JACKSONVILLE

imppgjroving jacksonville free monthly guide to entertainment & more | september 2009 | eujacksonville.com contents

44 on the cover 14 16

on the cover features visual arts pages 3-11 improving jax page 16-17 art events Cover design by Rachel Best page 3 tim hall page 17 tattoo convention Henley, creative designer for page 4 wayne weaver EU Jacksonville. page 5 metro jaxksonville theatre + culture page 6 joseph a. strasser page 22 theatre & cultural events page 8 matt uhrig page 23 oklahoma with jso and alhambra page 9 joe schwarz eu staff page 10 joanelle mulrain family page 11 pastor clinton bush page 24 jaguars football preview managing director page 24 family events Shelley Henley life + stuff creative director page 12 combatting PTSD music Rachel Best Henley page 18 inspired by... page 25 sound check

copy editors page 20 view from the couch page 25 spotlight: marion crane Kellie Abrahamson page 20-21 new on tv pages 26-30 music events Erin Thursby page 33 netscapades page 31 album review: david bazan music editor food editor page 31 album review: mount eerie Kellie Abrahamson Erin Thursby dish page 31 album review: dd/mm/yy photo editor page 13 dish update + events page 32 interview: lady daisey and batsauce Daniel Goncalves page 13 ingredient secret: mushroom contributing photographer page 14 hidden gems movies Richard Abrahamson page 15 book: the 100-mile diet page 34 september movies contributing writers page 35 special movie showings

Brenton Crozier Dick Kerekes Jack Diablo Madeleine Peck Daniel Goncalves Anna Rabhan Rick Grant Tom Weppel improving jacksonville september 09 Published by EU Jacksonville Newspaper. P.O. Box 11959, Jacksonville, FL 32239. Copyright 2009. Repro- duction of any artwork or copy prepared by EU Jack- sonville is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for errors and/ or omissions, the Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles Join EU on Follow us on Twitter! Look for @EUJacksonville for publication are welcome and may be sent to info@ entertainingu.com. We cannot assume responsibility and @EU_Music where you can get daily for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For in- Facebook! formation concerning advertising phone 904-730-3003 or email [email protected]. music and entertainment updates

2 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly There’s a great spirit alive and fl ourishing in Jacksonville. People and organizations are constantly seeking ways to make Jacksonville a better city, whether it be through donating money to local causes, helping Jacksonville become more bike-friendly, raising fi nancial literacy, supporting local artists or even making Jacksonville a hotspot by booking the best acts at a local venue. Our selection committee considered a massive list of notable organizations and individuals that are striving to improve our community. After much discussion we quickly discovered there are far too many amazing stories to limit to one edition, so EU plans to continue this column to appear throughout the year. Our initial selections offer a variety of colorful and interesting people and projects that are clearly making signifi cant contributions toward improving Jacksonville. IMPROVING JACKSONVILLE JAC making the music scene better by kellie abrahamson TIM HALL The local music scene wouldn’t be what it is today without the would have to have another job,” Hall says. “There’s many times hard work of a lot of people, but we owe a lot to Tim Hall. Hall and where my outside shows float this place and vice versa... It kind of his wife Anne came to Jacksonville from San Diego in the late 90s all pools together and balances out.” and began booking concerts at a club called Fat Kat. At the time, Bringing big name acts to the River City is a feat, but Hall’s our scene was stagnant and the new blood proved to be just what impact on our music scene goes far beyond that. Jack Rabbits Jacksonville needed. Big acts were being booked and things were has seen its fair share of national acts, but local musicians looking looking up until the city closed down Fat Kat and Hall was forced for a place to play have also found a home on Hall’s stage. Nearly to cancel around 19 shows. Out thousands of dollars in deposits every concert that happens at one of his venues has a local band and without a stage to bring in more acts, the Halls had only one opening, giving aspiring rock stars exposure and experience. option. “If you’re a local band and you suck and you don’t have a “I was kind of like, well I need to have my own place so that tape or anything, we’ll still book you on a Monday night just to see if something ever happens and the entire world implodes, I can still if you can develop, because everybody sucked in the beginning,” control my own destiny,” he said. Hall says. “They need places to play and to develop and that’s So in 1999 Jack Rabbits was born. The San Marco venue what I see Jack Rabbits as. Obviously we do bigger acts that are stood out from the competition in that this club didn’t have dance established, but I want local bands to realize that if you want to nights or cover bands performing during the week to keep a steady play on a stage with a decent PA, email me and you can play Jack flow of patrons drinking at the bar. Rabbits. It’s not an untouchable thing.” “Our focus was its going to be all original live music,” Hall Recently, Hall and Planet Radio came up with a way to give explained. “[We said] if we don’t have a show, we’re not going to local acts even more exposure. In May the two began C.I.A. be open. We’re not going to be a bar; we’re going to be a music (“Certified Independent Artists”), a radio show that consists of venue.” nothing but unsigned Florida bands. The show is on every Sunday Though venues like this are common place now, at the time at 9 pm and past installments have included music from Tough people scoffed at the idea. “When we started Jack Rabbits people Junkie, Whole Wheat Bread, Marion Crane, Shangrala and many said, ‘No way, you’re not going to get people to go to see bands others who would not otherwise get airplay on an FM station and get them to pay a cover.’ That was really how the attitude was without the backing of a major label. towards it.” “I’m glad Planet Radio decided to do something like that In the end, the gamble paid off. This year Jack Rabbits because it helps,” says Hall. “It’s almost like a community service celebrated its tenth anniversary, no small feat for a scene that because they’re not making any more money by having us on the has seen clubs come and go within months of opening. Part of air on Sunday nights. But they’re willing to do it and I’m willing photo by daniel goncalves the reason for its longevity is Hall’s numerous other ventures. In to go in there and program it… I don’t get paid for that. I do that addition to owning and booking Jack Rabbits, he’s the concert because I want to help bands.” a lot more money [than I’m making] if they do one thing for 20 promoter for Freebird Live and occasionally brings musicians to For the past 20 years, Tim Hall has helped bands, first in years... I do it because I love doing it and I’m happy at the end of other venues like Plush or the St. Augustine Amphitheatre. Hall his hometown of San Diego, and for the past 11 years here in the day with what I do. There’s all kinds of stuff in the way, but also manages local singer/songwriter Shawn Fisher, who recently Jacksonville. Hall says that his hours are long and the jobs can be ultimately, if I can go watch a show tonight with Shawn Fisher signed with Universal, and produces the second stage at one of the stressful, but it’s worth it. and... hear him do ‘Radio’ again... [it] completely [sends] chills up area’s largest annual music events, Planet Fest. “I do it because I think it’s important,” Hall said. “I’ve been my spine and [I] just go ‘That’s why I do this, because it makes me “If I did just Jack Rabbits, if all I did was book this venue, I doing this 20 years. Most people that do a 20 year career make happy.’”

