JACKSONVILLE

Jacksonville Jazz Festival Schedule and Highlights

painting by oscar senn spring art guide newest galleries, notable artists and what to see.

entertaining u newspaper free weekly guide to entertainment and more | april 12-18, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents cover art by Oscar Senn feature Spring Art Guide...... PAGES 15-18 Riverside Pub Crawl...... PAGE 20 movies Grindhouse (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies In Theaters This Week...... PAGES 6-10 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted...... PAGE 7 IMAX Earth Day Film Fest...... PAGE 7 Perfect Stranger (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Disturbia (movie review)...... PAGES 8-9 Pathfinder (movie review)...... PAGE 10 at home On The Bubble - TV shows endangered...... PAGE 12 WJCT’s America at the Crossroads (TV review)...... PAGE 13 Video Games...... PAGE 14 food The Row...... PAGE 21 music Jacksonville Jazz Festival...... PAGES 22-24 Jacksonville Jazz Festival Schedule...... PAGES 23-24 Music Calendar...... PAGES 24-28 Lao Tizer (interview)...... PAGE 25 Tab Benoit (George’s Music Springing The Blues Festival)...... PAGE 26 Summerbirds in the Cellar (interview)...... PAGE 27 Pineapple Fest (interview) ...... PAGE 28 As Tall As Lions (album)...... PAGE 29 Good Charlotte (album)...... PAGE 29 arts / theatre / on stage Disney on Ice (interview)...... PAGE 30 Grease (Alhambra Dinner Theatre)...... PAGE 31 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 31-32 The Company (JU Fine Arts) ...... PAGE 32 Shakespeare (Orange Park Community Theatre)...... PAGE 33 columns and stuff The Jock...... PAGE 33 NASCAR News & Notes...... PAGE 34

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 3 Don’t miss Jazz Festival headliner Diane Schuur this Saturday at the thisweek Florida Theatre. Steve Forbert april 12 Discovered by punk thursday patron and Ramones manager Danny Fields Summer Concerts In The Plaza - First Coast Jazz while strumming on stage Orchestra at CBGB’s, Forbert’s Bring your chair and enjoy an evening concert in St. Augustine’s sound -- a rich merger of Plaza de la Constitucion while enjoying the cool breezes under a country, roots and pop canopy of live oaks during a live concert featuring the First Coast -- was an anomaly in New Jazz Orchestra. Plaza de la Constitucion - 7-9 p.m. York’s thriving new wave Info: 904-825-1004 scene. Café Eleven, St. Augustine - 8:30P april 12 - 15 Info: 469-9311 THE LION KING This is your last chance to experience the phenomenon of Disney’s The AP “Bands THE LION KING. You have only a few days left to marvel at the You Need To breathtaking spectacle of animals brought to life by award-winning director Julie Taymor, whose visual images for this show you’ll Know” Tour Alternative Press has remember forever. Thrill to the pulsating rhythms of the African assembled some of their Pridelands and an unforgettable score including the Elton John and favorite artist including: Tim Rice Oscar©-winning song “Can You Feel The Love Tonight” Cute Is What We Aim For, and “Circle of Life.” You don’t want to miss this opportunity, so Circa Survive, As Tall as go quickly, Sunday is the final show. Times-Union Center, Moran Lions, and Envy on the Theatre. Info: 632-3373 or order online at artistseries.fccj.org. Coast. Tickets: $14, $16 Show Day. Swinging with the Stars First Coast Birding and Nature Festival Read review of As Tall As Lions’ latest CD on page 29. The Second Annual “Swinging with the Stars,” a celebrity dance Discover the region’s phenomenal bird life and the abundant natural Freebird Live 6:30pm contest, will be held at the Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts, habitats that sustain them at The First Coast Birding and Nature FCCJ South Campus, at 7 p.m. The black-tie optional event, Festival. The festival features photography workshops, field trips, april 13 - 15 sponsored this year by PGA TOUR, is a fundraiser for danceWORKS boat trips, nature seminars and special Digiscoping workshops. Jacksonville Jazz Festival at FCCJ. The star-sprinkled evening is offered at $50 per person. Admission is free and open to the public each day. Three days of art, food, wine and entertainment with George St. Augustine Amphitheatre – Thur. and Fri. 10 am-5 pm; Sat. 9 am- Benson, Al Jarreau, Jazz Attack featuring Rick Braun, Jonathan Super Totally Awesome Cool Show 8 pm.; Sun. 10 am-5 pm. Butler, Richard Elliot and Peter White, Chris Botti plus many Featuring Sensei, Plain Jane Automobile, Bobby Amaru, Tony & Info: 1-800-653-2489 or www.Getaway4Nature.com more. Venues include Florida Theatre, Metropolitan Park, and Nick and Neverland Symphony. As grand prize winners of the 2005 Ritz Theatre with activities going on all around town. Find out DiscMakers Independent Showcase, not only did the Orlando-based all the details on pages 22-25. band, Plain Jane Automobile, take home the distinction of being the Info: 355-2787 or www.jaxjazzfest.com. best of a series of bands hand-picked by major friday april 13 Plain Jane Automobile A&R reps at Billboard magazine and Taxi, they also proved that the title of best unsigned band in the Southeast was just the beginning. Every Ghostland Observatory town, including Jacksonville, has been won over saturday and the songs just get better and better. Taking the best of rock, Brit-pop, driving rhythms, and april 14 beautiful melodies they seem predestined to make a major mark in the current scene. Super Scientific Circus Jack Rabbits - 8:00 PM The Super Scientific Circus uses circus Info: 398-7496 skills and magic tricks to explain scientific april 13 - 15 principles. With boomerangs, bubbles and bullwhips, rolling globes, spinning plates, Spring Art & Craft Festival and students floating in mid-air, The Super Look for something new to please your tastes Scientific Circus demonstrates and explains when artists display their creations during Ghostland Observatory concepts as diverse as friction, inertia, this free two-day festival. All work included Ghostland Observatory is not a band, but an agreement between atoms, molecules, gravity, centripetal and in the Festival will have passed a strict jury two friends to create something that not only heals their beat-driven centrifugal force, aerodynamics, sonic review, resulting in 125 artists exhibiting to hearts, but pleases their rock ‘n roll souls. Taking the working booms, static electricity, magnetism and sell in a variety of media, including oil painting, man’s approach, Ghostland Observatory spend countless hours in more. A great science lesson – and it’s watercolor, pottery, leather, photography, their south Austin studio. They have released two albums in less FUN! Tickets: $11.50. Wilson Center for the Arts – FCCJ South sculpture, jewelry, wood, textiles and more. Food, drink, beer, wine, than a year, and have moved audiences from coast to coast with Campus11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. Info: 632-3373 or artistseries. music, children’s activities and more. their live performances and unique style. fccj.org. Francis Field on Castillo Drive – 10 am-5 pm. Jack Rabbits - 8:00 PM Info: 398-7496 Info: (904) 824-2310 or www.staaa.org

4 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper tinged Csardas, among their own arrangements of shorter Dorothy Bishop CD Release Party classical works and popular hits, whether Brahms or the Broadway and Opera star, Dorothy Bishop, direct from New York Beatles. Tickets: $18 EMMA Concert Series, Flagler College City, will perform hits from her new CD “I’m Your Diva Tonite.” An Auditorium, St. Augustine - 2 PM Info: 904-797-2800. evening of classic disco with a classical twist. Featuring Guyton Maurice. Tickets $15 at the door/$12 advance. Club Metro - 7:30 pm Info: 388-8719

monday april 16 Haste the Day, Maylene & the Sons of Disaster Haste the Day is a Christian metalcore band named after a lyric in the hymn ‘It Is Well With My Soul’. In 2005, they released When Everything Falls which swept through the metalcore scene and quickly garnered fans’ attention. Jack Rabbit’s – 7 PM 398-7496 San Marco Spring Fine Art Show Featuring the works of more than 200 award-winning Piebald, MC Chris, and House of Fools photographers, sculptors, potters, painters and jewelry artists, this Piebald started as a scrappy, screamy hardcore band whose sole event at San Marco Square will bring out the art collector in you. desire was to play with their heroes Converge. In the years since Sat. & Sun. 10 am-5 pm. Read more about it on page 16. they’ve grown from screaming to shouting to singing and crafting Info: (904) 541-1340 fantastic pop punk songs continuing down the path of pure rock and roll to the space between the Pixies and Cheap Trick. Fuel Coffeehouse - 7 PM Flaming Lips sunday april 15 april 17 Time for Three Flaming Lips FREE Concert! tuesday Two violinists and a double bassist comprise this genre-defying University of Florida presents a free outdoor concert on Flavet Earl Greyhound trio who has been called “monsters of ability and technique.” Field on UF Campus at 5 pm. This will be the Flaming Lips Behind a leviathan drum kit, drummer Ricc Sheridan pounds out This dynamic young trio of classically trained string musicians first show in North Florida since the Transmissions from the thundering interwoven beats in the tradition of John Bonham transcends traditional performance genres, playing a widely diverse Satellite Heart Tour 10 years ago. and Billy Cobham’s Mahavishnu—and in appearance, uncannily repertoire with an unpredictable edge. In concert, a blue-grass reminiscent of Hendrix-era Buddy Miles. Café Eleven - 8:30 pm standard like Orange Blossom Special may be followed by a gypsy- Info: 469-9311

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 5 the pace. However, the end, as is usually the case in opening this week exploitation movies, did justify the means. I didn’t see Grindhouse in a megaplex, as most people this past weekend did, but rather went to the Playtime Drive-In on Blanding Boulevard to watch the spectacle as it should be seen. The great thing about watching this particular double-feature at the Playtime is that the deplorable and morally depraved people featured on the screen are the same ones that serve you your popcorn. At the drive-in you are living that film. Cherry Darling is in one of those steamed up cars in front of the screen, the ones that flicker intermittently with lighters. Tarantino’s Death Proof started out true to AQUA TEEN HUNGER FORCE COLON MOVIE FILM form. In classic Tarantino style, he brought the Kurt FOR THEATERS The animated big-screen version of Russell from Escape from New York and Big Trouble the Adult Swim show reveals the mysterious origins in Little China back to the big screen as a tough, of Meatwad, Frylock and Master Shake. When an albeit somewhat insecure, serial killer named Stunt- immortal piece of exercise equipment threatens the man Mike. Jungle Julia, a local radio host (played balance of galactic peace, it is up to the Aqua Teen by the legendary Sidney Poitier’s daughter Sydney Hunger Force to run away from it. Peril escalates when double feature scare Tamiia Poitier) brings her friend, Butterfly, out for a the Plutonians team up with the Cybernetic Ghost of night on the town. In the end Rose McGowan gets Christmas Past to strive for ultimate control of the the mysoginistic end of Kurt Russell’s rage, and sinister deadly device. Grindhouse movie review ultimately all of them are murdered. Rated R. Immediately the viewer is thrown into another Part 1: Robert Rodriguez’S Part 2: Quentin Tarantino’s group of wild girls out for a night on the town. Again DISTURBIA Shia LaBeouf stars as Kale, a kid who PLANET TERROR by rick grant Death Proof by jon bosworth B+ we are dragged into terrific dialogue that slows this punches out his teacher, and consequently, he is camp feature to a standstill, or even worse, an art placed under house arrest wearing an ankle bracelet A Rated R Both films 191 min After Robert Rodriguez’s action packed gore film, but just wait it out. When Stuntman Mike comes with GPS. While confined to his house, he gets fest of a zombie film, Planet Terror, the bar was set back into the scene the action kicks up and the ideas bored and he becomes a voyeur. First he spies on For those of us who remember the campy grade for Quentin Tarantino’s addition to the Grindhouse are equal parts cunning and hysterical. In the end, his beautiful teenage neighbor who comes over to B movies exhibited at the drive-in theatres of yester- double-feature. The “prevues” for horror movies the movie finishes the way it should. Kurt Russell confront him. Then, he sees strange things going on at year, Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino’s won- Don’t, Werewolf Women of the SS, and Thanksgiv- finds that sometimes being Death Proof isn’t every- another neighbor’s house that leads him to believe the derfully over-the-top satire of this genre will evoke ing kept the kitsch-pulse up, but Tarantino slowed thing it’s cracked up to be. man, Mr Turner (David Morse) is a serial killer. Rated continuous guffaws. For both films, with fake trailers PG-13 in between, Rodriguez and Tarantino collaborated on PATHFINDER A Viking boy is left behind after his clan the scripts and outrageous over-the-top action. The battles a Native American tribe. Raised by the tribe, result is the ultimate parody of bad filmmaking, edit- he ultimately becomes their savior when the Vikings ing, and overkill stunts, but using modern methods return to slaughter the natives. Rated R and A-list actors who simulated the wooden acting and trite dialogue of these goofy films. PERFECT STRANGER An investigative journalist, Grindhouse is a homage to Tarantino and Rowena (Halle Berry) quits her job at a big time daily Rodriguez’s favorite trashy movies. Rodriguez shot after the publisher kills her story because someone his movie, Planet Terror with digital cameras and edit- paid off her corroborating witness. Then she is given ing, but used a special program to simulate the grainy a tip that big time ad executive, Harrison Hill (Bruce scratched film stock complete with “missing reels” Willis) may have killed her friend. Along with her and bad editing. Some of the trailers are better than researcher and hacker, Miles (Giovanni Ribisi) Rowena the two films, especially the fake preview of Machete! poses as a temp and gets a job with Harrison’s firm. In Planet Terror, Rodriguez shot the wildest and She uses her beauty and irresistible sexual allure to get goriest zombie movie ever released. He created cari- evidence on Harrison to give to the police. But things catures of zombies with puss-filled boils and heads are not as they seem in this intrigue thriller. Rated R that explode when shot. In this blood-splattered world of “infected” zombies, Bruce Willis is an Army zom- REDLINE A gorgeous young automobile fanatic-- bie killer who has gas that relieves the symptoms of and front to the hottest unsigned band on the West the zombie plague, Rose McGowan portrays Cherry coast--finds herself caught up in illegal drag-racing Darling, a stripper who ends up losing her leg, and the competitions organized for the pleasure of a bunch scene-stealing Freddy Rodriguez plays Wray, a secret of bored billionaires. Starring Nathan Phillips, Eddie agent who attaches an automatic assault rifle to her Griffin and Nadia Bjorlin. Rated PG-13. stump. SLOW BURN Ray Liotta plays a DA who is involved Cherry becomes a lethal weapon, mowing down in a 24-hour showdown with a gang member (L.L. zombies like a weed-whacker. Her body count is the Cool J) At the same time, he is being manipulated highest of the sexy chicks running for their lives to a by an attractive assistant DA (Jolene Ballock) and barbecue joint owned by DJ (Jeff Fahey), where the a mysterious stranger which leads to intriguing and survivors of the plague would hold their last stand deadly situations. Rated R against the zombie terror, and eat some damn fine barbecue to boot. Josh Brolin portrays a cynical doctor who is treating the infected people, but after so many zombies, he quits. Tarantino plays an Army guard continued pg 8 who tries to rape Cherry and comes to a bloody end. These guys must have used 55 gallon drums of fake blood brought in by the truckload. Marley Sheldon portrays Dr. Dakota Block with syringes in her hol- sters that she draws like six shooters to zap her prey with lethal drugs. As for Wray and the rest of the sur- vivors don’t worry they never run out of ammo. View- ing this movie is a blast of fresh air in an industry that takes itself much too seriously.

