov. 19, Freebird Live, 246-2473

28 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper of country. We’ve been together for three years now. All of us are from small towns in Mississippi. All four ZoSo Nov. 23, Freebird Live, 246-2473 of us had been playing in different bands for many Jucifer Nov. 23, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 years. The drummer and I decided to form a band Zoso Nov. 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 and two of the guys from another band we knew liked what we were doing and decided to join us. Lalah Hathaway Nov. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Charlie Grantham and Brandon Hyde were in a rock The Electric Six Nov. 24, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 band before joining us. So, when we started out we Wynonna Nov. 30, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 realized we had great chemistry together and this could be a band worth pushing to the top. It just fell Kelly Joe Phelps Nov. 30, Café Eleven, 460-9311 into place–our harmonies were perfect and we get along well on the road, even though we are all different personalities.” Dinosaur Jr. “We’re not one of those bands that just got signed and hadn’t played out much. We all have been playing professionally most of our lives in clubs and bars. So, we knew how to work an audience. This gave us a big advantage. And we love playing live and being on the road. “In Mississippi, we built up a following of fans just from the clubs we were playing. Now we’re playing nationally, everywhere we go we win over new fans who join our fan group online. Since we are more of a Southern rock band, we crossover into the country music scene as well as the rock [scene]. Dinosaur Jr. Dec 1, Freebird Live, 246-2473 “In country we can play more ballads than we would if we were strictly a rock band. But we can Lee Boys Dec. 1, Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 a rockin road to country rock out with our up-tempo songs. We’ve been do- Nekromantix Dec. 4, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 ing our radio tour and appearing on radio shows and All That Remains Dec.5, Freebird Live our fan group has increased exponentially. The fair circuit exposes our music to a cross-section of the Col Bruce & The Quark Alliance Dec. 6, Freebird Live, 246- interview with Crossin Dixon population of the towns where the fairs are being 2473 produced. And the audiences are very enthusiastic. Keith Urban December 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 We love playing fairs. by Rick grant [email protected] Rev. Billy Wirtz Dec. 7, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 “We’ve also been opening up for headliners Crossin Dixon formed three years ago, caus- drums. This unadulterated rocking country band is a such as Chris Cagle. Last year, we played the Jack- David Wilcox Dec. 8, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 ing quite a stir in the clubs and among radio DJs. In Southern rock band crossed with country roots. The sonville Landing. The place was jam-packed and the The Avett Brothers Dec. 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 taut groove machine comes on strong and kicks-butt people really went wild over our music. So we have 2006 the band met record producer Michael Knox Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 and signed a record deal with Broken Bow records in with a no-frills rock-country sound. fond memories of Jacksonville.” Nashville. In July 2007, the band released their first Prior to the Crossin Dixon’s live show at the Jason went on to say that they have completed Peter White Christmas Dec.12, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 single, ‘Guitar Slinger,’ from their first album, which Jax Fair November 11th, I called Jason Miller to chat their self-titled album for Broken Bow which will be Johnny Winter Dec. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 about the band’s evolution from bar band to signed released after Christmas. They are waiting on a re- is soon to be released. Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Dec. 27, Florida Theatre, The band consists of Jason Miller on lead artist. They were just pulling into a truck stop for a lease date from the record company. 355-2787 vocals, Brandon Hyde on guitar and vocals, Charlie lunch break. This is a noteworthy group of experienced mu- Grantham on bass and vocals, and Michael Bole on “Yeah we’re in the Deep South now, our kind sicians who are living their dream of big time suc- JJ Grey & MOFRO Dec. 28-31, Freebird Live, 246-2473 cess. Jason was humble and appreciated my interest Willie Nelson Jan. 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 in his band. I checked out the bands’ music on Taj Mahal Jan. 11, The Florida Theatre Rhapsody and I was impressed by its hard rocking, redneck-fueled sound that took the rock’n’roll road to Riders in the Sky Jan. 12, Florida Theatre country and got everyone rocking. Galatic Jan.13, Freebird Live Kathy Griffin Jan. 17, Florida Theatre Roy Clark and Junior Brown Jan.18, Florida Theatre Cherryholmes Jan. 26, Florida Theatre Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 28, Florida Theatre Classic Albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV Feb. 5, Florida Theatre Trisha Yearwood Feb.14, Florida Theatre The B-52’s Feb. 15, Florida Theatre The 15th Annual Great Guitar Gathering Feb.22, Florida Theatre John Edward March 3, Florida Theatre Freda Payne - Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald March 6, Florida Theatre Blue Man Group March 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Classic Albums Live - Sgt. Pepper March 16, Florida Theatre

JUST ANNOUNCED

Michael Bublé on February 24 at the Jacksonville Arena. Reserved seat tickets on sale Friday, Nov. 9, 10 am at ticketmaster.com, ticketmaster outlets, Arena Box Office or by phone at (904)353-3309