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 3 photo by daniel goncalves one foot after another, from

feet to football by tom weppel WAYNE WEAVER In 1995, there was no Twitter, Facebook, or MySpace! The Regency Square Mall was THE Mall in the City. There was no 9A! (There was no NEED for a 9A!) And in 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars began their inaugural season of professional football in the National Football League. And now here we are, in 2009, with the Jaguars starting their fi fteenth season of play. Certainly, much has changed since the Jaguars fi rst took to the fi eld in 1995. Without question, the team and the franchise have had a tremendous impact on the city, in multiple ways. “I think we’ve brought attention and media exposure the City would never have gotten without an NFL franchise and that may be the greatest infl uence. Hopefully more people are aware of Jacksonville and all the great assets this community has, and as more people continue to discover the great things about Jacksonville’s affordable quality of life the more that growth will continue.” So said Wayne Weaver, principal owner of the Jaguars. While there are other owners involved with the team with a minority interest, Weaver alone is the main fi gurehead of the franchise. And to be honest, without Wayne Weaver, there would BE no Jaguars! He certainly has been the man who has led the team and the franchise to some fairly lofty achievements since ’95, reaching the AFC Championship Game twice, and getting into the AFC playoffs on numerous other occasions. Weaver, who grew up in Columbus, Georgia, got his high school education, then proceeded to work his way through the business ranks, getting into the world of Womens shoes. After learning his trade with the Brown Group in St. Louis, he eventually started his own Womens retail shoe store chain, the Nine West Group. He currently holds majority interests in both the Shoe Carnival store chain, and with the Liz Claiborne footwear line. At the time of Weaver’s starting the Jaguars, his retail and footwear interests were generating over $550 million annually. Clearly, though, there are differences between running a Shoe Corporation, and an NFL franchise. When asked about this, Weaver stated, “An NFL team is clearly a very high-profi le business and it gets a lot of attention, both positive and negative. In other businesses the owner can be pretty invisible, but owning a team in the NFL puts you in the public eye more often. And that can be a good thing and it can also be a bad thing. Also, the highs and the lows and the winning and the losing that you go through throughout the season give you great thrills and also sometimes break your heart. As an owner you’re emotionally involved in the whole process.” In consideration of Jacksonville and Northeast Florida, Wayne Weaver and the Jaguars have certainly brought prominence and exposure to millions on a nationwide basis, along with economic growth, notoriety, and strength. There is no question this market is much more well-known nationwide, with the Jaguars making their home here in the area. Popularity came to a head a few years ago, when the Super Bowl was played in the Municipal Stadium downtown. Millions around the world watched as the New England Patriots defeated the Philadelphia Eagles. Jacksonville was exposed to all those around the world as a market to be utilized. On a local level, Weaver and his wife have established a Foundation that has certainly given millions to many noteworthy causes in Northeast Florida. Both the Weaver Family Foundation and the Jaguars Foundation have done a fantastic job in distributing funds to needy charities throughout NE Florida. Last year alone, their Foundations have donated over $1.9 million. Since inception in 1994, the total amount donated has gone over $32 million. Delores has fought for the cause against teen pregnancy. She has also done her share to fi ght for local education, and against domestic violence. Meanwhile, Wayne has also served on the boards of local businesses, including Stein Mart, the Jacksonville Zoo, and the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Their presence has been strongly benefi cial to various factions. Both Mr. and Mrs. Weaver have made a strong commitment in being involved in the local community, in many ways. There is no question Weaver and the Jaguars have been tremendously infl uential over the past fi fteen years, to Jacksonville, and Northeast Florida. They have established themselves as leaders in the community. They are certainly worthy of praise and notoriety, leading the First Coast to becoming noteworthy, both on a regional and national level. There is no question the market has grown since 1995, and the potential for even more growth is there, as Weaver acknowledges. “This market has certainly grown since we fi rst got here, but right now we’re all seeing that growth has been hurt by the economic conditions. I think overall Jacksonville has a higher profi le than it did 15 years ago and that’s in part because an NFL team lives here, and hosting a Super Bowl brought a lot of international attention to this market. I expect the market to begin growing again and to continue that growth in the future. It’s just taking longer for the growth to happen than a lot of people probably expected.”

