JACKSONVILLE
P holidayfree monthly guide to entertainment & more | decemberguIde 2009 | eujacksonville.com contents december 09
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feature music pages 4-17 holiday guide pages 24 sound check page 24 spotlight: 2416 dish page 25 interview with Ben Sollee follow us on twitter! page 18 dish update + events page 26 featured music events page 18 hidden gems: hightide burrito co. pages 27-31 music events Look for @EUJacksonville and page 29 after the bomb, baby! @EU_Music where you theatre + culture album review page 19 cultural events page 29 surfer blood album review can get daily music and entertainment updates visual arts life + stuff page 20 art events + exhibits page 32 view from the couch page 20 win the MOCA cube page 32 new dvd releases eu staff page 21 new downtownt studio/gallery page 33 netscapades managing director page 33 storycorps Shelley Henley family creative director page 22 family events movies Rachel Best Henley page 22 holidays at the zoo pages 34- 35 december movies
copy editors page 22 gator bowl + new years events page 35 special movie showings Kellie Abrahamson page 22 jaguar football Erin Thursby
music editor food editor Kellie Abrahamson Erin Thursby
photo editor Daniel Goncalves
contributing photographer Richard Abrahamson
contributing writers
Brenton Crozier Emily Moody Jack Diablo Dick Kerekes Larry Knight Liltera Williams Rick Grant Anna Rabhan Liza Mitchell Tom Weppel Ora Brasel Kali McLevy
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2 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly holiday In this year’s holiday gift guide EU covers everything from local shop spots to events. The Alhambra’s reopening, Winter Wonderland and Jacksonville Ice are all featured festive fun. You can take a roadtrip to Gainesville to visit the Sugarplum Fairy or stay here to watch the light show at the Landing. We’ve also got gift guides for the tech minded, gifts for foodies, DIY gifts and more to spark ideas for hoilday giving. We’ve got all the ingredients you’ll need to guIde make your season merry! events shopping & gIfts holiday events ...... 4 -9 shop spots ...... 10-12 ongoing christmas events & displays ...... 4 gifts for gourmands ...... 13 the nutcracker tradition ...... 6 eat & shop ...... 13 british encampment & grande illumination ...... 7 museum shopping ...... 13 hands on jacksonville ...... 8 gadget gifts ...... 14 the alhambra re-opens ...... 8 holiday game guide ...... 15 riverside / avondale lunminaria festival ...... 9 diy gifts ...... 16 winter wonderland & snow day ...... 9 green gifts ...... 17
eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 3 events
ongoing christmas events and displays
THE JACKSONVILLE LANDING CHRISTMAS TREE The Landing’s 56-foot-tree comes alive each evening with more than 78,000 lights and a 10 minute synchronized light show that will take place every hour, on the hour. Sun thru Thur from 6- 9 pm and Fri and Sat from 6 pm- midnight. Dec 2- 21 enjoy the Holiday on the River Concert Series, with daily and evening live performances by local schools, churches and dance groups. Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr. Info: 612-8491, www.jacksonvillelanding.com
FESTIVAL OF TREES On display thru Jan 6. Presented by the Junior League of Jacksonville in partnership with the Jacksonville Public Library. The downtown library is transformed with more than 30 decorated trees reflecting literary works of art. Proceeds from this event benefit the Junior League of Jacksonville, its com- munity projects and charities. Jacksonville Public Library, Main Library, 303 North Laura St. Info: www.juniorleagueofjax.org
DOWNTOWN HOLIDAY WINDOW DISPLAYS Downtown store- fronts, including the City Hall St. James Building, will come alive with festively decorated holiday scenes created by local artists, designers and businesses. Make A Scene Downtown. Info: 630- 3690 The Springfi eld Holiday Home Tour will be held Dec 4-5. Pictured above, the beautiful home of Design Co-Ordinator John Fabiano and Photographer / Stylist Christopher Cahill will be one of the highlights on this year’s tour. Go online (eujacksonville.com) to see the rest of our sneak preview by photographer Daniel Goncalves of their amazingly decorated abode. GINGERBREAD HOUSE EXTRAVAGANZA 2009 Thru Dec 23. Gingerbread Homes are built by professional chefs, architects, engineers, contractors, business professionals, civic organiza- Dec 1- 20 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Hip- Dec 4- 6 SEASONS SPICE A pot- Dec 5 & 12 BREAKFAST WITH SANTA tions, church groups, school groups and other creative commu- podrome State Theatre, 25 SE 2nd Pl., pourri of holiday readings and music Children (and adults) can enjoy a de- nity members. Tickets: $5/adults, $3/children 3-16, free/2 and Gainesville. Info: (352) 375-4477, www. celebrates the season’s traditions. lectable continental breakfast as they under. Wed- Sat, 11 am- 5 pm; Dec 21 & 22, 11 am- 5 pm. Old thehipp.org Players by the Sea Studio, 106 6th St. visit with Santa Claus. Sessions last St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 317 A. Philip Randolph Blvd. N. Jacksonville Beach. Info: 249-0289, about 45 minutes beginning at 8:30, Dec 2- 20 A TUNA CHRISTMAS Mas- http://playersbythesea.org 9:30 and 10:30 am. Tickets: $12/adults, ter comedians Sears and Williams, $10/children 3- 12, $3/children 2 and NIGHT OF LIGHTS: LIGHT UP THE NIGHT Thru Jan 31. Millions of tiny white lights will glow along the ancient streets and historic along with some split-second costume Dec 4 FRIDAY MUSICALE CHRISTMAS under. Prices include admission to changes, portray all 24 citizens of Texas’ Featuring the Friday Musi- the Museum. Reservations required. buildings of the Nation’s oldest city. The spectacular lighting in CONCERT third smallest town, Tuna, where the cale Chorus. 11 am. Friday Musicale Museum of Science and History, 1025 St. Augustine reflects the city’s 444-year history while creating a Lion’s Club is too liberal and Patsy Cline Concert Series, 645 Oak St. Info: 355- Museum Circle. Info: 396-6674, www. beautiful setting for the exciting events and tours that take place never dies. Hippodrome State Theatre, 25 7584, www.fridaymusicale.com themosh.org here through January 31. Downtown St. Augustine. Info: 653- SE 2nd Pl., Gainesville. Info: (352) 375- 2489, www.nightsoflights.com 4477, www.thehipp.org December 4- 13 BLACK NATIVITY A Dec 5 55TH ANNUAL ST. AUGUSTINE Gospel Song Play by Langston Hughes. CHRISTMAS PARADE The 55th Annual WINTER WONDERLAND RETURNS TO THE ST. AUGUSTINE AM- Dec 3 TRANS-SIBERIAN ORCHESTRA Stage Aurora Theatrical Company’s Christmas Parade has grown to be one PHITHEATRE Daily thru January 3, noon- 10 pm. The 3rd annual WINTER TOUR 2009 7:30 pm, Jackson- Black Nativity will dazzle audiences of of the largest parades in north Florida Winter Wonderland Festival is becoming a holiday tradition. The ville Veterans Memorial Arena all ages with its rousing gospel music, and includes fl oats, marching bands fun includes an ice rink, the Ice Slide, nightly snow, sleigh rides, superbly performed dance numbers, cars, horses, and the arrival of Santa. the Elf Village, Candy Cane Forest, live theatre, s’mores and, of Dec 3 CHRISTMAS CONCERT: GLORIA brilliant costumes and the majesty of The parade begins at 10 am by the course, Santa Claus. St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Info: www.win- Featuring the JU Concert Choir and Langston Hughes’ poetry. Fri & Sat Mission of Nombre de Dios, continues terwonderlandflorida.com, 209-0367 Chamber Singers under the direction of at 8 pm with matinees Sat and Sun. through the downtown streets of historic Dr. Jon O. Carlson. 7:30 pm. JU Terry Stage Aurora Performance Hall, 5188 St. Augustine and ends behind the Visi- Concert Hall, 2800 N. University Blvd. Norwood Avenue (Inside Gateway Town tors Center on Castillo Dr. Downtown St. From Dec 12- 31 the Stephen Foster Folk FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Info: 256-7370, www.ju.edu/programs/ Center). Tickets: $8- $15. Info: www. Augustine. Info: 824-4997 Culture Center State Park presents the Festival of Lights. Two mil- music/events stageaurora.org, 765-7372 or 765- lion lights, candy cane forest, campfire circle, marshmallow roast, 7373 Dec 5 3RD ANNUAL DOWNTOWN warm refreshments, 200 foot bell tower, gingerbread village, Dec 4- 5 SPRINGFIELD HOLIDAY HOME HISTORIC CHURCH TOUR Tour a cen- majestic oak trees will ensure tons of family fun. Open daily from TOUR The Springfi eld Woman’s Club Dec 4- 5 GREETINGS! A comedy by tury of sanctuaries in one afternoon. dusk to 9 pm. Don’t miss the White Springs Festival of Lights Pa- will be hosting their 23rd Annual Holiday Tom Dudzick, Greetings! is a wonderful Guides at each of the 11 churches will rade and special actitivities all day on Dec 12. The Stephen Foster Home Tour, from 4:30- 9 pm. The tour wacky look at how cleverly a mixture highlight the architectural and historical State Park is located on US 41 in White Springs, about an hours will start at Third and Main Street (1303 of Christmas, Hanukkah and New Age signifi cance of the building. Walk or use drive from Jacksonville. Info: (386) 397-4331, www.FloridaState- North Main Street). Each ticket comes philosophy can, in the right hands, fl ick the trolley service provided along the Park.org/StephenFoster with a calendar that includes an artistic on the electricity. Tickets: $15. Orange tour route. Tours begin at 1 pm and start rendition of each stop. Tickets: $12.50 Park Community Theatre, 2900 Moody at the Main Library Downtown, 303 N. - $15. Info: www.springfi eldwomansclub. Ave., Orange Park. Info: 276-2599, Laura Street. Tickets: $5, children 12 & org, 633-9308 www.opct.org under free. Twenty percent of proceeds
4 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly will benefi t the Emergency Services and Homeless Coalition. Info: www.downtownjacksonville.org, 634-0303.
Dec 5 MAYOR’S HOLIDAY FESTIVAL FOR SE- NIOR CITIZENS Celebrate the holidays in style! Join us for dancing, dining and entertainment at the Mayor’s Holiday Festival. Tickets: $10. 2- 5 pm. Prime Osborn Convention Center. Info: 630- 3690, http://www.coj.net/Departments/Recreatio n+and+Community+Services/Special+Events/ default.htm
Dec 5 4TH ANNUAL FEAST OF CAROLS UNF Chorale, Chamber Orchestra, & Brass Ensemble with Community Ensembles Dr. Cara Tasher, con- ductor. 2 pm & 8 pm. Tickets: $10/adults, free/ students. Lazzara Hall, 1 UNF Dr. Info: 620-2878 www.unf.edu/coas/music/calendar )N !UGUST IT WAS WIDELY REPORTED THAT THE !LHAMBRA 4HEATRE THE NATION¯S OLDEST PROFESSIONAL DINNER THEATER WAS CLOSING ITS DOORS Dec 5 SURF ILLUMINATION Light up your eve- ning when the Surf Illumination complements the FOREVER (ERE WE ARE JUST THREE MONTHS LATER WITH A NEW LOOK seasonal lighting of A1A Beach Boulevard in St. A NEW MENU FROM NEW %XECUTIVE #HEF -ATTHEW -EDURE AND Augustine Beach. The event includes the lighting of the tree, food, beverages, local arts and crafts, A NEW SCHEDULE OF SHOWS 4HE OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES YOU music and of course, Santa. This season’s lighting HAVE COME TO KNOW WILL STILL BE PRODUCED BY THE RENOWNED will be expanded to illuminate four buildings and most of the trees at Pier Park, creating St. Au- #REATIVE $IRECTOR 4OD "OOTH ENSURING THAT THE LEGACY OF THIS gustine Beach’s winter wonderland. St. Augustine *ACKSONVILLE ICON WILL REMAIN 7HETHER IT¯S DATE NIGHT OR Beach Pier Park, St. Augustine Beach. Info: 347- 8007, www.staugbchcivicassoc.com A FAMILY NIGHT OUT WE¯RE CON·DENT YOU¯LL ENJOY THE NEW December 4 — December 24 !LHAMBRA 4HEATRE $INING EXPERIENCE Dec 5 HOLIDAY HARMONIES Jacksonville Har- mony’s shows, performed in rich four-part a cap- pella harmony and dynamic choreography, appeal to the entire family. This show features a chorus of about sixty women as well as numerous quartets. 3%!3/. 3#(%$5,% GREAT GIFT IDEAS! San Jose Church of Christ, 6233 San Jose Blvd. Info: 350-1609, www.jaxharmony.com
Dec 5 CONTEMPORARY HOLIDAY MUSIC: JU PERCUSSION CONCERT The JU Percussion En- semble presents an exciting night of music under the director of Professor Tony Steve. 7:30 pm. Jacksonville University’s Swisher Theatre, 2800 N. University Blvd. Info: 256-7370, www.ju.edu/pro- Dec. 31, 2009 — March 7, 2010 March 10 — April 25, 2010 April 28 — June 13, 2010 grams/music/events
June 16 — August 8, 2010 August 11 — September 5, 2010 September 8 — October 10, 2010
October 13 — November 28, 2010 December 1 — 24, 2010
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Business Parties & Events
RESERVE YOUR SEATS NOW! • 904-641-1212 • www.alhambradinnertheatre.com
904-234-2986
eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 5 First Coast Nutcracker the nutcracker tradition (continued) Dec 4- 5 FIRST COAST NUTCRACKER First lier. The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St. Coast Nutcracker showcases internationally Info: 355-2787, www.fl oridatheatre.com acclaimed dancers, our area’s fi nest dance Dec 5 events CHRISTMAS ON THE CREEK Julington around the tour route. There is no parking for the corps and Tchaikovsky’s beloved melodies Dec 13 CLAY BALLET THEATRE PRESENTS Creek will come alive with color, lights and holi- Tour at Ripley’s Believe it or Not. Tickets: $15/ performed live by the Jacksonville Symphony THE NUTCRACKER The Clay Ballet Theatre day cheer. Decorate your boat or docks or just advance, $20/day of the tour. Info: www.garden- Orchestra. Dec 4 and 5 at 8 pm. Dec 5 and is directed by Marta Jackson, one of the come enjoy the show. The best place to view clubofstaugustine.org, 826-0024 6 at 2 pm. Times-Union Center: Jacoby original directors of the Nutcracker Ballet in the parade is from the top of the Julington Creek Symphony Hall. Info: 354-5547, www.jaxsym- Jacksonville. She has worked for many years Bridge. The parade will begin (shortly after sun- Dec 6 ORCHESTRA HOLIDAY CONCERT The phony.org to establish the ballet as a tradition for the city. set) at about 7 pm, when the boats will gather on JU Orchestra rings in the holidays with seasonal 6 pm, Tickets: $20. Info: www.martajackson- the west side of the SR 13 bridge over Julington selections of classical music and lighter fare. 3 Dec 5 THE VALUSIA COUNTY NUTCRACKER schoolofdance.com/News_and_Events.html Creek. Info: 553-4129 pm. Terry Concert Hall, 2800 N. University Blvd. BALLET The Civic Ballet of Volusia County Info: 256-7370, www.ju.edu/programs/music/ returns with the Nutcracker Ballet and the Dec 18- 20 THE FLORIDA BALLET PRES- Dec 6 ST. AUGUSTINE CHRISTMAS TOUR OF events tale of Clara and her beloved nutcracker doll. ENTS THE NUTCRACKER E.T.A. Hoffman’s HOMES The Garden Club of St. Augustine, pres- Nearly 70 Volusia County children will per- tale comes to the stage in the beloved holiday ents this walking tour from 12- 5 pm. This year’s Dec 6 THE COOL SIDE OF YULE TIDE HOLIDAY form on stage, dancing the roles of Clara, the classic for all ages. The Florida Theatre, 128 tour, “Christmas Remembered,” will showcase CONCERT The Jacksonville Children’s Chorus Prince, Snowfl akes, Candy Canes, Angels, E. Forsyth St. Info: 355-2787, www.fl oridathe- private homes in the historic Abbott Tract area. will perform with the Orange Park Chorale and Mice and Party Guests. 2 pm & 7 pm. The atre.com Your ticket will also include refreshments. The the First Coast Ringers. 6 pm. Grace Episcopal Peabody Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd. Red Train will transport visitors from the His- Church, 245 Kingsley Ave, Orange Park. Info: Daytona Beach. Info:(386) 671-3462, www. Dec 30 MOSCOW BALLETS GREAT RUSSION toric Downtown Parking Facility to Ripley’s and 353-1636, www.jaxchildrenschorus.com peabodyauditorium.org NUTCRACKER The Moscow Ballet continues its tradition of the fi nest world class dance. Dec 11- 12 COMMUNITY NUTCRACKER This year’s tour stars the ballet world’s Prima Directed by Dulce Anaya, Beth Marks, Debbie Ballerina, Cristina Terentieva and her partner Peters and Mark Spivak, all renowned First Alexei. Also new in Moscow Ballet’s Great Rus- Coast dance teachers and choreographers. sian Nutcracker this year are the Snow Maiden Local dancers make up the majority of the and Father Christmas. Lazzara Performance cast, with professionals from Miami City Ballet Hall. Info: 353-3309, http://capricorn.anf.unf. taking the roles of Sugar Plum Fairy and Cava- edu/UNFTBO8/shopdisplaycategories.asp
gainesville’s dance alive national ballet nutcracker festival Become entranced by the beauty of the Sugar Plum Fairy and her dazzling Court, enchanted by the swirling snowfl akes and breathtaking snow, and cheer for the tiny toy soldiers and their leader, the handsome Nutcracker Prince. The Dance Alive National Ballet’s Nutcracker is a sparkling production with beautiful costumes and sets. The amazing cast features award winning dancers from Hungary, Brazil, Cuba, China, Venezuela and the United States. Expect dazzling dancing and a thoroughly enjoyable evening. This year, for the fi rst time, Dance Alive will hold a fi ve day festival of events surrounding the all-time family favorite. Celebrate the season with friends and family; see an amazing show, party with friends, and then treat your favorite child to tea with the Sugar Plum Fairy and watch their face glow!
THE NUTCRACKER IN GAINESVILLE The lips Center to the fabulous sounds of Gosia ballet will be performed Thurs and Fri, Dec 17 and Ali. You’ll dine on gourmet delights, sip & 18 at 7:30 pm. Sat and Sun, Dec 19 & 20 sparkling champagne and delight in decadent at 2 pm chocolate desserts. Enjoy exclusive holiday shopping and a fun fi lled scavenger hunt MOMMY & ME ON STAGE A truly magical through the Center to make this a perfectly experience! Mother (or Grandmother or Dads) amazing evening. Sat, Dec 19 at 8 pm and child join the dancers onstage during their fi nal dress rehearsal of the Nutcracker. Sit- SUGAR PLUM TEA The perfect ending to the ting up close and personal gives your child a perfect day. Meet the Sugar Plum Fairy and special experience never to be forgotten. Wed, her court. Touch a snowfl ake, tease a mouse, Dec 16 at 5 pm and enjoy a tea that only a Sugar Plum Fairy could present. Have your picture taken with CHOCOLATE & CHAMPAGNE HOLIDAY GALA your favorite character. Another wonder- This is the ULTIMATE Holiday Party! With the ful memory to build with one or all of your Nutcracker Winter Wonderland as your back- favorite children. Sat and Sun, Dec 19 & 20 ground, you’ll dance on the stage of the Phil- at 4 pm
All events will take place at the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Gainesville. For more infor- mation about the Nutcracker Festival call (352) 371-2986 or visit www.dancealive.org.