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 29 the future without denying the past. Her work is flush art events with earnest expression, allowing the viewer to relax, knowing that the artist isn’t trying- and doesn’t need new this week to- pitch her ideas. Flood (November 9 - November 29) Pedestrian Proj- Many artists, be they visual artists, musicians, ects Gallery, 1535 San Marco Boulevard or writers, fervently attempt to portray a constructed (904) 535-7252 or thepedestrian.org reality as opposed to the one they’ve naturally ac- cumulated. Doing so creates two critical flaws in Zachary Freeman (Opening November 9) their body of work. First, this tactic enhances a J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4th Avenue North, Jackson- strong sense of inauthenticity to the discerning eye, ville Beach 904-435-3200 or while the casual viewer is usually left wanting. These jjohnsongallery.com artists believe they can simply nullify the impact of undesirable influences through denial. Mackenzie Thorpe: Pastel and Sculpture Artist Secondly, these artists feel an undue need to Book Signing & Gallery Opening with Wine Recep- prophesy, whether it’s to enlighten the common- tion (Friday, November 9, 6 pm – 9 pm) ers or just to inflate their own ego. Either way, the R. Roberts Gallery, 3606 St. Johns Avenue, Avondale artistic result is a sickly example. By denying the (904) 388-1188 influence of the past and present, an artist undercuts Gainesville’s Downtown Festival & Art Show his/her impetus for creating art in the first place. It is (Saturday, November 10 – Sunday, November 11, 10 akin to randomly banging on a piano and claiming to am – 5 pm) From City Hall to the Hippodrome State have discovered a new form of musical pleasure. Theatre gvlculturalaffairs.org or (352) 334-ARTS

Amelia Island Fall Art Festival (Saturday & Sun- day, November 10 – 11 | Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm, Sunday, 11 am – 5 pm) Downtown Historic Fernandina Beach, Centre Street (904) 305-1483 or jandcoevents.com

Talleyrand Music & Arts Festival (Saturday, Novem- ber 10) Featuring the work of more than 100 local and regional painters, sculptors and multi-media artists Metro Park, Downtown

The Paintings & Drawings of Teal Moseley (Novem- ber 10) Twisted Sisters southernwailers.com

Arts in Medicine (November 13) Shands Jackson- ville, 655 West 8th Street, Jacksonville (904) 244-1142 or jax.shands.org/volunteer/aim/ events.asp

Figurative Drawing Workshop with Jim Draper (November 13, 15, 20, 27, from 6 pm – 9 pm) Brittni Wood lays bare her influences and uses Price: $240.00 Four classes, 3 hours each, model cross polliNATION them to describe her outlook. There is no artistic fee included PIE Studio, 1827 North Pearl Street, process more complete. That’s not to say she’s the Jacksonville only artist to employ such an airtight process, but she does have a unique way of using discernable ongoing new works by Brittni Woods symbols and words with abstract expressionism. The Trilogy Series Featuring artwork by Leneke’, On her website, brittniwood.com, Wood de- Sonya Cox, Louise Cruz & Jennelle Comisky (Through by donald dusinberre [email protected] scribes her work: “Heavily influenced by social is- November 9) Village Gallery & Framing, 964 Park sues of today, with an emphasis on ideas of religion, rather awkward) parallel to Brittni Wood’s artwork. Avenue, Orange Park WHAT: Brittni Woods solo art show sexuality, and gender roles, my work is forced into WHERE: Jane Gray Gallery My point does not refer to the sale of her artwork as a slue of contradictions. This battle of introspection William Maurer show (Through November 10) WHEN: Now - December 3rd a product, but to its obvious quality. and outward directness defines my most recent body Waterwheel Art, 5047 First Coast Highway, Fernandi- Cross PolliNATION is the title of Brittni’s first of work.” na Beach (904) 261-2535 or waterwheelgallery.com Picture this: It’s 1975 and the veteran salesman solo show, featuring approximately sixty of her new- Most of her paintings have a signal, a key at a small appliance store, wearing his best hound’s- est mixed media paintings. The most fascinating element that sets the tone and leads the rest of the Jacksonville Watercolor Society Members’ Show tooth sport coat, tells a new employee that “good aspect of Wood’s art is undoubtedly her honesty. elements. For example, she utilizes old swatches of (Through November 25) St Augustine Art Association products sell themselves.” It’s a cheesy and over- Each of her works oozes it, and it’s clear she has cloth given to her by her grandmother. As a result, (904) 824-2310 or staaa.org blown example, but its lesson is an appropriate (and the ability to project her opinion of the present and those paintings seem to exude confidence and se- Transitions: Featured Artist Desiree Kantrim curity. She inserts phrases into some paintings that (Through November 30) The Art Center, 31 W.Adams pique the viewer’s curiosity and launch the imagina- Street, Downtown blogfromthecenter.blogspot.com tion into action, trying to link the words with the shapes and processes displayed on the canvas. Sarah Dodd, Cris Coleman & Matthew Abercrombie My favorite key images are the horseshoe (Through Friday, November 30) Cultural Center at shapes present in many of her works. At first, I Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra thought they were a symbol of unluckiness, as they Beach (904) 280-0614 or ccpvb.org are all oriented with the open end down. As I eventu- Fogle Fine Art Gallery Presents: Regions Bank ally discovered, the shapes are actually halos culled Artist Celebration of Jeanne Pelligreno (Through from early Christian art, and I immediately wondered November 30) Regions Bank, 1461 Kingsley Avenue, if I was drawn to the halo or the fact that it lacked a Orange Park foglefineart.com or RSVP@foglefineart. figure to fill itself. Acknowledging religious influence com is sooooo uncool to those artists I just mentioned. Visit the Jane Gray Gallery from now until Strive: New Works by Princess Simpson Rashid December 3rd to experience the delightful paintings With an Installation by Sue Simpson and Von Chelton of Brittni Wood. To learn more about Brittni and her Dolls (Through November 30) Karpeles Manuscript work, check out brittniwood.com. To find out more Museum, 101 West 1st Street, Downtown about the Jane Gray Gallery, visit their website at mediciclub.blogspot.com janegraygallery.com.

