sign in sign up
<<
Home , Aaron Douglas (actor), EU Jacksonville, Juvies, Music and Lyrics, Norbit, Ready to Rumble

JACKSONVILLE ning! ope

love your river city

entertaining u newspaper change your free weekly guide to entertainment and more | february 8-15, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com life in 2007 2 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents COVER ART: courtesy of Jimmy Pines feature Why I Love Jacksonville...... PAGES 16-21 Simone’s Belly Dancing...... PAGE 18 Valentine’s Books...... PAGE 19 movies Music & Lyrics (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies In Theatres This Week...... PAGES 6-10 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted...... PAGE 7 (movie review)...... PAGE 8 From Sundance To Jacksonville Film Festival...... PAGE 9 The Messengers (movie review)...... PAGE 10 at home Half Nelson (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 Dogfight (TV Review)...... PAGE 13 Reality Check - John Shepard (interview)...... PAGE 14 Video Games...... PAGE 15 food Romantic Dining...... PAGES 20-21 music Beam (Twisted Sisters)...... PAGE 22 Music Calendar...... PAGES 22-26 Grills & Guitars (Harpoon Louie’s)...... PAGE 23 Punk-A-Doodle-Doo ...... PAGE 24 Busdriver ( review)...... PAGE 25 Old Crow Medicine Show (interview)...... PAGE 25 Rhonda Vincent (Palatka Bluegrass Festival))...... PAGE 26 arts / theatre / on stage Walter Evans exhibit (Cummer))...... PAGE 27 Happily Red (Theatre Jacksonville)...... PAGE 28 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 27-28 Orlando/UCF Play Festival...... PAGE 29 columns and stuff The Jock...... PAGE 29 NASCAR news & notes...... PAGE 30

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 3 JOE BONAMASSA! thisweek Friday at The Florida Theatre february 8 - 11 february 8 thursday Flyin’ West Flyin’ West is the story of Percussion, Performance Art and the Power of a small group of African- Beethoven American women whose Benefit Concert for paralyzed accident victim Melissa Humber, life lives changed when partner of Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra Principal Percussionist opportunities opened up Charlotte Mabrey. Tickets: $35 adult, $15 child. for people willing to settle Times-Union Center – 7:30 pm. Info: 354-5547 in the harsh and untested West in the late 1890s. These women Sub City Take Action Tour Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have left the - Red Jumpsuit Apparatus oppressive The guys from Jacksonville who make South in hopes up Red Jumpsuit Apparatus just keep of enjoying the popping up all over MTV. From their freedom that certified Gold Album Don’t You Make they have so long been denied. Themes of racism, It comes their most recent video ‘False domestic violence, inter-marriage between races, Pretense’ which is a who-dunnit that pride, freedom and the strength of the family unit saturday february 10 traces the murder of frontman Ronnie are examined. Tickets $15.00. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Winter and all the players are suspects. Museum – Call for times and info: 904-632-5555 or Sweet Honey in the Rock Maybe you can find some clues when [email protected] Spend a morning with the Grammy Award-winning African they play at Plush. Info: 743-1845 American female a cappella ensemble with deep musical roots in the sacred music of the black church - spirituals, hymns, gospel American Invention - as well as jazz and . Tickets: $75 (VIP), $50, $25 The music department will present the First february 9 Florida Theatre - 10 AM Coast Wind Ensemble in a concert titled “American Invention.” friday Info: 355.2787 The program will include works written by prominent American composers for wind band. The concert is free and open to the Omayra Amaya & Omayra Amaya The 9th Annual Night of China public. Terry Concert Hall on the JU campus at 8 pm. Company Celebrates Chinese New Year While embracing the roots of Night of China is an exciting opportunity to share In the Mood flamenco through passionate in the vast richness of the Chinese culture, as we In The Mood presents a retro 1940s musical revue featuring the and fiery footwork, Omayra adds a promote peace through people and strive to establish sensational String of Pearls Big Band Orchestra, boogie-woogies bold sophistication to the beautiful Jacksonville as an active participant in the global singers and swing dancers. The music and the arrangements are tapestry of flamenco. By blending community. From 2– 5 pm you can check out the as authentic as it gets. Tickets: $18.50 to $38.50. Times-Union the intricate rhythms of jazz with China Expo and learn about the culture, history, and Center, Moran Theater- 7:30 p.m. 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org. traditional flamenco song she brings businesses of China and at 5 pm celebrate the Chinese her artistry and the excitement of this New Year with a Performance provided by professional feisty dance to an inspiring new level. and local JCPA performers. Cat On A Hot Tin Roof Omayra is the grandniece of arguably Verbal pyrotechnics, savage humor, and sexual friction...this Pulitzer Lazzara Performance Hall, UNF, Free Admission. the greatest Flamenco dancer who Prize-winning drama is Williams’ explosive portrait of a Mississippi ever lived, Carmen Amaya. Tickets: family. In Big Daddy’s house, nothing is as it seems. Secrets $24-$32. Lazzara stage, UNF Fine Sisters in Spirit struggle to surface. Strong characters epitomize strong desires. The Arts Center - 7:30 PM Shirley Caesar, Dorinda Clark-Cole, Kelly Price, Dr. show runs through March 4 at the Limelight Theatre, Joukowsky Info: 620-2878 Omayra Amaya & Yvonne Capehart, and Nicole C. Mullen will perform Family Foundation Center for the Performing Arts, 11 Old Mission Company will hold a free workshop their best known gospel music and original pieces Ave., St. Augustine. Call 904-825-1164 or visit limelight-theatre.org on February 8 at 4:00 pm. Call praising as sisters in spirit. Times Union Center for for times and tickets. 620.1898 to reserve your seat. Performing Arts - 7pm Info: 354.5547 february 8 - 10 Joe Bonamassa Happily Red: A World of Pure rd Joe Bonamassa is well known for 3 Annual Palatka Bluegrass Festival his raw, gritty voice and technically Imagination The Grascals, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver, and Rhonda Vincent & accomplished playing in the same blues-rock style as Stevie Ray The 5th Annual Cabaret Concert to Benefit Theatre Jacksonville with The Rage are just a few of the Bluegrass favorites you will hear at Vaughan, Kenny Wayne Shepherd and Jonny Lang. Bonamassa Special Guest appearance by Amanda McBroom renowned Cabaret the three day event being held at the Rodeheaver Boy’s Ranch (10 has been collecting guitars since the age of 13 and currently performer and songwriter of “The Rose.” Theatre Jacksonville’s miles S. from Palatka on State Road 19). Rain or shine, covered has around 150 in this collection but tends to only use one Harold K. Smith Playhouse, Opening Reception at 6:30 pm, Curtain pavilion, tickets $25 Thur. & Fri., $30 Sat., and $70 for a three day guitar at live gigs, currently relying on either a 2004 Gigliotti ‘JB’ at 8:00 pm and a post-show celebration at Layla’s of . pass, $12 for Children 6-13 or $30 for three days. Info: (706) 864- Telecaster or a 1965 Fender Stratocaster. Info: 396-4425. Amanda McBroom will conduct a Musical Theatre 7203 or aandabluegrass.com. Tickets: $40, $27.50 Florida Theatre - 8 PM Info: 355-2787 Master Class on Sunday, Feb. 11 - 1:30–3:30pm. Read story on Read interview with Rhonda Vincent on page 26. page 28.

4 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Darnell Levine Young Jazz-Soul Artist Darnell Levine at Soul Release Live Jazz-soul singer/songwriter Darnell Levine will make his Jacksonville debut as he brings his vocal stylings to Nokturnal Escape’s Soul Release Live. Boomtown Subterreana - 8pm monday february 12

Epitaph Tour: The Matches, I Am the Ghost, Escape the Fate, Oakland, California band, “The Matches” originally known as “The Locals,” gained notoriety for “commo- promo,” in which they would bring their acoustic guitars and play outside of various Bay Area venues as concerts for larger acts were letting out. The Matches quickly made a name for themselves in the pop-punk scenes with a change to a more experimental sound with their second LP, ‘Decomposer’. They will be playing along with other members of the Epitaph family at Jack Rabbits – 8 pm Info: 398-7496

Civil War Stories, Part I The Tale Tellers of St. Augustine will be telling stories of the Civil War. You can hear them again on March 17 both at the St. Augustine Lighthouse and Museum. tuesday february 13 Whirling Dervishes The Whirling Dervishes from Konya, Turkey, will perform traditional Mevlevi Order Sufi ritual. The program filled with music and dance, is designed to induce a meditative state on the love of God. The captivating dance of the whirling dervishes, which displays infinite spinning in perfect harmony, is part of Turkish custom, history, beliefs and culture. Tickets: $15-$30. UNF Fine Arts Center – 7 pm Info: 620- 2878

JACK RABBITS 8 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION! Jack Rabbits celebrates it’s 8 Year Anniversary with Scott H. Biram (The Dirty Old One Man Band) It’s been said that rock and roll came from the blues on the right hand and country on the left; Scott H. Biram is the middle finger on both. Also performing Black Diamond Heavies and Christina Wagner. Jack Rabbits – 8 pm Info: 398-7496

UniverSoul Circus It’s the UniverSoul Circus, back for an all new and amazingly MAGICAL 14th season! Bring the whole family to experience the spectacle only the sensation of SOUL under the Big Top can bring. Mesmerizing sounds and breathtaking sights are just part of the fun. Runs through the 19th. Tickets: $16.00 - $25.00 NORWOOD SHOPPING CENTER, 5290 Norwood Avenue Call (800) 316-7439 or online at www.ticketmaster.com for tickets. wednesday february 7 Dark Star Orchestra If your sweetheart is a Deadhead then you are in luck (and maybe you’ll get lucky) because it’s been said that Grateful Dead Lives on Through Dark Star Orchestra.DSO has their sound so perfect that five original members of the Grateful Dead have played with them including Dead co-founder Bob Weir, who joined them on stage at their last shows in . Using entire shows from the Grateful Dead’s 30 years of extensive touring as a launching pad, Dark Star Orchestra recreates the original song for song performance set list for an entirely new generation of Deadheads. (All Ages) Freebird Live - 9:30 pm Info: 246-2473

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 5 well and hasn’t written an original song in years. As opening this week he struggles to complete this seemingly impossible task, a chance encounter puts him in the path of HANNIBAL RISING So what was Hannibal Lecter like Sophie Fisher (), a quirky aspiring as a kid through his teens? The young genius learned writer who has lost her confidence thanks to a nasty many scientific fields such as medicine and chemistry. breakup. With no one else to turn to, Alex begs for He also was a talented artist and musician as well as a Sophie’s help, which she reluctantly gives. The two forensic expert. Rated R discover that they make beautiful music together, if you know what I mean. And I think you do. The film NORBIT plays multiple roles as Norbit, also stars Brad Garrett, Kristen Johnston and Camp- Rasputia, and Mr. Wong in this nutty comedy. A mild bell Scott. mannered guy (Murphy) is engaged to a large figured was written, directed and woman (Murphy). In his dreams, he meets his ideal produced by Marc Lawrence, the man who gave woman (Thandie Newton) and schemes to find a way us films like Forces of Nature (writer), Two Weeks to be with her, not his bulbous fiancée. But she has Notice (writer/director) and the Miss Congeniality other ideas. Rated PG-13 movies (writer/producer). While he failed to use old SWEET LAND When Lars Torvik’s grandmother Inge stand-by Sandra Bullock this time around, he does dies in 2004, he is faced with a decision--sell the manage to give us a surprisingly similar picture. The family farm on which she lived since 1920, or cling to romantic comedy formula is still hard at work here the legacy of the land. Seeking advice, he turns to the and, if previous trips to the box office are any indica- memory of Inge and the stories that she had passed tion, it’ll pay off for him. on to him. Starring Alan Cumming, Ned Beatty, Lois Music and Lyrics is, as I’m sure you have Smith, Tim Guinee, Elizabeth Reaser. Rated PG guessed, a chick flick in every sense of the term. It’s cute and mildly amusing, but the story itself is noth- THE LAST SIN EATER In 1850’s Appalachia, 10- ing to write home about. The story is pretty cliché year-old Cadi Forbes is wracked with guilt over the and most of what is supposed to be funny is a bit death of her sister. She feels responsible for the loss too dry for the tastes of the average movie-goer. The and sets out to find the only man, known as The Sin a valentine’s chick flick acting is passable, with Grant and Barrymore falling Eater, who can take away her guilt. But while seeking into their usual characters. Because of all of this, the redemption, Cadi learns a devastating secret that has film moves a bit more slowly than I would have liked. the potential to tear apart her family and community. Music & Lyrics movie review Many of the bright spots in the film come from Starring: Henry Thomas, Liana Liberato, Peter the songs themselves. All of the actors who dared Wingfield, Elizabeth Lackey. Rated PG-13 by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] to sing did a good job and the songs themselves are catchy and pretty decent. You will find yourself now playing Grade: C Rated PG-13 96 min. group broke up, Alex’s fame took a nosedive and humming on your way out of the theater. I know I today he’s considered a has-been. Stuck working did. In the title sequence, the audience is treated to ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES A ten year old boy, With Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s a given the nostalgia circuit at county fairs and high school a delightfully cheesy for PoP’s 80’s hit Arthur sets out to save his grandfather’s house from that more “chick flicks” will be making their way to reunions, Fletcher is certain his days in the limelight “Pop Goes My Heart” which is quite amusing. There being demolished. In his efforts for his grandfather, he the box office. Music and Lyrics certainly applies. are over. That is until reigning pop diva Cora Cor- are also some entertaining moments that poke fun at goes looking for the fabled hidden treasure in the land This somewhat funny feel-good flick should please man (Haley Bennett) commissions him to write and pop stars who sing about holding spiritual beliefs but of the Minimoys–a tiny people living in harmony with the ladies; though not all of them; and bore the fellas record a duet with her. Cora’s request comes with tart themselves up to appeal to male listeners and nature. Rated PG to tears; though, surprisingly, not the whole time. some strings attached: he must write the music and secure record sales. If you do intend to drag your The 80’s were a terrific time for Alex Fletcher lyrics to a song that will be titled “Way Back into man to see this film, I imagine these are the only BABEL Tragedy strikes a couple (Cate Blanchett and (). He was a pop superstar in one of Love” and he must do so in a matter of days. The scenes he will be paying attention to as beautiful Brad Pitt) on vacation, interweaving four stories from the biggest bands of the decade, PoP. When the problem is Alex has never been able to write lyrics newcomer Haley Bennett tends to wear less and less across the globe. Rated R each time she appears. Other than that, most guys I know will be catching some z’s during the bulk of the BECAUSE I SAID SO Diane Keaton stars as Daphne picture. Wilder, and overbearing mother who pampers her Like last week’s release Because I Said So, three grown up daughters Maggie (Lauren Graham) a Music and Lyrics is perfectly suited for a girl’s night psychologist, sexy and rebellious Mae (Piper Perabo), out and not much more. While this is certainly not and insecure but adorable Milly (Mandy Moore). Keaton’s Daphne tries to spare Milly her mistakes with a thinking woman’s picture, the commentary on men, but Milly is on the wrong path. Rated PG-13 today’s overly-sexualized pop stars may spark a conversation or two and will most likely have you BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE A young teenage werewolf paying more attention to your pre-teen’s musical is torn between honoring her family’s secret and her idol. The film is also a nice throwback to the 80’s, love for a man. Co-starring Agnes Bruckner and Hugh which was, in hindsight, a much more innocent time Dancy as Vivian and Aiden,. Rated PG-13 if you take what this movie says as gospel. Music and Lyrics is cute but is probably better suited as a BLOOD DIAMOND A large priceless diamond home video rental. becomes the center of a struggle between a farmer, a smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen trying to lay their hands on it. Leonardo DiCaprio co-stars with Daimon Hounsou and Jennifer Connelly in this action adventure story. Rated R

CATCH & RELEASE Jennifer Garner stars as Gray Wheeler, a woman who struggles to accept the death of her husband and the secrets he kept from her as she rebuilds her life. Rated PG-13

CHARLOTTE’S WEB Wilber the pig dreads the end of the season because he knows that pigs go to heaven and end up on the dinner table. So he hatches a plan with a spider that lives in his pen to prevent his demise from happening. Starring Dakota Fanning as Fern and Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte. Rated G

continued pg 8

6 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

Visions of Megabucks Faith Hill and Tim McCraw announced plans to resume their joint 2006 mega tour— which, at $89 million, was one of the highest-grossing of the year—this summer, launching the Soul2Soul 2007 tour in June. Dates and cities have yet to be announced. Grammys’ Duets Mania Shakira and Wyclef Jean are teaming up to perform together at the Grammys this Sunday, as are Chris Brown, and Smokey Robinson who have also been tapped to present during the CBS-aired ceremony. And the award for the most hip artist goes to...? Whedon rejects Wonder Woman: Josh Whedon pulled out of directing the upcoming big screen Wonder Woman remake, telling the fan site Whedonesque.com Friday that the ever-popular creative differences precluded him from mov- ing forward on the Warner Bros. project, adding he “had a take on the film that nobody liked.” Yeah, he wanted more cleavage than can be practically achieved with Wonder Woman’s physical role. Talk about wardrobe malfunction! Fabulous! T.R Knight and Cynthia Nixon are set to co-host the 52nd Annual Village Voice Obie Awards May 21, honoring the best in Off-Broadway. No chance of Knight being the victim of racial slurs. The only “F” word uttered would be “fabulous.” The Legal Specter of Phil Phil Spector settled a 2005 embezzlement suit with a former personal assistant, whom he claimed had removed hundreds of thousands of dollars from his bank account and failed to pay back a loan. The P.A. has agreed to drop her counter-claim of sexual harassment and pay the music producer $900,000. If only that was the extent of Phil’s problems, like an upcoming trial for murder one. Kiefer Takes Film Role to Save the World Kiefer Sutherland has signed on to star in Mirrors, a supernatural thriller in which he fights the origin of evil, during his 24 hiatus this summer, per Variety. Nothing like taking a break from saving the world to, you know, save the world.