6 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seeing green seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

IMAX Earth Day Film Festival The Daddy Is? DNA tests revealed during a paternity hearing in the Bahamas Tuesday determined that Larry Birkhead is by Erin thursby [email protected] indeed the father of Dannielynn, Anna Nicole’s daugh- They say Earth Day is every day, but it isn’t every day that the World Golf Village holds their annual ter. Finally the kid has a daddy. It only proves that his Earth Day Film Fest. Rather than just make a day of it, this fest is stretched out over ten days, through the sperm got to the egg first. 22nd. Intended for nature enthusiasts of all ages, the Earth Day Film Festival will feature the IMAX films that show us the many aspects of planet Earth. Discover places most of us will never go, like the depths of the More Baby News Larry Birkhead’s former attorney, Debra Opri, stated deep deep sea or the enormity of earth from orbit. As spectacular as these things are on the small screen, or that she is “very excited and happy for both Larry and even a regular movie screen, nothing can prepare you for the beauty of nature on IMAX. Journey with intrepid Dannielynn,” and calling the infant “quite possibly the explorers, swim the deep sea and explore Africa on the IMAX screen. Included in the festival are the following most adorable baby I have ever seen.” And quite pos- films: sibly the richest. Is Debra Larry’s squeeze? Shaw and Zydeco accordion master Chubby Carrier relay first-hand accounts of their survival while en- More Doggy Doo tertaining viewers with their traditional New Orleans Snoop Dogg is charged with two felony counts of sale sound. or transportation of marijuana and possession of a April 13th & 14th 10a.m., 3p.m & 8p.m. firearm by a felon stemming from his November arrest April 15th 2p.m. & 6p.m. after an appearance on The Tonight Show. He’s sched- April 16th-18th 11a.m., 2p.m. & 6p.m. uled to be arraigned Wednesday morning in Pasadena April 19th-21st 10a.m., 1p.m. & 5p.m. Superior Court. April 22nd 1p.m. & 7p.m. Ring of Fire Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West Firefighters battling a blaze Tuesday at the Tennessee home where Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash The film chronicles the travels of 31 explorers, led lived until their deaths in 2003. No injuries were reported at the lakefront property, which was pur- by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, on the first chased by Barry Gibb in January 2006. Gibb is glum over fire. overland expedition to the Pacific Ocean and back in the hopes of describing for science the wonders of Hip Ain’t Hot the west. After last weekend’s disappointing box office results, the Weinstein Co. considered splitting Grind- April 13th &1 14th @ 11a.m. & 6p.m. house into two features, rather than continuing to bill Quentin Tarantino’s Death Proof and Robert April 15th - 18th @ 7p.m. Rodriguez’s Planet Terror under the single title. The films are already being released separately Blue Planet April19th-21st @ 3p.m. overseas and will be divided for DVD and TV, but Harvey Weinstein stated he is waiting to see how The Earth is revealed as a planet of constant change Grindhouse does in its second weekend of release before making the decision. Apparantly, no one and viewers gain insight into Earth with footage tak- Lost Worlds: Life in the Balance remembers those grade B drive-in movies. en from the ocean floor, on the ground and in space. Be transported into hidden realms of nature. This See creatures which thrive in environments which film artfully engages viewers in an exploration of the Joe Goes Wild Straight to the Slammer would mean death to most species on earth. mysteries of the planet’s biological diversity. Girls Gone Wild founder Joe Francis was arrested Tuesday at the Panama City airport, reportedly th th April 13 & 14 2 p.m. & 7p.m. April 13th &14th @ 1p.m. &5p.m. while on his way to turn himself in on a contempt of court charge, when he was spotted by airport th th April 15 -18 1p.m. & 5p.m. April 15th - 18th @ 3p.m. police who nabbed him before he reached the U.S. marshal’s office. th April 19 4p.m. April 19th &20th @ 6p.m. th st April 20 & 21 4p.m. & 8 p.m. April 21st @ 11a.m. & 6p.m. Dirty Dancing nd April 22 4p.m. April 22nd 3p.m. Clyde “The Glide” Drexler earned the lowest marks from the judges for the second week in a row on Monday’s Dancing with the Stars. Joey Fatone hot-footed it into the night’s results show as the leader Deep Sea of the pack. Because traveling to the depths of the ocean is pos- sible for very few people, Deep Sea provides viewers Hayek Gone Corporate a unique opportunity to journey under the sea to Salma Hayek and MGM are forming a new pro- discover the fascinating lifeforms found below. This duction company with the aim of creating movies film, brought to you by IMAX® and Warner Bros., with Latino themes and talent that have mass- captures some of the most beautiful and unusual market appeal. The new venture, dubbed Ventana- creatures and their humorous and peculiar behavior zul, is expected to release between two and four as they depend on one another for survival to main- films each year. tain a balanced ecosystem. Deep Sea is narrated by Johnny Depp and Kate Winslet. Lopez Wears Big Girl Panties April 19th-21st @ noon Jennifer Lopez executive-produced the five-hour musical drama miniseries La Flor Palida for Univi- Hurricane on the Bayou sion, slated to premiere in May, per Variety. Lopez Produced and distributed by MacGillivray Freeman Wild Safari: A South African did not act in the series, though music from her Films and narrated by acclaimed actress Meryl Adventure Spanish CD Como Ama una Mujer will be featured Streep, Hurricane on the Bayou carries audiences on Go on an expedition through Africa’s Southern Cape and she will appear at the end of each episode a journey throughout Louisiana before, during and to the arid Kalahari desert in search of the “Big Five” singing a song from the album. Lopez also ap- after the unprecedented and unexpected devastation – the elephant, the Cape buffalo, the rhino, the leop- peared on this week’s American Idol as the celeb- of Hurricane Katrina. Streep introduces viewers to ard and the lion. rity coach for the Latin theme. four New Orleans musicians through which the trag- April 13th-15th noon & 4p.m. edy of Hurricane Katrina unfolds. Legendary singer April 16th- 18th 4p.m. and songwriter Allen Toussaint; Cajun blues guitarist April19-21st 2p.m.-7p.m. My Client is a Chump Defense Tab Benoit; 14-year-old fiddling prodigy Amanda April 22nd noon-6p.m. Phil Spector’s defense team planned to show that Lana Clarkson was despondent over her finances and acting career at the time of her death and possibly contemplated suicide before her encounter with the record producer, according to court documents filed Monday. Jury selection in Spector’s The Earth Day film fest will be running through the 22nd. For further info on murder trial is due to resume Apr. 16. Right, and she allegedly made him pull the trigger. Better get show times, tickets and directions go to www.wgv.com/imax/imax.php O.J.’s jury.

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 7 now playing big twist & shocking ending 300 Based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, this epic film tells the story of the famous Battle of Thermopylae where the King of Sparta, with only 300 soldiers, held off thousands of advancing Persians Perfect Stranger movie review at the Thermopylae pass. The battle inspired all of Greece to band together against the Persians and by Rick grant [email protected] usher in the world’s first democracy. Rated R B+ Rated R 109 min dandy, Harrison Hill (Bruce Willis)–an advertising mogul. Grace had a torrid ARE WE DONE YET? In this Ice Cube produced Any movie starring Halle Berry is worth affair with Hill and he dumped her. At first, film, Cube plays Nick Persons who takes his family viewing! She’s that good. Accordingly, this film, not much is known about Grace. Clearly, to the country to buy a fixer-upper house. There she has a complicated relationship with he meets Chuck Mitchell, (John C. McGinley) a directed by James Foley and written by Todd man who wear many hats as the real estate agent, Komarnick, features Berry portraying a journal- Rowena, which is revealed later in the contractor, house inspector, plumber, and Nick’s pain ist named Rowena in a complex and intriguing story. This is such a meaty story that she in the neck. Soon the house is nothing but a shell as mystery that has a big twist at the end. Berry could work on posing as a temp in his the inspector finds dry-rot and other major problems. skillfully develops her character with riveting élan. office. Rowena goes undercover to spy on Hill to Rated PG The audience’s concept of the story is drastically expose his hypocrisy and serial philandering. The deeper Rowena delves into Hill’s busi- changed when the big twist is revealed in the Tragically, Grace turns up dead in the river. ness the more she believes he murdered Grace. BLADES OF GLORY Two unlikely Olympic ice shocking ending. The autopsy report reveals she was poisoned with While trying to install a spy program on his com- skating rivals, Chazz and Jimmy (Will Farrell and Rowena is an investigative journalist work- a substance used to dilate eyes. Curiously, Hill’s puter, Hill walks in and catches her. She makes up Jon Heder) were stripped of their gold medals and ing for a high-profile daily. When her year-long wife takes art photographs of dilated eyes and she a plausible story and he is appeased. She has him permanently banned from men’s single competition. investigation of a U.S. Senator reveals his blatant and Hill have access to the poison. Now, Rowena lusting for her, twisting his good judgement. However, the two found a loophole in the rules that hypocrisy at being an anti-gay conservative, while is hooked on her mission to prove that Hill or his As intrigue stories go, this is an engrossing allow them to compete as a pair team–two guys. carrying on a gay affair, she is set to drop the wife murdered Grace. trip into the dirty laundry of a user and abuser– Rated PG-13 bomb. Suddenly, her cooperating witness, the Of course, Rowena is drop-dead gorgeous Hill. Berry singlehandedly holds the viewers inter- Senator’s boyfriend who had agreed to corrobo- and soon Hill has his eye on her. She is just too est. Willis is perfect for this smirking egomaniac, FIREHOUSE DOG Rex, Hollywood’s top-grossing rate her story, is paid off to keep his mouth shut. great a temptation for him to resist. She takes who suffers from frequent fits of low self-esteem. canine, gets lost in a freak stunt and is adopted as Consequently, her exposé story is killed by her it slow and gradually wins his confidence. She Rowena has him wrapped around her finger as the mascot of a rundown inner-city fire station. Rated publisher. Livid, she resigns and goes freelance agrees to meet him at a bar for a drink. And thus, she leads him on with her sexual allure. PG with her computer hacker friend and investigative she weasels her way into his lustful nature. Ah yes, the excrement hits the fan when Hill partner Miles (Giovanni Ribisi). They have a strict- Through the course of this story, there are discovers her cell phone with a text message from GHOST RIDER Based on a Marvel comic book ly business relationship, although Miles would like few tells to help unravel the plot. Viewers need to Miles who tells her they can get to his computer character, a motorcycle stunt man named Johnny to take it further. (Well, who wouldn’t!) pay attention to every scene to understand the big another way. Now she is exposed as a spy. Will he Blaze who gives up his soul to become a hell- One day, while commuting to work, Rowena twist. kill her or can she take what evidence she has to blazing vigilante to fight against the power hungry is met by her childhood friend, Grace (Nicki Ay- With great style, Berry carries the film with her detective friend? Blackheart, the son of the devil. Starring Nicolas her stunning beauty and cunning, nailing the char- Unexpected forces are coming together that Cage. Rated PG-13 cox), who is carrying damning emails from a VIP acter with amazing verve. Miles works full time will blow the lid off the case. From now on, things GRINDHOUSE Directors Quentin Tarantino and to help Rowena find evidence that Hill murdered start to unravel in ways the viewer never expected. Robert Rodriguez present two full-length movies Grace. Rowena works with homicide detective This is one film in which viewers should not leave in a new horror double feature. In Tarantino’s Lieutenant Tejada (Florencio Lozano) feeding her to get a snack or go to the bathroom. One missed Death Proof, Austin’s hottest DJ, Jungle Julia, sets information. scene could cause much confusion. out into the night to unwind with her two friends Shanna an Arlene. Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman Mike, a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of his muscle car, revving just feet away. In Rodriguez’s Planet Terror, two doctors find their graveyard shift inundated with townspeople ravaged by sores. Among the wounded is Cherry, a dancer peek-a-boo whose leg was ripped from her body. As the invalids quickly become enraged aggressors, Cherry and her ex-boyfriend Wray lead a team of accidental warriors into the night. Starring: Rose McGowan, Freddy Disturbia movie review Rodriguez, Josh Brolin, Marley Shelton. Rated R

MEET THE ROBINSONS Lewis is a brainiac kid by Rick grant [email protected] who is a promising inventor. In his travels he meets B- Rated PG-13 has known all along they were watching her and a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, who This film harkens back to other voyeur sce- she has been getting off on the attention. She joins whisks Lewis away in his time machine. Together, narios like Rear Window or Body Double, but is their spying club, watching their weird neighbor, Mr. Lewis and Wilbur team-up to track down Bowler Hat youth-oriented, starring twenty year-old actor, Turner (Robert Morse). Kale has seen him doing Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected Shia LaBeouf as Kale – A normal kid who, in a strange things such as dragging a big plastic bag twist of fate in the future. Rated G moment of anger, punched his teacher–a serious (which looked like a body) into his garage. Then offence. But, a sympathetic judge sentences Kale Kale and the gang see him bring home a date who PREMONITION Sandra Bullock plays Linda Hanson to six months of house arrest wearing a GPS ankle whose husband is killed in a car accident–or is ends up running from the house. Of course, Kale he? When she goes to bed she wakes up and her bracelet. The judge took into consideration that the and Ronnie’s imaginations run wild and soon they husband is sleeping next to her. Once she realizes teacher insulted Kale’s recently deceased father. have pegged him as a serial killer. her husband is still alive, she tries to prevent the Kale’s mom, Julie (Carrie-Anne Moss), is defi- When Kale’s mom starts getting chummy accident from happening. Rated PG-13 nitely on his case and takes away his TV privileges, with Mr. Turner, Kale freaks out. He’s got to find out leaving Kale bored out of his skull. He has his nutty what’s going on, so he sends Ronnie on a mission PRIDE Set in the year 1973, Jim Ellis, a college Asian friend, Ronnie (Aaron Yoo), come over to plan to break into his garage and find out what’s in the educated African-American, can’t find a job. Driven his escape, or at least break up the monotony of not plastic bag. The caper goes terribly wrong and Kale by his love of competitive swimming, Jim converts leaving the house. Soon, Kale and his friend get into breaks his perimeter to save Ronnie. This episode an abandoned recreational pool hall in a Philadelphia watching a new neighbor with a beautiful daughter ends when the police bust him for breaking and slum into an Olympic sized pool, with the help of named Ashley. entering. The police find a dead deer in the bag and Elston, a local janitor. But city officials have marked Through binoculars, the sex-crazed voyeurs Mr. Turner decides not to press charges. Now the the building for demolition. Rated PG see Ashley in her bedroom window undressing and cadre of spies are in real trouble. continued pg 9 swimming in the pool in her bikini. Hey, it’s better Although predictable and derivative, Shia than TV. Suddenly, Ashley pays the boys a visit. She 4

8 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper LaBeouf upgrades the film with his he appears to be, a killer. There is lively acting style and natural sense no red herring or other plot devices of humor. The hook is, of course, Mr. to send the viewer’s conclusions REIGN OVER ME In a stunning dramatic Turner really is a serial killer–worse astray. performance, Adam Sandler stars as Charlie Fineman, than anyone ever imagined – and the Still, for what it is– a derivative a man who lost his entire family in one of the planes that crashed into the twin towers. Don Cheadle boys are in real danger. They can’t thriller/horror vehicle – it delivers portrays his old college roommate, Alan Johnson, who expect the police to help them since entertaining action. Kale figures out runs into Charlie on the streets of Manhattan. Johnson the last fiasco. There is a cop who how far he can go in his periph- discovers Charlie is a broken man and has descended has become suspicious of Mr. Turner, ery so as not to set off his ankle into serious mental illness. Johnson rekindles the but he has no reason to get a warrant bracelet which gives him a bit more friendship and tries to help Charlie take the long road to search Turner’s house. freedom, Aaron Yoo gets laughs as to normalcy. Rated R Director, D.J. Caruso cre- another standout character in this ated fast-paced action that builds exceptional cast, which is far better SHOOTER A former special forces sniper, Bob Lee momentum to the big finale, which than the script. Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) who is retired living in a degenerates into the realm of the Shia LaBeouf is being remote location is coaxed into becoming an advisor for slasher-gore genre. However, the groomed to be a leading man with a covert group of operatives. Instead of giving them performances by the stellar cast high profile roles that give him advice on the best sniper locations, Swagger is set up overcome any flaws and the movie is maximum exposure. His portrayal of as a patsy to take the rap for an assassination of the at least entertaining, if viewers ignore Bobby Jones in an indie film nobody President. Swagger survives and goes on the run, and the obvious holes in the script. It’s viewed impressed filmdom’s key while trying to clear his name, he uncovers a shadow plausible that Kale could get himself in acting skill. Morse’s layered performance is very players. Newcomer Sarah Roemer as agency with their own agenda. Rated R. such a mess considering his propensity for screw- convincing and by the end of the movie his true Ashley is another up-and-comer. She’s beautiful, ing up. colors as a twisted serial killer are revealed. View- sexy, and a talented actress. She should go far in THE HILLS HAVE EYES II The hills have eyes but David Morse plays Mr. Turner with stand-out ers know from the beginning that Mr. Turner is what Hollywood. they need glasses. In this sequel, a group of National Guard trainees find themselves battling against a vicious group of mutants on their last day of training in the desert. It’s Saw in the desert. Rated R

THE HOAX Richard Gere stars as a con artist, Clifford Irving, who sells a bogus biography of Howard Hughes to a top tier publishing house. When the hoax is discovered, a media storm blows up in Clifford’s face and he is forced to go on the lam. Rated R

THE HOST When a young girl is snatched away from her father by a horrifying giant monster that emerges from the River Han to wreak havoc on Seoul, her entire family sets out to locate the beast and bring their little girl back home to safety in South Korean director Bong Joon-ho’s big-budget creature feature. Rated R

THE LAST MIMZY In this children’s fantasy, two siblings develop special powers after they find a mysterious box of toys. Soon, the kids, their parents, and even their teacher are drawn into a strange and sometimes terrifying world. Rated PG

THE NAMESAKE Kal Penn stars in the story of the Gangulis, an Indian-American family caught in a lifelong balancing act between two cultures. Rated PG-13

THE REAPING Hilary Swank stars as a former Christian missionary, Katherine Winter who specializes in debunking religious phenomena. On one of her research projects, she investigates a small town that has fallen victim to the 10 biblical plagues. What she finds is horrifying. Rated R

TEEINAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Those hard back ninjas, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back, and ready to rumble. After he defeat of their old arch nemesis, The Shredder, the Turtles have grown apart as a family. Struggling to keep them together, their rat sensei, Master Splinter, becomes worried when strange things begin to brew in NYC. Tech industrialist, Max Winters, is amassing an army of ancients. Rated PG

WILD HOGS Tim Allen, William H. Macy, Martin Lawrence, and John Travolta play a group of yuppie continued pg 10

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 9 biker wannabes who seek adventure on the open road on their Harleys. The unlikely suburban bikers get more than they bargained for when they tangle with a New Mexico gang called the Del Fuegos. Rated PG-13