30 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper and Andrea Andert had relatively minor roles (Andert was only on stage twice as Linda) but delivered the most memorable performances. Both got huge culture & arts laughs during their scenes and sang sublimely. The weakest performance came from Penny Larsen, NOVEMBER who plays Rosie. Throughout the show she seemed 8 Jazz in the Black Box JU Studio Theatre, Jax to be reciting lines instead of truly becoming the 8 Ballet Folklorico De Mexico UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax character. I can’t give her too much of a hard time, though, since she and John Jacob Lee brought the 8 Night of 1 Acts Bartram Trail High School, Jax house down with their hip-hop routine toward the 8-9 Beethoven’s Ninth-JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax end of the second act. The scene worked well in 8- 9 Tricking Fish: How & Why Lures Work Exhibit The the movie, but it’s much, much better here. I can’t Lighthouse, St. Augustine remember the last time I laughed so hard during a stage production. 8-10 “A Party To Murder” ABET, Atlantic Beach Like the film, The Wedding Singer is a PG-13 8-10 Last Comic Standing John Heffron Comedy Zone, show. I spied a mother and her small child leaving Mandarin the theater after a devastated, bitter Robbie sings 8-17 “A Friendly Game of Death” Dave & Busters, Jax his ode to lost love “Somebody Kill Me Please.” The language is a little on the dirty side at times and 8-17 Moon Over the Brewery Theatre Jax, Jax there are plenty of references to sex and cocaine 8- 17 “Whose Wives Are They Anyway” Orange Park use, so it would probably be best to get a babysitter Community Theatre, Orange Park should you have little ones. Better yet, if you’re 8- 25 Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat unfamiliar with the film, watch it before attending the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax show so you know what to expect. 8-30 Exhibit: J. Kevin “Back To Basics” Energy Lab Art party like it’s 1985 I saw The Wedding Singer with some friends Gallery, St. Augustine and every one of us had a terrific time. Three in our 8-Dec. 30 Art from the Ashes: In Stabiano, Exploring the party hadn’t seen the film before but still loved the Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite Cummer Museum, musical (and they all walked out planning to buy or JHax The Wedding Singer on broadway rent the movie as soon as possible). If you’re already a fan of the story or enjoy thinking back on the 8-JAN. 6 Sculptor: Minoru Ohira Exhibit MOCA, Jax decade that brought us Mr. Belvedere, New Coke and 8-FEB. 3 In Stabiano: Exploring Ancient Seaside Villas of the by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] MTV, you can’t go wrong with The Wedding Singer. Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax I’m not ashamed to admit my love for the This Broadway musical will only be in town until 8-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art Cummer 80s. From the music to the hair, it’s the decade I Sunday, November 11th, so catch it while you can! Museum, Jax would most like to re-visit if I had a time machine For more info or to buy tickets to The Wedding 9-10 Cabaret Parisien-First Coast Opera Cathedral Parish and a pair of hot pink leggings. My affection for Singer call (904) 632-3373 or go to artistseries.fccj. Hall, St. Augustine org. this page in history fuels my soft spot for The 9-11 “Wrong Turn at Lungfish” Players by the Sea, Jax Wedding Singer, a musical set in the mid-80s Beach packed with pop culture references, colorful characters and a sweet story about finding love 10 Festival d’Vine To Benefit Catholic Charities San Marco Square, Jax where you least expect it. The Wedding Singer was nominated for 5 Tony Awards and is in town 10 River Garden Gala Prime Osborn Center, Jax this week as part of the FCCJ Broadway Series. 10 Painting Workshop-Italian Garden with Christina Foard It’s 1985 and Robbie Hart and his band, Cummer Museum, Jax Simply Wed, are the biggest wedding performers 10 Art Show: Teal Moseley Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach in the Garden State. Singing about love came easy to Robbie when his own nuptials were in the 10 Celebrate Independence Brooks Rehabilitation UNF works. But when his fiancée Linda leaves him at University Center, Jax the alter, Robbie’s entire world comes crashing 10 History of the American Soldier Ft. Clinch, Fernandina down. It isn’t until he meets a charming young Beach waitress named Julia that he sees the light at the 10-11 26th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show Downtown, end of the tunnel. The problem is Julia is herself Gainesville engaged to the high-rolling, less than faithful 11 Veteran’s Day Parade Downtown, Jax Glen. The Wedding Singer is a fairly close 11 Bin Huang, Violinist-Cummer Concert Series Cummer Museum, Jax adaptation to the popular 1998 film of the same name starring Adam Sandler and Drew 11 Sculpted Creatures: Mold Your Own 3-D Creatures MOCA, Barrymore. Many of the scenes lift dialogue Jax directly from the movie, so fans can expect to hear to-stage transition more viable. The major difference 12 Ancient Roman Day Camp For Children Cummer Museum, most of the flick’s most memorable quotes. Small between the musical and the movie is the score. The Jax changes to characters and settings made the film- stage version is all original “80s inspired” songs, no 13 Empty Bowls Luncheon Prime Osborn Center, Jax covers. You can definitely detect bits and pieces of your favorite 80s hits- a bit of Spandau Ballet’s 13 FCCJ Craft Fair FCCJ Deerwood Center, Jax ‘True’ here, a riff from Van Halen’s ‘Jump’ there- 13 Daily Roman Life Revealed: Panel Discussion Cummer but never the real deal. This could be an issue for Museum, Jax some, but for me it was a plus. It was fun to try 13-18 St. Johns County Fair Fairgrounds, Green Cove and pick out all the subtle musical nods to that Springs era’s biggest hit makers. 14 Drawing Live Models with Instructor Jonathan Lux MOCA, The performances were, for the most part, Jax outstanding. Merritt David Janes was great as Robbie Hart. While he did channel Sandler during 14-15 Especially For Seniors Talks & Tea Cummer Museum, Jax a few scenes, Janes mostly made the character his own. His Robbie is more realistic and sweet 14-17 Celebrity Cabaret Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine while Sandler’s came off a bit over-the-top. Erin 15 Explore the Fundamentals of Filmmaking Around the World Elizabeth Coors did a fine job of bringing some Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra life to the bland Julia character and Sarah Peak 15 Celebrate Children Orange Park Chorale Grace Episcopal made Holly far more lovable than her slightly Church, Jax slutty film alter-ego. John Jacob Lee (who plays Simply Wed’s flamboyant keyboardist, George) (CONTINUED ON PAGE 32) 4