TrimSpa and Anna Nicole Smith Sued Anna Nicole Smith and TrimSpa are in a class action lawsuit alleging the diet pill purveyor falsely claimed that their product would result in “rapid and substantial weight loss.” Ratings Winner The Sarah SIlverman Program averaged 1.8 million view- ers for its premiere last Thursday, making it the most- watched Comedy Central debut since 2002’s Drawn Together. Can she keep her potty mouth under control? Power Play Wal-Mart and Hewlett-Packard teaming with Disney, Warner Bros, Paramount, Sony, 20th Century Fox, Uni- versal and every other movie studio you can think of, to sell digital movies and TV shows on the store’s Website, per the New York Times, making them the first retailer to do so. and Blockbuster are shaking in their boots. Oops He Just Fell! Former Oz actor Granville Adams was arrested in New York Saturday and charged with criminally negligent homicide after getting into a scuffle with a 35-year-old man who, mid-skirmish, fell down an elevator shaft to his death. Domestic Disturbance Actor Ryan O’Neal was arrested at his Malibu home early Saturday on charges of assault with a deadly weapon and negligent discharge of a firearm after a dispute with his 42-year-old son, Griffin. No word on the cause of the dispute, though the elder O’Neal’s manager told the Insider that he was simply defending himself after Griffin started “wildly swinging a fireplace poker.” One Step Closer to Oscar Martin Scorsese picked up the top nod at the Directors Guild of America Awards Saturday for his stel- lar work on The Departed, bringing him one step closer to the career-eluding Best Director Oscar later this month. If only he’d catered to Hollywood’s love of epic crime dramas earlier in his career, the prize could already have been his.

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 7 at a majority of his shtick. However, there are many CHILDREN OF MEN In this riveting film Clive Owen dead zones when the comedic air escapes from the stars as a disillusioned activist, Theodore Faron. scenario like a tire going flat–whoosh! The story is set in 2027 in Great Britain–a violent Norbit’s dream girl is his orphanage pal, Kate time when, for some inexplicable reason, it has been nineteen years since any women on earth could give (Thandie Newton). She is the ideal racially mixed birth. Rated R beauty. After suffering the horrors of Rasputia, Kate comes back to town to get married to her fiance CONSTELLATION Returning to the Deep South to a (Cuba Gooding, Jr.). She then reestablishes her town that once held back their opportunities but now friendship with Norbit, who deep down, loves her. glistens as a modern, sexy city, the Boxer family and Again, the scenario insinuates that in the African- its extended members discover in the memory of a American community, the standard of beauty is light loved one what binds them together. Starring: Billy brown skin and caucasian features, as opposed to Dee Williams, Gabrielle Union, Melissa DeSousa, Hill the overweight, trashy black woman. Could Murphy Harper, Zoe Saldana. Rated PG-13. be making a not-so-subtle statement about the black culture? You bet he is, and if the shoe fits, it’s not DREAMGIRLS This fabulous film adaptation of the funny. Obesity is a serious problem and woman Broadway musical is based on Tom Eyen’s book–a suffering from it have a hard time coping with their thinly veiled biography of the rise of the Supremes self-image, society’s prejudices, and the fat jokes. as the first black/white crossover singing group in For them, Rasputia is a cruel caricature. the 1960s. Jennifer Hudson steals he movie as the Still, Murphy is a funny guy with his stable of Dreams original lead singer Effie White who is dumped nutty characters. Norbit is the quintessential black in favor of Deena (Beyonce’ Knowles) who represents geek but he’s actually sweet and innocent. When he Diana Ross. Jennifer Hudson won a Golden Globe for was still a kid, after Kate left the orphanage run by Best Supporting Actress and Eddie Murphy won a Mr. Wong, he needed a friend, and Rasputia came to Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Rated PG-13 his side. So he felt an obligation to her to marry her. But, when she has an affair with her dance instruc- EPIC MOVIE In the spirit of “Scary Movie” and tor, Norbit is crushed and that is about the same time “Date Movie, a parody that spoofs recent mega- that Kate comes back to town. blockbusters. The comedy centers itself around four orphans who visit a chocolate factory and are Clearly, Thandie Newton is a remarkably beauti- transported to the wonderful land of Gnarnia, after ful woman. As Kate, she is sweet and naive. It turns stumbling upon an enchanted wardrobe. There they out that her fiancé is a con man who has left a path battle pirates, encounter earnest wizards and attempt of deceit and broken dreams in his wake. When Nor- to defeat Gnarnia’s dastardly White Bitch. Rated PG-13 bit finds this out, he is compelled to intervene in her marriage. But there are many obstacles to his expos- ERAGON A farm boy in his homeland of Alagasia ing this cad. finds a dragon egg that leads him on a predestined The problem with the screenplay is the mo- journey. Eventually, he finds out he is the one person ments of drama are not cleverly woven into the who can defend his homeland against an evil king by 3 x eddie, 3 x fun comedic situations, allowing the laughs to wane learning to ride a fire breathing dragon. This fantasy in dead air. Murphy and screenwriter Jay Scherick redefines “air power,” as the dragon is used as a should have stuck to the comedy setups and avoided tactical weapon. Rated PG-13 the heavy drama. It’s too much of a contrast and Norbit movie review loses the momentum, which is then difficult to rees- FREEDOM WRITERS Hilary Swank stars as a new tablish. teacher in a tough urban school that has all but given by Rick grant [email protected] This idea of a comedic actor in a fat suit has up on these ghetto kids. Swank’s character finds new been overdone with Martin Lawrence and Tyler Perry and innovative ways to motivate her students. This C+ Rated PG 13 100 min. a touch of his classic humor. For this film, Murphy making films using this concept. The special makeup scenario is based on a true story of a remarkable conceived the story and plays three characters. by has come a long way, and looks teacher. Rated PG-13 For many years, Eddie Murphy has appeared For the most part, he’s funny in all three roles, but shockingly real, especially when Rasputia appears at the humor exploits black stereotypes that have a water park in a bikini. Mr. Wong is also hilarious. HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER This animated feature stars in a string of mediocre movies, hitting his mark, and been done to death–the nerdy black guy; the obese It’s Murphy’s send up of the typical Asian guy. The a wizard who is in charge of Fairy Tale World. When getting paid. Murphy’s Dreamgirls role showcased woman, and the Asian dufus as Mr. Wong. orphanage doubled as a Chinese restaurant, which he goes on holiday, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother his acting talent, portraying a complex character with Also appearing in the film are other character was funny. Mr. Wong is an outrageous character– takes over the land and all hell breaks loose. From the creators of . Rated PG cliches, such as the pimps right out of the Blax- one of Murphy’s funniest characterizations. Again, spliotation films like Shaft. His obese and obnoxious the make up and prosthetics are extraordinarily real- HAPPY FEET In the close-knit world of Emperor Rasputia not only slams overweight women, but istic. It’s hard to tell it’s Murphy inside that get-up. Penguins, they find their mates through singing. A cruelly reinforces the existing prejudice. Yes, on the Overall, the film has laughs, just not enough penguin is born who can’t sing a note. So, the misfit surface, it’s funny, but it gets old quickly with the of them. But the use of these tired stereotypes re- Mumbles takes up tap dancing, and soon is banished lame fat jokes and flatulence references. It borders duces the humor to a pathetic attempt to make fun for their community. He meets a posse of outcasts and on black-on-black racism. of someone’s disability. Being a hundred pounds or soon the whole penguin nation is dancing to the oldies. Nonetheless, Murphy knows that ordinary more overweight is not funny. It’s tragic. However, Golden Globe winner for Best Original Song: The Song black people love to make fun of themselves and find in the black culture there seems to be a tolerance of of the Heart. Rated PG these characters funny. So Murphy, as Norbit, goes this type of biting satire. As long as Murphy’s com- for the jugular. But is the movie funny? Yes, it has mercial films make money, he is content to make LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA Clint Eastwood shot its moments. Frankly, I’m a Murphy fan and laughed these lackluster movies. Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima back to back on location on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. In Letters, Eastwood’s scenario involves the brutal battle for Iwo Jima, told from the Japanese perspective. This movie won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. Rated R

LITTLE CHILDREN In a suburban town full of perfect parents devoted to rearing their children for Harvard futures, a stay-at-home mom has an affair with an ex- jock stay-at-home dad who rebels against his wife’s wishes that he become a big-bucks lawyer. Starring Kate Winslet, Jennifer Connelly, Patrick Wilson, Jackie Earle Haley, Gregg Edelman. Rated R (continuedcontinued on pg 9) 9

8 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM A hapless security guard, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidently invokes an ancient curse that causes the animals and insects on display to come to life. Rated PG

NOTES ON A SCANDAL A teacher, Sheba (Cate Blanchett) in a British high school becomes sexually involved with one of her students. Judi Dench plays another teacher who knows about the torrid affair and uses it to force her friendship on Sheba. T Rated R

PAN’S LABYRINTH This is the story of a young girl who travels with her pregnant mother to live with her mother’s new husband in a rural area in the North of Spain in 1944. It was a time after Franco’s victory. The girl lives in an imaginary world of her own creation and faces the real world with trepidation. Eventually, the girl must come to terms with her life through a fable of her own. Rated R

PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Will Smith stars in this as the sundance sets true story of a precocious child and his father, who through circumstances beyond his control, drfits into a downward spiral and ends up homeless but working in a Dean Witter internship. Later he becomes a top Wall Street broker. Smith’s real life son Jaden Smith plays slowly in the west his son in this engrossing docudrama. Rated PG-13

ROCKY BALBOA Sylvester Stallone returns to the ring to write, direct and star as the Italian Stallion in the Jean Tait looks ahead to Jacksonville Film Festival sixth installment of the “Rocky” series. Rated PG. by jon bosworth [email protected] SMOKIN’ ACES A Las Vegas snitch named Buddy “[The Jacksonville Film Festival] has grown the right people to be Israel (Jeremy Piven) bravely decides to turn States substantially. It’s grown by 25% each year in terms talking about it. The evidence against the mob by testifying. The mob and of attendance, and it’s getting better every year.” hope being that you other criminals take out contracts on Buddy’s life Jean Tait is the director of programming for the would find someone to prevent his testimony. Then the twists and turns annual film festival, now in its fifth year, so she is in that loved the film and happen and Buddy is hotter than a showgirl’s thong on charge of picking the films that show. She recently would pick up the cost a Friday night. Rated R returned from the illustrious Sundance Film Festival. of distributing and mar- keting it. STOMP THE YARD A troubled 19 year old step “Giving their film dancer loses his younger brother in Los Angeles. His grief turns him to minor crime. But in court, he is out is part of their ad- able to bypass jail by enrolling in Truth University,an vertising cost. You pay all-black college in Atlanta where his dance talents to bring in the filmmaker, films they find from a variety of sources, including are sought after by two campus fraternities to win the but you don’t pay a rental fee unless it’s an interna- reading Variety, Film Threat, and Indie Wire, going national step show competition. Rated PG-13 tional picture, usually. Films have a whole festival to festivals, talking with other festival programmers, strategy to build up word of mouth. They don’t ad- and they accept submissions directly from filmmak- THE DEPARTED Since Martin Scorsese won a vertise in the paper or on TV.” ers. Many of the films they showcase are made right Golden Globe for best director, the film company is Obviously Sundance is one of the most pres- here in Jacksonville. Tait found out for herself just re-releasing the film hoping to get more viewers to tigious festivals in the , so when a how small the world is when she was at Sundance. see it. However, it did fairly well at the box office on filmmaker’s movie shows there it is well on its way “I was on one of the shuttles, which is where the first run. The complex story involves two men to financial success. So does Jean Tait go Sundance you have the best conversations at the festival, and from opposite sides of the law who are undercover to shop for movies to appear in the Jacksonville Film this lovely woman asked if I was Jean Tait. It was so operatives–one mole is inside the Massachusetts State Festival? bizarre to be recognized at an event like that by some Police and the other mole works for the police inside “Sundance is hard to compare. They get the stranger. She was a student that volunteered at the the mob. The two moles are found out and eventually top-of-the-line films. Everyone wants to get into Sun- Jacksonville Film Festival a couple years back. She the scenario erupts into violence and murder. Rated R Started in 1978, Sundance was a panel for dance. It’s one of those fests. Filmmakers don’t even was traveling around just volunteering at film festi- filmmakers that included a selection of films that talk to us until after Sundance.” vals. She went on and on about what a great time THE GOOD SHEPHERD Matt Damon stars as Edward were made outside of Hollywood. When Utah resi- Tait wouldn’t disclose fully what films we might she had at our fest, and now she’s at Sundance.” Wilson, one of the creators of the CIA back in 1945. dent Robert Redford became the chairman, it began see at the Jacksonville Film Festival based on her If you are too eager and you can’t stand to The film chronicles how Wilson’s contacts at Yale’s to gain momentum and erstwhile became increas- Sundance experience, but she did report back on wait until May 17, the festival hosts the REEL People secret society called the Skull & Bones helped him ingly commercial as nearby Hollywood started using some of her favorite films from the festival. series that goes on throughout the year. The next build a power base as a stern, patriotic, and driven it as a market to generate good buzz about a movie “There were two that were over-and-above the feature in that series is a film called Caffeine playing workaholic. Directed by Robert De Niro with an all-star they want to succeed in the “independent” market. It rest. Son of Rambow, the misspelling is intentional, at the San Marco Theatre on Monday February 19th. cast, it’s the best spy film in many years. Rated R is currently one of the top film festivals in the world is a really charming British film. The other was a They are also hosting an Oscar party on the 25th at THE HITCHER A young man transporting a car to and ranks alongside Cannes and the Toronto Film documentary called Protagonist. It’s hard to de- WJCT Studios. But what everyone is talking about is another state is stalked along the road by a cunning Festival. scribe… [The filmmaker] used puppets to re-enact the appearance of John Waters for the second instal- and relentless serial killer who eventually frames the Tait knew all of this because she used to work scenes, which sounds juvenile, but it was beautiful, lation of the TALKIES. John Waters himself will be at driver for a string of murders. Chased by police and for the Sundance Channel and this year’s festivities moving, and very effective.” the San Marco Theatre to provide live commentary shadowed by the killer, the driver’s only help comes mark her eighth Sundance festival. Tait bulked up her wish list for the Jacksonville on his film Polyester as the 35mm print is displayed form a truck stop waitress. Rated R “Every year Redford comes out and says this festival while at Sundance, but nothing is confirmed on the enormous San Marco screen. As for the is not a market, which is kind of silly. Cannes and yet. As for what film she guesses will be the break- festival fare, you’ll just have to wait for the official THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND A Scottish doctor Toronto are film markets, but Sundance claims that out hit from this year’s Sundance: announcements. travels to Uganda to do humanitarian work. In a isn’t their purpose. It always happens anyway. Last “You know, I’m bad at picking what’s going to “No surprises yet that we can reveal. We’re chance meeting with Idi Amin, the new strong man year it let up a little bit but this year it was back be the commercial success. (Laughing) I knew Little working on some big things, but nothing confirmed of Uganda, he develops a friendship with the dictator, stronger than ever.” Miss Sunshine would be popular, but I didn’t think it yet.” who invites the doctor to be his personal physician. In the life cycle of a film, once the filmmakers would be Academy material.” Check jaxfilmfest.com for updates or to make a continued pg 10 have completed the work, the next step is getting Ultimately the Jacksonville Film Festival selects submission to the Jacksonville Film Festival.