Special Showings

Midnight Movie BEHIND THE MASK: THE RISE OF LESLIE VERNON A small town serial killer with a curious penchant for self-promotion unleashes a blood-soaked frenzy of terror in his violent effort to become the best-known slasher in horror history. On the surface Leslie Vernon (Nathan Baesel) is just your average, everyday guy whose lofty dreams for the future drive him to excel at his chosen profession. But Leslie’s chosen career path is a far cry from that of your typical middle- class wage earner; his ultimate goal is to follow in the footsteps of his mentor, notorious serial killer Eugene (Scott Wilson). Leslie has offered budding filmmaker Taylor Gentry (Angela Goethals) and her dedicated crew unprecedented access to his life as a brave new world he sets into motion a plan designed make to make the formidable feats of Jason Vorhees, Freddy Krueger, and Michael Myers look like a mere warm-up for the Pathfinder movie review homicidal hysteria that’s about to unfold. April 20-21 at midnight at the San Marco Theatre. Info: 396-4845. by Rick grant [email protected] Earth Day Film Festival B Rated R 98 min weapons. But he stays behind to confront them and The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater will hold them off while his people escape. host its first-ever film festival in honor of Earth Day This tall tale is based on the true story of the Directed by Marcus Nispel, the film is a remake beginning Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 22, Vikings landing on the coast of North America, New- of a 1987 movie Ofelas. Some of the dialogue is which is Earth Day. The Earth Day Film Festival will foundland to be exact, and making their way inland sophomoric, but for the most part, it rings true. feature a collection of the IMAX Theater’s nature to the Great Lakes, killing and plundering as they Urban is properly buffed up for the role, with Viking and ecology-focused films showing at various times went. Set 500 years before Columbus discovered blood running through his veins, and a memory of throughout the 10-day festival. Films that will be America, in 1000 AD, a Viking king abandons his 11 their language. Clearly, he is an important asset to shown include: Blue Planet, Lewis & Clark: Great year-old boy because he’s disappointed with him saving his adopted people. Journey West, Deep Sea, Lost Worlds, Wild Safari: for not killing another child. The boy is discovered The story focuses on Ghost’s inner conflict be- A South African Adventure, and the theater’s newest tween his barbarian roots and his love of his adopted release, Hurricane on the Bayou. Info: 904-940-4123 cowering inside a wrecked Viking ship by an Indian or www.wgv.com. woman who takes him back to her tribe’s village. people. He has developed emotional sophisticaton After a meeting of the elders, the tribe decides that far exceeds his Viking heritage. In fact, he de- JACKSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL SEEKING to keep him and raise him as their own. The tribe plores the Vikings’ murderous methods. Even when VOLUNTEERS The Jacksonville Film Festival is considered the Vikings, with their armor and boar’s he reveals that he speaks their language, he tells still taking applications online for volunteers. So, if head masks, dragon people. The boy grows up big them he’s not like them. The Pathfinder tells him that you know of anyone that wants a little behind-the- and strong. He found a sword and kept it. He con- if he can’t defeat the bear by conventional methods, scenes look at a film festival, or just a fun way to tinued his training alone with the superior weapon then he should use the bear’s strength against it. spend a couple of hours, please encourage them to the Indian’s wooden spears. All the tribes know Ghost and Starfire are eventually captured. He to volunteer by applying on their website (www. about the dragon people who invade their territory on feigns his return to his Viking soul, making the Viking jacksonvillefilmfestival.com). All volunteers must a regular basis, so they are wary of strange noises commander believe he has switched loyalty. He has attend a one hour orientation at the Jacksonville and watch for the Vikings’ ships. to beat Starfire to convince the commander. He then Main Library Auditorium on Thursday, April 19 The Indians give the boy a name, Ghost (Karl leads the war party to find the other Native Ameri- at 6:30 PM or Saturday, April 28 at 11:00 AM. If Urban) and he is accepted by the tribe but he hasn’t cans. But it’s a trick, and the dragon people are too you have any questions, you may email Christine earned the right to be a brave yet. Another tribe dumb to understand his cunning plan. Braddock (Volunteer Coordinator) at cbraddock@ trades with Ghost’s people and their leader is the Like the film 300, Pathfinder has a sepia-tone jacksonvillefilmfestival.com. Pathfinder–a high ranking king who blazes trails and look with CGI manipulation of scenery and charac- knows the territory. His daughter Starfire (Moon ters. Because Ghost was beaten and left for dead JACKSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS THE Bloodgood) is smitten by Ghost, who has noticed by his own father, there is no doubt where is loyal- TALKIES The Talkies is a two night, 35mm series: her. Yeah, they get together in between battles with ties lie. He cleverly leads the war party up into the the first night the audience gets to familiarize itself (or the Vikings. mountains where he can pull off a mass killing of the reacquaint itself, as the case may be) with the film. While Ghost is hunting game one day, he Vikings. But it won’t be easy. The next night the filmmaker joins the audience to stumbles across a Viking war party and he fights his Overall, this is an entertaining macho trip into provide running commentary. This experience takes way free, but he’s wounded by an arrow. Once back early America, which was open to any barbarian the “Director’s Commentary” component of a DVD invader that happened to land on its shores. It was a one step further, giving the filmmaker an opportunity in his village he warns the people they must leave. to skip on down memory lane while surrounded by a They can’t win against the dragon people’s superior wild land of promise and death. captive audience, both enjoying this unique cinematic experience. On Saturday, May 19th, THE TALKIES will be joining forces with the Jacksonville Film Festival for POLYESTER.

10 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 11 SIX DeGREES on ABC new on dvd pull the plug. How many more of these shows do we need anyway? Bobby (117 min.) A re-telling of the assassination of Senator Robert The Class F. Kennedy (Dave Fraunces) at the Ambassador It won a People’s Choice award, but the num- Hotel in 1968. The film follows 22 individuals who bers just weren’t great for this freshman sitcom. The are all at the hotel for different purposes but share show was the lowest rated comedy on CBS, putting the common thread of anticipating Kennedy’s it in danger of becoming yet another brilliant but can- arrival at the primary election night party, which celled series. Will the Eye keep it around to appease would change their lives forever. Rated R for lan- the relatively small fan base? We’ll know in May. guage, drug content and a scene of violence. What About Brian Flannel Pajamas (124 min.) J.J. Abrams may have struck gold with Lost, A mismatched couple meets on a blind date in but this dramedy has yet to pick up any real steam Manhattan. As Stuart (Justin Kirk) and Nicole among TV fans. Still, ABC execs love the show, so it (Julianne Nicholson) progress from love to mar- may just be spared despite the tiny ratings. riage to discussions about starting a family, their relationship faces the challenges of critical Supernatural friends, emotionally demanding relatives, time- Hot guys fighting the forces of evil? What’s consuming careers, different religions and the not to love? Apparently the eye candy hasn’t been stresses caused by the endless negotiations all enough of an incentive to draw in decent ratings. couples wage daily. Rated R for strong sexuality, But, with timeslot dominator Grey’s Anatomy hog- graphic nudity and language. ging most of the viewers, its no wonder the gentle- men of Supernatural aren’t doing better. Here’s How William Shatner Changed the hoping the CW takes that into consideration before World (90 min.) pulling the plug. William Shatner presents a light-hearted look at how the Star Trek TV series has influenced and in- on the bubble Six Degrees spired today’s technologies including cell phones, This lackluster series just came back from a medical imaging, computers and software, SETI, super-long hiatus, but still couldn’t make a connec- MP3 players and iPods, virtual reality, and space- which shows are on the chopping block? tion with the audience. It was pulled yet again after ship propulsion. This film is not rated. airing only two episodes. It looks like ABC, and ev- eryone else, has given up on Six Degrees. Jonestown- The Life and Death of by kelliE abraHamSoN KAbrahamson1@aol.com Peoples Temple (86 min.) One Tree Hill Featuring never-before-seen footage, this docu- It’s April, and for some TV fans, this is the longest month of the year. In four weeks, the heads of all the major The addictive teen drama has a ferocious fan mentary delivers a startling new look at the Peo- networks will be flying to New York to share with the world their schedules for the 2007-2008 season. At base but still falters in the ratings. Mark Schwahn, ples Temple, headed by preacher Jim Jones who, these “upfronts,” they’ll tell us what shows are getting the axe and what they plan to replace them with. That the show’s creator, is planning to pull a Veronica in 1978, led more than 900 members to Guyana, means in just one month, you may be kissing your favorite TV shows goodbye. So, which shows are in dan- Mars and jump four years into the future to see where he orchestrated a mass suicide via tainted ger? Here’s the rundown: where the kids of Tree Hill will end up. While the punch. This film is not rated. premise is promising for both of these shows, will Veronica Mars thrilled with the poor numbers and rumors have been the CW want to have both on their fall line up? I fear Phantasm (88 min.) The teen detective who won the hearts of all swirling about the show’s imminent demise since not. Mike (Michael Baldwin), a young teenage boy the critics from day one is, once again, struggling to November. who has just lost his parents, is afraid to lose his win another season. The ratings-challenged series Medium brother. This fear causes him to follow his brother did slightly better when it moved from UPN to the The Nine Up against Lost and CSI: New York, the psychic to a funeral, where Mike witnesses the Tall Man new CW, but the improvement may not be enough While you haven’t seen the hostage/post-trau- series has done poorly in the ratings, putting the fear (Angus Scrimm) lift a coffin on his own. Mike de- to save it. Still, creator Rob Thomas isn’t giving up matic stress show lately (in five months to be exact), of cancellation in the hearts of the cast and crew. cides to investigate and discovers a horrible world without a fight. In order to woo net execs, he’s pro- ABC’s The Nine has yet to be officially cancelled. Still, NBC says they are confident it will be picked where the Tall Man, along with his flying spheres, posed a new format for the series, flashing forward While all signs point to this puppy being put out of its up. Are they just putting on a happy face? shrinks corpses to half their normal size and re- four years into the future, where the sassy Veronica misery, there has been talk of the season’s remain- animate them as slaves. This film is rated R. Mars becomes a full fledged FBI agent. I’m not sure ing episodes being shown online. That’s something, Gilmore Girls how that will work, but if it keeps this extraordinary right? The youngest Gilmore, Alexis Bledel, has said Sleeping Dogs Lie (87 min.) show on the air for one more season, I’m all for it. she wants out, causing other cast members to say if An impulsive sexual encounter from her past Close to Home she goes, they’ll go too. Can the CW stop the mutiny haunts Amy (Melinda Page Hamilton), an other- Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip The second season of this crime drama isn’t that threatens to sink one of their strongest shows? wise normal young woman with a bright future Why this show isn’t doing any better in the doing so hot in the ratings. CBS insiders have said it My fingers are crossed! and nice-guy fiancé. But when her fiancé suggests ratings is beyond me. This incredibly smart series probably won’t make it to season three. While many the couple be completely honest and tell each has kept me captivated from day one. Still, NBC isn’t fans are hoping for the best, I think it may be time to Crossing Jordan other everything, Amy reveals her secret and all Yes, this show is still on the air… Who knew?! hell breaks loose. Rated R for strong and aberrant The season wrapped up early, a possible hint that sexual content, drug use and language. NBC may be preparing to say bye-bye to the moder- ately entertaining series. Sweeney Todd- The Director’s Cut (90 min.) In 18th-century London, expert barber Sweeney How I Met Your Mother Todd (Ray Winstone) lives in the shadow of New- The cast is cautiously optimistic about their gate Prison, a hellhole where he spent 20 years show’s return, but there are still rumors that the sit- for a crime he didn’t commit. Battling murderous com may be in trouble because a CBS exec doesn’t impulses, he befriends Mrs. Lovett (Essie Davis), care for it. Can one person’s dislike for the series a young woman who runs a pie shop next door. trump its fairly decent ratings? Stranger things have As carved-up bodies start turning up in the Fleet happened. River, and Mrs. Lovett’s meat pies turn ever more delectable, the police launch an investigation. This Jericho film is not rated. Going head-to-head with American Idol is an almost guaranteed death sentence and Jericho fans TV on DVD are understandably concerned for their beloved Scooby Doo, Where Are You!- Third Season apocalyptic drama. Still, CBS seems to dig the show, which may be its only saving grace.

12 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper america at a crossroads PBS and WJCT’s 11 part documentary series

by Rick grant [email protected] This exemplary 11 part documentary series as the brains behind the Al Queda’s burgeoning chronicles the roots of radical fundamentalist recruitment of young disenfranchised Muslims. Islam that initiated the global Jihad, from its be- Al Zawahiri ran the initiative to assassinate Anwar ginning through the Afghanistan and Iraq wars. Sadat and was jailed for his rabble rousing activi- It also covers how the fundamentalist movement ties. When he was released from jail, he made has alienated the millions of regular Muslims, friends with bin Laden and the two became the shattering the Middle East into rival bands of masterminds behind the 9/11 attacks. warring tribal factions. The various episodes pen- At the core of al Queda’s objective is the etrate every aspect of the Iraq war and how the eventual conquest of the West and the world, insurgency accelerated into civil war. which would be converted into a medieval funda- The debut episode, JIHAD: The Men and mentalist society, ruled by clerics and enforced Ideas behind Al Queda, is a detailed chronology by radical Muslim soldiers. In bin Laden and al- of how radical Islamic groups were formed and Zawahiri’s minds, this is a holy war with no limits nurtured by Osama bin Laden, financed by his or time-frame. In other words, we could be fight- vast wealth from his family’s construction for- ing these Jihadist killers indefinitely. tune. More significantly, the first episode shows The next film in the series is titled Warriors, how bin Laden used his Al Queda organization which profiles a group of Army soldiers filmed to spawn his terrorist ideology in a world war during the Spring and Fall of 2005. The specific against the West, specifically the United States. mission was launched into the most dangerous Using never-before-seen footage and high areas in and around Baghdad. Each solider’s quality production values, PBS delves deeply story is revealed through intimate snapshots as into how this Jihad and its deadly tentacles have they face the daily complexities and personal spread throughout the Muslim world. Often using risks of trudging through the deadly streets of the Internet as its main propaganda forum. The Baghdad. JIHAD episode shows how bin Laden wanted the Each documentary is an entity unto itself, American forces in Afghanistan and Iraq so they featuring different producers, writers, and direc- could be killed in a theater of war that was close tors. The third documentary in the series explores to bin Laden’s hideout on the Pakistan border. the firsthand accounts of American troops JIHAD examines what happened to bin through their own words–from their letters, verse, Laden to turn him into a radical West-hating essays, and personal journals. The film combines mass murderer. Bin Laden is the 17th son in a interviews and dramatic readings which transform family of 22 other siblings, most of whom were a remarkable collection of writing to an in-depth Westernized in their youth. Bin Laden fought analysis of life on the front lines. in Afghanistan against the Russians where he Taken in toto, the series endeavors to give gained respect and established his power base. the viewer unprecedented insider knowledge of His hatred of America came about when he was the war against al-Quedas’s spreading fundamen- shocked that America had entered Saudi Arabia talist philosophy, which condones the killing of with its war machine during the first Gulf War. innocent people in the name of Allah. The entire He believed the American infidels defiled the holy series is available at PBS’ website on DVD (you land, and from that time on, he vowed to fight a can link through www.wjct.org) and will be broad- holy war against the United States. cast in its entirety beginning Sunday, April 15 The episode also chronicles bin Laden’s through Thursday, April 19 with episodes broad- lieutenant, Ayman al-Zawahiri’s rise to power cast at 9:00 pm and on Friday, April 15 at 10:00.

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 13 The Xbox 360 Elite will come with black game console, and matching black peripherals including a black controller and headphone set. video games game consoles, HD gaming, and you by Norm stovall [email protected] Microsoft recently announced its upcoming release of the new version of the Xbox 360, affectionately referred to as “The Elite”. One of the main benefits of this new version of the Xbox 360 is the upgraded HDMI output, made for HDTVs. HDMI is pretty much the new standard in HDTV cable tech, so if you want a new HDTV for gaming, make sure it has an HDMI port in the back. Both the Playstation 3 and the new Xbox 360 support this format, and the picture quality is amazing. Have an Xbox 360 without HDMI? No worries. You can pick up a VGA cable for your Xbox 360, and the quality is still amazing. Most HD sets also have a VGA input. SAN MARCO What about Movies? Well, I know that this column is about games, but sometimes we use our game consoles to watch SPRING FINE ART SHOW movies. So you want the most bang for your buck, and you want to see that bang in HD, right? You have 2 options, those options being HD-DVD and Blu-Ray Disk. So which HD format do you choose? If you already have a PS3, Blu-Ray is built in, so you are set. Blu-Ray looks every bit as amazing as 2OO7 HD-DVD, and you’d probably need some kind of supercomputer to tell the difference. What about HD- DVD players? Well, for about 200 bucks, you can buy the HD-DVD add-on for your Xbox 360. Though this drive is strictly for playing movies, the Xbox 360 HD-DVD drive does it well. If you don’t plan on watching High-Def movies, MS gives you the game console without having to pay the premium for the High-Def movie format. SAT. & SUN.

Is HD Gaming Worth So much definition, APRIL 14 - 15 the Price? it’s scary. 10 AM - 5 PM This is a big maybe. If you are buying a TV for this purpose, be sure to look at the refresh rate. Many older HD sets have issues with lag and image ghosting, meaning that the sound or controller inputs don’t match the movement on the set, and the images leave strange traces behind them when in motion. Though most modern HDTVs don’t have these problems, you still want to ask. If it has a refresh rate higher than 6 milliseconds, you probably want to pick a different TV. HD Gaming is not for everyone. You can play most console games on TVs over AV cables and www.JandCoEvents.com even RF cables, and probably not have any kind of problem whatsoever. But when you see Virtua Fighter 5 on PS3 or Gears of War for Xbox 360 running in High-Def, you may just want to make that For More Information Call 904.541.1340 switch.

14 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper If you fancy yourself an old school intellectual, then perhaps you might enjoy the sublime pleasures of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. You can relax in the English garden while you ponder the impact of Renais- sance philosophy on modern day artists. Or whatever. No matter what your style, there are many places in our city that show it. You might have to be patient and a little bold, but Jacksonville is rife with talent and open to the rest of the world’s artists. Just get out there and spring art look, you might learn something. new galleries and shows

guide. to keep an eye on. by donald dusinberre

Even though I’m an artist myself, I’m an underachieving fellow with very little ability to keep myself groomed, let alone stay consistent with following my interest in the arts. Writing the art reviews for EU Jacksonville has re-ignited my determination to stay involved with art, but I’ve really just begun. I haven’t yet found every gallery in every part of town, but we’ll learn together. Here are a few places you can start discovering art for yourself while I’m out finding new ones to tell you about.

Nightlife at the Cummer: The Laura Street Gallery “Cool Music, Friends, and Art” A brand new gallery in town, their opening was just Spend a relaxing evening enjoying a few of the finer two weeks ago. I haven’t been yet, but seasoned things in life. On the second Thursday of every professionals run the establishment, so the qual- month, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens ity is bound to be high. Look for my first review of hosts Nightlife at the Cummer, a delightful evening the Laura Street Gallery in next week’s issue of EU of jazz music, high art, and delicious cocktails. Jacksonville. While you peruse the extensive display of art his- Laura Street Gallery tory, take advantage of the cash bar, food, and 209 Laura Street beverages at the coffee bar and light bistro located 904.356.9009 within the museum.