4 SEPTEMBER 2009 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly Online forum dynamics are similar to those of a vegetable garden. If you tend and nourish the garden, you will have a good harvest. If you ignore the garden, well, the garden ignores you, dying off and never returning. Metro Jacksonville provides a great case study for using new media to build audiences and credibility in the city. They do this not only with the forum, but also through the use of Facebook, Twitter and their blog. A recent invitation to meet with the Mayor’s staff to discuss the budget crisis is case in point of their spreading Daniel Herbin and Ennis Davis infl uence. To further illustrate, I can point to digital parking meters downtown, JTA’s reconsideration of a Bus Rapid Transit system, or a plan to improve the Laura new media infl uencers by joey marchy Street corridor as a sign of Metro Jacksonville’s infl uence and hard work. I think it’s best to experience it for yourself what some are doing to remake our city. I METRO JACKSONVILLE encourage you to visit the site and join the conversation. metrojacksonville.com Metro Jacksonville (www.metrojacksonville.com) began as an internet forum for discussing facebook.com/metrojacksonville downtown and urban development issues. Today, four central members have created one of the largest twitter.com/metroj independent media organizations in the city. Its infl uence sways over local pundits, architects, planners, city council members and even the Mayor’s staff. Steve Congro and Stephen Dare sit at the end of the table in Springfi eld’s Hola restaurant discussing something, but I’m not really paying attention. I can’t hear too well as the other four people at the table plus the table behind me are talking at once. I’m aiming my chip for the salsa when Dan Herbin walks in. Ennis Davis is setting next to me. I’m surrounded by Jacksonville’s best source for urban and downtown development news and discussion. Once a week Metro Jacksonville holds a public meeting where readers, forum users and politicians can interact and discuss the issues of the day. Things have settled down, volume-wise, by the time I start my second beer. I move to the end of the table with Dan Herbin, the “technical guy”. He built the Metro Jacksonville website and photographs many of the photo essays you see on the site. Dan tells me everyone writes blog posts and contributes to the forum. When I ask Steve Congro how often he posts, he eludes the question a bit. He tells me he posts here and there, mostly in the forum. My observations tell me Stephen Dare is the most active in the forum. A local lightning rod, Stephen has a knack for knowing something about almost anything and anyone in Jacksonville. His trademark forum responses are long and packed with interesting nuggets. Stephen and Ennis Davis are absolute masters at creating an engaging experience in the forums. Ennis is a local planner and, in my estimation, one of the smartest our city has to offer. Ennis tours the country gathering intelligence on other cities he can use in his “Elements of Urbanism” features. In these pieces he compares and contrasts Jacksonville to other cities like Baltimore, Lexington and Nashville. By the end of my third beer (I was the only one drinking tonight) the Metro Jacksonville table was so loud I reminded everyone they were sitting right across from each other. Dan tells me this happens every week. It’s this passion, for the city and the principles of New Urbanism, that drive the conversation to such an excited pitch. At some point in the night, Stephen mentions that Metro Jacksonville was founded based on the principles of New Urbanism. He begins by asking me if I’m familiar with the term, as he traditionally does to gauge my knowledge on a topic before diving into an explanation. I couldn’t offer a decent defi nition so, I just nodded and acknowledged I was familiar with the term. According to their wikipedia entry, New Urbanists “advocate the restructuring of public policy and development practices to support the following principles: neighborhoods should be diverse in use and population; communities should be designed for the pedestrian and transit as well as the car; cities and towns should be shaped by physically defi ned and universally accessible public spaces and community institutions; urban places should be framed by architecture and landscape design that celebrate local history, climate, ecology, and building practice.” Metro Jacksonville cultivates this New Urbanism movement locally by hosting one of the most active discussion forums in the city. At any time of day you can fi nd tens to hundreds of people discussing the latest news, development trends or the most recent Metro Jacksonville blog post. (There are currently 69 active users on Tuesday at 10 pm.) The forum is where Metro Jacksonville shines and builds it’s strongest following. Most discussion threads have at least a single page of discussion, about 15-20 responses varying in length, while some discussion topics number in the hundreds of responses going on for pages.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 5 government employee. At 59 he might have retired in relative comfort, especially after later win- ning two lawsuits in which he was awarded his leave time and damages for age discrimination – that is, if comfort had ever been his goal. “Now all of a sudden, I [wasn’t] making a difference any more,” says Strasser, “I’d made a difference all my life … The question is, ‘What do you do now? Where do you make a difference?’” So he decided to make a difference by moving in with a friend’s mother who was suffering from Alzheimer’s in order to take care of her for seven-and-a half years. In this way, he believes he helped save his friend’s marriage. Meanwhile, he had also begun making a difference through philanthropy. He had given a large sum to his beloved Maxwell School for the Joseph A. Strasser Academic Village, which, he says, “is the home away from home for graduate students” and for the Joseph A. Strasser com- mons, an atrium which connects two halls at the University. The funds he donated are also used for scholarships and professorships at the school. In Jacksonville, he served on the board of the Jacksonville Humane Society and donated the funds for its Joseph A. Strasser courtyard. His heart was still in local government, though, and every year he would go to city budget hearings. In 2006, he went in order to protest the millage and tax rates and heard the debate over giving city funds to a nature park called Tree Hill (www.treehill.org). Impressed with the argument of the Deputy Director of Parks & Recreation, he looked into Tree Hill. “When I went out there, a legacy in bloom by anna rabhan and saw the place, I became convinced that we had the best of a good park system.” In 2007, a Tree Hill board member who had also served with Strasser on the Humane Society’s board invited him to be a sponsor of Tree Hill’s annual Butterfly Festival and, in 2008, he joined Tree Hill’s board. Tree Hill has 50 acres of trails and gardens and encompasses three ecosystems. It also had a feature that Strasser believed could improve Tree Hill’s utility, accessi- JOSEPH A. STRASSER bility and finances. The property’s amphitheatre could not be rented due to the state it was in, so he donated the funds to completely renovate the amphitheatre and replace the main gate. He also Joseph A. Strasser could never be president. Other than that, you’d never know he wasn’t pledged a sizeable sum for six years to support operation and maintenance. In February 2009, born in this country. His accent is very American, he likes to wear T-shirts and he calls to mind with Strasser once again to be title sponsor of the annual Butterfly Festival, the Joseph A. Stras- the kindly spirit of Wilford Brimley. Make no mistake, though, he loves his country as some would ser amphitheatre was dedicated. argue only an immigrant can, and it shows in the way he considers philanthropy his duty. The amphitheatre has a capac- Joseph Strasser was born in Austria eight years before Hitler took the country over and sent ity of 250 and can be rented for young Joseph’s father to a concentration camp. By some miracle, his mother was able to free weddings, corporate events, family his father and the family left Austria. The situation in Vichy-controlled France was only marginally reunions and all manner of other better. Although together again, t1he family was not permitted to leave France together – only the activities. You can hear the pride in children were allowed egress. Their parents surely feared for the future of Joseph and his young- Strasser’s voice when he talks about er brother, Alex, so the boys were sent to an aunt in the U.S. who put them in boarding school. a recent wedding at the amphitheatre: It was the first time Joseph had ever been to school. Some time after the liberation of France, “The bridal party and the bride went Joseph’s father arrived in the States with a down the steps, and they couldn’t box of ashes. They never spoke of how or have gone down the steps without the even exactly where his mother died. [improvements] I had planned.” He With such a history, it’s no wonder that is clearly proud of the difference he’s the boy whose hero was General MacArthur made for Jacksonville at Tree Hill, but grew up wanting to serve his country in the he’s also concerned for the future. military. At Syracuse University, he joined the “The city has cut us five grand. I ROTC because, he says, “I wanted to give don’t know what we’re going to do. back to my country … that was my whole There’s a limit to what I can do, but goal in life even then.” He was selected to Tree Hill is a fantastic organization.” be in the Finance Corps, an honor that would Joseph Strasser’s love of influence his eventual career choice, and, animals has only grown through the after graduation and army finance school, years. He’s quick to list the names of went on active duty in Germany. His father, eight beloved pets that he’s buried at the Jacksonville Humane Society, five of which had been who didn’t favor the military, had made him adopted from there. His voice strains as he discusses the plight of homeless animals in Jackson- promise that he wouldn’t make a career of it, ville. Strasser had worked for several years with the Humane Society, but had come to realize “… though, so when the time to re-enlist arrived, you can’t build enough facility to house all the adoptable pets.” First Coast No More Homeless he honored that promise and returned to the Pets, a nonprofit organization whose mission, according to their website (www.fcnmhp.org), is U.S., although he continued to serve in the “to eliminate the killing of dogs and cats in our community through free and low-cost spay and Army Reserve for 15 more years and retired neuter programs” was renting a temporary facility on University Boulevard and had offices at Re- as major. gency Mall. They had located a warehouse space they wanted to renovate and, with bank loans By the time his active service ended, and city money temporarily tied up in red tape, approached Strasser who donated the funds to Strasser had discovered the love and com- purchase and renovate the space. He was excited to do something with so many benefits, espe- panionship of animals, which would figure cially for the Northside community that is now home to FCNHP. centrally in his future philanthropy, and had “Number one, we took an eyesore of a building, and we made it into a state-of-the-art build- adopted a German boxer he named Ike – after the president, of course. “His nickname was Mr. ing … Number two, we created construction jobs. Number three, we created additional jobs President,” Strasser recounts, “Like most dog owners, you see things that maybe never hap- because we quintupled the number of spaying and neutering we had, so we actually hired more pened, but when you called him ‘Mr. President’ his little stubby tail wiggled. It probably never did, people, some of whom came from that neighborhood. Number four, and most important, that is but in my eyes it did.” Ike was dog-napped while Strasser was attending law school in Chicago the solution to pet overpopulation. You can’t stop the killing of animals until you reduce the num- and, devastated, he decided to leave the city and return home to New York. In 1958, he gradu- ber of animals to the number of people who are willing, able to adopt.” ated from the number one public affairs graduate school in the country, the Maxwell School of The first thing that strikes you when you visit the Joseph A. Strasser Animal Health and Syracuse University. Although no longer in the military, he was determined to find another way of Welfare building at 6817 Norwood Avenue is its size. The 16,000 square foot facility, which was doing what was important to him. “America gave me my life,” he says, “and I wanted to serve.” dedicated in May of this year, includes a garage with three transport vehicles and bathing area; His finance training would open doors to several local government budget and finance posi- a laundry, kennels and recovery rooms; an enormous surgery bay with state-of-the-art oxygen tions throughout the next few years. Strasser received the Professional Achievement Recognition delivery system; 4,000 square feet of office space, conference room and call center; and a semi- award from the Professional Government Finance Officers Association several times and was independent, low-cost vet clinic. Such a massive operation is fitting considering the goal founder professionally recognized by the Government Officers of Financial Institutions as well as the and president, Rick DuCharme, has in mind. “Before us,” DuCharme says, “26,000 dogs and City/County Managers Association several times during his long career. One accomplishment cats died a year in Duval County. Now it’s less than 11,000 and we want to reach ‘no kill’ within he’s particularly proud of is his role in the creation of the first civilian fiscal administrator posts five to seven years.” DuCharme is quick to point out Strasser’s role in the organization’s suc- within police and fire departments in several cities, including Jacksonville through the ‘80s. This, cess: “… that’s something that we couldn’t have done without him, not at this point, not without and several other measures taken by the city at that time, were necessary, Strasser says, to “take Joseph Strasser’s help. … [He] was our first lifetime member and he’s on our board and he politics out of it” and provide some oversight in the public interest. “I believed in getting things comes to all the board meetings and always has input.” The final word on what the place means done efficiently … I love government, but it’s got to be efficient.” He’s also quite proud of the to Mr. Strasser is the fact that the portrait in the lobby is not just of him. He shares the frame fact that the sheriff’s office stayed within budget during his six-year tenure and that fire/rescue with General, his beloved German shepherd, who passed away almost two years ago. did the same during his nine years as civilian chief there. For the future, Strasser plans to continue his work with Syracuse University, Tree Hill, and It’s not surprising, then, to hear the hurt in his voice when he talks about being let go in First Coast No More Homeless Pets and, possibly, the Humane Society. As is befitting his charac- 1991 because, as he was told, he was too old and made too much money. During his career, ter, Strasser says he only wishes he had more money so he could do much more. “This is mak- Strasser had indeed amassed a small fortune, but from land investments, not his salary as a ing a difference. This is what I believe in.”