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 9 Forrest Whitaker received a Golden Globe for his performance as Idi Amin. Rated R

THE MESSENGERS The Solomon family move from Chicago for the wide-open-spaces of a North Dakota farm. As the family enjoys the tranquil life of the farm, Jess 16, finds out there is something strange in the field of sunflowers when she and her brother Ben 3, begin seeing ominous apparitions. Rated PG-13

THE PAINTED VEIL Naomi Watts and Edward Norton co-star as an English couple, Walter, (Norton) a middle class doctor, and Kitty (Watts) an upper-class woman, who get married for the wrong reasons and relocate to Shanghai, where she has an affair with another man. When Walter finds out about her affair, he accepts a job in a remote village in China and takes her along. Rated PG-13

THE QUEEN A revealing, witty portrait of the British royal family in crisis immediately following the death of Princess Diana. This movie won a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay and Helen Mirren won a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Starring: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms, Helen McCrory. Advanced Ticketing at amctheatres.com or (904) 264-3888 Rated PG-13 A.M.Cinema - All seats $5 before noon children see the darndest things on Fri., Sat., Sun., & holidays - denoted by ( ) VOLVER Afer her death, a mother (Maura) returns AMC Select- Special films for select tastes. to her home town in order to fix the situations that she couldn’t resolve during her life. The ghost slowly The Messengers movie review ORANGE PARK 24 becomes a comfort to her daughters as well as her Wells Road and Blanding HANNIBAL RISING (R)  (11:00 @ $5), 1:15, 2:00, 4:15, 5:00, grandchild. Penelope Cruz was nominated for a Golden by Rick grant [email protected] 7:15, 8:00, 10:10, 10:55 Globe for her performance as Raimunda one of the NORBIT (PG13)  (11:15 @ $5), 12:05, 1:15, 2:00, 2:45, 4:00, C Rated PG-13 84 min ghost’s daughters. Rated R 4:45, 5:30, 6:45, 7:30, 8:15, 9:30, 10:15, 11:00 them see dead people. BECAUSE I SAID SO (PG13)  (11:35 @ $5), 2:15, 4:55, 7:25, Since there is a new generation of 14 year-old 10:00 girls who are viewing horror flicks for cheap thrills, The crows are pesky devils flying into the base- CONSTELLATION (PG13) 10:15 PM THE MESSENGERS (PG13)  (11:40 @ $5), 12:40, 2:10, 3:00, WE ARE MARSHALL A tragic plane crash claims the Hollywood moguls have jumped on the bandwagon ment and dive-bombing the family. Just when Roy is 4:35, 5:25, 7:10, 8:00, 9:45, 10:30 lives of the Marshall Football team, some fans, and of funding nouveau horror films. A gaggle of new getting the tractor running, a stranger, Burwell (John BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (PG13) (11:10 @ $5), 5:00, 10:30 CATCH AND RELEASE (PG13) 2:45, 7:55 its new coach. Matthew McConaughey plays Jack directors are vying to helm these movies to get some Corbett), appears to help Roy. Corbett is decked out THE DEPARTED (R) 7:00, 10:20 Lengyel a charismatic coach who rebuilds the Marshall to look like the classic lowlife, with his unkempt long EPIC MOVIE (PG13) (11:25 @ $5), 12:15, 1:50, 4:25, 5:30, 7:20, experience in a genre that has such a textbook his- 9:45, 10:45 football team so the kids and parents can move beyond tory. The latest trend is to use A-list actors with mar- hair, fu-manchu mustache, and toting a shotgun to SMOKIN’ ACES (R) (11:05 @ $5), 1:50, 4:35, 7:20, 10:05 the grief of the tragedy. Rated R scare the crows away. Sure, he’s seems okay. He’s THE HITCHER (R) 7:35, 9:55 quee recognition to star in these el cheap-o’s, such ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) (11:30 @ $5), 2:15, 5:05 as Jennifer Connelly starring in Dark Water et al. a hard worker and is respectful of the family. But just FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13) 4:40, 7:40, 10:40 STOMP THE YARD (PG13) (11:10 @ $5), 1:55, 4:50, 7:45, 10:45 Special Showings Take a pair of Asian writer/directors, Danny and based on his demeanor, viewers know this guy is HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG) (11:55 @ $5), 2:30, 4:50 Oxide Pang with Hong Kong ghost story roots, then going to be trouble. When the crows attack him, he NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 1:45, 4:25, 7:15, 9:55 THE MONSTER SQUAD A group of adolescent hire Kristen Stewart, Dylan McDermott, Penelope flashes back to when he was the head of the family. CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:20 @ $5), 1:55, 4:30 monster movie enthusiasts form a club that meets Jess begins seeing the murdered family THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:05 @ $5), 2:00, Ann Miller and John Corbett, and bang-zoom this 4:45, 7:35, 10:25 in a treehouse in this pre-teen horror feature. When generic horror picture was greenlighted. members who are appearing to her to warn her. He ————$AMC SELECT%———— Dracula, The Mummy, Frankenstein, and The Wolfman brother sees them also, but he just points to them THE LAST SIN EATER (PG13) 12:15, 3:45, 7:00, 10:10 Never mind that the entire script is a patched NOTES ON A SCANDAL (R) (11:50 @ $5), 2:30, 5:15, 7:45 are joined by Gill-Man in the search for a magic amulet, together string of horror cliches gleaned from dozens like they are playmates. Jess’ parents think she is BABEL (R) 1:00 the boys form the Monster Squad to battle the forces THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (R) 1:45, 7:30 of horror movies that have come before – horror is mentally unstable and needs help. She has some LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (R) (11:45 @ $5), 3:30, 7:05, 10:20 of evil. San Marco Theatre, Feb. 9,10 at midnight and horror. The Pangs tried to revive the genre with some terrifying experiences inside this creepy old house PAN’S LABYRINTH (R) (11:15 @ $5), 2:05, 4:55, 7:40, 10:35 Feb. 11 at 1p.m. Info: 396-4845 DREAMGIRLS (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 3:30, 7:05, 10:05 original touches. Ah yes, but it didn’t work. For we with planks for floors. Of course, she goes into the THE QUEEN (PG13) 7:25, 10:00 pundits, the only excitement left is counting the glar- basement where the murders took place, and scary The Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society ing cliches and anticipating the fright moments. things happen. Cue muddy effects and ghostly arms REGENCY 24 Meeting of the “Leave ‘em Laughing Tent,” the Yes, we had better get used to it, because Tin- reaching out to grab the living. Behind Regency Square Mall Jacksonville chapter of The Laurel & Hardy sel Town is on a binge of making new horror films The Pangs must have written this script using a HANNIBAL RISING (R)  (11:05 @ $5), 12:25, 1:55, 3:30, 4:50, appreciation Society (a/k/a Sons of the Desert). Free 6:30, 7:45, 9:40, 10:35 in production for future release. The films are cheap computer program template which included a maxi- NORBIT (PG13)  (11:15 @ $5), 12:40, 1:40, 3:10, 4:20, 5:40, screening of Laurel & Hardy short subject “THE FIXER 6:50, 8:15, 9:25, 10:45 to make and have a stable market–mostly teenagers mum number of cliches. They love to go with the  UPPERS” (1935), and their feature “Swiss Miss” BECAUSE I SAID SO (PG13) (11:55 @ $5), 2:40, 5:05, 7:30, on date night. It seems that no one cares about the cheesy fright zing, accented with a big sound, but 10:10 (1938) at the Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 CONSTELLATION (PG13) 8:10 derivative nature of these movies as long as they they didn’t build the tension slowly and deliberately THE MESSENGERS (PG13)  12:35, 2:00, 2:55, 4:15, 5:25, Beach Blvd. (between Kernan and Hodges Blvds.) On 6:40, 8:00, 9:15, 10:20 Monday, Feb. 12 at 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. Free to all ages. make money and provide steady work for name like in the horror film The Shining–a Stanley Kubrick BLOOD AND CHOCOLATE (PG13) 10:30 PM actors between television series, such Dylan McDer- classic. Part of the suspenseful terror of the story is CATCH AND RELEASE (PG13) 5:00, 10:30 Info: Steve Bailey at 246-0312, or go to the website at THE DEPARTED (R) 12:20, 7:05 www.leaveemlaughing.com. mott, who plays Roy Solomon. He is a downsized watching Jack Nicholson’s character gradually go EPIC MOVIE (PG13) (11:05 @ $5), 2:50, 5:00, 7:15, 9:45 executive that had been out of work for two years, stark-raving mad. Of course, in the Pangs’ scenario, SMOKIN’ ACES (R) (11:25 @ $5), 2:00, 4:35, 7:20, 9:55 THE HITCHER (R) 10:45 PM MOCA Jacksonville Film Series and used his savings to buy an old farmhouse in the no one is watching the toddler Benny as he goes ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 12:55, wandering down the dark hallway where the ghosts 3:15, 5:30 BUCK AND THE PREACHER (1972) Sidney Poitier’s country and become a farmer. He knows nothing FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13) 1:50, 4:30, 7:15, 10:00 directorial debut, the western Buck and the Preacher about farming. are waiting. Come on, it’s right out of Close Encoun- STOMP THE YARD (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 1:35, 4:10, 7:00, 9:35 HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG) (11:10 @ $5), 1:25, 3:40, 5:55 stars Poitier alongside his real-life friend Harry The house is right out of Psycho, with a tragic ters. Jess’ raging hormones, combined with her NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:45 @ $5), 2:20, 4:55, 7:35, Belafonte. Buck (Poitier) is a wagonmaster entrusted history. Immediately, savvy viewers will think of The discovery that she is a medium, has alienated her 10:05 CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:45 @ $5), 2:15, 4:40 with the task of leading black settlers from the South more than normal. Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Amityville Horror, The ERAGON (PG) (11:50 @ $5), 7:35 2007 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) 1:15, 5:15, 7:55,

to a new home in the great American West. Along The subtext of the Pangs’ story is about teen- 10, Shining, The Birds, The Others, and even The Sixth 10:40 the way, he reluctantly teams up with a vile of free Sense. A whole family was brutally murdered in the angst exacerbated by second sight. Jess does find BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 7:10, 10:25 black pioneers heading west. Rated PG. Wednesday, house–a fact that the real estate broker left out of the a casual boyfriend in town, and he goes along with ————$AMC SELECT%————

THE LAST SIN EATER (PG13) 12:30, 3:55, 7:05, 10:15 February February 14 at 7 pm in the Underground Cinema. sales pitch. her, but viewers can tell he’s not into it until the NOTES ON A SCANDAL (R) (11:00 @ $5), 12:50, 3:05, 5:20, , Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non-members. 7:40, 10:00 day Roy’s wife is happy to be making a fresh start. spirits attack him. Teens relate to these tortured BABEL (R) 3:45, 10:25

If you are not already a MOCA member, take advantage However, her 14 year-old daughter, Jess (Kristen characters and their horror is a metaphor for their PAN’S LABYRINTH (R) (11:05 @ $5), 1:45, 4:45, 7:25, 10:15 Satur

of our Film Series membership special – join the DREAMGIRLS (PG13) 1:00, 3:50, 7:50, 10:40 for Stewart), hates the whole idea of moving to the adolescent alienation from the adult world. So, get THE QUEEN (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 2:45, 5:30, 8:05 Museum the night of the movie and then watch the sticks and communing with nature. The toddler, Ben- your ghost groove on; there are a slew of these SWEET LAND (PG) (11:35 @ $5), 2:25, 5:10, 7:50, 10:25 show for free! Info: 366-6911 Times (continued on pg 11) ny, is a budding medium like his sister Jess. Both of grade B horror films coming down the pike. -SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT No passes or discount coupons

10 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Adv. Tix on Sale BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) # Adv. Tix on Sale GHOST RIDER (PG-13) # Adv. Tix on Sale AMAZING GRACE (PG) # THE LASTSIN EATER (PG-13) DIG (1200) 335 700 1015 NORBIT (PG-13) DIG (1200 130 230) 430 515 720 800 950 1035 1215 HANNIBAL RISING (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1230 115) 330 415 700 740 945 1030 1220 BECAUSEI SAID SO (PG-13) DIG (1220 240) 500 745 1010 1230 THE MESSENGERS (PG-13) DIG (120) 440 715 940 1210 SMOKIN ACES (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (125) 420 715 1000 1225 EPICMOVIE (PG-13) DIG (1215 220) 425 730 950 1200 CATCH AND RELEASE (PG-13) DIG (120) 410 750 1040 THE QUEEN (PG-13) DIG (200) 445 755 1035 THE HITCHER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 725 945 1155 LETTERS FROM IWOJIMA (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1205) 345 705 1025 BABEL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 325 645 1005 STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) DIG (135) 410 750 1025 ARTHUR AND THE INVISIBLES (PG) DIG (1225 250) 510 FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) DIG (1235) 330 650 935 1220 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (110) 400 735 1020 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1215) 340 655 1000 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG (145) 435 710 955 1220 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (1210) PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG (1240) 405 730 1015

Adv. Tix on Sale BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) # Adv. Tix on Sale GHOST RIDER (PG-13) # Adv. Tix on Sale AMAZING GRACE (PG) # NORBIT (PG-13) DIG (110) 1240 450 520 720 750 945 1040 HANNIBAL RISING (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1230) 420 730 1015 BECAUSEI SAID SO (PG-13) DIG (1250) 400 705 955 THE MESSENGERS (PG-13) DIG (1220 235) 500 725 935 EPICMOVIE (PG-13) DIG (105) 425 755 1000 CATCH AND RELEASE (PG-13) DIG (1245) 805 THE QUEEN (PG-13) DIG (1225 250) 510 800 1035 BABEL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (100) 405 700 1005 STOMP THE YARD (PG-13) DIG 445 1025 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1155 230) 505 740 1020 THE PAINTED VEIL (PG-13) DIG 355 655 NOTESONA SCANDAL (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1215) 420 710 930 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1225) 410 700 950 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (1205 240) 515 745 1015 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (1200) 455 PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG 755 1025 VOLVER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1255) 940 LITTLE CHILDREN (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1210) 435 735 1030 THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1235) 415 715 1040 Times For 2/10/07 ©2007

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 11 new on

Coastlines (110 min.) Sonny (Timothy Olyphant), an ex-con, returns half nelson to his Florida home and creates a new dynamic for both friends and enemies. The local power broker, Eddie Vance (Josh Lucas), wants Sonny dvd review back in his shady world. Rated R for some sexu- ality and brief language. by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] The Best Oscar nominations came down Flags of Our Fathers (132 min.) January 23rd and there were some big surprises. Based on the non-fiction bestseller by James Dreamgirls was left out of the Best Picture category Bradley, Clint Eastwood’s film tells the story and Pedro Almodovar was snubbed for his Cannes of the six men who raised the American flag of favorite Volver. The Best Actor category was a big victory on the battle-ravaged Japanese island of shocker as well. Alongside big names like Leonardo Iwo Jima on February 23rd, 1945. Rated R for DiCaprio and Peter O’Toole is rising star Ryan Gos- sequences of graphic war violence and carnage, ling for a film very few people have ever heard of: and for language. Half Nelson. The provocative indie flick will soon be available on DVD. Flicka (94 min.) Katy McLaughlin (Alison Lohman) is a head- strong sixteen-year-old who is struggling with her father (Tim McGraw). During a summer ride, Katy stumbles upon a wild mustang horse which she later names Flicka. Rated PG for some mild language.