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Sean Mahan 829 Riverside Avenue www.cummer.org 904.356.6857 different types for galleries by donald dusinberre The Stellers Gallery Annex My editor wanted me to compile a reference guide of galleries and museums based on artistic styles. There are four Stellers Galleries in the area, the When faced with any difficult challenge such as this, my primary tactics are avoidance and crafty twisting of words. Throughout my six years of college, I’ve become a master at changing my assignments to fit my own newest of which is the Annex in Neptune Beach. pleasures while attempting to satisfy the man. The other Stellers galleries usually have a large Categorizing a gallery or museum by artistic style is problematic in a number of ways. Labeling styles and assortment of paintings from dozens of artists, but The Jane Gray Gallery (pictured above) media is an inexact process, and they each represent different aspects of art that always overlap. Most galleries the Annex in Neptune Beach features many pieces Always featuring quality work, the Jane Gray Gal- do not focus too tightly on one particular style, although they sometimes limit their media. For example, it might from a single artist. These artist exhibitions usually be possible find a gallery that shows only photographs, but the style of the photographs within are likely to vary lery is just like the kind of art gallery you’d see in a greatly. But most often, galleries and museums like to keep the possibility of showing a large variety to the larg- last about a month, and then a new exhibit takes movie. It’s got a great vibe and even better artwork. est potential customer base as possible. its place. If you happen to like an artist’s work, the Artists can also be misrepresented if their work is shown in a gallery identified by a style different than Annex offers the perfect opportunity to delve deep 643 Edison Avenue www.janegraygallery.com theirs. Artists are picky when you mislabel their style. They get their smocks all in a bunch, and we all know how and soak in more of the artist’s vision. temperamental they can be, right? I know I’d hate to be called a Modern artist when it’s so obvious that I’m an 904.338.5790 Abstract Expressionist. The Stellers Gallery Annex To be quite literal, this assignment was given to me simply as “different types of galleries” in an email note. 200 First Street North, Neptune Beach An Artful Evening at BoConcept So instead of trying to outline the galleries and museums by artistic style, I’m going to pretend that I misun- www.stellersgallery.com This event is most likely a one-time thing, but it derstood my editor’s exact meaning. My outline will now be based on attitude; that is, what kind of person the 904.247.7200 various galleries are catering to. Neither the gallery nor the artists whose work hangs in it wants to be misrepre- looks interesting. I think it might be helpful to any- sented, so I’d rather misrepresent everybody else. Yes, I’m being stereotypical, but there may be a grain of truth one who collects art or is interested in improving within it, so let’s lighten up and find the gallery that’s right for you! Opaq at TSI the look of his or her home. BoConcept, in conjunc- If you have a ton of disposable income or a fetish for cutting-edge décor, then visit the R. Roberts Gallery Even though I didn’t speak highly of my initial visit tion with Fogle Fine Art, will host an informative in Avondale. As the premiere importer of international art, they can outfit you with names you’ve read about in to Opaq, I do believe it has the potential to make event designed to teach folks how to choose and history books. Or try Fogle Fine Arts, offering quality framing and a personal touch to design consultation. They a significant mark on Jacksonville’s art scene. carry a wide variety of painting styles for the home or business. display art in their own home. The event will take There’s a degree of amateurism that lends credibil- If you’re caught up in the Florida lifestyle with all the seascapes, birds and fishes, then look no further than place on Thursday, April 12, from 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 Jacksonville’s beaches. Our entire coastline is littered with galleries, and many of them feature the pastels and ity to the raw ideas displayed there. p.m. neutral colors you’re looking for. Nothing goes with beige carpeting and wicker furniture like a watercolor beach TSI scene and a jar full of seashells. If you want to find a gallery that breaks the beach mold, visit the Stellers Gallery BoConcept, St. Johns Town Center 333 East Bay Street, Downtown Annex in Neptune Beach. 4624 Town Crossing Drive, Suite 155 If you want to experience the counterculture or pretend you’re part of it, check out the Opaq Gallery at TSI www.clubtsi.com www.boconcept.us or the Jane Gray Gallery. When you go to one of these galleries, you can show all the hipsters who are showing 904.424.3531 you they’re hip that you’re hip, too. But seriously, the art in these galleries have a huge amount of potential for 904.996.0661 new and interesting ideas.

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 15 san marco spring fine

arts show: a preview by donald dusinberre

On Saturday and Sunday April 14th and 15th, Jacksonville’s most quaint Southbank neighborhood will host the 11th annual San Marco Spring Fine Arts Show. San Marco Square will be abuzz with the activity of artists and thousands of their biggest supporters. Coordinated by J & Co. Events, the art show will feature multiple works from more than 150 art- ists who specialize in all forms of art, including painting, pottery, photography, glass, and sculpture. There will even be a sidewalk chalk artist who will create a work of art during the event. The San Marco Spring Fine Arts Show will also feature performances from local jazz acts, as well as family-oriented activities like a children’s interactive play area. Free and open to everyone, don’t miss this opportunity to relax and let your mind wander amongst innumerable artistic expressions. Bring the entire family and enjoy a family outing that will enrich and entertain.

Andrea DeFlorio’s work in the Jane Gray Gallery. new artist discoveries. by donald dusinberre

Many of the artists I’m going to list here are people I’ve already talked about in this newspaper, so don’t be deceived by the title of this article. Neither should you be misled into believing that any of these artists are new artists. The title of this article stems from my experience. I’m new to Jacksonville’s art scene. I went to college and got my degree in art, but up until recently, I never stayed in touch with current art. But all that has changed. The art and artists I’ve come across in the past few months have impressed me greatly, and they all have styles and ideas unique to themselves. Believe me, that’s a huge commodity. Even if they never get rich or make a living on their work, they have a special ability to express themselves in ways that ninety-nine percent of people will never be able to ac- complish. The first artist is Andrea DeFlorio. I saw her work at the opening for the Bright Young Things exhibit at the Jane Gray Gal- lery. I had a chance to meet and talk exten- sively with her. Not only are her paintings rich with color and texture, her personality is, too. It was fascinating to look at her paintings again after learning the concept behind them. The second artist I want to mention is Dan May. His work was showing in the Bur- rito Gallery, and his imaginative paintings are full of colorful creatures in human situ- ations. They are a delight to view, and they cause the viewer to daydream as vividly as the images before them. Somehow, they unlock our natural inclination to block out surreality. Sean Mahan’s work happened to be on the other side of the room at the Burrito Gallery, and his work was equally capable of causing the viewer to daydream. His paint- For those of you who may be nosy or just like seeing your name in the paper, here is a partial list ings made me create short narratives for of artists who will be displaying their work at this weekend’s show: each image, in an attempt to describe each painting’s simple scene. With a precise and Jo Ann Alarid - Jewelry Anne Cullum - Mixed Media Ian Chase unique realistic style, he uses emotive color Danielle Blumenberg - Jewelry Will Dickey - Photography and subtly expressive characters to direct Patty Bodney - Ceramics Carla Ferrari - Wood one’s brain into their stories. Bill Slade - Glass Art Erlinda Fitzpatrick - Acrylic Painting I haven’t directly reviewed the work of Ian Chase, but his work was also present at the Jane Gray Gallery Beverly Brown - Photography Kathy Frosio - Acrylic Painting for the Bright Young Things show. With each piece, he exhibits an enormous range of conceptual ability, and Gary Buffon - Photography Ted Head - Watercolor Painting every one of them insists on the viewer’s attention, almost against one’s will. Although every artist wants us Tim Bullard - Pottery Wayne Iredale - Metal to think that every aspect of his or her artwork is done purposefully, I really believe it when I view Chase’s Jolene Carter - Photography Ed Kitis - Watercolor Painting work. When I found myself stopping and wondering what something meant, I stayed until I felt I figured it out. Teddy and Lisa Collins - Fiber Oniel Joey - Metal For me, that’s the best experience I can have when looking at art. Kim Coy - Jewelry I know I’ll soon be adding more artists to my list of favorites, and when I find out where and when they will be showing their work again, I will be sure to let you know. 16 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper the opening of a new show from pop artists Annie Attaboy Owens and Attaboy. Both artists have a cartoon-like style that steps off of the page to infer something larger. The pieces exude a sense of vitality with their gesture-strokes and literally off-the-wall presenta- tion. The way the pieces were displayed provided an angular dynamic that incorporated shadows into the depth of this otherwise two-dimensional work. The way they were raised off of the wall let the caricature images step off of the comic book page and enter an arena of artistic viability. Attaboy’s pieces would certainly bring a fresh look to any wall, they are vibrant and demanding. They are also rich with dark and almost sadistic depravity, much like R Land’s work, but with a sense of playfulness that isn’t borderline cute, as is the case with R Land’s pieces, but rather visceral. They are active and surrounded by a haze of movement. Attaboy also has a line of designer toys, packaged and manufactured, of some of his crazy cartoonish characters, some with interchangeable expressive mouths, and some that glow in the dark. Annie Owens’ work was slightly more static, but not any less interesting. Rather than images clouded in movement and activity, hers were like the dark side of a Precious Moments portrait. From cartoons as fine art. children in gas masks for Halloween to her series of caricatures on the bottom of skateboard decks, her pieces transmitted a sense of belonging. They screen arts presents attaboy and annie owens were mostly framed and presented very traditionally, but the picture managed to shake you out of your by jon bosworth is one of their flagship events, which features 140 traditional expectations. Her twisted characters offer artists, food, drink, and live music (coming this plenty for the imagination to take from the wall. St. Augustine has always been something of weekend), and there are litanies of stores that feature Screen Arts has brought another spectacular a cultural escape from the big city. The vibe down exclusively art-oriented gifts. show to St. Augustine, so get down there and wit- there is more laid back, the people that live there Granted, much of this craftsman culture is ness one of the Oldest City’s newest treasures. drive slower, more patiently, and there is a strong focused on seashell art; jewelry crafted around Check out yumfactory.com and ouchclub.com for ex-hippie contingent that represents the adults there. crystals, and proportionally skewed acrylic paintings more of the works of these artists or just go to Admittedly the “orange sticker” tourists can be a bit of lighthouses and seagulls. That is why all of those screenartsflaorida.com. of a nuisance, and maybe that is why the locals are ex-hippies owe Rob DiPiazza a toke for bringing so patient. They appreciate the economy that those some new rock to their old folk city. Rob brought tourists provide, and to be honest, as a visitor from Screen Arts to St. Augustine. Although Screen Arts Jacksonville, I too am one of those tourists, more or is a commercial printing facility, he has made his hip less. little building on West King Street into one of North The Oldest City has also always taken pride in Florida’s most contemporary art galleries. In the its craftsman culture. From the old Beech Nut Toys, past he has showcased all sorts of cutting-edge new which used to sell all hand-crafted wooden toys, to artists such as Derek Hess and R Land, as well as the drum shops there to this very day featuring an exposed the community to some of the regions best array of hand-made animal skin drums, this hippie new artists, such as Ian Chase and Mark George. playground takes craftsmanship seriously. Every The Gallery at Screen Arts was open for this year their annual St. Augustine Art & Craft Festival past First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine celebrating

Annie Owens

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 17 editor, I told her that I must not be a good writer or she wasn’t a good editor because I couldn’t do it anymore. That’s when she sent me a contract.” His Father’s Sky Although it is difficult to find his paintings (he currently has some pieces on display at Fogle Fine Arts & Accessories), his knack with a brush is phenomenal. He paints meticulously detailed oil paintings of everyday scenes, only these scenes also contain floating turtles or a dinosaur standing in the background. Not exactly surrealism, if Salvadore Dali is surrealism, the concept is more like subjective realism (I’ll coin the term “subre- alism”), because they portray a reality that exists to a child, but not to most adults. “They inhabit a real world that we don’t see. So I like to show adults what it Sky Soldier looks like. Things are possible to children that aren’t possible to us.” Cursed with a “horrible love for beauty,” he doesn’t paint or write to shock or offend, though he often wishes he could, but he creates images that have harmony. “I don’t want to shock, I want to lull people.” “The funny thing about writing is that I can be minimal in writing, I can cut back and be understated. That’s what is exciting about writing to me. Bad writing identifies the sad part by having the character cry. You want the writing to set a tone that breaks your heart. Writing is frequently about what is not happening, and my paintings are frequently about that as well. I notice things, as the all-seeing narrative eye, my omniscient narrator, so that you don’t have to.” Oscar Senn lives and works in Jack- sonville, Florida. This unmitigated talent shops at your Publix or is at the table next a talent so lofty to you at The Loop. Go to originalsenn.com to see more of Oscar’s paintings, illustra- tions, and design work, or email him from there asking for excerpts from his recently completed novel, which he is currently call- oscar senn by jon bosworth ing The Sycamore Testament. it floats. “It’s had many titles.” He describes the theme of this book as “Growing up is about learning to forgive yourself.” However the “I had this friend that made entire comic strips out of his head. There was no market for it, there was actual story is about a man in his fifties trying to piece together the fragmented memories of his past to uncover some secrets that will help him live. After speaking to Oscar for a few hours, I can assure you that the book will no reason, he just did it. So I just started doing things.” be more bizarre than that brief description presents. For the rest of this interview, go to eujacksonville.com. I will Artist, writer, illustrator, and graphic designer Oscar Senn is difficult to interview. His frenetic pacing end this article with the first words Oscar said to me during this interview: “When you look at progenitors, people that influence you, you know Faulkner or Hemmingway, my progeni- and manic switching of topics starts to make sense after talking with him for a moment, and you may even tor is God. What does he do? He creates. That’s what I do. We have that in common.” feel that you are getting smarter. Oscar has published several books, is an impressive painter, and is cur- rently doing freelance design work for CitiGroup’s website, all this is not to mention his movie script in the works and the line of sarcastic plush dolls that he created.

“The writing I do is pictures that are in my head that I describe, so it impacts me visually as well as through the language. The best thing I can do is have an easel in one room and a computer in the other so that when I get bored with one I can go to the other.” I met with Oscar at Taj, an Indian restaurant on Southside, but they were closing down the place before we were done talking, so we met again later at his Arlington home. The walls of his office are a small gallery, not of his incredibly detailed oil paintings, but of awards for his fiction and poetry, a letter from Ray Bradbury, and several more trophies of his success as a writer. “I haven’t read much Steven King because I’m jealous of him. He’s a mediocre talent that has made it ridiculously big.” And yet, hanging there on his wall is a framed copy of the dust cover of the French version of Steven King’s The Talisman (Le Talisman des Territoires), because it features a painting Oscar did of his son. There is also a letter from an eight year old fan that enjoyed his children’s books (“Have you been writing books your whole life? Do you have any other job?”) When Oscar’s first book was published, he sent a copy to Ray Brad- bury, who replied in a handwritten letter (that Oscar insists was penned by an assistant) that read: “I just read the first chapter! A fine beginning and a lovely style.” Oscar wrote his first novel during his junior year in high school. It was a science fiction spy novel that he likened to Ian Flemming, only from the perspective of a sixteen year old. During gym class he would sneak off to write while his classmates played football. He entered his writing into a Doubleday contest and lost to Piers Anthony, but he also got a letter from the Doubleday editor that said he had a narrative talent. Oscar was sorting through some books in the employee library at the Times-Union, while employed there as a copy writer, and he came across a book titled Lizard Music by Daniel Pinkwater. “It knocked me out because it was so much fun. It was a kid’s book, but it was funny. I wrote to him and we wrote back and forth. Then he introduced me to his publisher.” After that experience, when he was seeking out a different opportunity, he sent manuscripts to a listing of publishers. He was going alphabetically and he got a positive reply from Atheneum Publishers. They published the hardcover story In The Castle of the Bear. He Fathers Forth “Working with this editor was such an interminable process. After a year of trying to rewrite this to suit the