6 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 7 bike jacksonville by jack diablo MATT UHRIG

With soaring gas prices, a universal movement towards greener living, and obesity still on the rise, bicycles are more popular than ever. Providing an easy way to navigate and commute by bicycle has become an essential part of the criteria for being labeled as a progressive city. But look at any list of bike-friendly cities and Jacksonville will be nowhere to be found. Enter Bike Jax, an organization whose mission is “to establish Jacksonville as a city that is increasingly safe, accessible, and friendly to bicycle transportation.” Started by Matt Uhrig, Bike Jax is easily the city’s most recognizable organization when it comes to bicycle advocacy. The core of Bike Jax is bikejax.org, Matt’s blog on issues, developments and bike-related events. It’s also how the organization began. “I started it as a blog because I saw that there were all these funds coming into Jacksonville for bicycle/pedestrian infrastructure and I wasn’t seeing anything done with it so I started it as a way to be a stick in the eye of the city and let the local MPO know that someone is watchdogging them,” said Matt. Updated regularly, the website is a one-stop shop for keeping up with the local bicycle advocacy movement. In addition to great coverage you can also fi nd Florida Bicycle Law Enforcement Guide to brush up on your rights (and restrictions) as a cyclist as well as a gas savings calculator to determine just how much money you’re saving commuting by bicycle. Perhaps Matt’s biggest beef with Jacksonville’s bicycle infrastructure involves the diffi cult process required to cross the St. John’s River. “Look at the bridges. We have two bridges that bicycles can cross and they’re a quarter mile apart. If you want to get anywhere in Jacksonville, you can’t. You have to cut through downtown to cross the river by bike or by foot,” bemoans Uhrig. Seeing this as a hindrance to Jacksonville’s progression as a metropolitan city, he blames old ways of thinking. “That’s the problem with Jacksonville. It only thinks of the car, it doesn’t think of anybody else. We will never be a fi rst-tier city until it starts thinking of everybody.” But Bike Jax is far more than a website. With the help of a few volunteers, Matt organized the bike valet program. At various downtown events such as this year’s Jazz Festival and the weekly Riverside Arts Market, Bike Jax offers a safe and secure parking solution. Rather than try your luck vying for those hard-to-fi nd parking spots at such events, they will store and watch your bike for free, saving you the hassle and preventing a few extra chlorofl uorocarbons from escaping your tailpipe. Recently, Matt has been working with city council to create an ordinance making bike valet a mandatory service at events of 200 people or more. Bike Jax also works with other activists and organizations to effect positive change through cycling. Teaming up with like-minded local blog Actionville, the two are working to institute a bicycle ambassador program for school-age children. The program would consist of a chaperoned bicycle commute to neighborhood elementary schools, allowing parents to feel safe about their children riding to school. Bike Jax also works with ReCycle to provide refurbished bikes to women at the Sulzbacher Center who benefi t from having viable transportation while seeking employment. As if that weren’t enough, Bike Jax hosts the Night Ride, an annual bicycle festival in 5 Points. Started just last year, the event has already become a much-anticipated staple of the fall season. Last year’s Night Ride consisted of a fi lm festival, bike polo, maintenance workshops and concluded with a “critical mass”-style bike ride through Downtown and Riverside. “The whole purpose of the Night Ride is to get people on their bikes and get them moving around through the urban core to see how easy it actually is,” Matt explains. This year’s event will be held in conjunction with 5 Points’ First Fridays in October and feature a poster art show, pillow jousting and of course, the ride. So far, Bike Jax has been a successful endeavor in terms of getting the lawmakers’ attention. As Matt points out, “The city is defi nitely more aware now. They know people are watching, they know people are reading, and they know people are thinking and talking now.” But there is much more work to do and Bike Jax is ready to take things to the next level. For starters, they are working on acquiring 501(3)(c) status to become a full-fl edged non-profi t organization. For Bike Jax, the fi ght won’t be over until every bridge and every road with a speed limit in excess of 40 mph has at least a bike lane. They are also pushing for signage that gives cyclists the use of full traffi c lanes and throwing around ideas to start a bicycle co-op. For Matt, Bike Jax is a labor of love not a paying gig. The only other offi cial member of Bike Jax is Abhishek Mukherjee, although other volunteers occasionally help out. They are always looking for extra bodies and those interested in helping to make Jacksonville a more bike-friendly city. Contact Matt at [email protected] for more information.