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 31 culture & arts moon over the 4 NOVEMBER (CONTINUED) 15-17 “The Music Man” JSO & Alhambra Performing Arts Center, Jax 15-17 Look Homeward, Angel DASOTA, Jax brewery 15-17 “Wrong Turn at Lungfish” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach 15-17 “The Orpheus Project” JU Swisher Theatre, Jax Theatre Jacksonville 15-17 Comedian Mark Curry Comedy Zone, Mandarin Michael Lipp, Geoffrey King, 15-DEC. 5 Annual Juried Student Show JU Gallery, Jax by dick kerekes [email protected] and Lucie Roberts 15-DEC. 5 “White Christmas” Seaside Music Theatre, Theatre Jacksonville opened its 88th season attentions. Together, Randolph and Amanda Daytona Beach with Moon over the Brewery a highly entertaining throw monkey wrenches into the potential Mr. Lipp again shows us why he is a master of the 16 Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble Wilson Center, Jax romantic comedy that will run through November romances and the boyfriends leave. craft called theater. I remember Michael as the lead 16-17 2nd Annual Artists Making Miracles Art Show Villas l7th at the Harold K Smith Playhouse in San Marco. Enter Warren, a local mailman and a regular in You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown and he brings Continental & Yacht Club, Orange Park Remember TJ’s Enchanted April? An unknown that customer of the diner where Mom works. He is a a lot of the innocence and mannerisms of old Charlie that won Best Play and was a smash hit? Well, longtime admirer of hers, but only recently kindled into his role. He also shows us deeper feelings 16-17 Cabaret Parisien-First Coast Opera Cathedral Parish Moon will be brewing up a repeat of that show and a romantic interest. Can this seemingly dull, of love through his wonderful chemistry with Ms. Hall, St. Augustine tickets will be a hot item, that is for sure. Why not overweight postman who wears knee socks and Sacks 17 Spray Paint Artist Bud Jones-Live Outdoor Presentation 3 make your reservations right now by calling (904) shorts become a factor and have meaning in either Lucie Roberts plays the precocious l3-year old Eclectic Chicks Art Boutique, Jax 396-4425, because you don’t want to overlook this Miriam or Amanda’s life? Ah, you will have to see it with an IQ of 160 to perfection. I truly believe that 18 Night of Lights Art Walk Various Venues, St. Augustine one to learn the rest of this captivating story. Lucie herself has an IQ of l60. An 8th grade student 18 JU Chamber Ensembles JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax Moon over the Brewery is set in a family home This is Theatre Jacksonville’s Marketing at LaVilla, she is already a veteran of five years of in a small Pennsylvania coal town in l987. It is a Director Staci Cobb’s debut as a director on local acting in the Jacksonville Beach area with Players by 19 Poets Celia Lisset Alvarez & Marisella Veiga FCCJ look at the emotions faced by an unduly responsible stages. A Jacksonville native, she spent ten years the Sea and ABET and has more credits than many Downtown Campus, Jax l3-year old Amanda as she struggles to come to in New York, acting and directing, but came back in adult actors in this area. At Theatre Jacksonville’s 21-24 Comedian Grandma Lee Comedy Zone, Mandarin terms with adolescent issues as the only adult in the 2003, and Jacksonville audiences should consider annual awards ceremony last August, they awarded 23-DEC. 2 Annual Nutcracker Tour of Homes World Golf home. You see her bewildered mother, Miriam, is a themselves lucky she wanted to come home. Since a best performance by a juvenile trophy; well start Village, St. Augustine never-married mom who slings hash as a waitress returning, she has been an award-winning actress engraving the 2007-2008 version, as Ms. Robert’s 23-DEC. 30 The Gift of the Magi The Amphitheatre, St. and paints moonscapes that she occasionally and now exhibits she is a very astute director. Get a performance as Amanda is remarkable. Her real Augustine sells. Amanda conjures up an imaginary friend, smart script and the some of the best actors in town mother, Anne Roberts, is a highly acclaimed scenic Randolph, who appears whenever Mom is dating a and you will have a successful production. She has artist who created the moonscape paintings used in 24 Holiday Market Laterra Links Clubhouse, St. Augustine new guy who might be competition for her mother’s done all of that and more. this show. 24-25 Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Francis Field, St. Augustine Award-winning director and actress Shirley Tracy Olin flipped a coin ten years ago to 26 Guy Yehuda Faculty Clarinet Recital UNF Fine Arts Center, Sacks was the perfect choice as Miriam. With three decide whether she wanted to be a theater costume Jax talented teenage children of her own, what better designer or an actress. Lucky for us, the coin never credentials to be the stage Mom to a very high IQ came down, so she became accomplished at both. 26-29 In the Works – Dance JU Swisher Theatre, Jax l3-year old? She is wonderful as the perplexed and As costume designer for this show, she is at her best 27 Roberto Coin’s Fall/Winter Trunk Show Cultural Center, overwhelmed Miriam. when she dressed the character Randolph. You see, Ponte Vedra Beach How many words can I use to describe the Randolph always appears in costumes that represent 27-DEC. 1 Comedian Johnny Milwater Comedy Zone, imaginary Randolph as played by Geoffrey King? a character in a book that Amanda is reading. I want Mandarin Haughty, arrogant, smug, pretentious, self-important to tell you more, but that would spoil the fun. Be 29 Christmas Choral Concert JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax are just a few, but you will probably only use two prepared for some pretty outlandish stuff, great job after you see this play: delightfully charming. Only Tracy. 29 The Great American Jazz Series-Kurt Elling UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax his third play in Jacksonville since he moved to the The husband and wife production team of area, King is originally from Scotland, via London Jeff and Kelly Wagoner once again is impressive 30 Benefit Children’s Home Society-Shop San Marco and the state of Virginia (and 50 or so plays along with a cozy, well-conceived home (by Kelly) and Prudential Network Realty/San Marco, Jax the way). Don’t miss the opportunity to experience interesting lighting (by Jeff) that even includes a 29-DEC. 1 “Oklahoma” Bartram Trail High School, Jax this amazing but humble actor, who is already very moon. Playwright Bruce Graham is also the author 29-DEC. 8 Santaland Diaries Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine much in demand as an actor and director in this of Coyote on a Fence, which was well received area. at Players by the Sea a few seasons ago. He has 30-DEC. 2 British Encampment Castillo de San Marcos, St. Michael Lipp has a well-balanced mantle on fashioned a marvelously funny script that has Augustine his fireplace at home. At one end he has all his best surprising depth in the hands of an insightful director 30-DEC. 15 “It’s A Wonderful Life” Players By the Sea, Jax actor trophies and at the other his best director and an intelligent cast. This is the sleeper of the year, Beach awards. As Warren, the unprepossessing mailman, don’t miss it.