18 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 19 the eu pub crawl goes to historic riverside by the eu professional drinkers Almost considered the “art district,” Riverside’s ancient homes and wooded parks are among the longest lasting treasures in Jacksonville. Riverside Avenue was once considered the most prestigious street to live on in the United States. Shortly thereafter it fell victim to urban sprawl and the quality of life deteriorated substantially until the late 70s, when Edge City opened. In the 80s if you went into Riverside at all you must have been gay, and in the 90s it became cool to be gay, so Riverside turned way historic-chic. From the old- money Ortega-lites and the ritzy Avondalers to the up-and-coming Murray Hillers and the young artsy Five Points crowd (and Dellwooood!), Riverside has everything from the gayest zip code in Jacksonville (32204) Tootie Green’s Restaurant to the most eclectic selection of bars. Our Crack Team of Social Drinkers went to bust that nut and tell you all Address: 3210 Roosevelt Boulevard about it. Type of Place: Down Home Bar & Grill Serving: Bottled and Draft Imported and Domestic Beers; Bar Foods West End Cantina (aka. Monty’s) Atmosphere: Casual interior bar and dining area with a large outdoor area. Address: 3644 St. Johns Avenue Amenities: Uncle Louie entertains with yarns of Type of Place: Tex Mex Restaurant and Watering Hole life and love, there’s a juke box loaded with your SERVING: Imported and Domestic Beers, Wines, Margaritas, favorites, horseshoes by the highway, and electronic and All Types of Liquors; A Full Menu of Tex Mex & American bowling. Fare Drink Specials: The beers are always cheap and Atmosphere: Spacious bar with an attached package store. cold. Also a patio in the front. Amenities: There are pool tables, a digital juke box, and Look if you haven’t been to Tootie Green’s yet, what video games to keep the kiddie’s occupied, as well as live the hell are you waiting for? This is “The Spot” folks. music and an open mic night. A new favorite of the locals, Toot’s serves up tasty foods and cold beers at a price that will keep you fat Drink Specials: Happy Hour from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and your wallet happy. Bring a load of your friends Everyday. $1 off everything except margaritas and wines. and chill on the outdoor patio, so you can take part in the traditional 7:03 “Toot Toot Salute” as the train Arriba!! The West End Cantina, also affectionately known as rolls by, or simply take in the night air while you Monty’s, is one of my favorite places in town. It has a nice, down some cold beers and enjoy one of their famous relaxed atmosphere and you can bring your entire family to Philly Cheesesteaks. They’re big and good. If you’re enjoy a meal in the dining area or even eat outdoors on their big, covered patio. I highly recommend the lucky you’ll also see “Uncle Louie” puttering from pulled pork tacos, delcioso! If you’re into hanging out with friends and watching the big game, this is table to table making sure everyone is having a good your place too. They set up the projector and you get the big screen baby! -John Dooling time. Tell him you’re not and he’ll change that. Tootie Green’s may look like a creepy place in the middle of Roosevelt Boulevard, but it is the quintessential bar at the entrance to Murray Hill, so get going and if you Casbah see a blimp...ignore it. - John Dooling Address: 3628 St. John’s Avenue Type of Place: Restaurant, Bar, and European Street Cafe Hookah Lounge Serving: A wide variety of domestic Address: 2753 Park Street and imported draft and bottled beers, Type of Place: European-Style Deli and Bar a terrific selection of great wines Serving: A full menu of delicious soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. A HUGE and flavorful hookah tobaccos. Not selection of imported and domestic beers and wines. to mention some of the best Middle- Atmosphere: Quaint cafe-style indoor dining area with a small outdoor patio. Eastern cuisine in town. Amenities: More types of Euro-beers than you could try in a week; really, really Atmosphere: Feel sexy in this delicious sandwiches; decadent desserts; and a wide selection of imported sultan’s den. Sit in the hookah lounge, chocolates, candies, and confections (not to mention a miniature European market). take a table, sit at the bar, or enjoy their Drink Specials: Happy hour every day from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.; 2 for 1 beers and $1 spacious outdoor patio. off wines. Amenities: Hookahs, belly dancing, and hot waitresses. Besides culture, art, architecture, music, and wine, the Europeans finally did DRINK SPECIALS: Happy hour happens from 3 pm – 7pm everyday: something right...food! Yeah, that’s right. The European Cafe may be American by $2.50 drafts, $2 bottles, $3 house wine, and half-price hookahs. location, but the cafe-style restaurant is like a touch of Europe in our own backyards (in This is the original hookah bar in Jacksonville. When you want to go spite of the South Beach color scheme of someplace sexy, hit up the quaint little Riverside treat that makes you the building). If you like a restaurant with look oh-so-chic. Not only do they have some the greatest Middle Eastern great soups, salads, and sandwiches, you’ll cuisine (try the fool and some stuffed grape leaves), but they have the feel right at home. Try my favorite sandwich, best imported beers on draft (Guiness, Bass, and Stella, Tucher, Lambic, the Chicken Frambois, or go German with a and more). Their selection of wines are outstanding, not the bar-brand, Dunderschmitt. For the beer connoisseur this lukewarm, sulfur-flavored wines of most bars. They also carry a selection is also the place. E Street features a fantastic of champagnes. Finish off your night with some live jazz or enjoy the selection of beers from all over the world. belly dancers while you puff on your apricot hookah. This represents the Bieneveue and Wilcommen to European Street. “young and artsy” Riverside, but it’s located in the heart of Avondale. - John Dooling -Johnny St. Thomas

20 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Many of the people heading for a symphony or theatre show downtown eat at The Row beforehand. Chicken Marsala While I was there, a group that would be going to a performance of the Lion King had just been seated. If you tell your server that you’re trying to be out by a certain time, they can ensure that you make your show with time to spare. While all the entrées served here are over the $20 range, they are worth the cost because The Row delivers on all counts: service, atmosphere and food. One of the things about the setting that put me in my happy place was the fact that The Row doesn’t cover their white tablecloths with white paper. Many upscale eateries that experience a high volume and/or justifiably want to cut down on their use of linens have taken to placing white paper over their tablecloths. It’s a trend that I don’t love, but can understand. So, as I sat down to the table, I experienced a palpable, tactile joy when I felt cloth instead of paper.

riverside elegance The Row by Erin thursby [email protected] Everything comes full circle, and I’d say Tomato goat cheese and pesto Napoleon The Row at the Riverdale Inn is proof of that adage. In 1900, Riverside Avenue was one of most prestigious addresses in the nation. The The Row is, without a doubt, one of best places in Jacksonville to go for a romantic meal. On a nice day Riverdale Inn was built in 1901, as a home (or you can sit on the spacious porch in the front, or you can eat more casually on the deck in the back. The two rather a mansion) of one of Jacksonville’s ty- main dining areas, bisected by the hotel lobby, are classically Riverside, with cushy chairs, beautiful place coons. As the years wore on, the street and the settings and window vistas of the neighborhood and the trees. neighborhood lost its elite appeal. The mansion Reservations are recommended, but you can always take a seat at the classy Gum Bunch Pub. Besides fell into disrepair. a decent wine list and good selection of beers, they’ve got a full bar for those who like the stronger stuff. But artists flocked to the neighborhood, Happy Hour is offered Monday-Friday from 5 to 7 with two-for-one draft beers, selected wine, and well brand covering over the graffiti with murals and re- drinks. storing old houses. Real estate got hotter and Perhaps the pinnacle of The Row’s entrées is their signature Chicken Marsala. It’s not the standard thin, the bohemian element hung on just enough to rough-pounded chicken, but is instead served as a roasted de-boned chicken stuffed with stunningly flavorful keep the area chic, even though many of the spinach, goat cheese and pecans, then topped with an excellent marsala sauce, mushrooms and capers. I artists were forced to move on to cheaper rent- haven’t found a tastier chicken dish here in Jacksonville. als. Fast-forward to today: you’ll find that the street and the neighborhood have regained much of its former Those with a taste for tender venison should try the charbroiled venison tenderloin. It’s complemented glory, with an added dash of historical panache--something they didn’t have in 1901, since everything was new. nicely by a wholly agreeable juniper-balsamic reduction, roasted potatoes and fresh asparagus. About four years ago, Chef Eric Waln was looking for a place to open up a restaurant. He found the The Row does as well in the fish category as they do in all others. I highly recommend the pesto- property and thought it was perfect for what he wanted. Then he convinced his aunt and parents (who crusted salmon with parmesan sour cream sauce for a richly creamy yet slightly tart salmon experience. The opened and ran a hotel in Fernandina) to come out of retirement, invest in his venture and manage the Inn. sunburst squash served on the side was a lightly sweet, delicious pairing for this dish. After they spent a substantial amount to refurbish both the Inn and the dining area, it has once again Speaking of asparagus, the roasted asparagus starter is one way to sin and love sinning. It’s a veggie, become a bastion for the elite, albeit an unpretentious elite. The restaurant itself is named for “the row,” which yes, but these goat cheese and toasted hazelnut encrusted asparagus are just so good they have to be sent is what the row of luxurious mansions lining Riverdale Avenue was called in the early part of the last century. by the devil as a temptation. It captures the 1900 flavor of Riverside beautifully, with rich maroon walls, white tablecloth settings and fresh Though I liked the taste of my pecan pie, the presentation wasn’t entirely keeping with the rest of the flowers. meal or the setting. It looked a little sad sitting there on the plate, with a slightly drooping crust. I searched in vain for the warm bourbon hard sauce that was supposed to be served with it and finally concluded that it may have been poured atop the slice before it got to my table. Despite a rather disappointing end to a fabulous meal, I will say that The Row is a top contender and my pick for the most romantic restaurant in Jacksonville. From my own experiences and accounts from others, The Row always feels intimate and doesn’t have noise issues. With sexy starters and even sexier entrées, it’s simply sensational for a special evening out. information 1521 Riverside Avenue (354-5080) Ratings (1-5) Cost Guide Atmosphere 5 $ = under ten dollars for a single person Service 5 $$ = over ten to twenty for a single person Food 4 1/2 $$$ = over twenty to thirty-five for a single person $$$$ = thirty-five and up for a single person Cost $$$$

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 21 McCoy Tyner If you have ever loved jazz, then you simply cannot miss this living legend. The Jazz Fest can hang it’s hat on bringing one of the best pianists in the history of the genre to town. McCoy earned plenty of fame by being Coltrane’s accompaniment on such classics as A Love Supreme and My Favorite Things. Even after his time with Coltrane, Tyner’s work with Blue Note Records is immensely notable in the post-bop style. Do not miss this historic performance. It alone will be worth admission and will be a moment you can relate to your grandchildren. He will be perform- ing Saturday at 7:30 at the Florida Theatre.

George Benson and Al Jarreau Benson started as a jazz guitarist, ventured into popular rock and rythym & blues, and now is back in the jazz circuit. In the 60s Benson performed regularly with the legendary Miles Davis and did several recordings on Verve Records. He recently teamed up with Al Jarreau, recorded the album Givin’ It Up, and now they are coming through Jacksonville as part of the tour for that album.

Jazz singer Al Jarreau has toured with the likes of Miles Davis and has more recently appeared with American Idol’s Paris Bennet and he even has his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his Broadway performance of Teen Angel in Grease. They will be performing Friday at 8:30 in Metropolitan Park.

Chuck Mangione It isn’t often that you can say: “Now that guy can really play the flugelhorn,” but Chuck Mangione is the exception. In 1978 his song ‘Feels So Good’ garnered him international success. Chuck’s song ‘Give It All You Got’ became the theme of the 1980 Winter Olympic Games. Currently he is most widely known by fans of the show King of the Hill, where he plays himself as the spokesperson the Wal-Mart-esque Mega Lo Mart in the series. Catch his spirited performance on Sunday at 3pm in the Ritz Theatre.

jazz hands Chris Botti For a younger take on an old American tradition, check out the trumpeter and composer Chris Botti. More often Hep Cats Land in the First Coast considered part of the “smooth jazz” style than the classic jazz, he has performed with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Paul Simon and Sting. Although he is known for dabbling in Of Jacksonville’s signature annual festivals, the Jazz Festival is easily the premiere event. Not experimental jazz, he is most widely recognized for his 2006 only is the University of North Florida one of the best jazz schools in the country, but you can Grammy for the best instrumental arrangement accompany- ing vocals for his song ‘What Are You Doing for the Rest find outstanding jazz trios and quartets on almost any side of town. From Simon’s and Layla’s of Your Life.’ Botti plays Sunday at 5:45 at Metropolitan Park. in San Marco to The Casbah in Riverside and Aroma’s in Ponte Vedra, Jacksonville loves Jazz and the whole country pays attention to our jazz festival. When WJCT stopped hosting the festival, all of the jazz lovers cringed. When the city took it over, we cringed again, but the good news is: this year’s lineup has restored my faith in the fest. Here are some of the headliners to catch live. Dianne Reeves Jazz singer Dianne Reeves grew up in Detroit, but diverged from traditional jazz to Latin-American music. Later in her career she toured with the infamous Harry Belafonte and became the first jacksonville jazz festival vocalist to sign to Blue Note Records. She is also the only singer to win four “Best Vocal Jazz Performance” Grammies for three th th consecutive recordings. Catch her at the Florida Theatre on Sun- april 13 - 15 day at 5 pm.

22 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper jazz festival schedule

Metropolitan Park Performances Saturday, April 14th 2:30 p.m. Greg Adams Friday, April 13th 4:00 p.m. St. Johns River City Band with special 7:00 p.m. Lao Tizer guest Diane Schuur 8:30 p.m. George Benson & Al Jarreau 6:00 p.m. Regina Carter 7:30 p.m. McCoy Tyner Trio Saturday, April 14th th 12:30 p.m. Jazz Piano Competition Winner Sunday, April 15 1:30 p.m. Douglas Anderson School of the Arts 2:00 p.m. The Original Super Stars of Jazz Fusion Jazz Ensemble I 3:30 p.m. Noel Freidline Quintet 3:00 p.m. UNF Jazz Ensemble I w/ special guest 5:00 p.m. Dianne Reeves Ed Calle 5:00 p.m. The Dizzy Gillespie™ All Star Big Band Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum under the direction of Slide Hampton 6:30 p.m. Steve Cole Friday, April 13th 8:00 p.m. Jazz Attack featuring Rick Braun, 9:00 p.m. Urban Jazz Coalition Jonathan Butler, Richard Elliot and Peter White Saturday, April 14th Sunday, April 15th 5:30 p.m. Ya’ Gozo’ The Latin Jazz Band 1:00 p.m. The Kelly-Scott 5tet with special guest 7:00 p.m. Johnny O’Neal Ed Calle 8:30 p.m. Roy Haynes Quartet 2:30 p.m. The Big 3 Palladium Orchestra 4:15 p.m. Karrin Allyson Quartet Sunday, April 15th 5:45 p.m. Chris Botti 11 a.m. The PM Xperience Band 1:30 p.m. Marc Dickman The Florida Theatre 3 p.m. Chuck Mangione

Friday, April 13th The Jacksonville Marriot 6:00 p.m. (doors open) 7:00 p.m. (competition 10:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m. ‘Round Midnight Jazz Jam starts) The Great American Jazz Piano Competition (Free Admission!) features five finalists & guest Von Barlow jazz fest poster 07

Every year, artists from the Jacksonville area submit Jazz Festival Posters in the hopes that their artwork will be chosen by the judges as the poster for the fest. The artist who wins gets name recognition and free advertising. This year’s winner was Beth Haizlip, a resident of Orange Park since 1990. Haizlip is ex- tremely active in the artistic community. She’s a member of The Florida Watercolor Society, The Jacksonville Watercolor Society, The St. Augustine Art Association, The Clay County Art Enrich- ment Program for children, and she’s currently the publicity chairman of The Art Guild of Orange Park. Florals, tropical scenes, musicians, landscapes and still life are just a few of the types of paintings she has ventured to create. Her poster submission, titled “Jazzin’ down the St. Johns River,” portrays the downtown Jacksonville skyline as a backdrop for musicians playing their instruments in a reflection of stars and musical notes. Haizlip’s design is a tribute to Van Gogh’s “Starry Night”, in which she strives to capture the essence of music by painting. Says Haizlip of her creation: “To make this poster a success, I knew it had to be colorful, all about jazz, and show lots of Jacksonville’s flair. The downtown skyline was a perfect backdrop for musicians playing their instruments as colorful reflections of stars and musical notes dance down the St. Johns River to the beat of music under the Florida palms.” The poster is available for purchase for $25 (signed and numbered) or $15 for an unsigned copy. After the festival, the cost will be $50 (signed and numbered) or $25 unsigned, while sup- plies last. Posters and other Jacksonville Jazz Festival merchandise will be available at all festival venues. Go to coj.net for more info on where to purchase a poster.

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 23 Dizzy Gillespie for the First Cost Entertainer (an early incarnation live music of EU). I covered every festival held at Metro Park. As far as I know, I’m the only journalist who has covered every festival. shows calendar Many situations and artists stick out in my mind, but the year that Miles Davis played late THURSDAY, APRIL 12 because of rain delays definitely stands apart. He finally went on at 2 in the morning and his impro- Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, visations on Cyndi Lauper’s Time after Time were St. Augustine (829-8646) seared into my consciousness. Miles developed Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) his spontaneous compositions with brilliant mini- Higher Ground Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) mal execution, using musical space better than Strange Fruit Project TSI, Jax (635-3024) any other jazz artist. His notes were little jewels hanging in the air. I remember being exhausted Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) but having a peak moment of spiritual bliss that Heartstrings Kingfish Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) early morning. Out of Hand Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) The time Paul Shaffer came to the site late (1 in the morning) was a bizarre happening. Shaffer Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) and the band were high as kites and they rushed Craig Barnette Square One, Jax (306-9004) through the set, sounding terrible. They just did it David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs jazz festival milestones for the money and had no respect for the crowd. The Bath Party Cummer Museum, Jax After that, I switched to watching The Tonight Show with Jay Leno because of Shaffer’s con- Roger That Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) from a journalist that’s covered them all temptible behavior. Screw him. Jam Session w/Jason Anderson Pub Ragusa, Jax Ah yes, the time that George Benson (443-7888) by Rick grant [email protected] stopped his show because people were taking Joe T. Hames London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) Over the years, I’ve been involved with the headliner and Trayn was scheduled to play in the photographs with their little point-and-shoot cam- Lisa & the Madhatters Reni’s Rooster, Jax (880-1111) Jacksonville Jazz Festival, as both a music pro- afternoon. eras was another memorable occurrence. Ben- Matt Collins Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra ducer and journalist, for every event since 1980. Under normal circumstances Mayport was a son really hates photographers of any type. He Looking back, I only remember the milestones terrible place to present an outdoor festival. But a begrudgingly allowed the press to take non-flash Angie Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine that stand out in my mind. In 1980, I was produc- freak storm (that seemed like a hurricane) hit dur- photographs for the first two minutes of his set. Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) ing and managing a jazz fusion group called Trayn ing the early evening performances. I rushed to But for a man of his star power and status to stop Willyton Club Christopher’s, Jax that was booked for the festival. Since Trayn cover up my grand piano with a sheet of plastic, his show and tell the audience that if they didn’t traveled with my 6ft Yamaha grand piano, I rented as the rain was drenching everything on stage. stop taking photographs he would walk off was Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) it to the festival at the village of Mayport. The The artist playing piano refused to stop, so I cov- just the most egocentric thing I’ve ever seen an Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) stage was setup near the ferry slip, and, as one ered him up also. It was all caught on video tape. artist do on stage. Why should he care if people Glass Camels Ginger’s, Jax Beach can imagine, there was no parking and not much The artists and crew took refuge under the took photographs? He dissed his own audience. Soulo Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) room for a large crowd. Dizzy Gillespie was the stage, including Dizzy Gillespie who turned out Another standout milestone was when Rose- to be a party animal. The rain never stopped and mary Clooney performed as a raging storm tore Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) my wife and I spent the night inside the truck cab. through Metro Park. At the time, Vic DiGenti was Out of Hand Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) The next day, the field was a muddy mess and producing the show. He took the time to turn the Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) the forklift used to get my piano off the stage got entire show to face inside the dome. I was very Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) bogged down in the mud. Eventually, with much impressed with Clooney’s voice and performing effort, we got our equipment off the stage and skill. She was an old pro who knew how to work Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) into the truck a crowd, even in a tropical storm. Funktion Po Boys, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) After another couple of years at Mayport, This year’s festival is sure to provide some Lionheart The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) producer Mike Tolbert decided the location was great moments that will stick in your memory as a loser. So the festival was moved to Metro Park the Jazz Festival, now produced by the City of De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) and the production was taken over by WJCT. In Jacksonville, presents living legend McCoy Tyner 1985, I began my full time career as a journalist and a litany of other outstanding headliners. THURSDAY-SAT., APRIL 12-14 The Committee A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) Boxrockers Zhanra’s, St. Augustine

