JACKSONVILLE

George’s Music springing the blues Join Sue Foley and others this weekend at the beach. entertaining u newspaper free weekly guide to entertainment and more | april 5-11, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature ...... PAGES 16-21 San Marco Pub Crawl...... PAGE 23 movies Are We Done Yet? (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies In Theaters This Week...... PAGES 6-10 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted...... PAGE 7 Grindhouse (movie preview)...... PAGE 7 The Reaping (movie review)...... PAGE 8 The Host (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Meet The Robinsons (movie review)...... PAGE 9 The Hoax (movie review)...... PAGE 10 at home (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 Discovery Channel’s Planet Earth (TV review)...... PAGE 13 Video Games...... PAGE 14 food Bistro Aix...... PAGE 19 music Leo Kottke ()...... PAGE 24 Music Calendar...... PAGES 24-28 Al Maniscalco (Simon’s)...... PAGE 24 George’s Music Springing The Blues Festival...... PAGE 26 Sue Foley (interview)...... PAGE 27 Tab Benoit (interview) ...... PAGE 28 Michael Burks (interview)...... PAGE 29 Mary Karlzen - Wonderlust Diaries (album)...... PAGE 30 Devon Allman’s Honeytribe - Torch (album)...... PAGE 30 A Slight Breeze (album)...... PAGE 30 T76 CD Release Party (Boomtown)...... PAGE 32 arts / theatre / on stage Princess Simpson Rashid (MOSH)...... PAGE 22 Margaret Schnebly Hodge - Flux (Karpeles)...... PAGE 32 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 31-32 Humana Play Fest ...... PAGE 33 columns and stuff The Jock...... PAGE 33 NASCAR...... PAGE 34

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 3 plain white t’s this thisweek Tuesday at . Attaboy & Annie thursday april 5 Owens Art Exhibit Opening The Gallery at Screen Arts is Summer Concerts In The Plaza proud to announce ‘Swarmy Bring your lawn chair to an evening concert in St. Augustine’s Plaza Weather’ an extra special art de la Constitucion with cool breezes under a canopy of live oaks show featuring 98% humidity! as you enjoy the season’s opening concert, featuring Prince Pele’s Oh, and some very special Polynesian Revue. art by Attaboy and Annie Plaza de la Constitucion - 7-9 p.m. Info: 904-825-1004 Owens, founders of Hi Frutose Magazine and creators of way Electric Six wicked art. Mr. Boy and Ms. Electric Six loves to yodel, Owens will be in attendance at loves to make money and the show so please do come meet them, eat some Rap Snacks Jacksonville Suns Baseball Opening Weekend loves to sit on the political and drink some cheap beer while you’re at it. More information Friday, 7:05 receive free magnet schedule, Sat., 7:05 Nolan Ryan fence. So it was inevitable to follow but in the meantime check them out at: The Gallery 1967 Replica Jersey Giveaway for first 3,000 fans, Sun. 2:05 Giant that their next album At Screen Arts, 228 W. King St, St. Augustine – 6 pm Info: Easter Egg Hunt on the field for kids under 12, bring your basket, would be called simply... 904/829-2838 or 800/826-4649 or www.screenartsflorida.com game at 3:05. Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Suns home every Switzerland. day through 4/12. Info: 358-2846. From the bouncy, peppy ‘I Buy the Drugs’ to the Def Leppard / Journey-esque ‘Night Vision’ to the super- saturday april 7 smooth ‘Infected Girls’, old electric six school E6 mavens will find Tekken 5 Tournament just the right amount of Tekken Gathering #2, part of Jacksonville’s own Tekken video puerile yet groovy (and vaguely intellectual) concoctions that make game tournament series. Play and battle others from the Southeast them want become one with their aggression. tres bien (below) attaboy (above) region for the championship of the highly-acclaimed Tekken 5 Jack Rabbits 8 p.m. Info: 398-7496 fighting game for PlayStation 3. The entry fee will be $17 + $3. Registration is from 10:00 to 11:30, and starting time is at 12 noon. – The Righteous Brother The format is double elimination, best 3 out of 5 rounds and 2 out ’ ‘You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin’’ sits of 3 matches. Championship will be best 3 of 5 rounds and 3 of 5 atop BMI’s Top 100 Songs of the Century and Bill Medley – The matches. Be sure to bring your own controller and USB cable if you Righteous Brother continues the tradition of ‘Blue Eyed Soul’ that are using a PS3 controller. Empire Coffee, 9527 Regency Blvd. he pioneered with the late Bobby Hatfield. The concert not only Info: 891-5102 features many of the Righteous Brothers hits, but many others Tres Bien including Medley’s hit ‘I’ve Had the Time of My Life’ from the movie Tres Bien, the foursome from Clearwater with a Strokes mixed black kids Dirty Dancing – a platinum seller and ‘Song of the Year.’ Tickets: with British invasion sound, will spread some of their power- $36.50 - $53.50 Times-Union Center - 7:30 p.m. pop goodness w/ Milk of Amnesia doing their garage psych Info: 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org. thing. Club TSI, 333 East Bay St. Info: 424.3531 Opening of the Swisher Theatre april 6 - 8 Jacksonville University Theatre department has a show opening in their brand new Swisher Theatre on April 5th. The show is a George’s Music 17th Annual Springing the musical that follows the life of Robert, a self-professed bachelor, attempting to discover love’s true meaning in the big city. Runs Blues Festival A long list of nationally recognized blues artists will perform through April 14. Swisher Theatre – 8 pm Info: 256-7374. and you’ll get the chance to eat great BBQ and seafood. There will be kids activities, arts & crafts and more. See a complete breakdown of the festival performers and activities on pages 26-29. Sea Walk Pavilion, Fri. 5-10 pm, Sat. Noon-10 pm, Sun. friday april 6 Noon-8 pm. Other activities associated with the festival include 2nd Annual Dan Amico Memorial Bicycle Ride and Running Papercranes, Black Kids, Cadets, Mumpsy the Blues 5K Beach Run on Sat. and The Aqua East Surfing This is your chance to see a showcase of North Florida’s best indie First Friday Art Walk in St. Augustine the Blues Contest will take place Sat. and Sun. Also, don’t bands. Café Eleven - 8:30 pm Info: 469-9311 This is one of St. Augustine’s most popular cultural events. Enjoy forget after the festival there will be a Blues Jam hosted by Bob the latest exhibits, music, entertainment and refreshments at over Margolin beginning each night as soon as the Festival ends 20 participating galleries. Tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts, 131 at Mojo’s Kitchen BBQ Pit & Blues Bar, 1500 Beach Blvd. at Funkfest 2007 King Street. Galleries are open from 5 pm to 9 pm. Complimentary Jacksonville Beach. For more info on all these activities: 249- Get funky at with Maze, Bobby Brown, Lakeside, shuttle service to most of the galleries. 3972 or www.springingtheblues.com and MC Lyte Metropolitan Park - 3pm For more info: 829.0065. Info: www.funkfestconcerts.com

4 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Mandarin Art Festival april 7 - 8 The 39th Annual Mandarin Art Festival at the Mandarin Community Club, 12447 Mandarin Rd., will feature jewelry, art, sculpture, photography and more. Free parking and shuttle from Mandarin Presbyterian Church on Mandarin Rd. and Alberts Field on Orange Pickers Rd. Info: 268-1622 sunday april 8 Easter Sunrise Service Sea Walk Pavilion EASTER ACTIVITIES IN ST. AUGUSTINE Easter Promenade Participate in the annual promenade where locals and visitors alike promenade through the Plaza de la Constitucion. Prizes are awarded for prettiest hats, largest family, family from farthest way, animals decked out in their Easter finery and more. Plaza de la Constitucion - 12:30 p.m. 50th Annual St. Augustine Easter Parade Join the parade of marching bands, floats, drill teams, clowns, Royal Family and the city’s carriage horses wearing hats donated by nationally recognized women. The parade begins at 3 p.m. at the Mission Nombre de Dios and winds through downtown St. Augustine. Trophies will be presented in four categories. San Marco Avenue to Plaza de la Constitucion - 3 pm Info: 824.2992 Limelight Theatre Presents “The Tale Of Peter Rabbit And Benjamin Bunny” Enjoy this children’s classic, The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny, a musical comedy Tickets: Adults $15 and Children $10. Limelight Theatre - 6 pm 904.825.1164 or www.Limelight-Theatre.org. monday april 9 “Art” Tony Award Winning Play Cast members from Disney’s The Lion King will perform in benefit for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Northeast Florida AIDS Network. In this award winning play, friendships are put to the test by an expensive piece of art that is simply a blank canvas. Art will showcase the talents of three cast members from Disney’s The Lion King currently playing at the Times Union Center. Ben Lipitz who plays Pumba, John Plumpis plays Timon, and Cameron Pow who plays Zazu will perform in this three man show. Tickets are $25 and $40 and benefit NFAN and BC/EFA, both AIDS related causes. Theatre Jacksonville – 7:30 pm.

Tom Jones Celebrating The Florida Theatre’s 80th Anniversary “It’s Not Unusual” for women to throw their underwear on stage when he performs. Tom Jones became one of the most popular vocalists to emerge from the British Invasion. Since the mid-’60s, Jones has sung nearly every form of popular music -- pop, rock, show tunes, country, dance, and techno, he’s sung it all. He always radiated a raw sexuality, prompting the throwing of the underwear. I wonder what he does with all of them? Tickets: $77.50 - $52.50 The Florida Theatre - 8 PM Info: 355-2787

tuesday april 10 Plain White T’s, Boys Night Out, Lovedrug For almost a decade, Plain White T’s have been playing to packed audiences craving for that perfect pop-punk punch. Also playing, indie rockers Lovedrug and hardcore emo group Boys Night Out. Freebird Live Info: 246-2473 wednesday april 11 Animal Farm - The Puppet Musical Animal Farm is perhaps Orwell’s best-known work. A barnyard full of idealistic animals stages a rebellion to throw off their chains of slavery and human oppression and is faced with the challenges of their hard-won liberty. Orwell’s timeless tale of an idealistic menagerie’s attempt to govern itself continues to astonish with its prescient condemnation of the arrogance of power, and reminds us that while all animals are created equal, some are more equal than others. Tickets: $25, $12.50 The Florida Theatre - 7:30 PM Info: 355-2787

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 5 opening this week ARE WE DONE YET? In this Ice Cube produced film, home sweat home Cube plays Nick Persons who takes his family to the country to buy a fixer-upper house. There he meets Chuck Mitchell, (John C. McGinley) a man who wears many hats as the real estate agent, contractor, house Are We Done Yet? movie review inspector, plumber, and Nick’s pain in the neck. Soon the house is nothing but a shell as the inspector finds dry-rot and other major problems. Rated PG by Rick grant [email protected]

FIREHOUSE DOG Rex, Hollywood’s top-grossing canine, gets lost in a freak stunt and is adopted as the C+ Rated PG 92 min mascot of a rundown inner-city fire station. Rated PG This extreme house make-over-gone-bad story GRINDHOUSE Directors Quentin Tarantino and is a remake of Mr. Blanding Builds His Dream Home. Robert Rodriguez present two full-length movies in Ice Cube’s production company put the deal together a new horror double feature. In Tarantino’s Death with Steve Carr directing and Ice Cube starring as Proof, Austin’s hottest DJ, Jungle Julia, sets out into Nick Persons, with Nia Long playing his wife Su- the night to unwind with her two friends Shanna an zanne. As savvy viewers know, Ice Cube alone can’t Arlene. Covertly tracking their moves is Stuntman carry a picture. However, Cube, as co-executive pro- Mike, a scarred rebel leering from behind the wheel of ducer, had the sense to hire Scrubs stand-out John his muscle car, revving just feet away. In Rodriguez’s C. McGinley as the crazy man of many hats, Chuck Planet Terror, two doctors find their graveyard shift Mitchell. inundated with townspeople ravaged by sores. Among McGinley dominates the film with his clever the wounded is Cherry, a dancer whose leg was ripped impersonations of various characters who drive Nick from her body. As the invalids quickly become enraged up the wall with his roles of the real estate agent, then aggressors, Cherry and her ex-boyfriend Wray lead the contractor, house inspector, and most bizarre, a a team of accidental warriors into the night. Starring: midwife. Yes, McGinley saves the movie from tedium Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Josh Brolin, with his hilarious shtick. Each of his characters Marley Shelton, Jeff Fahey. Rated R doesn’t acknowledge the others which infuriates Nick and is funny. THE HOAX Richard Gere stars as a con artist, Nick’s problems start when Chuck sells him Clifford Irving, who sells a bogus biography of Howard a defective house with faulty wiring, dry-rot, and a Hughes to a top tier publishing house. When the hoax leaky roof just to name a few of its problems. Chuck is discovered, a media storm blows up in Clifford’s face and he is forced to go on the lam. Rated R the contractor to the rescue. Chuck can fix Nick’s house for a steep price. Nick has no choice but to THE HOST When a young girl is snatched away from go ahead with the renovations that end up tearing up her father by a horrifying giant monster that emerges most of the house. It’s the make-over nightmare that from the River Han to wreak havoc on Seoul, her entire every person who buys a fixer-upper dreads. family sets out to locate the beast and bring their little To add to Nick’s soaring stress level, Suzanne girl back home to safety in South Korean director Bong announces she is pregnant with twins. He bought the Joon-ho’s big-budget creature feature. Rated R house on an advance of his new magazine he is plan- ning to publish. Now, because of the house problems, THE NAMESAKE Kal Penn stars in the story of the he can’t meet the deadlines and his backer, Magic Gangulis, an Indian-American family caught in a Johnson, hasn’t confirmed his involvement. Things lifelong balancing act between two cultures. Rated are up in the air, and Nick has to contend with Chuck, PG-13 who pulls up with his Airstream trailer to live on the property while the house is being remodeled. THE REAPING Hilary Swank stars as a former Of course, viewers will identify with this make- Christian missionary, Katherine Winter who specializes over story. Everyone has been through at least one in debunking religious phenomena. On one of her construction nightmare in their lives. So, Ice Cube’s research projects, she investigates a small town that film has broad appeal. Having a racially diverse cast has fallen victim to the 10 biblical plagues. What she assures a crossover audience. Still, much of the hu- finds is horrifying. Rated R mor is low-lever pratfalls and slapstick. Suzanne’s kids, Lindsey and Kevin (Aleisha However, over his film career, he has built up films. In other words, for the financial backers, it’s a now playing Allen and Philip Bolden) by another marriage are not his clout to the point that he can close deals. Ah yes, safe bet. It has proven appeal. Cube falls down and happy to move to the country. Lindsey can’t even get it’s a sad commentary on what low level shtick gets people laugh. It’s a simple concept and a cheap trick 300 Based on Frank Miller’s graphic novel, this epic a cell phone signal and there is no mall. Her world greenlighted. In Cube’s case, he has a track record but it works every time. For Cube, it’s enough on film tells the story of the famous Battle of Thermopylae has crashed down around her. Now that Suzanne of making money on his type of African-American which to build his film career. where the King of Sparta, with only 300 soldiers, held off thousands of advancing Persians at the is pregnant, Nick must finish the house and get his Thermopylae pass. The battle inspired all of Greece magazine off the ground. But with continuous inter- to band together against the Persians and usher in the ruptions and the confusion of construction, Nick is a Ice Cube world’s first democracy. Rated R basket case. album, Cube refers to who he considered African- The scenario does not leave room for much Ice Cube has certainly come a long way American sell outs as oreros. He also delved into AMAZING GRACE In this British period piece, Ioan character development, but bringing in colorful char- from the controversial hard-core rapper to family racism, sexism and social hierarchy, ableit it in an Gruffudd stars as idealist William Wilberforce who acters, like the Hawaiian construction workers ex- friendly entertainer. Born in South Central L.A. as incredibly offensive manner. (In one track he fanta- maneuvers his way through Parliament in 18th Century pands the comedy possibilities. When Suzanne sud- O’Shea Jackson, to lower middle class parents, sizes about kicking a woman he had impregnated denly goes into labor, there’s not time to drive her to Ice Cube began writing rap songs while still in so that she would miscarry and he wouldn’t have continued pg 8 the nearest hospital, so Chuck goes into his midwife high school. In the early 90s he converted to Is- to pay child support). character and helps her with the delivery. Nick faints lam. Ice Cube continued to release albums when he sees the baby’s head coming out. Ice Cube launched his rap career with throughout the 90’s while getting cameo roles in The script, which was written by a cadre of N.W.A., but later left to pursue his own career. various films. His cinematic big break came with scribes, is pieced together scene-ideas from many His first solo album, AmeriKKKa’s Most Wanted, the movie Boyz in the Hood. His current film, Are older movies, which is a giant cop-out. Only McGinley sparked controversy as soon as it was released. We Done Yet? is a sequel to the family comedy shines with his outrageous comedic bits. Ice Cube Cube’s social and political commentary on Are We There Yet? These family oriented films are is a one-dimensional actor, who is basically playing black-white relations and life in L.A. became sure a long way from the hard-swearing gansta himself in every film. one of the defining rap albums of the 90s. In the rap persona Ice Cube was first famous for.