8 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly photo by natalie mccray everyone involved to stretch both artistically and technically. However, he confesses that pieces up for consideration each season need to incorporate some level of marketability. To Schwarz, the key to a successful selection is a sense of balance. He feels the profitability and artistic quality of the play need to work in tandem. “I don’t think one supersedes the other, I think that they are one in the same,” said Schwarz. “Something that is artistically superb is going to be marketable.” This balance of quality, entertainment and the prospect of profit are often applied to the three plays a month he receives from locally based writers. Many are in various states of completion, but once the plays or their treatments are received, he and selection committee members read them. Schwarz acknowledged there is no ‘magic formula’; instead they rely in part on the theatre’s philosophy of excellence to guide the decision. “We encourage people to bring their works to us, especially local playwrights,” said Schwarz. “If their work has merit, if it passes our definition of excellence we want to produce them, we want to give them a chance.” In recent years, he and the selection committee have chosen a number of innovative pieces penned by local talent. Writers David Sacks, Barbara Williams, Derek Coghlan, and Al Letson have had their work produced by Schwarz and each has seen measures of success both at Players and at other theatres around the country. “Al and Barbara walked in here seven years ago, I read his work, and said ‘Essential Personnel’ is something that we want to do,” said Schwarz. “I am sure Al would have found his way whether we did it or not, but I am proud that we are a part of his story.” Letson’s host of other works is in league with fellow local writers who have also enjoyed similar success showcasing their plays at the theatre. David Sacks has seen success with multiple works produced at Players and Barbara Williams, the theatre’s education director, has enjoyed a successful run of her one-woman show Life on the Diagonal both at Players and in New York City. Derek Coghlan’s two one-man shows, Repainting Larry Cooperr and most recently, Tog Out. You’re On were both recognized as a blend of humor, wit and satire. Coghlan, a full-time English teacher at Landrum Middle School in Ponte Vedra Beach, attributes much of the success of his two shows to Schwarz’s trust and fearlessness. “Joe gave me carte blanche to do whatever I wanted. He trusted me and that made me want to do more for him,” said Coghlan. “Joe gets what a community theater should be. He’s not afraid to take risks and he’s not afraid to trust people.” As Schwarz prepares to enter his eighth season at Players, he says he is firmly all the stage is his world! by larry knight committed to not only strengthening the city’s talent pool, but also delivering quality, original works to patrons and fellow members of Jacksonville’s theatre community. In defense of the theatre’s tendency to take risks on new writers, he feels Players is trying to do what many theatres in the city often overlook. Schwarz doesn’t see Player’s involved in a rivalry with the other theatres in the JOE SCHWARZ AND PLAYERS BY THE SEA city. According to him it is a good thing other theatres make dissimilar decisions and that the differences in the pieces selected are beneficial to everyone. As he puts it, this will ultimately lead to the growth of Jacksonville’s entire theatre community. To most, the main purpose of operating a theatre is to fill the seats; to adhere to the strict “It’s not about competition with the other theatres,” said Schwarz. “The more commercial viability of the work. But in some cases, the artistic merit of the piece and the opportunity we work together and help each other, the more theatre there is in Jacksonville, and to showcase homegrown talent are equal to or in many cases supersede the quest to fill the bottom the more theatre as a whole grows.” line. Such is the case at Players by the Sea, one of several local Jacksonville community theatres providing local writers with a launching pad. Under the executive direction of Joseph Schwarz since 2001, Players, as it is known to patrons and actors alike, is the premiere community theatre in the region for local writers. Like community theatres around the country, Players, which first opened in 1966, is equally concerned with profit margins, declining audiences and overall sustainability. As city councils across America continue to reassess the necessity of funding community arts programs, some theatres have abandoned taking risks on untested plays. In fact, the revival of classic plays on Broadway and in community theatres almost serves as a testament to the need to produce proven money makers. But to Schwarz there is always a place for local works. As he puts it, the inclusion of plays penned by local writers adds a certain quality to the theatre. “I think they help define who we are as an incubator for local work,” said Schwarz. “It’s a very important component of who we are.” The significance of showcasing local plays is in keeping with the theatre’s mission statement to celebrate the “values of innovation and inclusion, through premieres of local playwrights” and to “provide creative opportunities for the artists of today and tomorrow.” That statement that he and his staff of volunteers strive to exemplify has been a longstanding philosophy at Players and Schwarz himself has been cultivating it for many years in his personal pursuits. A graduate of New York University in 1977, Schwarz worked in New York City for eleven years before relocating to upstate New York for five years where he amassed an impressive résumé working as the executive director of the Common Stage Theatre Company in Woodstock. As director of his own company, Schwarz’s only goal was to produce original works. Many of the writers and actors he encountered—industry figures such as Michael Cristofer, Mary Louise Wilson, Lisa Loomer, and Wendy Wasserstein—were given the opportunity to showcase their works in their developmental stages. “They were successful in New York City and were always looking for a place to try something out,” said Schwarz. “90 percent of it didn’t go anywhere, but that 10 percent that did were works like Full Gallop by Mary Louise Wilson which I first produced in my theatre before it went on to a successful run on Broadway and in London.” In the years spent at Common Stage, Schwarz adopted the very same definition of excellence that would come to characterize his accomplishments at Players. To him, theatre has a higher purpose of connecting the complexities of emotion with the art in the hopes of leaving an impression on the theatergoer. Although Schwarz believes this, he claims Players does not rely solely on such a stringent formula when seeking new work from some of Jacksonville’s most promising playwrights. To him, there is no prescription employed, just the consultation of actors, musicians and patrons, the promise of artistic merit and the taking of risks. “As a community theatre we service the entire community so we pick shows that are going to be of interest to everybody,” said Schwarz. “The criterion beyond that is that the work has to have some type of artistic merit.” This kind of risk taking and offering of galvanizing, more provocative fare has in some ways come to define the Players experience. Past season selections such as Cabaret, Sweeney Todd, and The Price have each possessed a type of progressiveness synonymous with the theatre. According to Schwarz, this sets it apart from other local community theatres and allows the theatre, and

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 9 where heart meets art by madeleine wagner JOANELLE MULRAIN