FRIDAY, APRIL 13 Jazz Festival-George Benson, Al Jarreau Metro Park, Jax Jazz Festival-Urban Jazz Coalition Ritz Theatre, Jax Cute is What We Aim For Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Oceanwaves Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Jose LeMonde Trio Kingfish Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) Crystal Stafford Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Cloud 9 Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) Spade McQuade Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Seccond Wave Po Boys, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) Steel Nation Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Daddy’s Little Princess Ragland’s, Jax Chris Miller Starlite Café, Jax Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Bogey Grill, Ponte Vedra Chris Miller Main Library, Jax

24 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper RetroKats Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) and live touring schedule. Now, with my new album Irving Clements Trio Starbuck’s/Town Center, Jax Diversify, I’m excited by the possibilities that exist.” El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) “In this genre, I can write a variety of songs, from melodic piano compositions to up-tempo Steve Forbert Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) pieces. It gives me freedom of expression to experi- Parts & Labor TSI, Jax (635-3024) ment and come up with new ideas. I feel like I’m Murderous Embrace Club Fusion, St. Augustine crossing over into name recognition along with other (829-8333) contemporary artists like Boney James and The Jerry Melfi, LoriAnn Conch House, St. Augustine Rippingtons. As I travel from place to place, people (829-8646) know my name and come to my concerts, which is Glass Camels Deke’s, Jax Beach very gratifying.” “When I moved to L.A. in 1997, I hooked up One Eighty Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) with guitarist, composer, and producer Chieli Mi- Something Distant Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach nucci (Special EFX), who became my producer and (242-9499) collaborator. Then in 1998, I formed my own band. Art Harris & the Z Tones The Frisky Mermaid, Originally, I had pictured myself as a solo performer Fernandina Beach (261-3300) and composer, but Minucci encouraged me to start a Big Al & the Kaholics Monkey’s Uncle, Jax Beach band, which offered a whole new set of challenges. (246-1070) It turned out to be a good move because shortly Chuck Nash Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) afterwards I was nominated as the Best New Artist Does It Matter, Bound Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach of The Year and the National Smooth Jazz Awards, (241-6453) which was quite an honor.” “On this new record Diversify, I have a cadre of Ruckus Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) guest artists including Chieli Minucci, Karen Briggs, In Loving Memory Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) D. Munyungo Jackson, and Andy Suzuki. The first Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) single from Diversify was released on NPR January Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) of this year, with the album release shortly thereaf- ter. Since then, the album has done very well in the Riff Raff Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) marketplace and is receiving plenty of radio air play Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) in a variety of markets. I’m excited about playing the Out of Hand Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) Jacksonville Jazz Festival right before George Ben- lao tizer Str8 Up West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) son and Al Jarreau,” Lao said. It turned out that Lao was easy to talk with and Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) performing at Jacksonville Jazz Festival we hit it off. He’s not one of those jazzers who suf- Ghostland Observatory Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) fers from frequent fits of ego. He’s a regular guy who Stumpp Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) loves what he does for a living. In that way, we are Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) by Rick grant [email protected] alike. I’m looking forward to covering Lao’s live act WHAT: Lao Tizer at Jacksonville Jazz Festival released his fifth album titled Diversify. at Metro Park on Friday, April 13th at 7:00 pm. WHERE: Metropolitan Park “I prefer the term contemporary jazz artist to FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 13-14 WHEN: Friday, May 13th at 7 PM ‘smooth’ jazz, but it’s just a radio thing. I’m also Cheshire Cats Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine When I called Lao Tizer at his home in Los An- played on Sirius satellite radio, which is a viable (829-9336) market for me. I’m still touring over 200 dates a year geles, the first thing we talked about was how much Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) we both hate the label “smooth” jazz. However, while trying to write and record in between, which is we also agreed that if it gets him airplay on the so always a struggle.” Nightowls The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) called “smooth” jazz radio stations, then it’s a good “My record titled Golden Seal, which was The Mosquitos Square One, Jax (306-9004) thing. At 28, Lao started playing piano at 5 years old released in 2001, charted on both the Gavin Top Spanky Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) and professionally at 14 years old. So, one could 50 Smooth Jazz Charts and Radio and Records’ Token Blonde Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) say he’s veteran of the music wars. As a respected Smooth Jazz reports–and it reached Billboard’s Top composer and performer, Lao is on the brink of be- 50 Contemporary Jazz Album chart. The success of The Company Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) coming a household name in the jazz genre. Lao just Seal laid the groundwork for my nationwide fan base Gutterboy 747 Lounge, Jax (741-4331) El Toro Loco Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Mr. Natural Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337) Ron Perry Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Rebecca Zapen The Brick, Jax (387-0606) Soulo Scarlett’s, St. Augustine (824-6535) Dish Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)

SATURDAY, APRIL 14 Jazz Festival-Regina Carter, McCoy Tyner Florida Theatre, Jax Jazz Festival-Dizzy Gillespie All Star Band, Jazz Attack Metro Park, Jax Jazz Festival-Ya Gozo, Roy Haynes Ritz Theatre, Jax Debra Rider The Landing, Jax (353-1188) David Milam Bourbon Bayou, St. Augustine Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600) The Impediments The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300) Glass Camels w/JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax Colton McKenna San Sebastian Winery, St. Augustine Shadow Agency Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884)

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 25 Out of Hand Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Sons of August Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach (246-6024) funky rock & deep McKenna Jerry’s Sports Bar, Jax (220-6766) John Reuben CD Release Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Parrothead Party w/Capt. Josh Cliff’s, Atlantic Beach blues (249-2777) Travis Shearhouse High Tide Café, St. Augustine Naked Lunch Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs Tab Benoit at George’s Music Springing Rest Assured House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) The Wainwright’s Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606) the Blues Whale Face Spare Time Grill, Jax Beach Vagabond’s Dream The Sandollar, Jax by Rick grant [email protected] Livid Po Boys, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) Tab Benoit is the master of adapting to changing ceived set list or idea what he’s going to JW Gilmore Pizza Garden, St. Augustine situations. First, his bus broke down on the way to play. He reads the crowd’s energy and the Springing the Blues Fest, so he rented a vehicle to plays to that vibe at full throttle, blasting Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) make it the rest of the way. Then, during his show his his way through an hour and a half of his Chuck Nash Band Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic bass player’s guitar broke, so Tab played solo. Yes, massive repertoire of material. Beach (249-9595) Tab is a veteran of the perils of the road. Despite his There was no wasted time or Oversized Load Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) niggling technical problems, Tab delivered a dynamite energy as Tab built momentum, and Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) show that overcame the cold weather while the crowd by 45 minutes into his set, he had the hung in there to cheer him on. Indeed, Tab is at the top crowd firmly in his palm. “The last time Sensei Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) of his field as a singer/songwriter. More importantly, I was here they cut the power on me. I Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Tab is an activist dedicated to restoring New Orleans didn’t like that, I wasn’t finished with my party at the Beaches Pavilion when Tab hit the stage. AWOL, Bound Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) to its former glory. playing,” he said. Heck, Tab would play all night once “I ain’t gonna take anymore of your fooling around....I Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) As Tab showcased his mighty talent on the he got warmed up and cooking. His impromptu solo put a spell on you!” Yeah, he sure did. beachfront stage, again he proved he is the king of segment was an intimate peek into Tab’s time alone In my chat with Tab prior to his appearance Rid tide w/Brian Turner Conch House, St. Augustine spontaneity. He came to rock out and give everything (829-8646) with just his guitar out at his wetlands cabin. It was at the Springing the Blues Fest, we talked about his he had to his audience. His guitar style is all over destroyed by hurricane Katrina, but he rebuilt it as his activism, which is an integral part of who he is. He’s Soul Release Boomtown, Jax (632-0099) the place, from funky rock to deep blues to Zydeco. getaway and the place where he writes his songs. using his music and celebrity to further the cause of Ron Norris Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra This bayou cat goes from his air-boat or twin-engine On Tab’s song, ‘Don’t Lose Your Cool’, which New Orleans recovery and preserving the wetlands Sidekicks Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) aircraft to his touring bus with the same commitment he uses as an instrumental showcase, he improvised around South Louisiana. In other words, Tab the musi- to excellence as he has in performance. Tab got the with great finesse and intelligently developed figures. cian and Tab the activist are one in the same. Just Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) freezing crowd hotter than a summer night in the Yes, Tab has been playing his whole life, mostly in live mention his movie on IMAX, Hurricane on the Bayou, Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) French Quarter. He goes on stage with no precon- situations, which to him is like a family jam but with and Tab’s locked and loaded with a long dissertation Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, many more people involved. ‘Downtown’ is another on the Bush administration’s scandalous lack of ac- Jax (287-9900) showcase song that lets Tab cut loose with his old tion after Katrina. You can catch that film during the beat-up Telecaster run through two, synced Fender IMAX Earth Day Film Festival this weekend (April 13 SUNDAY, APRIL 15 Twin Reverb amps. The man has major chops and – 22nd). See the article on the Film Fest on Page 7. never plays songs the same way twice, yet, it always It was fitting indeed that Tab headlined the Sat- Jazz Festival-Noel Freidline, Dianne Reeves Florida sounds polished. urday night lineup. He was one of the few performers Theatre, Jax “I put a spell on you,” Tab sang with conviction who could hold the crowd on that cold night. Like a Jazz Festival-Chris Botti Metro Park, Jax as the cold night closed in and the ocean breeze blew, hot bowl of gumbo, Tab got the crowd in the Cajun Jazz Festival-Chuck Mangione Ritz Theatre, Jax carrying with it Tab’s big blues sound. And just when mood to party with his warm charismatic personality Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) you think it can’t get any better, Tab’s Cajun side re- and exemplary musicianship. Man, it was a sweet veals itself with ‘Jambalaya’–that makes the audience ending to a fabulous Saturday festival. Bobby Flynn Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) want to eat a bunch of crawfish. Oh yeah, it was a Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) McKenna & Baker Kingfish Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) 3 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) JW Gilmore Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine Normal Town Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Capt. Josh The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) Scholar’s Word Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646) Dorothy Bishop Metro, Jax Pili Pili Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Scholar’s Word Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) Lisa & the Madhatters Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) John Winters Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) The Cadets CD Release TSI, Jax (635-3024) Sheryl Paige Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) A Slight Breeze Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

26 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper EU: What is the best forgotten band that you find Spade McQuade Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) many people overlook? Maybe your private secret El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) an orlando band goes all athens band that you champion but not many people have heard of? Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax BR: Hmm. This band Macha from Athens. We are Summerbirds in the Cellar interview hoping to get Josh McKay, he’s sort of the creative MONDAY, APRIL 16 force behind Macha, into the studio with us. He does this really Eastern music with some rock. They put Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) by jon bosworth [email protected] three albums out then disap- Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) WHAT: Summerbirds in the Cellar with Dear & adamant that growing up in the South peared, but we are all really Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Glorious Physician is undoubtedly influential on their impressed with their music. Billy Bowers Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune WHERE: Jack Rabbits music, but not necessarily particularly Beach (241-8221) WHEN: April 18th evident. EU: How difficult is it to Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040) “To me, it seems we experiment create your simple, melodic When Summerbirds in the Cellar first hits your with electronics more than most bands songs with so many instru- Chris Siefferman The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) ear, you’re likely to compare them to a more organic from the South.” mental layers (especially Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) Postal Service, but that doesn’t quite fit. After a deep Utilizing acoustic drums and with two drummers)? Out of Hand My Place, Jax (737-5299) breath and another song, you start to think perhaps electronic guitar as the foundation for BR: It’s quite the opposite. Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) they are more like a more electronic version of (an- all of their songs, they sequence the We add a billion parts and a other Athens band) Elf Power, but that is definitely bass and incorporate electronic ele- billion tracks to every song. Piebald Fuel, Jax (425-3835) far-fetched. In my third attempt, I resolutely declared ments. Michael Yardley usually plays It’s more difficult to cut out Cary Austin Sun Cruz, Jax Beach them a less pretentious Interpol, with a beat you can electric drums and synth with us. The the parts that we don’t end Haste the Day Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) dance to and an atmospheric My Bloody Valentine humble singer/guitarist took a few mo- up using. We often have guitar sound, but that’s just too obtuse. ments with me on the phone to answer great parts that go unheard. Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) “It’s weird, we get compared to REM a lot. some of my more annoying questions. We work with Andy LeMas- Although I don’t see the similarities, I’m flattered by ter from Now its Overhead TUESDAY, APRIL 17 the comparison.” EU: How would you describe your a lot because he’s good Billy & Vinnie Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune I spoke with Brad Register, the guitarist for music to your girlfriend’s mother? at saying when there’s too Beach (241-8221) Summerbirds in the Cellar, while he took a brief BR: I would probably say… Shit, that’s difficult. It’s many things going on. Aaron Marsh from Copeland Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) break from the studio where they are putting the danceable and if you …for my girlfriend’s mother also helps us strip songs down, which is very valu- finishing touches on their new album. Summerbirds I’d say: ‘If you don’t pay too much attention to the able to us. Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax in the Cellar is half of Now It’s Overhead (Brad and lyrics, you won’t be offended.’ No, it’s hard to say (355-5099) Curtis Brown both play with Now It’s Overhead) but because I don’t have a girlfriend, so I just think about EU: How did you hook up with Dear & Glorious Steven James Empire Coffee, Jax they consider Summerbirds in the Cellar to be their my Mom. It’s my girlfriend’s mother, right? She’d Physician? Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) priority. support me. I’d say it’s fun to listen to and you can BR: It’s an Orlando/Gainesville connection, we were Gypsy Highway Duo Copelands, Atlantic Beach “It’s pretty simple to juggle Summerbirds with dance to it. bound to come together. They are one of the best Now Its Overhead, because Andy does a lot of tour- bands in Florida. I enjoy playing with them because I Earl Greyhound Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) ing with Bright Eyes, so when that is happening we EU: What inspires a Summerbirds song? Does one love to watch them. Lyons The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) make Summerbirds our priority. Now It’s Overhead member bring it fairly structured to the rest of the Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) just seems to fall into place. It’s surprisingly easy.” band? What is the writing process like? Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) Although most of the band is actually from BR: Since we don’t get much time to sit and write Lakeland, they relocated to Orlando because of the together, each person brings different ideas to the Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach great support that music scene provided, but last table. Tyson [Bodiford], our drummer, will write as Sean Tarleton Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) year they moved the band to Athens. many songs as Curtis or myself. Rarely, it doesn’t Del Castillo Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) “Orlando is better than people give it credit for, happen often, but rarely we’ll be messing with but Athens is known as a music town. The nuances something in a practice situation and it will turn into Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) are tremendous, but I’m still getting used to how laid a song. Sometimes on tour we will polish up some Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) back everything is here in Athens.” songs that we wrote and want to take into the studio. Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach As a lifelong Southerner, Brad finds it hard to We all contribute to each others’ songs, obviously, Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax distinguish where the influences of the South are in but the source ideas come from the individuals in the music of Summerbirds in the Cellar, but he is the band. Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