The Grudge 2 (102 min.) In Tokyo, a young woman (Amber Tamblyn) is exposed to the same mysterious curse that af- flicted her sister (Sarah Michelle Gellar). The supernatural force, which fills a person with rage before spreading to its next victim, brings together a group of previously unrelated people who attempt to unlock its secret to save their lives. Rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, to-face with one of his students, Drey (Shareeka certainly worth renting or perhaps adding to your disturbing images/terror/violence, and some Epps). With a brother in jail for dealing drugs, Drey DVD collection. sensuality. is familiar with Dan’s lifestyle and takes a curious Half Nelson reminded me a lot of Sherrybaby, interest in him. Their relationship grows over time, as a film starring that was recently Hollywoodland (126 min.) do their own personal battles. As Dan half-heartedly released on DVD. The films share similar themes, The glamour of Tinseltown permanently fades struggles with his drug addiction, Drey half-heart- both dealing extensively with drug addiction and for actor George Reeves (Ben Affleck), the heroic edly struggles with her propulsion toward her jailed loneliness. They also share amazing performances Man of Steel on TV’s Adventures of Superman, brother’s mistakes. The two unlikely kindred spirits by up-and-coming actors who have (deservedly) as the actor dies in his Hollywood Hills home. find themselves at a crossroads: do they continue received high-profile nominations for their roles When the LAPD closes the case, his mother heading down the easy road of self-destruction or do (Gyllenhaal was up for Best Actress at the Golden Helen (Lois Smith) hires private detective Louis they choose the rocky path to change? Globes). And, just like Sherrybaby, Half Nelson puts Simo (Adrien Brody) to uncover the truth about Dan Dunne (Ryan Gosling) is an 8th grade his- Half Nelson was originally a 20-minute short you through the emotional ringer. Because the per- her son’s death. Rated R for language, some tory teacher and girl’s basketball coach who has a called “Gowanus, ,” which won Sundance’s formances and the writing are so good, the viewer violence and sexual content. secret drug addiction. At first, we see that Dan most- Best Short in 2004. Writer/Director Ryan Fleck and can’t help but get invested in what happens to both ly keeps his addiction under control. He functions at co-writer Anna Boden were then given the opportu- Dan and Drey. You root for these two to make the Running With Scissors (116 min.) school, maintaining relationships with his colleagues nity turn their story into a feature film. The end result right decisions and when they don’t it’s almost like Augusten Burroughs’ memoir of a madhouse of and connecting with the kids in fun, inventive ways. took to the film festival circuit in 2006 and won sev- being let down by a close friend. The film’s central an adolescence. Joseph Cross plays the young But, as our journey into Dan’s life continues, we eral awards and nominations along the way. Because theme is change and it weaves its way through each Burroughs, the son of an alcoholic father (Alec see a change. He’s forced to switch from his drug of the films limited theatrical release, most people in and every frame, both subtly and obviously. Dan’s Baldwin) and a neurotic, narcissistic mother Jacksonville did not get the opportunity to see Half lessons in the classroom, which are based on the of choice, cocaine, to crack because it’s all he can th (Annette Bening) who sends the boy to live with afford. He zones out more. He becomes apathetic. Nelson. All that will change on February 13 , when laws of dialectics, are all about how history itself is a her eccentric therapist (Brian Cox). Rated R for He takes more risks. At one point, after a basketball the film makes its way to DVD. While the release series of ever spiraling changes. News clips shown strong language and elements of sexuality, vio- game, Dan enters what he thinks is an empty girl’s contains little in the way of bonus features, with the throughout support his teachings. In his own life he lence and substance abuse. locker room to get a fix and finds himself face- exception of an audio commentary, the film itself is further proves the laws as he struggles against what he knows is right until change; sometimes positive, The Science of Sleep (105 min.) sometimes negative; is made. The writers cleverly Following the death of his father in Mexico, layer the idea of change in nearly every aspect of Stéphane Miroux (Gael García Bernal) agrees the film, allowing the viewer to continually discover to come to Paris to draw closer to his widowed the connections during repeated viewings. The very mother. Rated R for language, some sexual con- few negative reviews Half Nelson has received have tent and nudity. mentioned the heavy use of handheld camera work, which is admittedly not for everybody or every film. Trust the Man (103 min.) Here, though, I think the “shaky” technique adds to Rebecca (), an actress, is the intimacy of the film and was perfectly suited for crushed to discover that her marriage to Tom the story it tells. (David Duchovny) may be falling apart. Mean- Indie films are often overlooked by the general while, Rebecca’s brother Tobey (Billy Crudup) is public due to lack of publicity. Hopefully, Gosling’s in a long-term relationship with Elaine (Maggie Oscar nod will drive audiences to check out Half Gyllenhaal) that has begun to turn sour. After all Nelson on DVD. This is a powerful film that is sure the drama, cheating, and trial separations, the to entertain as well as provoke thought and conver- two men fight to save their respective relation- sation. While it’s not a universally lovable story, it ships. Rated R for language and sexual content. is one that is told remarkably well with the help of some really talented people.

12 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper up, up & away Dogfights on the History Channel by Rick grant [email protected] This adrenaline-pumping new series on the His- supplement the CGI. The series features aerial action tory Channel is for serious aviation junkies who want from WWI through the Korean war, which featured to relive the most famous aerial dogfights in history. American F-86 Sabre Jets versus Russian-made The action dates back to WWI when the flimsy bi- Migs. In these dogfights, the F-84 was equipped with planes fought each other with handguns and machine four rapid-fire 20 mm cannons mounted in the nose guns. Since the Wright Brothers’ first flight was in and some early sidewinder heat-seeking missiles. 1903 and the First World War began in 1914, develop- Also, the series includes a few rare dogfights during ment of the airplane was in its infancy. At first, no one the Vietnam War. knew what to do with it in wartime. In the premiere episode, titled Mig Alley, Air The early biplanes were considered strictly a Force F-86s met the enemy Migs over a land mass reconnaissance tool, but then some pilot decided to above Korea called “Mig alley” where history’s first jet take a pot shot at the enemy and bang zoom, the air- dogfights occurred. American aces Robbie Risner and plane became a tactical weapon. Some smarty-pants Ralph Parr shoot down dozens of Mig-15 fighters as fly-boy got the idea of mounting a machine gun on the the viewer sees the action in incredible detail. fuselage. Fine, but the first guy to try this new weapon In another episode, Air Ambush features Colonel shot his propeller off and crashed. Then a German Robin Olds setting a trap for the North Vietnamese engineer invented the synchronized cam shaft that Mig-21s. His squadron, the famed Wolfpack, dis- allowed the gun to fire between the spaces in the pro- guised an F-4 Phantom as a vulnerable bomber, with peller. The invention allowed opposing forces to chase the other F-4s at high altitude. The Migs fell for the each other in what was tagged “dogfights,” develop- trap and attacked. The air was called Operation ing the strategies and flying skills that are still taught Bolo and it devastated the Migs. in the Air Force’s Top Gun school. Terms like getting Two weeks after Pearl Harbor, a courageous on the “enemy’s six-o’clock” entered the lexicon. band of American pilots challenge the overwhelm- Now, of course, the newest tactical fighter–light- ing might of the Japanese Air Force in an episode years ahead in stealth technology--the F-22 Raptor titled Flying Tigers. The legendary Flying Tigers race can shoot down multiple targets at more than 100 through the skies of China and vanquish the Japanese miles away with smart missiles. It is both an air-to-air dominance of the air. The action follows Tiger aces tactical fighter and a bomber. Despite all the advanced Tex Hill and John Alison in their P-40 Tomahawks that missiles, every fighter pilot wants a gun just in case dogfight to the death against the agile Japanese I-97 he encounters and enemy fighter at close range. And Nate fighters. yes, the F22 has a rapid-fire 20mm cannon as a last In 1943, over the skies of the Pacific ocean, the resort weapon. fast and maneuverable Japanese Zero was decimating This need for a gun dates back to Vietnam American aircraft. At the time, the American fighters when at first the F4 Phantom fighters had no gun. It were inferior to the Zero. That changed when the Navy was strictly a fighter-bomber. But that changed when rushed to deploy a new fighter–the mighty F6F Hellcat, several F4s were shot down by Mig fighters with which could out-fly the Zero in every maneuver. Inside guns. Nonetheless, in Vietnam, the biggest danger to the Hellcat, the pilots took full advantage of the Zero’s the F4 Phantoms was the enemy’s SAM (Surface to weaknesses. It proved to be a mighty tactical fighter Air Missiles) sites. that cleaned house on the Zeroes giving the Allies air The new series Dogfights recreates the famous superiority in the Pacific theater. This episode is espe- battles in aviation history using advanced CGI graph- cially exciting as American aces in their superior F6F ics. With up to 25% of the program consisting of easily outwit the Japanese fighter pilots. animation, the viewer gets a cockpit eye-view of the The series runs on the History Channel, Friday action. First-hand accounts from veterans authenticate nights at 10:00 pm ET with repeats throughout the the stories. Rare archival footage and original scenes week.

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 13 reality check behind the reality show by CASSIE LaRUE [email protected] My secret obsession is out. Just like when EU: Did you think any of the contestants had tal- people go on vacation and read trashy novels, reality ent? television is wrong, deceptive, and a waste of good JS: Talent is an acquired taste sometimes. time. And I am oh-so-guilty. I love to hate it. I often tell myself to go and read a book, but I can’t turn EU: Did you know how the show would look before off those reality shows. VH-1 is the reality program- it aired or did it change a lot in the editing room? ming leader in my book, TLC is close behind, and, of JS: Everything changes in the cutting room...no course, the first to start the trend is still in the run- exception here. ning with “great” new reality shows: MTV. EU: I really like Persia, but why did she wave her Ego Trip’s The Next (White) Rapper Show on VH-1 dildo in John Brown’s face? Try to imagine something as honky as Ameri- JS: Hard to say (no pun intended). There was a lot of can Idol mixed with strange challenges performed what might have been interpreted as sexual tension by white kids trying to be “street.” This is the com- from time to time and no shortage of drama – con- petition to be the next white rapper. The premise is trived for the camera or business as usual for some that the white rappers (I guess that is what they are individuals – it all gets sort of blurry in that com- called) live together in the Bronx in a house called pressed environment. The crew constantly shoots the White House (get it) and the host is MC Serch silent looks of “what the?!” off camera. That incident of 3rd Bass. They are competing with challenges came out of nowhere. each week to win $100,000 in cold cash and, as described on the VH-1 website, a “whole nation of EU: Let’s talk about Juvies. Is it true that MTV devoted fans.” would put the children in more dangerous situa- tions if the kids did not want to be in the show? Juvies on MTV JS: This is not true. There is a lawsuit against the This show is rather new and interesting. It originator of that “message” and that is all I can shows children that have been accused of a crime, legally say, as a witness in the case. arrested, and put in state custody. This new reality program is a more serious show with a real social EU: Were the kids generally good or really bad? agenda. This program follows several kids through JS: Most of the kids are good kids at heart, particu- the juvenile court system as they fight to recover larly the kids featured in the show. Being a docu- from the small mistakes that could dramatically alter mentary, the producers do a good job of letting the the course of their lives. It is filmed in Indiana’s Ju- viewer answer that question themselves. A question venile Detention Center and all the children are first- you might consider is “Are the parents of the kids time offenders. The show appears to have something generally good or really bad?” I think the ratios are to it by educating young adults about consequences. remarkably similar. This show is not funny, it is dramatic, but still here we are, watching other people endure the horror of EU: What did the producers hope to accomplish their own lives. The difference here being that they through this show? didn’t volunteer to be in the horror to be on televi- JS: The major theme of the stories we focused on sion, so the reality aspect of this show is more was ‘small decisions lead to major consequences.’ genuine. I’ve said before that this is probably the most re- I often try to imagine working on the set of sponsible “reality” show to ever air on MTV. I genu- a show like this and dealing with these people ev- inely hope the message gets through and it’s not just eryday. We watch like voyeurs, but really there is seen as ‘Cops’ for kids. a camera crew shooting their every move, so our observation is far from secret. This curiosity drove EU: Do the children get the rehab or help that they me to call Jon Shepard, the Production Manager of may need? The Next (White) Rapper and the MTV show Juvies JS: We shot this in Crown Point, Indiana, and I can and, until recently, a Jacksonville local, to learn more say that the system (Children and Family Services) about the life behind the camera on these shows. there is one of the best executed and run in the country. The programs are not only available, but the EU: What did you think of the idea of White Rapper judges and case workers are deeply committed to when you were first asked to work on the project? making every effort to see that each case is afforded JS: i laughed and thought it may be an interesting all available resources. The judge featured in Juvies project – as it progressed it felt like a four-week is herself the parent of a child she adopted who music video project – very chaotic and constantly came through her court system. I was just in India- changing. napolis three weeks ago and met with Judge Jim Payne, who heads Children’s Services for the state EU: Where did you stay during the filming? of Indiana. My opinion of the so-called system was JS: in a car or fifteen-passenger van. I slept in the encouraged – even inspired – by people like Judge control room of the “house” one night, until my Payne and Judge Bonaventura (the judge in Juvies). snoring bothered the P.A., who was logging the ac- But every state is different and I think Indiana sets tion on the monitors. Then I rented a room in Park a standard that all others should aspire to. Florida Slope, Brooklyn. could take a lesson. I expect to be producing a piece for another network in early spring that focuses EU: Who supplies 100-Proof and everyone’s on the case workers and the processes within the booze? system. I think your question will be answered more JS: The booze fairy. fully in that installment.

14 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper video games new releases by Norm stovall [email protected]

Winning Eleven: Pro Evolution Soccer 2007 For Xbox 360, PS2, PSP and Nintendo DS

Winning Eleven is by far the most realistic, fun to play soccer (football?) franchise available on home gaming consoles. If you can, be sure to pick up the Xbox 360 version of the game, as the game plays better than ever on this next-gen console. If you don’t have an Xbox 360, not to worry-the game is also available on most other current gen consoles, as well.

Diddy Kong Racing DS For Nintendo DS

Diddy Kong racing takes all the fun from previous Nintendo racers such as Mario Kart, and reinterprets it using hovercrafts, prop planes, karts, and furry wildlife creatures. Diddy Kong Racing DS also fea- tures multiplayer a la Mario Kart DS, so if you have a nearby WiFi hotspot or a friend with a DS, you can easily enjoy multiplayer functionality.

Final Fantasy VI Advance For Gameboy Advance

Known by fans as one of the best in the series, Final Fantasy VI makes its way to the Gameboy advance this week. With over 14 playable characters and a great storyline and setting, this is the game to get for a great Gameboy RPG on the go. Set in a 19th century-type environment of steam engines, opera singing and magic, FFVI has a great story that will have you hooked.

Capcom Puzzle World PSP

Capcom Puzzle World is a puzzle game fan’s dream come true. Including Super Puzzle Fighter 2 Turbo, Block Block, and a few versions of Buster Bros, this game is one hot tamale. Buster Brothers and Block Block are good games, sure, but the real draw here is the 2-player masterpiece Super Puzzle fighter 2 Turbo. Highly regarded as one of the best multiplayer puzzle games to grace home consoles, Puzzle Fighter mixes color matching and organization with humorous back and forth assaults from player to player. Don’t pass this one up, because it may soon be hard to find.

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 15 why i love jacksonville by jon bosworth

Last year at about this time, EU Jacksonville unveiled our new design with the “We Love Jacksonville” issue that featured quotes from a variety of Jacksonville locals about what it is that they love about our River City. In keeping with that tradition, we asked a new set of Jack- sonvillians what they loved about the Bold New City of the South. Obviously there is a lot to love about this place. From the fact that we have the ocean, woods, and a city to the people that make us love it day-to-day, there are plenty of reasons. We also have great restaurants, unique businesses, and loads of talented people. What is it that makes Jacksonville interesting to you? At EU Jacksonville, we take great pride in being a locally owned paper. Our writers and staff are longtime Jacksonville locals and we strive to bring you, our faithful readers, the best things about this city. We support local restaurants with reviews, we feature local artists and musicians, and we celebrate the real culture that exists here. You can go to Wal-Mart or Olive Garden in any city, but only in Jacksonville can you find treasures such as The Casbah in Avondale, Freebird Live at the Beaches, and our own Alhambra Dinner Theatre. From the San Marco Theatre to the Florida Theatre, we have plenty to be proud of right here under our noses. Even when we are angry at city leaders, frustrated with poor journalism, and tired of having to drive so far to get from one place to the other, we stay here because the rewards outweigh the struggles. So go out and support your favorite local business, read your favor- ite local paper, and spend some quality time with the one you really love: Your River City.

16 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper “I love the fact that Jacksonville, as it grows, it is becoming more and more a city rich in its cultural offerings. That, together with its natural assets and thriving economy, is contributing to the unique quality of life that Jacksonville is able to afford to its community.”

Fabio Mechetti Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra

“Egrets and alligators, The blackest sky before a summer storm, fried fish and grits in Downtown Yukon, the smell of coffee in the air, pine trees and palm trees, Sunday brunch in Avondale, running across bridges with views expansive and clear, sweet tea, catching a film in San Marco at midnight, fisherman checking their traps on my morning commute, screened in porches on a hot summer night, and home to this rambling man.”

Troy Spurlin Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville

“I don’t know if this is strictly supposed to be about the city itself, but the first thing that comes to mind when I think about Jacksonville is my family. That is definitely love yourself the one thing I like most about it.”