The idea of an artist-in-residence is kind of romantic, conjuring ideas of uninterrupted, focused work in an idyllic environment. The artist there, revealing, perhaps even clarifying facets of a place that might otherwise go unnoticed. Painter Joanelle Mulrain is the artist-in-residence for Tree Hill Nature Center. However, instead of quietly slipping out to Arlington and using the space for her own benefit, Mulrain says, “What good is it if you can’t involve other people?” the artist rhetorically asks. At Tree Hill, Mulrain has instituted an “artists’ membership,” so that all the area artists can use the facility… “a kind of creative coalition for Tree Hill,” says Mulrain. “What better thing than to bring people together?” However, she does look forward to the works she’ll produce in conjunction with the space (from her statement) “To merge nature and art is to juxtapose life and a glimpse, a blink, into how the artist perceives nature and its bounty and its relationship to the now. It is my hope to convey what I see at Tree Hill through brush strokes and the lens to bring about awareness of the awe of nature.” Tree Hill is a 38 year old nature preserve located on Lone Star Road in Arlington. The center is dedicated to environmental education, conservation and awareness. With animal encounters, trails (guided and otherwise) and a butterfly garden, just ten minutes outside of downtown, Mulrain calls it “one of Arlington’s three hidden treasures, including the Jacksonville Arboretum and the Timucuan Preserve.” She believes that “we should celebrate these things... So I want to get the word out, at least to artists--because we all love nature so we need to paint it, talk it, write it. By putting artists together with the nature center they can take advantage of whatever they like.” Sandy Wilson, public relations consultant for Tree Hill says, “For Tree Hill Nature Center’s Creative Coalition, Joanelle worked with fellow artist Allison Watson to identify leaders in this region’s art community and invited these leaders to serve as Tree Hill Ambassadors. In return, Tree Hill hopes to build a solid foundation of creative individuals who recognize that Tree Hill’s 50-acres serve as a beautiful natural backdrop for a variety of creative activities.” Her work with Tree Hill really is an outgrowth of her consuming interest in her immediate environment, which though reflected in her work, is also reflected in her actions. She’s collaborated with Stetson Kennedy, authored a book called ReRooting (a self-help handbook designed to help career women reconnect with their creative selves) worked with military families, and is finishing a suite of paintings based on the life of Florence Nightingale. photo by daniel goncalves In conjunction with the Nightingale suite, she’s put together The Nursing Inspiration Project, an open call to nurses to share their stories; the why and how of nursing. Giving nurses the opportunity to share their stories that developed in conjunction with the Nightingale OKLAHOMA! project, has its roots in Mulrain’s work in healthcare too. For twenty years, Mulrain worked as JACKSONVILLE September 18-20 a director of marketing for Baptist Health. In fact, she remembers that about fifteen years ago, SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA as a thank you for their nursing staff, the hospital reprinted and bound in leather, Nightingale’s seminal work, Notes on Nursing (1859). Lincoln Portrait Throughout her research, Mulrain feels that there have been eerie similaries between her life and that of September 25-26 Nightingale. However, she believes it is most telling that though her mother was a nurse, she (Mulrain) never asked her Fly Me to the Moon about it. Perhaps the journey isn’t just about Nightingale, but a way to more October 2-3 deeply know and understand her mother. “I tried to thread together the whole person... I tried to find the little pieces German Fusion that personalize her,” says the artist. The Nightingale project grew out October 9 of an opportunity Mulrain had to show at the Karpeles Manuscript Museum. PURE EXCITEMENT At the time her work was scheduled The Music of to go up, the museum had planned to showcase personal letters and papers Eric Clapton of Nightingale herself. “I thought, ‘my cattails and herons weren’t a great fit.’” October 10 So she set herself the task of learning as much about “The Lady with the Lamp,” as she could in about two months. Her research even took her to England, where she visited Nightingale’s ancestral home and the museum dedicated to the nurse, “I read 4,000 pages in two months, created six Tchaikovskyy paintings, and collected ephemera related to her life from all over,” says Mulrain, as she carefully handles a calling card that possibly has a signature from Nightingale on the back. Tickets: Pathétique Mulrain approached the task of painting Nightingale’s life with manic energy; instead of jaxsymphony.org painting a series of stills from the nurse’s life, she selected symbols from different periods in October 15-17 her life. The result: paintings that act almost as a narrative guide to Nightingale’s life. In fact, (904) 354-5547 as Mulrain tells Nightingale’s story, she herself looks at her paintings for the little details that bring a person, not just an icon, to life. FABIO MECHETTI Chaplin at the Symphony That might be the distinctive quality defining Mulrain herself: a quest for the personal MUSIC DIRECTOR / PRINCIPAL CONDUCTOR and communal—a way to detail experiences into a cohesive whole. For more information on HASKELL ENDOWED CHAIR October 23-24 Joanelle Mulrain, visit her site: greatblueheronstudios.com. The Florence Nightingale Exhibit opens September 11th, at the Karpeles Museum, 101 W 1st St., Jacksonville, 356-2992.

10 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly delicious learning by erin thursby PASTOR CLINTON BUSH

While we’ve mainly covered people in this issue that have made a difference in Jacksonville, we also want to highlight a relative newcomer who has big plans to improve our city. That newcomer is Pastor Clinton Bush, who hopes to educate Jacksonville’s youth in the ways of fi nancial literacy through City Kidz. Money is still a topic that most families aren’t comfortable talking about. That means that a staggering amount of teens going out into the world have no idea what terms such as APR mean, how to balance a checkbook and what a liability is. The National Jump$tart Coalition has been program. It would be disingenuous to extol the virtues of staying in the red while not working to recording data on the fi nancial literacy of teens and make profi t. So although City Kidz does have programs that help the community, it is a for-profi t young adults since the late nineties. They had this venture. to say about their latest data, collected in 2008: Bush is a capitalist with a Christian heart. Pastor Bush practices what he calls “marketplace The fi nancial literacy of high school students has ministry,” which means that he sees his business as an opportunity to minister outside the church, fallen to its lowest level ever…A record 6,856 12th both through example and whenever he’s asked. grade students completed the high school survey by February 2008, achieving an average score of He also believes that helping his community helps his business because it is part of that 48.3 percent, the lowest ever recorded. While the founders of the Jump$tart Coalition had hoped that community. When the community in Springfi eld succeeds, so too does City Kidz, so he has a vested the average score of 58.3 percent achieved in the baseline survey of 1997-98 would increase to a interest in improving the community in any way he can. “passing” score of at least 60 percent in 10 years, just the opposite occurred. Instead of increasing, They even have a board game for kids designed by rags to riches author Robert Toru Kiyosaki, scores fell by 10 percentage points in 10 years, revealing a situation that was becoming more and who wrote Rich Dad, Poor Dad. more dire. He also provides a book called Everything You Need to Know About Credit But Were too The basics of the City Kidz program, says Bush, is that they work with young people and “ Ashamed to Ask, which has information on the credit system and various forms and letters people teach them how to read fi nancial statements…How to effectively use credit cards. How to write will need to navigate the credit system. checks. Particularly in this economy people are getting hammered…because they don’t have the Once students have been through the initial program, they move their students on to wisdom or knowledge to really make their fi nances work for them.” entrepreneurship. High school students in the program looking to rack up community service hours can spend “We teach them the importance of passive income, that’s becoming a business owner.” sometime behind the City Kidz Ice Cream counter, learning the in and outs of retail as they serve their Bush envisions a future when all the empty storefronts across the street in Springfi eld are fi lled community. Besides fulfi lling college entry and high school requirement, this community service is with businesses owned by entrepreneurs from his program. an excellent resume builder that can help an adolescent get that fi rst job in a down economy. Helping the community and making a profi t aren’t at cross-purposes. The City Kidz model and Some of the proceeds from City Kidz Ice Cream Café go back towards the fi nancial literacy Pastor Clinton Bush remind us that capitalism isn’t the opposite of good-will.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 11 our warrior’s friend combatting PTSD and more: caring for the