6 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

Yeah, Yeah, Yeah “I could have gone down that path of lowering myself to everyone else’s level and proving my innocence but all I did was fall in love with somebody madly and gave up my life for seven years...If I was a gold digger I’d be a very wealthy woman now and I’m not...The biggest insult was to Paul. It’s like saying he’s so stupid that he’d just be with somebody like that.” a teary and vindicated Heather Mills said on Ryan Seacrest’s radio show. Is she kidding, when the smoke clears, she will walk away with a size- able chunk of Paul’s billion dollar fortune. Who’s Your Daddy Part II Melanie Brown, a.k.a. the former Scary Spice, delivered a “completely healthy” baby girl Tuesday morning, her rep confirmed to People. Brown has said ex-boyfriend Eddie Murphy is get ready to grind her daughters’ father, but he has disputed that claim, indicating that he will demand paternity testing before accepting any parental respon- Grindhouse movie preview sibilities. Star Struck by Erin thursby [email protected] Halle Berry received the 2,333rd star on the Hollywood If any two people should pay homage to B- Walk of Fame Tuesday, 10 days before the release of her movies it’s Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. What is an Exploitation Movie? upcoming film, Perfect Stranger, which, despite the mis- Any movie that sacrifices traditional artistic After all, they both owe plenty to the B-movie bo- leading title, is not about cousins named Balki and Larry. mores on the altar of sensationalistic shock value nanza of the late ‘50s-through the late ‘70s. Hey, Halle deserves her own block. can be considered in the exploitation genre. That Tarantino has used many of the shock value definition can be applied to current big budget mov- techniques and gimmicks of the B-movie exploitation Punk’d Punked ies, which rely on sensational advertising rather than flick in all of his films, as in Pulp Fiction and Res- Ashton Kucher recently signed with MTV for 3 Kings, a artistic merit to get audiences in the door. Mostly ervoir Dogs. He has also acknowledged that Jackie new reality game show based on a British venture by though, the term is applied to low-budget B-movies. Brown, with its funk heavy soundtrack, is modeled the same name, where masked contestants compete in The weird, the shocking and the violent all have after the blaxploitation films of the 1970s (ie. Shaft). three categories—speed, skill and pain—in attempts to their place in a good exploitation flick. Throw in a In the Grindhouse double feature, Tarantino will be challenge and dethrone a reigning king, Variety reports. dash of sex, a lumbering zombie, a-less-than cohe- directing Death Proof, a film that owes its lineage to Something so royally mindless should be a guaranteed hit sive plot, overblown acting and bad editing cuts for the shock exploitation and slash sub-genres. Like for the network that previously brought you Jackass and the perfect B grade exploitation movie. many of his other films, Death Proof cashes in on Laguna Beach. Of course, the best exploitation flicks mix the the exploitation of violence, first and foremost. sub-categories so luridly that you can barely be- th Rodriguez has made an art out of making mov- 7 Heaven Goes to Hell lieve you’re watching a sexy lesbian prison movie ies cheaply and quickly, serving as most of the crew, It looks like 7th Heaven won’t be able to put off meeting the Grim Reaper this time around. The long- in which a zombie killer stalks the halls, killing the particularly on his early movies. He’s most famous running drama’s series finale scheduled for May 13, marking the second time the show has been given women in new and exciting ways. for Desperado and co-directing with Tarantino on an end date. Last year, the CW brought the series back from the dead with a last minute pickup. From Dusk Till Dawn. His book, Rebel Without a Crew, details his style of filmmaking in which cre- The Black Donnellys Whacked Zombie Exploitation Neither NBC’s The Black Donnellys nor Fox’s The Wedding Bells are getting a shot at a second season, ativity, instead of money, is used to solve problems. Zombie movies like Planet Terror, with over- Rodriguez will be directing Planet Terror, the other as both freshman series are being yanked off the air by their respective networks, the trades report. the-top blood, gore and sex weren’t the norm until NBC is filling the void with new reality series, The Real Wedding Crashers, debuting on Apr. 23; no half of Grindhouse. Not surprisingly, it’s a flick that the 1970s. Prior to that, zombie movies were just deals with supernatural/horror in the mold of all word yet on Fox’s plans. Yeah, take a quality show off and replace it with a cheap ass reality show. Real run-of-the-mill supernatural horror flicks. In the 70s, smart, nitwits. They’re smoking crack at the production meetings again. those 1970s zombie movies. Italian exploitation filmmakers naturally gravitated Besides an extensive use of gore, sex and to zombie sub-genre as a great excuse for the vio- Wallace & Gromit Reborn shock, Tarantino and Rodriguez worked to make their lence and possibly sex that they wanted to put on double feature as close to a classic B-movie as pos- Aardman Features, the U.K. creators of Wallace & Gromit and Chicken Run, hammered out a deal with the screen anyway. Filmmakers could also get more Sony that will put the company back into the U.S. market three months after its deal with DreamWorks sible, even editing in intentional mistakes and film creative with their violence, since zombies aren’t “hiccups.” Rodriguez, a big proponent of digital film, came to an end, following the box-office failures Flushed Away and Wallace & Gromit: Curse of the really people anymore and because a zombie is hap- Were-Rabbit. simply edited in all the scratches you might find on pily capable of shambling around with a pipe through outdated film stock, to get the look he wanted. Mid- its head. movie, there will be an “intermission” between the Mr. Universe Busted two movies, in which there will be faux trailers for Reigning Mr. Universe Doug Berns was arrested at a movie theater Sunday following a run-in with non-existent B movies. police who mistakenly believed the diabetic bodybuilder was intoxicated because he was disoriented Going to the Grindhouse by the effects of a new medication. Berns was sprayed with mace and wrestled to the floor by officers B-movie actors and actresses often made sev- A Grindhouse is a term for a movie theater who were summoned to the theater by a security guard. Despite the misunderstanding, he was still eral movies in the course of a year, since they were that showed mostly B-grade exploitation films. charged with misdemeanor assault and resisting arrest. shot cheaply and quickly. Rose McGowan plays two Grindhouses often showed double-features, in which characters in the double feature: a zombie victim patrons paid for one ticket and got to see two mov- Texas Shoot ‘Em with a machine gun for a leg in Planet Terror and a ies, back to back. The term may have come from Police issued arrest warrants for country singer Billy Joe Shaver after he shot and wounded a man hippie in Death Proof. the fact that many of these theaters used to feature outside a Texas bar in self-defense Saturday night, his attorney said. The singer reportedly attempted If you’ve ever been a fan of exploitation flicks, bump and grind burlesque shows, many of them to turn himself in Monday night, but was not arrested because police did not have a record of the war- you’re definitely going to go all misty –eyed and sen- were entirely pornographic or because most people rants. timental over the Rodriguez /Tarantino double feature took their dates not to watch the movie, but for the marriage of blood, sex and gore. advantage of a dark theater.

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 7 This film has more in common withThe Exorcist England lobbying to end slavery in the British empire. than the onslaught of blood-gore-fests like the Saw Directed by renowned filmmaker Michael Apted franchise. Swank portrays a former Christian mission- Rated PG ary, Katherine Winter, whose husband and daughter BLADES OF GLORY Two unlikely Olympic ice were murdered in one of her African missionary skating rivals, Chazz and Jimmy (Will Farrell and camps. Now Katherine teaches a college course in Jon Heder) were stripped of their gold medals and debunking religious miracles and other so-called permanently banned from men’s single competition. unexplained supernatural phenomena. Her friend and However, the two found a loophole in the rules that research scientist Ben (Idris Elba) helps her on field allow them to compete as a pair team–two guys. trips to analyze historic events, like a bayou swamp Rated PG-13 turning red, presumably with blood. Directed by Stephen Hopkins with shaky hand DEAD SILENCE There is an old ghost story in the held camera work and dark scenes to increase the sleepy town of Ravens Fair about Mary Shaw, a suspense. (It just gave me a headache.) Carey Hayes’ ventriloquist who went mad. Accused of the murder script is right out of some biblical romance novel. Set of a young boy, she was hunted down by vengeful in a small southern town painted as the epicenter of townspeople who cut out her tongue and killed her. the bible-belt with pregnant women out numbering the They buried her along with her “children,” a hand- other women two-to-one. made collection of vaudeville dolls. Starring Donnie Katherine and Ben go to this sleepy Mayberry- Wahlberg and Christina Cox. Rated R like town on the invitation of Doug (David Morrissey) to debunk the town’s claim that strange things are GHOST RIDER Based on a Marvel comic book happening and the bayou has turned red with blood. character, a motorcycle stunt man named Johnny The townspeople fear the other plagues of the Bible Blaze who gives up his soul to become a hell- will haunt them. A strange family lives in the woods blazing vigilante to fight against the power hungry with an evil little girl who is causing the town’s misery. Blackheart, the son of the devil. Starring Nicolas The town rednecks are armed to the teeth and are Cage. Rated PG-13 ready to kill the evil spirit inside the girl. When the two scientists find the red bayou, they I THINK I LOVE MY WIFE Chris Rock stars as Richard Cooper who is married, but he can’t help wade through the dead fish and toads with trepida- dreaming about other women. When he’s visited by tion taking samples. Katherine sees the girl, but only the ex-mistress of his old friend, his commitment to briefly, and is strangely affected. Doug lets Katherine his wife is tested, which sets off comedic situations. and Ben stay at his old mansion that he is restoring. Rated R Viewers know there is something not right about this creaky old plantation home. MEET THE ROBINSONS Lewis is a brainiac kid Meanwhile, Katherine’s friend, a priest named the reaping Father Costigan (Stephen Rea) has seen sinister signs who is a promising inventor. In his travels he meets a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson, who that Katherine is in danger in this town. All her pho- whisks Lewis away in his time machine. Together, tographs spontaneously combusted and there were Lewis and Wilbur team-up to track down Bowler Hat movie review other unexplained phenomena, indicating there was Guy in a showdown that ends with an unexpected some cosmic showdown about to take place. Father twist of fate in the future. Rated G by Rick grant [email protected] Costigan comes to the conclusion that Katherine is an emmissary from God to bring justice to the town. PEACEFUL WARRIOR Arrogant, talented Dan C Rated R 96 min is about the only sure thing for movie financiers. Of Katherine doesn’t believe him because she lost her Millman seems to have the perfect college life: a For two-time Oscar winner Hilary Swank, quality course, Swank wants to keep working, so she signed faith when her husband and daughter were murdered. stunning gymnast’s body of incredible strength, scripts are not necessarily coming her way. Mor- up for this creepy biblical nonsense–the ten plagues As Katherine investigates the strange events in handsome looks, good grades, plenty of money and ever, producers of horror films are hiring high profile a la the Bible with plenty of hell and damnation to get the town, she sends the sample of the bayou water to a shot at the Olympic qualifiers in men’s gymnastics. actresses to legitimize their sleazy schlock, which the bible-belters in a tizzy. a lab for testing. Viewers must suspend their disbelief. After meeting an old man he calls Socrates, he begins a journey of discovery that will shatter every preconceived notion he has about academics, athletics, and achievement, Guided by Socrates, Dan will consider a whole new ideology--one that values into the river after her, but watches as the creature consciousness over intelligence, strength in spirit rests on the opposite bank and devours his daugh- over strength in body. Starring: Scott Mechlowicz, the host ter whole. Does it sound too gruesome? Just wait, Ashton Holmes, B J Britt, Amy Smart, Nick Nolte. its not gruesome at all, it’s a fantastic twist on a Rated PG-13. seemingly tired plot. South Korea’s creature feature As Gang-Du’s sister and brother arrive to PREMONITION plays Linda Hanson mourn with their family, it is apparent that everyone whose husband is killed in a car accident–or is blames Gang-Du for his daughter’s death. While he? When she goes to bed she wakes up and her by jon bosworth [email protected] they are mourning with other families that also lost husband is sleeping next to her. Once she realizes Forget everything you thought you knew about father of three children, Gang-Du, the slacker of the loved ones during the creature’s killing spree, Gang- her husband is still alive, she tries to prevent the monster flicks. Even though this film is Asian, South family, has a young daughter Hyun-seo, that he can Du’s cell phone rings. It is a static-riddled call from accident from happening. Rated PG-13 Korean director Joon-ho Bong managed to stay barely care for. In the first scenes of the movie Gang- Hyun-seo and she says that the creature is keeping away from the camp science fantasy of Godzilla by Du throws a beer can at the creature in the river and her somewhere. At that moment the call is lost and PRIDE Set in the year 1973, Jim Ellis, a college telling a very human tale through a very inhuman thus begins the violence when the beast leaps from come to insist on quarantining anyone educated African-American, can’t find a job. Driven monster. We aren’t talking about a “human tale” in its watery home and begins killing. As Gang-Du runs that came in contact with the creature. Especially by his love of competitive swimming, Jim converts the way that Peter Jackson’s King Kong gave hu- from the creature, his daughter meanders outside. In Gang-Du, because he foolishly admitted that he got an abandoned recreational pool hall in a Philadelphia man sympathies and emotions to a giant gorilla. On a touching, slow-motion scene, Gang-Du grabs his the creature’s blood on his face during the panic. slum into an Olympic sized pool, with the help of Gang-Du and his family, especially his sister, Elston, a local janitor. But city officials have marked the contrary, the monster that is menacing Seoul’s daughter’s hand and pulls her to run with him to save Han River is a bloodthirsty beast that that has sud- her from the creature. They stumble and he reaches an expert archer, must evade police and find Hyun- continued pg 9 denly emerged from his watery depths to devour back, regrasps her hand and continues to run with seo. and entrap as many humans as it can. the hordes of other panicked civilians. When Gang- This picture is easily one of the most clever The beast, Gwoemul (which is the romanized Du looks back, he sees that it is not his daughter’s genre-redefining films of any new movie to hit version of the actual Korean title of the film), is a hand he has grabbed but some other young girl. His the screen since Sin City. The story is simple and meticulously constructed and flawlessly executed daughter, Hyun-seo, was frightened and abandoned, sympathetic and the effects are outstanding. There terrifying amphibious creature. Right at the begin- running just in front of the oncoming giant beast. isn’t a moment that gets hokey and the thrill goes ning of the film this creature leaps from the water Right when you think the creature has passed on right until the end. See this film at the San Marco and begins its killing spree. We become acquainted her by untouched, its tail snatches her up and it car- Theatre starting this Friday, April 6 for one week with the Park family early in the film. Hie-bong is the ries her as it dives back into the river. Gang-Du dives only. Showtime is 9:00 pm.

8 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper in standard 2D or in 3D at select theaters here on the First Coast. At the showing I attended, the movie was the building for demolition. Rated PG preceded by a Mickey Mouse short from 1938 called “Boat Builder,” which was a really fun addition. REIGN OVER ME In a stunning dramatic For a while now I’ve been really into time travel performance, Adam Sandler stars as Charlie Fineman, a man who lost his entire family in one of the planes movies. Now, I’m no Steven Hawking, but I do have that crashed into the twin towers. Don Cheadle a very basic cinematic idea about the “rules” of time portrays his old college roommate, Alan Johnson, who travel and Meet the Robinsons breaks all of them. runs into Charlie on the streets of Manhattan. Johnson Setting aside what I’ve learned from flicks likeDonnie discovers Charlie is a broken man and has descended Darko, The Butterfly Effect, Primer and The Termina- into serious mental illness. Johnson rekindles the tor, a little bit of easy logic pokes holes in, out, up and friendship and tries to help Charlie take the long road down the film’s plot. For a second or two, I was sitting to normalcy. Rated R in the theater getting annoyed. But, I soon realized my mistake: I was analyzing a children’s film. This is the SHOOTER A former special forces sniper, Bob Lee same venue where cats and mice hit each other over Swagger (Mark Wahlberg) who is retired living in a the heads with frying pans and dogs are caped cru- remote location is coaxed into becoming an advisor for saders and children can fly with the help of magical a covert group of operatives. Instead of giving them pixie dust. Trying to fit any cartoon in some adult-lov- advice on the best sniper locations, Swagger is set up ing, perfectly logical, completely realistic box is about as a patsy to take the rap for an assassination of the as ridiculous as you can get. I tried to look at Meet the President. Swagger survives and goes on the run, and Robinsons from my kid’s perspective and discovered while trying to clear his name, he uncovers a shadow that the film is funny, smart and a lot of fun. The ani- agency with their own agenda. Rated R. mation is, as I’m sure is no big surprise, out of this world and the crazy characters are hilariously endear- THE HILLS HAVE EYES II The hills have eyes but ing. Kids will love seeing Lewis save the day and they need glasses. In this sequel, a group of National moms and dads will get a kick at some of the gags Guard trainees find themselves battling against a that were, undoubtedly, created just for them. There vicious group of mutants on their last day of training in was even a moment or two at the end that choked me the desert. It’s Saw in the desert. Rated R up a little, particularly a very sweet Walt Disney quote THE LOOKOUT Chris (Joseph Cordon-Levitt) was that the film drew inspiration from. It was both touch- a once promising high school athlete whose like is ing and encouraging to see the Mouse House paying changed following a tragic accident. As he tries to family genius homage to their founder. maintain a normal lief, he takes a job as a janitor at a While some aspects of the story were a bit bank, where he unwittingly finds himself caught up in a outlandish (and what cartoon isn’t?), Meet the Rob- planned heist. Rated R Meet The Robinsons movie review insons is a great film for families to see together. I highly recommend this charming little sci-fi picture. THE LAST MIMZY In this children’s fantasy, two It’s fun without being cheesy, cute without being fluffy siblings develop special powers after they find a by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] and touching without being syrupy. mysterious box of toys. Soon, the kids, their parents, and even their teacher are drawn into a strange and B+ Rated G 94 min. what his mother looked like in hopes that he can track sometimes terrifying world. Rated PG her down and persuade her to take him back. Lewis After last year’s runaway hit, Cars, Disney is try- spends all his time on the project and eventually per- TEEINAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES Those hard ing to strike gold once again with their latest animated fects it, taking it to the school science fair to try it out back ninjas, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are back, feature Meet the Robinsons. The CGI kids flick, which for the first time. Once there, Lewis meets an odd kid and ready to rumble. After he defeat of their old arch has already made over $25 million, securing a #2 named Wilber (Wesley Singerman), who claims to be nemesis, The Shredder, the Turtles have grown apart spot at the box office, is now in theaters. from the future. Wilber explains that a man in a bowler as a family. Struggling to keep them together, their Twelve years ago a baby boy was dropped off hat stole a time machine and is after his invention. rat sensei, Master Splinter, becomes worried when at an orphanage. Today, the kid is all grown up and Lewis, of course, thinks the kid’s gone nuts and ig- strange things begin to brew in NYC. Tech industrialist, destined for science greatness. Lewis (voiced by nores his warnings. When the machine goes haywire Max Winters, is amassing an army of ancients. Rated both Daniel Hansen and Jorden Fry) is constantly thanks to the mysterious Bowler Hat Guy (Steve An- PG coming up with ways to make the world we live in derson), Lewis fails to put two and two together and better. Unfortunately, many of his inventions blow up sulks, leaving the memory-boosting invention in the WILD HOGS Tim Allen, William H. Macy, Martin in his face… literally. But, the young scientist never clutches of the bad guy. To convince Lewis that the Lawrence, and John Travolta play a group of yuppie gives up. This trait has made it difficult for Mildred future depends on getting the invention back, Wilber biker wannabes who seek adventure on the open road (Angela Bassett) who has been trying to place Lewis decides to take him back to his time, where the young on their Harleys. The unlikely suburban bikers get more in a home for years. Its even worse for his roommate scientist gets to see and experience things he’s only than they bargained for when they tangle with a New Michael “Goob” Yagoobian (Matthew Josten), who dreamed of, including Wilber’s wacky family. Mexico gang called the Del Fuegos. Rated PG-13 can never get any sleep thanks to all of the inventor’s Meet the Robinsons is the 46th animated feature late-night tinkering. Depressed over his latest failed produced by Walt Disney Feature Animation and is special showings interview with prospective parents, Lewis resolves based on the children’s book “A Day with Wilbur to build a machine that would help him remember Robinson,” by William Joyce. The film can be seen Midnight Movie CONAN! THE BARBARIAN 25 years ago, former bodybuilder and present govenor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger made his acting breakthrough in this action film written by the unlikely pairing of Oliver Stone and John Milius. In this movie, young Conan’s parents are murdered by a horde of vicious warriors who then enslave the young child for years. He is eventually released from slavery and taught the ancient arts of fighting. Transforming himself into a killing continued pg 10

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 9 machine, Conan travels into the wilderness seeking vengeance on the man responsible for his family’s murder. Starring: Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones. Rated R April 6-7 at midnight at the San Marco Theatre. Info: 396-4845.