Rob Roy Musician Single on Valentine’s Day? “I lived in Jacksonville for the better part of 18 years. When my mom and dad moved down from the NYC area, my mom said, “Well, everyone here drives slowly...but when by erin thursby they say ‘May I help you?’ they actually mean it!” We were both stunned. I recently moved to Austin, Texas, for a new job. I miss Avondale--some of the homes along St. John’s Avenue are in my pantheon of dream homes. With the canopy of trees over the It’s that time of year again, when even the bravest, most independent single will have at least a mo- road, that whole area is one of my favorite places in the world.” mentary pang of jealousy towards those entangled in a relationship. Just after Christmas, before the New Year even rung in, there were store shelves lined with candy and stuffed animals clutching hearts. As the day approaches, you’ll spend more and more time trying to valiantly ignore that hearts are EVERYWHERE. But Heather White you don’t have to spend the 14th in the depths of despair. It’s quite possible to be single and actually have a (formerly of Cool 96.9 and 106.5 the Promise) good time on Valentine’s Day, even if you aren’t on a date. Here are a few things you can do to love the most important person in your life—you. Eat. “Jacksonville is where my dreams were born, and Fix yourself a romantic meal with all the trimmings (it’s waaaay too disheartening to go out) or just pick up something decadent somewhere. I’m not talking Ben & Jerry’s, although that does have its appeal; I’m its where they will come true. because this city talking bakery-fresh decadence from Truffles (904) 292-3345 in or Edgewood Bakery (904) 389- constantly inspires you to keep pushing forward.” 8054 in Murray Hill. Both places have incredible cakes and confections you can take home and enjoy. You can also buy chocolate and indulge that way, but don’t get Hershey’s: go luxe! A great way to do that is to take a trip to Claude’s Chocolates (904) 808-8395 in St. Augustine, my very favorite chocolate store. While David Petlansky you’re there, you can also pick up some baked goods at Hot Shots Bakery. Filmmaker Spend time with friends. Spending time with your other single friends is a great idea, if you have any single friends. If not, and you’re the only single one in your circle of friends, it’s time to make at least one new friend. Scour your of- fice for someone to hang with on the Dreaded Day or call one of your single friends you’ve been neglecting. “Jacksonville, FL has the best barbeque available Whatever you decide to do, it’s best to get it set up in advance. Most single people do make their own plans for V-Day, whether it’s going out or curling up with a decent book, so make sure you make solid plans. anywhere, hands down, no contest. The cream of the crop being Blackjack BBQ on San Juan.” Give yourself a spa day. You don’t need a man to buy you time at a spa. I am so not girly, but I loved the 30-minute facial and body wrap I got at Clayman’s Spa (904) 388-6110. What’s better than a person attending to you, with Joe Parker no other desire other than to make sure you have a pleasurable experience? Most men don’t even do that. Musician Clayman’s also has some of the best massage artists on staff. Cheryl Wright has received local awards for her incredible hands. These days she’s not only using her hands, but is also using her feet. As far as I know, (‘why i love jacksonvlle’ continues through page 21) 3 3

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 17 Hot Stone treatment at Dr. Clayman’s Miracle Spa 3 (‘love yourself’ continued) Clayman’s is the only place in Jacksonville that you can get an Ashitasu massage, wherein the massage art- ist walks across your back, using a special bar to balance. It’s rather like a deep tissue massage. Don’t skip give your guy a valentine’s the manicure, pedicure and make-up station. After all, it’s all about you. Do something artistic, learn something new. day to remember Find a project you’ve been neglecting, or buy the tools you need to pick up a new skill. You can 3

the art of sensual belly dancing by erin thursby 3 (‘why i love jacksonvlle’ continued)

Getting a gift for a woman on Valentine’s Day is easy; there are the old standards of chocolate and “My daughter moved to Jacksonville to go to the University of North Florida. I was roses to fall back on, as well as a host of books to help the hapless male who might not be creatively with Jacksonville and loved that it was a sophisticated city with a down home romantic. A Valentine’s Day gift for a man is a different matter and it can be difficult for a woman to country atmosphere. The people of this city captivated me. There is a mix of ethnicity come up with something really unique to give to her man. In my quest for the ultimate Valentine’s Day and different cultures to make the city diverse and interesting without the prejudice that gift for men, I hit upon a local solution: sensual belly dancing. Here in Jacksonville, Simone has been teaching women the art of belly dancing for about a de- sometimes goes along with it. I loved that there were churches everywhere and people cade. EU got the chance to speak with her about her passion for the fine art of belly dancing. From practiced what they preached. So now Jacksonville is my home.” 1997-2005 she taught Belly Dancing at FCCJ, after which she opened her private studio in Feb 2005. Starting her own studio has been a learning experience for her. Says Simone: “When I started I did lots Estelle Strum of group classes…and realized the ladies are more interested in private classes. Some ladies don’t feel Author comfortable about themselves and that’s in part why I teach. I want ladies to feel more sure of them- selves, confident and so forth. If it takes private classes to get them where they want…it’s fine. Some ladies start with group classes. As long as it’s intro to belly dancing or regular choreography, group classes are fine. When it comes to sensual belly dancing people feel differently.” Simone, who appeared as the legendary belly dancer Mata Hari in the Oscar award-winning Dis- “Tim Hall.” “Jacksonville and partyin’ covery Channel documentary “Spies In Washington,” has traveled extensively as a belly dancer since goes together like catfish she learned the art as child in her native Lebanon. Shangrala “My first memory of anything was actually dancing on a specific song…wearing a white dress ‘n grits, yo.” going around and around and around…When I was a child my mom and dad would go to concerts Rock Band [in Lebanon]. At that time you were allowed to, if you had a child that want[s] to dance, you can put Jason Jewell it on the stage…Of course most children wouldn’t want to do that, but my mom would put me on the Musician stage, with the singers and I would just…dance. I guess it’s in my blood. When we…went to events, 3 birthdays or weddings for relatives, people beg me ‘please dance’ and when I start dancing and the other girls are dancing, everybody sat down and watched. So I never had formal training, it started as a cultural thing. I’m lucky that I had the creativity plus also I [have] watch[ed] famous belly dancers from overseas.” Belly dancing, she explains, isn’t as vulgar as a strip tease, even when it is sensual. Instead, it’s more about leading the man’s imagination, while never touching the breasts or other body parts. The sensuality comes from use of a veil, slow exquisite movements, and the use of a tassel to hint at what’s to come. She’s gotten more than one note thanking her for revitalizing a marriage. While you might want to sign up for a series of classes, if you’re looking to surprise your guy with some hip swaying action this Valentine’s Day, you might want to sign up for Simone’s Valentine’s Day Workshop. It isn’t a private class, but you get 4 hours of training. As Simone says, “It’s a very intense course.” The Workshop for Valentine’s Day is set for the 10th from 11AM- 3PM $139. If you can, try to call ahead at (904) 645-9500 or come early to see if there’s room to sign up. For privacy she locks the studio during her lessons so that the ladies don’t have to deal with interruptions or unwelcome guests.

Located: 7037-3 Phillips Hwy Jacksonville, FL 32216 Class types available: aerobic belly dancing, sensual belly dancing, club-style belly dancing and regular belly dancing classes. Pricing: Intro to Belly Dancing $199 for four sessions (but there’s generally some sort of special or giveaway). Private classes vary.

18 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper 3 (‘love yourself’ continued) start a beading project and make a dozen or so necklaces and bracelets, then stash them away for the next valentine’s day book picks time you need a gift for a female co-worker. There are plenty of strange classes you can take, like the Spy School (904) 565-1004 on Southside or Simone’s Belly Dancing Classes (SEE PAGE 18 FOR ARTICLE). By Erin Thursby UNF www.unf.edu and FCCJ www.fccj.org also offer a number of non-credit art classes throughout the year These quick Valentine’s Day book picks give you an idea of what to look for in your local book so you can pick up glass blowing or clay pottery if you so desire. store, with all kinds of primers and fun books on the art and humor of romance. Go Shopping! Stop by Violet (904) 355-4449 in Five Points on the 9th from 6-9PM for a little pre-V-Day shopping. With art from Kim Barry, ceramics from Jennelle Comiskey, jewelry by April Aultman and fashions from The House of Revving Things up Romantically Kilroy, you’re sure to find something you’ll like. Have them wrap it and then gift it to yourself on Valentine’s Day. …In the Kitchen or at the Table

Watch DVD’s everybody else hates ∙ The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations Maybe you’re a closet Doctor Who fan or you love bad horror movies. There’s probably some movies For Lovers By Diane Brown that you’ve either always wanted to see or that everyone else you know hates. Settle in with some popcorn Intimate Catering proprietor Diane Brown of L.A. and your DVD player for a marathon of whatever you desire. brings us this work of culinary seduction. Every- thing from late night seduction snacks to a morn- Find a Party and Go to It ing after breakfast, this playful cookbook is sure to There’s no need to lock yourself in a closet ‘till the season ends, V-Day can be prime hook-up time for get you in the mood even as you read it. singles, if you can find a singles oriented party. Avoid couple infested parties like the plague; happily, most ∙ A Taste for Love: A Romantic Cookbook for Two couples want to off by themselves doing romantic things, so finding a singles only party might not be as diffi- by Elizabeth M. Harbison and Mary McGowan cult as you think. Ask everyone in your social circle if they know of a party, or check out The Pearl’s Bleeding Everything you need for food seduction, with lus- use this book to dream rather than plan, it’s a Heart Ball - it’s ladies night. cious recipes, scraps of love poetry, decorating great find. advice and music suggestions. Each section from “Breakfast in Bed” to “Light Love” (for the calorie ...At a Party Something You Don’t Want To Do. counting lovers) covers just about every type of If you love yourself, don’t go on a blind date on Valentine’s Day. The day tends to put pressure on non- romantic cuisine. ∙ Would You Rather…? Love and Sex by Justin couples to either hook-up or become an instant couple. It also might send the message that you would rather Heimberg, David Gomberg be with a complete stranger than alone on Valentine’s Day, and therefore are completely desperate to start a …In the Bedroom This book is sure to be a party pleaser, with such dilemmas as: “Would you rather have sex with ∙ 101 Nights of Grrreat Sex: Secret Sealed Se- Skelator or Gargamel…Mr. Belvedere or Mat- (‘why i love jacksonvlle’ continued) 3 ductions for Fun-Loving Couples by Laura Corn lock…the Tin Man or Scarecrow?” and “Would “Jacksonville fits my ‘must have’ list for a city in The gimmick for this book is the sealed pages. you rather have breast implants made out of play- Each pair of removable sealed pages contains doh or nerf balls?” many ways—particularly when it comes to cli- an idea to spice things up in the bedroom. You mate, recreation and location! We have something choose pages based on the icons on the outside …For Idiots for everyone, from a funky arts scene in Riverside of the page (which indicate if the idea involves It seems like there’s a Complete Idiot’s and Five Points, eclectic and elegant shopping in cost, a road trip or would be better planned in Guide to nearly everything, including romance. Avondale and San Marco, a growing downtown the summer). You don’t let your lover know what Sex on the Net, Tantric Sex, Sex, Amazing Sex, you’re planning until you spring it on them. Sensual Massage, Dating, Romance, Being Sexy district, and of course beaches! With two of our and Being a Sex Goddess are just a few of the sex greatest natural treasures, the St. Johns River and …On the Desktop and romance titles available under the umbrella of Atlantic Ocean, within reach, sun-soaked days are the Complete Idiot’s Guide series. easily filled with boating, swimming and fishing.” ∙ How to Write Love Letters by Michelle Lovric Several versions of this book have been published, Stan Cleiland but all of them are worth a read for anyone who …All the Time WJCT wants to write a romantic letter, e-mail or even fax. ∙ 1001 Ways to be Romantic by Gregory J.P. …On Vacation Godek “There are so many brilliant people in Jacksonville, focused on the person next If you owned this book, you would officially have ∙ 100 Best Romantic Resorts of the World by no excuse to not be romantic. It’s a national best- to them, rather than thier own ego. Very unique.” Katharine D. Dyson seller (it has Oprah’s endorsement). Godek, who This detailed guide gives you the lowdown on wrote the book, is considered to be one of the Julia Gregory some of the most romantic spots in the world, foremost authorities on love and romance in the Musician 3 each with their own color and flavor. Even if you U.S., even spawning a parody book.

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 19 3 (‘why i love jacksonvlle’ continued) “Jacksonville...A city on the rise. Jacksonville continues to redefine its magnitude as a major marketplace with a growing community base and romantic dining an expanding cultural desire. As a native of the greatest city in Florida, I love the Jacksonville experience. From Valentine’s Day picks by erin thursby Downtown to the fabulous shores of the Getting a table on Valentine’s Day can be Atlantic, our town delivers all versions of Duck from Blue Bamboo home. Jacksonville...the foundation for difficult. I generally have my husband book a table the weekend following Valentine’s Day family, faith and fortitude for a fabulous because it’s less crowded and we’re more community.” likely to get a good table. It also stretches out my Valentine’s Day, so I get two days instead Lorie Strange of one! At the time of this printing, many of The Florida Theatre the establishments mentioned were down to just a few tables for Valentine’s Day, so my suggestion is if you haven’t booked your table “La Napolera, E Street happy hour and the yet, give the restaurant of your choice a call St. Johns River” right now. If they don’t have anything for the day of, book something for the following week Brass Castle or weekend. When Valentine’s Day comes you can tell your honey you wanted to avoid the Rock Band crowds and give her the date and time you’ll be going. That doesn’t mean you postpone all “I love Jacksonville because of its giant oaks, of the V-Day activities and gifts, just the spe- funky and accessible beaches (Is Huguenot cial dinner. Park really the Redneck Riviera of the South?), great museums (check out the Cummer French Flair gardens in bloom), a cool zoo, and friendly For a special Valentine’s Day Meal, noth- ing beats a classic French meal, with lovely folks that live here. I really like my neighbors sauces and rich dessert. Here are a few of the and the convenience of my neighborhood. It’s places you can get meals with a French flair quiet and close to everything—San Marco this Valentine’s Day. (like a little slice of Europe), grocery, church, This year, Blue Bamboo (904) 646-1478 hairdresser and fish market. The fair weather has decided to feature cuisine form a different suits me—cold enough for a wool jacket now country each month. For February it’s going to be French, so you can get special French dishes along with and then, but warm enough year ‘round to the regular menu. They’re going to be featuring a lamb rack, steak filet and a pork daube. A romantic fusion bike, hike and putz around outside.” experience can also be had at Blue Bamboo, with a great décor, cozy atmosphere and an extensive wine list. Dennis Chan’s presentation is always top notch. In addition some of the best and most beautiful fusion cui- sine in town, there’s also a full bar with yummy sake based cocktails. Olga Bayer Bistro Aix (904) 398-1949 in San Marco is often a destination for folks that crave upscale French/Medi- Jacksonville University terranean food in a casual atmosphere. The menu changes with the season and they serve some of the finest food in Jacksonville. It can get a tad loud if you’re not in a booth, so try to get one if you can. They won’t be taking reservations, but they will be having preferred seating. While not a “reservation” that would guarantee a table at a specific time, being on the preferred seating list helps guests be seated faster and ahead of walk-in guests that come in at the same time. Call to make a preferred seating arrangement. Upscale French cuisine at Crush (904) 381-0909 in Avondale will be in demand this Valentine’s Day. They’ll be offering their regular menu, but will also be featuring several specials, like oysters, whole roasted guinea hen and slow roasted pork tenderloin. At Pastiche (904) 387-6213, they’ll be serving filet of beef Rossini, a charming lobster bisque, a warm strawberry tart flambé for dessert and much more. The Wine Cellar (904) 398-8989 has been a Jacksonville staple for more than twenty years, but that doesn’t mean that it should be forgotten in favor of some newer bistro. For the ’s Wine Cellar, the buzz has died down and the press assumes that everyone already knows about this gem. They don’t. Oh,

3 (‘why i love jacksonvlle’ continued) “Jacksonville has so many amazing musicians and a burgeoning music scene. I love in- telligent, well crafted music and there are a ton of bands that are putting out incredible music right here in Jax.”

Tom Rossmanith Murray Hill Theatre

“What’s so amazing about Jacksonville is I can still find adventures every corner I turn. This beautiful city of ours offers big city fun but it’s still comfy and cozy with lots of good old-fashion charm. Definitely the best of both worlds.”