6 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly Dec 11 MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER Created by many other vessels all-a-glitter with brilliant lighted Dec 13 CHABAD CHANUKAH AT THE LANDING Chip Davis, Mannheim Steamroller’s signature displays ranging from patriotic to whimsical. Begin- Celebrate Chanukah with live music, food, games sound is where classical and modern-day rock, ning at 6 pm, the boats will light up Matanzas Bay and the lighting of the 13-foot Menorah. 4:30 pm. acoustic and electronic music meet. This “18th between the Bridge of Lions and Castillo de San Jacksonville Landing. Info: 612-8491, www.jack- Century” rock band has become one of the most Marcos. Matanzas Bay, St. Augustine. Info: 824- sonvillelanding.com. popular and best-selling acts in the last 30 years. 9725, www.sayc2000.com Dec 14 4:30 & 7:30 pm. Daytona Beach Peabody Audito- Dec 13 JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY YOUTH THAT’S AMORE: rium, 600 Auditorium Blvd., Daytona Beach. Info: Dec 12- 13 A SNOW DAY Jacksonville Ice & ORCHESTRA SOUNDS OF THE SEASON Young DEAN MARTIN & (386) 671-3462 Sportsplex and the First Coast Skating Club of listeners will enjoy watching the big kids in the FRIENDS HOLIDAY SPECIAL Jacksonville are presenting two performances of Jacksonville Symphony Youth Orchestra Philhar- Dean Martin’s style, looks, charm, voice Dec 11 ACOUSTIC CHRISTMAS SHOW The Big the holiday ice show, A Snow Day. (see page 9) monic play yuletide favorites. 3 pm. Times-Union and magnetism show through Mark Adams Ape brings Acoustic Christmas starring Colbie Cail- 5 pm. Tickets: $8- 10. Info: www.jaxiceandsport- Center: Jacoby Hall. Info: 354-5547, www.jaxsym- who spent three years starring as Dean Martin in lat. 9 pm. Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk, Jackson- splex.com or 399-3223 phony.org. ville Landing, 2 Independent Dr. W. Info: 356-1110, ------continues on page 8 ----> www.mavericksatthelanding.com
Dec 11- 12 HOLIDAY POPS Celebrate the season as the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra brings you wonderful melodies with symphonic yuletide favorites. Lynn Roberts joins the festivities while the Symphony Chorus and Children’s Chorus will warm your hearts. Dec 11 at 11 am, Dec 11- 12 at 8 pm, Dec 12 at 3 pm, Dec 13 at 7 pm. Times- Union Center: Jacoby Hall. Info: 354-5547, www. A>EH!=>EH! jaxsymphony.org :N:9:6AHE:8>6A L>CI:GHE:8>6AH A6H=96H= FREE WITH WINTER SPECIALS 7DIDM Dec 12 15TH ANNUAL TUBA CHRISTMAS It just &,*&&%&,,,* &.. Be a Wrinkle wouldn’t be Christmas at the Landing without this Includes Latisse Free VIP! unique live performance of more than 100 Tubas playing your favorite holiday classics. 2 pm. Jack- FABULOUS ESCAPE - $200 After $50 Rebate sonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr. Info: 612-8491, HDC>8;68>6A (%%'*%(%%% www.jacksonvillelanding.com. Regularly Botox... two areas! $100...... 99% Glycolic Facial Peel, and... *% COUPLE’S GETAWAY - $195 Dec 12 REGATTA OF LIGHTS Regale your eyes $50 Wrinkle Free Rebate! with a holiday parade of boats from 15 to 85 feet ...... You Get All Three! in length – sailboats, trawlers, shrimp boats, and RELAXATION RETREAT - $129 =jggnD[[Zg:cYhHddc ...... WOMEN’S SPECIAL - $129 -* British Encampment & Vi^hhZ Grande Illumination A A6H:G### Dec 4- 5 35TH ANNUAL BRITISH ENCAMPMENT AND GRANDE IL- 9DCÉIG6ODG LUMINATION Experience what St. Newest technology for all skin types. Augustine was like during the British ...... occupation of the Old City from 1763 99 to 1784. On Fri, Dec 4, from 8 to 9:30 UNUND...... pm there will be a free concert featur- 99 ing Father, Son & Friends performing BR ...... 25050 traditional Scottish, Irish and, Ameri- OOW can folk music at the Taberna del L Gallo at the Colonial Spanish Quarter FIRST TIME CLIENTS s on St. George Street. Then on Satur- ift at G &%%HE:8>6AH day, Dec 5, the British encampment, U Gre located at St. Augustine’s Colonial Micro-Dermabrasion UUPPP Body Wrap Spanish Quarter on St. George Street will be open from 9 am to dusk with MEN’S LASER SPECIALS WOW Smile activities such as the Fife and Drum Endermologie (2) Corps demonstrations, period music and dancing, British soldier re-enact- ments, a drill and musket demonstra- GLGLA tion and an 18th Century dance will be open to the public at the Colonial St. Augustine Foundation Garden on St. George Street. The day’s events AVhZg;VX^Va culminate with the Grande Illumination and British Night Watch Parade begin- I^\]iZc^c\ ning at Government House on the m ÆILDIDI6C eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 7 Dec 19 HANDEL’S MESSIAH Find an oasis of sanity where the meaning of Christmas isn’t trampled upon with Han- del’s Messiah. Hallelujah! 8 pm. Times- a visit from st. nicholas Union Center: Jacoby Symphony Hall. Info: 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org Dec 20 A CHRISTMAS CAROL This show is adapted for the stage by Charles Jones. Twenty-eight performers bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life. A full array of traditional Christmas (continued) carols are woven into the classic story events of Ebenezer Scrooge. Journey to Victo- rian London and the world of Ebenezer The Rat Pack. Enjoy Dean with the glam- Dec 16 THAT’S AMORE: DEAN MAR- Scrooge, the tight-fi sted merchant who orous Goldiggers and special guests TIN & FRIENDS HOLIDAY SPECIAL learns that giving brings greater happi- performing the songs made famous by Hear hits like ‘Volare,’ ‘Everybody ness than receiving. 2 pm. Times-Union Peggy Lee, Petula Clark, Nat King Cole Loves Somebody,’ ‘Little Old Wine Center. Info: 632-3373, www.artist- and Shirley Maclaine. 7:30 pm. The Pea- Drinker Me’ and some special holiday seriesjax.org body Auditorium, 600 Auditorium Blvd. numbers to celebrate the season. 7:30 Since 2003, on the fi rst Friday Daytona Beach, Info:(386) 671-3462, pm. The Artist Series, Times-Union morning in December, certain lucky www.peabodyauditorium.org Center, 300 W. Water St. Info: 632- school kids will arrive to fi nd their 3373, www.artistseriesjax.org classrooms bedecked in holiday cheer. Dec 16- 17 HOLIDAY POPS: THE On each desk they’ll fi nd a backpack JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY ORCHES- December 18- 19 THE SANTALAND fi lled with books and toys. A special TRA Under the baton of Associate DIARIES Based on the true chronicles visitor will read them a story of sharing- Director Scott Terrell, the orchestra will of David Sedaris’ experience as Crum- and at just the right time St. Nicholas will present a lively selection of popular holi- pet the Elf in Macy’s SantaLand dis- appear. day music and song concluding with an play, this hilarious cult classic features For some of these children, it’s the only gift they’ll get this audience sing-along. Always a sellout comic encounters during the height of holiday season, for others these books will be the only new books in St. Augustine, don’t miss this heart- the holiday crunch. Sedaris’ hilarious they will own during their childhood. It’s all made possible by local warming St. Augustine Christmas tradi- retelling is sure to bring a smile to even and national companies partnered with the volunteer organization tion. 8 pm. Tickets: $30. EMMA Concert the grouchiest face! Local playwright Hands On Jacksonville. The companies provide the funding and Series, Flagler College Auditorium, 14 and actor Ian Mairs brings to life (for the volunteers, while Hands On organizes the event and brings it all Granada St., St. Augustine. Info: 797- one final Jacksonville engagement) together. 2800, www.emmaconcerts.com Sedaris’ elf-gone-bad, Crumpet as he Hands On targets schools that have about a 75% rate of copes with thousands of shoppers and disadvantaged kids. “We can’t do every school every year,” says Dec 16 MOOSELTOE: A NEW MOOSI- their kiddies with his whacked out, Judy Smith, CEO of Hands On Jacksonville, “We wish we could...but CAL Mooseltoe tells the story of wicked wit. 8 pm. Theatre Jackson- as it is every elementary school student [in these schools] will be our young hero, Mooseltoe, when he ville’s Harold K. Smith Playhouse. Tick- visited by St. Nick at least once during their school career.” leaves his mother, father and sister to ets: $10- $15. Info: 396-4425, www. Project manager Jaqui Scuncio tells us that planning for the follow his dream of learning to fly so theatrejax.com event begins on January 1st. Hands On takes the money donated by that he can help pull Santa’s sleigh the corporate sponsors and shops for the best deal in books, toys on Christmas Eve. He must find the Dec 19 THE COOL SIDE OF YULE and backpacks. Some are bought, others are donated and some are Moose King who will share with him TIDE HOLIDAY CONCERT The Jack- bought at a discount. This year JaRu Toys helped out signifi cantly by the secret of flight. His journey is filled sonville Children’s Chorus will perform donating some of the toys the kids will getting. with many adventures as he meets a with the Orange Park Chorale and the Hands On Jacksonville and the corporate sponsors for A number of very interesting characters. First Coast Ringers. 2 pm. Terry Con- Visit from St. Nicholas make this holiday miracle happen. Some 5 pm & 7 pm. Tickets: $15- 20. The cert Hall, 2800 University Blvd N. Info: companies, such as VyStar, even have a department which deals Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St. Info: 353-1636, www.jaxchildrenschorus. exclusively with charity and community events. Besides monetary 355-2787, www.floridatheatre.com com donations, these companies solicit their employees as volunteers. It’s their hands that stack the books and place them in the book bags during their annual Backpacking Party. One of the many attendees of the backpacking party was Jean Noegel, a Citi Bank employee who originally signed up to read to the kids as part of the Visit From St. Nicholas. She read stories to the kids at the event for four years in a row before becoming a school liaison. She’s the contact person between a school and Hands On, helping coordinate the times the volunteers can come in to decorate, determining how many gift backpacks are needed for a school and getting St. Nicholas to each classroom. For her the reward is in the children’s faces and hugs. “I just Alhambra Reopens for the Holidays with Christmas Carole love children...and the kids are so much fun...they’re so happy for you to be there,” says Noegel. And, every year after the event she a new chef, new menu and new time,” commented Managing Partner, Craig Smith. and the other school liaisons get together to share their experiences. This is not the grand opening or even a real “Everybody has a story that just touches you and you know just how look combine with the trusted, preview but what Smith calls, “the middle of phase fortunate you are,” she says. traditional production of the one.” While patrons will see a signifi cant physical If you’d like to get your company involved, contact Hands On holiday classic improvement with new paint and carpet, a fresh Jacksonville through their website www.handsonjacksonville.org. An design for the foyer, more comfortable chairs and individual can donate $25 to further the program as well. Just click A After closing its doors three months ago it was new plates and fl atware, visitors will also sample Visit from St. Nick on the left bar for info. - by erin thursby assumed the nation’s oldest professional dinner a sneak peek into what the owners have in mind theater was closing its doors forever. The new owner- for the new menu. Executive Chef Matthew Medure The foundations, organizations and corporations responsible for A Visit From St. ship group is led by Jacksonville native Craig Smith. will be demonstrating the culinary fl are that has Nicholas: B.J.’s Wholesale, Baymeadows Self Storage, BB&T, Beaver Street Foundation, Creative Director Tod Booth will combine forces again made him one of the most critically acclaimed Brennan, Manna & Diamond P.L., Camerlengo & Brockwell P.L., Citi, Coker, Shickel, with Alhambra veteran Tony Triano, reprising his role as chefs in the country with his fi rst turn behind the Sorenson & Posgay, Community First Credit Union, Darifair Foods, Deerwood Rotary, Scrooge, as the Alhambra fi nishes a tumultuous 2009 stove in the Alhambra’s kitchen. Deutsche Bank, Dubow Family Foundation, Ernst & Young, EverBank, FedEx, Fidelity season with a three-week run of Charles Dickens’ clas- Tickets prices start at $42, which includes National, First Books, FL Coastal School of Law, Florida Times Union, Intrepid Capital, sic, . J.P. Perry Insurance, Jacksonville Cornerstone Regional Development Partnership, Christmas Carole dinner and the show. They are currently on sale This holiday favorite has been an Alhambra Jacksonville Fraternal Order of Police, Jacksonville Port Authority, JaRu Toys, Lender at the Alhambra Theatre box offi ce or by calling Processing Services, M.A. Healy Family Foundation, Marks Gray P.A., Medtronic, Miller Christmas tradition for twenty-two years. This produc- 641-1212. Patrons can also visit the website and Electric Company, Neviaser Family Foundation, Old Navy, PGA Tour, PSS World Medical, tion, based on Charles Dickens’ classic story, brings fi ll out a call-back form and the staff will call them Publix Super Markets Charities, Regency Centers, Rogers Towers P.A., Skanska USA to life one of literatures most famous penny-pinchers, to take reservations. The show will run from De- Building Inc.,Spohrer and Dodd P.L., Suddath, Summit Contractors, Swisher International Ebenezer Scrooge. “It would have been a shame for cember 4 through December 24. Group rates are Inc., The Hutson Companies, University of Phoenix, Vandroff Insurance Agency, Vestcor Jacksonville not to have a live version of this classic available, with discounts available for schools and Companies, VyStar Credit Union, W.W. Gay Mechanical Contractor Inc., Walmart story. We’re all thrilled we’ll be open for business in houses of worship. #1083, Walmart #1090, Walmart #6099, Witten Family Foundation. 8 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly winter wonderland at the st. augustine amphitheatre Dig out your coats and dust off your scarves- winter has offi cially hit the First Coast and with it came the St. Augustine Amphitheatre’s annual family event Winter Wonderland. This terrifi c celebration of all things chilly and festive is now in its third year and is better than ever. by kellie abrahamson photo by richard abrahamson light up the streets Riverside Avondale Holiday Luminaria Festival + RAM Wrap Party December 19th & 20th The 25th Luminaria begins this year on Sat, Dec 19th with RAP’s inaugural Luminaria Historic Bike Tour. Tour the district by bike, learning about the lost mansions and histories photo by debbie abrahamson of Jacksonville’s most interesting streets. Meet at 9 am at the parking lot between the Garden and Women’s Clubs. The tour is an easy 8 mile circuit with multiple stops and will end at the Riverside Arts Market, where the free Bike Valet will watch your wheels as you enjoy the final market day of RAM’s incredible debut year. Santa’s Ride will begin at 12 noon with the Jolly Old Elf and his helper making stops throughout the Riverside Avondale District ending with an appearance at the RAM’s Holiday Celebration Party. Dance to live music and merry-make with beer and food available for purchase. On Sun, Dec 20, there will be a Historic Church Tour from 1 pm to 4 pm. Check the RAP website for the latest tour updates, including details about a wonderful musical finale on Riverside photo by richard abrahamson Baptist Church’s unique and extremely rare dual console organ as well as a handbell concert, Nativity scene and more. www. riversideavondale.org, call RAP at 389-2449, to find details about what each church is offering. The festival culminates on Sun, Dec 20th with the Luminaria Lantern Lighting throughout the Riverside Avondale Historic District. This year’s festivities mark the 25th anniversary of Luminaria, an event that helps bind the community together. As dusk begins to fall, look for a few hundred cyclists as the Riverside Avondale Luminaria Bike Ride takes cyclists through the candle lit luminaria lanterns lining the historic streets of Riverside and Avondale. For the first time at Luminaria, trolleys will also photo by debbie abrahamson be trolling the streets to help transport revelers throughout the Historic District. Just $1 gets you a ride or pay $5 to ride all night. Activities abound as you enter the complex, photo by debbie abrahamson Tour the neighborhood, join the merriment, light your which itself is covered in twinkling lights and holi- lanterns. Sponsoring restaurants will be open for you to come in day décor. In fact, chances are you’ll get a glimpse your next trip to Winter Wonderland is the original from the cold to warm your hands and toes from the brisk night at one of Winter Wonderland’s most popular attrac- play ‘A Time for Everything.’ The charming holiday air. A weekend of great events to get you in the holiday spirit! tions before you even get out of the car. A horse- tale is presented by Veddy Theatre and tells the For dates, times and luminaria kits call Riverside Avondale drawn carriage begins its journey in front of the story of a young princess with three questions and Preservation (RAP) at 389-2449 or visit www.riversideavondale. box offi ce adjacent to the parking lot. From there, her father’s efforts to fi nd her some answers. The org. the sleigh takes visitors on an unforgettable ride play is truly a First Coast affair with all of the tal- through an enchanted forest, where the trails are ent, from the story itself to the music to the acting, decorated with holiday scenes and cheerful music provided by locals. is heard around every corner. This is a great way to While those may be the biggest attractions, start or end your night of family-friendly fun. they are certainly not the only things to do at Win- Arguably the biggest crowd-drawing activity ter Wonderland. New activities have been dreamt at Winter Wonderland is ice skating. The Amphithe- up for younger kids, like a bounce house and the atre’s stage has been transformed into St. Augus- Elf Express Train. You can also try your luck at tine’s only outdoor ice rink and guests of all skill carnival-style games with winter themes (dubbed- a snow day at jacksonville ice levels can lace up some skates and give it a try. adorably- “Reindeer Games”), take a walk through Anyone who’s ever watched the Winter Olympics knows that there’s some- The rink is also one of the few places where you a charming little elf village (which also has nightly thing magical about figuring skating. No matter who you are, it’s hard not to can experience snow in Florida. Each night there’s snow-fall), stroll through a “Candy Cane Forest” be impressed and downright riveted by the talent and artistry that those young a 100% chance of fl urries between the hours of 7 and even visit Santa. Plenty of yummy conces- athletes display with each and every performance. Jacksonville fans will get a and 9 pm. sions will keep tummies from grumbling including chance to see some of figure skating’s current and upcoming superstars this Those who prefer a little adrenalin rush with snacks, hot cocoa and, of course, s’mores. month when A Snow Day glides into Jacksonville Ice & Sportsplex. their holiday cheer can take a trip down the re- Admission to Winter Wonderland is free for all The special two-day holiday show promises to be a delightful family event vamped Ice Slide. This 32-foot high thrill ride was a but most of the activities cost anywhere from $2 as gifted young skaters take to the ice to show off their skills. Haven Denney and big hit with guests when it was introduced last year to $20 per person. For a complete breakdown of Daniel Raad, the current National Novice Pairs silver medalists, are making an and now it’s even faster, making for a more exhila- prices, times and anything else you need to know, appearance as well as two promising local talents destined for the gold, Aubrey rating trip down the 100-foot-long slab of ice. visit www.winterwonderlandfl orida.com or call Clifford and Jessie Huang. The two-hour skating spectacular will also feature sixty area youth and adult skaters. Another thing you do not want to miss on (904) 209-0367. Tickets for A Snow Day are just $9 in advance and $10 the day of the show- a small price to pay to see future Olympians doing their thing up close. For more information, visit www.jaxiceandsportsplex.com or call (904) 399-3223. eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 9 shopping & gIfts Although shopping for gifts around Jacksonville in 85 degree weather can leave you feeling more like Scrooge than St. Nick, shopping for those you love is a sure way to get you in the spirit of the occasion. Local businesses are stocked up for the holidays and ready for you to spend your hard-earned dollars with them! Did you know that for every $100 spent at a chain store $14 goes back into the local economy versus $45 if that same $100 was spent at a locally owned business? The payback is clear. This city has a wonderful selection of stores that are owned and run by Jacksonvillians. Why fi ght the traffi c and crowds at the malls when your neighbors and friends have vast array of items to chose from in their stores? Keeping these shops in business keeps the J-ville in Jacksonville by giving this city fl avor and personality. Supporting independent businesses is vital to their existence. EU is all about buying gifts locally this holiday season, so we stopped into some of our favorite locally-owned stores to highlight great gifts for those on your list this season. by emily moody avondale The lush oaks and beautifully manicured lawns in front of opulent residences set the stage for the strip of shops along Saint Johns Avenue. The sophisticated Shoppes of Avondale fall nicely in line with the people that inhabit the surrounding homes. Open Road Bikess There’s one toy that will light up any kid’s face under a tree; a shiny new bike! What better place to shop for your child’s fi rst set of wheels than at Open Road Bikes? With locations in Avondale, Miramar, Flemming Island and St. Johns on CR210, this Jacksonville staple has something for everyone. Whether you are in the market for a road, mountain or family bike, Open Road has an enormous selection. With adult bikes starting at $229 and children’s bikes starting at $125, what a perfect gift for your kid or kid at heart! Our favorites were the Raleigh boys ($185), girls ($145) bikes (with our without training wheels) and the retro 7-speed beach cruiser that is also by Raleigh, comes in an assortment of colors and is the perfect bike for those who wants to take a leisurely Sunday cruise with family or friends. For more information stop by one of their four locations or look them up online at www.openroadbicycles.com. The Green Alligator Our next stop in Avondale is the best toy store Duval has to offer, GottaHaveIt which now has a second location in Ponte Vedra! Forget the Barbies and Hot Wheels that are prevalent at big box stores, and instead head on over to the Green Alligator for fun, high quality toys at affordable prices. Some favorites from this charming shop include puzzles and craft supplies from Melissa and Doug ($5 and up), hand-knit BlaBla dolls (from $34) and eco-friendly wooden Plan Toys (starting at san marco $9.99) made with nontoxic and chemical-free materials, to name a few. The Bruder truck ($20- 55) The aptly named San Marco Square is perfectly nestled in the shipment arrived in time for Santa to pick one up for your son. This line offers an assortment of realistic garbage, recycle and construction vehicles. Similar to the Sit-n-Skate toy of the ‘80s, the ride-on center of gorgeous homes. This upscale shopping district is one of toy known as the Plasma Car ($74.99) is sure to be one of the shop’s hottest selling gifts! This toy Jacksonville’s oldest and most loved. encourages all ages to step away from the video games and get outdoors for some exercise. Check out more of the Green Alligator’s selection at www.thegreenalligator.com. Therapie Although Therapie is one of the newest clothing stores in the Square, it defi nitely paves GottaHaveIt If you are searching for a gift for someone that has it all, why not check out the way for new trends in Jacksonville. They specialize in contemporary labels for the fashionable a store that has a little bit of everything? With such a diverse selection fi lling their shelves, you can woman while still keeping it easy on the wallet. Purchasing accessories for a woman is always an ideal cross a name or two off your list before walking out of this store. Give back to the Earth while giving a route to take during the holidays. It alleviates the dreaded question associated with purchasing clothing: cool gift in the process with an ecofriendly pouch from Two’s Company. These woven change purses “Will it fi t?” Consider stopping into this store to check out the gorgeous selection of leather belts from ($12.99) are made from old juice pouches, which makes them uber-unique. As if teeny-tiny baby toes Ada ($59). While you’re there, why not add a coordinating bag by Mellie Bianco ($55) to complete the aren’t edible enough, add a pair of socks from Mudpie ($2.99 a pair) to those little feet to make them look? These bags are affordable and great way to inject a wardrobe with the hot studded trend. If you simply irresistible. The socks are available in argyle, a faux “shoe” look and many others, all in festive do know the woman in your life’s size, you’ll be happy to hear that Therapie also stocks its store with holiday colors. everything from tops to pair with jeans to cocktail dresses. 