April meeting of the “Leave ‘em Laughing Tent” Te Jacksonville branch of The Int’l Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society (a/k/a Sons of the Desert) will hold a meeting Monday, April 9, 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. at Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach Blvd. Free to all ages. Movies to be shown: L&H silent shorts “The Lucky Dog” (1917) and “Duck Soup” (1927); “The Rogue Song” (1930); and a “surprise” Laurel & Hardy feature film. For more info: phone Steve Bailey at 246-0312, or visit the group’s website at www. leaveemlaughing.com

Earth Day Film Festival The World Golf Hall of Fame IMAX® Theater will host its first-ever film festival in honor of Earth Day beginning Friday, April 13 through Sunday, April 22, which is Earth Day. The Earth Day Film Festival will feature a collection of the IMAX Theater’s nature liar, liar, pants on f... and ecology-focused films showing at various times throughout the 10-day festival. Films that will be shown include: Blue Planet, Lewis & Clark: Great Journey West, Deep Sea, Lost Worlds, Wild Safari: The Hoax movie review A South African Adventure, and the theater’s newest release, Hurricane on the Bayou. Info: 904-940-4123 by Rick grant [email protected] or www.wgv.com. A- Rated R 115 min would surely appease Hughes. JACKSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL PRESENTS THE Not since The has a con game scenario TALKIES The Talkies is a two night, 35mm series: In the history of scams, Clifford Irving’s fabri- unfolded with such fast-paced, layered complexity the first night the audience gets to familiarize itself (or cated Howard Hughes’ autobiography takes the fake- than Hagstrom’s film on this outrageous publish- reacquaint itself, as the case may be) with the film. Pulitzer for the most audacious. Irving’s complicated ing fraud. Irving’s friend and accomplice, Richard The next night the filmmaker joins the audience to con involved America’s most prestigious publishing Suskin, is humorously created by Molina. Suskin is provide running commentary. This experience takes house, McGraw Hill. The media circus aftermath a sweaty mass of paranoia just thinking of the scope the “Director’s Commentary” component of a DVD made Irving an infamous celebrity and led to his of the scheme, yet he is fascinated by how easily one step further, giving the filmmaker an opportunity incarceration behind bars for seventeen months. Irving is pulling the wool over the eyes of the pub- to skip on down memory lane while surrounded by a Then he emerged with a follow up book, The Hoax, lisher and even Hughes’ confidant. Hope Davis plays captive audience, both enjoying this unique cinematic on which this movie is based. Andrea Tate, Irving’s contact at McGraw Hill who experience. On Saturday, May 19th, THE TALKIES will Irving’s ingenious scam was based on Howard goes to bat for him with her bosses. be joining forces with the Jacksonville Film Festival Hughes reclusive reputation. Irving thought that Gere portrays Irving as a likeable rogue who for its next event; POLYESTER as it’s never been seen, Hughes would stay quiet because Irving used dirt in had perpetrated a fraud so brazen the viewer can’t made complete not only with Odorama cards, but also the form of files Hughes had on Nixon, which Irving help but pull for him to succeed. After all, so much commentary of director John Waters. Advance tickets mysteriously received from an unknown source. He ballyhoo had already been written by other authors are on sale now and you are encouraged to buy early. used this shocking exposé in his book. about Hughes’ celebrated weirdness. However, the This show will sell out fast. Tickets are: $40.00 for More significantly, Irving knew that Hughes Big Lie was Irving’s collaboration with Hughes. Ir- the full two-night experiece and comes with Odorama was entangled in a lawsuit with TWA and would ving had taken this scam so far he started to believe card, $35.00 for Saturday night only with John not challenge what was essentially an unauthorized he was psychically linked with Hughes’ mind. In a Waters, $8.50 for Friday night only. For more info call biography of him. It was only after Hughes held a 633-9399 or go to jacksonvillefilmfestival.com. bizarre scene, Suskin is drawn into the plot by claim- conference call from his secluded penthouse with ing himself as co-author and the book’s researcher. SUBMISSIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR members of the press denouncing the book as a Stanley Tucci portrays Sheldon Fisher, chair- 2007 JACKSONVILLE FILM FESTIVAL The 2007 complete fabrication that scandal broke wide-open. man of the McGraw board. He had the good sense Jacksonville Film Festival, held in downtown Brazenly, Irving forged Hughes handwriting to question Irving’s forged Hughes credentials, Jacksonville May 17-20, 2007, will feature a broad and signature to authenticate his collaboration with including the hand-written contracts. But a Hughes spectrum of independent features, documentaries, Hughes, convincing the bigwigs at McGraw Hill that confidant authenticated the documents. The obvious international, experimental and short films, as well he was interviewing Hughes on a regular basis. He question is: Why didn’t someone from McGraw Hill as panels and workshops. Event organizers are even mimicked Hughes voice on the tape in case he contact Hughes directly? Of course, Hughes used especially interested in new voices and unique had to produce it. This was the Superbowl of cons. intermediaries to communicate, but the McGraw Hill perspectives that will enlighten and entertain JFF When the excrement hit the fan, the fallout sent the suits were so swept up in the euphoria of this book, audiences. Selected films will be eligible for Audience media into a frenzy of speculation and conspiracy they temporarily lost their judgement. Awards for Best Documentary, Best Narrative Feature theories ran rampant. Marcia Gay Harden is a cast standout as and Best Short. The official “Call for Entries” has Filmmaker, Lasse Hallstrom’s taut direction Irving’s long suffering wife, Edith. It was her idea been announced and interested filmmakers should with William Wheeler’s adapted screenplay created to take Howard Hughes’ forged $1 million check submit their films via Without a Box. Go to www. an accurate period mosaic for Richard Gere, as to Switzerland to open a numbered account. She withoutabox.com or directly to the JFF website. For Irving, and Alfred Molina, as Richard Suskin, to cre- ended up serving time in a Swiss jail for her part in details and more information, please visit www. ate their characters with skillful elan. Gere portrays this caper. Julie Delay plays Irving’s lover Nina, who jacksonvillefilmfestival.com. Irving as an egocentric man of destiny who desper- testified against him. In the end, Irving’s friends and ately wanted to be respected as an author, but more associates jumped ship when the axe fell. importantly, he wanted to be famous and filthy rich. Irving’s egomania fueled his greed to the point His last book on the artist who painted like the mas- that he lost all reason and pushed the scheme to its ters sold well but was not on the Times top ten list. breaking point. There were too many loose ends and He got the idea for the Hughes’ autobiography when he failed to realize that sooner or later he would get he read a Look Magazine expose’ of Hughes’ many caught. But, it was a wild and crazy adventure that eccentricities. “If Hughes was this crazy, then he made him a household word. Irving’s con almost would not pay attention to this book,” Irving mistak- justified his prison term, which makes this scenario ingly reasoned. Besides, including the dirt on Nixon a wildly entertaining movie.

10 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper JACKSONVILLE

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eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 11 released last December, earning it a 91% “Fresh” rat- ing on popular film site RottenTomatoes.com. Chil- new on dvd dren of Men is now available on DVD and HD-DVD. The Children of Men DVD contains a hand- Black Christmas (84 min.) ful of incredibly interesting bonus features. Three A sorority house becomes the target of a de- deleted scenes are first on the disc, and by far the ranged murderer who once occupied the resi- least exciting additions. Next is a chilling 27-minute dence as a boy. Spurred on by bad memories of documentary called “The Possibility of Hope,” which his childhood’s Christmases, the killer sets upon features philosophers and futurists talking at length the house, picking off girls one by one. Rated R about globalization and its effects on the planet. for strong horror violence and gore, sexuality, One of those philosophers pops up again in the next nudity and language. supplement, “Children of Men: Comments by Slavoj Zizek.” Here, Zizek talks about the metaphors that Charlotte’s Web (96 min.) made him fall in love with the movie. In “Under At- Wilbur the Pig (Dominic Scott Kay) is scared of tack” the filmmakers discuss some of the movie’s the end of the season, because he knows that most complex scenes and how they were shot he will end up on the dinner table. He hatches against all odds. Next, “Theo and Julian” gives us a a plan with Charlotte (Julia Roberts), a spider look at the relationship between the two characters that lives in his pen, to ensure that this will never though interviews with the cast and producer Marc happen. This film is rated G. Abraham. Interestingly, Moore herself gets a bit of her character’s backstory confused with that of her Copying Beethoven (104 min.) literary counterpart. The 8-minute “Futuristic De- Based loosely on the final months of Ludwig van sign” piece takes us into the production design with Beethoven’s life, Copying Beethoven finds the interviews from producer Hilary Shor, set designer maestro (Ed Harris) a haunted man, composing Jennifer Williams, production designer Jim Clay, and the most revolutionary yet unappreciated work of costume designer Jany Temime. Finally, my curious- his lifetime; largely deaf; disappointed in his re- ity about “how’d they do that” was satisfied with the lationship with a wastrel nephew; and fascinated exceedingly cool “Visual Effects: Creating the Baby”. by a young, female composer, Anna Holtz (Diane a barren future At just 3 minutes in length, this was the shortest of Kruger), who goes to work for him transcribing the extras, but the one I found most interesting. Be music. Rated PG-13 for some sexual elements. sure to check it out. Children of Men dvd review Children of Men is truly a work of art. The The Good Shepherd (168 min.) film was shot with a documentary feel, immediately Edward Wilson (Matt Damon), the only witness by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] drawing the audience into this ill-fated world. Many to his father’s suicide and member of the Skull of the big action sequences were shot in one long and Bones Society while a student at Yale, is a take, adding further to the immediacy. Incredibly morally upright young man who values honor fighting for immigrant rights and their past realistic special effects had me rewinding the DVD and discretion, qualities that help him to be aggressive campaigns have made them ter- and watching certain scenes two and three times recruited for a career in the newly founded Of- rorists in the eyes of the government. Amid to determine if it was real or CGI. While the film did fice of Strategic Services. While working there, all this chaos is an apathetic bureaucrat earn three Oscar nominations, I think Children of his ideals gradually turn to suspicion influenced named Theo Faron (Clive Owen), who long Men should have gotten a lot more. The Academy by the Cold War paranoia present within the of- ago hung up his activist boots in exchange really overlooked the stellar performances. The act- fice. Rated R for some violence, sexuality and for a quiet existence and a quick death. His ing by all of the key cast members is superb. Clive language. plans for self-destruction come to a halt Owen does an incredible job, as does Michael Caine, when the head of the Fishes, his ex-wife Ju- who plays Theo’s ex-hippie amigo, Jasper. Caine, Jump In! (85 min.) lian (Julianne Moore), asks him for a favor: particularly, was robbed on Oscar night. Not only Izzy Daniels (Corbin Bleu) is an aspiring boxer, use his connections to get a young African should he have been nominated for Best Supporting following in the footsteps of his father (David refugee named Kee (Claire-Hope Ashitey) a Actor, he should have won. Reivers). But, when a neighborhood girl (KeKe travel permit. Theo relents, but the papers Depending on what kind of person you are, Palmer) introduces him to Double Dutch, Izzy stipulate that he must accompany the girl Children of Men can either be an extremely hopeful finds himself torn between the sport his father is on her journey. Soon after meeting Kee, look at humanity’s strength or a sobering view of a convinced he’s destined for and the one that he Theo realizes why she is so important to doomed world to come. Personally, I had both reac- loves. This film is rated G. the Fishes, and ultimately everyone else: tions. At first, the film really got to me. As a mother, the young woman is eight months pregnant. I can’t imagine my children going through such trials The Lost Room (284 min.) Suddenly hit with the enormity of his predic- and being able to see the end of human existence In this Sci-Fi Channel mini series, Detective Joe ament, Theo resolves to help Kee get to her on the horizon. It was heartbreaking and depressing. Miller (Peter Krause) has acquired a motel-room final destination, a boat called the Tomorrow But, the more I thought about it, the more I saw just key that turns any door into a portal to “the lost where a group of scientists known as the how hopeful Children of Men actually is. Right in the room,” a kind of alternate-reality no-man’s-land, Human Project work to cure infertility, at any middle of global panic, mass violence and certain where his young daughter Anna (Elle Fanning) cost. extinction, a new beginning lives in the belly of a soon goes missing. In his quest to retrieve her, Children of Men is loosely based on P.D. simple girl. It’s poetic and beautiful, making a cau- Miller attracts the dangerous attention of various James’ 1992 novel, The Children of Men, tionary tale far easier to stomach and take to heart. secret factions in heated competition to locate and is directed by acclaimed Mexican direc- Children of Men is a stunning achievement that objects that hold strange powers and could, tor Alfanso Cuarón (Y tu mamá también). deserves and demands to be viewed, contemplated when gathered together, yield amazing benefits The film was a hit with critics when it was and embraced. or tear reality apart. This DVD is not rated. The end of the world has been a fear of humanity’s since the beginning. Children of Men Volver (121 min.) explores and exploits this fear, giving viewers a cold, Raimunda (Penélope Cruz) and her sister, Sole hard look at a version of the future that’s downright get it all online. (Lola Dueñas), lost their parents in a fire in La terrifying. Children of Men is now available on DVD. Mancha years ago, but their aunt, Paula (Yohana It’s 2027 and for nearly 20 years humans have Cobo), continues to speak about her sister as if been unable to reproduce. The youngest child in the she were still alive. When the old aunt dies, Sole world, an 18 year old man, was recently killed and begins seeing her dead mother (Carmen Maura), despair has taken over. England is the last “civilized” and allows her to infiltrate their lives to fix the www.eujacksonville.com nation on Earth and refugees from far and wide have situations she couldn’t when she was alive. been pouring into the city, causing the government Rated R some sexual content and language. to crack down on immigration and place illegals in brutal camps where they struggle for survival. A entertaining u newspaper | jacksoniville’s largest entertainment weekly. resistance group, known as the “Fishes,” has been

12 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper third from the sun Planet Earth tv review by Rick grant [email protected] The eleven-part Discovery documentary Planet deep has been explored. The episode scans the Earth is a stunning film chronicle of the beauty and ocean’s surface and views its depths, revealing majesty of our planet. Five years in the making, the daytime hunters and nighttime feeders. It’s survival- series features breathtaking vistas and rare never- of-the-largest-creatures-who-eat-the-smaller- before-photographed animal behavior, such as a creatures. One of the largest deep sea sharks eats snow leopard on the hunt high in the Himalayan only microscopic animals, sucking them into its mountains. The leopard races down the side of mouth like a large vacuum cleaner. The strange the mountain, almost vertically, and pounces on a world of creatures that live without sunlight near mountain goat. They also capture footage of a Panda the deep ocean vents, such as a special species of bear in its den nurturing a cub–another never-before- shrimp, are featured with amazing photographs taken photographed sight. at a depth of 10,000 by a remote-controlled deep The series puts our lives in perspective. As the sea vehicle. Earth orbits the sun, it dictates our lives, creating Our planet’s vast deserts never looked so the seasons that trigger one of the awe-inspiring foreboding as in this spectacular episode. Despite spectacles in the world–the mass migration of the deserts’ lack of rain, they teem with life and animals. The series points out that one-fifth of the have a complex ecosystem. The animals that live in Earth’s land surface is mountains. The Himalayan this environment have adapted to need very small mountain range is so vast it can be seen from space. amounts of water. The aerial shots were taken from The series solves one of Earth’s mysteries that, up hot air balloons so as to not disturb the animals. until a few decades ago, was unknown–the secrets We see the wild Bactrian camel of Mongolia’s Gobi of how the mountains were formed. The geologists Desert, which eats snow instead of drinking water, show how volcanoes build themselves higher with and we visit Chile’s guanaco, which lick dew from their own lava and make landmasses even in the cactus spines. deep ocean. The series also presents the polar extremes It’s important to note that the series is of our planet, exploring vast frozen worlds. We see produced in an entertaining way. Sigourney Weaver glaciers so large they can be seen from space. We narrates segments of humor that break up the know from An Inconvenient Truth that all the glaciers grandiose overview of the series. The music is are melting, even the gigantic ones seen in this reminiscent of Richard Rogers’ Victory at Sea series, and that knowledge is underscored by the suite–very uplifting and magnificent. Of course, the spectacle of polar bears venturing long distances to photography is mind-blowing, especially in HD, if find food for their young as the polar icecaps melt. you’re lucky enough to have an HD television. Still, it Global warming is indeed an unavoidable truth, and looks great on an old tube television set like mine. although this series doesn’t dwell on it, the problem The series makes you want to strap on is part of the narrative. Indeed, it shows the beauty a backpack and head out to the wilderness to of what we are destroying with our inability to face commune with nature. Then you come to your our destructive nature. senses and realize that the outdoor life requires the There is so much to our planet to see and ability to take deprivation and doing without modern explore, only an eleven-part series with such conveniences. My idea of a camping trip is a four- unlimited scope as Planet Earth can do it justice. star motel with a pool and cable TV. Furthermore, And to think that we have ravaged the planet with I hate going to the bathroom in the wild; some our machines, toxic gases and wars are just some creature might bite me on the ass. of the most striking truths to learn from this series. The Deep Ocean segment is one of the most The best part of this series is: you can view it all On fascinating of the series. The ocean is the largest Demand or watch the episodes when they air every habitat on our planet and only a tiny portion of the Sunday on The Discovery Channel at 8 pm.