Tiffany Marshall Spectrum Management

20 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper they have their regulars, who come in and ask for menu items long gone (the kitchen is happy to ac- commodate), but there’s a whole generation of foodies hungry for fine French fare who haven’t heard of the Wine Cellar. It’s my sovereign duty to make sure that they do. A Little Bit Different Val- entine’s Here are three V-Day dinner solutions that stray from the stan- dard V-Day picks: If your woman goes wild for Thai, take her to Aurathai (904) 389- 8424 for a great Thai experi- ence. The restaurant has a trendy, Cremé Brulee from Ocean 60 fashionable feel and terrific Thai food. The desserts are also quite delicious and it’s a different choice than the standard French-style bistro. Boomtown (904) 632-0099 Downtown includes a show with dinner for only $60. Catch vocal impres- sionist Bethany Owen live at Boomtown only on Feb. 14th. At Boomtown, Chef Stephen Dare has his own take on fusion—Southern fried fusion. American Deep South cuisine forms the base for many of the dishes, and then pulls flavors and ingredients from around the globe. You can also take your lady or gentleman out to the Casbah (904) 981-9966, where they’re running a Valentine’s special. You get a hookah to share, dinner for two, a bottle of wine and dessert for two, all for $54.95 (before gratuity). A Classic Steakhouse Choice The Tree Steakhouse, with locations in Mandarin (904) 262-0006 and Atlantic Beach (904) 241-5600, is renowned for its steaks, particularly the rib eye. There are also plenty of dishes to satisfy your seafood cravings. The décor is a bit like an old school men’s club, with dark woods and the occasional mounted ani- mal, but the low lighting, excellent service and lovely food make it a popular pick for a Valentine’s Day meal. Beach Picks At Roy’s (904) 241-7697 out in Jacksonville Beach, you will undeniably have a full service experience. You will be pampered and then some. Even if you leave the table for a moment, you’ll find that the staff has already re-folded your cloth napkin. Roy’s serves the best in Hawaiian Fusion cuisine, with an extensive fish menu. If seafood’s not your style, just go with the rib-eye or the duck on the Valentine’s Day prix-fixe menu. Everything they serve there is exquisite and it’s indisputably a couple’s destination for special occasions. If Chef Tony Pels’ reputation as a master of chocolate confection is anything to go by, then you and your sweet heart are sure to enjoy the Lover’s Chocolate Crunch Tony is going to be making as a special Valentine’s Day treat at Neptune Beach’s Mezza Luna (904) 249-5573. The Cafe Italiano (904) 285-7777 at Marriott Sawgrass always prepares a special menu for holidays, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. In addition to a menu of delightful selections, they are offering a Val- entine Package for $54.95 which includes an appetizer; Shrimp Martini or Fried Calamari, choice of Caesar Romano Salad or Lobster Bisque, an entrée of Pan Seared Sea Bass or Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin and for dessert, Dark Chocolate Mousse Torte with Champagne Gele and Strawberries. You may even decide to book a room and spend the entire evening. Ocean 60 (904) 247-0600 will offer a lover’s menu featuring an inspiring five-course prix fixe menu. $100 with wine and $75 without wine. Call for more information and reservations.

Whatever you choose to eat or do this Valentine’s Day, make sure it’s a special and memorable occa- sion. From EU to you—Happy Valentine’s Day. We love you Jacksonville!

“There are five reasons I love Jacksonville. 1.The highway System – try driving through Orlando. 2.The downtown skyline at night - second only to perhaps Miami. 3.Plenty of FREE beach access – there’s limited free public access in West Palm Beach for example. 4.The people of North Florida are MUCH MORE friendly. 5.The weather is more moderate compared to the Central and Southern area’s of the state.”

Charlie Jennings WGNE 99.9 FM Gator Country

“No toll booths.” Brian Jerin, Musician

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 21 live music cutting edge shows calendar reggae--hip-hop THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) Out of Hand Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) beam live at twisted sisters Gutterboy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132) Go Ask Alice Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) by Rick grant [email protected] Dot Wilder Jazz Trio Layla’s, Jax Beam’s six piece horn band represents today’s concepts. Reggae and cutting-edge new music – a fusion of jazz, rock, reg- funk are two impor- Rex Moroux European Street, Jax (399-1740) gae, funk, and hip-hop influences. The band’s wildly tant rhythmic influ- Dana Salmela Po Boys, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) popular melding of various musical genres is played ences producing killer Junior Reid Club Rain, Jax by educated professional musicians who are right on grooves as groups the brink of breaking out of the regional scene into experiment with the Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) national prominence. orchestration. Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) To get my shot of Beam, I visited one of my Experimenta- favorite haunts–Twisted Sisters at Jax Beach where tion alone is not an Glass Camels Ginger’s Place, Jax Beach Beam was holding court. The band includes top-tier ideal path to musical Switch Back Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) musicians such as Adonis Boyd on lead vocals, enlightenment, espe- Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Zach Gilbert on , Van Battle on trombone, cially when played by Dennis Marion on , Ed Richardson on bass, inferior musicians who De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) and Josh Greene on drums. The group’s sound is a mask their incom- Porcelain Black French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) gumbo of hot musical sauces – a variety of original petence with flashy music from their soon-to-be released CD, Enough to shows, such as punk Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) Blow Up and selected covers. posers and alternative David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs Beam’s music is defined by the improvised groups that present Nimble Jim & the Ointment Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) jams on their original material and covers of James all flash and no sub- Brown, Rick James, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, stance. Superior mu- Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Wood, and Phish. Front man, Adonis Boyd, raps sicianship is the key Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) original lyrics about relevant subjects as the band to true innovation in improvises in the background. Indeed, Beam repre- music. Beam has that Ron Perry Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) sents the new rap, moving away from profane lyrics, covered. The players come from university back- band is not an exact science, but the members of Blistur Rivers Edge, Fernandina Beach (491-3849) violence against women, gansta’ attitude, and street grounds and have the gigging experience to affect Beam have strong audience appeal. The horns add Julius Airwave Eclipse, Jax (387-3582) crime. Boyd’s rap is a quantum leap in sophistication true change with musical reinvention. another dimension to the orchestration. I’ve always from the down-and-dirty trash rap, which is waning This musical advancement means nothing if loved horns. Some Latin rap bands include a full Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) in popularity. the band can’t reach their audience. Again, Beam horn section as part of the big sound backing up the Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) If I was to blend all the elements of my ideal communicates directly with their audience, who, rap. It gives Latin hip-hop mucho musical integrity. modern ensemble into a bake mix, Beam would individually, may not know why they like the band, The bottom line with Beam is that they have The Cellar Dwellers Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) come out of the oven. My point is that music must but it’s because subconsciously they react to the all bases covered: advanced musicianship, tight Sidewalk 65 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) change by using the past influences and adding group’s tight musicianship. In other words, the band grooves, strong audience reaction, and intelligently Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Plush, Jax (743-1845) avant-garde elements to move it forward into in- plays, the audience reacts favorably, and everyone conceived original music and covers. Now if they novative new directions. Beam’s fusion of various goes home happy because the excellence of the can get this music on college radio stations, Beam’s Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) influences is a perfect example. Genre categories performance enters the live equation. horizons will expand into infinity. One can get the John Winters Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) are disappearing as music fuses into new ideas and The relationship between an audience and a live skinny on Beam at www.myspace.com/beamtrain. Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Target X Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

THURSDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 8-10 Palatka Bluegrass Festival Rodeheaver Ranch, Palatka

THURSDAY-SUNDAY, FEB. 8-11 Bluzfest-Soulo, Lyons, Josh Miller A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax Fed Up Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473)

Steve Thorpe Blues Orchestra The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300) Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Joe Bonamassa Florida Theatre, Jax Change Due The Norm, Jax (384-9928)

22 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Leon & the Peoples Plush, Jax (743-1845) better burgers and southern entrees. On Sundays David slow-smokes ribs on the patio and serves Kenny Smith Po Boys, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) them up with spicy collard greens and baked beans. Cliff Worrell & the Restless Kind Papagallos, St. Augustine The other new addition to Sundays is the live acous- Chasing Victory Murray Hill, Jax (388-7807) tic music by Dan Shepard and friends. Between traditional Southern dishes and blue- Roger “Hurricane” Wilson Frisky Mermaid, grass and folk versions of classic American songs, Fernandina Beach (261-3300) this is the other face of the Riverside local scene. El Toro Loco Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055) Unlike the young punks closer to Five Points and the old money in Avondale and , these are the Colourslide Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) true Riversiders. Dan Shepard is a Riverside local Feel the Love Duo River City Brewing Company, that runs with an underground group of musicians in Jax (398-2299) the over-thirty realm of Riverside, playing acoustic Brad Payne All-Stars Sports Bar, St. Augustine (827-9842) music and bluegrass every Thursday in some undis- closed home in the area and then bringing some of Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) those collaborations to the patio at Harpoon Louie’s. Cason Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) “Everyone has a good time. It’s relaxed and kicked back,” says Shephard. Chris Kearnes Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine This is the sort of event that locals walk to, so Dot Wilder Jazz Trio Village Café, Jax (389-3995) expect to see some well-behaved dogs, and listen Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) to acoustic renditions of , Janis Joplin, Grateful Dead, and Steve Earl, as well as a selec- Big Engine CD Release French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) tion of songs from the Oh Brother Where Art Thou Normal Town West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) soundtrack. From the Crush wait staff to people that live in the neighborhood of Harpoon Louie’s, locals Edison Gem Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) are consistent at Harp’s on Sundays, but that doesn’t Field Mob Club Vegas, Jax mean they’re cruel to outsiders. When you are one The Bo Cats Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) of the ones at Harpoon Louie’s on a Sunday, you become a Riverside local. BayStreet Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) “I just love to play,” Shepard says. David Milam Bourbon Bayou, St. Augustine Shepard and fellow guitarist, Ray Hart, are sheparding a new flock in sometimes accompanied by Erik Svenson on Banjo Ace Winn Copeland’s, Jax when they perform on Harp’s patio. Sworn Enemy Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) “Erik Svenson is a hydrogeologist that is also Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) one of the best banjo players I have seen around a historic neighborhood here. He’s from North Carolina,” said Hart, “where a lot of banjo players come from.” FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 9-10 Ray also plays in this insider Riverside group of bluegrass and jazz musicians with a group that Boogie Freaks Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Dan Shepard live at Harpoon Louie’s incorporates banjo and standup bass. They played Ron Perry Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) at Harp’s recently and are likely to return. Dan and Cheshire Cats Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-9336) by jon bosworth [email protected] friends play mostly for tips, and the restaurant feeds them beer and dinner, but essentially it is just a Cloud 9 Champs, Ponte Vedra (285-7777) Harpoon Louie’s is the definition of a neighbor- Although the Sundays have been brisk lately, public offering that forms from their weekly jam ses- Mother Load Cap’n Odies, Jax Beach (241-8848) hood tavern. Calling themselves “An American Pub” Harps is continuing their “Grills and Guitars.” Current sions, which have been going on for almost three The Driftwoods Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) the people of the Riverside/Avondale community owners, Justin Watkins and chef David Witt (the chef years. Come to Harpoon Louie’s on any Sunday consider it the local restaurant. Located on Fishweir that designed the original Henrietta’s menu) took (weather permitting) and enjoy Dan Shepard and The Fabtones The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Creek, Harp’s has a patio deck with a waterfront over the neighborhood stalwart last year. They kept some delicious barbecue with one-dollar Pabst Blue Rebecca Zapen The Brick, Jax (387-0606) view. While you enjoy your dinner, you might see an the burgers-and-seafood-type of menu that made the Ribbon or a bucket of five domestic beers for eight egret, a turtle, or even a wandering alligator. place a classic, but upgraded the menu to include dollars. Something Distant Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Paul Lundgren Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) 3 Way Street Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Driven Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Don’t Tell Anne Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Token Blonde Tailgaters, Green Cove Springs (529-1976) Ghost Rider Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349) Magnolia Possums Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) Gutterboy Casey’s Hideaway, Yulee Sax of Soul Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600) Environmental Youth Crunch Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Woodale Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Wes Cobb Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055) Pignotti Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) Blood Mountain Yesterday’s, Jax (387-0502)

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 23 The Riotous Brothers Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Jen Elliott & Bluestruck Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Blistur Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) well punk-a-doodle-doo Sean Chambers Band The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300) South Atlantic, Harvey Duck Murray Hill, Jax (388-7807) ourboros closes, skate-ramp benefit moves Darnell Levine Boomtown, Jax (632-0099) by jon bosworth [email protected] Destruction, In To Eternity Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Read this like a gossip column. That means boros to see the Black Tusk show when I was sud- Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) not to think of this report as having any journalistic denly arrested. Suffice to say, I missed the show and His Fatal Cry Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) credibility. You see, by saying that up front, I have my life took on a whole new drama that consumed the liberty to be wrong, and almost anything having me. When I finally got myself a bus pass and a ciga- AWOL CD Release Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) to do with Jacksonville’s underground, is prone to rette, I decided I still wanted to go to this new venue New Day French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) mis-information. and feel like I’m on the cutting edge again. Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) I have yet to write about a local band, land- No sooner had I thought it then I received a mark, or event and not heard some sort of complaint telephone message from Ray of Stevie Stiletto an- Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) about inaccuracies in the report, but the truth is that nouncing a show titled Punk A Doodle Doo. The Mana Zen Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) the “underground” doesn’t put out press releases. show was to take place at Ouroboros and it was to For instance, I first heard about a new venue in be a benefit concert to raise money for a skate ramp. Narcotic Nation Kountry Tavern, Jax (766-9138) Springfield called Ouroboros from local punk rockers Here it was, my big chance. Ouroborus wasn’t The Naked Lunch Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs Dylan Louvier and Josh Dunn. Dylan and Josh both one of those places you could just find and check Murphy Murphy Pizza Garden, St. Augustine (475-9455) played in Animal Fight when they first told me that out on any old day of the week, you had to be on there was a new place taking over the DIY shows, the up and up about when the shows were. But for Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) since The Pit was being converted into a recording this event there were eight bands slotted to play and Sweet Honey in the Rock Florida Theatre, Jax studio. there was a barbecue planned as well. The lineup When I ran into Dylan at the Shanty Town Pub was to be Stevie Stiletto, DANG!, Narcotic Nation, LoriAnn Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) he told me about the Black Tusk show. So I told EU Ninetenths, Grabbag, Poncho Villa and the Banditos, 2-Tymin’ Cliff’s, Atlantic Beach (249-2777) to send me to the show and I would do a piece on Never Alone, and Band-Aids. Three of these bands Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299) this Ouroboros place. I know, the name, it doesn’t I’ve heard before, but the rest are new. Cutting edge. exactly roll off the tongue. Let me give you a little But then Ouroboros closed down due to noise Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, back story. complaints. Furious I frantically called to find out Jax (287-9900) Ouroborus is the name of the ancient symbol of who had done such a thing. Who would shut down the snake eating itself. There are many incarnations a new and exciting scene right when it was starting SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 11 of this in different cultures and usually represents the to happen, and by starting to happen, I mean I was cyclical nature of the human experience. Wikipedia Plato that accompanies it. about to write about it. So I talked to some of my Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) has an interesting description as well as a story by So from this heady concept came a little store- sources and tracked down the name of the guy that Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) front shop in Springfield that has been hosting under- leases the place. All he said was that Ouroborus ground rock and punk shows for the last couple of would be back as soon as they did some sound- ‘3’ Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) months. Similar to The Pit, word got around quickly, proofing. Dale Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) and those kids lucky enough to be in the thick of this Meanwhile, Grabbag put a bulletin on Myspace David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) new movement have been enjoying some of the best that explained Stevie Stiletto was dropping off of the live shows from practically unknown traveling bands bill and the show was moved to the Kountry Tavern Battle of the Bands Plush, Jax (743-1845) and a few homegrown bands as well. There really is at 7636 North Main Street. DANG! Also dropped off None Like Us Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) an exciting vibe to a show that is just thrown into the of the bill, but Grabbag insists that they will be there corner of a room filling the place with sweat as ran- beering and barbecuing. Still wrought with new punk Glass Camels Atlantic Theatres, Atlantic Beach (249-PLAY) dom clusters of punks hover around their individual bands, the show will go on and I imagine proceeds Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) collections of beer. It makes everything feel secret, will still benefit the building of the skate ramp, but Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) vital, and new. like I said, don’t hold me to any of this. It’s all ru- So back to my story, I was on my way to Ouro- mors and conjecture. El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) Roses Are Red Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Chris Curles Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Deaux Oh Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) Sisters in the Spirit w/Shirley Caesar The Arena, Jax Colton McKenna Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) LoriAnn MiCasa Café, St. Augustine (824-9317) 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) Hairy Buzzard Gizzards Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Chris Caman The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Spade McQuade Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) The Nightowls The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040)

24 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) pared to the down home folk. The Matches Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) “You don’t sound like you have enough of an accent to be asking that question.” Out of Hand Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) EU: How does Nashville react to you? KS: Nashville treats us like one of their own. We line Goliath The Casbah, Jax up at the same trough as everyone else, they give us Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) a swift kick, and we go out to pasture.