10 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly The Write Touch Karl’s Opened in 1987, this men’s shopping hotspot has become a popular store for stylish, high-end clothing from the likes of Hugo Boss, John Varvatos and Robert Graham. Lacoste is being given a run for the money with the launch of the new preppy polo from Southern Tide. These pique and cotton polos ($75) are very popular and are sure to make a great gift, according to the owner Karl “Jay” Jabour. If you really want to impress that debonaire gentleman in your life then splurging on a leather blazer ($695) from Robert Graham should do the trick. (www.karlsclothiers.com) The Wardroom This gift shop, with another location in Amelia Island, is brimming with interesting items for those on your list. While there are lots of unique fi nds at this shop, one item that you defi nitely won’t fi nd at other stores around town is the yo-yo clown ($35), handcrafted by owner Forrest Brewer’s mother. Some people may be a little creeped out by clowns, but these are simply charming. Savannah native Elizabeth Lariscy, who is still young- at-heart at 96, constructs these dolls completely by hand. While any young child would love to snuggle up with a quirky clown, according to the shopkeeper they also brighten the day for many sick elderly patients in hospitals and nursing homes! The Write Touch Specializing in stationary, invitations and other such accoutrements, this shop also offers a lot more. For many, the holidays are about treating yourself and what better way to do that than with a deliciously delicate cashmere pillow from Arni Arabella ($225+)? Although the price tag is a little hefty, the prints and luxurious fabric are worth every penny. The Write Touch also has a wide selection of instruments used for just that, writing. The professional in your life is sure to appreciate an artists’ series pen ($70) from Acme. These writing tools are designed by artists and architects who give a very personal feel to an item that is often just the opposite. 5 points/riverside Jacksonville’s premier arts and fashion district is an eclectic area that lies just southwest of Downtown. This district is a mecca for those who dare to be different. Ever-evolving with the changing times, 5 Points is fi lled with a host of interesting stores and even more interesting people. Universe of Superheroes Truly a haven for any comic enthusiast, Universe of Superheroes has been serving up the best selection of comics and eclectic merchandise in Jacksonville since 1992. No shelf has been left unstocked in this store, which is located in the Park and King district of Riverside. The collection of $3 comics is quite impressive but The Green Lantern and Black as Night series are the ones fl ying out of the shop these days. When one thinks comics and superheros you can only expect that to appeal to a more male clientele, but don’t be fooled. The salesperson was quick to point out that girls love Buffy the Vampire Slayerr comics and the twisted, yet eerily charming, version of Barbie in the form of Living Dead and BeGoths dolls ($20- 30). This is a must-stop during your holiday shopping adventures. (www.universeofsuperheroes.com) Violett Owner Texie Leibe has a discerning eye for choosing just the right inventory for her upscale boutique in 5 Points. She has the perfect mix of items to dress yourself and your home. The super-soft, luxe velour travel pillows from Lug ($32) are perfect for holiday travel and available in an assortment of solid colors. Simply fold up as a pillow or unzip it to reveal a nice cozy blanket. For a special lady friend in your life, why not pick out a stunning necklace from Hearndon Heald ($294)? Handmade in Santa Fe, New Mexico, this lovely jewelry is constructed using sterling silver beads and discs, freshwater pearls and faceted mint green Christophase stones. One of Each Gifts There is no question that this great gift shop stays true to its name! When you walk into Jonathan Brown’s shop on Park Street you are surrounded by so much to look at. Perusing all the delightful gifts and pretty ornaments will keep you shopping for hours. This year Brown has really expanded the selection of pretty, prepackaged foods for sale. Ranging in price from $3 to $20 for variety of treats, including cheese straws, Moravian cookies, peppermint bark and Texas Pecan Brags. If you don’t like baking yourself, this is the ideal way to thank your favorite UPS driver, teacher or lawn boy for working hard throughout the year. eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 11 Edge City A defacto landmark in 5 Points, Tom and Gunnel have been committed for over 33 years to bring cutting edge style to this city. Always ahead of the curve, this pair is often imitated but never duplicated. You can thank them for introducing Jacksonville to the sparkly lucite and crystal jewelry by Tarina Tarantino, as they were the fi rst store in the city to start carrying this line over 12 years ago! The Wicked Witch of the West ($105) pendant hangs on a gold plated chain and is part of the brand new Wizard of Oz collection by Tarina Tarantino. Stop in for a visit and you will be pleased to fi nd great accessories from Betsey Johnson, soft t-shirts from Language and lots more to fi t your style. (www. gunnel.com) Crave Opened a little over a year ago, this opulent shop offers a huge selection of premium denim, jewelry, great dresses from BCBG, just to name a few. While some may disagree, a good pair of jeans will add a lot to ones style credibility. For him, check out Kasil’s ‘victory fi t’ ($186) straight-leg dark denim wash and for her the appealing raw-wash, cigarette jean from Earnest Sewn ($192). If you don’t want your loved ones walking out of the house in bad denim, head to Crave immediately. (www.cravedenim.com) Anomaly This shop is very much a deviation from the common rule. Some may call me biased in writing this, as I feel I must divulge that I am the proprietor of of this fi ne establishment. However that should further encourage you to come in and see for yourself what this store has to offer. When you enter into the brightly painted building, you walk into a magical place fi lled with brands by premier indie designers from around the country. Some favorites include Delicia dresses ($45+), ballet tees from Obey ($30), eco-plastic jewelry from Batacuda ($20-36) and so much more! Anomaly strives to nurture the design community in Jacksonville, as well. Not only will you fi nd locally made jewelry and bags, but a prime collection of local screenprinted t- shirts ($15- 20) from Burro, Arturo and Tact can always be found here as well. Interesting graphics and printing techniques give each of these lines their own feel. Burro also makes amazing bags of all shapes and sizes ($70+) that are available at Anomaly, at their shop in Springfi eld and on their website, www.burrobags.com. So friends, I invite you to take a walk inside 1021 Park Street to see if i really do speak the truth. Once you start shopping around for gifts this season, hopefully you will be pleasantly surprised by what the citizens of this city are offering to the community. You will fi nd that you can still stay within your budget while also purchasing a gift that is going to have a direct impact on the economy right in your neighborhood. Put your money where your house is and happy shopping! Edge City And bbb complex Looking for a unique gift this holiday season? Want to support PICTURES local small businesses and artists Invite You To See at the same time? Then be sure to head down to 1520 North Main Street on December 12th for the BBB Complex Art Show 2. The former auto lot turned record store/bike co-op/messenger bag shop is hosting its second annual And win passes to open house art show featuring an artist series of handmade messenger bags. The invitational show involves collaborations with local artists such as Mark George, Shaun Thurston, John O’Brian, Chad Landenberger Come out for A Snow Day and many more. In addition to December 12 & 13 – 5 PM. one-of-a-kind bags, vendors will Tickets $9 advance/$10 day of show be selling locally made goods that will make perfect gifts and come by Tuesday 12/1 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM or support the local economy. during matinees skate sessions Monday – Friday 11 AM – 1 PM Raffl e tickets will also be available for a chance to win from an assortment of to pick up your complimentary movie preview pass prizes. Preceding this year’s show will be a craft fair in the parking lot, another great opportunity to fi nd something unique for that special someone. Although the bike art will be absent from the show this year, bring your bike anyway as impromptu games will no doubt fi nd a way into the festivities. For more information check out the Burro Bags blog at www.burrobags.com. I-95 at the Emerson Street Exit. (904) 399 – 3223, jaxiceandsportsplex.com 12 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly gifts for gourmands local gift certifi cates and more by erin thursby Grabbing a gift for a foodie can be difficult if you aren’t one yourself. That’s why we’ve gathered together some simple choices that would make any shop and eat gourmand’s holiday. Shopping is hard work. It’s no wonder the urge to refuel during a holidays is Gourmet Online While it’s always best to buy local, true gourmands so strong. With that in mind, we’ve gathered together a sampling of some of might like a gift card from some internet sites such as www.stonewallkitchen. com or www.deandeluca.com. A hot sauce afi cionado will surely be pleased by the places near Jacksonville shopping spots where you might want to nosh a gift card from www.hotsauce.com. Each sauce is rated by their hotness and between all that holiday gift gathering. by erin thursby reviews from buyers on the taste and temperature of the sauces are included on the entries. Avondale On St. Johns Street Specialty Local Supermarkets Native Sun, Whole Foods and in Avondale, there’s enough boutiques Fresh Market are three places you might want to get a gift certifi cate from for the with plenty of unique options to help foodie in your life. This way they can shop for food at a grocer that provides more you through the holidays. Biscotti’s is interesting items than an ordinary supermarket and they can experiment, buying the hands-down choice for a post- or new things they might not otherwise try because they’re on your dime. Native pre-shop nibble. It’s got something for Sun, of course, is the best choice if they’re into staying local, but if they live everyone, and the prices don’t go above closer to one of the Fresh Market or the Whole Foods locale, you might choose $11 unless you get a special. If you one of those chains for the sake of accessibility. feel the need for exotic and yummy bar food, there’s always Casbah for Middle Kitchen Supply A gift card to Williams-Sonoma will be appreciated, Eastern and if you need a good drink especially if you don’t have a good idea of what kitchen gadgetry the person to go with your food--try the nouveau already owns. They’ve also got plenty of gourmet goodies which you can buy Southwestern fare at the liquor store to sweeten the gift. Since we have two locations here in town it’s easy and cum restaurant/neighborhood bar of convenient. West Inn. Restaurant Gift Certifi cate Orsay, which serves some of the 5 Points Zoe’s might be a chain, best French Fare in town, has gift certifi cates. Taverna, the newest and hottest but it’s a great choice for a quick bite of restaurant in San Marco will also be offering gift certifi cates for the season. deli stuff. I enjoy their chicken salad. For The best indie restaurant gift certifi cate promos we’ve found is at Blue pizza there’s always a delectable slice Bamboo. Buy a $100 gift certifi cate and get $20 more added for free. Gift from Al’s, and you can snag a wrap from certifi cates for their cooking classes and the purchase of their cookbook are Hovan for a healthier bite. When I want included in this promo. This way you can give something tangible along with the to sit down I tend to go for sushi at Sake certifi cate. House. I’d give Fu Hao a miss, if only Pastiche is offering a nearly identical promo through the holiday season, because the food and service have been though it only encompasses gift certifi cates for meals. Buy a $100 gift certifi cate inconsistent. You may have a great time- Casbah and get $20 more added for free. -or not. Cooking Classes While restaurants often offer cooking classes, the Riverside at Whiteway Cool Moose is a neighborhood favorite, but it closes early. Apron’s Cooking school (a huge demo kitchen in the Publix on San Jose near Try the cookies and the sweet potato fries, they are delish! Just a few blocks from its old location 295) is the only place in town that offers a consistent cooking schedule with a (within walking distance) is Whiteway Deli. It’s a Jacksonville must-eat, but it too closes post-lunch. variety of options. Expect to spend $30 and up. European Street is also popular if you want a sandwich and a beer. But if you want to treat yourself with a serious meal, you can’t do better in this neighborhood than Primi Piatti. It’s more expensive than the other options and closes between lunch and dinner, but its Northern Italian fare has won the taste buds of people who claim they don’t like Italian. San Marco The newest offering on the street, Taverna, is slightly pricey, but you won’t regret going there after some hard shopping (see last month’s review online). San Marco Deli has been museum shopping on everyone’s list for a quick, decently priced sandwich and you might try Take Away Gourmet (Matthew Medure’s lowest priced restaurant) for a quick gourmand-style buffet. Champagne and Shopping at the Cummer Store On December 3 the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens hosts Champagne and Shopping at the St. Johns Town Center You certainly don’t lack for options at the Town Center. The Cummer Store. Come celebrate the holiday season with complimentary champagne, appetizers and upscale options that I’d recommend from least expensive to most expensive are: Maggiano’s, holiday music. The Cummer Store offers unique gifts, exquisite jewelry and original pieces of art Mitchell’s, J. Alexander’s and Capital Grille. J. Alexander’s (and perhaps some of the other places) by local artists. The store also offers a great selection of home and garden decor items, innovative have the added benefi t of a no-cost valet, so you can come to the Town Center, have them park, shop children’s toys, books, catalogues, cards, posters, distinctive wearable art and art glass featuring some and then end your day by eating there. On the lower scale, there’s HealthyWay Deli and their Dale Chihuly’s studio editions. 10 am - 7 pm. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside all-organic fare. You can also get casual (and less healthy) at Five Guys Burgers and Fries. These Ave, 899-6035. options don’t even begin to cover the Town Center, of course--but it can help narrow things down. The Cummer Continues The Artist in the Store Series The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens presents a different local artist each week in the Cummer Store to discuss and display their works from the Botanicals exhibition. The Artist in the Store series Grand Re-Opening schedule is as follows: December1, 6 - 8 pm - Douglas Anderson School of the Arts students Join the Culhane’s party December 8, 6 - 8 pm - Susan Ober, painter December 15, 6 - 8 pm - Emily Arthur Douglass, printmaker from Artist Response host your Christmas party in the new December 22, 6 - 8 pm - Linda Broadfoot, photographer, from Artist Response For more information, please call the Cummer Store at 899-6035. Limerick Pub Room MOCA Holiday Open House 967 ATLANTIC BLVD. - Atlantic Beach Dececmber 3 and 4 MOCA will hold its Annual Holiday Open House at the Museum Store. You are sure to fi nd lots of smart holiday gifts in every price range- jewelry, bags, trinkets, children’s gifts & 904-249-9595 local artists’ pieces. 3 - 7 pm. All proceeds from the Museum Store benefi t MOCA Jacksonville edu- Great Stocking Stuffer - Purchase $25 gift cert, and receive $5 FREE bonus cational programming. Visa, Mastercard and American Express accepted. eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 13 ARRESTED? A-A-A ATTORNEY REFERRAL SERVICE gadgets ALL CRIMINAL Take a look at some of the unsung heroes of the gadget world for this DEFENSE holiday season. Sure, some of these items might be from big names, but many are being overlooked by other gift guides. Give these Felonies gadgets a second look, you might be glad you did. by norm stovall Misdemeanors Nook from Barnes & Noble Zune HD from Microsoft The Zune DUI • Traffic The Nook is an e-book device that’s 3G has always been the black sheep of the personal and wi-fi enabled, and also features a media player world, but with the release of the Zune digital-lending capability, allowing you to HD it seems that this title might soon be retired. CALL 24 HOURS share e-books with your friends for up to Features include subscription music service, powerful 14 days. You can share e-books with any visuals for great looking games and a familiar 1-800-733-5342 device that has the Barnes & Noble eReader touchscreen interface. Great for any Windows user app, including PCs, Macs, BlackBerrys and who is a fan of music. iPhones. “V.I.P.” Livio Radio Livio is basically Sony Playstation 3 We have game reviews an Internet-connected radio that this month, but in my opinion, the PS3 has moved far Auto Sales utilizes a wi-fi connection to fi nd beyond the job of being simply a gaming device. While the your favorite music. Popular editions Xbox 360 remains my console of choice for games, the We Rent Cars, Vans & SUVs include a Pandora themed model and PS3 has become a central part of my living room. Sony’s an NPR themed model, capable of Must Be At Least 18 Years Old newest console offers HD video and music by way of making the most of their respective streaming content from any PC or Mac, streaming from No Credit Card Needed! services. In addition to playing music Netfl ix (if you are a member), playing Blu-Ray discs and through its speaker, you can connect it playing movies downloaded from the Playstation network WE SELL 2000 - 2008 to your home system with a stereo line store. That, coupled with Internet browsing, Facebook CARS, TRUCKS, VANS, SUVs out, or play your music through it with integration, radio streaming and the ability to play some its line in port. incredible games, you pretty much can’t go wrong. BUY HERE, PAY HERE! Credit Hot Line 731-1816 Earforce X1 and Earforce We Buy 00-04 Cars & Trucks Xbox 360 The Earforce X1 and the E X31 are gaming headsets with built-in mic We Pay CASH-CASH-CASH for in-game chat. Both contain individual c “V.I.P.” Auto Sales voice volume and game audio, so you don 5936 Phillips Hwy. worry about voices being drowned out by 733-7439 • 733-7436 game audio. Another added bonus is that Closed Wednesday & Sunday works with the PC in addition to your Xbox 360- simply plug it into your PC’s audio a mic ports. The X1 model is corded, and th Archos 9 PCtablet from Archos The Archos model is wireless. 