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 13 nintendo ds mania by Norm stovall [email protected]

It seems like everyone around me is playing a Nintendo DS lately. Maybe I don’t give the system as much hype as it deserves, so I decided to bring some of the more unique titles to your attention. These games may not have a mountain of hype to sit atop, but they are worth checking out nonetheless.

Puzzle Quest: Challenge of the Warlords D3P Puzzle Quest is the kind of game that hooks you with the addictive gameplay, and then keeps you sucked in with the deep background elements that keep games interesting. With Puzzle Quest, your goal is to arrange gems using the stylus. Along with this task, you are granted spells and power-ups for the character you create, allowing you to do impressive things with your tiny gems. Additionally, you can take on your friends via wireless play. With the addictive puzzle elements and the corny but fun RPG features, Puzzle Quest really does have something for just about anyone who likes to play games.

Purr Pals Crave Entertainment

If your kids are anything like mine, their Nintendogs are probably exhausted. Don’t you think its time to let them rest? Purr Pals is probably as close as you will get to Nintendo’s masterpiece of a doggie simulator, only with Purr Pals, you get cute little kitty cats, as opposed to puppies. A more kid-friendly game, Purr Pals is a good distraction for kids, and it features lots of easy-to-play minigames involving your cats. Very cute and very fun for kids 4 to 10 years old. Or, maybe even you.

Pogo Island EA Games Pogo Island is great for those times where you aren’t sure how long you have to play. With games taken from or inspired by EA’s Pogo.com, you can choose from loads of games to play. From a five-minute balloon-popping spree with ‘Poppit’ to an hour-long Tri-Peake solitaire extravaganza, Pogo Island will surely have something to catch your interest when you have nothing better to do. This would be a great game for mom to play.

NEWS UPDATE:

Tekken Gathering #2 For those competitive gamers out there, my homie KingRey has some Tekken News for you guys. On Saturday, Empire Coffee near Regency Mall will host Tekken Gathering #2, Featuring Tekken 5: Dark Resurrection for Playstation 3. If you are interested in Tekken and want to test your mettle against the best in the Southeast US, swing by Empire Coffee this Saturday the 7th. Signups start at 10:00 and go through 11:30, and the competition starts at Noon. The competition is run in Double elimination format. The Entry fee will be $20, and the winnings will be split 70/20/10. Bring your own controller!

For more info, check out the Tekken Zaibatsu Forums, and look for Jacksonville under the events sec- tion. www.tekkenzaibatsu.com/forums

14 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper thursday nights pulppulp fictionfiction theatretheatre Straight from the 30s

Gritty, thrilling and performed live at Downtown's coolest Dinner Theatre. doors open at 6, show at 8:30

5 bucks (CHEAP!) for the show | full dining | call for more info. boomtown theatre 140 west monroe street | 632-0099 | http://pulpfictiontheatre.tk/

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 15 in mind. Most of the architectural details you’ll see at the shopping area are still preserved today. The style of the San Marco Square had a tremendous impact on all the houses that were built there after- wards. By 1929 a second housing subdivision was plotted: Villa Alexandria. The first two homes to be devel- oped were the adjoining lots of Carl and John Swisher, two brothers who had just moved their cigar company to Jacksonville. While the depression devastated other neighborhoods, San Marco held on. These days, the scenic layout, rically o proximity to Downtown and a lack of commercial intrusion make it an exceptionally attractive place to live. sto ur San Marco’s unique style has been conserved largely due to the San Marco Preservation Society. Along i s with zoning laws that keep looming high-rises out of the heart of San Marco, the Society has worked hard to h ensure that San Marco keeps the look that it’s famed for. by erin thursby “We are not a historic district; we have no binding legislation that sets us aside as a historic district, therefore we really don’t have a whole lot of control over what can be torn down. The City of Jacksonville has designated some of our houses as being eligible for historic listing locally and so…they’re looking a little more carefully at tear-down requests for those particular houses,” commented Preservation Society President Rob Smith. The Preservation Society has had some success in moving historic buildings off of desirable real-estate in order to keep those buildings intact. The San Marco Preservation Hall was actually built in 1888 as St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. In ‘94, the building was moved to the Fletcher Park location and the society began restorations. Besides currently being operated by the Society as its HQ, it’s also regularly employed as a rental facility for weddings and other events. “We were able to move the old St. Paul’s Church to Fletcher Park that we restored as our headquar- ters…There is a small building next to it that we moved to the site a couple of years ago. It was the original sales office for the Stockton Whatley Company (which later became Stockton-Whatley-Davin) who developed and sold San Marco,” said Smith San Marco has always had value to the city as a distinctive neighborhood. Organizations like the San Marco Preservation Society and the Merchants Association have succeeded in achieving a balance between the need to develop land and the desire to preserve the distinctive character that makes the neighborhood great.

carl swisher estate

living the san marco life

According to trulia.com, the average going price for a home in San Marco today is about $550 thousand dollars, with an average square footage of about 2,700 square feet and lot size of 6,999 square feet. River Road, behind San Marco Square, as well as along the river bank, is home to a number of historic houses. Many of the historic houses in the area bear a plaque from the San Marco Preservation Society, mark- san marco ing it as an historic building. Several of the more palatial estates you’ll find in the area belonged to the Swisher family, which made their home in Jacksonville after moving their successful cigar business to the city. Large houses are the norm for San Marco, but luxury condos seem to be the new trend for those look- Part of what makes Jacksonville a great place to live is the diverse neighborhoods that the city has to ing to relocate to the San Marco Area. The Peninsula on the Southbank, which features luxe condos, is now offer, each with their own history and flavor. Jacksonville isn’t just a collection of strip malls and homogenized completely sold out, despite the fact that it will be several years before the project is finished. The much housing. San Marco is one of Jacksonville’s crown jewels and a model of a successful, thriving neighbor- anticipated mixed-used Publix complex, soon to be built on the corner of Atlantic and Hendricks, will also hood with a rich history. include a residential complex of lofts, condos and town homes. Visit www.eastsanmarco.com for more info Unlike Springfield, which has more than its fair share of houses and structures built in the late 1800’s, on available living spaces. there aren’t many structures in the San Marco area that were built prior to 1921. Most of the building began Those looking for a rental in the San Marco area can find a surprisingly wide range of sizes and prices when the (then named the St. John’s River Bridge) connected the banks of the river in that in the area, from one bedroom apartments at a low of $550 a month to luxury condo sub-lets for $1,500 and area. Since it was largely undeveloped and close to the Downtown area, it became a very desirable place to up. build in the 1920s. San Marco is perhaps one of the hottest places to live in the Jacksonville area. The housing market One of the first things to be built was the business district, with its open plaza and brickwork. Telfair hasn’t quite slowed down as much as the rest of Jacksonville and housing prices for sold homes have in- Stockton bought the land for the business district and designed it with the Piazza di San Marco of Venice, Italy creased in the last year.

16 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper A Few Notable San Marco Landmarks

∙ San Marco Building 1978 San Marco Boulevard Built in the 1920s as part of the San Marco Square, this building is a prominent feature of the shopping district. Today it houses Pom’s and Square One. SAN MARCO ∙ San Marco Theatre 1996 San Marco Boulevard Built in 1938, this movie theater still shows films SPRING FINE ART SHOW today. (PAGE 20)

∙ The Little Theatre 2032 San Marco Boulevard In the same year as the San Marco Theatre, a different 2OO7 kind of theater was being built. A community theater for the local players was made possible by dona- tions from Carl S. Swisher. (PAGE 20)

∙ San Marco Preservation Hall 1652 Atlantic Boulevard Originally a wood-frame gothic style church SAT. & SUN. constructed in 1888, St. Paul’s was moved to its newest locale in ’94. APRIL 14 - 15 ∙ Carl S. Swisher Residence 2234 River Road This is one of three Swisher homes on River Road. Built 10 AM - 5 PM in 1930, it occupies what used to be the tennis court area of the massive Villa Alexandria estate.

What About the Lions?

The San Marco fountain lions have become an impor- tant part of San Marco. Though they fit in with the style and architecture of the San Marco Square, it might surprise newcomers to know that they have only been www.JandCoEvents.com a part of the San Marco landscape since the late 90s. For More Information Call 904.541.1340 Angela Shiffanela and Alan Wilson designed the three lounging lions to pay homage to the area’s association with Venice, Italy.

San Marco Parks

Peppered with parks, the greenery and water- ways of the area make San Marco an idyllic place to live or visit. Though you might know Whatley Park, which is on Hendricks, just after San Marco Boulevard, you might not know some of the parks that are tucked away from the main drags in the area. Here are just two river oaks park parks of some historical significance:

Davin Park Though this park is mainly just a strip of greenery with a few park benches, it does have one interesting feature you might want to check out: a maintained artisan fountain that served as a watering hole for horses on the bridle path of the former Villa Alexandria estate. Go west on Arbor Lane off of Hendricks, turning left onto River Road. The well is lo- cated at the corner of Elder and River Road. davin park

River Oaks Park Running through this hidden park is Craig Creek, which runs out into the St. John’s River. The creek was named for William Craig, an early settler of Jacksonville. You can find this beautiful park by heading west on River Oaks Road, off of Hendricks Avenue.

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 17 local flavor and upscale shopping San Marco commerce by Erin thursby [email protected] Besides the San Marco Preservation Society, another organization that’s shaped the San Marco area is the San Marco Merchants Association. Both organiza- tions have a vested interest in keeping San Marco unique. Many of the businesses around the San Marco Square belong to the Association, which is an organized force in local politics. The main goal of the Merchant’s Association is to attract shop- pers to San Marco, whether they live in the area or not. To that end, they also sponsor yearly events, such as the upcoming San Marco Art Festival. The San Marco shopping area experi- enced a dip in sales because of the open- ing of the St. John’s Town Center, but their customers are coming back and others are rediscovering the area. San Marco is a great place for high-end shopping because it offers lower price points than the Town Center and more personalized service. San Marco has just about everything you might desire, from a long-standing used bookstore to local shops that carry designer labels, and everything in between. If you want to support local business instead of a homogenized mall, it’s a great place to shop. Merchants that are part of the Association enjoy a range of services such as trash pickup, landscape beautification in the area and a network of information. According to the Association President and local busi- ness owner Jan Molyneaux: “We try to put out communication to other merchants about things like road im- provements, traffic problems…anything that impacts the area…[such as] the big construction project that’s going to be starting in a six block area at Hendricks and Atlantic.” The area she’s speaking about will soon be home to Jacksonville’s first urban Publix, among other things. At the moment, besides Matthew’s Marketplace, which has a limited (though high-quality) selection, the area doesn’t have a major food market that locals can buy from. For residents who want to live in an area largely free from a commercialized presence, it’s worth a little bit of a drive to the grocery store. But there still is a demand for some kind of market in the area, and by 2010 San Marco will have a Pub- lix. The buzz has already boosted the area’s desirability. Although in years past there has been a drive for a Whole Foods Market in the area, a Publix will fit the needs of residents. The San Marco Preservation Society, with input from the Merchant’s Association, worked closely with developers to ensure that the Publix wouldn’t commercialize the area too much. It won’t be a traditional Publix, with a massive parking lot in the front, but will instead be designed to fit the style and needs of San Marco. The project is slated to begin this year and be completed in 2009 or 2010 with a mixed-use facility of multiple retailers and five levels of 125 condos on the corner of Atlantic Boulevard and Hendricks Avenue. The Publix itself will be a little more than half the size of a regular Publix, at just 28,000 square feet. Because land is so dear in the San Marco area, and because parking can sometimes be scarce, the developers plan to build an adjacent four-story parking garage. It’s hard to say if the Publix will have a positive impact on the merchants in the San Marco area. It will certainly impact the businesses in some way and will contribute to changing traffic patterns, as well as draw- ing more residents to the neighborhood. With or without the new Publix, San Marco will remain a shopping destination for tourists and long-time residents that enjoy local flavor and upscale shopping.

18 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper lunches and birthday parties. On the left side of the restaurant is a surprisingly bright, hip bar and dining room, offset by the dim and dark-wood laden right side. The bar features faux Lucite marble, glowing with a light from within. The chef, Tom Gray, has an extensive culinary resume. He graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and has trained in Napa Valley, among other places. His menu at Bistro Aix has even caught the at- tention of national media, with a full color spread in USA Weekend’s holiday food issue. Although Bistro Aix has a reputation for upscale cuisine, there are tasty options on the menu for under $20 and they have half portions available on many of the selections, something I’m grateful for, since I like to have a little taste of everything! Even if you’re on a budget, the fine food at Bistro Aix can be within your grasp, if you’re careful about what you select. Soup lovers shouldn’t miss the bistro’s signature creamy French onion soup. The salads, which are prepared with an eye towards presentation and marvelous juxtaposition of flavors, also deserve the attention of any food lover. All of the dressings are made in-house and are geared to enhance the flavor of each individual salad selection. My favorite is the proscuitto and goat cheese salad, which is paired with an outstanding fig balsamic vinaigrette. All of the soups and salads are available in half portions. san marco’s bistro destination Bistro Aix by Erin thursby [email protected] There’s no lack of dining options in the San Marco area, but if you have a taste for fine bistro cuisine, you should look no further than Bistro Aix. When I first moved to Jacksonville and asked where I should be dining, a friend immediately suggested Bistro Aix. I was impressed by the provincial décor and excellent food. Because I hadn’t explored their entire menu, I asked my server about the pasta selections. He recom- Each time I’ve gone to the restaurant I’ve found the service and food to be outstanding, making it one of my mended their shrimp tagliatelle, which was rich in flavor without being heavy and cloying, as some pasta top picks for bistro style food here in Jacksonville. sauces can be. The butterflied shrimp was intensely tender and added just the right notes of flavor and texture There are several distinctive areas to dine or drink, each of which has their own feel and flavor. As you to the dish. enter the establishment, you’ll see a warm brick-lined décor with cozy black leather booths and a French/ I don’t think I’ve been to a restaurant lately that doesn’t have its own version of a seared tuna appetizer. Mediterranean bistro sensibility. When the restaurant is busy, this area can get a little loud. Those looking Bistro Aix is no different in that respect, but I have to say, it’s the only item on their menu that has ever dis- for romance or a quiet table should try to come during off-peak hours, or ask to be seated somewhere with appointed me. The presentation was beautiful, but the cabbage mixture it was presented on was simply too less of a noise factor. Towards the back of the restaurant is a pleasant courtyard, compete with an oh-so San vinegary, so much so that it overpowered the tuna and all the other flavors (such as the bacon and the spicy Marco wall fountain and climbing vines. The courtyard is great for romantic dining when the weather is nice. harissa), destroying an interplay of flavors that could have been really incredible. It disappointed more than it Some of the fans of Chef Tom Gray like to sit at the marble bar that faces the kitchen so they can watch the would at most places because Bistro Aix has set the bar so high. master chef at work. Further down, the bar curves around to where the local who’s who drink their cocktails Even pizza goes chic at Bistro Aix. Their crisp, thin wood-fired pies are an adventure in rich flavor and and wine on a Friday. Private dining rooms are available for events such as a rehearsal dinner, business exotic pizza toppings such as caviar. Cheeses range from a fresh mozzarella to goat cheese. I sampled the delectably delish mushroom and fontina, which features a puree of mushrooms. Pureeing the mushrooms unexpectedly opened and enhanced the flavor of the mushrooms in a way I hadn’t experienced before. That and the use of truffle oil made this an exceptionally superior upscale pie. I made sure I saved room for dessert, because the desserts at Bistro Aix are worth it. They’ve also got a decent selection of dessert wines and ports. When it came time to choose a dessert, I was a tad conflicted. I’m sucker for crème brûlée and the classic crème brûlée here is quite excellent. Still, I needed to try some- thing different—if only for the sake of my readers. I chose the chocolate banana bread pudding. With the first bite, I forgot in an instant all my sentimentality and longing for their crème brûlée, reveling instead in the warm chocolate center, sugar glazed banana slices and whipped cream.

information 1440 San Marco Boulevard (398-1949) Cost Guide $ = under ten dollars for a single person Cost $$$$ $$ = over ten to twenty for a single person $$$ = over twenty to thirty-five for a single person $$$$ = thirty-five and up for a single person

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 19 Jacksonville community. In 1926, they joined the nationwide “little theatre” movement, and become The Little Theatre of Jacksonville. The two story building was designed by Ivan H. Smith. Besides a number of important structures around the state, Smith also designed Jacksonville’s City Hall, the and several JU build- ings. In ’91 the Little Theatre was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. After 87 consecutive seasons, it’s one of the oldest continually producing community theatres in the U.S. Of course every theatre with a history that long comes with a few ghosts. There are rumors that in the lobby stairwell one can often see a faint shadow of a mysterious man in a bowler hat. The Little Theatre recently upgraded their lobby, making mostly cosmetic changes, replacing the carpet- ing, wallpaper and light fixtures. The current lobby is in keeping with the Deco style and coloration of the façade of the building. Also in the Art Deco style is the San Marco Theatre, which offers a different sort of entertainment: movies. Originally the theatre could seat 500 people, but they’ve since put tables next to every seat, taking the seat count down to 222. Other than the seats and a more extensive food prep, everything else is simply a refurbished original, even the wiring. “[We] recently got breakers; it used to be just a fuse box,” said Tim Masset, Manager of the San Marco Theatre. san marco art deco two theatres, stage and screen by Erin thursby [email protected] Despite the prevalence of an Old-World, European style in the San Marco area, two structures near the San Marco Square have a noticeably Art Deco style: Theatre Jacksonville’s Little Theatre and the San Marco Theatre. The Little Theatre, or Theatre Jacksonville, has been part of the San Marco scene since 1938. Most community theaters in the in U.S. are actually converted spaces made from storefronts or former professional theatre spaces, but The Little Theatre was built especially for Jacksonville’s first community theatre group. The community theatre company was formed in 1919 and got the money for its facility from Carl S. Swisher, cigar magnate and local supporter of the theatre arts here in Jacksonville. It took a little more than ten years from the ground breaking in 1927 for the company to launch their first production in the building. The façade has stayed intact since it was built and it still has the same look that it did all those years ago. The house of the theatre seats 311 people. With good acoustics and intimate space, the performances are easily acces- sible. Thanks to Carl S. Swisher, the playhouse is owned entirely by Theatre Jacksonville, with no outstanding mortgage. Strangely enough, the theatre group is a product of WWI, when the War Camp Community Service was created to entertain the servicemen in Jacksonville. After the war, a branch of that organization evolved into The Community Players. The Community Players produced plays and held play readings for the increasing

In the lobby is a piece of film history: a massive and ancient film projector. “Actually,” Masset com- mented when I marveled at the apparatus “it’s not too much different from what we have up there [in the projection booth] now.” Also finished in 1938, the San Marco Theatre was designed by nationally recognized architect Roy Benjamin, who also designed Downtown’s Florida Theatre. Instead of sticking with the Italian, Moorish and Spanish influences of San Marco’s Square, he built something that reflected the current trends at the time: Art Deco. David and Sue Blue took over the theatre’s operation in the past decade and worked to restore rather than redecorate. Jacksonville is lucky that both of these Deco entertainment centers have stayed intact and in use. The Little Theatre is still a popular place for theatre-goes to support community theatre, and the San Marco The- atre often sells out their seats, premiering major motion pictures and midnight movies of artistic, classic and cult films.