DECEMBER 1 Feast of Carols UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax 1 Morning Christmas Jazz Concert St. Augustine Plaza, St. Augustine 1 Grand Illumination Government House, St. Augustine 1 Christmas Parade Mission of Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine 1 St. Augustine Beach Surf Illumination A1A Beach, St. Augustine 2 39th Annual Christmas Tour of Homes Mission of Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine 2 Safam in Concert Beth Shalom Congregation, Jax 2 11th Annual Florida Telco Festival of Lights 5K & Fun Run Baptist Eye Institute, Jax 3 Lecture Series-Alexandria Von Hawk Cultural Center, Ponte

32 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper a marriage of music & theatre The Music Man with JSO and the Alhambra by Erin thursby [email protected]

What: The Music Man When: November 15th-17th Where: Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times- Union Center for the Performing Arts

When I first heard about The Music Man collaboration between the Alhambra Dinner Theatre and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, I was immediately intrigued. Collaborations like this need to happen more often. Performance artists in the community need to realize that they’re in this together, and it’s better to work together, offering each other new artistic ideas and different strengths in collaboration. “This is our 40th Anniversary and we just wanted to do something special for it.” says Executive Director Tod Booth of the Alhambra. “We thought this would be an ideal way to provide something…out of the norm for our regular operation.” Also, since the Symphony has experienced recent cutbacks in funding from the government, Booth says that this will “open up a new door for them, with a larger audience.” Booth is excited to have the musical brought to life with a full orchestra. Booth has worked with the Symphony many times, providing vocal narration to set off musical Nakahara will be taking the podium for these perfor- pieces. Fabio Mechetti, Music Director and Principal mances. Conductor of the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, “As a symphony conductor, it is not often that I says that he and Booth had “always talked about get to conduct a Broadway musical,” says Nakahara, doing something together, joining their expertise in “so I’m very excited about this collaboration.” theater with our strength as a symphonic organiza- The lead actors, Roy Alan (as Harold Hill) and tion… We believe that the success of this joint pre- Laura Hodos (as Marian Paroo) are from Orlando, sentation will guarantee other projects like this in the where they performed these roles in a successful future.” joint production with the Orlando Philharmonic and They definitely picked a very popular musical Mad Cow Theatre in March of this year. to work with. The Music Man’s tunes such as ‘Till JSO is working on having 76 actual trombones There Was You,’ ‘Marian the Librarian’ and ‘Gary, In- in the orchestra for the piece ‘76 Trombones.’ They’ll diana’ are known throughout the country. It features be pulling from area high schools and other music the redemption of Harold Hill, a small time con man organizations. who gets parents to believe he can teach their chil- The Music Man collaboration will be staged in dren to play musical instruments. He takes money Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for instruments and uniforms, skipping town once for the Performing Arts. Performances are Thurs- he’s milked the population dry. But when he reaches day, November 15 at 7:30 pm, Friday, November River City, Iowa, Hill falls in love. 16 and Saturday, November 17 at 2 pm and 8 pm. The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will play The Saturday matinee is sponsored by MPS Group. on stage with a full cast of actors and singers from The Saturday evening performance is sponsored by the Alhambra Dinner Theatre, performing the full Omni Jacksonville Hotel. storyline and complete set of musical numbers. Cos- Tickets and information are available through tumes, set pieces and theatrical lighting are all part the JSO Box Office at (904) 354-5547 or online at of the production. jaxsymphony.org. Ticket prices range from $25 to JSO’s newest Associate Conductor Morihiko $65.