TUESDAY-WED., APRIL 17-18 Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18 Cloud 9 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) Gutterboy Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) Dan Coady Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) Gypsy Highway Duo River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299) Julie Durden Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Glass Camels The Homestead, Jax Beach Crash the Sattelites Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) Lisa & the Madhatters Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 27 Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) the big pineapple music festival The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) keeping it real for charity A SLIGHT BREEZE will be performing at the festival Nightowls The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Soulo with Deron Baker Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) by jon bosworth [email protected] Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) “It was originally called the Drugzr4loozas, like heavy rockers, rappers, and rock bands Lollapalooza. It was about 350 people its first year to folk artists that want to get together and got up to 550 in the last year, so we moved to a for a good cause, everyone’s gotten on bigger venue to see what we could do.” the bandwagon, which feels good.” When people questioned him about whether or What motivates Orlino to put this upcoming shows not the festival was a way get money for drugs, the festival together year after year? festival’s founder, Orlino, decided to call it The Big “Some of the things I’ve been Pineapple Music Festival, after his record label Pine- through, I shouldn’t even be here. To go Clap Your Hands Say Yeah April 20, Freebird Live, apple Records. through some of the stuff I put myself 246-2473 “I pick a charity each year to donate to. The through, accidents, DUIs, addiction, Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 first year we did it for the victims of hurricane Ka- abuse, I’m lucky to have my wits about trina, last year it was for The Light and the Word, and me and this second chance gives me Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra this year it is Grove House.” April 20, Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309 an opportunity to give back.” Grove House is an organization that is com- There is also the fact that his own Jeff Foxworthy April 21, Times Union Ctr, 633-6110 mitted to helping the mentally disabled prepare band Body of Def gets to perform in themselves for independence and the workplace. Common, Less Than Jake April 21, UNF Arena, front of a sizeable crowd of music fans. The annual event features underexposed artists from 620.2460 Other than this festival, Body of Def is a all over the country. Fueled largely by networking on regular at an odd assortment of events Kenny Chesney April 21 & 22, Jacksonville Arena, MySpace, Orlino has managed to get a very diverse and venues. 630-3900 collection of bands from every genre to play at Fuel “I play halfway houses, rehab Eddie Griffin April 22, Times Union Ctr, 633-6110 Coffeehouse. With help from “local” sponsors such centers, City Rescue Mission, and I’ll as Edwin Watts, Zaxby’s, Tropical Smoothie, and Little Feat April 25, Freebird Live, 246-2473 play motivational music to help people Embassy Suites putting up the out-of-town bands, get back on their feet and find a better Leroy Parnell April 26, Freebird Live, 246-2473 the festival involves the community, although most way of life.” of the expenses come out of Orlino’s pocket. Band Camp 2007 w/Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, In addition to raising money for “You would be amazed at how many musicians Chevelle, Puddle Of Mudd, Flyleaf, and Bullett For My a charity and spreading his music to a there are in this town that get no exposure. From Valentine. April 27, Jacksonville Equestrian Center, broader fan base, Orlino takes pride in 630-3900 helping musicians that are trapped in their everyday work lives and providing Julius Airwave, Shangrala April 28, Freebird Live, a venue for them to play their original music. “There are a lot of kids out there that are swim- 246-2473 “Most of our musicians work their regular 9 to ming against the current. We have a ringside seat Bow Wow April 29, Veterans Memorial Arena, 5 and they play in church bands on the weekends, and we are watching the fall of society as we know 353-3303 then they have these secret lives when they rock out it, but music has the power to change it all, it always and get creative. In my opinion, music is the most George Thorogood May 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 has.” powerful thing. My dad was abusive, and when I Whether you go for Body of Def’s “realistic Steel Pulse May 2, Freebird Live, 246-2473 would lock my door and blast my music, it got me trip-hop” or the positive thrash metal of Risen to Stephen Stills May 4, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 out of where I was.” Fall, tickets are only $20 and the festival will go all Orlino doesn’t see his own experience as iso- evening on April 20th and 21st. Visit myspace.com/ Dickey Betts & Great Southern May 4, Freebird Live, lated. pinapplerecords2004 for more details. 246-2473 Daughtry May 5, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Patty Larkin May 6, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Chicago May 6, Times Union Ctr, 633-6110 Godsmack May 8, Times Union Center, 353-3309. The Greyboy Allstars May 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Mono May 8, TSI, 424-3531 Owen, John Ralston May 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 The Duhks May 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Otil and the Peace Makers May 11, Café Eleven, 469-9311 Relient K May 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 hellogoodbye May 23, Fuel Coffeehouse Jonny Lang May 30, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Charlie Louvin May 31, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Tool June 2 , Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Pierce Pettis June 17, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Steve Miller Band June 21, Florida Theatrre, 355-2787 Morrissey July 17, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309

28 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper as tall as lions album review

Artist: As Tall As Lions Title: self titled Release Date: 08.26.06 Label: Triple Crown Records

Laying a thick background of a drum and bass rythym section reminiscent of a half-hearted Radiohead, complete with melodramatic Thom Yorke-ish vocals, As Tall As Lions wants badly to rest between the crooning emo softcore of Jimmy Eat World and the sublime understatement of Radiohead, with dashes of Interpol and Coldplay inserted for certain success but in the end this self-titled album comes across as self- absorbed and uninspired. Although the piano is the standout instrument on the record, the songs are composed in too tired terms to really stand strong on the keys. Instead, we get concepts as old as the shoegazer trend and breaks that became rote with Sunny Day Real Estate. This well-produced record is completely void of soul or originality. Taking a popular composition structure from Radiohead (ie. ‘How to Completely Dissappear’ off of Kid A or ‘Sail to the Moon’ off of Hail to the Thief) and implementing that in the writing of every song on a single album makes for a droll and lifeless listen. Even the songs lauded by Alternative Press and Boston Phoenix (one of which is actually called ‘Ghosts of York’) are tepid songs that float through the speakers unnoticed and try to call attention to themselves with the cheap theatrics of over-dramatized vocals. In listening to As Tall As Lions, I found myself searching through and rediscovering many of my favorite albums of five and seven years ago. If rediscovering old Radiohead albums doesn’t sound interesting to you, this album will also probably not interest you, but if you’ve burned your ear out on Radiohead and you can’t find any Elliot albums around to curb your hunger, As Tall As Lions just might suffice. You can pick up a copy at their show. - by jon bosworth

As Tall as Lions will be performing at Freebird Live on April 13.

good morning revival album review

Artist: Good Charlotte Title: Good Morning Revival Release Date: 03.27.07 thursday nights Label: Epic/Daylight

I saw Good Charlotte live at Club 5 several years ago and thought they were okay for a pop punk outfit. Over the years, I’ve been able to tolerate their singles, I even found myself humming along when ‘Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous’ came on the radio. Still, I’ve never been a huge fan of their stuff and their latest album, Good Morning Revival, hasn’t changed that stance. pulp fiction theatre Good Charlotte first made a name for themselves in 2000 with their self-titled album. Fans ate it up and pulp fiction theatre came back for seconds when they released The Young and the Hopeless in 2002. Things seemed to be going Straight from the 30s great for the Waldorf, Maryland five-piece until the 2004 release of their third albumThe Chronicles of Life and Death. The album was a bit of a departure for the band, who added synthesizers to their sound and began singing about heaver subject matter. The album was met with scathing reviews by critics and fans. It seems the group failed to learn anything from the experience, as their latest release is much of the same. For me, listening to Good Charlotte’s fourth album was like Chinese water torture. The lyrics are lame, Gritty, thrilling and performed Joel Madden’s voice is mediocre and the music is laughably cribbing off of bands like Coldplay and the Juliana Theory, badly masked by synthesizers. The absolute worst song is track 9, ‘All Black,’ which starts out with live at Downtown's coolest creepy organ music a la The Phantom of the Opera and quickly turns into a bizarrely upbeat song about how “dark” these guys wish they were. I don’t care how much eyeliner they invest in, I’m not buying it. The only Dinner Theatre. good thing about Good Morning Revival is deconstructing the junior high-level lyrics to get Madden’s side of his doors open at 6, show at 8:30 break up with Hilary Duff, and really, who cares about that anyway? - by kellie abrahamson

Good Charlotte’s Good Morning Revival was released on March 27th and is available in stores everywhere. 5 bucks (CHEAP!) for the show | full dining | call for more info. read it all (and more) online. boomtown theatre www.eujacksonvile.com 140 west monroe street | 632-0099 | http://pulpfictiontheatre.tk/

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 29 disney on ice interview with Director Patricia Vincent by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] EU: You’ve been working with Disney on Ice for entire Disneyland park. So the Parr family decides several years. Tell me a little about your employ- they have to become the Incredibles… It’s so well ment history with the company. rounded… along with the Incredibles you have the PV: It all started back in 1983. I auditioned for Dis- opportunity to kind of visit the park without even ney on Ice and I was hired as an ensemble skater… leaving your hometown. I performed up until 1991. At that point I became the Performance Director… I was more involved EU: What’s your favorite production number in with the overall work, the quality of the show as far Disneyland Adventure? as the performance and technical aspects went… In PV: I’ve got a couple, but I have to say, the Haunted 1997 I [became the] Production Performance Direc- Mansion is very, very exciting from the very begin- tor [meaning I worked] with all the Performance ning. [At the theme park attraction] when you get Directors for Disney on Ice to see how we can into the elevator and suddenly this elevator starts develop that particular position as well as overview growing, the room starts expanding. So, we wanted all the other shows… Then just a couple years after to recreate that. It starts with a very, very small that I became the Character Development Direc- fireplace and the room just slowly grows and grows tor. This was specifically to focus on skaters and and grows and this is all done with special effects developing them as performers, which was in need and lighting… We’ve got really cool UV lighting and because… skaters are competitors in nature. [They the costumes are UV treated and we also have the don’t] necessarily all have acting backgrounds and smoke effect and these ghosts are flying all around our shows were becoming a lot more theatrical. So you, up above your heads. So you really feel that I started working with the performers on the theater you’re part of this swirling ballroom production. It’s of our shows… which was really exciting because absolutely gorgeous, so well lit, so well choreo- it brought me back to the ice and I could work one- graphed and really, really well staged. on-one with these people… Then in 2004 I became the director for Finding Nemo on Ice…It was com- EU: How many times have you visited Disney pletely different. Ordinarily, I’d work on the existing theme parks? show. But this was working with a creative team PV: I have three siblings, and when we were very and starting from a blank piece of paper, which was young we grew up in Toronto, Canada and my par- really, really exciting and a lot more responsibility… ents would throw us in the car and we would drive three days to get to the park. So we went as young EU: What can audiences expect from Disneyland kids quite often, I would say about eight times… Adventure? And when I was researching the show I went three PV: What I loved about the show is that we have times to experience it first as myself and then from so many Disney characters from Snow White, a show standpoint and how the people were experi- Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland. We take a journey encing the rides. through the Disneyland park itself… you walk through the gates, you visit Main Street, you see all EU: I would imagine those visits as a child helped the action… And then we go to the different places you create the show just as much as your visits as like Pirates of the Caribbean and It’s a Small World. an adult. And we’ve got the Main Street Parade, we’ve got the PV: It totally did… When I went back I went to Electric Parade, the Haunted Mansion. We created experience it as myself… that fantasy place [I re- huge productions. There’s a lot of color, there’s a membered] came back to me and the smells were lot of comedy, there’s a lot of fast paced energy in familiar and everything is just as the way I [remem- these production numbers. [We also] incorporate bered as a child, except] things were smaller… I the Parr family (from The Incredibles). We wanted really tapped into that. [As a child] I was so excited. to step outside of the actual Incredibles movie, use Even hopping in the car, the three days just went by. the characters because they were so brilliant… and It was like nothing to me when I was little. I couldn’t kind of take them out of their super suits… They wait to get there… Actually, our show starts out that visit the Disneyland park and go through all the at- way, with the Parr family packing and Dash is so tractions and they experience it as any other family excited…“Are we there yet? Come on! Hurry, hurry, would until Syndrome comes into the picture. He hurry!” That sort of thing. It’s pretty typical of what makes an appearance and he wants to control the families go through.

30 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Emily Tello has an excellent voice and makes the transformation from the tidy and timid Sandy to culture & arts the trashy Sandy determined to get her man, Danny. David Sattler plays an incredible Danny, APRIL handsome and well built (he obviously pumps iron). 12 Especially for Seniors Talks & Tea Cummer Museum, Jax Sattler’s resume is most impressive and shows 12 Night Life at The Cummer Cummer Museum, Jax why he toured Europe in this role. You name a major musical, and he has played the leading role, 12-14 “Company” JU Swisher Theatre, Jax including West Side Story, Damn Yankees, Carousel, 12-15 “Disney’s The Lion King” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Beauty and the Beast, and The Who’s Tommy. You Arts Center, Jax are going to love this guy and love to hear him sing. 12-15 “The Illusion” UNF Robinson Theatre, Jax Grease has many colorful characters, and 12-15 Shakespeare in Orange Park Orange Park Community rounding out the cast are Jay Doppke as Eugene the Theatre, Orange Park nerd, Maria DeSimone as the nose-picking Chacha 12-30 Celebrating Black History Exhibition MOSH, Jax DiGregorio, Bob Cook as disc jockey Vince, and Conrad De’Andrea as the teen angel. 12-30 Swarmy Weather Art by Attaboy & Annie Owens The David Dionne’s set has the required neon signs Gallery at Screen Arts, St. Augustine and 50s teen influences. 12-MAY 6 Exhibit: The 23rd Psalm Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Kurt McCall’s costumes are a retro fashion show, Church, Ponte Vedra including the black leather jackets and poodle style 12-MAY 17 Youth Drama Classes ABET, Atlantic Beach skirts. 12-MAY 24 Planetarium Programs MOSH, Jax The 50s were the days of buzzwords like ‘going all the way’ and ‘making out’, while cheap wine and 13-28 “As Bees In Honey Drown” Players By the Sea, Jax Beach nicotine were the prevalent drugs. Oh, those were 14 Jaguars Concours d’Elegance World Golf Village, St. Augustine the good old days! 14 Go Fly A Kite-Make Your Own Kite Cultural Center, Ponte As with all Alhambra shows, the vocals Vedra Beach are exceptional and all the musical numbers are grease 14 Book Signing-Bruce Brown Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax outstanding. You will truly enjoy songs like “Beauty School Dropout” “Freddy My Love” and “Alone at a 14 Super Scientific Circus FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax Alhambra Dinner Theatre review Drive In Movie”. Grease is among the top ten longest 14 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax running musicals and is headed back to Broadway 14 EVP Volleyball Tournament Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach for another run, but you can see a version equally by dick kerekes [email protected] 14 Swinging With the Stars Celebrity Dance Contest FCCJ South as good and much more intimate at the Alhambra Campus, Jax Grease slid into the Alhambra Dinner Theatre for fine singing, early in the show when he creates through May 27th. th last weekend and will play the next few weeks until his own magic singing ‘Those Magic Changes.’ Call 641-1212 or visit their website at www. 14 4 Annual Legends on the Green Car Show World Golf Village, St. Augustine May 27th. One of the most successful musicals in Tony Triano dresses in drag to play the only alhambradinnertheatre.com. Shows are performed American theatre, it is a musical history of the dating teacher in the show, Miss Lynch. The old broad is nightly except Monday, with matinees Saturday and 14-15 St. Augustine Art Association Art & Craft Festival Francis rites of teenagers in the l950s during the Eisenhower very funny and almost steals the show! Sunday. Field, St. Augustine years. 14-15 Blooms Galore & More Garden Club of Jax, Jax The Alhambra’s production can save you 14-15 Staged Reading “Changing Places” Atlantic Beach Grease lovers a lot of money. The show will be Experimental Theatre, Atlantic Beach revived on Broadway at the end of the summer. 14-15 San Marco Spring Fine Arts Show The Square, San Marco With the high price of hotels and air fare, as well as tickets costing around $l00, it could be a costly trip. 15 Family Trail Ride & BBQ Palm Valley Ranch, Elkton The New York producers decided to cast the 15 Book Signing-Carol O’Dell Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax show by using a network television show to search 15 JU Chamber Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax for the next Sandy and Danny in open auditions. 16 Storytime-Growing Up With Loukoumi Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax Having watched some of the show, I can tell you that Alhambra director Tod Booth has cast a Danny and 17 Free Cone Day to Benefit Special Olympics Ben & Jerry’s, Sandy that easily exceeds the talent of the winners of Orange Park that competition. 17 POW Proteges Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax In case you have forgotten, the main plot is 18 Spring Gardening Tips Mandarin Garden Club, Mandarin the relationship of Danny and Sandy. There are the 18 Auditions: FCCJ Repertory & Ensemble Dance-6pm FCCJ pink ladies: food-loving Jan (Shannon Murray), man- Wilson Center, Jax hungry Marty (Michelle Favale) hair-stylist dropout Frenchy (Katie Scott), goodie-goodie Patty (Kirsten 19 Percussion Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax Carmody), and the cynical, rebellious Rizzo (Eveyln 19 Art For Two Cummer Museum, Jax Gaynor). The Greasers are Kenickie (Jared Miller), 19 Artist Talk-Margaret Schnebly Hodge Karpeles Museum, Jax Sonny (Ken Sandberg), Roger (Nicholas Barnes) and 19 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development Dooly (Juan Unzueta). Mr. Unzueta sets the standard Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax 19 2nd Annual Beaches Broadway Bash Atlantic Theatres, Atlantic Beach 19-21 “Majigeen” 122 Ocean, Jax 19-22 “Good” DramaWorks FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax 20 Minkus’ Don Quixote Performing Arts Center, Jax 20 Swimsuit Contest – Jax Boat Show Metro Park, Jax 20 FCCJ Choral Concert FCCJ South Campus, Jax 20-21 JU Concert Choir Performing Arts Center, Jax 20-22 Builders Care Demolition Derby Equestrian Center, Jax 20-22 Jax Boat Show Metro Park, Jax 20-MAY 5 “Enchanted April” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax 20-MAY 26 Exhibition: Jo Sinclair’s “Twilight Passage” Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach 21 Book Signing: Jay Humphreys Inn on Charlotte, St. Augustine