20 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper of fun all by itself, getting a chance to actually walk through the production center sounded even better. Peterbrooke allowed children and their families to do just that last weekend at their Easter Party “Egg- stravaganza.” The factory tours given were a first for the company, who has never before allowed the public such access. In addition to the tours, the weekend-long event also included an Easter parade, visits from the Easter Bunny, games, prizes, give- aways and plenty of chocolaty samples. We arrived at the production center just after the parade had ended. Bummed, but undeterred, the kids and I made our way over to the side of the building, where the road had been blocked off and a tent set up with simple children’s games. Each kid got 10 free tickets to play the games, which in- cluded a bean bag toss, a rubber-duckie scoop and a ring toss. The little guys got a prize even if they failed at the tasks, a nice touch for younger kids like my son, who never once threw a hoop over a bunny’s ears or a bean bag in a little hole. Both kids happily collected their prizes, which included plas- tic rings, miniature maze games and Peterbrooke chocolate coins. After playing a few games, the kids wore themselves out dancing to upbeat music and playing basketball with a massive blow-up ball and hoop. After enjoying the activities, we decided to go to the main event: the factory tour. After a brief wait, shortened further by a mountain of samples offered to the crowd multiple times while we waited, the family and I donned our hairnets and headed into the building, led by an employee dressed as Willy Wonka (a nice touch). In the first area we learned a little about the history of the company and about how Phyllis Geiger came up with the company’s best selling chocolate-covered popcorn (a happy accident- Phyllis needed some- thing to give to people as samples at San Marco’s annual Holiday Magic celebration so she sprinkled some chocolate over some popcorn she got from the theatre. The rest is history). Next, we got to see children and the some of their nifty treat-making machines. Finally, Willy Wonka handed us over to an Oompa Loompa who lead us into the assembly-line area, where an employee made some chocolate-covered pretzels while Peter himself tempered chocolate by hand chocolate factory nearby. Pretty cool. Our tour ended with a trip to the Easter Bunny, where the kids got to sit on his lap and get their picture taken for free. Peterbrooke’s Second Annual “Eggstravaganza” What would have been a quick 15-minute tour any other time of the year, ended up being an by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] afternoon filled with fun, education and plenty of chocolate. The kids had a blast at Peterbrooke and I had never been to the Peterbrooke Chocolati- history of the company given through audio-visual so did I. Be sure to mark your calendars and check er production center, but I’m quite familiar with their presentations. The tours are completely free and out this event next year. It’s a great way to spend wares. I’m in love with the local company’s choco- end with free samples. While that sounded like a lot an afternoon with the family. late-covered popcorn, quite possibly the most delectable treat on the face of this Earth. Originally, I was going to take my two kids to Peterbrooke to take the tour and sample some goodies as part of a whole day in San Marco. My plans changed when I discovered that the chocolatier would be having their second annual children’s Easter party last Sat- urday. We piled the whole family in the car for this very special event, and as it turned out, landmark event for the beloved company. Founded in 1983, Phyllis Geiger opened her little chocolate shop right in San Marco Square. Named after her son and daughter, Peterbrooke quickly made a name for itself. Today, that single store has multiplied to more than a dozen locations all over town, with at least ten more on the way. The business is truly a family affair, with Peter Behringer serving as President of the company and Brooke Behringer as the real estate development manager. On Monday through Friday, people can see how the out-of-this-world chocolatier crafts their delicious sweets through a glass window, with the

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 21 elemental atmospheres contemporary paintings by Princess Simpson Rashid inspired by science, math, and perception by donald dusinberre [email protected]

Who knew we could see great art at the Museum of Science and History? Mostly known for their kids fare like dinosaurs, sharks, and hands-on exhibits, MOSH is branching out into the art world. From now through September 30th, 2007, patrons of MOSH will be greeted at the door by the fantastic artwork of Princess Simpson Rashid. The lobby area of MOSH has been transformed into an informal art gallery, and it seems they’ve found the perfect artist to furnish their first exhibit. Princess Simpson Rashid is a Jackson- ville resident with numerous skills and inter- ests, having earned her B.S. in physics and astronomy as well as additional education in painting and printmaking. She also happens to be a fencing champion. To our benefit, Rashid somehow manages to seamlessly incorporate this unusual mix of knowledge and talent into her artwork. Recently awarded an Art Ventures grant from a philanthropic organization called The The various materials used to create the paintings aren’t the only things we can look for. Her paintings Community Foundation in Jacksonville, Rashid are peppered with scientific and mathematical equations, which are dribbled loosely over the surface. One was commissioned to merge her mathematical, painting features, as far as I can tell, the entire periodic table. I have to admit though, my blood pressure scientific, and artistic talents into paintings that spikes a bit when I see trigonometric formulas. It’s an uncomfortable yet comical experience to have a flash- explore the relationships between such diverse back of high school math class at 30. subjects. The results of her grant are now being In terms of color and paint application, the paintings are dynamic and expertly composed. Created al- displayed for the first time, and MOSH is the most completely with drips and splashes of paint either thickened or thinned, Rashid has managed to direct ideal location for such an experiment. the randomness of those splashes and drips into coherent spaces that appear neither too busy nor too scant. Rashid’s work accomplishes the objective in a number of ways. Visually stimulating, most of the paint- Often, when an artist utilizes many colors, he/she tends to use colors straight from the tube. It’s a lazy and ings are mixed media works on canvas, paper, or wood panels and primarily painted with acrylic paints. But, thoughtless thing to do, but Rashid’s colors are expertly mixed to unique hues and perfectly placed amongst other than the acrylics, none of the materials are disclosed in the description. Artists use the term “mixed me- one another to excellent effect. It’s rare to find an artist who can master the application of an expressionist, dia” to indicate that more than one material was used to create a piece. Painters often use all sorts of things the composition of a realist, and the color palette of a surrealist. to enhance the appearance and texture of their work, including wax, fabric, paper, tape, lettering, and sand. The work of Princess Simpson Rashid will be on display at MOSH from now until September 30th, 2007. Whether on purpose or by chance, we’re left with a challenge to try and figure out what else has been used in To learn more about Rashid and her work, visit her website at www.theswordandbrush.com. the painting. It’s a small degree of interaction that fits nicely with the interactive theme so prevalent in the rest The Museum of Science and History is located at 1025 Museum Circle, Jacksonville, Florida. Check out the of the museum. museum’s website at www.themosh.org to stay informed on upcoming displays and features.

22 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Amenities: A pool table, a juke box, and a big screen television. Drink Specials: Happy hour is from 4 – 7 pm Monday – Friday. They serve stiff-ass well drinks for $2.75 pub crawling through san (juice is an extra .25), domestic beers for $2.75 and import beers for $3. Featuring a perfect mix of creepy oglers and weekend warriors, Locals is the ideal setting for a TNT original movie starring Michael Madsen as an ex-detective searching for a petty crook that hangs out in not- marco so-seedy bars. How a place like this avoids having a karaoke night is anybody’s guess. Their flagship event is Lingerie Night, which attracts the finest selection of off-duty waitresses and their misogynistic boyfriends anywhere on this side of the tracks. Nothing makes you appreciate your life more than watching “models” drinking up a little Europe prance around in their undies after a long day of serving blue plate specials. Enjoy your drink but don’t stare too long. -Oscar Volga by the eu professional drinkers San Marco is Jacksonville’s little Europe, and there is nothing more European than drinking, so we hit Sherwoods the streets to check out some local bars. Obviously, there is a wealth of places to get a little salty in San Marco, on the upscale and the down and dirty, but we tried to select a few off-the-radar places Address or Directions: On San Marco Boulevard, under I-95 in addition to a few of the staples. If we missed your favorite hangout, just email us at pubcrawl@ Type of Place: Bar. Period. entertainingu.com. Serving: Liquor bar. Don’t worry about beer or wine, although they have them, Sherwoods is known for serving Square One the cheapest, stiffest drinks in town. Atmosphere: It is smoky but riotous at all times. This is Address or Directions: On San Marco Ave in the middle of San Marco Square THE local bar in San Marco. Anyone who says they don’t Type of Place: Lawyer and yuppie hangout with the occasional cool cats. go to Sherwoods just doesn’t remember it. Serving: Draft and Bottled beer most domestics and imports. Decent wine list and an excellent Amenities: Five pool tables, dart boards, and video selection of liquor and legal advice games, as well as a juke box that is as annoying as it is Atmosphere: Clean, rich, lavish and almost regal. rewarding. Amenities: An attractive happy hour that fits any budget with some great local cover bands. Drink Specials: Happy hour is Monday – Friday from Drink Specials: Happy hour is Mon-Fri 4 to 7, Saturday 5 to 7. All draft and bottled beer $2, All single 4pm to 7pm $2 domestic, $2.75 import beers. $2.50 well liquor drinks $2.50, All house wine $2.50. ($2 up charge on Martinis.) drinks, $3.25 call drinks. And they are stiff!

I checked out this joint on a Tuesday and was pleasantly surprised, much to my dismay. I hate It’s hard to appreciate the true Sherwoods on the yuppie joints, but this place had something that I can’t quite put my finger on. Maybe it was the band night that the Gators win the National basketball championship, because sports usually has very little to playing that night, the quite hilarious 9 to 5ers attempting to dance, or the delicious Jack and Cokes that do with the constant enthusiasm of this bar. Usually it is generated from a strict intoxication level. When kept flowing my way via the golden fingertips of a splendid young man named Bob. Whatever it was, I you scan the bar, it is easy to find the designated drivers. They are the morose lot without the “crazy eye.” liked it. The later it got, the better the scene. All of the bad dancers started to clear and made way for Sherwoods is the perfect bar because it is unassuming, everyone feels welcome here, and after a few, my kind of people, the alcoholics. Most of them had to be restaurant industry, a good bit of them were you can’t help it. I would tell you more about how much I love this bar (and have ever since I was “21”) musicians, and all of them were fun drinking buddies. If you’re like me and like a nice laid back night, go but I’m getting too drunk to type. Time to ask the bartender about the old “Sherwoods Cab,” which they there on a Tuesday night and ask for Bob. At two bucks a drink for service industry, you really can’t go are happy to call for you. And me. -Johnny St. Thomas wrong. -Harvey Wallbanger Jack Rabbits Locals Address or Directions: On Hendricks Ave near Lasalle Type of Place: Live Music Venue and bar Address or Directions: On Kings Road, next Serving: Wide variety of import and domestic beers and ciders; draft and bottle. Basic wine choices. to Endo Exo Atmosphere: Cozy authentic rock bar, smoking allowed, with a laid back local feel. Type of Place: Bar and “grill,” but I wouldn’t Amenities: Great local and national live music, clean (sometimes) bathrooms with metal walls (interesting). order any food. It’s like an airport hotel bar without the airport or hotel. The walls tell the tale of this quaint live music venue down in historic San Marco, literally. They Serving: Liquor bar, featuring top-shelf and well communicate through tiny adhesive circles and squares in the form of stickers and they keep the liquors, domestic and imported bottled beers and conversation going long enough to cover the entire length of the wall behind the bar. As I find myself carefully house wines. mulling over them, my left ear steals a bit of conversation next to me. It’s a familiar setting. The slutty girl, the Atmosphere: Smoky with loud televisions and lonely band member, each with the same amount of makeup. The place just feels right. It’s not intimidating; low low lighting. the bar prices are right and the staff seems friendly enough and willing to pour out a bit of the club’s history. I’ll never think of the band “A Static Lullaby” the same way again. –Harvey Wallbanger

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 23 live music acoustic wizardry with shows calendar comedic monologue THURSDAY, APRIL 5 Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, Leo Kottke live at the Florida Theatre St. Augustine (829-8646) Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Electric Six Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) by Rick grant [email protected] Beat Heads 7 TSI, Jax (635-3024) Leo Kottke has been around since the early on Garrison’s radio program, A Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) 1970s as a one-of-a-kind artist. He has recorded 22 Prairie Home Companion. Clearly, Jennifer Daniels European Street, Jax (399-1740) albums of mostly instrumental, finger-picking style his music would be enough, but by originals on 12 and 6 string guitars. Leo is the undis- delivering a continuous comedic kLoB Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) puted master of the 12 string guitar, writing bouncy monologue, he endears himself to Rusty Springfield, Tony Scozzaro Kingfish Grill, St. hook-heavy compositions that baffle even the most his fans who feel like they know him Augustine (824-2111) advanced guitarists. Some of his compositions personally. Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) crossover into the classical genre. At his Florida Theatre perfor- Indeed, Leo is an anomaly in the music biz, in mance, Leo had no opening act. He Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) that he has been financially successful presenting strolled onto a bare stage at 8pm Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) complex acoustic compositions as a solo perform- sharp with a microphone and two David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs ing and recording artist. Over the years, Leo broke custom, hand-crafted guitars–a 6 and all the rules of music marketing, and yet he sold 12 string that looked alike, except for the number of best selling album was his first self-titled record on Ron Perry Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) millions of records. strings. After joking that he came out and was tuning the Tacoma label, released in 1969. The black & Bill Medley Performing Arts Center, Jax In concert, Leo mixes his guitar styling with a his 12 string, he launched a 90 minute show of ma- white cover depicting that crafty armadillo and the Nimble Jim & the Ointment Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) running comedic monologue that is cumulative, in terial from his vast repertoire of original works and 14 songs from that session have become classics. that his little stories are loosely connected toward a few songs from other obscure artists. He never Of course, Leo was obliged to play many of the Jam Session w/Jason Anderson Pub Ragusa, Jax the end of his show. His spacy demeanor gives the stopped, not even to take a drink of water. songs from that record to appease his fans. It’s still (443-7888) audience the impression that he just took a couple of Leo told a funny story about playing at a uni- in wide distribution as many of today’s young guitar- Steve Plays Too Loud Bridge, Jax (359-0001) bong hits before he went on-stage. But this is part of versity and some goofy kid asked him to come back ists discover it and marvel at his finger-picking style. Sam Pacetti Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) his carefully designed and orchestrated schtick. to his dorm room to see something special. It turned Anyone who has ever wrestled with the 12-string One could say that Leo’s monologue is a fusion out to be a dead crow. The significance of this was beast knows that outside of strumming the thing, Matt Collins Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra of stand-up comic Steven Wright’s droll style with that the kid loved his song ‘Crow River Waltz’. Years finger-picking a 12-string is extremely difficult. Just Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) the witty storytelling delivery of Garrison Keillor. In later Leo met another guy who also liked the song. keeping the damn thing in tune is a trial. Each two Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) fact, Leo has made numerous guest appearances He turned out to be the dead-crow-kid’s uncle, who string sets are an octave apart. It’s like picking up a had rented a canoe to Leo, which he destroyed. sitar–whoa, what the hell do I do with this thing? Oversized Load Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach On songs like ‘The Grid’ Leo sings the lyrics Witnessing Leo Kottke play live is like a trip (241-7877) “All I ever wanted to do was to go off and live off the down some obscure mountain path, then suddenly Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) grid.” The song tells the story of Leo finding himself meeting a vagabond hiker who has been traveling all I Am Ahab Flagler College, St. Augustine alone and miserable, but at least he was off the his life, living “off the grid”, with a guitar and some grid. It’s always a shock to hear Leo sing, since he songs. Then you sit down at the campfire and listen Out of Hand Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) is mostly an instrumentalist. He has a surpassingly to his original artistry and know that he is on his Band Marino Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) appealing voice. own road to glory. There is only one Leo Kottke–an Will Pearsall A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) It was an enthusiastic audience who hung on individual who has forged his own path in the music his every note and every song he played from his biz without a compass or having to make any com- Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) many albums. Interestingly, Leo’s most popular and promises–a rare bird, indeed. Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Bigga Rankin Plush, Jax (743-1845) Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Don’t Tell Anne Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine Skyla Burrell Blues Band The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300) De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453)