eujacksonville.com | november 8-14, 2007 33 THE JOCK

by tom weppel

There are times in my life when I will do tion. The excitement for the band connected each things based on instinct alone. Although I don’t one of us, making the audience more like one solid always know to trust it, instinct is a powerful tool. entity than individual people. I felt like I was on If we would only listen to it. some sort of weird, mysterious rock drug. For instance, moving to California was sort Throughout their performance the lead singer, of an instinct. I somehow just knew we would find Ami, continued to move the drum kit around the jobs, a place to stay, friends, etc. We were com- venue. During their final song, the audience helped pletely unprepared for that kind of move, except Ami move the drum kit one final time. Onto the bar. JAGUARS of that game with a win. That would set them up to for the cash, clothes, and guitar strapped to our While the drummer continued to play. One minute Well…what a difference a week makes! Seven play Michigan, which is always a classic game. The back. But it felt right, and we went with it. Literally. he was on the ground, the next on a chair, and days ago, everyone was championing the Jaguars Buckeyes win that one and they look strong to possi- There have also been times when I’ve ig- then as if by magic, on top of the bar. And he never on their gutty win over the Buccanneers. Everyone bly get into the BCS Championship. However, if they nored my instinct. After visiting a friend in Spain, missed a beat. was talking about how great the win was, and how LOSE one of those games, then we have a big mess, I kept telling my friend I was nervous about my I told my boyfriend, over cheap PBR’s and the Jags were looking good at 5-2. Jackie Del Rio with a lot of teams with only one loss believing they flight home. But I was only nervous about one huge grins, that I would never forget that night. He was saying he thought the Tampa win was a state- should be in the title hunt. LSU, Oregon, Oklahoma, part. The short part, from Barcelona to Amster- agreed. Everything else had melted away. It was ment on the team’s character. And now we forward and even Kansas are all in the running to get to the dam. It made no sense. just one of those moments. And as if the moment to this week. The Jags got pummeled by the upstart final game. These next few weeks should certainly The anxiety over the flight got so extreme itself were not enough, Yonatan, the guitarist, Saints. They are now 5-3. People are talking about be tasty in seeing who beats whom and in what that as I stood in the airport waiting for my board- popped up in front of us. how mediocre the Defense is. The opinion is that cases. ing pass I even considered changing my flight. I “Do you think we could crash at your place?” there is bad tackling, bad pass coverage, no pres- The Florida Gators will head to Columbia this felt crazy, having flown a thousand times, but I just he asked humbly through a thick Isreali accent. sure on opposing QBs, and that the Jaguars are in weekend to take on a Gamecock team that has been did not have a good feeling about this. I was pan- Justin and I looked at each other for a split second. trouble. beaten badly the last two weeks. Steve Spurrier is icking. But, I played it cool, refusing to turn into “Of course,” we said, simultaneously. Without question, Jacksonville had a very bad hurting, for sure, mainly because he doesn’t have a Devin Sawa in Final Destination, freaking out and And there it was. I had assumed my instinct game against the Saints. They gave up over 400 really good QB to do what he wants on the field. Of running off a plane just before it blew up. If my was pulling me towards this bar, this show, this yards passing by QB Drew Brees. Quinn Gray threw course, we’ll hear the talk about Spurrier and Florida, plane was going to blow up, I might as well blow band because it was simply one of the most amaz- three INTs, including one that went for a TD. The which has gotten really old. The Gators had a fairly up with it. Or rather, I convinced myself, the plane ing shows I would ever see. But at that moment it running game was not strong at all. Add to it all the easy win last week against Vandy, and it seems Tim was clearly not going to blow up. all became clear. player situations OFF the field and it can certainly be Tebow is back to good health his shoulder. The bot- At the end of the flight I woke up to the We took them to the house. When I showed perceived as a mess. tom line here is that South Carolina is okay but not sound of the pilot’s gravelly voice over the inter- them the guest bedroom Yonatan said, “This room The combination of the loss, coupled with two great, especially in the SEC, and the Gators should com in Dutch. He spoke for a long time, his voice is available?” players being found inebriated and asleep in their be able to win that game handily this weekend. extremely forlorn and the faces around twisting “Yes,” I said. “This is where two of you will cars late Friday night/Saturday morning, will turn the Meanwhile, the Seminoles had a nice win last with fear. Finally he spoke English. Something was be sleeping.” image of this team sour, without any question. The week against Boston College, and now they travel wrong at the Amsterdam airport and we wouldn’t “Noooooooo,” he said, a small grin peeping character that was being built by Del Rio and the to Blacksburg to face a Virginia Tech squad that still be able to land. He didn’t know if we would ever out the side of his