EU: Does the traditional scene see you all as young TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 13 punks, or is there a lot of reverence for the authentic- Vinnie & Billy Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune ity of your style? Beach (241-8221) KS: The traditional scene is three websites and a Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) support group. I don’t think there is a traditional scene. Go to Ireland, there’s a traditional scene. Sure Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) there’s probably a bluegrass fest in Jacksonville and Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach some pickers get together, but they are more what we call “the bluegrassers.” They are a pot-bellied lot Steven James Empire Coffee, Jax with a bluegrass scrab and they’ll pinch you saying: Bush Doctors Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) “sounds good buddy.” It’s sort of homoerotic. I’m Ace Winn Duo Copeland’s, Jax not saying Jacksonville bluegrassers are homoerotic, but I’m from Ohio, so it comes across like that. Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) We traveled for several years with Del McCoury. He Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) makin’ the jacksonville is more traditional than us, but they see what we’re doing is good for the industry. It’s good for string Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) bluegrassers pinch themselves players everywhere. John Waters The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) EU: Is CMT the only outlet receptive to your videos? It seems like MTV should put you in a rotation. For Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) interview with Old Crow Medicine Show traditional stylings, your music seems really current. El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) KS: We had some spins on MTV and MTVU, which I think is in Europe. I don’t know. They need to save Dang Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) by jon bosworth [email protected] time for all of those other bands that are so tasteful WHO: Old Crow Medicine Show and Mike Stoller, who wrote many Elvis classics, and and quality-driven. They are too busy with those TUESDAY-WED., FEB. 13-14 WHEN: Thursday, February 15th they also play a number of traditionals, but when guys to care about music. Like , they WHERE: Florida Theatre they write a song, it doesn’t step out as being cut wrote about us once, but they have to write a lot of Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) Even from the first strums of their new album, from a different timber than the rest of the album. ads for blue jeans and lip gloss, so I know they’re Big Iron World, you can tell this is an old time string You’ll think you’re listening to an old song until you busy folks. band. When a bluegrass band of young fellows hear the line: “If you don’t believe that cocaine is WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 comes from Nashville, Tennessee, you better believe good, you ask Karl Rove and Elijah Wood.” EU: Virginia Creeper, is that the best country shag Alpha Dog Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) they’re going to be able to play, and these boys Its true they inject an energy that is almost song ever written? The Cover Band Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099) can pick and with the best of the best. But it punk-like to their old time string band, but there are KS: I’m glad you got the twist in that number. There’s isn’t their ability to play that mystifies me as much no drums and all of the instruments are acoustic. a double entendre there. It follows in a long tradition Mystic Dino Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) as their ability to write songs that sound like lost They are picking on , banjos, guitars, man- in rural and country songs like “Please let me warm Goliath Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) bluegrass treasures from an era that went largely dolins, and an upright bass, but they get so much up your wiener.” We’re glad to fit in there and bring unrecorded and undocumented in the Appalachian energy kicked up in a room when they’re playing live, a song about sex and trains back across the time AWOL, Indorphine Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) mountains for generations. you’ll swear you’re at the county honky tonk and this span into the 21st century. My favorite line is “slide Cloud 9 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) When you first listen to their music, you’ll is everyone’s only night away from the backbreaking me up your ticket baby, climb onto my engine.” We The Impediments Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) swear these are traditional songs that these young work in the fields all week long. busted up when Critter and me wrote that line; it was and energetic boys have picked up and played for I caught up with Ketch, who plays the fiddle just too sexy. The Florida bluegrassers are going wild Zion Punch Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) us. In some cases they are, on Big Iron World they and is one of the key voices in this quintet, to find pinching themselves, they can’t handle it. Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) play a Woody Guthrie song, a song by Jerry Leiber out how the Yankees react to their bluegrass com- Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488)

Rising up from LA’s hip-hop underground in they’re coming from. Chris Caman The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) busdriver the early 1990’s, Busdriver (a.k.a. Regan Farquhar) The beats are sound, the hooks infectious, Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) has continued to refine his sound and style over the and the instrumentation has good depth. The Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) album review last 14+ years. With his 5th solo release, Road Kill production quality is polished and, in a refreshing Overcoat, and his 1st appearance on the Anti/Epitaph departure from mainstream hip-hop, there’s no Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) label, he continues to carve out a niche of distinctly reference to the Driver’s posse, producers, label, Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) independent rap, fueled by a wide assortment of or lifestyle, just an amalgamation of clever, if not contemporary references, undeniable grooves, and entirely coherent, rhymes, slightly schizophrenic Livid Snookers, Jax (696-0714) talented flow that’s a force to be reckoned with. stream-of-consciousness, and veiled social com- Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) From off-hand references to Noam Chomsky, mentary over surprisingly addictive riffs. Shawn Lightfoot The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) beatniks smoking grass, and disenchanted misan- When the last track ends and the ride finally thropes to spitting about armpit hair and dinosaur stops, this album can best be summed up by its Boxrockers Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) dung, this bus route takes the listener from one end title, Road Kill Overcoat. The craftsmanship is im- Boxrockers Zhanra’s, St. Augustine of town to the other, and doesn’t stop in any place peccable, but the end result isn’t leather, polyester, familiar. Each track drops you off somewhere a little or your standard cotton blend. This album is novel The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) different, and it’s never the same place twice. and interesting with a wealth of layers, though cut El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Artist: Busdriver Certainly not for hip-hop purists and a bizarre from a different cloth than Sage Francis, Saul Wil- Dark Star Orchestra Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Title: Road Kill Overcoat choice when compared with Epitaph’s punk core, liams, and other cutting-edge underground hip-hop Busdriver’s latest release blurs the boundaries of artists. Boys Like Girls Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Release Date: 01.30.2007 any overtly recognizable genres while still remaining This bus stops in Jacksonville, on Friday, Feb- Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Label: Epitaph catchy. The first 4 tracks, ‘Casting Agents and Cow- ruary 16th, and if the latest album is any indication Beach (241-8221) girls’, ‘Less Yes’s. More No’s’, ‘Kill Your Employer’, of the Driver’s skills, the ride should be entertain- Performing: Jack Rabbits on Feb. 16th with Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Deerhoof and ‘Ethereal Driftwood’ make for a strong start ing. out of the gate; you just don’t know which direction By Ian Desousa Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299)

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 25 upcoming shows all-american

Old Crow Medicine Show Feb. 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 JJ Grey and MOFRO Feb. 16, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 bluegrass babe Deerhoof Feb. 16, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496

Against ME, Riverboat Gambleers, Fake Problems Feb. 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 Rhonda Vincent Taylor Hicks Feb. 21, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 by Erin thursby [email protected] Coco Montoya, Willie Green Feb. 22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311

Sugar Minott Feb. 23, Freebird Live. 246-2473 What: Rhonda Vincent (at the Palatka Bluegrass we get back to basics…[so Festival) there’s] more of a basic Boney James Feb. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 When: February 10th bluegrass premise to [All- Where: Rodeheaver Boys’ Ranch - Highway 19 American Bluegrass Girl]. Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash Feb. 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Palatka, Florida Catie Curtis Feb. 25, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 EU: Do you think that the Rhonda Vincent has been a darling of the blue- song All-American Blue- Gym Class Heroes Feb. 27, Freebird Live, 246-2473 grass genre since she was a child. After a brief foray grass is destined to become Dr. Dog Feb. 27, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 into country, she returned to bluegrass in 2000, a classic? winning the respect of her peers. Her latest album, Vincent: Boy, I hope so, Michael Franks March 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 All-American Bluegrass Girl, is aptly named, because that would be really great if that’s precisely what Rhonda Vincent has been. EU it was. Kathleen Madigan March 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 had a chance to talk to her recently about her album [to a listener]…It was kind of just talking about my Jake Shimabukuro March 7, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 and how she discovers new songwriters. EU: I know that the first version of the song was childhood…more details about coming home from pretty rough (you said your fiddler laughed at it). school…It was pretty hokey. It’s still kinda hokey but Larry the Cable Guy March 8, Jacksonville Veterans EU: What’s the difference between Ragin’ Live and Vincent: (laughs) Yes, it was. it is what it is and so I made it more well rounded… Memorial Arena, 630-3900 your latest album, All-American Bluegrass Girl? Vincent: The most drastic difference was because EU: Can you tell me what changed about the song EU: Which song on the CD still makes you cry? Moe March 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Ragin Live was a live album, performed in front of and what stayed the same from the first very rough Vincent: ‘Prettiest Flower There’ is still one of my fa- Taste of Chaos March 8, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309 a live audience and it’s basically the show that we draft? vorite songs to sing…I was in the middle of record- did…All-American Bluegrass Girl was my first studio Vincent: Well, before it was basically I had put down ing and pretty much had all of my songs recorded The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra March 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 album that I’d had in like 3 years. Because of the lib- the story of my life and a lot of things that were and heard that song on the way to the airport to go John Gorka, Sam Pacett March 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 erties we took with Ragin Live, it was important that too many details that really wouldn’t make sense record again…I heard this song and immediately thought of my grandmother. I just started crying. We Medeski Martin & Wood March 9, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD lost her a year ago and I thought ‘If this song got this reaction from me, I would think it would get the Band Of Horses March 10, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 same reaction [from an audience] if we sang it—and Toots And The Maytals March 10, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD sure enough…(laughs) Why do we want songs that make us cry? March 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

The Thermals, The Big Sleep March 11, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 EU: The songwriter for that was one of the new songwriters you discovered… Moneen March 11, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Vincent: That’s right, Val Johnson.

Explosions in the Sky March 12, The Alcazar, 469-9311 EU: Can you tell us about the process you use to Pepper March 12, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD find these songs and these undiscovered songwrit- ers? ZZ Top March 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Vincent: I welcome everybody. They send me songs Lucinda Williams March 16, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 and we listen to them. We listen to everything. It’s pretty much as simple as that. The Temptations and The Four Tops March 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 EU: So anybody can send you songs? And you listen to all of them? Tom Rush March 21, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Vincent: That’s right…It began with ‘Little Angels’ Cold War Kids March .22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 from my 2000 album…Got that song by a lady just handing it to me at a show.. Anoushka Shankar March 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 EU: You’ve been in the bluegrass biz since you were Vince Gill March 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 a kid; what do you think bluegrass does as genre The Duhks March 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 that no other genre does for music? Vincent: At a bluegrass festival there’s an open Leo Kottke March 29, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 stage and it gives [kids] a chance to perform to Tom Jones April 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 really get a feel for being in front of an audience, I don’t know of any other musics that would do that. Plain White T’s April 10, Freebird Live, 246-2473 You know, you go to a show and someone who’s just beginning is not going to be al- Clap Your Hands Say Yeah April 20, Freebird Live, 246-2473 lowed on the stage…If you want a good evaluation, Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 go out to a [bluegrass] jam session, see if people start gathering around or walking away. You’ll get a George Thorogood May 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 real feel for it. Patty Larkin May 6, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 You can see Rhonda Vincent at the Palatka Relient K May 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Bluegrass Festival. The fest runs from the 8-10th, but Vincent will be performing on the 10th.

26 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Duncanson, R.S culture & arts FEBRUARY 8 Reflections of the St. Johns Art Exhibit Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax 8 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax 8 Artifacts of the St. Johns Fogle Fine Art Gallery, Jax 8 Musical Lecture Series: The Blue & Gray in Black & White FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax 8 “American Invention” JU Wind Ensemble Terry Concert Hall, Jax 8 Book Signing: James Harris Books A Million/Regency, Jax 8 Hip Hop Dance Workshop FCCJ South Campus, Jax 8 1940’s Musical “In the Mood” Performing Arts Center, Jax 8 United Way Community Celebration Florida Theatre, Jax 8-11 “Flyin’ West” By Pearl Cleage Ritz Theatre, Jax 8-11 Boat-A-Rama Prime Osborn, Jax 8-16 Jax Consortium of African American Artists Exhibit FCCJ North Campus, Jax 8-24 Classes For Children-Drawing & Painting MOCA, Jax 8-28 Exhibit: Joanelle Mulrain Starbuck’s/San Marco, Jax 8-MAR. 11 Celebrating Black Hisotry Exhibit MOSH, Jax the walter o. evans collection 8-MAR. 15 The Art of Collage Workshop Cummer Museum, Jax 8-MAR. 18 Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art Cummer Museum, Jax of african-american art 8-MAR. 18 “Crime & Punishment” Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando 8-MAR. 30 Youth Actors Classes Theatre Jacksonville, Jax 8-MAR. 30 “Bright Young Things” Art Show Jane Gray Gallery, Jax on display at the Cummer Museum 8-APR. 1 “Shenendoah” The Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax Lewis, Edmonia (The Marriage of Hiawatha, c. 1868) 8-APR. 8 Other Worlds: The Landscape in Contemporary Art Museum of Contemporary Art, Jax of Art & Gardens 8-APR. 8 Second Skins: Sculptural Soundsuits & Tondos by Nick Cave MOCA, Jax 8-APR. 17 The Walter O.Evans Collection of African American by donald dusinberre [email protected] Art Cummer Museum, Jax 8-APR. 28 “With An Even Hand” Brown v Board at Fifty Ritz Theatre, Jax Art requires many things of its collectors, in- Despite relative anonymity throughout recent cluding knowledge of the art market, storage space, history, African-American art has always been 9 “Bright Young Things” Exhibit Jane Grey Gallery, Jax and loads of money. It’s true that most of us will as significant as any other genre. No theoretical 9 The heART of ART Workshop Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach never be able to afford an art collection, and for the or philosophical idea in the art world can ever be 9 Omayra Flamenco Dance Company UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax most part, that’s okay. Since most peoples’ walls guarded or kept away from any particular group of 10 Valentine’s Day Dinner Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax are littered with family snapshots and flea market people. In fact, it may be true that perhaps the most prints of Van Gogh’s ‘Vase with Twelve Sunflowers’, robust ideas are produced where the interference of 10 Rotaract Club 6th Annual Black Tie & Blue Jeans Gala Library Main Branch, Jax we should consider ourselves lucky to view the prying eyes is absent. The paintings and sculptures museum-quality collections of those more dedicated brought to Jacksonville are capable of triggering a 10 Spanish Flamenco Dance Classes Flamenco de la Costa, Jax and focused. sort of voyeuristic pleasure as they tell their stories 10 Auditions: The Tale of Peter Rabbit 2pm Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine We in Jacksonville have a unique opportunity to with magnificent depth. 10 Camp Expo The Avenues Mall, Jax view a large collection of African-American art and One such example is a series of paintings 10 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax ephemera at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. by Jacob Lawrence, one of the most well known Owned by Dr. Walter O. Evans, it is one of the larg- African-American artists of the 20th century. His 10 Chinese New Year’s Celebration & Expo UNF Lazzara Theatre, Jax est collections of its kind in the United States. The Genesis Creation series is a remarkable example of 10 Family Art Days Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach paintings, drawings, and sculptures on display are interweaving ideas to great effect. A story told in 10 Sweet Honey in the Rock Florida Theatre, Jax a well-rounded selection from Dr. Evans’ immense eight separate panels, the Genesis Creation series 10 Celebrity Cabaret “Happily Red” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax collection of more than 500 original works. depicts an African-American preacher’s sermon to By far, Dr. Evans’ most virtuous quality as an an excitable congregation. Church windows within 10 Guided Walk at the Slave Quarters , Jax art collector is his passion for preserving and mak- each image show the events told in that particular 11 Sundays-Robin Spielberg Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park Lawrence, J. (Genesis Creation Sermon 6, 1989) ing available to us the grossly overlooked talents part of the sermon, beginning with a black void and 11 Krzysztof Biernacki with Gary Smart Main Library, Jax of many African-American artists. Becoming close concluding with the green grass and blue skies of the gravity of the memorabilia we have the opportu- 11 Voices of Sacrifice & Liberation Performing Arts Center, Jax friends with many of the artists both before as well paradise. As we view distinct images in sequence, nity to enjoy. as after he purchased their works, those unique re- so are the characters within the painting. Lawrence In conjunction with the large selection of Afri- 12 Book Signing: Kimberla Lawson Books A Million/Regency, Jax lationships allowed him to share with us very special felt that his story could not be contained within a can-American artwork currently on display, the Cum- 12 Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society Meeting Library/Pablo works that offer a more intimate look at those artists single frame, just as the creation took more than one mer is also hosting other events to take place during Creek, Jax and their lives. day. Those layers of conceptual precision give in- Black History Month. Among them is New View, an 12 University of North Florida Environmental Center Lecture On display are a wide variety of artistic styles triguing dimension to Lawrence’s flat painting style. exhibition created by students at Douglas Anderson UNF University Center, Jax from the 19th and 20th centuries, with the earliest In addition to works of art, the Cummer is also School of the Arts. Interpreting The Creation by 12 Tale Tellers of St. Augustine “Civil War Stories, Part 1” The being a painting dating to 1848. Some of the works displaying ephemera from notable African-American Aaron Douglas, the students have used their skills Lighthouse, St. Augustine allegorically detail African-American life, while others figures, including numerous letters and items associ- in painting, film, sculpture, and poetry to produce 12 Musical Lecture Series-Politics of Hip Hop Culture FCCJ offer no indication whatsoever as to whom the art- ated with James Weldon Johnson, a poet and early brand new works of art. They have also created a South Campus, Jax ist may be. Either way, each work is an astounding civil rights activist. Born in Jacksonville in 1871, 30-foot long mural that will find its way to the dining 13 Whirling Dervishes UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax record of expression. Whether you prefer a beautiful Johnson was a key part of the Harlem Renaissance room at the Clara White Mission. 13 UniverSoul Circus Norwood Shopping Center, Jax landscape by Robert Scott Duncanson, a collage by and principal of Jacksonville’s Stanton School. Our All of the works in the Walter O. Evans Collec- Romare Bearden, or modern sculptures by Richard city has been home to few local and national heroes tion of African-American Art, the New View project, 13 I Love Design with Joe Duffy Chew Restaurant, Jax Hunt and Elizabeth Catlett, the wealth of images will greater than he. Even if you have no appreciation for and the mural will be on display only until April 17th, 14 African American Cinema- “Buck & the Preacher” MOCA, Jax please any visitor. art, you would do well to recognize and appreciate 2007.