THURSDAY-FRIDAY, APRIL 5-6 Big Al & the Kaholics Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337)

FRIDAY, APRIL 6 Springing the Blues-Eddie Kirkland, Willie Green, Seawalk Plaza, Jax Beach Daddy Mack, Greg Baril, Michael Burks Appetite For Destruction Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Greg Baril Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Jose LeMonde Trio Kingfish Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111)

24 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Ron Norris Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Riptide with Brian Turner Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) passionate tones of Tough Junkie Shantytown, Jax Ron Pope House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) Goliath Village Café, Jax (389-3995) the night Jamison Ross UNF, Jax 5 Day Beginning Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) Gary Douglas Campbell OC White’s, St. Augustine (824-0808) Al Maniscalco Quartet at Simon’s Veronica’s Veil Fuel, Jax (425-3825) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) by Rick grant [email protected] Chuck Nash Scarlett’s, St. Augustine (824-6535) Cupids Alley 747 Lounge, Jax (741-4331) There was something ethereal about listening playing A Love Supreme, and get- Willie “Big Eyes” Smith The Frisky Mermaid, to Al Maniscalco’s sweet tone on tenor and soprano ting so wrapped up in the music I Fernandina Beach (261-3300) saxophones that took me back to my John Coltrane forgot where I had parked my car and Miles Davis period during the 1960s. Previously, down in the bowery. I wandered the Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) I’d covered Al with a bassist at The Brick, but I want- streets for hours looking for my old Rebecca Zapen 95 Cordova, St. Augustine (827-1888) ed to hear him with a quartet at Simon’s last Satur- Plymouth. Ah yes, nostalgia strikes Roger That My Place, Jax (737-5299) day night. This time, I let Al’s thoughtful improvising deep when Al’s skillfully developed take me away to another time and era when I could spontaneous compositions stimulate The Human Condition Santa Maria, St. Augustine walk into the Village Vanguard and witness Stan Getz my mind. This music has that power. Regi Blue Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) play. Of course, this was before the onslaught of the Clearly, Al has the credentials Full Back Out Po Boy’s, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) rock’s dominance in the popular music milieu. to back up his stellar playing. Al Although the era of jazz being played in the graduated from UNF and he earned McKenna Reefer’s, Jax (737-6300) mainstream is long gone, improvisational music a Master of Music degree from Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) Towson State University. Al is now is still around on the periphery of the music biz. A1A North Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) Simon’s is one of the few venues in town where one a major dude in today’s East Coast can hear traditional and modern jazz played. Indeed, jazz scene and has won many hon- Yankee Slickers West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Al Maniscalco Quartet is a major force in today’s ors, including winner of the Jazz Grabbag Kountry Tavern, Jax (766-9138) reincarnation of the saxophone driven quartet. Category in the Great South Florida ment to his music and his passionate delivery that Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Joining Al at Simon’s were Josh Bowlus on Sound Search sponsored by the Miami Herald. Yes, distinguishes him as a modern jazz titan who car- piano, John Lumpkin on drums, and Chelsea Chason this sax cat has paid dues performing with many jazz ries improvisational music into a bold new world of Lyman, The Heavy Pets Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) on upright bass. It was a tight impromptu ensemble luminaries including Chuck Manigione, the Tempta- changing values and attitudes. The Picture Show Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) fronted by Al’s tenor and soprano excursions, which tions, Hal Linden, and The Guy Lombardo Orchestra. Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) flowed into my inner consciousness. Al’s emotional In 1994, the Al Maniscalco quartet won acco- passion comes through his vibrating reed, creating lades as one of the region’s premier jazz groups. In Tres Bien TSI, Jax (635-3024) vivid musical images that hang in the air like floating 1997, they released their first CD, Altitude. In 2000, Out of Hand My Place, Jax (737-5299) crystals. Al released Maniscalco: Live at Tidings Park. Then Yes, “zen is when” I let Al’s solos take me in 2003, he moved on to record another landmark away into another world. That is the essence of the album, More in My Heart. Now, Al is ready to release FRIDAY-SATURDAY, APRIL 6-7 jazz experience–a mind meld with a higher con- his new album. On May 18 & 19, 2007, Al will have Jody & the Driveshafts Trade Winds Lounge, St. sciousness where music is the soul means of com- a CD release party at Simon’s for One Blessed Day– Augustine (829-9336) munication and love is the supreme power of the a triumph of Al’s cumulative musical experience. Token Blonde Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) universe. More significantly, Al takes saxophone impro- As Al soloed on the tenor, I remembered peak visation into a new era of jazz appreciation, yet his Bush Doctors The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) moments in New York City at smokey clubs of a roots come through in his playing, paying homage Livid Cap’n Odie’s, Jax Beach (241-8848) long lost time and space. I could hear Coltrane to a bygone era. But it’s Al’s emotional commit- Susie Kite Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Unky J Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) Out of Hand Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Mr. Natural Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Gutterboy Casey’s, Yulee Da Lions of Jah Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Sidewalk 65 Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Mr. Beam A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) Out of Hand Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Dot Wilder Jazz Wicked Davey’s, Fernandina Beach Crabgrass Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) Ghostrider Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349) Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, APRIL 6-8 Springing the Blues After Party Bob Margolin Jam Mojo’s Kitchen, Jax Beach (247-6636)

SATURDAY, APRIL 7 Springing the Blues-Cephas & Wiggins, Cylinda Pink, Little Charlie & the Nightcats, Shane Dwight, Tab Benoit Seawalk Plaza, Jax Beach

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 25 Str8 Up, Cloud 9 The Landing, Jax (353-1188) David Milam Bourbon Bayou, St. Augustine The Blues gets Athletic!

Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600) springing the blues You might be surprised to know that Papercranes Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival also Big Al & the Kaholics The Frisky Mermaid, includes some very physical activities. Saturday Fernandina Beach (261-3300) is the day for some terrific outdoor competitions. at Jacksonville Beach Saturday and Sunday, out at the Jackson- Colton McKenna High Tide Café, St. Augustine ville Pier, budding amateur and pro-surfers can Shane Dwight Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) by Erin thursby compete in different divisions. No doubt the The Dark Romantics Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) competition will draw plenty of people who love to watch surfers exercise their art. Divisions Sugar Bear Square One, Jax (306-9004) Jacksonville Beach is getting the Blues. This weekend, at the Seawalk Plaza, the annual George’s include boys 14 and under, juniors 17 and under, Cornerstone Kingfish Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) Music Springing the Blues Festival will begin on Open Shortboard for all ages, Open Women’s for Funkfest-Bobby Brown Metro Park, Jax Friday night. Founded in ’91, it has grown into the all ages and Open Pro Short Board Challenge. The Open Pro Challenge has a $5,000 purse, Dana Salmela Po Boy’s, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) largest free outdoor blues fest in the Southeast. A staggering two-hundred fifty thousand people have with $2, 000 for first place. JW Gilmore Pizza Garden, St. Augustine turned out for the fest. Springing the Blues also features a Run- Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Expect a wide range of blues acts, from the ning the Blues 5K Run, which will allow whole Grammy nominated Tab Benoit to the roots blues of families to compete in this 5-kilometer beach Cylinda Pink Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) the formidable Miss Sue Foley. Old-timers Cephas & run. Awards go to the top three winners among Stevie Stilletto, Grabbag Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Wiggins will be playing the Piedmont Blues and Bob 13 age group categories. Plus, there will be free Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Margolin will give the crowd some deep Chicago drawings and refreshments at the awards party. Blues. chased from the various concession stands. Make If cycling’s more your style, try the Cycling Inner Fazed, Twisted Lemon Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) The Springing The Blues Society, a non-profit sure you bring your ID if you want to drink beer. the Blues Bike Ride. The ride raises funds for Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) organization founded along with the festival, raises Though the fest is free, you can purchase VIP bile duct cancer in memory of Dan Amico, who was heavily involved with the Festival and died in Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) funds to feed the hungry and makes generous con- tickets for premium seating, private portable bath- tributions to other causes. In ‘94, it initiated “Blues rooms and a beverage bar. You can pay $50 for the ’06. Riders choose their course, ranging from an Soul Release-Iaalam Acey Boomtown, Jax (632-0099) In Schools,” an after-school program that offers “at whole run, $10 for Friday only, $30 for Saturday only easy 3 miles to a lengthier 20 miles. Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299) risk” students the opportunity to study the history of and $20 for Sunday only. These VIP wristbands can Competition Info Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) the blues, as well as musical instruction in the blues. be purchased at the Blanding Boulevard or Jackson- Coolers, pets, tents and backpacks aren’t ville Beach locations of George’s Music or online at Aerial Tribe Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) allowed at the fest. Food and beverages can be pur- www.springingtheblues.com AquaEast Surfing the Blues Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) 8:00AM Saturday & Sunday at the Jacksonville Pier. Livid Snookers, Jax (696-0714) Entry: $25 for amateur divisions; $100 for Open The Company Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Pro Challenge Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, music schedule For more info: www.floridasurfing.org Jax (287-9900) Performance Running the Blues 5K Run Billy Gibson 8:00AM Saturday at the Red Cross Lifesaving SUNDAY, APRIL 8 8:30-10:00PM Michael Burks Station on the beach (at the East end of Beach Springing the Blues-Jim McKaba, The Rounders, Boulevard). Seawalk Plaza, Jax Beach On the West Stage Entry: $15 For more info: www.performancemultisports. Eric Steckel, Eddie Shaw & the Wolfgang, Willie 5:30-6:30PM Roger “Hurricane” Wil- Smith, Bob Margolin, Bob Stroger son com Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) 7:00-8:00PM John Miller Blues Cycling the Blues Tour de Vilano Metric Bobby Flynn Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) 8:30-9:30PM Daddy Mack Band Century Dan Amico Memorial Bike Ride to Beat Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) Bile Duct Cancer Saturday, April 7th 7:30AM Saturday at Jacksonville Beach City Hall Soulo Kingfish Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) nd On the Main Stage (11 North 2 Street) 3 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Entry/Donation: $25 11:45 - 12:15PM VuduBlu For more info: www.active.com JW Gilmore Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine 12:30 - 1:15PM Celinda Pink Sugar Bear Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) 1:30 - 2:15PM Roger “Hurricane” Annual Easter Music Extravaganza Trade Winds Wilson 2:00-2:45PM Billy Gibson Lounge, St. Augustine (829-9336) 2:30 - 3:30PM Sue Foley 3:00-4:00PM The Rounders David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) 3:45 - 4:45PM Cephas & Wiggins 4:15-5:00PM The Eric Steckel Band Rezolushun The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) 5:00 - 6:00PM Nora Jean Bruso 5:15- 6:15PM Eddie Shaw and the Wolf Gang Jimmy Parrish Caribbee Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) 6:30-7:30PM Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Bob Mar- Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) On the West Stage golin and Bob Stroger Boogie Freaks Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) 1:00-2:00PM VuduBlu 2:30-3:30PM George’s Music Featured On the West Stage El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) Artist 1:30-2:30 PM Teague Stefan Band Colton McKenna Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) 4:00-5:00PM Greg Baril 3:00-4:00PM Billy Gibson Sheryl Paige Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) 5:30-6:30PM Eric Steckel 4:.30-5:30PM Shane Dwight band 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) 7:00-8:00PM Willie Green 6:00-7:30PM Dr. Hector Memorial Blues Jam Spade McQuade Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) 8:30-9:30PM Jim McKaba El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) After Fest Activities: th th Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax Friday, April 6 Sunday, April 8 April 6,7,8 On the Main Stage On the Main Stage Blues Jam hosted by Bob Margolin 5:00-5:45PM Eddie Kirkland & Willie Green Noon-12:45PM Teague Stefan Band Begins each night as soon as Festival ends. 6:00-7:00PM Daddy Mack Blues Band 1:00-1:45PM Jim MaKaba and the After Hours Mojo Kitchen BBQ Pit & Blues Bar 7:15-8:15PM Greg Baril Band 1500 Beach Blvd. Jacksonville Beach

26 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper MONDAY, APRIL 9 in Canada and they may not receive pet food from the United States. After I got her adrenaline up, we talked Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) about her book and her music career. Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) “Since my touring schedule is so hectic, it’s Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) difficult to work on the book, but I’ve managed to contact many of the female guitarists I wanted to Out of Hand Your Place, Jax Beach (221-9994) interview via E-mail and telephone to gather research Tom Jones Florida Theatre, Jax for Guitar Woman. I’ve also formed my own company, Guitar Woman, Inc. (www.guitarwoman.com). I’ve Billy Bowers Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) also been touring with the Blues Caravan www.rufre- cords.de.” Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040) “Two years ago I recorded a highly successful Jimmy Parrish The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) DVD of a live show in Germany. It turned out really Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) well and it allows people to see me in concert doing what I do best–that’s kicking butt. Currently I’m going Out of Hand My Place, Jax (737-5299) out with a trio-- bass, guitar, and drums, which makes Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) everyone work harder, but I like the challenge. I like to play festivals and this is my first trip to George’s Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) Music Springing the Blues Festival”. (I told her it was a great facility right on the ocean.) “Wow, I can’t wait TUESDAY, APRIL 10 to play there,” Sue said. a red-head with I then asked Sue about her planned set for Billy & Vinnie Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) George’s Music Springing the Blues Festival. “I plan to play a retrospective of my body of Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) work, and some tunes off the new album. I know the Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) the blues songs that work best to excite the crowd in a festival atmosphere. Playing large special events like your Steven James Empire Coffee, Jax Springing the Blues is what I live for. My book and Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) interview with Sue Foley record company are side projects that have to take a Laid To Rest Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) backseat to my music career. But I’ve learned to use by Rick grant [email protected] my time and energy efficiently by planning ahead, and Nate Holley Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) using the Internet effectively,” Sue said. Steve Beck Band The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Sue Foley just returned to the States from Ger- with being a gypsy road dog. Now, she’s writing a Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) many when I called her last Monday afternoon at her book titled Guitar Woman about female guitarists, Sue Foley goes on-stage at George’s Music home in Ottawa, Canada. Sue has been slugging away which she expects to complete in the next year. After Springing The Blues at 2:30 pm Saturday, April 7th. Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) - touring and recording for twenty-three years. At 39, that, she hopes to film a documentary based on her Get there early to catch the entire all-star lineup of the Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach book. Meanwhile, Sue is pressing on with her musical she is a veteran blues-rock artist who has expanded best blues talent in the world. Sean Tarleton Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) her horizons to include Europe and Asia, as well as career, touring all over the world with 250 dates a year extensive touring in America. Sue’s new record, New in Canada, the States, Europe, and Asia. Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Used Car is her 9th album. As a rising star, Sue was honored in her home Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Sue’s early musical environment established country with her first Juno Award (Canada’s equiva- Debra Rider Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) her eclectic influences, having grown up in a musical lent to America’s Grammy Award) for best Blues household with her father playing Celtic music and her Album for her CD Love Comin’ Down in 2000. Since Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach brothers in hard rock bands. Sue burst onto the Van- 1999, Sue has received a record-setting seventeen Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax couvor music scene at 16 years old by forming the Maple Blues Awards and three Trochee De Blues in Plain White T’s Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Sue Foley Band. This early incarnation of Sue’s band France. She was also nominated for a W.C. Handy toured Canada. Award for best contemporary female artist in 2002. Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) Over the years, grinding out the gigs has hard- Since Sue has a dog, we began our conversa- Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach ened Sue to the rigors of touring, dealing with musi- tion talking about the poison dog food scare, which (246-4293) cians, booking jobs, and the exhaustion that comes Sue didn’t know anything about. Of course, she lives El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

TUESDAY-WED., APRIL 10-11 Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143)

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11 The Cover Band Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099) Mystic Dino Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Cloud 9 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) Glass Camels The Homestead, Jax Beach Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) Gutterboy Snookers, Jax (696-0714) Rebecca Zapen Casbah, Jax (981-9966) Mr. Natural Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396)