hearts and minds of jacksonville by anna rabhan

Google a simple question like “What is the difference between a psychologist, a psychiatrist and a therapist?” and, if you fi nd a particularly professional and helpful article, you’ll probably end up wondering who that person behind the byline is – where they live, if what they do for a living is really related to what they’ve written about. Fortunately for Jacksonville, in the case of Erin Kelley- Soderholm, M.Ed., the answers are “here” and “yes.” Erin Kelley-Soderholm received her psychology degree and her M.Ed., specializing in counselor education, from the University of Florida. She has been published several times and is a former editor of CSJ Activist, the national newsletter of Counselors for Social Justice, a division of the American Counseling Association. She has been an adolescent grief support group facilitator, a case manager for an HIV care program, a consultant and counselor for the Alachua County Crisis Center, where part of her job was to provide suicide prevention workshops at schools, and a family counselor. She still provides workshops for parents at a camp for kids with upper limb differences and their families called Hands 2 Love Camp. Kelley-Soderholm is the mental health editor for the website BellaOnline, the second largest women’s website. The site relies on experts in every fi eld. Kelley-Soderholm says one thing that attracted her to BellaOnline is, “It’s all volunteers … They have limited ads and the excess revenue that they do get that doesn’t go toward upkeep goes to charity organizations, so the site itself helps 22,000 active duty service members stationed here, counting only NAS Jacksonville and Mayport communities.” She also posts her BellaOnline articles on topics such as self-awareness, mental Naval Station. There are such towns everywhere across the nation, and yet military behavioral and and emotional health, and self-acceptance in her Jacksonville.com Community Column titled “Life mental health facilities are notoriously underfunded and understaffed. is Now,” thus helping the global Web community and her own, local community at the same time. The lack of knowledge about PTSD is clearly pervasive. Some don’t know what it is at all, some Kelley-Soderholm has done, and currently does, much to improve mental and emotional well-being are under the impression that only soldiers are susceptible and some believe that alll soldiers who in Jacksonville and Northeast Florida. The next leg of her journey will also have a profound effect on see combat will suffer from PTSD. Because of the confusion and need for more education, many Jacksonville and heavily military communities everywhere. times those close to people who suffer from the condition don’t recognize the signs. During the Erin is the daughter of a Vietnam veteran whose battle with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder 30 years between Chi’s military service and his diagnosis, Erin says, none of his family made the deeply affected his own life and the lives of those around him. When his daughter was in college connection between his experience in combat and his behaviors. “It’s something that none of us and he was living in Costa Rica, Chi Kelley began to pen his memoirs as part of his own healing, but would have identifi ed because we weren’t educated about PTSD. We didn’t know what it was. He also in the hopes that his story might help others. Erin had been assisting him with another of her didn’t express all those internal feelings he had about guilt and nightmares. He didn’t talk about the talents – editing. Throughout that process, she began to share her own memories of what it had been war.” like growing up in the context of her father’s condition. In fact, she had recorded the thoughts and Erin and Chi hope to change all of that. “The fact that many people, military families, don’t feelings of her youth in a journal. have a real solid understanding of PTSD,” Erin says, “is part of our motivation for writing the book In 2007, Erin transitioned from her career as a full-time counselor to one as a freelance writer, and wanting it to be out there.” In doing research about PTSD, one can fi nd plenty of scientifi c editor, and counselor and the owner of Penvision, Inc. After some collaboration involving mostly studies, news reports, and even a memoir or two from a single veteran about the effects of PTSD editing on her part, she and her father began to discuss changing the structure of his book to include in his or her own life, but there is nothing out there quite like PTSD: The Enemy at Home. The more of her perspective. “He was so happy about the changes that I’d made, that I’d been able to intertwined memories, feelings, and struggles of a father with PTSD and his daughter, whose really adhere to his vision, he invited me to do the entire book with him. Instead of just proofreading, experience in psychology and counseling brings added depth to the memoir, will, Erin hopes, he wanted me to actually do some of the writing…” PTSD: The Enemy at Home was thus incarnated. teach people that PTSD affects not only the veteran, but all those close to him or her. It will also The working title says much about the book itself – a unique book whose subject matter will move surely be an inspirational story of a father and daughter who fi nd their way back to each other. The the dialogue about PTSD forward and whose structure will enhance the way we think about the story will personalize and make real a condition many people have only seen portrayed in movies condition. and will improve Jacksonville and places like it through increased understanding, awareness and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is, Erin explains, a group of symptoms caused by severe empowerment. “We want not just families and veterans to learn about PTSD,” Erin says, “We want trauma, which can be an isolated event or continuous exposure to life-threatening situations. “The the community to learn about it so that we can all be thoughtful and mindful of the way that we primary issue,” she says, “is that the emotions or memories from that event interfere with that approach military life and the way that we care for our veterans when they come home.” person’s functioning.” As the recent memorial event for Capt. Michael “Scott” Speicher reminded Publication of this important, gripping and hopeful book will be announced on Erin’s and Chi’s us, Jacksonville is a heavily military town. According to TheMilitaryZone.com, there are an estimated respective websites.

12 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly dish update + events where to eat, drink & be merry by erin thursby