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 27 14 “Goin to the Chapel” Murder Mystery Players Dave & Busters, Jax Brown, Irving Berlin, Ste- phen Sondheim, Michel 14 “A Cruise Ship Crime” Professor Plum’s Playhouse, Jax Legrand, Alan and Marilyn 14 Soulful Sounds A Musical Tribute To Sam Cooke Limelight Bergman, Frank Loesser, Theatre, St. Augustine and Maury Yeston. 14 “One Voice” Starring Bethany Owen Boomtown, Jax Tickets for the show 14 Musical Lecture Series-Politics of Hip Hop Culture FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax are $50 and include the 14-15 Especially For Seniors Talks & Teas Cummer Museum, Jax opening reception. For $75 you can buy a VIP 15 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax ticket and attend the after 15 Amateur Night Ritz Theatre, Jax party at Layla’s. For in- 15 Good & Bad Guys in the Landscape Highlands Branch Library, Jax formation and tickets, call 15 Musical Lecture Series-Politics of Hip Hop Culture FCCJ (904) 396-4425. Downtown Campus Campus, Jax 15-Mar. 15 Abstraction of the Real Exhibit Raymond Yeager JU Alexander Brest, Jax 15-MAR. 24 “Really Rose’ Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando tie in event 16 Urban Cowboy Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park Musical Theater Master Class with 16 Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Wine Tasting Aetna Building, Jax Amanda McBroom 16 Author/Humorist Jonathan Richard Cring Faith United Methodist, Jax The world renowned star of stage and caba- sarah boone Amanda mcboom rets, Amanda McBroom will be teaching a master 16 Beach Walk-Step Up Florida , class. If you’ve not been to a master class before Fernandina Beach (I love watching them on PBS), it’s an interest- 16-17 JSO “Music From Down Under with Colin Hay” Performing ing set-up. In the weeks before the class, a few Arts Center, Jax promising students of musical theater are chosen 17 Black History Celebration MOSH, Jax get red, happily red to work with the teacher. Those students chose 17 Almost to Freedom (For Kids) Kingsley Plantation, Jax one particular piece of practiced music to per- 17 Step Off 2007 FCCJ North Campus, Jax form for McBroom. Then, in front of the audience, McBroom will offer suggestions for enhancing 17 Reading: Freedom Road Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach a full evening to benefit Theatre Jacksonville their performance technique. You may well get 17 Spanish Flamenco Dance Classes Flamenco de la Costa, Jax to watch those students improve and grow in 17 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax by Erin thursby [email protected] performance during the session. Proceeds from 17 Celtic Woman FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax the Master Class with Amanda McBroom will go th vations in the lobby of the theater. After the show, for towards Theatre Jacksonville’s Educational Out- 17 Canvas of Sound II MOCA, Jax What: Happily Red, 5 Annual benefit for Theatre Jacksonville an extra $25, you can join the cast at Layla’s for an reach Program. General admission tickets are 17-19 President’s Weekend World Golf Village, St. Augustine When: February 10th pre-show event @ 6:30 cur- exclusive VIP party. The party at Layla’s has tradi- $10. For more information, call the Box Office at 17-MAR. 17 “Murder on the Happy Trail” Murder Mystery Players tain @ 8PM tionally sold out, since space is limited. (904) 396-4425. Dave & Buster’s, Jax Where: Bank of America in San Marco, Theatre Once again, Executive Director Sarah Boone 18 The Peking Acrobats Florida Theatre, Jax Jacksonville’s Harold K. Smith Playhouse and will take the stage to sing at this year’s Happily Red performance, along with local songsters Jim 18 JSO “Peter & the Wolf” Performing Arts Center, Jax Layla’s Goodell, Carrie Thornton and Juan Unzueta. They’ll who is sarah boone? 19 Presidential Party MOSH, Jax Where have all the cabarets gone? I don’t be singing everything from contemporary pop to You may know her as Executive Director 19 Out of School Art (Ages 6-8) Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach know, but you can bring back all those cabaret mem- musicals from the 1920’s. Of the show, Boone says of Theatre Jacksonville, but did you know that 19 A Day in Ancient Egypt: One Day School Holiday Camp ories (real or imagined) at Theatre Jacksonville’s “It’s a very, very entertaining mix. The songs are a Sarah Boone has also worked professionally as Cummer Museum, Jax much anticipated annual cabaret benefit concert, good mix of comedy and serious numbers. There’s a singer and actor? She began her career with 20 4th Annual Mardi Gras For “Learn To Read” Channel Marker Happily Red. really something for everyone.” a theatre degree from FSU and continued her 71 Inn & Restaurant, St. Augustine The event is really three happenings that you In the second act of the show, you’ll get to hear training in New York studying acting with HB 20 TheatreWorks “I Have a Dream” Florida Theatre, Jax can attend. First, included in the ticket price, is the song-stylings of Amanda McBroom, a songwriter Studio Founder Herbert Berghof and musical nd the pre-show opening reception across the street and cabaret artist of some renown. She’s penned 20 2 Annual National Pancake Celebration Benefit Participating IHOPS, Jax theatre with Tony Award-winning actress Donna from Theatre Jacksonville at the Bank of America. songs for artists from Bette Midler to Leanne Rimes 21 African American Cinema- “To Sleep With Anger” MOCA, Jax McKechnie. Although the majority of her result- They open the lobby doors at 6:30, for light hors and Barry Manilow to The Manhattan Transfer. The ing theatrical experience has been as a producer 22 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax d’oeuvres, desserts and wine (catered in part by most famous of those songs is the award winning and manager, Sarah has always found a home 22 The Negro Speaks of Rivers Cummer Museum of Art, Jax Anthony’s Gourmet Catering). There will also be a The Rose, a #1 hit by Bette Midler in 1979. But on stage. In addition to creating, producing silent auction of art from San Marco’s own Gallery McBroom’s own interpretations of her songs have 22 Culinary Workshop-Sicilian Cooking Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach and performing in Happily Red for the last four Framery, as well as a drawing for three gifts. The been gathering crowds around the world for quite a 23 Don Martin-Charcoal Drawings Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach years, Sarah’s NYC cabaret credits include solo main event is the actual Cabaret-style show at The- few years. At Happily Red you can expect to hear her shows at The Duplex, Don’t Tell Mama, and The 23 Author John Amen Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax atre Jacksonville. The curtain goes up at 8PM, but sing some of them, as well as standards from the Triad. 23 DASOTA Great Guitar Gathering DASOTA, Jax you might want to go over early to admire the reno- American Songbook by Cole Porter, Jason Robert 23 Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Florida Theatre, Jax 23 Gospel Galore w/FCCJ Gospel Chorale FCCJ Downtown Campus, Jax 23-25 “Miss Evers’ Boys” Stage Aurora Ezekiel Bryant Auditorium, Jax 23-APR. 14 Workshop-Don Martin “Ground of Being” Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach 24 Sanctuary Open House & Tour Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax 24 Archaeology of the Slave Quarters Kingsley Plantation, Jax 24 Classical Savion Lazzara Hall, Jax 24 Dance Alive National Ballet Gala Phillips Center for Performing Arts, Gainesville 24 Audition: “Majigeen” 10AM Fuel, Jax 24 The Barber of Seville Performing Arts Center, Jax 24 Book Signing: Allen Bohl Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax 24 NE Florida Scottish Games & Festival World Golf Village, St. Augustine

28 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper left to be played, including the tournaments, and we shall see if Florida can come close to going back-to- for anyone who enjoys back. This past week was National Signing Day for college football. Thousands of high school prospects great theatre signed letters of intent to play football at prospective schools. If you are a sports fan, you have heard this THE drill many times before in the past. For those people involved in this business, they know it can get very Orlando - UCF Shakeseare fest JOCK nasty in many different respects. It has come down to being an untrusting industry of communication by dick kerekes [email protected] between players, coaches, parents, and many others. BY: TOM WEPPEL And while the NCAA has tried their best to police the Limelight last year, Ms. Rebeck is an experienced business, it has still in many ways gotten out of hand playwright who spent several years doing scripts for in the way things are done. If you don’t believe me, NYPD Blue. It is exciting to have the opportunity to Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... ask any potential recruit or college scout. meet this talented playwright. In the NBA, Chris Webber has done a good job If you think you have a play in you and have The NFL has concluded, and now the rest of the of acclimating himself to the Detroit Pistons, who are been looking for some guidance to put it on paper, sporting world can exhale and get on with their sea- playing good ball and looking more and more like a a Master Class in playwriting will be held by Ms. sons. It seemed as if everything stopped for the Super team that will be tough to play against. We still need Rebeck on Saturday the 24th at noon at a cost of Bowl, knowing that fans would put their attention on a to see how Shaq and the Heat evolve since his return $l00.00. game that has easily become the #1 event in the US. from his hiatus. Otherwise, in the Eastern Conference, One of the sources for new and innovative Now, many sports fans will turn their attention there is not much going on. plays has been the International Fringe Festivals, to College Basketball, which is already more than The West is a different story. Dallas and Phoenix held all over the world. Orlando’s International Fringe halfway through the season. Many schools are into are at the top, but San Antonio, Utah, Houston, and Festival is an annual event that I have attended and their conference schedules, including the ACC and the Lakers are all possibilities to compete. covered in the past. Want to take your group and a SEC. The Gators are back on top at #1 for right now, And before you know it, MLB Spring Training will New play festivals can be found all over county play and get into a Fringe Festival? Orlando Fringe followed by UCLA, Ohio State, Wisconsin, and North be getting under way just a few miles down the street. in such cities as Denver, Louisville, Philadelphia, Festival Artistic Director Beth Marshall will be hold- Carolina. Duke and Kentucky, two schools we are Tom Weppel talks trash on Thursdays from 7-8 just to name a few but none are more accessible to ing classes on February 25 and March 4. At a cost used to seeing at the top, are still in the Top 25, but p.m. on WIOJ-AM 1010, and on North Floridians than University of Central Florida’s of $l0.00 each you can learn how to get into a Fringe are struggling. And so there is still a lot of basketball SportsAvengers.com 24/7. “PlayFest.” It is a very reasonably priced ten-day Festival and perhaps become well known in the the- theatre event packed with dynamic new plays and atre world. new play programming. Like all play festivals, their Space does not permit me to elaborate on all mission is to cultivate new plays, nurture new play- the readings, plays and workshops, but some of the wrights and attract local and national audiences. titles are very intriguing. All the Girls Love Bobby Let me be right up front with the costs. You Kennedy, China—the Whole Enchilada, The Stinky purchase a PlayFest Button for $5.00 and it and a Cheese Man, Three Screams, and Playing Alexina small fee will get you into a variety of events. Work- are some of the shows available. shops are $8.00 and reading is $3.00. On February All the performances are at The John and Rita 26 at 7PM, you can attend “Play in a Day Perfor- Lowndes Shakespeare Center, which is right down- mance” for only $5.00. The plays are written, cast, town at 812 E Rollins Street. Choose a motel in the JACKSONVILLE rehearsed and performed within a 24-hour period!! north part of Orlando, like the Lee Road area, and The opening night production on February you will avoid all that Disney, Sea World, Universal 23, is a full premier of a new adaptation of Dos- crowd and traffic. toyevsky’s famous novel Crime and Punishment with You can get all the information on the excel- we are seeking a professional, enthusiastic person to ticket prices from $ 20.00 to $ 35.00. lent website, www.shakespearefest.org and click on Saturday 2/24 is a very special evening. At PlayFest 2007. You can check out the entire play list represent the area’s leading weekly entertainment 7:30 PM playwright Theresa Rebeck will give the and events, order tickets and even see festival video keynote address free, with your PlayFest Button, clips. publication. this is an exciting opportunity to deal followed by a reading of her new play, Mauritius, a I know that Jacksonville area theatre groups directly with leading entertainment venues and psychological thriller about philately. are always looking for new plays to bring to their Having Ms. Rebeck at this festival is certainly patrons, and their repertory committees do a great businesses and to promote exciting new movie premiers. a feather in UCF’s cap, since she is probably one job of reading many scripts and selecting interesting of the hottest playwrights on the theatre scene. Her new works for local audiences. Here is an opportu- play The Scene just opened at Second Stage in New nity to see the play making process up close and to York to great reviews. The Scene stars Tony Shaloub experience a variety of shows at a reasonable cost. sales experience is preferred, (of Monk) and Patricia Heaton (of Everybody Loves I will have a review of the Festival and Crime Raymond). and Punishment in the March 1st issue of Entertain- enthusiasm necessary. Co-author of Omnium Gatherum , done at ing U. See you in Orlando.

(904) 730-3003 · a locally and family owned business for over 25 years.

eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 29 Just as many autographs that they can get will plum after racing, they thought about what they enjoyed please me to death. I would like a Jeff, Jimmy, Tony and how the fans loved the sport. So hang the end and Junior signature, please. and live for the means. Why can’t NASCAR, and big You know, I think I have done it again, and money sponsors, or even we the fans do more than nascar news & notes not on purpose either; I ain’t hardly talked about just buy a few trinkets that some old driver we never by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] NASCAR. I know you are , as that saw race is selling on eBay? Can’t there be a way guy Buffer says. Maybe it’s just that I’m still having to help them help themselves out of the hard times, fun. You know another thing about the starting of a which many have fallen on over the years and some Richard interviews Sterling Marlin new NASCAR season is that Brian France can start are headed for even now? making those regular trips to the bank. Boy I bet he Come on NASCAR, do something here, will is happy about that. He really don’t need to worry ya? It’s time to stand up for these drivers and their about the off season, since he’s got everything going families. It is time for some payback for all they his way. His Grand Pappy had the name “Big Bill.” did for us for almost sixty years, don’t you think? His Pop was called “Little Bill” so I think that since Thank You, Melinda, for reminding me. Hopefully me they stopped using William, and didn’t use Richard, reminding a few people what so many deserve, will we can’t use the name Bill or Dick. Why not use perhaps make it one day happen. That’s all y’all, and “KING?” next week: it’s time. So King Brian is ruling the sport now and he’s Just one more thing, If it ain’t NASCAR, It ain’t got all this money. Money to start a new series in s**t! other parts of the world, and a new hall of fame for which tons of dollars will be spent. They even got a NASCAR Foundation, which, don’t get me wrong, is a great thing, but don’t you think there just might be something or somebody NASCAR, and a few others like us, are forgetting? I was reminded this week about what could be called “the homeless” (no, not that guy on the corner bumming change) the old time drivers that never made a million bucks for a race, or even 100K for one, and went out and bought a nice home and put money in the bank like King France and his whole family has done over the past two days away and I am ready with a capital R. To fifty years. Are We There Yet? No this ain’t no movie So what if these guys didn’t save their money review about the one Ice Cube did. I liked it but my go along with the racing this Thursday is “Media Day” at Daytona. And next week, not only will I have or buy them 401Ks or get a pension plan at work? wife, Ann, thought it was real dumb. This here col- These drivers put the few bucks they got for racin umn is a warm up to the start of my usual NASCAR a chance to write about the Bud Shootout, there will be some pictures in the paper of the guys – close-up into other things, like their car, food, shelter, and stuff that y’all have been reading for the past couple clothing for a family. They didn’t think about the life of years, and I hope for a few more, even if I don’t and personal. I’ll relay some of their thoughts with have a contract yet. I know, I know I have been talk- y’all and share some of the pics that my camera- ing about this for weeks now and I promise this is man, and good friend, John will take at the biggest the last time you’ll hear about it, well maybe not for thing to us since canned beer. another five years if Will will get off his wallet (no We went last year and acted like a couple of pun meant). rookies, but this time we got a plan and we’re going It’s kind of like Dale Jr. and Mother Teresa, I to have a good time. We still won’t be able to get no think, except I have not and will not bad-mouth my dang autographs since we are with the media. Have boss and I know for sure he won’t do it to me cause no fear about that mates, because a friend of my I’m much bigger than he is. Ain’t that right Bubba? wife’s and her pal are going to cover the outside like So Will, won’t you please take the advice of all my hawks and get them for all four of us. I sure hope it many readers and just sign me up. Why, I have had works out and they don’t get run off or anything. And three offers to come and drive – I mean write – for they better not say just who they are with because I other medias. One was a big time national daily don’t even know them if I’m asked. “No sir, officer, newspaper, but you and my readers know that my take’em away, never seen them before in my life.” heart belongs here at Entertaining U. Besides, once Going to media day is like Christmas, Thanksgiving, a week is enough for me at my age. Valentine’s Day and a whole bunch more days like Alright, that’s it and I will not talk about the that, especially when you’re a big a fan of NASCAR. subject anymore. So it’s on to NASCAR and by “Are Now Glenda and John are Kasey Kahne fans and We There Yet?” I mean just that, the first race is only I’m not sure who her friend likes, but me, I’m easy.

30 february 8-14, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | february 8-14, 2007 31