mouth. “I’m getting to bed!” He team got ripped up quite a bit, and it will take a lot carries a little swagger, even though they haven’t had be able to land, in fact, and we might have to ran into the living room and grabbed his things to repair that damage. But you know what? Here’s a a standout season. Bobby Bowden deserves a little reroute to another country. He would continue to quicker than a five-year old at a sleepover. He’d simple fact…if the Jags win games, then no one will credit for taking his team up to Boston and pulling circle with the rest of the planes hovering over the found the best spot. care at all who is partying on the Jags roster! out that win. He’ll have to do it all over again this non-landable airport. We spent the night mostly talking to Ran, the If the Jags go 5-3 in the second half, they most weekend, so we shall see what they’ve got in the At that moment I had never been more acute- drummer. Ami crashed in the bedroom with Yo- likely can get into the playoffs. They would have to tank. ly aware of how strong instincts really can be. As natan a half hour after arriving and that was the last do that as a wildcard, with the Colts being the domi- Meanwhile, the Georgia Bulldogs will host Au- my body went into a full-fledged panic attack, I we saw of them. But Ran stayed up. We drank Naty nant team in the AFC South. That, to me, is a solid burn in what should be a nice SEC scrap. And finally, swore to myself that if I ever made it off the plane Lights, shared cigarettes, and talked about the Holy goal for this team. To do that, they most likely need a I just want to state that Notre Dame sucks. Losing to alive, I would never ignore my instincts again. Land. win over the Titans this week. Navy for the first time since 1963 was awful. At 1-8, Ten minutes later, the pilot gleefully instructed the Ran asked us what we thought about life. He Tennessee is a team that has been a spoiler they are pathetic, and I believe that Air Force has a flight crew to prepare for landing, and all was right had a son. Was it worth the dream to be gone so for the Jags for quite a long time. It continued this good shot at beating them, which will make the Irish in the world. long? Or were family and friends worth sacrificing season when the Titans came into Jacksonville and 1-9! This past Sunday as I was checking my the one other thing that made him feel alive? ran all over the Jags. And we all remember the Jags Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lon- MySpace page, I was faced with my instinct once My boyfriend and I knew something of the loss to the Titans last year in Nashville, which was nie Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron again. TSI had posted a bulletin for a performance matter. We had been there, a lifetime ago. My boy- not pretty, either. If there ever is a situation in which Duguay on SportsAvengers.com 24/7. that night by the Israeli rock band Monotonix. I friend was a musician in a rock band, touring the the Jags’ backs are against the wall, it would be knew nothing about the band, didn’t even bother to world, gone ten months at a time, his most mean- this Sunday. The boys would LOVE to pick up a win listen to any of their songs, but something inside ingful relationship turning into the one he had with against a team that certainly does have some weak- of me clicked. I had to go to this show. It was his bunk bed. nesses, especially in the ability of Vince Young to raining. I was tired. No one else wanted to go with I looked at my boyfriend. I understood the throw. Obviously there are still some injuries to some me. I even got into a small tiff with my boyfriend in tinge of nostalgia that twinkled in his eyes. Jaguar players that need to be addressed. We shall order to get him to tag along. All the while, I never “It’s like a drug,” said Ran. see if David Garrard will be back this weekend. But if JACKSONVILLE once questioned my motivation for wanting to go And like any drug, it seems like enough to nothing else, this to this show. make life worth living. Even for me. I even got ad- would be a huge win for the boys down at No-Name Turns out, it was one of the most amazing dicted, and I was just on the other side. But as we Stadium. web designer wanted. shows I have ever seen live in my entire life. The looked at Ran, fixed at this emotional crossroad, I It’s amazing what a difference a week makes. we are seeking creative individuals who are power that came out of this trio was absolutely knew that both my boyfriend and I were happy with mind blowing, an unavoidable force that sucked the path we had taken. COLLEGE FOOTBALL proficient in web and design and maintence. in every single person in the bar. They were ev- Sure. We missed the dream. But this time, We now move into November, where we will experience in desktop publishing and degree erywhere, figuratively and literally. They filled the we weren’t living the dream, dreaming about life. see who gets into what Conference Championships preferred. please send resumes with space between each breath and between each We were living life, dreaming about where this life and who will get into the BCS, along with who will be portfolios to [email protected]. moment between that. Hands and fists pumped in might take us. Maybe it was instinct that let us invited to all the other meaningless Bowl games. the air. Every song was met by a screaming ova- know which path was right for us. Ohio State is at the top, as we all know. They play Illinois this week and should be able to take care 730-3003