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 27 El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) would be much more, of course) but we are spend- Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune ing $20 billion a week in Iraq on this ill-conceived Beach (241-8221) war. More importantly, New Orleans is America’s John Waters The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) biggest port and the wetlands are an environmen- tab benoit tal resource for the region. Never in the history of Soulo with Deron Baker Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra America has an administration neglected to make the Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) funds available to restore a major port city.” Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) “Of course, there are other factors in play. For headlines Saturday night instance, there are 4,100 oil platforms in the Gulf near New Orleans, and Louisiana is the only state that doesn’t receive oil royalties from oil explora- by Rick grant [email protected] tion. That’s a sizeable amount of money that the the wetlands. Tab can be seen tooling around state desperately needs for restoration projects and in his air boat and piloting a twin engine air- shoring up the levees. The Bush administration has plane over the area, making commentary on left the entire coast of Louisiana and Mississippi the need for money and engineering expertise vulnerable to another storm like Katrina. We can’t to address the many problems of the region. get all the people to come back when they know that upcoming shows Just my mention of the film ignited Tab the levees are not adequate for over a class 3 hur- into an adrenaline-pumping dissertation on ricane.” Disney On Ice April 13, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 the problems facing the South Louisiana “My family was in oil and I piloted planes for Jacksonville Jazz Festival April 13-15, Florida Theatre, coast, how the area has been woefully ne- the oil companies. Today, we have the technology to Metropolitan Park, and Ritz Theatre, w/George Benson, Al glected by the Bush administration, and how switch from an oil to a hydrogen economy. But the Jarreau, Jazz Attack, Chris Botti and more, 355-2787 the Iraq war has taken priority over the dire government does not have the will or the extra mon- needs of the people of New Orleans and the ey (it’s all going down the drain funding the Iraq war) As Tall As Lions April 13, Freebird Live, 246-2473 surrounding Louisiana coast. to devote to it. The Bushes are in the oil business The Cadets April 15, TSI, 424.3531 Now, Tab, the singer/songwriter blues and it’s not in their best interest to seek alternatives Earl Greyhound Apr 17, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 star, and Tab, the socio-political activist are to big oil.” one in the same. In other words, Tab is com- “You talked about that movie Who Killed the Clap Your Hands Say Yeah April 20, Freebird Live, 246-2473 mitted to using his music career as platform Electric Car, that chronicled how, in the early 1980s, Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 for helping affect change in South Louisiana. GM produced a popular electric car. That happened He feels strongly about this cause. In fact, because a law mandated it. You couldn’t buy them Andre Rieu and His Johann Strauss Orchestra April 20, he not only has an encyclopedic knowledge but the people who leased them loved them. But as Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309 of the complex politics of the area, but he is soon as the law was repealed, GM picked up all the Jeff Foxworthy April 21, Times Union Ctr, 633-6110 trying to make things happen. electric cars and crushed them. I could go on about Kenny Chesney April 21 & 22, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 Of course, for Tab and the people of this. But you agree with me and I’m doing what I can South Louisiana, the post-Katrina era has with my music to make a difference. I’ve spoken to Eddie Griffin April 22, Times Union Ctr, 633-6110 been disheartening because the Bush admin- our congressmen and I’ve done countless benefit Little Feat April 25, Freebird Live, 246-2473 istration is driving a war that is costing 20 concerts to raise money and awareness. But until Ten years ago, I had a lively discussion with Tab billion a week, draining the treasury and preventing we have a new administration, change will happen Leroy Parnell April 26, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Benoit at Freebird before he went on stage to per- funds from reaching the region. Clearly, politics is slowly or not at all,” Tab said. Band Camp 2007 w/Papa Roach, Three Days Grace, Chevelle, form. We talked about the frustrations of golf, how snarling any hope of saving New Orleans and the By then, I was riled up. I could feel the adrena- Puddle Of Mudd, Flyleaf, and Bullett For My Valentine. April 27, the blues has changed, and his Cajun roots. Even wetlands until a new administration takes charge. line coursing through my veins. Hell, my next blog Jacksonville Equestrian Center, 630-3900 back then, Tab was committed to restoring the wet- For me, Tab was the best case scenario as an was writing itself. Tab, the in-demand blues star, is Julius Airwave April 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 lands around New Orleans. interviewee because he talked without prompting and working on a new album and has been approached Cut to today. When I chatted with Tab last he’s passionate about his cause. It helped that I ve- by the production team that made Al Gore’s film An Bow Wow April 29, Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3303 Thursday, I mentioned that I’d viewed his documen- hemently agree with him. Moreover, I was impressed Inconvenient Truth to be the host and be directly George Thorogood May 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 tary Hurricane on The Bayou, which was shot before, with his amazing knowledge of his subject. We could involved in a documentary on the post-Katrina scan- during, and after hurricane Katrina. Meryl Streep nar- have talked all afternoon. dal. Tab Benoit will headline the George’s Music Steel Pulse May 2, Freebird Live, 246-2473 rated the first part of the film, then Tab narrated and “You know that the entire moon mission, Proj- Springing the Blues Festival Saturday night sched- Stephen Stills May 4, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 starred in the second half, after the storm devastated ect Apollo, cost $20 billion (adjusted for inflation it ule. He goes on at 8:45 pm Dickey Betts & Great Southern May 4, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Daughtry May 5, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Patty Larkin May 6, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Chicago May 6, Times Union Ctr, 633-6110 Godsmack May 8, Times Union Center, 353-3309. The Greyboy Allstars May 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Mono May 8, TSI, 424-3531 Owen, John Ralston May 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 The Duhks May 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Otil and the Peace Makers May 11, Café Eleven, 469-9311 Relient K May 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Jonny Lang May 30, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Charlie Louvin May 31, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Tool June 2 , Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Pierce Pettis June 17, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Morrissey July 17, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309

CANCELED The Pussycat Dolls May 3, Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309

28 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper begging for more Michael Burks headlines Friday night by Rick grant [email protected] Michael Burks is an excellent example of how can interact with my fans and people who have never a talented singer/songwriter working in the blues me- seen me perform. As I go back to venues year after dium can achieve widespread popularity by dogged year, I see new fans and old fans alike. It’s what I live determination and hard work. Michael employs a big for, and I love playing live. You know I never get tired bold funky sound, showcasing his powerful voice and of doing this, and I just need a few days off and I’m stunning guitar chops. Remarkably, Michael’s sound ready to rock again.” is a fusion of blues, rock, and funky-ol’-soul. He “Presently I’m in the preliminary stages of writes songs that crossover into most popular genres, recording another album for Alligator. The last two but his underlying passion comes from his deep blues were recorded in Memphis, Tennessee. However, l’ve roots. It permeates his soulful presentation. decided to record the new album here in Little Rock, In 2000, Michael was nominated for a W.C. Arkansas. I have the songs written and the band Handy Award for Best New Artist, which was ironic members are ready, so we are about to go into the since Michael has been on the road paying dues for studio to record. Yeah, the studio is one thing, but I’m many years. His festival performances at Springing already itching to get back out on the road and play the Blues and The King Biscuit Festival in Helena, live. Right now my daughter is on spring break and Arkansas skyrocketed Michael to the top of the blues I have my grandchild with me and she is a trip. I’m heap. lucky to have a supportive family who go with the Indeed, Michael has always been one of my flow and allow me to do what is necessary to further favorite blues artists. I recently downloaded his latest my career,” Michael said. album, I Smell Fire (Alligator Records) from my Rhap- Michael is a ball of unstoppable energy who sody site. Prior to chatting with Michael at his Little spreads the love of blues across the land. His roots Rock, Arkansas home last Wednesday, I had been run deep into Mississippi Delta blues, but he has an riding around in my car listening to Fire and digging ear for the old soul music, which he incorporates into every song, especially the title cut which alludes to his original sound. Michael’s guitar playing is never romantic skulduggery. “I smell fire ‘cause you’ve been cliche. He has a million tricks up his sleeve and his burning me behind my back.” Just about every genre improvisation is very innovative, infused with intelli- of soul and blues is represented in the twelve cuts on gently developed spontaneous ideas based on his vast this album, distilled into Michael’s distinctive style. experience and advanced technique. “You know there is a variety of blues–modern Michael will be headlining the George’s Music blues, traditional blues, blues-rock, back porch blues, Springing The Blues Friday night lineup on April 6th etc. Of course, I like them all and I try to record an at 8:30 pm. Don’t miss his show. Michael gets his eclectic selection of songs that crossover yet retain audience pumped with his boundless stage energy the blues energy and sound. We tour relentlessly and flamboyant performing style. When I think of a all year round–350 dates a year or more. I try to modern blues artists, I immediately think of Michael get home during short lulls in the schedule. I really Burks. He leaves audiences begging for more. And believe in taking my music directly to the people so I that’s why he is at the top of the blues genre.

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 29 the wanderlust diaries album review

Artist: Mary Karlzen Title: The Wanderlust Diaries Release Date: 03.20.07 Label: Dualtone With a vocal quality that seems to be simultaneously rough-edged and baby-girl youthful, Mary Karlzen is continuing to make her mark on the world of chick-folk/rock. In 1994 she released her second album, Yelling at Mary, with Atlantic Records. Disappointed in how Atlantic handled her promotions, she went back to an indie label. When she started recording her current record, The Wanderlust Diaries, she didn’t even have a label in mind, but Dualtone Music Group soon showed interest. There’s no doubt she’s got appeal and all the songs on the album are comfortably familiar, but she doesn’t break new ground. She gets away with tired lyrics and themes because she’s a chick and she has a voice that’s fun to listen to. Many songs feature lyrics that hit on oft-repeated themes. The melody and the lyrics were not terribly original, but I liked Karlzen’s vocal delivery. She sells the song. She wasn’t without surprises. ‘Skyway’ has definite old-school country influence I wasn’t entirely prepared for. While these songs might not be totally interesting, their girl-folk sound is enough to attract any girl looking for songs to play after a break-up or on a lazy summer day. Karlzen makes most of the songs multi-purpose, without being incredibly generic. She makes ‘Oh My’ sound incredibly upbeat and despairing at the same time. Whatever criticisms I might have about her lyrics, she’s still an artistic genius; she made me care about stuff I’ve heard a thousand times in other songs simply because of her delivery. - by erin thursby torch album review

Artist: Devon Allman’s Honeytribe Title: Torch Release Date: 08.06 Label: Livewire Recordings I grew up with a couple of the children of Lynyrd Skynyrd and most of these young people didn’t perceive the music of their parents as the end-all-be-all of the greater concept of music, but Devon Allman’s band, Honeytribe, is a perfect example of music industry nepatism. Devon Allman is the son of rock legend Gregg Allman, and the Allman Brothers wrote amazing music, but that does not constitute Devon’s place in the annals of Southern Rock. The children of great musicians do not necessarily make great musicians themselves. I’m sure they put on a hell of a rock show, but placing Devon’s name as a prefix to this band does not do the Allman name, or Honeytribe, any justice. This album is not terrible. It has the burly grit of the new blues rock movement, complete with belted Dr. John-esque vocals and a sense of nostalgia to the almost-Allman-esque guitars, but the truth is that this band does not have the balls or soul of the Allman Brothers or the real Lynyrd Skynyrd. Instead it is rich with a sullen, secondary attempt at Southern Rock. It is trite, derivative, and void of the inspiration it takes to end up on a Publix commercial. This record is fit for a collection of already staid and exausted Southern Rock cliché’s that even the Allman Brothers would not attempt. Best of luck to Gregg’s son in creating a career that will blossom solely off of the success of his father, so long as he realizes exactly that. - by jon bosworth Honeytribe will be playing live at the Wannee Festival in Live Oak, April 13th and 14th.

i am not prepared to receive that which i desire most album review

Artist: A Slight Breeze Title: I Am Not Prepared to Receive that Which I Desire Most

These ethereal tunes are not born of random concepts conveyed through entangled instruments and a lack of passion, as many instrumental bands are, but rather a sense of purpose and the depression that ac- companies real life in the real world. This St. Augustine/Jacksonville band features former members of the dramatic and oft talked about, but recently defunct, Bernard. Their debut EP I Am Not Prepared to Receive that which I Desire Most, features six songs that lift your hair as they drift into your ears, then take a few minutes to bring the rock when you’ve come with them so far through their musical portrait. If I had to compare them to another band, instrumental or otherwise, Sigur Ros would be more accurate than Crime in Choir or Explosions in the Sky. Their compositions are delicate, but distinctly avant-garde, rather than bordering jam-band as many slower electric guitar-oriented instrumental bands do. If you are looking for complex songs that are constructed by knowing musicians, then that blood runs through these veins, but if you are looking for honest music that portrays the sincerity and preposterousness of real life in the real world, then these songs have that as well. Don’t just listen to this album, prepare your- self for what this music can bring without offering a single word. This is instrumental rock at its local best. This EP may be difficult to find, but check out their show at the Pineapple Festival at Fuel on April 21st and maybe they will have one for you. Although I’m sure their live show is even more impressive. - by jon bosworth A Slight Breeze will be playing at the Murray Hll Theatre April 7th.

30 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper For many readers and art observers, it may also help to understand how an artist arrives at the final image displayed on the wall. Hodge has also culture & arts given us a clear explanation of her process in her artist statement: APRIL “I begin…without a specific plan. I create 5 Latin Jazz Main Library, Jax a toned ground on the canvas. Then I visualize a 5 Auditions: The Rocky Horror Show 5-9pm-Chancey gender-neutral figurative form within the initial toned Productions Musicians Union, Jax surface and develop it by defining the negative and 5 BFA Senior Show Art Opening & Reception JU Alexander positive shapes of the figure with lines or glazes of Brest Museum, Jax color. These shapes are then a catalyst for additional th marks and shape making. I respond by veiling and 5 13 Annual VSA Arts of Florida Festival Cummer Museum, Jax revealing, scratching and glazing until the whole 5-6 Spring Break theatre Camp-KIDZfACTory Limelight Theatre, surface is in flux.” St. Augustine 5-7 A Cruise Ship Crime Professor Plum’s Playhouse, Jax 5-7 “Company” JU Swisher Theatre, Jax 5-15 “Disney’s The Lion King” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax 5-15 Shakespeare in Orange Park Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park 5-30 Celebrating Black History Exhibition MOSH, Jax 5-MAY 6 Exhibit: The 23rd Psalm Ponte Vedra Presbyterian Church, Ponte Vedra 5-MAY 17 Youth Drama Classes ABET, Atlantic Beach 5-MAY 24 Planetarium Programs MOSH, Jax 6 Featured Artist David Krafcik “Keep Art Alive” Energy Lab Art It’s too easy to just breeze through a gallery Gallery, St. Augustine and briefly look at a picture. There is almost always 6-7 “Voices” Florida Theatre, Jax a reason why it’s made the way it is, even if the art- 6-8 Much Ado About Books 2007 Jax Fairgrounds, Jax flux: as verb, as subject ist doesn’t know why (although the good ones do). It’s okay to look at a painting and decide whether 6-8 NFDA Dressage on the First Coast Equestrian Center, Jax oil paintings by Margaret Schnebly Hodge at the you like its colors or shapes or subject matter, but 6-8 Springing the Blues Festival Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach when you’re having trouble “getting it,” try to learn 6-30 Swarmy Weather Art by Attaboy & Annie Owens The more about the artist or the works themselves. Gallery at Screen Arts, St. Augustine Karpeles Manuscript Museum To learn more about the Karpeles Manu- 7 A Guide To landscaping Your Lawn The Zoo, Jax script Museum in Jacksonville, visit www.rain. org/~karpeles/jaxfrm.html, or call 904.396.2992. 7 Alley Opp Charity Bowl Benefit Clara White Mission Phoenix by donald dusinberre [email protected] Lanes, Jax Running through the end of April, the paintings the museum features antique maps, writings and 7-15 “The Illusion” UNF Robinson Theatre, Jax of Margaret Schnebly Hodge will be on display at the documents from history’s most famous contribu- 8 Easter Sunrise Service Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach Karpeles Manuscript Museum in Jacksonville. Lo- tors. But more to the point of this article, they also 8 The Tale of Peter Rabbit & Benjamin Bunny Limelight Theatre, cated on 1st Street just north of the downtown area, have year round artist exhibitions as well as special St. Augustine events during Jacksonville’s Artwalk. 9 Urban Sprawl-Florida Hometown Democracy Lakewood Margaret Schnebly Hodge is a contemporary Presbyterian Church, Jax artist from Ormond Beach who uses the human form to spring her creations to life. Created with an ab- 9 Autism Awreness Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax stract painterly style, Hodge’s work features earthy 10 Big Band Concert JU, Jax tones of ochre, deep reds, and warm browns. The 10 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development paintings don’t seem to be referring to or comment- Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax ing on the human form itself, but instead they use 10 Book Signing: Steve Berry Books A Million/Regency, Jax the shapes and symbols within the body to provide a framework for the process of artistic creation. 10 Short Story Writers Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax Many artists develop a complex philosophy 10 Hola Amigos-Storytime in Spanish Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax that describes both their own creative process as 11 Animal Farm-The Puppet Musical Florida Theatre, Jax well as the appearance of the completed work. Of- 11-12 Especially for Seniors Talks & Tea Cummer Museum, Jax ten, the philosophy sounds like a bunch of hooey; almost superstitious and self absorbed to the point 12 Night Life at The Cummer Cummer Museum, Jax of absurdity. But the length to which artists delin- 12-14 “Company” JU Swisher Theatre, Jax eate their own work is proof in itself that the image 13-28 “As Bees In Honey Drown” Players By the Sea, Jax Beach wears a badge of complexity that cannot be denied. Whether one agrees or understands is a separate 14 Jaguars Concours d’Elegance , St. Augustine issue altogether. No one is required to know, care, 14 Book Signing-Bruce Brown Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax or believe what the artist intends, but sometimes it’s 14 Super Scientific Circus FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax helpful. 14 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax Take this quote from Hodge’s artist statement: “My art images hover between our external 14 EVP Volleyball Tournament Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach world and our internal selves, and reflect a multitude 14 Swinging With the Stars Celebrity Dance Contest FCCJ South of experiences and emotions, both past and pres- Campus, Jax ent, both personal and universal, where all elements 14 4th Annual Legends on the Green Car Show World Golf move concurrently.” Village, St. Augustine Whoa. See what I mean? I had to read that 14-15 St. Augustine Art Association Art & Craft Festival Francis three times before I understood what it said, but now Field, St. Augustine I have another perspective that I could use to re-ex- 14-15 Blooms Galore & More Garden Club of Jax, Jax amine her paintings. We can get bogged down by the appearance of a painting and lose sight of the fact 14-15 Staged Reading “Changing Places” Atlantic Beach that thoughts and ideas, no matter what they are, Experimental Theatre, Atlantic Beach make it look the way it does.