9 Tablet is basically a powerful touchscreen netbook without a keyboard, relying on it’s touchscreen for input. The device is perfect for watching videos, playing music, surfi ng the net and using email. You can even do video chat with the built in webcam. The Archos 9 runs videos in up to 1080p, which is impressive, and comes loaded with Microsoft’s Windows 7. toys for tots While you are out shopping this holiday season, pick up a toy for an underprivileged child. The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program collects toys for needy children throughout America. Since 1947, Marines have fulfi lled the dreams of millions of disadvantage children each Christmas. They do this by providing Christmas toys. A shiny new toy sends a message to a needy child that someone cares and that the magic of Christmas has not passed him or her by. Help Magic Mouse from Apple The Apple Magic Mouse the Marines this year by dropping off a new, unwrapped toy at a local is an amazing little device that will change the way you use your toy drop-off location. This act of kindness will bring you as much joy as it does to the child who receives it. You can drop off at Toys R Us Mac. Taking features straight from the Macbook Pro’s trackpad, locations nationwide, Duval County Publix or any Duval County Fire the Magic Mouse uses a touch surface to read clicks, right Station. Find more drop-off locations at Jacksonville-fl .toysfortots. clicks, swipes, scrolls and zooms, just like you would do on your org. Remember, every child deserves a little Christmas. Macbook trackpad, with no buttons at all. Check it out on Apple’s website for a video demo. This is a must-have for Macintosh desktop users. 14 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly HolIday Game Guideby norm stovall xbox 360 Forza Motorsport 3 Regarded by some as the Xbox 360’s answer to Gran Turismo, Forza Motorsport 3 is the most true to life racing game on the console to date. While many comparisons are made to Polyphony Digital’s Gran Turismo, Forza 3 has a bit more personality. In addition to fully customizable cars down to the gears, you can also customize your liveries and exchange paint jobs with your friends. Forza 3 also features a terrifi c replay mode to go along with the exciting gameplay. multiplatform games nintendo wii Tekken 6 (Xbox 360, PS3) The King of Iron Fist Tournament is back, and this time it’s brought a fl eshed out (although a little weak) adventure mode, along with the terrifi c New Super Mario Bros. Wii It’s been said that New Super Mario Bros. for arcade version of Tekken 6. Characters are customizable just as they were in Tekken 5: Dark the Nintendo DS is one of the best selling platformers of all time. So naturally, it makes sense to Resurrection, and practice mode has been improved as well. To top all this off, add two new create a sequel to this game on the world’s best-selling game console, right? New Super Mario characters to the already staggeringly large roster, and you have all the makings of one of the Bros. Wii promises classic Super Mario gameplay along with new item powerups and the ability best fi ghting games of the year. to play with up to four other players simultaneously. If there is a must-own Wii game for the season, this would be my choice. Modern Warfare 2 (PC, Xbox 360, PS3) Modern Warfare 2 is pretty much the best selling game in the world right now, and for good reason. The already great multi- A Boy and His Blob This lovable remake of the classic NES game is the perfect player modes have been improved upon, and the story mode in the Modern Warfare series choice for the fan of puzzle platformers. Players will guide a young boy on adventures through features one of the most compelling, exciting plots in gaming’s history. Note that this game is various outdoor environments. At your side is a friendly alien, blob-like creature who transforms absolutely not for kids, and features some pretty brutal scenes of violence associated with war. into various items depending on which kind of jellybean you feed him. These items will help you solve puzzles, get around obstacles and defeat various threats. Items include trampolines, Borderlands (PC, Xbox 360, PS3) Borderlands features an interesting mix of ladders, bubbles, holes and even a rocket. A Boy and His Blob is artfully cute, and the game fi rst person shooting and MMO-style gameplay. In this game, you’ll traverse through post- even includes a ‘hug’ button for your character to show his blob how much he cares. apocalyptic environs shooting your way through bad guys, leveling up your character and cooperating with your friends to accumulate power-ups and other loot. Excitebike World Rally Another remake of an NES classic, Excitebike World Rally is the fi rst true sequel to the original game, Excitebike. The gameplay in this update is Dragon Age: Origins (PC, Xbox 360, PS3) Dragon Age: Origins is a strategic pretty simple: Race forward along a track with no curves, managing your jumps and adjusting adventure RPG. The game plays like your standard RPG, but that’s not to say that the story is for landings, and using speed boosts as necessary. The game’s tracks feature four lanes for boring because it isn’t. Compelling storylines change with your character’s choices, meaning your rider to move about, racing against computer controlled rivals in circuit mode, or against you could play through the game multiple times and get something signifi cantly different each other people via Nintendo Wifi . Note, you must have access to the Nintendo Wifi store to access time. Dragon Age: Origins will seriously give you hours upon hours of entertainment. this title. The Beatles: Rock Band (Xbox Wii Sports Resort This sequel to the pack-in game Wii Sports is quite an upgrade 360, PS3, Wii) This epic music game release marks from the original. Utilizing the Wii Motion Plus add-on that’s included in the box, Wii Sports a milestone for how far music games have come. Resort brings a multitude of new gaming experiences that are fun for players both young and In addition to supporting your standard Rock Band old. With the Motion Plus Add-on, your Wii remote will track real motions one to one, meaning instruments (guitar, drums, microphone), the game much more realistic movement. This is especially evident in the fencing games, along with table also supports multiple microphones at a time for tennis and basketball. With events that range from power cruising on jet skis to skydiving and 3-part harmonies. Excellent visual effects play tribute dogfi ghting in airplanes, Wii Sports Resort certainly delivers. to the innovative and creative nature of the Beatles. A must-have for Beatles fans. playstation 3 Batman: Arkham Asylum (PC, Xbox 360, PS3) It’s been said that Arkham Asylum Uncharted 2: Among Thieves is one of the best licensed games of this console Regarded by most reviewers as ‘Fantastic’, generation, but this is quite possibly the best one of Uncharted 2 is arguably the most critically all time. Staying true to the comic books, Arkham acclaimed game for the PS3 to date. With exciting Asylum features an all-star voice cast and plenty of and dramatic gameplay and cinematic excitement stealthy action to keep you on the edge of your seat. that rivals the Indiana Jones movies, this game won’t disappoint. Uncharted 2 has something Left 4 Dead 2 (PC, Xbox 360) Left 4 Dead is an excellent squad-based survival game for every action fan, from shooting to climbing to that pits players against a seemingly endless army of the walking dead. Left 4 Dead 2 focuses sneaking around- it even has some puzzle-solving heavily on teamwork, having you work closely with other players to survive. The teamwork elements to it. The game plays like a million-dollar element makes the game a fun, unique experience every time you play. action movie, and that’s not a bad thing at all. Demon’s Souls Demon’s Souls is an pc amazing game with a terrifi c design feature that has been missing from games for so long: this Cities XL This city simulation game goes one step ahead of the famous Sim City series, game is HARD. Perhaps at fi rst you may see that allowing you to create vast and innovative city designs in a virtual online world connected to this game looks like most other dungeon crawlers other real players. The customization options are nearly limitless, and the game manages to on the market, but once you play for a while you’ll see what makes it special. The sense of stay fun even when your city reaches maturity. accomplishment from this game is heightened by the fact that there is absolutely no hand- holding. Similar to real life, dying in the game only makes achieving your goals more diffi cult. Plants Vs. Zombies This casual title has the player fi ght off a zombie attack Demon’s Souls is a great PS3 exclusive game, with a fun and gratifying combat system that using strategic placement of killer plants. Cute, fun and funny, Plants Vs. Zombies is great for rewards you for playing well. Demon’s Souls a great game to sink your time into. the casual gamer. eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 15 Giving someone a gift doesn’t require stretching beyond your means. If you are pinching more pennies than usual these days, you may want to try handcrafting a gift straight from the heart. I always hear people say that they just are not creative. Everyone has the ability to be crafty, sometimes it just takes a little practice. Here DiY GIfts are some ideas for making this holiday season a craftacular one! by emily moody sea salt scrub recycled bottle vase A lovely recycled bottle vase is another a great idea for wonderful gift for friends that like to pamper wowing your friends, plus it can be done in about 30 minutes. themselves. The supplies needed make a large batch and you can package it in recycled glass supplies: food jars. (Start saving your salsa, pasta sauce and ∙ Empty glass beer, water or wine bottle (or a few if you want to do marshmallow crème jars- they work great!) a set) ∙ Approximately 1-2 yards of fabric (try mixing and matching colors supplies: and prints) ∙ Epsom salts (available at most drug stores) ∙ Scissors ∙ Sea salt ∙ Hot glue gun (If you don’t own one of these, you should. Most ∙ Almond oil or olive oil dollar stores sell them now and it’s well worth a buck!) ∙ Pure essential oil of your choice (Grassroots in 5 ∙ Hot glue Points has a great selection to choose from) ∙ Glass food jars First prepare the fabric by cutting or tearing strips approximately an ∙ Spray paint (get the cheap stuff, nothing fancy inch wide. Start at the base of the bottle and glue one of the ends needed for this project) of the fabric strip so that it is fl ush with the base. Once the glue has ∙ Ribbon or string dried (with hot glue it won’t take more than a minute) begin twisting ∙ Optional: fresh rosemary (or another herb of your choice), zest from a lemon or orange, rose petals the fabric so it becomes more like rope. Once your fabric is twisted, begin wrapping the twisted fabric around the bottle. Add a drop of To make your scrub, simply mix 2 cups epsom salt and 1 cup of sea salt in a bowl with 1 to 1½ cups of glue every inch or two to keep it in place. Then just keep gluing and adding more twisted strips until your oil. Begin adding your essential oil a few drops at a time. This is the pure oil so remember, a little will go a bottle is covered. long way. Tie a simple tag around the neck of your bottle, fi ll it with a gorgeous single stem and this classy gift is Some really nice combinations are: ready for giving. Deliver it to your cube neighbor to decorate her workspace or give it as a thank to your ∙ Lavender essential oil with fresh rosemary favorite hostess at a holiday gathering. ∙ Lemongrass essential oil with fresh lemon and orange zest ∙ Vanilla essential oil with rose petals metallic collage frame Continue stirring until all ingredients are thoroughly blended. Separate into individual containers. Packaging is as important to the gift itself; it’s nice to just add that extra special touch to the gift. Spray paint the lid of So you say you aren’t crafty? Well, try your container. Make a cute tag with instructions for use and tie it on with ribbon. out your talents with this impressive hodge podge frame! All you need is a frame (new or used), random bits and pieces, and some spraypaint and you’ll have a fancy art piece to give to someone special. supplies: ∙ Wooden frame (Pick up one at a craft or dollar store for $1 or under or better yet, recycle an old one!) ∙ Spray paint (I chose metallic silver, but there are all kinds of great spray paints available) :[Whbo8[bel[Z ∙ Random bits and pieces (I used buttons, bits of old chain, broken jewelry, beads, silk fl owers, etc.) ∙ Tacky glue (Try Alene’s Tacky glue or E6000- both work really well) Remove the backing off the frame and simply gluing on all the pieces, in an order of your choosing. Try layering objects to give the frame even more dimension. Once the glue is dry, spraypaint your frame in a well ventilated area. Make sure you cover all the objects well. You may need to do a second coat. Once the paint is dry, put a favorite photo or even a celebrity picture from a magazine into the frame. Wrap this EkhB[WZ_d]BWZo beauty up, give it to a friend, and wait for the smiles. Hopefully this is gives you a head start in your search for the perfect gifts. Crafting is all about personal style, so be creative and do not be scared to add your own fl avor to it. Make it yours. Merry crafting and happy holidays! J^[CWbj[i[8eZa_d 4QSJOHmFME8PNBOT$MVC)PMJEBZ)PNF5PVS December 4th and 5th, 2009 4:30 pm to 9 pmm • ToursT Leave every 15 min. Dkdi[di[ Ticketsket $12.50 in advancece or $$15.00 at door 1303133033 NoNorth Main Streettreetet ((90(904904) 633-9308308 XXXTQSJOHmFMEXPNBOTDMVCPSH Season tickets make great holiday gifts! GuidedGuiGuuididiideded Tour,ur, wwine, cookies,okie wassail,sailill, anda holidayy cheer!cheecheer "/8 /&&)#% s www.theatrejax.com Eight homes and three condcondosndoos tto see. co-sponsored by 16 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly green your gift list by anna rabhan This holiday season, many of us are trying to think of a way to make our gifts unique, meaningful and environmentally friendly – easy on the wallet wouldn’t hurt either. Use the ideas that follow to inspire you to think along the lines of the three Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle. These gift suggestions are sure to impress with their creativity and thoughtfulness and are environmentally friendly at the same time. As a bonus, the three Rs tend to be money savers. Green – it’s not just for the tree anymore! Handmade gifts are always a hit because they refl ect the time and effort taken by the giver. There are dozens of options from baked goods and confections to wine cork bulletin boards and trivets. Let’s take one example – candles – and green it up. Melt your candle scraps down for reuse. You don’t need fancy equipment. A clean food tin in a pot of boiling water makes a great double boiler. Add a festive ribbon from last year’s gift exchange to a simple, scented votive and you have a great gift for a friend. Have a gardener on your gift list? Use that tiny terra cotta pot that’s been in your garage for a year – just fi ll it with a wick and wax. You can also reuse by saving up a few wine bottles to package your own homemade spirits in. Flavored liquors are surprisingly easy to make. Corks can also be cleaned and reused, or you can purchase corks in thrift, craft and specialty wine and beer hobby shops or online at www.winemakersdepot.com. Save spice jars to package your own homemade spice mixes, fl avored popcorn salts, rubs or homegrown dried herbs. Most glass bottles you use make good packaging for infused olive oils too. Reuse for the offi ce as well. Take some of those clothespins you have at home, hot glue or screw them in alternating up/down positions on a scrap of carpenter’s trim and paint as a gift for the guy in the next cubicle who can never fi nd the bit of paper he wrote that all-important phone number on. While you’re in the garage with those terra cotta pots, gather the broken ones. Not only can you use them to improve drainage in future plantings, they can be recycled into holiday gifts too. Does your favorite gardener like to entertain? Wash the broken pieces of pottery and stencil common buffet dish names on them, such as the names of various cheeses. Delivered in a larger pot wrapped with a pretty bow, they make for a classy gift. Your decorator friend (or your friend who just fi nished redecorating) will love this next clever gift. Cut out paint swatch cards with a scrapbooker’s punch in whatever shape or design you like and insert a half-inch ring through a small hole in the card. Clean out a small paint sample can and fi ll it with these wine glass tags that your friend can write guests’ names on at his or her next party. Those same paint swatch cards, artfully cut, make great buffet tags and place cards too. SOUTHWEST AMERICAN CUISINE If you do opt for store-bought gifts this year, there are ways to green up that choice as well. Make a conscious effort to buy gifts that required minimal transportation. That Happy Hour 11am-7pm Every Day! Come And Try Our Large Selection of Beer, Wine and Liquor! means buy gift certifi cates from local businesses and restaurants or gifts from locally- owned shops that source their inventory close to home. You get to give a special, green Restaurant Open gift and support the local economy! Also, buy items sold in minimal packaging. All Mon. - Thurs. 11am-10pm | Fri. & Sat. 11am-11pm | Sunday Noon-9pm those formed plastic inserts add up in landfi lls. Offer to collect any unwanted boxes and wrapping at your holiday gift exchange. Recycle everything possible and do your best to Package Store & Lounge Open fi nd other uses for the rest. Another category of eco-friendly gifts is the “intangible” gift. Make a donation in Mon. - Sat. 10am-2am | Sunday - 11am till someone’s name to their favorite charity or organization. If your sister is an animal lover, make a donation in her name to First Coast No More Homeless Pets (www.fcnmhp.org) OPEN MIC WEDNESDAY NIGHTS-HOSTED BY DARREN RONAN or to the Humane Society of Jacksonville (www.jaxhumane.org). Donate to public radio ACOUSTIC NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY ON THE PATIO 9:30-12:30 in the name of that friend who loves 89.9 (www.wjct.org). The nature lover on your gift list would surely appreciate a donation made in his or her name to the Riverkeeper (www. FRIDAY,DECEMBER 4 FRIDAY,DECEMBER 18 stjohnsriverkeeper.org). While you’re at it, a not-so-intangible item that would make a great gift for any and all Jacksonville residents would be the Riverkeeper’s recently released Get PARK STREET Your Feet Wet guidebook to the St. Johns. Intangible gifts can also be doing something for DILLINGER others. You and your friends may have talked about joining a food co-op, but just haven’t found the time. Announce that your gift to everyone will be to do the research, choose a FRIDAY,DECEMBER 11 FRIDAY,DECEMBER 25 suitable organization, collect the money and register everyone. &HIP Greening your holiday gift list is easy. With a little creativity, you can make any gift CARL DAVIS STREET Merry Christmas idea more environmentally friendly. Most importantly, have fun and enjoy a green holiday season this year! Celebrate New Year’s Eve With Us! Check eujacksonville.com for a list of websites to fi nd the perfect green gift. 3644 St. Johns Ave. • 389-1131 • Fax: 389-6399 eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 17 where to eat, drink & be merry by erin thursby Fleming Island is opening up a Farmer’s Market starting December 5th, each Saturday thereafter. Fair weather or foul, the market will be open at the parking lot of Fleming Island Shoppes off of Highway 17 at Village Square Parkway. For more info, email info@ globalgreenup.com. Some vendors at the Jacksonville Farmer’s Market will now accept EBT/SNAP cards for purchase of food, plants and seeds to grow food for their households as well as credit/debit cards for all purchases. Raglands on Park Street in 5 Points has shuttered its doors, but a place called Deco Bistro will be replacing it. There are confl icting accounts as to who will be running the place. EatJax.com reports that former employees of Raglands have been seen going in and out of the building. Bluefi sh Restaurant and Oyster Bar should be open this month where Sterling’s in Avondale was. Panera Bread in San Marco will be closing for good in December. As of this writing nothing was yet slated to go in the space as a replacement. More outdoor seating was approved for restaurants in the Beaches (The Loop on Third Street and The Wipeout Grill) and they also extended holiday shopping and a fun fi lled scavenger hunt the outdoor seating permit for Caribbee Key and Sun Dog. through the Center to make this a perfectly amazing Tired of seeing Salt Life logos plastered over the the backs of cars and on t-shirts? If you are, you’re going to feel just a little more weary night. Call for ticket prices and info at 352-371- with this news: they now have a restaurant named after them. Come January, the Salt Life Food Shack (1018 Third St. N. Jacksonville Beach) will 2986. 8pm. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, open its doors. Gainesville, FL A new Mexican bakery called Mi Pueblo is across from Sam’s Club on Beach Boulevard. Just open at the end of last month in the Sawgrass Hilton is the Tex-Mex Salty Rock Cantina on PGA Tour Boulvard in Ponte Vedra. December 12 Breakfast with Santa at Maggiano’s Prime steakhouse lll Forks has opened on the Southside in Tapestry Park, near Tinseltown. Buffet includes scrambled eggs, Maggiano’s Besides the local gift card deals we’ve highlighted elsewhere this month, the national chain Maggiano’s is offering an extra $20 on your gift breakfast casserole, bacon, sausage, ham, French card for every $100. toast, breakfast potatoes, assorted cereals, Publix is partnering with the Children’s Home Society of Florida. Through December 27th Publix customers can buy Santa Dollars for homemade pastries, fresh fruit, juices and coffee. dish events $2.50 with $1 going directly to charity. A Santa Dollar is a regular dollar bill with a Santa-faced seal over George Washington’s face. The seal is Jolly Old St. Nick is the guest of honor. $17.95 removable so that you can spend the dollar--or you can keep it on as a collectible. adults, $9.95 kids 5-11 years, kids under 4 eat free, not including tax and gratuity. Call 380-4360 November 28- December 23 The Gingerbread Victorian Tea in the fabulous Bailey House at annual fundraising birthday party that benefi ts to reserve. 8 am-10:30 am Maggino’s 10367 Extravaganza and Victorian House Tours This the corner of S.7th and Ash Streets in historic Toys for Tots, celebrating more than a decade of Midtown Pkwy annual South Jacksonville Rotary and society event Fernandina Beach. A choice of teas and an gift giving to deserving children in Jacksonville. at the Old St. Andrews brings thousands to the site abundant assortment of sweet and savory treats This year is Joyce’s 60th birthday with a James December 21 Tastings and Trivia at the Grape to enjoy the artistic Gingerbread exhibit installed in will be served on the current owner’s fi nest china. Bond Themed Gala. As the dining room and special The Monday before Christmas we’re guessing a National Register Site, the Merrill History House, Adding to the festivities, Kate and Effi ngham Bailey, event Maitre ‘D Hotel at the historic Casa, his role you’ll need to unwind. Why not shop at the St. open for tours, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, the original owners of the home, now portrayed by is pivotal to the property’s enduring history of Johns Town Center and then get in on some trivia 1 pm to 3 pm. www.jaxhistory.com local residents, will greet and visit with guests to Jacksonville Beach. 