34 november 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper nascar news & notes by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] And there are two for two. First off I need to of y’all. Right up until this season I was right there put you, my readers, at ease. Some of y’all were with you, but somewhere and somehow I have been surprised because last week’s column wasn’t on changing my mind. Don’t ask me why. the www or linked at Jayski’s, which I feel I need to Just for the sake of argument, if the scoring apologize for. Seems that our computer system or was the Old Way, Jeff Gordon could take the next operator inadvertently posted last week’s column two races off and win even if Johnson won and led and I couldn’t get it changed. Those of you that the most laps. He’s 400 points ahead of him with do read the printed version of EU newspaper were the Old Way. There would be a few other changes treated to a good article, or at least I was happy with in the top TEN, since 10 used to be the number that it. I had mentioned that I was beginning contract went up on the stage at the awards ceremony and talks with Will, the publisher and my good friend, and really mattered. Speaking of the top ten, I wonder if how he had not wanted me to say anything about NA$CAR will change or add to the listings like wins, those negotiations in my column, so I wonder just top fives, top tens and stick in there “Top Twelve”? a little bit if that may have had something to do with I guess now there will be a dozen places set for the the no-web version. drivers on the stage, but someday that will need to He wants to keep me on, but at a lesser sal- have a bigger stage. When it’s the “Top Thirty” in ary because I had not finished high in the NA$CAR the Chase. Why don’t you just put everybody on the writers poll for the 2007 season, which was written stage, I feel they all deserve it. I mean everybody, all in my last year’s contract with invisible ink or some- the men, women, boys and girls that help a driver thing. We are in the midst of a re-evaluation, much get on the track should be honored in some way, like the U A W was with G M and Chrysler. Or better because they have a hard job. yet, the screenwriter’s guild and the producers, or It should be well known by now that I am a big whoever. No, I’m not a member of any of those, but collector of NA$CAR accoutrements (boy, I love to maybe I should be. It would be weird if I did go on use that word when I get a chance), I collect those strike and he ran old articles for EU, so I think he little pieces of diecast metal with the fancy paint wants to keep me happy. (He says that mine is the schemes of my drivers. I have been buying these most visited page of the paper on the web – so thank things along with hats, jackets, license plates and y’all very much!) things you wouldn’t believe that they could put a Enough of that for now (I will keep you driver’s likeness or car number on. Why they make posted). What I mean with the “two for two” stuff fishing poles with matching tackle boxes, kites like is that there are two races left and really only two you fly in the air, shot glasses and just this year I drivers that could win the championship. Yes, I know found my first real Beanie Baby, not some look-alike, Clint Bowyer is just 181 points out at third, but do but the real thing of Jeff Gordon and Tony Stewart. you really think he’s got much of a chance? Johnson Mainly I get the cars and mostly in the 1/24th scale and Gordon would have to have some really bad by many different brands, such as Racing Cham- luck these next two races for him to win or even get pions, Team Caliber and Action just to name a few. second place, but what’s wrong with third? As for With all this stuff you have to buy, displaying your the rest of the field... so sad, too bad. Jeff or Jimmie favorite driver’s items in your home is another big is going to win it, and since I picked Jeff months ago expense. and he is my favorite driver, I’m still picking him. Not Last year, Bruton Smith and Brian France (or to sound like a fence person, but Jimmie Johnson is rather, their respective companies) bought the major one of my drivers also and it would be OK for him to maker of NA$CAR paraphernalia (another fun word) win, but I want Gordon for one main reason: I want for great big bucks with the idea of taking over the him to win eight championships and this one would market. So now with the so-called “lock on the put him closer to where he should be. market” they thought they’d make so much of this I mean, come on, he’s married to a super- stuff and get even richer because all the fans will model, has a new baby and won four times already, have to buy “Our Stuff.” Well they did and we did, so give him a break and pull for him. Watching him but they started changing the game and the rules race, do commercials and interviews, I think about along the way. The prices kept going up and up to just how far he has traveled since I met him in ‘93 at where fans quit or couldn’t afford the trinkets any a DuPont promotional event at the Jax fairgrounds. longer. To make it short, these guys have got mil- There is one thing that does bother me. Just what lions and millions of dollars just sitting in stock and will those beer can throwers do if he does win an 8th can’t sell the stuff. Now with the new season com- championship and surpasses both Petty and Earn- ing, they can’t give it away. Here is a link to a post hardt? That was some freaky stuff this year when he I saw on the Diecast Warriors web page the other out-did Dale’s record for wins. It only took a few to night that will make your wallets, hearts and a few make so many look bad on national television when other things feel real warm about those two, check they act like that. Those non-NA$CAR yuppies and it out. http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/index. non-sports columnists had fun with the rednecked- cfm?fuseaction=article.main&articleId=56775&req ness, as some put it. I like to give people credit and uestTimeout=900 I feel that there won’t be no stuff like that when he That is me for this week, and by golly, I hope the does it (note: I said “when,” not “if”). web guy gets the right article on the website so all So he is 30 points behind his partially owned of you can read it. I mentioned last week that I would #48 car and with a pair left. Some writer-types start sending y’all some kind of secret code about have already given Jimmie the title with lines like, how the contract talks are going since Will doesn’t Johnson pulls ahead of Gordon on his way to a want me writing about them here, so here it is: I was second win in a row. Did these guys hear a fat lady going to use hand signals but one friend asked me sing or something? Am I missing something here? how I was going to do that. lliw si ton gniog ot evig Did Jeff concede all ready? I will have to say it again na hcni sselnu eh sah ot, os esaelp liame mih dna since last week’s didn’t make it to the world wide llet mih ot teg ffo sih tekcop koob. I hope you got web, the Chase has never been a thing I like, but this all that and I also hope to hear from y’all at tinynas- year it has started to catch my fancy (but don’t tell [email protected]. Remember, If it ain’t NA$CAR, It everybody about it), and I know that I am like many ain’t s**t !!

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