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 31 14-15 San Marco Spring Fine Arts Show The Square, San Marco T76 15 Family Trail Ride & BBQ Palm Valley Ranch, Elkton 15 Book Signing-Carol O’Dell Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax 15 JU Chamber Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax 16 Storytime-Growing Up With Loukoumi Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax 17 Free Cone Day to Benefit Special Olympics Ben & Jerry’s, Orange Park 17 POW Proteges Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax 18 Spring Gardening Tips Mandarin Garden Club, Mandarin 18 Auditions: FCCJ Repertory & Ensemble Dance-6pm FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax 19 Percussion Ensemble JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax 19 Art For Two Cummer Museum, Jax 19 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax 19 2nd Annual Beaches Broadway Bash Atlantic Theatres, Atlantic Beach 19 Art for Arthritis Silent Auction & Spanish Wine Tasting for the Arthritis Foundation Ocean 60, Jax 19-21 “Majigeen” 122 Ocean, Jax 19-22 “Good” DramaWorks FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax 20 Minkus’ Don Quixote Performing Arts Center, Jax gettin’ some street 20-21 JU Concert Choir Performing Arts Center, Jax 20-22 Builders Care Demolition Derby Equestrian Center, Jax 20-MAY 5 “Enchanted April” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax 21 Book Signing: Jay Humphreys Inn on Charlotte, St. Augustine love 21 Some Enchanted Evening Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park 21 Earth Day Celebration MOSH, Jax at the Boomtown T76 CD release party 21 Cummer Ball & Auction Cummer Museum, Jax 21 3rd Annual Mosaic Celebration MOCA, Jax by Erin thursby [email protected] ain’t tithin’/tell me what we’re preaching for/ If the 21 Ahn Trio Church of the Good Shepherd, Jax industry’s for sinners, nobody’s being saved/ tell me Step down into the basement of Boomtown and Jacksonville has some great, original homegrown what we’re reaching for.” 21 Autograph Signing-Steve Carlton Dans Cardz, Orange Park you can’t help but feel cocooned in a warm urban R&B supported by locals. He laid some smooth When Tony asked how many of the crowd 21 “Ape-ril” A Celebration of Apes The Zoo, Jax cool. Within that cocoon, Tony White aka T76, has songs on the crowd, with excellent vocals, back-up, were old school fans, he started singing ‘Constantly 22 Audition: “Guys and Dolls” 6pm Theatre Jacksonville, Jax developed his R&B style for five years. This past drums and keyboard. Tony himself manned the dual Dreaming’ and the fans enthusiastically provided the keyboards with talent and verve. back-up vocals. He seemed happy to have released 22 Young People’s Concert JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax Saturday, he released Street Love, his first CD, to an expectant crowd. Two other talents on stage with Tony were B his CD after 5 years, telling the audience that there 22 Hansel & Gretel-Theatre Sans Fil FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax Other acts opened for T76, including Key of DVine (aka Kimberly Foster) and B Grant, who most- were “a lot of prayers, sweat and tears in this proj- 22 UNF String Ensemble Main Library, Jax G, which had added spoken word poet Fabielle as ly handled the back-up singing. The sexy B Dvine ect.” He gave creds to God, saying that his success 23 Annual Golf Classic To Benefit L’Arche Harbor House Hidden a back-up singer. Key of G generally performs the also fronted the vocals on the smooth and sentimen- was due to putting God at the head of the project. Hills Country Club, Jax 2nd and 4th Saturday at Boomtown. Also on stage tal ‘Honey Dripper Lady,’ which is the first cut on the You can listen to T76’s music on www.myspace. CD. B Grant, who also has his own CD out, provided com/tonyt76white. His CD’s will be available at 23 Storytime-Dooby Dooby Moo Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax strolled the Twin Towers, two incredibly tall, dark and sexy black brothers. They mentioned that they superb deep bass vocals. Boomtown for purchase. 24 Dr. Simon Shiao, Violinist, Dr. Gary Smart, Pianist, Alexei were changing their name to Gabor, a smart move, My favorite of the songs T76 performed was For a taste of Jacksonville’s R&B scene, check Romanenko, Cellist Library, Ponte Vedra since about a dozen other artists share the name and ‘Church,’ a song Tony wrote while on the plane to out Soul Release Saturdays at Boomtown. The 1st & 24-29 FCCJ Artist Series-Shields & Yarnell FCCJ Wilson because they will forever be associated with 9/11 Miami. It’s a fun, jazzy, soulful send up of the music 3rd Saturdays of the month features nationally known Center, Jax (even if it wasn’t their intention). industry in which he uses church as a metaphor spoken word artists, open mic poetry and R&B 25 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development But the crowd was really waiting for the mo- for the industry. He catches you from the beginning music and the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax ment when T76 took the stage. The girl sitting next to with lines like “the black and white keys on the track, features live soul artists, jazz, funk and R&B from 26-27 Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament me told me that she had had Tony White as a choir they my deacons/ ‘cause no matter what we get local underground artists. Cover for the poetry night World Golf Village, St. Augustine teacher, and the entire right side of the room wasn’t along.” It’s got a catchy chorus too, that tends to is $5 artists, $7 general artists and cover for the live 27 Learn to Compose Classical Music Barnes & Noble/San shy about requesting songs. It’s great to know that stay with you: “If the Church ain’t growin, the people music night is $12 each. Jose, Jax 27-28 “Majigeen” 122 Ocean, Jax 27-29 Shields & Yarnell-The Reunion Farewell Tour FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax 27-AUG. 26 Impermanence: Recent Works By Andres Michelena MOCA, Jax 28 Dixie Plantation All Breed Horse Show Equestrian Center, Jax 28 Beaches Sandcastle Contest Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach 28 Book Signing-Ida Jack Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax 28-29 St. Johns Town Center Spring Fine Art Show St. Johns Town Center, Jax 28-MAY 6 Educator Appreciation Week Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax 29 An Evening of Taste Benefitting Children’s Home Society Matthew’s, Jax 29 Beaches Parade Downtown, Jax Beach 29 NFDA Schooling Show Equestrian Center, Jax

32 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper existence in town, going to the AFC Championship twice, their THE transformation in this decade humana play fest has been tough to accept, especially for local football JOCK fans who are so used to their by dick kerekes [email protected] by tom weppel college teams winning ALL the Theatre lovers and theatre companies, there performing sex acts in front of his web cam for this time. is good news! New plays are coming, according “girl.” Well acted, it has a surprise ending, I won’t Of course, it is almost to Jim Steinberg of the Harold and Mimi Steinberg reveal. This is a play you probably won’t see on any impossible to compare col- Charitable Trust, who each year present a cash local stages anytime soon. lege and professional football. award to the playwright of the Best Play as chosen Over the years, attending this festival, I have There is a huge difference in by the American Theatre Critics Association. In a seen actors do some innovative plays. Like the car the NCAA and the NFL. speech before the award at Actor’s Theatre last play a few years back, performed in the front seat of But Gator/college fans Saturday, he said with all the new play festivals now a car parked in front the theatre. Yes, the plays were don’t look at it like that. They up and running, about 500 new plays have been short and the seating very limited but fun. And in are used to their football team introduced in the past year. 2004, Actor’s bussed the audience to a vacant meat winning, pure and simple. New play festivals go on all over the country packing plant for Naomi Iizuka’s At the Vanishing Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... Same thing goes for Seminole, now. Settings include Denver, Philadelphia, and lots Point (story of a meat packer family). Bulldog, and Hurricane fans. They are used to their of other places, but the Humana Festival of New And this year, audiences were on the road THE MASTERS own football team winning every year, all the time. American Plays is the granddaddy of them all and again, but this time in trolley buses to a large down- This weekend The Masters cranks up in Au- And so those fans watch the Jaguars play has set the standard. While many festivals do only town gay nightclub called The Connection for a play gusta, Georgia. In my mind it is the most prominent and wonder what on Earth its going to take for their one full production, along with readings and work- called Batch: An American Bachelor/ette Party Spec- of the four major tournaments played each year. squad to get to the same level that their beloved col- shops, Actor’s Theatre does several fully produced tacle produced by the New Paradise Laboratories of Arnold Palmer will be the ceremonial starter this lege team, respectively, has held for decades. An 8-8 plays, with critics and theatre professionals in atten- Philadelphia. The three men and three women in the year, which simply adds to the legend and tradition, record simply doesn’t get it. dance from all over the world. play alternated male and female roles, used alcohol in all respects. So, this year, there will be even more pressure This was my 24th festival, and over the years and drugs, and had simulated sex of all varieties at Of course the focus will be on one Eldrick ‘Ti- on the Jaguars to have a winning team that at the I have seen many of the festival plays done by this party. It featured colorful costumes, including ger’ Woods, who has won four Masters tournaments minimum makes the playoffs and wins at least one theatres in the North Florida area, although I won’t one outfit made of red licorice sticks. (Yum, yum). It and is eagerly seeking his fifth. All the stars seem game there. Gator fans will expect that out of these claim I had any direct influence on this. The plays had a 360-degree view of the action on four 12x 9 to be certainly aligned for him to do so, with no one Jags and Mr. Del Rio. selected were good ones; many were award-win- screens, and lot of creative lighting. At 90 minutes in player emerging from the pack, although some might ning. Our theatres always seek out the best to put length, it became rather boring, leading me to con- disagree with me, taking defending Masters Cham- TOP TEN COMMENTS OVERHEARD AT THE GEOR- stage and Humana produces some of the best. clude that my Sunday morning breakfast buffet had pion Phil Mickelson. GIA DOME LAST MONDAY NIGHT… A couple of months ago, I did a preview of the a better plot than this show, but heck, I will admit it I would like to see Sergio Garcia compete in 10. There’s almost as many people here as there are plays in the 31st festival, so I am not going to go into was different. this, just to give the game some flavor and competi- at the Orange and Blue game! detail on all of them, just a few that were outstand- The festival always has three Ten Minute Plays tion. Actually, I’d love to see John Daly win this 9. They should use replay, like they do in football. ing. that are either done by a commissioned playwright sucker, but he has to qualify first. 8. I heard Sanjaya is a Gator! Playwright Sherry Kramer’s autobiographical or selected from a competition. This year I Am Not While change is almost considered an evil 7. Do they actually pay that Donovan guy to coach one-woman play When Something Wonderful Ends Batman about a street kid who lives his Batman term at Augusta, there is a difference between this basketball? was absolutely marvelous and truly mesmerizing. fantasy, by Marco Raimrez, was the best and a year and the past few. Billy Payne, who in the past 6. Look...Its Cooper Carlisle! The play opens in a large room at the family crowd pleaser. The problem with these plays is that oversaw the running of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics 5. Why does that Noah kid only have his first name home in Missouri. Ms. Kramer is there to pack up they are never ten minutes long, but more like fifteen Games, is now the Chairman at Augusta National, on his jersey? and sell her large Barbie doll collection on eBay. or twenty. Actor’s needs to get back to basics; a replacing ‘Hootie’ Johnson. Mr. Payne will have to be 4. I sure hope Tim Tebow is better than Chris Leak. As she talks to the audience, she tells us about her ten minute play should be ten minutes long or pretty very careful in how he takes on this position, in mak- 3. Did Steve Spurrier ever play basketball? mother’s recent death linking personal feelings and close to it. ing sure he keeps up with the times, while appeasing 2. You know what they outta do….more halftime experiences with her understanding of the history For twenty-nine of the thirty-one years of this the staid yet powerful membership of the Club. shows! of the oil crisis and the implications for America’s festival, the Humana Foundation has provided its I asked my friend Greg Larson to choose be- 1. That Donna Hicken REALLY doesn’t like the Ga- future. You would think that oil, Barbies, and reflec- generous support, and the result has been dozens tween taking Tiger, versus the field. He chose the tors. tions on your mother don’t mix, but indeed they and dozens of new works for theatre companies all field. I know a lot of others who would stay with do with Ms. Kramer’s great script and actress Lori over the world to embrace and produce. Eldrick and let the good times roll. We’ll see how the Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Tom Wilner’s excellent performance. I can already envi- Actor’s Theatre of Louisville produces plays match plays out. It’s a great event. McManus, Ron Duguay, and Lonnie Marts on Sport- sion several Jacksonville actresses in this role when all year long, and if you find yourself in this area at sAvengers.com 24/7. it becomes available. anytime, be sure to visit this award winning organi- FLORIDA’S SUCCESS PUTS PRESSURE…AND EX- Carlos Murillo’s dark play or stories for boys zation. Not only do critics and theatre professionals PECTATIONS…ON THE JAGS. is a play about Internet chat rooms, a subject that attend the Humana Festival of New American Plays, Let’s face it...many of the Jaguar fans in this will probably be explored more and more in theatre thousands of theatre lovers from all over and from all town are Gator fans as well. And so they are used to click it. scripts. walks of life partake of glorious theatre adventure. their football team winning, many times with relative In this play, l4-year-old Nick (Matthew Stadel- Thanks, Actor’s and Humana, I will be back ease, at least from their perspective. With Florida’s mann) creates a fictional girlfriend for 16-year-old next year for visit number twenty-five. For more in- recent string of national championships now in hand, read it all online at Adam (Will Rogers), and manipulates him into formation, check out www.ActorsTheatre.org. I’ve seen Gator fans walking around town with their chest prominently sticking out. eujacksonville.com But that string of winning simply hasn’t been the case with the Jaguars in the NFL. While the Jags movies ∙ music ∙ arts had some great success in their first six years of

eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 33 ington track issue a dead end, will that bring a new weeks to get things right and even that on a larger flame or a large fire to the push for a track in “New track these won’t be a problem, but is that true? Will York City” (I said that like they do in those salsa they be able to hold up under 190 or 200 mph at Tal- nascar news & notes commercials, but y’all can’t hear my tone of voice ladega, or will they really show off there and be the in print, so I figured I had better spell it out fer ya). great cars that NASCAR is hoping for? I don’t care by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] Like Tony said a few weeks back about NASCAR and what they do to them, unless they scrap them and something like there’s a light on but there ain’t no- then I’d be happy. Yessiree Bob, the folks at ESPN got the ball get inside with your driver and ride along with them body home, what’s wrong with the tracks you took OK now I’m done and y’all should know how started a couple of years back when they became on race day for just $19.95 a race. What a joke they races from? to contact me by now, but if you don’t-- get ‘r done the host for the most popular NASCAR information have become and I hate even trying to load the dang You know, that would be just too easy to do at [email protected] You also know that site on the web, jayski.com. What started out as page even with DSL. Those fans with dial up prob- and they got to go and try to get a new track with right here I usually say, “If it ain’t NASCAR, It ain’t one man’s quest, or rather, thirst for information ably don’t even try. ESPN has said that Jay will still 750,000 seats and room for another 200,000 in s**t!!” and I mean that, but in a few weeks there will and news of NASCAR has grown to be a valiant run the site. There will be a few new banners and the infield. Dang, can’t you have 100,000 fans at a be something that changes that for a weekend: the contender among the top sites on the net. If you are some tiny changes but they feel that Jayski’s works race and make money? Brian, Brian, come on now “Good Guys” car show, and you don’t want to miss on any chat board or room you will see words like, and, unlike some, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it. Now I buddy, ease up a little there mate and give Richmond that one right here in our little berg on April 20th -22nd “hey did y’all read Jayski’s today” or “man I saw this wonder if Jay will take a little time off to catch his or North Wilkesboro back a race. Slip one over to at the Gator Bowl. I know it ain’t the Gator Bowl no at Jayski’s.” The site has always been the front run- breath because I know the guy works real hard to Kentucky Speedway or make Mr. Bruton happy and more but I still call it Winston Cup racing too. ner with NASCAR news and the easiest one I know keep Jayski’s.com up-to-date and on-the-money, so let Vegas have another one. You know, I think if they of to navigate. It’s easy to find what you are looking Bubba, take a day or two off, maybe visit Cape May. could find a feasible way to have races all year long, for --be it rumors, paint schemes, team information Here’s a headline I wasn’t surprised to see and yeah 52 weekends a year, they would dang sure do it or anything NASCAR. The best part is it has got the I bet not many of y’all were either: “Developers drop and not bat an eye, but then I would really get sick of Cup, Busch (hopefully changing to the AT&T Series) proposal for NASCAR track.” Why in the world did it, I do believe. and the CTS and, like I said, anything you want real International Speedway Corporation think that the Well I’m about done for this week so I’ll let y’all easy. legislators of the Great State of Washington were go- go for now, yeah sure, bet you thought I wouldn’t I know that there ain’t a NASCAR fan that ing to spend tax payers dollars on a venue for them mention the Car of Tomorrow. Wrong!! Fumes’ mak- hasn’t been to Jay’s site at least once a day for the to make money? NASCAR wanted the state to pay ing drivers and crew members sick last week and past several years and I’m there right along with ya. half of the $368 million to build a track near Seattle now this week the stuff is on fire and Harvick ain’t Especially since that other site that I used to visit and, out of the kindness of their wallet, they would happy. “I mean, this thing just started burning up. once in a while changed their format; there isn’t a cover any and all cost over runs. The state could sell It’s almost turning into a joke now,” is what Kevin better place to be. bonds to cover their half and make money on the had to say about the smoking, melting fire-breathing Oh yeah sure, I surfed nascar.com and I liked it back side, but the real squeal to the deal was that dragon in the door of his #29 SHELL car. Not only is well enough, but I would find out the real goods from NASCAR said the project would put, are you ready the foam a fire issue, but now many teams are talk- Jayski’s when I wanted to know something. Now for this, FOUR BILLION DOLLARS into the state’s ing about the brake systems going into a meltdown Mr. Turner has changed the nascar.com site, much coffers and create THOUSANDS OF JOBS. effect. Is it just the newness of the car and time be- like Mr. France has changed NASCAR, and to put it You know, if I could invest $184 million bucks ing needed to correct these little problems or can it bluntly, IT SUCKS! You can’t find a blooming thing and get back 4 billion, me and Bank of America be major flaws in the design of the COT? on there. It was easier to catch an article or two but would be talking monthly payments right now. NASCAR says that it is fixable and has a few there ain’t no way with the new format. Thousand of jobs and billions of dollars? I wonder I know that Ted has got to make a few bucks just how long B of A would finance that for because to keep Ms. Hanoi happy, and with the new front I don’t think that kind of return would start in my page at nascar.com he must be bringing in the lifetime, or any of y’all’s either. If they did get a track bucks, what with all the ads. Click here, spend some on the other side of the world, where would the race money, click this and be a member (for a small fee), date come from, one of Bruton Smith’s tracks? I don’t think so. Now NASCAR really pulled out all of the stops trying to get the politicians on their side, why they even sent Winkin, Blinkin and Nod to try and swing them over. One of them state boys called The King a drunk driver and NASCAR fans a bunch of rednecks, but then he did apologize about the DWI remark. What was Richard Petty, Darrell Waltrip and Greg Biffle (better known as the IMF) doing there in the first place when I bet not a single one thought a race track up there was a good idea? They should have sent Tom Cruise and his team to convince them boys, or maybe Jim Bob and Billy Bob in Bubba’s truck with the winch on the front. With the Wash-

34 april 5-11, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | april 5-11, 2007 35