6 pm-11 pm. FREE when you and wine? Live music, prizes, light apps and wine. share stories of life in Fernandina in the late 1800s. donate unwrapped toys for ages 4-14, books or Bottomless glass for $14. 5 pm - 9:30pm The December 5 Breakfast with Santa What could be Reminiscent of Holiday Teas in the 19th century, canned food. Optional barbecue $15. Casa Marnina Grape Wine Bar & Bistro 10281 Midtown Pkwy better than a day at MOSH that begins with a eating this memorable event will enhance your holiday Hotel, Jax Beach a meal with Santa Claus? Santa will be at MOSH to experience in old Fernandina. Tickets may be December 24 Holiday Cookies Cooking Class listen to children’s Christmas wishes. Admission purchased by calling The Amelia Island Museum of December 19 Chocolate & Champagne Gala Those looking to do something memorable with to “Breakfast with Santa” includes admission to History at 904-261-7378, ext. Seatings at 2 pm, 3 You’ll have to take a road trip to enjoy this food a family member on Christmas Eve Day can take MOSH. So, skip the mall and have a stress-free pm and 4pm. $15. and dance event. With the Nutcracker Winter this holiday cooking class either at noon or 2 pm. day at MOSH! 9 am-5 pm. $10 for children and Wonderland as your background, you’ll dance on As the description of the course states, you’ll get $12 for adults. Children 3 and under are free. 1025 December 9 Sterling’s 60th Birthday Party the stage of the Phillips Center to the fabulous to take home an assortment of fi ve dozen cookies Musuem Cir. Sterling Joyce is a well-recognized gentleman who sounds of Gosia and Ali. You’ll dine on gourmet for everyone to enjoy. Call to reserve at 262-4187. has made the restaurant and hospitality industry delights, sip sparkling champagne and delight $35. Apron’s Cooking School inside Publix at December 4 & 5 Victorian Tea Enjoy a seated his career for nearly 35 years. He has created an in decadent chocolate desserts. Enjoy exclusive 10500 San Jose Blvd hightide burrito company fresh ingredients and community minded by oliver dodd Much like their big-chain counterpart, you order your burrito by selecting the main filling (typically a meat) and then telling the construction crew what other ingredients you’d like as you get to them. But while the process is identical and many of the ingredients are standard, there are a few surprises thrown in. First off, as a vegetarian option they offer Nopales: Seasoned cactus leaves sliced then sautéed with mushrooms, onions, corn and Poblano peppers. There’s also fish, which still isn’t standard among the big competitors. One thing that got me super excited was the option of whole wheat tortillas, made fresh at the restaurant. I’d never choose a bleached flour or corn tortilla ever again given the choice. In addition to the standard burrito / taco / salad options, you can also get a Torta: A freshly baked roll (telera bread) lightly buttered and grilled, then stuffed with your choice of protein, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole and mayo. Overall I’d have to say that I enjoyed this burrito more than all that I’ve experienced from their big competitors and the build-your-own method gives them some edge over the other small, quality places around town. In addition to making delicious food with fresh ingredients, Hightide also strives to be environmentally conscious and community minded. The best place to hidden gems see evidence of these ideals is the bathroom. Seriously. Dual flush toilets (I really want one of these), responsive automatic sinks, and an amazing hand dryer made by Dyson. But despite the amazing bathroom facilities, my reason for going back would San Marco spawned a fast-food restaurant, who would have thought? But true to the area, still be that tasty burrito. Now, if only they were closer, I might have no reason to they modeled themselves after one of the most chic and delicious fast food joints to hit the ever go back to Chipotle. scene: Chipotle. The Hightide Burrito Company, created by Alejandro Juarez, a UNF graduate, prides itself on using only fresh, quality ingredients, some familiar, some not so well known here in the US. Being avid fans of well-crafted burritos and needing some fi lling food after an evening Hightide Burrito Company 1538 Hendricks Ave. 683-7396 visit to the San Marco Theatre, we eagerly pulled into Hightide to assess the situation. Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm, Sunday 11:30 am -6 pm 18 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly The ensemble,with NPR’s Talk oftheNationhost, Dec 4 abettheatre.com/ Blvd at7thSt,AtlanticBeach.249-7177, www. Atlantic BeachExperimentalTheatre, 716Ocean & Saturdayat8pm,Sundays2 $20. and anold-fashionedlovestory. Thursdays,Fridays familyholidaymusicalwith rousingtunes Perfect of Texas, andfi nally to right hereinJacksonville. Australia, throughWorld War IItothebackwoods her family. Thispoignant tale takesusfrom1930s ofTeddy story Song relatesthetrue-life Trager and by Jacksonvillecomposer, Frances Rae Key. Aussie Dec 4–19 Center, 633-6110,www.jaxevents.com www.FiddlerNow.com.information TimesUnion isMusicSupervisor.and CraigBarna For more fessional NorbJoerderisDirector/Choreographer Goldman starsintheleadingrole.Broadwaypro- and musiciansdirectfromNewYork City. Bruce performers production featuresacompanyofforty Dec 3–13 sic/calendar.html #1 UNFDrive,620-2878,www.unf.edu/coas/mu- Project. 7:30pm-10:30pm,UNFLazzaraTheater, ists, theworldfamousCarlAllen/Rodney Whitaker under thedirectionofJBScott,withguestart- in thecountry, theUNFJazzEnsembleIbigband, SERIES Dec 3 6-8 pm,5Points Theatre throughout the20-minsets.$7or$5Students. music scorecreatedbySteveWhalleyisplayed movementsandanoriginalelectronic the dancer’s processes videoderivedfromacombinationof andUFprofessor,artist VictoriaBradbury, live dance bothinsideandoutsidethesculpture.Digital MiriamWolf andJonoLukas in whichperformers Hursty createsinfl atable environmental sculptures professorMark andJUglassart and video.Artist rience thatseamlesslycombinessculpture,dance, Dec 3 0367, www.winterwonderlandfl orida.com veddytheatre.org, St.AugustineAmphitheatre,209- and 8:30pm.Ticketsare$5.00cashonly. www. Friday andSaturdaynightat6:30,7:30 utes every timeof30min- season. Theshowhasarunning play, tailormadefortheholiday is aheartwarming production Winter Wonderland event.Thisyear’s original playfortheSt.AugustineAmphitheatre’s second yearVeddy TheatreGroupisproducingan Dec 1–Jan2 ENSEMBLE GALILEIWITHNEALCONAN THE GREAT AMERICANJAZZCONCERT THE SUMMIT Joinoneofthetopcollegiatebigbands theatre events AUSSIE SONG FIDDLER ONTHEROOF A TIMEFOREVERYTHING (Find moreeventsintheHolidayEventlistingsonpages4-9 • ABETAussieSong • FiddlerontheRoofatTUCenter • PBTSSeasonsSpice • Alhambra’sChristmasCarole expect toseeonlinethismonth: exclusive stories.herearesomethetheatrestoriesyoucan eujacksonville.com forregularlypostedreviews&web- don’t forget,youcanfi online edition Anoriginalmultimediaexpe- World premiermusical ThisHeritage STOMP For the nd all the goods online. check nd allthegoodsonline.check Dec 14 ditorium.org Daytona Beach.(386)671-3462,www.peabodyau- pm. ThePeabody Auditorium,600AuditoriumBlvd. content andparentalguidanceissuggested.7:30 way.downright entertaining Showcontainsadult risqueand inasmart, puppets whotellthestory little cash.Avenue Qfeaturesacastofpeopleand to makeitinNewYork Citywithbigdreamsand andhummabletunes,abouttrying is fullofheart winner forBestMusical,Score,andBook Dec 12 fccj.org Times UnionCenter, 633-6110,www.artistseries. 12 at4pmand8pm,Dec1327pm. $32.50 to$80.50.5shows;Dec11at8pm, Ticketsare with compellingandinfectiousrhythms. plungers, boots,andhubcaps–tofi ll thestage –trashcans,teachests,plasticbags, instruments Stomp explosion. poles thumpandclackinarhythmic open andclosedtocreateafi fugue;wooden ery become asweepingorchestra;Zippolightersfl ip brooms outofanything,stiff-bristle make arhythm Dec 11-13 fi nearts.org herd, 1100StocktonSt.,389-6222,www.riverside- ChurchoftheGoodShep- $10. RiversideFineArts, mindandsoul.8pm.$25,students: for theheart, isanevent Baroque masterpieces,aperformance soundstodelicateRenaissance and contemporary spirit ofAmericanmusic.From exquisitejazzand of commissioningnewworks,whichembodythe chamber ensemble,DenverBrassisintheforefront Dec. 10 Beach, 270-1771,www.beachesfi nearts.org Jacksonville tween 11thand12thAvenues North) St.N.(be- the-Sea EpiscopalChurch,1150Fifth whistles andpercussion.7:30pm.St.Paul’s By- Scottish smallpipes,gamba,fi ddle, recorders, includingtheCelticharp, instruments, and modern tish, EarlyandOriginalmusiconavarietyofancient andIrish,Scot- OliverandJimHarrison Lee, Mary stice event,withte awintersol- Neal Conanasnarrator, willperform 641-1212, www.alhambradinnertheatre.com Alhambra TheatreandDining,12000 BeachBlvd., Dec 31-March7 playersbythesea.org 106 6thSt.N.JacksonvilleBeach.249-0289, http:// hits ofthe1950’s.PlayersbySea Mainstage, framework foraneveningofsomethegreatest Indiana. Theirnationaltelevisiondebutsetsthe andDonna,foursinging sistersfromMuncie, Cheryl groups ofthe1950’s,Taffetas areKaye,Peggy, Eve GalaonDec31.Theshowisatributetothegirl in thenewyearwith Dec 31-Jan16 630-2665, http://jplmusic.blogspot.com/ Auditorium (ConferenceLevel)303N.LauraSt. Hicks around theworld.6:15pm.Free. MainLibrary written especiallyforhimbycomposersfrom allnewmusicforsoloviolin Szewczyk performs Jacksonville SymphonyOrchestraviolinistPiotr uses everything butconventionalpercussion useseverything PIOTR SZEWCZYK:VIOLINFUTURAII AVENUE Q DENVER BRASS5 STOMP THETAFFETAS xt fromOgdenNash,LiYoung HIGH SCHOOLMUSICAL Broadway’s2004Tony Award The Taffetas These young performers Theseyoungperformers Afreshandexciting andaNewYears Playerswillring The ) eu j acksonville.com | DE C EMBER 200 9 19 Suite III and Game of Chance. MOCA- The Museum of Contemporary Art, 333 North Laura St. 366- 6911, www.mocajacksonville.org. Thru Jan 10 Botanical Watercolors by Jacques Le Moyne Sixty-one extraordinary botanical paintings, executed in watercolor and gouache, are presented in the Mason Gallery. Voyages to the New World: Jacques Le Moyne and Theodor de Bry Engravings by de Bry based on original drawings by Le Moyne who documented the settlement and the Timucua. Artist Response: Botanicals Jacksonville artists Linda Broadfoot, Emily Arthur Douglass, and Susan Ober create contemporary works of art all inspired by traditional botanical illustrations. New View: Botanicals The New View program is a partnership with the Visual Arts and Creative Writing depart- Beaches Billboard Artist, Michael Bondanzal ments at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave, 356-6857 Robert Motherwell: Lost in Form, Found in Line art events Dec 2 FIRST WEDNESDAY Dec 29 ART & ARCHITECTURE “DECK THE Thru Jan 12 Elevate your Senses, Expand your ARTWALK Hemming Plaza will HALLS” WALKING TOUR The walk will highlight Views and “WOW” your Experience! Panoramic Thru Dec 31 Florence Nightingale Exhibit™ be bustling with River Music’s “A signifi cant buildings in from the Colonial era through Birds-Eye Views of Jacksonville presented in ex- Florida Artist Joanelle Mulrain celebrates the life and Christmas to Remember,” a candlelight sing-along the Gilded Age. Participants will enjoy architectural traordinary work by Daniel Lankry’s SkyCamStudio. times of Florence Nightingale. Her suite includes six at 7 and 8 pm. Enjoy horse and carriage rides grandeur and seasonal glamour as Art Historian and com. Thru Jan. 9 Almost a Lost Art By Beaches painting/collages depict the inspirational moments around the Plaza courtesy of the City of Jacksonville expert Guide Elizabeth Gessner brings the aesthetic Billboard Artist, Michael Bondanzal. Meet the Art- and points of light during of Miss Nightingale’s life Offi ce of Special Events, and check off your holiday story of St. Augustine and the season to life. 7 to ists on Dec 5 at 6 pm. Each Artist will be here to of service and the times she lived in. Other Night- gift list with art from more than 50 local artists. 8:30 pm. The tour begins at the St. Augustine Art answer any questions about their art. These 2 very ingale artifacts are included in the exhibit. Museum Catch a family-favorite Christmas movie at Snyder Association, 22 Marine St, St. Augustine, one block different art forms at one venue will present a very open on Tuesdays. Karpeles Manuscript Library Memorial Church and meet Santa and Mrs. Claus west of the Marina in the Historic District. Reser- unique experience. Beaches Museum & History Museum, 101 W. First St, 356-2992, www.fl orence- at Visit Jacksonville. The new 229 N. Hogan Gallery vations are required. Cost for the tour is $10 per Center, 380 Pablo Ave, Jax Beach, 241-5657 nightingaleexhibit.com. features its fi rst custom toy show, “Designers in person. 824-2310 Toyland.” Art and toys come together in the spirit of Christmas during the “Tattoos-4-Tots” fundraiser, The Cummer Continues THE ARTIST IN THE featuring henna tattoos and body painting by The STORE Series The Cummer Museum of Art & Henna Princess at Cafe 331. Step into jolly old Eng- Gardens presents a different local artist each week land for a not-so-traditional British Christmas full of in The Cummer Store to discuss and display their new artwork and live local music at London Bridge works from the Botanicals exhibition. THE ARTIST Eatery & Pub. Downtown Jacksonville 5-9 pm rain IN THE STORE series schedule is as follows: or shine. www.downtownjacksonville.org or www. Dec 1, 6 to 8 pm - Douglas Anderson School of the DTJAX.org by mobile phone. Arts students Dec 8, 6 to 8 pm - Susan Ober, painter. Dec 4 FIRST FRIDAY @ AVONDALE ARTWORKS Dec 15, 6 to 8 pm - Emily Arthur Douglass, print- Visit with the artists, and take home locally created maker, from Artist Response: Botanicals exhibition. artwork for Christmas. 6 pm - 9 pm, Avondale Art- Dec 22, 6 to 8 pm - Linda Broadfoot, photographer, works, 3568 St Johns Ave. from Artist Response: Botanicals exhibition Daniel Lankry’s SkyCamStudio.com The Cummer Store, 899-6035. The Cummer Mu- Dec 5 BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION WITH SARAH seum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave. CROOKS FLAIRE Sharpen your observational skills and enjoy a day devoted to contemplating organic If you have an art event you would like to have listed in EU Jacksonville, please send information to: th beauty. Through guided exercises and drawing [email protected] by the 20 of the month prior to the event. from direct observation, participants will deepen CURRENT ART EXHIBITS their understanding of how to look at plant forms and render them using graphite pencil. Registration Dec 2 - 9 SANTAS OF THE OLD WORLD: TOYS, required 355-0630. 10 am - 4 pm. Members $75, LEGENDS & TRADITIONS A most unique holiday Win the MOCA Cube! Part art. Part Non-members $95, Active Docents $60. The Cum- exhibition will take place at the Cultural Center, when mer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave, Dannehl M. Twomey’s wonderfully creative “Santas www.cummer.org of the Old World: Toys, Legends & Traditions” will car. All fun. be display. Dannehl creates Santas that appear to Dec 5 CHRISTMAS IN AVONDALE Avondale Mer- have been made in the 1800’s and sculpts each The MOCA Holiday Cube Party on December 11th chant Association’s annual Christmas in Avondale head individually and adds antique textiles and toys celebration will benefi t the Sulzbacher Center. Choral to create a unique Santa that refl ects that time pe- The hottest car in America, the Nissan Cube, and music and painting demonstrations at Avondale riod. Mon - Fri, 9 am - 5 pm; Sat 10 am - 4 pm. The the coolest Museum in Jacksonville combine forces to Artworks. Food, music, horse-drawn hay rides, and Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive create the MOCA Cube – and you have a chance to win the lighting of the Avondale Merchants Association Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-0614. it! Make a $30 donation to the Museum of Contempo- Christmas Tree! 6 pm - 9 pm, Avondale Artworks, rary Art Jacksonville, a cultural resource of the Univer- 3568 St Johns Ave. Thru Dec 23 Eastern OIL PAINTERS OF AMERICA sity of North Florida, and receive: 1-in-2,500 chance to Regional Juried Exhibiton & Sale, Corse Gallery & win a new 2009 Nissan Cube, 6-month general mem- Dec 12 Second Atelier, 4144 Herschel St, 388-8205, www.Corse- BBB COMPLEX ART SHOW 2 bership to the Museum with all the benefi ts, admission annual open house art show featuring an artist GalleryAtelier.com for you and (1) guest to the MOCA Cube drawing party series of handmade messenger bags. ( Read more at the Museum on Dec. 11, 2009. ) 1520 North Main St, www.burrobags. Thru Jan 3 on page 12 The Art of Teaching: Art and Design “The MOCA Cube is a wonderful moving represen- com. The Museum of Contemporary Faculty Exhibition tation of the museum and its philosophy: being cutting Art Jacksonville and the University of North Florida edge while still being fun, cool, and accessible,” said Dec 11 Exhibit Presented By Joe have joined forces this season. The exhibitions ART MAGIC II Deborah Broder, director of MOCA. “The MOCA Cube Tour is an outreach opportunity to reconnect VanDyke. Over 30 Artist’s Exhibits For Sale & Dis- feature the works of current and past teachers and with existing and future patrons, engage local artists, and build excitement and awareness about play. Live Music By:Sunbears!, Rickolus, DJ Nick students from UNF. The Art of Teaching: Art and the exciting art and community events happening at museum.” Fresh. All Ages, $6 Over 21 $9 Under 21. 8 pm-2 will display paintings, Design Faculty Exhibition These outreach programs include educational lectures from UNF Art & Design faculty; school am. Club TSI, 333 E Bay St drawings, printmaking, photography, sculptures and tours for over 7,000 children annually and summer art classes; “Voice of the People,” a fourth specifi c site instillations by 25 full-time, adjunct grade literacy-based arts initiative proven to improve writing skills for underserved children; and Dec 19 As scheduled, and visiting UNF Art and Design faculty members. FINAL RAM OF THE YEAR “Rainbow Artists,” which uses art and creative activities to promote socialization and social inter- this will be the last Riverside Arts Market for the is a celebration of the progress and po- Emergence action of children with autism. year. The RAM will open again in the spring. The tential of several UNF students and graduates from The MOCA Holiday Cube Party is on Friday, Dec 11. It’s a celebration of art and holiday fun! Riverside Avondale Preservation (which developed the Sculpture and Ceramics program. MOCA also Enjoy wine, beer and hors d’ouevres, music by Gitlo Blues Band, the featured band of Orlando’ BB and runs RAM) will host a Grand Closing party for presents Robert Motherwell: Lost in Form, Found King Blues Club, and holiday art-making. The cost is $30 for 2 people plus you receive a 6-month the entire neighborhood under the bridge starting at . Motherwell was one of the youngest lead- in Line MOCA Membership and a chance to win a Nissan Cube! The party is 7-10 pm at The Museum of 6:30 pm. This will be a fun kickoff to RAP’s famed ers among American abstract expressionist painters Contemporary Art (MOCA) Jacksonville, 333 North Laura St. 366-6911, www.mocajacksonville. Luminaria Weekend. Riverside Arts Market is lo- and printers who inspired legends like Jackson Pol- org. cated on Riverside Ave as it passes underneath the lack. Forty of Motherwell’s works will be displayed Fuller Warren Bridge. in the exhibition including Seaside Studio, Paris 20 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly a space to call their own Jacksonville’s newest art studio/gallery provides new vision for downtown’s unused property by jack diablo There’s just no sense in letting a good thing go to waste. Luckily for a handful of local artists, even Downtown Jacksonville recognizes this simple fact of life. Rather than let prime urban real estate go unoccupied, a reminder of the current economic crisis, several property owners recently teamed up with Downtown Vision Inc. to fi ll said locations with artists in need of studio or gallery space. The program, initiated by Downtown Vision’s Terry Lorince, began in September with an open house of available spaces put on by DVI and the Cultural Council. Those interested were put in contact with the landlords and negotiations began to iron out the arrangements. One such artist is Matt Abercrombie, who along with a group of like-minded artists, were put in touch with DVI through Jim Draper, another Jacksonville artist. “I think it is a win-win to have artists in spaces downtown,” as Draper puts it. “Get more spaces like that going and the results are exponential.” Although there were many prime locations perfectly suited for artists to utilize, Abercrombie’s gaze kept returning to the building at 229 North Hogan Street above Hemming Plaza Jewelers. Before Matt et al descended upon the space, it was nothing more than a vast, brick-walled loft full of potential. Looking at it now, one can see that potential fully realized. A variety of artists have laid claim to corners on one side while the other half serves as a gallery space displaying pieces from whatever show is currently being held. With views overlooking Hemming Plaza and a wealth of local talent, it seems the perfect spot to fi nd a little inspiration. There are currently nine artists sharing the work space including a visiting illustrator from Copenhagen, Denmark. Nearly every medium from screen-printing to acrylics to spray paint seems to be represented within its walls. Several collaborative pieces can be found taking shape as the occupants of 229 N. Hogan begin to mesh and their individual styles bleed over into one another. It is more than a simple studio/gallery. It is a place where the foundations of community and culture are built and ideas are shared. Even when empty, it is a showcase of some In addition to putting on their own shows, the space is available for of the most creative minds in Jacksonville; but when those minds are other artists, curators and groups to use the gallery for their own events. present, the place comes alive with an energy that can be clearly felt. AIGA will host “Designers in Toyland,” a custom toy show benefi tting the The space hosted its fi rst show during the November Art Walk. Fellow Big Toy Box during the December Art Walk, and “Femme Fatales,” an art artists and friends who have known about the project were sure to come show celebrating women is scheduled for December 11th. Even though check