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 31 21 Some Enchanted Evening Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park old for the young people.” They have some of the best 21 First Coast Opera Cabaret Italian Style Art Association, St. Augustine laugh-lines in the show. 21 Earth Day Celebration MOSH, Jax Bobby’s three girlfriends, as played by Kylie Farrell, Miranda Lawson, and Crystal Blanche, are all 21 Cummer Ball & Auction Cummer Museum, Jax attractive and individual personalities. 21 3rd Annual Mosaic Celebration MOCA, Jax Each of the couples contributes to the picture of 21 Ahn Trio Church of the Good Shepherd, Jax marital and non-marital relations. David (Dax Dyer) and Jenny (Renee Freeman) 21 Autograph Signing-Steve Carlton Dans Cardz, Orange Park are parents trying pot. Amy (Nina Waters) and Paul 21 “Ape-ril” A Celebration of Apes The Zoo, Jax (Clenton Hollinger) are long time lovers, nervously 22 Audition: “Guys and Dolls” 6pm Theatre Jacksonville, Jax marrying. Susan (Amy Royster) and Peter (Jason 22 Young People’s Concert JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax Clement) are living together happily now that they have divorced. Harry (Josh Cohen) and Sarah (Missy 22 Hansel & Gretel-Theatre Sans Fil FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax Doehne) are a couple with each fighting an addiction 22 UNF String Ensemble Main Library, Jax (alcohol and food). 23 Annual Golf Classic To Benefit L’Arche Harbor House Hidden Alexandros Tsilogiannis is a senior and this will Hills Country Club, Jax be your final chance to see him on stage, as he will be 23 Storytime-Dooby Dooby Moo Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax leaving for graduate school in London, England. I have heard and seen him in opera type roles previously and 24 Dr. Simon Shiao, Violinist, Dr. Gary Smart, Pianist, Alexei he’s marvelous as Bobby. My companion and I could Romanenko, Cellist Library, Ponte Vedra not decide if he looks like Hugh Grant or Senfield, but 24-29 FCCJ Artist Series-Shields & Yarnell FCCJ Wilson I can see him with a very successful career in musical Center, Jax theatre if he does not choose operatic roles. He has 25 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development a great voice and wonderful stage presence, so don’t Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax miss his performance. 26-27 Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament company Musical Director Robert W. Turdor conducted the World Golf Village, St. Augustine orchestra of fourteen instruments and melded them 27 Learn to Compose Classical Music Barnes & Noble/San with the excellent voices on stage to create a unique Jose, Jax Jacksonville University Theatre review evening of musical entertainment. 27-28 “Majigeen” 122 Ocean, Jax I have reviewed this show at least five times in the past 25 years, and I can honestly say this is one 27-29 Shields & Yarnell-The Reunion Farewell Tour FCCJ by dick kerekes [email protected] Wilson Center, Jax of the best productions I have experienced. You will be in good company if you plan a trip to riage, but put off by the grim marital relationships of Call 256-7345 to make reservations. Seats are 27-AUG. 26 Impermanence: Recent Works By Andres Michelena the Jacksonville University campus on April 12, 13, five pairs of friends and by the ease with which he is general admission and I would advise sitting as close MOCA, Jax 14, to experience the Stephen Sondheim/George Furth able to meet and seduce women. He is handsome, to center as possible. Please note: curtain time is 7:30 28 Dixie Plantation All Breed Horse Show Equestrian Center, Jax musical Company, and enjoy the refurbished Swisher charming, sophisticated and has an elegant apart- PM, and there is plenty of well lit and free parking on 28 Beaches Sandcastle Contest Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach Theatre (formerly called Swisher Auditorium.). ment. campus just a short walk from the new Swisher The- Swisher has been around since the l950s, but 28 Junior Ranger Day Kingsley Plantation, Jax The show is a series of connected skits, with ater. it has not been in use for the past several years, as it fourteen songs presented and very unique stag- 28 Book Signing-Ida Jack Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax needed an extensive upgrade. This theatre has a spe- ing. Set Designer Ben Wilson has a large hardwood 28-29 St. Johns Town Center Spring Fine Art Show St. Johns cial spot in my heart, since I appeared on stage back circular-raked stage in the center, with a universal Town Center, Jax in the days when Davis Sikes was head of the theatre homestyle bar used by all the couples. There are four 28-29 National Dance Week Jax Landing, Jax department and held an original play contest for sev- terraces on the sides, and the backdrop is a jet-black eral years. I remember all the great performances here 28-MAY 6 Educator Appreciation Week Barnes & Noble/San sky with twinkling blue stars. The actors are miked Jose, Jax that were directed by George Ballis when he was head with sound board operator Robbie Nelson doing a fine of the program. job of mixing the voices. On a couple occasions the 29 An Evening of Taste Benefitting Children’s Home Society Matthew’s, Jax You are going to love the space now. It has new sound was a bit too loud, especially when the entire seats with lots of leg room, new lights and sound cast was singing at the same time, but I am sure the 29 Beaches Parade Downtown, Jax Beach system, and new orchestra pit. It is classy and will system is still being tweaked. 29 Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Spring Concert Performing be a tremendous assist to the growth of the theatre Wardrobe chief, Renee LaCroix, has the cast Arts Center, Jax department. dressed in selected apparel that looked like East-side 29 NFDA Schooling Show Equestrian Center, Jax On stage to launch the good ship Swisher, you New York. 30 PAWS to Read With Molly Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax will enjoy what is considered one of the most highly Director Deborah Jordan has done some excel- innovative creations in musical and dramatic terms. lent casting, with wonderful and well trained voices. Company has been one of my all time favorites since Larry (Bob Pritchard) and Joanne (Susan Pope) MAY it came out in l970. are husband and wife in the show and represent the 3 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development The story concerns Robert, a desirable bachelor middle aged set. Joanne sums it up best in the play Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax in his 30s, very much badgered and lured into mar- saying “We are too young for the old people and too 4 50th Anniversary of The Cat in the Hat R. Roberts Gallery, Jax 4 Moonlight Movies Series-Endless Summer II Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach 4-6 Springfield Heritage: Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Historic Springfield, Jax 4-6 Eddie Carroll as Jack Benny FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax 5 Lesbians of Laughter Tour Atlantic Theatres, Atlantic Beach 5 Auditions: “Oklahoma!” YBAG Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach 5 Clean Air Day MOSH, Jax 5 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax 6 Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Silent Auction & Dinner Ponte Vedra Inn, Ponte Vedra 7 Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Celebrity Golf Classic Marsh Landing Country Club, Ponte Vedra 10 Sha Na Na Performing Arts Center, Jax 10 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax

32 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ress for the Sox, who are want- ing some good pitching out of THE a guy they’ve invested $103 shakespeare in the house million in. We also are seeing that JOCK snow can hamper a game from by tom weppel being played, as was the case OPCT theatre review in Cleveland in particular. It forced the Indians to move their by dick kerekes [email protected] home series with the Angels to Milwaukee. The freakish William is in the house! Yes, Shakespeare has Junior High, and has only been acting for l8 months, weather that covered a majority finally arrived on the stage of Orange Park Com- but was impressive as the messenger, Mardian. of the United States laid down munity theatre. In its history, dating back to l969, Shaun Saulsberry performed two cameo roles as about a foot of the white stuff the closest OPTC ever came to doing Shakespeare Scarus and the Clown. on Jacobs Field, which is the was The Boys from Syracuse, which was a musical Roger Padgett, also a first time Shakespearean, home of the Indians. It forced adaptation of a play by the master. did three roles, Lucentio, Agrippa and Dolabella. them to postpone an entire Director Scott J. Smith has been a Shake- Romeo and Juliet was done in modern dress series with the Mariners. Some speare fan and devotee for many years and has with only four principal characters. Wes Womer, MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL are saying the baseball season continues to start to appeared in a number of Shakespeare’s plays in the dressed like modern day minister, was Friar Lau- early, while others are wondering why games simply past with various groups. rence. Erin M. Gawera, usually seen on stage in As you all know, the Major League Baseball cannot start in warmer climates, like Miami (Marlins), This past summer, Scott and his wife Layla musicals, played the important role of the nurse, schedule has begun. There are a number of names Tampa (Devil Rays), and Los Angeles (Dodgers and visited the Bard’s home in England, which no doubt and her extensive stage experience showed in her and issues headlining the papers, including Alex Angels). fueled his desire to bring this show to fruition and performance. Mike Kimball was Romeo and Michelle Rodriguez hitting a number of homers, the potential And of course we simply cannot forget the home Shakespeare to Orange Park. Lyman was Juliet. Both had pages and pages of sale of the Chicago Cubs, and the pitching of Red Sox run chase Barry Bonds is continuing. Every game and The two and one half hour show (including lines to learn even though this was a shortened ver- pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. every at-bat is monitored and scrutinized while this intermissions) had three adapted selections, that sion of the play. I think they did well, but I did not get The fans in New York have certainly been brutal guy continues to pursue Hank Aaron’s record of 755. including The Taming of the Shrew, Anthony and feeling of romance between them. The problem is to A-Rod, without question. Here is a guy who has I believe he will break it sometime in July, and maybe Cleopatra and Romeo and Juliet. In addition, three that displaying love takes a little lingering pauses and put up some incredible numbers already in his career, even as early as June. He seems to be swinging the short monologues were done between the plays looking into each other’s eyes. You get the idea. yet the baseball fans in the Bronx are booing this guy bat real well. It’s also interesting to me how the dis- and included Jacque’s speech from As You Like It, Outside of a quick kiss in the balcony scene, if he doesn’t get a hit during an at-bat. Hell, we all are cussion over his steroids controversy has died down Hamlet’s instructions to the Actors, and Prospero’s there wasn’t much time for spooning. I mean there geared to be impressed when a guy can hit .300! The a tad in the last month or so. epilogue. was that all-important death scene to do! problem is that Yankee fans wanted to see Rodriguez The flyer for the show indicated it features I was impressed with the sets in a couple of take care of business during the playoffs, and he NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE “sitcom” sized versions of plays, but that is some- selections and the costumes gave us a feeling of didn’t really do so, as the Yanks have failed to win a As I’ve said before, I realize there aren’t a lot of what incorrect. Sitcom refers to condensed versions being there. Wow, Cleopatra used a real live snake in World series now for the last few years. People are hockey fans in this town. Hell, I’d bet some of you of Shakespeare’s stories. her famous dying scene! If you are afraid of snakes, wondering if Alex is a guy who only posts number didn’t even KNOW hockey was a sport! Nonetheless, Douglas Anderson sophomore Nic Stephens don’t worry. It was very small (probably a corn when the pressure is on. So, while he continues to the NHL playoffs are cranking up, as the true race for was impressive as Petruchio, as was newcomer snake) and had its own little box. prominently bare his wares during the season, the the Stanley Cup begins. and recent Butler University graduate Alyson Mull The production is not a part of the regular real test will be in September, when the postseason In the Eastern Conference, the Buffalo Sabres as Katharina. Beware, Ms. Mull has a powerful right Orange Park schedule and the cost is only $5.00 cranks. cranked out the best record and will hold the #1 seed. hand, just ask Mr. Stephens and his very red jaw. per person. No reservations are necessary and the Meanwhile, the Chicago Cubs have been sold by While they have a very good team with good depth The staging was simple for this selection, with final three performances will be April l2, l3 at 8PM the Tribune Co. to billionaire Sam Zell, who has said and good goaltending, they should be leery of the New the actors facing away from the audience and sit- and April l5th at 3 PM. Shakespeare’s work is alive he intends to partition them off himself. There should Jersey Devils, who are a talented, veteran group of ting on small wooden boxes when they were not on and well on the Orange Park stage and has been well be a number of bidders wanting to own the Cubs, or guys very capable of upending the path of the Sabres stage. received for the first three performances. at least a piece of them, and some of those names to the Finals. nd I was surprised at the choice of the 2 offer- Bard fans, get thee to Orange Park. I hope it will be prominent. It should turn into a huge auction, In the Western Conference, the Detroit Red ing, Antony and Cleopatra, which is not done often will be back next year and I would suggest doing for all intents. Wings garnered the #1 slot with a gritty, veteran line- since it is a difficult play with a number of charac- some of Shakespearean comedies. Orange Park All this for a franchise that hasn’t won a World up that is very capable of going all the way, which the ters. Community Theatre is at 2900 Moody Road (behind Series in 99 years. Detroit fans would love. They need to be careful of the David A Thomas, who teaches English at Mid- the Wal-Mart on Blanding). In Boston, the media frenzy over Daisuke Mat- Anaheim Ducks, who don’t sound like a tough team, dleburg High School, was excellent as Marc Antony. suzaka is coming primarily from the Japanese con- but they led the NHL in penalty minutes this season Thomas is apparently new to local stages but has tingent, which is following every step the guys takes and can put a hurtin’ on their opponents. an impressive resume that includes major roles in and every move he makes! He was a solid celebrity These playoffs should be fun to watch as they musicals. He is older than the other actors and gave pitcher in Japan the last few years, so coming over to progress, and we’ll see who shows up in the end. all the productions strength with his maturity. the USA was a big deal, and going to Boston made it University of Florida graduate Angela Sarabia that much bigger of a deal. His first few starts have Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Ron was very good as well, in the role of Cleopatra. Ms. been quite strong, to say the least, and it should be Duguay, and Lonnie Marts on SportsAvengers.com Sarabia had done a number of plays in the Gaines- interesting to see how his season continues to prog- 24/7. ville area and I hope she has relocated to this area. She performed exceptionally well, in her first Shake- spearian role. Douglas Anderson freshman Caiti Wiggins did a Shakespeare role reversal. In Shakespeare’s time, women could not appear on stage so men did the women’s role. She plays a male, Octavius Caesar, and was very convincing. I have seen this attractive and talented young lady in other productions and she is extremely talented, so look for her to do a lot at DA in their theatre program. Kristen Walsh has the unique opportunity to play two different beautiful women in the same play, in doing the roles of Charmian and Octavia. (Aren’t wigs and Velcro wonderful inventions?) She walked off the stage right as one character and thirty sec- onds later returned on the other side as the other character. Gregory Miller is another young actor you are going to be in demand. He is a student at Lakeside

eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 33 except for Kenny Schrader. He’ll get behind the to get in touch with me, but if y’all have forgotten wheel of anything. If this is Mark’s last season in then too bad. You must know by now that if it ain’t NASCAR as a driver, he is making it one to remem- NASCAR, It ain’t s**t!! nascar news & notes ber. I bet you that Motorsports Authentics (that’s the diecast car makers of Brian France and Bruton Smith) are busy making everything he sits in for by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] this season. There are a whole bunch of M.M. fans out there, and to be honest with y’all, I already got Hey Mikey, Should I Call The Cops? You ing with Mikey and leaving DEI, but DEI is another my 1/24th scale #01 Army car with his name on know, I really don’t like kicking a guy when he’s thing right now with the stuff going on over there. I it. down, and maybe I shouldn’t, but Michael Waltrip never understood themove from them at all, since Well ol’ too-tough-to-tame may be getting a is having an absolutely horrible season and things they were the only team that ever had any Cup makeover and a new name (something like “really- keep piling up on him. Crashing a car on the way wins. Man, I thought Junior had adopted you as too-tough-to-tame”) with the new pave job and the home and not calling the police is strange. So you a brother or something, the way you two ended improvements that ISC has planned after the May only live a mile away and you know the way home, races together. Guess that shows what I know race. I wonder if the work at Vegas made them but it might have kept you from being charged and about how people act in public and behind closed want to show off and spend big bucks to improve having to go to court if you had used your cell doors. something that might not need it. The track’s sur- phone. Just where were you when the highway You know, Michael, I think it must be alright face may have been what made it too tough, and patrol came by your place at 2:30 in the morning? if I get on your case once and a while, since you drivers had to work when it came to racing there. Still walking home? If ya coulda only held it in the do it in that commercial about the loud noise and It appears to me that NASCAR is doing things to road for sixty seconds more, you could’ve driven “when are you going to drive faster” and all. Hey tracks in what ya might call re-facing to go along there. Bubba, I’m willing to forgive and forget Daytona, with the “New Wave” fan. They drive their Beamers Were you driving one of them Cars Of Tomor- the fuel deal, and even you not being in a race and Benzes to a track and they want to see some- row home since you ain’t been behind the wheel since then. Ya need to look at other problems. thing other than good ol’ Southern racing. of one much and just wanted to see if they were Put those behind you and relax and drive the car, It don’t matter to NASCAR, just as long as as safe as they’re cracked up to be? Seventy in a because you hardly ever see an owner/driver so the seats are full, the lines are long at the conces- fifty-five and drifting off the road in a turn and then good on a track. Delegate some of those head- sion stands, and the dollars are rolling in. I say over compensating back left and loosing it alto- aches out and work your game. Looks like Toyota change every track and move on into the 21st gether? Have you been away from racing that long and NAPA are in for the long haul behind you as century and run the old fans out. Heck, I’m ready that you don’t know how to drive a family sedan their team, but just how long of a haul is what I’m to go right now, but I keep giving them second (or a COT)? It must have been a Car of Tomorrow worried about. And Dude, I know you are too, so chances over and over. Pretty soon I’ll give up, as I the way it went sideways into a telephone pole and just race the car and let Dale race the truck! know many have done already, with the way Brian then rolled, ending up on its side. At least you still Well, ol’ what’s his name will be back this France has changed this sport. I hope this week- know how to get out of that rascal fast, because a weekend with double-duty in the Busch Series race end, with the big cars and a good race, will keep passerby said you bailed out of the car and started for his old boss Jack Roush. On Saturday in a Ford me awake unlike the past couple of weeks. And hoofing home. Really Mike, where did you go after and then in his winning Chevrolet on Sunday. Yeah, hopefully, Mr. Martin will win a race or two. Well, you left the scene of an accident? Mark Martin comes back with a vengeance after a that’s about it for now, and I think y’all know how I’ll say this much, you’re true to your spon- few weeks off, so you guys better look out. He just sor the way you came jogging back by the follow- might make it a daily double with two wins this ing day and the TV crew was there to do an inter- weekend. I’d like nothing better than to see him view, just like in the winner’s circle, wearing that take both races at Texas, and that is a possibility NAPA hat and all. The only thing I think I missed with him all rested up and ready to go. I bet these was that instead of “we did this” and “we did that” last two races were tough on Martin, having to sit like all drivers do at the track, you could only say out, but that is what he has wanted to do for some “me” and “I.” I hope that when you go to court time, so we’ll see just how time off will affect him. May 14th D.W. can put in a good word for you like For a guy that is taking it easy this year, he sure is he did with Toyota. Speaking of Toyota, have they driving a bunch of different cars. He’s got several stepped up to help ya out so that you can qualify more runs in the Army car and will drive for Rick soon? I’m sure NAPA was happy with the free TV Hendrick in three Busch races. Heck, he’ll even be time on the local news. in the Craftsman Trucks for the Woods brothers I guess y’all have realized over the early part five more times this year. of the season that I’m not tickled with Michael One good thing is Mark isn’t going to have Waltrip Racing or its owner. I really don’t know to drive a COT in either race, but he’ll get his shot why that is, unless I’m not a Toyota fan. Or per- at the little bugger soon enough. I’m dying to hear haps it’s the fact that Dale Jarrett left Yates Racing his thoughts about the car afterwards. Like I said, and took UPS with him. I never could figure UPS’s Martin is driving anything this year and I don’t logic with that move. It could have been NAPA go- think I’ve ever heard of anyone doing just that,

34 april 12-18, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | april 12-18, 2007 35