out the new digs, but to ensure the show was not ignored by the other entities are utilizing their facility, the group has no plans to profi t general public, Matt had the gallery added to the Art Walk map. For some, from opening up the space. “We don’t want to charge people to have Art Walk is nothing more than a party to see and be seen. For others, it’s shows, we just have to fi gure out a way to make it sustainable. Try to get actually about seeing as much art as possible. it to pay for itself somehow,” Matt says. “They actually look at the map and use it to try and hit every Unfortunately, outlets such as this one tend to have an expiration spot,” says Tom Pennington, one of the studio’s tenants. “That’s their date attached to them. Before the Hemming space was fully realized, the experience.” short-lived but highly buzzed-about venue to catch the more underground For whatever reason Matt said that a few art-walkers seemed side of Art Walk was the basement of the Hayden Burns Library or the surprised or even shocked upon entering the gallery. Perhaps it was the OLB (Old Library Basement) as referred to it by its visitors. Before that it mathy prog-rock coming from Buff Clout’s speakers or the outsider art on was the Thief in the Knight Gallery. The Hemming space is no exception. the walls. Whatever it was, it caught them off guard. The underlying purpose of DVI’s program was to highlight these unused “It’s defi nitely not your typical gallery vibe,” admits Abercrombie. spaces so that potential tenants might get a look at their potential while “But that’s what makes it fun. It’s more of a party.” the public generated buzz on the locations. “We’re just here to get people Perhaps they were simply amazed at what a few clever collaborators in to see the space,” confesses Abercrombie or as Tom puts it, “to can be capable of when given the opportunity. provide an open house.” Fully conscious of the terms of their situation, Even though the event attracted an estimated 500 visitors, the group the resident artists intend to make the best out of it. “We could be here seemed wholly unconcerned about making any sales that night. Turning three months and be gone. It’s just the nature of the set-up,” Matt points a profi t is simply not a part of the spaces raison d’être. As Matt explains, out. After the initial three month lease, the artists will remain in the studio “It can’t be about getting the money back because that would ruin it.” on a month-to-month basis until someone steps in to fully lease the The tenants funded the entire event completely out of their own pockets, property. The landlord envisions a law fi rm. something that wouldn’t ordinarily be possible without such low overhead. No matter how long the Hemming space remains a reality, its “I might be a nicer guy than most, but to me the experience was tenants and the cast of others who embrace the DIY ethic of art, music worth the money I spent,” says Pennington. “At least people are getting and culture in Jacksonville will continue to fi nd venues for their creative out and seeing stuff. It’s not really about whether they’re buying it or not.” outlet. But as Matt puts it, “It will be hard to top this.” eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 21 Check EU’s Holiday Events on pages 4-9 for more activities for the family. Dec 4 JACKSONVILLE UNI- VERSITY VS. UNIVERSITY Check out the Jacksonville OF FLORIDA BASKETBALL Zoo and Gardens this Jacksonville Veterans Memo- rial Arena, 353-3309 , www. holiday season jaxevents.com Dec 19 & 20 VISIT WITH SANTA Parents can Dec 5 RIGHT WHALE FES- bring their cameras and children can bring their TIVAL Celebrate the critically wish lists to the Zoo’s Visit with Santa event. endangered North Atlantic right Take the Zoo train to Santa’s workshop at the celebrate the gator bowl and the new year whales’ annual return to the Trout River Lodge where children can visit the coast of the Southeast U.S. Join jolly old elf, Santa Claus! 11 am- 3 pm. others on the shores of the only in downtown jacksonville Dec 21 $$ BARGAIN DAY AT THE ZOO For known right whale calving area only $2 per person, families can take a break DECEMBER 31 at the beginning of their calving from their hectic holiday schedule to enjoy a season. Live entertainment, fun time together at the Zoo. VYSTAR 5K RUN The race is held right before the Gator Bowl Parade, and runs along the parade food, kid’s activities, beach route through downtown Jacksonville. 1:30 pm. The Jacksonville Landing cleanup, beach run, exhibitions, Dec 21- 31 SCHOOL HOLIDAY CAMP School and much more. Sea Walk Holiday Zoo Camps includes up close and WINN-DIXIE HOMETOWN GATOR BOWL PARADE The parade of colorful fl oats, marching bands, Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach, hands on encounters with our Education De- and giant balloons will be routed along the Northbank in downtown. 3 pm, Jacksonville 10 am- 4 pm, www.rightwhale- partment animals, animal crafts, activities, a festival.org train ride, in-zoo visits, lunch, and afternoon GATOR BOWL PEP RALLIES Join the bands, cheerleaders, and mascot at the Jacksonville Landing snacks. For these camps designed for 12-year- on New Year’s Eve. ACC Pep Rally: 1:30 pm. Visiting Team Pep Rally: 5:30 pm. Dec 5- 6 BEAUTY AND THE olds and up, students can take classes about BEAST Presented by the Jewish Magna (Japanese cartooning) or the Photo NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY Live entertainment in The Jacksonville Landing Courtyard. family events Community Alliance Theatre of Safari Workshop. Extended care is available for Youth. Tickets are $7 and will be an additional fee. December 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, NEW YEAR’S EVE FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR The always spectacular fi reworks display over the sold at the door. Dec 5, 7:30 pm, 30 and 31 from 9 am - 3 pm each day. Cost: St. Johns River will be shot from one barge in front of The Jacksonville Landing and another barge Dec 6, 2 pm. Show continues Dec 12 and 13. Jew- Members $45, Non-members $50. in front of the Hyatt Regency Hotel. The fi reworks can be viewed from the Northbank and South- ish Community Alliance, 8505 San Jose Boulevard, bank. Midnight, Downtown Jacksonville 730-2100, www.jcajax.org Dec 26- 30, Jan 1- 3 WORLD ANIMAL FES- TIVAL Celebrate animals and cultures from JANUARY 1 Dec 12 GIFTS OF THE RIVER BOAT TRIP Bring around the world. Areas of the zoo will be high- the whole family and celebrate the many gifts of the lighted to showcase the different parts of the There will be pep rallies, cheerleaders and bands plus a multitude BUDWEISER TAILGATE PARTY river. This month’s trip is focused on kids and will world that the animals are from. There will be of interactive games for kids of all ages as well as all of your tailgating concession essentials. $10 have many new activities from Education Director, live entertainment (on the weekends), a giant at the gate or free admission with the PATCH. 10 am- 1 pm. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Pepsi Tracey Manno. In the spirit of the holidays, each infl atable slide, bounce house, animal encoun- Pavilion child will leave with a gift! Donation Amount: $15 ters, animal enrichment, prize drawings, infor- Adult, $5 Children (under 12) 10 am-Noon. Make mational booths, crafts and visits from Jazoo. With six Heisman trophy winners, 175 all-Americans KONICA MINOLTA GATOR BOWL CLASSIC reservations with [email protected] or and over 1,000,000 fans, the Konica Minolta Gator Bowl is truly more than a football game...it is a Dec 31 256-7613 NOON YEAR’S EVE WITH RADIO DIS- premiere event of Florida’s First Coast. 1 pm at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. For ticket and other NEY Join Radio Disney, Spiky T, and a special information, visit www.gatorbowl.com Radio Disney Celebrity as they perform for the Dec 21- 23 & 28- 30 MOSH HOLIDAY CAMP Annual Noon Year’s Eve Celebration! Count Winter Camps explore a new topic each day. Kin- down the hours until 2010 with special enter- dergartners through 5th graders will also get the tainment, games, prizes, and an apple juice chance to discover MOSH exhibits, science and toast at 12 noon all provided by Radio Disney. planetarium programs. Museum of Science and His- tory, 1025 Museum Circle, Call 396-MOSH (6674), Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens, 370 Zoo Park- ext. 230 or www.themosh.org for more info. way, 757-4463, www.jacksonvillezoo.org Dec 25 ANNUAL CHRISTMAS DAY FAMILY SKATE The Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex hosts their annual Christmas Day Family Skate. $10 Admission get your teal on! jaguar includes rentals, 1 holiday cookie and hot cocoa. football and party at 7 pm to 9:30 pm. Jacksonville Ice and Sportsplex, 3605 Philips Highway. 399-3223, www.jaxiceand- jacksonville municipal sportsplex.com stadium photo by daniel goncalves Dec 6 JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS VS. HOUSTON TEXANS 1 pm Dec 13 MIAMI DOLPHINS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 1 pm Dec 17 ULTIMATE TEALGATE PARTY 4 pm Celebrate the Jacksonville Jaguars as they play their last home game against the Indianapolis Colts. Live entertainment in the streets and surrounding parking lots, interactive activities and more. The Ultimate TEALgate Party will begin 4 hours before kick-off. This high energy, festival-like environment will include bands, DJs, appearances by Jaxson Dec 31 NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY CELEBRA- Deville and the ROAR cheerleaders, karaoke, prize TION Join the fun from 10 am-2 pm for unlimited giveaways and much more. The event will also go-karts, unlimited laser tag and unlimited mini golf have multiple activities geared toward children and and a chance to win great prizes in our Balloon Drop families including entertainment provided by Radio at Noon. There will be three age groups. Children Disney, obstacle courses and autograph sessions. under 4 free, 12 & Under - $10, over 12 - $15. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Adventure Landing, Beach Blvd and Blanding Blvd locations. 246-4386 or www.adventurelanding.com Dec 17 INDIANAPOLIS COLTS VS. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 8:20 pm Thru Jan 10 ANIMAL GROSSOLOGY Oozing with Purchase a single game ticket to the Indianapolis interaction, Animal Grossology will have you cring- game and receive 10 “Jag dollars” to purchase food, ing – and laughing – in disgust as you explore the beverages or merchandise inside the stadium. Sin- impolite science of the animal kingdom. Prepare to gle game tickets can be purchased until Dec. 13, by be enGROSSed in this one-of-a-kind exhibit based calling 1-800-745-3000 or by visiting www.jaguars. on Sylvia Branzei’s best-selling book of the same com and clicking on the banner ad for Touchdown name. Museum of Science and History, 1025 Mu- Jacksonville Revive the Pride Teal Offer. Be sure to seum Circle, 396-6674,www.themosh.org use the offer code “teal” when purchasing tickets. 22 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly HUDDLE UP, JACKSONVILLE! NOW IS THE TIME TO SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR OUR TEAM BY BRINGING YOUR TEAM TO A JAGUARS GAME! For your group tickets, call 633-2000 Bringing a group of 10 or more qualifies for a discount of up to 20% on single-game prices. or visit jaguars.com. And with group tickets starting at just $40 each, it’s the perfect way to reward your employees, thank your clients and roar for the Jaguars, all at the same time. Order your group tickets today! 2009 SCHEDULED OPPONENTS: NOV. NOV. DEC. DEC. DEC. 8 22 6 13 17 eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 23 local music news Local hip-hop artist The IGive is releasing his new record Rhythm & Poetry on December 15th but fans can get a sneak peek on the 5th when he performs at Square One. Southern Fried Funk, Key of G, Monica Monet and Mr. Al Pete will also be there to show their support. • Also on the 5th, Christian hardcore band Words in Red will celebrate their album release at Freebird Live. Additionally performing are Gamorah, We Still Dream and Late Spring Donkey. • The area’s best bands have been facing off for months to see who will the “King of the Hill” and this month we’ll find out just that. The King of the Hill finale goes down on December 12th at the Murray Hill Theatre. So far the bands scheduled to perform at this grand event are Coming This Fall and Loveloud, with two more joining their ranks soon. Be there to show your support. • On December 18th Yulee boys Shotgun Harbor will hold a CD release party at Freebird Live with Doubting Benefit and The Armory. • Finally, two more locals will give the city late Christmas presents when they have their album release parties on the 26th. Melodic punk band Whaleface will hold their party at Jack Rabbits while indie folk songstress Katie Grace Helow takes to the Sinclair’s stage. Sometimes good bands don’t come to us, so we have to go to them! get outta Here are a few road trip-worthy shows to check out this month: December 1 David Guetta The Roxy (Orlando, FL) town! December 4 The Airborne Toxic Event The Walt Disney Concert Hall (Orlando, FL) December 4 The Whigs / Mean Creek The Variety Playhouse (Atlanta, GA) December 8 Person L / John Nolan / Brian Bonz The Drunken Unicorn (Atlanta, GA) December 9 Saosin / Innerpartysystem / EyeAlaska State Theatre (Tampa, FL) December 10 Orla Fallon / Jim Brickman Ruth Eckerd Hall (Clearwater, FL) December 11 Kelly Clarkson / Parachute Pensacola Civic Center (Pensacola, FL) December 12 Less than Jake / Cage / The Swellers Revolution (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) December 18 Dashboard Confessional / New Found Glory / Single File The freebird live Tabernacle (Atlanta, GA) (904) 246-BIRD the spotlight www.freebirdlive.com 200 1st St. N., Jacksonville Beach The 2416 Owned by Judy Van Zant, Ronnie Van When some bands get together they choose a genre and stick to it. Zant’s widow, and named after Lynyrd Others stay in a near constant state of flux, constantly evolving as they hone Skynyrd’s most beloved song, Freebird their skills and mesh as artists. This month’s spotlight falls on the 2416, a band Live is a mid-sized venue that brings a that belongs to the latter group of musicians. variety of big-name and on-the-cusp acts This band began in 2006 as a two-piece featuring Drew on upright bass and to the First Coast. Once upon a time, Trent on guitar. Originally performing under the moniker of Dead Man’s Waltz, Freebird served food, but these days the they eventually acquired a drummer, a stand-up drummer no less and traded only thing on the menu is great live music. the upright bass for a distorted electric one. Dead Man’s Waltz (or D.M. Waltz The two-story building offers fans the as many flyers advertised) were among the initial lineup of Infintesmal Records’ opportunity to see bands at the foot of bands, a relationship that has benefited both parties. “Infintesmal Records is a the stage or get a great view of the entire family,” says Trent. “We all look out for each other and we’re all here to have a show from the second-fl oor balcony. good time.” Also upstairs, a wrap-around porch gives Recently, the band has been experimenting with a slightly different sound and include Motorhead, Sleep and the Melvins among concert-goers a great place to sneak away their influences. “Things have been getting heavier and just a little bit more crazy,” Trent explains. As a result of the shift they also for a chat or a smoke between sets. Two changed their name. “We feel like we’ve come a long way since we first started playing as Dead Man’s Waltz, and as the music fl oors means two full bars with a decent changed and progressed it was only natural that it was time for a new name to go with this new sound.” selection of beer, wine and spirits. For more info and a complete list of bands The 2416 currently have a full-length album entitled The Great Indoors released through Infintesmal and are set to release their performing at Freebird Live, visit their follow-up Boltcutter and record yet another in the near future. Two tracks from Boltcutter can be heard on The Real Better Jacksonville website. Plan Vol. 3 compilation also via Infintesmal records. Check out their myspace page (www.myspace.com/the2416) for upcoming show dates and look for them at the January coming this month: Infintesmal BBQ. -Jack Diablo December 4 Our Lady Peace december album releases December 6 Sevendust / Marion Crane December 12 Toubab Krewe / December 1 30 Seconds to Mars This Is War December 22 The Bravery Stir the Blood Jimmy Buffett Buffet Hotel Mary J. Blige Greenhouse Lounge Stronger December 19 Deer Tick More Fuel for the Fire Mudvayne Mudvayne Not Even Radio / Juvenile Cocky and Confident December 15 American Attitude / The Riff Raff R. Kelly Untitled Animal Collective Fall Be Kind December 29 December 31 JJ Grey & Mofro / Matt Lady Gaga The Fame Monster Ryan Star [11:59] Grondin / Snarky Puppy December 8 Lil Wayne Rebirth Snoop Dogg Malice N Wonderland Shiny Toy Guns Girls Le Disko This month’s artist spotlight shines brightly on one of Jacksonville’s zaniest, most unique 24 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly bands, After the Bomb, Baby! EU met up with Ryan pedaling against poverty Cellist rides into Jacksonville for a good cause, an interview with Ben Sollee by jack diablo It’s a great time of year to get outside and ride your bike. Even though we are forced to suffer through a can of worms. Things like a pack of seeds blistering hot summers, we are fortunate to have such mild early-Winter weather. So don’t be surprised to help fi lter water. But one of the things if you happen to see a bike with a cello strapped to the back, it’s just Ben Sollee riding into town on his they offer is a bicycle and here in America pedal-powered tour. we think of bicycles as sort of a novelty, EU spoke to Ben about why he’s taking his cello on the road with two wheels instead of four and the something we use for outdoor recreation causes he is championing along the way. but there a bicycle can mean the difference between an entrepreneur just selling a few EU: Ben, you are riding into Jacksonville on your bicycle as a part of your Southeast tour. What things to people in town or being able to take possessed you to undertake such a mission? your goods to other towns in the region and Ben Sollee: It’s really a craving to get out of the vicious, not vicious, but the human fl urry of fl ight from being able to make a lot more money. It’s one side of the country to the other and driving down the coast to play a gig to fl y back across the country this micro-entrepreneurial world so through the next day. By introducing the bicycle, I had this beautiful limitation. People could not ask me as an artist Oxfam Unwrapped we’re going to be buying to drive through the night to do media the next morning in the next town... It also comes from this desire: one bicycle per show and challenging other I was going through these towns playing a show hoping people would show up and really not playing any parts of the community to also buy bicycles. role in the community other than being a place for people to gather. I wanted to do more, be more a part of We hope to be able to provide some people the community as I drove through. So in doing this I’ve been able to connect with different bicycle groups, in towns in Central America and Africa who alternative venues and a different promotion style. We’ve been able to cross-promote with sports outfi tter could really use those tools through Oxfam. companies, different companies like Oxfam America. It’s been a real treat to use bicycle touring as an opportunity to exploit media that musicians don’t usually get to exploit. EU: Being from Kentucky, I’m sure there was plenty of inspiration to be found for EU: What kind of whip are you riding and what all are you carrying with you? someone playing Bluegrass music. Has that BS: We’re riding extended frame bicycles. This tour we’ve got Surly bicycles onboard. They make beautiful kind of music always been a part of your steel frame bicycles. We’re riding these bikes called the Big Dummy which is a solid steel frame, long tail life? bike. You can haul up to 250 pounds on your bike with these beasts. I’m going to be hauling my cello, my BS: It has. My grandfather was an electronic on-stage stuff, merchandise, clothes and probably a little bit of camera equipment. So I’ll be Appalachian fi ddler, banjo, guitar, whatever hauling 60- 70 pounds on my bike. was laying around and so it’s defi nitely been a big part of my musical vernacular growing up. My father was also an R&B guitarist and my mom sang. I was also studying the cello and the conventional music EU: I imagine there are some challenges to touring by bike. What are they and how do you plan to that’s taught on cello is classical music. So in studying Bach and Brahms and the stuff that’s more part of keep on schedule? the institution of the cello through college, I always had all this other music going on when I’d sit down to BS: It has a lot to do with changing the philosophy of how you book shows not just going and hitting play with my family and friends. It was never classical. So all those sort of informed each other. But I’ve major markets but actually creating a route through a region and you have to spend a lot of time thinking defi nitely spent a lot of time in the bluegrass world. about what’s the next town that’s really got to be enough people and media set up to make some money but also all the different towns in between. So you just have to plan time. We have two to three days in EU: Tell us about the Dear Companion record you are working on with some of your fellow between each town to get there and really it’s just about steady riding. It’s got a beautiful pattern to it, you Kentuckians. just get up early in the morning, have breakfast, ride 50- 60 miles and then call it quits. Depending on what BS: I’m working with this fellow Daniel Martin Moore and collaborated to do a record and the interest was we have to do on the other end, we may leave early or we may leave later in the day. Some of the major to raise awareness of mountaintop removal coal mining which is a particularly destructive type of coal challenges though have to do with weather. That can really slow you down a lot. So you have to leave time mining that removes the tops of mountains to be able to dig out the coal with large heavy machinery. The for that. The other challenge is making sure you have the right pack on your bicycle because otherwise real destruction come from all that overburden, all the soil they dig off from the tops of the mountains you just ride really unbalanced the whole time. It takes usually three to four packs to get the right one down being rolled over into the valley and blocking the headwaters and the watersheds that really provide a lot where you’ve got things balanced front to back or side to side. It gives you a really good cruising. It’s of the East Coast with clean freshwater. Anyhow, we created the album with the help of Jim James from really less about cycling and more about trucking. Up and down the hills and using your momentum and all My Morning Jacket. He produced the project and Sub Pop is putting it out and it’s going to come out in that stuff. It’s defi nitely different. February. All the artists’ royalties and proceeds are going to go to Appalachian Voices to help fi ght the cause. EU: There’s a social/political angle to this tour. What is the goal of Peddling Against Poverty? BS: Oxfam is an international relief and development agency and their main campaign right now is that Be sure to catch Ben Sollee at Jack Rabbits on December 13th. Feel free to ride your bike to the poverty is an invention of mankind and as such we should be able to dissolve it. Our small part in that for show. To fi nd out more information about Peddling Against Poverty visit http://pedalingagainstpoverty. this tour is promoting something called Oxfam Unwrapped which is an online venue where you can order blogspot.com and for more about the Oxfam America Unwrapped program www.oxfamamericaunwrapped. things that people in developing countries really need. Things like manure to fertilize the ground. Things like com/Bicycle-charitable-gift.html Ask A Pro SALES · RENTALS REPAIRS · LESSONS New Location REGENCY/BEACHES 2771 #7 Monument Rd. CELEBRATING 27 YEARS 564-2590 eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 25 DECEMBER 1 Joe Perry Project Best known if their chart-topping records are any indication. See Skindred at the for his work with Rock and Roll Hall of Famers Pit with In Whispers, Rock n Roll Chrome and FeedUs. Tickets: $12. Crystal Antlers Aerosmith, Joe Perry recently reformed his side Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 project and is taking the show on the road. The Joe Perry Project came to be in 1979 shortly DECEMBER 11 Colbie Caillat California pop artist Colbie Caillat is before Perry’s 5-year Aerosmith hiatus. The performing at Maverick’s as part of WAPE’s Acoustic Christmas newly resurrected band will play Freebird Live on show. The singer-songwriter has opened for such big names as the the 1st. Tickets: $40/advance, $50/day of show. Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse and John Mayer and even performed a duet Freebird Live, 246-BIRD with Jason Mraz for his 2008 album We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things. Caillat’s second album, Breakthrough, was released in August DECEMBER 3 Puddle of Mudd Platinum re- and the songstress plans to release two Christmas songs for the cording artists Puddle of Mudd will return to holiday season. She’ll no doubt perform those songs at the concert Jacksonville this month. To date the band has on the 11th. See her with guest Kevin Hammond and don’t forget to sold over 7 million albums, and have had a string bring a toy to donate to Toys for Tots! Tickets: $25. Mavericks Rock of #1 mainstream rock singles in the US. Their N’ Honky Tonk, 356-1110 hotly anticipated new album, Vol. 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate, is scheduled for release on the 8th. Experience many of their new songs from Colbie Caillat that record and their older stuff when they play Plush on December 3rd. Red Jumpsuit Appara- tus, Whole Wheat Bread and Rapture Indeed will also perform. Tickets: Plush, 743-1845 DECEMBER 4 Our Lady Peace Despite forming in 1992, Our Lady Peace didn’t have their big break in until ’96 when the Canadian alt-rockers released their record Naveed. A string of hits fol- lowed including ‘Starseed,’ ‘Superman’s Dead,’ music events ‘Clumsy’ and ‘Thief.’ Fame both in Canada and US took its toll on the band and they fl irted with breaking up several times from 2001 on but have somehow managed to endure. Our Lady Peace released their seventh studio album earlier this year and are currently on tour in support of it. See them live at the Freebird on the 4th. Tickets: $15/advance, $20/day of show. Freebird Live, 246-BIRD of Heroes and All Left Out on December 17th. Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 DECEMBER 6 Skindred Welsh group Skindred recently played Jacksonville as part of Planetfest 10. Apparently they just can’t stay DECEMBER 20 Grand Buffet Hip-hop duo Grand Buffet rocked faces away from our little city because they’re coming back on December clean off at Harvest of Hope Fest earlier this year. They’re making the 6th. The band fuses heavy metal, punk, hip-hop and reggae to form rounds once again and are playing Jack Rabbits this month. The Pitts- what they like to call “Ragga metal.” The combination seems to work, burg twosome has been together since 1996 and churns out a unique brand of humorous, often satirical rap that has led them to being on tour with everyone from Sage Francis to Streetlight Manifesto to Girl Skindred Talk to Third Eye Blind. Tickets: $10/advance, $15/day of show. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 DECEMBER 22 Tammerlin With a sound that is a step off the well- beaten path, Tammerlin has garnered praise from critics world-wide. Their innovative performances offer exceptional guitar playing, well- crafted original songs and traditional tunes pulled from the heart of American music. The group performs “Wintersong,” a unique holiday program featuring ancient carols, songs of the winter season, read- ings and poems, which was fi rst presented at the Smithsonian in 2001. Tickets: $5. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 356-6857 DECEMBER 13 Crystal Antlers According to their press release: “Crystal Antlers were once a band of chimneysweeps-doing door- DECEMBER 29 Agent Orange The original Southern California punk/ to-door hustle with broom and top hat all across the same California surf power trio, Agent Orange has been around since forever. Never suburbs responsible for Saccharine Trust and the Middle Class, and bought in, never sold out, the group blazed a musical trail so wide that after a long day up on the roof they’d return to write songs that went imitators had no trouble driving right up the middle of it in an armored spiraling into space.” We’re not sure what that means, but we’re for it. truck full of major label cash. The band maintains a loyal following See Crystal Antlers at Café Eleven on the 13th with Paca Lolo. Tickets: despite the fact that they’ve been fl ying under the radar all these $8. Café Eleven, 460-9311 years. See Agent Orange at Jack Rabbits on December 29th. Tickets: $10/advance, $15/day of show. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 DECEMBER 17 Family Force 5 Family Force 5, who once went by the name the Phamily, came together outside Atlanta in 2004. The DECEMBER 31 Donavon Frankenreiter After a successful show at Olds brothers plus friends Nathan Currin and Derek Mount make up Freebird Live back in August, pro-surfer turned musician Donavon the band, whose “crunk-rock” sound gained them attention fi rst from Frankenreiter is making his way back to the First Coast to perform at Maverick Records, then from Tooth & Nail, where they are currently Metropolitan Park’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. One of the signed. Earlier this year the band released Family Force 5 Christmas more original voices on the acoustic-rock scene, Donavon has toured Pageant, an album of holiday songs including a remix of ‘My Favorite with G. Love, Matt Costa and his good friend Jack Johnson. Ring in Things.’ The band ends their 14-city tour in support of that record the New Year with Freanenreiter and special guests Echo Movement. photo by richard abrahamson here at the Murray Hill Theatre. See them with Remedy Drive, House Tickets: $15. Metropolitan Park, 353-3309 Call Now For Great Year-Long Pricing We provide all of your lawn service Autohaus, Inc. sodsod rremovalemoval andand iinstallationnstallation needs!! Import & Domestic Service iirrigationrrigation iinstallationnstallation Guaranteed! Complete LICENSED Automotive Care & INSURED INSTALLATION Tpho c oice AUTO STEREO AND REPAIR WE'LL BEAT ANYBODY'S PRICES! lrawn ca e 10% OFF LABOR OVER $100 SERVICE MOWING 229-3044229-3044 5732 Phillips Hwy. • at Bowden Road EDGING & TRIM (904) 399-2533 topchoicelawncare MULCH & PLANTING @yahoo.com MV-02589 26 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly Family Force 5 will be at Murray Hill December 17 day-to-day music events DECEMBER 1 Billy Buchanan Three Layers, 355-9791 Josh Hoge / Tony Lucca / Matt Lowell / Britten Big Al & the Kaholics Square One, 306-9004 Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Bigfoot Landshark Café (Jacksonville Beach), 246- Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- 6024 9595 Joe Perry Project Freebird Live, 246-BIRD DECEMBER 5 Words in Red / Gamorah / We Still Dream / Late DECEMBER 2 Spring Donkey Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Perpetual Groove Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Atomic Boogie Café 331, 354-1999 Luke Bryan / Fast Ryde Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Peter Cooper / Eric Brace European Street Listen- Tonk, 356-1110 ing Room (Beach), 399-1740 Miggs Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Greenhouse Lounge / Chroma Twisted Roc Bar, Seven Story Fall / Disco Curtis / Formatta / Rada- 241-6453 gun Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Laurel Lee Escapes Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), kLoB Burrito Gallery, 598-2922 249-9595 Ace Winn Big T’s Grill & Tavern, 223-1744 DECEMBER 3 Flying Snakes / Hot Graves / Cellgraft The Devil’s Pierce Pettis / Peter Cooper / Eric Brace European Playground, devilsplaygroundjax.wordpress.com Street Listening Room (San Marco), 399-1740 The IGive / Southern Fried Funk Band / Key of G / Trans-Siberian Orchestra / Jay Pierce Jacksonville Monica Monet / Mr. Al Pete Square One, 306-9004 Memorial Arena, 353-3309 The Crazy Girls / Hith Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Nico Vega / Inward Eye / Neon Trees Jack Rabbits, Circumference Sun / Borromaket / Vantage Bul- 398-7496 letin Publishing Doozers Pub, 738-8922 We Are the In Crowd / Select Start / Action Item Between the Trees / Coming This Fall / for you and Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 i / A Jasey Project Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Mum’z the Word Yuctan Taco Stand (Jacksonville Radioshag Ocean Club (Jacksonville Beach), 242- Beach), 246-0002 8884 Rapture Indeed / Puddle of Mudd / Red Jumpsuit Marcille Wallis / Allie Noelle Riverside Arts Mar- Apparatus / Whole Wheat Bread Plush, 743-1845 ket, 554-6865 Poncho Villa and the Banditos / The Twenty Four Timecat /Sir Real / Jeff Flores CD Connection Sixteen / Amish Electric Chair Shantytown, 798- (Jacksonville Beach), 246-0550 8222 Never Nobody Yesterday’s, 387-0502 Kevin Lee Newberry / I Hope You’re A Doctor TSI, Kairotik Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 424-3531 Leland McWilliams Tera Nova Lounge, 733-8085 DECEMBER 4 DECEMBER 6 David Wilcox Café Eleven, 460-9311 Dublin City Ramblers Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), Our Lady Peace Freebird Live, 246-BIRD 249-9595 Girls on Film TSI, 424-3531 Chorale Christmas Show Athens Theatre (De- Chris Thomas King Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Land),(386) 736-7456 Beach), 247-6636 Blood on the Dance Floor / Almost Hollywood Jack British Night Watch Concert Colonial Spanish Rabbits, 398-7496 Quarter Museum (St. Augustine), 829-5318 Sevendust / Marion Crane Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Go Ask Alice Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 Skindred / In Whispers / Rock n Roll Chrome / Elton John Tribute Band Athens Theatre (De- FeedUs Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Land),(386) 736-7456 Long Strange Day / South Facing House Doozers DECEMBER 8 Pub, 738-8922 Bombshell Lust Doozers Pub, 738-8922 My Captain My King / Halon / With These Wings / Nitzer Ebb Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Chains of Grace Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Scott Giddens Jazz Trio European Street Listening Trauma Deville / Sore Eyes / Ten Ton Wrecking Room (San Marco), 399-1740 Ball / Crooked Cult / Nuclear Winter Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 (continued on page 28) eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 27 TSI brings Girls on Film Dec 4th Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Vagrant Undertow / Arythmeia / Bulletproof Your 9595 Limousine / Wormwood Prophecy Doozers Pub, 738-8922 DECEMBER 9 Tommy Talton Riverside Arts Market, 554-6865 Winds of Plague / Stick to Your Guns / Sleeping Ashes 2 Glory / Omotayo / Ascension / Shawn Giant / Oceano / Circle of Contempt Brewster’s Pit, Matthew The Pangea Live, thepangealive.com 223-9850 DECEMBER 13 DECEMBER 10 Crystal Antlers Café Eleven, 460-9311 Tracy Grammer European Street Listening Room Life On Repeat / Sent By Ravens / Hollywood Lies (San Marco), 399-1740 Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Sunday Night Scene Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Michael Funge Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- TamTam the Sandwichman / The Magical Sugar 9595 Cookies / The Lagues / Honey Chamber TSI, 424- His Name Was Iron / Sent By Ravens / Hollywood 3531 Lies / Life on Repeat Freebird Live, 246-BIRD The Panix / The Wastedist / Urgent Revolt / Sick Sick Sicks / Consular Doozers Pub, 738-8922 White Chapel Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 DECEMBER 14 Esther / Echoes Through Chaos / The New Acryl- ics / The Hideout Strength Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 DECEMBER 15 Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- 9595 12/31 with DECEMBER 16 MATANZAS Somebody and the Somethings Doozers Pub, 738- 8922 Horse the Band Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Friday & Saturday, Dec 4-5 Friday & Saturday, Dec 18-19 DECEMBER 17 Family Force 5 / Remedy Drive / House of Heroes UNTAMED SPIRIT SPANKY / All Left Out Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Friday & Saturday, Dec 11-12 Tammerlin will play at the Cummeron Dec 22nd Friday & Saturday, Dec 25-26 DECEMBER 18 LISA & THE DECEMBER 11 Sidewalk 65 Sun Dog Diner (Atlantic Beach), 241- MAD HATTERS RED RIVER EOTO Freebird Live, 246-BIRD 8221 Sidewalk 65 Tom & Betty’s, 387-3311 Whole Wheat Bread Landshark Café (Jacksonville The Legendary JCs Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Beach), 246-6024 B Beach), 247-6636 Culhane’s (Atlantic TED# ESTI JK Wayne / The Closers VO 1 MSUC Sunday - Thursday 9pm Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk, 356- Beach), 249-9595 IVENLI ARS MATANZAS Colbie Caillet 5YE 1110 Supervillians / Outlaw Nation Jack Rabbits, 398- Not Unheard Of Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- 7496 WELCOME BIKERS! 9595 Shotgun Harbor / Doubting Benefi t / The Armory GreyMarket Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Monday-Wednesday, Thursday 5-9pm Friday 5-8pm No Loves Doozers Pub, 738-8922 Tyrone Askins Doozers Pub, 738-8922 Friday & Saturday 5-8pm Murray Hill The- Murray Hill Theatre, OPEN MIC W/ MARK HART,NIGEL Don’t Sigh Daisy / Quiet Science MHT Annual Christmas Show MARK HART SPECIAL GUESTS &JIM CARRICK atre, 388-3179 388-3179 Cancer Benefi t show Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Tommy Tutone / Bad Boy Troy / Fat Satchel / Saturday 1-5pm Sunday 1-4pm Sunday 5-8pm Art Magic II: Art & Music Mixer TSI, 424-3531 Super Novia / Mylie on Meth Brewster’s Pit, 223- ELIZABETH ROTH KEITH JUST WADE Flaw Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 9850 GODWIN Josh Gracin Mavericks Rock N’ Honky Tonk, 356- DECEMBER 12 1110 www.tradewindslounge.com Murder-Suicide Pact / The Creeps Landshark Café The Bill & Bob Show The Derby House, 356-0227 (Jacksonville Beach), 246-6024 Open Daily 11am-1am · 829-9336 The Laws European Street Listening Room (Beach), DECEMBER 19 124 Charlotte St. • St. Augustine 399-1740 Sidewalk 65 Sun Dog Diner (Atlantic Beach), 241- Alan Trio Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 8221 Tom Goss Three Layers Coffeehouse, 355-9791 A Fall to Rise / Dissonant / Branded for Fear Jack Toubab Krewe / Greenhouse Lounge Freebird Live, Rabbits, 398-7496 246-BIRD (continued on page 30) 28 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly Album: After the Bomb, Baby! EP Artist: After the Bomb, Baby! Label: Self released egZhZcih Release Date: November 11, 2009 Two time Grammy winner Chris As prophesied in October’s Artist Spotlight, After the Bomb, Baby!’s EP has been released. It’s sure to blow minds and speakerboxes from Baldwin to Neptune Beach and beyond. The four songs are but a mere sampling of the Thomas King post-apocalyptic electro-funk the Strasser brothers have become synonymous with. Although the real fun inherent in ATBB! is the live show, this EP contains some of their more notable “hits.” ;g^YVn!9ZXZbWZg)!'%%. Perhaps their most recognizable song ‘Corpsegrinder’ starts off the madness with Taylor’s nasal vocals wailing ridiculous lines hardly appropriate for print. Follow up ‘Crystal City’ combines synths and brass punctuated by Ryan’s sleezy over-sexed unhh’s and lyrics such as “I’ll do a cannonball in your face.” Fade into ‘Grind of the Apocalypse,’ a 8]g^hI]dbVh@^c\ WdgcDXidWZg psychedelic eighties jam somewhat reminiscent of ‘Mr. Roboto.’ The EP ends with ‘Guitars of the Apocalypse,’ a riot &)!&.+'^c7VidcGdj\Z!Adj^h^VcV of a song that provides the most accurate sense of After the Bomb, Baby!’s energy and the only track to feature live ^hVc6bZg^XVcWajZhbjh^X^Vc VcYVXidg#=Z^hi]Zhdcd[WajZh drums. bjh^X^VcIVWWnI]dbVh#>ci]Z This EP is but a taste of Jacksonville’s ever-evolving synth-masters. Recorded by John Citrone, it features only '%%%bdk^ZDÉ7gdi]Zg!L]ZgZ four of the now seven members of the band’s current incarnation. It can be purchased on CD at any ATBB! show 6giI]dj4!]ZeaVnZYaZ\ZcYVgn and is also available for download if you know the right people. If you didn’t catch these guys play at MOCA during WajZhbVcIdbbn?d]chdc#Dci]Z the November Art Walk, you missed one hell of a parade and a show that many unsuspecting patrons will be talking ÆD7gdi]Zg½ÇhdjcYigVX`]ZeaVnh about for months to come. They play fairly often around Jacksonville so you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see the H`^e?VbZhÉÆ=VgYI^bZ@^aa^c\ spectacle they create for yourself. Just don’t take it too seriously or you might get an aneurism. -Jack Diablo ;addg7ajZhÇ#>ci]Z'%%)bdk^Z GVn!]ZeaVnZYWVcYaZVYZgAdlZaa ;jahdc#=Z]VhVahdVeeZVgZY^c hZkZgVaYdXjbZciVg^ZhVWdjii]Z WajZhVcYVWdjibjh^X# albums the Legendary JC’s Album: Astro Coast ;g^YVn!9ZXZbWZg&&!'%%. Artists: Surfer Blood Label: Kanine Records >iVaahiVgiZYl^i]hdbZ Release Date: January 19, 2010 h]Vg`h`^chj^ihVcYDi^hGZYY^c\ ijcZhbdgZi]Vcc^cZnZVghV\d# H^cXZi]Vied^ci!i]ZbZbWZgh d[i]ZI]ZAZ\ZcYVgn?8Éh]VkZ g^YYZcVlVkZd[hlZVin\gddkZh VcYegZhhVXXdaVYZhidVed^ci Put away your neon kids, 80s retro is out and it’s time to remember the 90s. “Already”, you ask? “Hell yes!” comes the l]ZgZi]ZnVgZgZVYn[dga^[i"d[[# adamant reply of indie-pop outfi t Surfer Blood. Hailing from none other than West Palm Beach of all places, the band of early I]ZAZ\ZcYVgn?8Éh XdbbdcanI]Z twenties Florida Atlantic University students blew their scholarship money on new equipment to record Astro Coast in their ?d^ci8]^Z[h hiVgiZYÓddg^c\ dorm room. 8ZcigVa;adg^YVXgdlYhl^i]i]Z^g WgVcYd[hdja[jagdX`^c\WajZh As far as the name is concerned, the boys in Surfer Blood are not surfers. Quite the contrary, as implied by the ferocious ^c'%%%#L^i]Va^cZjeXdch^hi^c\ feeding shark on the cover. If anything, they resent the beach bums who ostracized them in high school and chose the name from d[ideXZcigVa;adg^YVbjh^X^Vch! a random backseat shout. eVgid[i]ZbV\^Xd[i]Zh]dlh Likewise there is no surf rock nor any notion whatsoever that the tracks on Astro Coast were conceived anywhere near ^hcZkZg`cdl^c\l]d^h\d^c\id a beach. Which isn’t to say the album doesn’t carry with it an element of summer bliss. Songs such as ‘Floating Vibes’ and h]dlje# ‘Twin Peaks’ bring a Magnetic Fields vibe while ‘Swim’ evokes early Weezer. The band even experiments with a little Afropop a la Vampire Weekend on ‘Take It Easy.’ The pairing of acoustic and heavily distorted guitar on the opening of ‘Slow ‘ contains the slightest hint of Neutral Milk Hotel juxtaposed with the New Pornographers feel of ‘Fast Jabroni.’ On album closer ’Catholic Pagans’ the boys fl ip the nine upside down and take it back to 60s pop. It seems that for their freshman release, the band has chosen simply to let us know what they’re capable musically. There is no superfl uous over-production anywhere to be found, and the album is all the better for it. Surfer Blood will be setting out on two tours in support of the Kanine Records release with heavy-hitters Art Brut and Japandroids. Having already drummed up some seriously positive press, Surfer Blood are starting off the year to come with their best foot forward. -Jack Diablo eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 29 Don’t miss Donovan Jacksonville’s Only Oceanfront Blues Rock Club Frankenreiter at Metro Park on New Year’s Eve NEW YEAR’S EVE CELEBRATION featuring music by Champagne Toast at Midnight (call for reservations) 388-7111 Great Food! Open Bar! Mike McCabe Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- DECEMBER 27 9595 Michael Funge Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Larry Mangum’s Songwriter’s Circle: Mindy Sim- 9595 mons / Russ Haire European Street Listening Room The Strikeouts / The Mark 8’s Doozers Pub, 738- (Beach), 399-1740 8922 Not Even Radio / American Attitude / The Riff Raff Kem Florida Theatre, 355-5661 / The Merks Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Besotes / Tubers / The Alphabet / Liquid Limbs Sanctus Real / Tal & Acacia / The First Week of The Sinclair, 358-0005 August / The Dundies Murray Hill Theatre, 388- 3179 DECEMBER 29 Eugene Shantytown, 798-8222 Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 Agent Orange Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 DECEMBER 20 Bobby Flynn Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 DECEMBER 30 Grand Buffet Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 The Movement Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 50:50 Shot / Turbo Slaughter / Skatterbrain / The The Effort / Last Man’s Year Doozers Pub, 738- Mark 8’s / Konami Code Doozers Pub, 738-8922 8922 Amuse Café 331, 354-1999 388-7111 · 821 N. First Street, Jax Bch DECEMBER 22 Hollowbody Hellraisers / The Rocketz Landshark www.bluesrockcafe.net Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Café (Jacksonville Beach), 246-6024 9595 Tammerlin Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, DECEMBER 31 356-6857 JJ Grey & Mofro / Snarky Puppy Freebird Live, Red Jumpsuit Apparatus / Fit for Rivals Jack Rab- 246-BIRD bits, 398-7496 Grandpa’s Cough Medicine Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 DECEMBER 23 Philler / Suicide Clutch / Nuclear Winter / OBB Sidewalk 65 Ragtime Tavern, 241-7877 Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Solliquest of Sound Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Donovan Frankenreiter / Echo Movement Metro- To Someone Beautiful Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 politan Park, 353-3309 Ron & Mary The Derby House, 356-0227 DECEMBER 26 Domra Duo / Marina Mecabe European Street Lis- JANUARY 1 tening Room (Beach), 399-1740 JJ Grey & Mofro / Snarky Puppy Freebird Live, Sidewalk 65 Ragtime Tavern, 241-7877 246-BIRD Jacksonville Pipes and Drums / Kurt Johnston Exmortus / Vektor / Dissonant Doozers Pub, 738- Band Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 8922 Whaleface Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 One Less Atlantic Freebird Live, 246-BIRD JANUARY 2 Katie Grace Helow / Rivernecks The Sinclair, 358- JJ Grey & Mofro / kLob Freebird Live, 246-BIRD 0005 Backwash / Thin Ice Doozers Pub, 738-8922 30 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly Richie Havens upcoming concerts Jan 1-2 JJ Grey & Mofro Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Jan 3 Lipizzaner Stallions Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309 Jan 8 Midlake Café Eleven, 460-9311 Jan 10 Galactic Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Jan 14 Groovaloo Times-Union Center, 632-3373 Jan 15 Winter Jam w/Third Day, Newsboys, Newsong Veterans Memorial Arena, 353- 3309 Jan 17 Steven Wright Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Feb 5 Dane Cook Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309 Feb 6 John Mayer Jacksonville Memorial Arena, 353-3309 March 6 The Moody Blues St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 209-0367 Feb 10 Soweto Gospel Choir Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Feb 11 Yonder Mountain String Band Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Feb 11 Richie Havens at Flagler College Auditorium, 819-6413 Feb 12 Taj Mahal Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Feb 20-21 Rebelution / Soldiers of Jah Army / Zion I Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Feb 24 Indigo Girls Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Feb 25 Classic Albums Live- The Beatles’ The White Album Florida Theatre, 355-5661 March 12 -14 Harvest of Hope Fest St. Johns County Fairgrounds March 19 Aretha Franklin St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 209-0367 March 27 Cherryholmes Florida Theatre, 355-5661 April 8 Boyz II Men Florida Theatre, 355-5661 April 30- May 2 Gamble Rogers Folk Festival Downtown St. Augustine, www.gamblerogersfest.com May 9 B.B. King Florida Theatre, 355-5661 May 6 Tim McGraw / Lady Antebellum / Love and Theft Jacksonville Memorial Arena, 353-3309 eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 31 THE BRITISH ARE COMING view from Join us in our the couch COLONIAL TORCHLIGHT PARADE December 5th at 7:30 PM on the tube Starting From The Governor’s House Winter means some changes to our TV routine. Some shows In The Plaza de Constitution end, some begin and there are plenty of holiday specials to keep us toasty warm at night (but more on those a bit later). HISTORIC DOWNTOWN We’ll start with the bad news fi rst: fi nales. Over on MTV, The Hills and The City wrap up their season on December 1st. ST. AUGUSTINE Also at the fi nish line are Sons of Anarchy (FX, December 1), Sherri (Lifetime, December 1), The Amazing Race (CBS, December 6), Rita Rocks (Lifetime, December 7), The Real World/Road Rules Challenge (MTV, December 9), Top Chef (Bravo, December 9), Lobstermen (Discovery, December 11), So You Think You Can Dance? (Fox, December 16), Crash (Starz, December 18), Brothers (Fox, December 27) and Din- ner with the Band (IFC, December 29). We’ll see you guys Bye, bye Monk next fall! • Stargate Universe (Syfy, December 4), White Collar (USA, December 4) and Glee (Fox, December 9) are having their fall/winter fi nales this month, which means we’ll most likely see them again soon (think late spring, early summer). • Last but cer- tainly not least, we bid a fond farewell to our favorite neurotic detective, Monk, who solves his last case on December 4th. The USA staple has made for great TV for eight seasons. • In happier news, sever- al shows will be having their season premieres this month. We’re most looking forward to the return of ABC’s comedies Scrubs (December 1) and Better off Ted (December 7). Also returning are The Closer (TNT, December 7), (Sundance, December 9), City of Spectacle: Elvis Costello with… Keeping Up with the Kardashians (E!, December 13) and The Real World (MTV, December 30). • Three new shows hit www.britishnightwatch.org Saint Augustine the airwaves this month. Over on Bravo, Launch My Line (December 2) pairs established designers with industry professionals to create fashion lines. Each week the teams will be put to the test and then judged before a live studio audience. Also premiering are Men of a Certain Age (TNT, December 7), series about three men navigating middle-age, and The Sing-Off, an a capella singing competition. • Non-holiday related specials this month include The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show (CBS, December 1), The Grammy Nominations Concert Live! (CBS, December 2), Robin Williams: Weapons of Self Destruction (HBO, December 6) and Alice, a 2-part mini-series airing on Syfy December 6th and 7th. holiday tv happenings The major networks are cramming their December schedules with as many holiday specials as they can. Three will air over on ABC with Lanny and Wayne the Christmas Elves in Prep & Landing (De- cember 1), Christmas at the White House: An Oprah Primetime Special (December 13) and Jennifer Hudson: I’ll Be Home for Christmas (December 14). CBS will get into the act on December 11th with Yes, Virginia, an animated version of the classic Christmas story. Over on Fox Carrie Underwood: An All-Star Holiday Special promises to bring Brad Paisley, Kristin Chenoweth and David Cook to the same stage to spread some Christmas cheer. Finally NBC presents two great specials: Christmas in Rockefeller Center 2009 (December 2) and Saturday Night Live: SNL Xmas 2009 (December 17). Both promise to be must-see TV. new on dvd DECEMBER 1 Terminator Salvation (Rated R) Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian (Rated PG) Into the Storm (Not Rated) DECEMBER 8 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Rated PG) Julie & Julia (Rated PG-13) DECEMBER 22 Public Enemies (Rated R) District 9 (Rated R) Lost: The Complete Fifth Season (Not Rated) It Might Get Loudd (Not Rated) (500) Days of Summer (Rated PG-13) DECEMBER 15 All About Steve (Rated PG-13) The Hangoverr (Rated R) Inglourious Basterds (Rated R) DECEMBER 29 G Force (Rated PG) A Perfect Getawayy (Rated R) Wizards of Waverly Place: The Movie (Rated G) Jennifer’s Bodyy (Rated R) Taking Woodstockk (Rated R) 9 (Rated PG-13) 32 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly netscapades people talk to by brenton crozier fun with other people’s photos edition storycorps Everyone has experienced the embarrassment Everybody has a story and there’s a of a bad picture. Whether it was due to an unfortunate unique opportunity to share yours and listen outfi t, haircut gone bad or simply a product of that to stories from others. StoryCorps is a proverbial awkward stage that we must all endure, deeply moving project that brings to light there are inevitably going to be those pictures that you the real stories of very real people. Young, would just rather see burned or at least stashed away old, rich or poor, some are quite eloquent to never see the light of day again. Some of you have storytellers while others’ dialogue is probably had to suffer as your parents reached for that movingly simplistic and heartfelt. special family photo album, your personal greatest StoryCorps, a national initiative hits of shame, to show that special someone that to document the stories of everyday Americans, is camping in Jacksonville to collect the stories of First Coast residents as part of its cross-country tour. StoryCorps is an independent nonprofi t you fi nally had the confi dence to bring home. It’s as project whose mission is to honor and celebrate one another’s lives through listening. if they take some sick delight in this malevolent act of By recording the stories of our lives with the people we care about, we experience our history, hopes indignity, as if you are suffering your comeuppance. and humanity. Since 2003, tens of thousands of everyday people have interviewed family and friends If it wasn’t bad enough already, the digital age through StoryCorps. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to take home and share, and is archived for has washed away the likelihood that those unfortunate generations to come at the Library of Congress. images may get misplaced or damaged beyond repair. In Jacksonville, StoryCorps is partnering with 89.9 WJCT-FM, Jacksonville’s NPR station, which will We’re living in a time when one act of indiscretion can air a selection of the local stories and create special programs around the project. Selected segments may be caught in the moment to be cruelly paraded online also air nationally on NPR’s Morning Edition. WJCT is proud to partner with the City of Jacksonville on the within seconds. Now your moment of shame will go StoryCorps project. down in sweet internet infamy, to the delight of friends, At the MobileBooth, interviews are conducted between two people who know and care about each other. A trained facilitator guides the participants through the interview process and handles the technical co-workers and forwarding networks everywhere. aspects of the recording. There are many lessons to be learned from the following types of websites. One, people are Anna Walters, who is StoryCorps mobile booth site supervisor while their recordings are being held merciless and will exploit your public transgression for entertainment. Two, you should probably in our area recounted some of her experiences while traveling the highways of America. “When we were never wear those sweatpants in public. And three, you should always have a camera at hand, as in Northern California, where there’s a large number of Hispanic migrant workers, one timid teen set out you never know when you’ll have the sweet, sweet chance to humiliate your fellow man. to interview his hard-working, and reluctant father. The kid was so nervous, you can hear him practicing the questions in a whisper before he asked each one. When his father gave a quick response, he would ask it again and again, until the hardness of his Dad faded into the warmth of a father.” Another story Anna www.peopleofwalmart.com recalled was in the Mid West when a pair of lifelong old friends reminisced about their childhood Sunday Oh Wal-Mart, we love your low prices and 24-hour accessibility, but mostly we love the school teacher, Mrs. Pease, who was a tyrant on Bible verses. Anna said everyone on the production team carnie-like freak show that’s staged on a day-to-day basis. This fantastic site has made a sole was laughing hysterically. focus of the creepiness that is a rendezvous through America’s most beloved big box store. At the end of a 40-minute session, the participants walk away with a CD of their interview. With their I’m not sure if these people have simply given up, been brought up to believe it’s acceptable permission, a second copy becomes part of an archive at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Con- to be seen in public like this or they were having one of those days where they hoped that they gress for future generations to hear. wouldn’t see anybody they knew. Their misfortune has translated into our voyeuristic delight. This carnival is always in town . . . enjoy! www.awkwardfamilyphotos.com Awkward Family Photos is “Spreading the awkwardness,” and bless them for it. This collection of all that is tacky is a cautionary tale of having that out-of-the-box idea for a picture. I’ve got to wonder if the people around them didn’t know better or thought, this is going to make one hell of a funny picture to post on the internet. Creep-tastic holiday photos, proms that the subjects would probably rather forget and just badly conceived family photos are all here for your complete entertainment. If you think you have a collection of bad pictures, I can almost guarantee you that you won’t think they are all that bad after you wade through these disasters. Oh my, it’s truly hard to look away. http://listoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/04/best-of-lotd- glamour-shots.html List of the Day warrants mention in its own right, but in staying focused on my theme, I would like to discuss their fantastic homage to bad glamour shots. Let’s be frank, Glamour Shots are an incredibly bad idea to begin with. People actually pay good money for these things? I can’t bring myself to believe that these photographers at any point in the shoot thought, “Wow, now this looks good.” I would sooner believe a majority of these photographers have a sadistic streak that they simply can’t suppress. While I don’t see any of the classic double image or picture inside a brandy snifter, these babies will do just fi ne. Someone should have loved these people enough to say, “Don’t do this.” PIZZA Traditional New York Style Pizza At Its Best! Find Why We’re Becoming #1! MANDARIN mention 11406 San Jose Blvd. for $001 off any pizza 288-9211 Mon.-Sat. 11:00-9:30 eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 33 ARMORED AVATAR DECEMBER 4 ARMORED A crew of officers at an armored transport security firm risk their lives when they embark on the ultimate heist against their own company. Armed with a seemingly fool-proof plan, the men plot to make off with a fortune with harm to none. But when an unexpected witness interferes, the plan quickly unravels and all bets are off. Starring: Andre Jamal Kinney, Matt Dillon, Columbus Short, Jean Reno and Skeet Ulrich. Rated PG-13 EVERYBODY’S FINE A widower embarks on an impromptu road trip to Leap into to a spectacular world beyond imagination, where a reluctant hero embarks reconnect with each of his grown children only to discover that their lives AVATAR on an epic adventure, ultimately fighting to save the alien world he has learned to call home. This are far from picture perfect. Starring: Robert De Niro, Drew Barrymore, Kate incredibly visual journey stars Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Sigourney Weaver, Lola Herrera, Beckinsale, Sam Rockwell and Lucian Maisel. Rated PG-13 Joel David Moore and is directed by James Cameron. Rated PG-13 BROTHERS Thirty-something Captain Sam Cahill and his younger brother Meryl and Paul Morgan’s almost-perfect lives have only Tommy Cahill are polar opposites. Shipped out to Afghanistan, Sam is DID YOU HEAR ABOUT THE MORGANS? one notable failure – their dissolving marriage. But the turmoil of their romantic lives is nothing presumed dead when his Black Hawk helicopter is shot down in the mountains. compared to what they are about to experience: they witness a murder and become targets At home in suburbia, the Cahill family suddenly faces a shocking void, and of a contract killer. The Feds, protecting their witnesses, whisk away the Morgans from their Tommy tries to fill in for his brother by assuming newfound responsibility for beloved New York to a tiny town in Wyoming, and a relationship that was on the rocks threatens himself, Grace and the children. Starring: Tobey Maguire, Jake Gyllenhaal, to end completely in the Rockies. Starring: Hugh Grant, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sam Elliott, Mary Natalie Portman, Sam Shepard and Mare Winningham. Rated R december movies Steenburgen, Elisabeth Moss, Michael Kelly and Wilford Brimley. DECEMBER 25 ALVIN & THE CHIPMUNKS 2: THE SQUEEKQUEL Pop sensations Alvin, Simon and Theodore EU’s end up in the care of Dave Seville’s twenty-something nephew Toby. The boys must put aside music superstardom to return to school, and are tasked with saving the school’s music program Official by winning the $25,000 prize in a battle of the bands. But the Chipmunks unexpectedly meet their match in three singing chipmunks known as the Chipettes -– Brittany, Eleanor and Jeanette. Movie Starring: Justin Long, Anna Farris, Jason Lee, Zachary Levi and Amy Poehler. Rated PG Partner IT’S COMPLICATED Divorced for 10 years, Jane and Jake find themselves out of town for their son’s college graduation and things start to get complicated. An innocent meal together turns into the unimaginable- an affair. Jane is now, of all things, the other woman. Caught in the middle JACKSONVILLE’S HOME TOWN of their renewed romance is Adam, an architect hired to remodel Jane’s kitchen who starts to GLASS COMPANY SINCE 1926 INVICTUS fall for the divorcee, but soon realizes he’s become part of a love triangle. Should Jane and Jake Downtown move on with their lives, or is love truly lovelier the second time around? Starring: Meryl Streep, DECEMBER 11 Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin. Rated R 800 Houston Street INVICTUS The true story of how Nelson 354-4646 Mandela joined forces with the captain of More action-packed than any other version of Sherlock Holmes, Guy Northside South Africa’s rugby team, Francois Pienaar, SHERLOCK HOLMES Richie’s reimaging has that famous detective from across the pond and his faithful sidekick 9029 Lem Turner Road to help unite their country. Newly elected Watson saving the world from a supernatural doomsday. Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Jude Law, 765-1616 President Mandela knows his nation remains Rachel McAdams, Mark Strong and Kelly Reilly. Rated PG-13 Regency racially and economically divided in the wake 410 Mill Creek Road of apartheid. Believing he can bring his people Ryan Bingham is a corporate downsizing expert whose cherished life on the road 724-8677 together through the universal language of UP IN THE AIR is threatened just as he is on the cusp of reaching ten million frequent flyer miles and just after Beaches sport, Mandela rallies South Africa’s underdog he’s met the frequent-traveler woman of his dreams. Starring: George Clooney, Vera Farmiga, 130 N. Third Street rugby team as they make an unlikely run to Anna Kendrick, Jason Bateman and Danny McBride Rated R 241-2800 the 1995 World Cup Championship match. Mandarin Starring: Morgan Freeman, Matt Damon and 11357 San Jose Boulevard Bonnie Henna. Directed by Clint Eastwood. online edition 260-1233 Rated PG St. Augustine don’t forget, you can fi nd all the goods online. check eujacksonville.com 802 Anastasia Blvd. PRINCESS & THE FROG A female twist on for regularly posted reviews & web-exclusive stories. here are some the 824-0809 the traditional Frog Prince tale that takes place fi lm reviews you can expect to see online this month: www.leeandcatesglass.com in New Orleans’ French Quarter. Featuring • Invictus • Did You Hear About The Morgans VISIT ANYONE OF OUR voices of: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Jenifer Lewis, Ritchie Montgomery and Bruno • Princess & The Frog • Up In The Air LOCATIONS... Campos. Rated G OR WE’LL COME TO YOU! • Avatar • Sherlock Holmes 34 DECEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly special movie showings Dec 12 Monthly meeting of the Leave ‘em Laughing Tent Meetings are now on Saturday afternoons. Laurel & Hardy movies to be screened: the silent short Big Business (1929), the sound shorts Below Zero (1930), Laughing Gravy (1931), and The Fixer-Upper (1935). Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach Blvd. (between Kernan and Hodges Blvds.), 4 to 5:30 pm. Info: Steve Bailey, 246-0312 leaveemlaughing.moviefever.com Laurel & Hardy deliver Christmas trees in Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Series Enjoy their silent short “Big Business” (1929). free showings of Boomers’ favorite fi lms each month at 5:45 p.m. in the Main Library’s Hicks achievements in fi lm production at Flagler Auditorium. BELL, BOOK, AND CANDLE will College. Rough Cuts will feature a variety of be shown on December 10. It’s Christmas Eve the best short fi lms produced by Flagler’s in New York, and a lovely but lonely young communication department. Multiple genres will witch decides to create some companionship be showcased, including localized productions by putting a spell on her successful, attractive highlighting specifi c aspects of St. Augustine neighbor. She discovers, to her surprise, that life. Minimal cover charge will qualify entrants the gentleman has potent charms of his own. for raffl e prizes. Doors will open at 6 pm Richard Quine directed James Stewart, Kim and fi lms will roll at 7 pm. St. Augustine Art Novak, and Jack Lemmon, 1958. http://jpl.coj. Association Main Gallery, 22 Marine St, St net/progs/main/notjustforboomers.html, 630- Augustine, 824-2310 or 377-3198. 1741. Beating The Odds: Overcoming Economic 5 Points Theatre Adversity The Cyprian Center for the Expressive Dec 4 - TRAINSPOTTING (R) Midnight, Price: Arts is presenting a unique fi lm series of movies $5.00. Dec 5 - SEC CHAMPIONSHIP GAME that refl ect the treatment of poverty in literature at 4 pm, FREE. The top-ranked teams Florida as seen through the lens of classic fi lm and how Gators and Alabama Crimson Tide will meet people responded to economic hardship. The again this year to fi nd who is the best team in series, emphasizes children affected by poverty, the best conference in the country. Come watch featuring many legends of fi lm. On December the season’s most anticipated battle on the Big 8 - GRAPES OF WRATH (Henry Fonda) and on Screen in Surround Sound. Beer specials! Guy December 15 - TALES OF MANHATTAN (Charles the BBQ guy is back! FREE admission for all. Boyer, Rita Hayworth, Ginger Rogers, Edward G. Robinson, Ethel Waters, W.C. Fields, Paul Dec 5 ROUGH CUTS Classic Blend and The Robeson). Cyprian Center for the Expressive St. Augustine Art Association are launching Arts, #130 Martin Luther King Ave, St. a new event to showcase student and faculty Augustine, 806-4508 INNVITES YOU AND A GUEST TO A SPECIAL PREMIERE STOP BY AND REGISTER TO WIN YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASS Limited Supply Jacobs Holiday Special: 25% off all in-stock Replica jerseys Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm, Sundays 1-5pm Jewelers 1518 N. Third Street · Jacksonville Beach Jacksonville's Finest Name in Jewelry Since 1890 (904) 246-2300 www.soccerstopjax.net 204 Laura Street • 356-1655 email: [email protected] IN THEATRES DECEMBER 11 eujacksonville.com | DECEMBER 2009 35 Stephen Foster Memorial Park