Beethoven’s Bistro (5917 Roosevelt Blvd., 771-6606) got a little glory as from the week long event will benefi t St. Vincent’s Community Health the backdrop for a faith-based indie fi lm called Daniel’s Lot. The fi lm should be Outreach Ministries. Reservations are available for $100 per person or $1,000 completed by Christmas. for a table of ten. The event begins at 11:30 am with a champagne reception. Karlene’s Deli in the Jacksonville Landing closed down last month, Sponsorship packages are available, as well as a limited number of individual leaving the store front empty once again. reservations at $250 per person. Contact Michelle Branly at the St. Vincent’s Also closed Downtown, the beloved Worman’s, which has been around HealthCare Foundation, 308-7338 for reservations or more information. for a solid 70 years. Folks are attributing their demise to the unfi nished courthouse. September 14-15 The Kossak Companies Golf & Tennis Gala Washington Brown Brothers BBQ on King Street bit the dust last month. A sad turn Kids Foundation’s largest fundraising event. Deerwood Country Club will kick of events, because although the Westside does have its share of barbecue, off the event with a Tennis Pro-Am followed by a brief awards ceremony. Riverside doesn’t. The evening will end with a Gala Dinner & Auction at the beautiful Sawgrass On the bright side, weekly markets are popping up like mushrooms, Golf Resort & Spa where deserving students are recognized with awards and possibly because of inspiration from RAM (that’s the Riverside Arts Market). college scholarships. Tickets, table packages and Pro-Am spots are available The same folks that brought you the St. Johns Town Center Market will be but limited and have sold out in previous years, so please secure your spot opening up the Orange Park Market on Saturday October 3rd. soon! Deerwood Country Club, Sawgrass Marriott Golf Resort & Spa, Marsh Landing Country Club, 359-5437 www.malwashington.com September 2 Wine Tasting Series at Zaitoon Mediterranean Grill Monthly Wine Tastings will be held on the First Wednesday of each month from 6 pm September 16 Especially for Seniors Talks and Tea Art and tea go beautifully to 8 pm. $15, 13475 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 40 (located behind Fresh Market in together. Part of the Woodcock Foundation Learning Initiative. Saving Art: The the Harbour Village Shopping Center), www.zaitoongrill.com Restoration of Diana of the Hunt. Seated gallery talks with post reception. Seating limited and pre-registration required. $6. to register. 1:30 pm Cummer September 4-6 RiverGrille Clambake Oysters, clams and lobster will be on Museum, 829 Riverside Ave., 355-0630 www.cummer.org teh menu for this clambake, along with entertainment, drinkspecials and a riverfront deck in Ormond Beach. RiverGrille 950 N. US-1, Ormond Beach September 19 3rd Saturday at 3 Layers “Dulcet Perks” with Catharsis The 368-615-2004 www.rivergrille.net newest and hottest addition to the downtown renaissance of Springfi eld. This warm and inviting loft style coffee house has become a hot spot for the tight September 8 Native Sun Hosts Gourmet Honey Tasting Shalom Jacksonville, knit neighbors in Springfi eld and the buzz of Jacksonville (literally!). There will the Jewish Federation’s offi cial welcome wagon for Northeast Florida, has be an art opening that evening with a free wine tasting and complimentary planned a Gourmet Honey Tasting at both Native Sun Natural Foods Market hors d’oeuvres. Free. Evening. Three Layers A Coffeehouse 1602 Walnut St., locations in advance of the Rosh Hashanah holiday when honey is used to 355-9791 www.threelayersacoffeehouse.com prepare many traditional dishes. Mike Thomas, of Thomas Honey in Lake City, will speak, explaining t types of honey, the honey making, medicinal benefi ts September 25 4th Annual Wedding Crashers Party The 4th Annual Wedding and will have a living bee hive on display. Please RSVP to Isabel Balotin with Crashers Party is a mock wedding and reception has become one of Shalom Jacksonville at 448-5000 x206 or [email protected]. www. Jacksonville’s biggest and craziest events! Your ticket to crash includes free nativesunjax.com/events.html Bud Light, Bacardi and wine all night, free food, Angie’s Wedding Cakes, the wedding ceremony at 7:45 pm, games and surprises that will be even better September 11 SHINDIG for the Sanctuary Silent auction, chance drawing, than last year. The Party doesn’t stop there though. Join us for the After Party cameo performance by Al Letson & entertainment by the Sanctuary children. and get free entry with your Crasher’s wrist band! Life’s a Party. Crash it. Tickets for a chance drawing to a Jaguars’ home game with seating for two in Benefi ts Jacksonville Historical Society. Tickets: $25 in advance; $35 at the the Weaver’s Stadium Box Suite are $10 each. Food compliments of Bono’s door. 7 pm - 11 pm. Historic St. Andrews Church, 317 A Philip Randolph Blvd. & B.B.’s. Beverages compliments of Harpoon Louie’s. Call for tickets at 356- Get your tickets online: www.JacksonvilleScene.com 3588. $35. 6 - 9 pm. Garden Club of Jacksonville, 1005 Riverside Ave., www. sanctuaryon8th.org September 30 FOCUS Cummer Kickoff Meet old and new friends and kickoff a new season at our welcome back beach bash. FOCUS membership is not September 6-12 Delicious Destinations 2009 Delicious Destinations 2009 required, but it is encouraged! We know you’ll want to join the fun while events held at the historic Ponte Vedra Inn & Club include a Gourmet Wine helping to support The Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. Cost: $50 Dinner at the Surf Club at Ponte Vedra, an evening in Little Italy at the Lodge per person benefi ts The Cummer Museum. 6 pm - 9:30 pm, Plantation at Ponte Vedra Beach, the Celebrity Chef by the Sea reception and luncheon, Country Club Beach House Mickler’s Landing and Ponte Vedra Blvd., www. Sponsors Preview Reception and The Gourmet Food & Wine Tasting. Proceeds focuscummer.org ingredient secrets mushroom

The mushroom is one of the best standbys for both vegetarian freeze raw mushrooms with a good result, it’s a lot of trouble and is just cooking and hearty meat fi lled dishes. not worth it. Instead, go ahead and sauté the mushrooms before freezing The most popular variety of mushroom found in the supermarket is them for the best results. the button mushroom. Like many mushrooms, it gains in fl avor when it is When preparing mushrooms, check the stems for toughness and cooked, and is an excellent “sponge” of fl avor that soaks up sauces and dryness. Chop off the dry bits before cooking. To retain the delicate broths. texture of a mushroom before it is cooked, add it at the last minute. The When choosing mushrooms look for fi rm, smooth and plump more time a mushroom is cooked, the denser it becomes. You’ll notice mushrooms. Because mushrooms do soak up water so readily, you’ll never that they thicken and contract as they are cooked. want to place them under running water to rinse them off as you would Larger capped mushrooms such as portabella hold up well to other produce. Instead use a damp paper towel to brush away any dirt. If grilling. Button mushrooms can be grilled on a kabob, just make sure to you must place it under a tap, make it brief, no longer than two seconds, brush them with a marinade. and immediately use a paper towel to pat it dry. Sautéing is the most popular method of cooking mushrooms, but Mushrooms will keep for up to week in the fridge. Keep them in their one shouldn’t discount roasting. Roast by tossing with a little oil. (I like packaging till you’re ready to use them. Once you do, don’t place in a a combo of chili oil and sesame oil). Then put the mushrooms in either closed plastic baggie. Condensation is the enemy of mushrooms and since whole or just halved in a 450 degree oven. a closed baggie causes condensation, your mushrooms with go bad faster. For everything you ever wanted to know about mushrooms (and Instead store it in a paper bag or wrap well with paper towels. some things you didn’t know you wanted to know) go to the website You should never freeze raw mushrooms. They have a lot of liquid www.mushroomcouncil.com. Type in the type of mushroom you want to in them and tend to turn to mush when defrosted. While it is possible to try and they’ll have a recipe for you!

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 13 Pho Cali Tommy’s Pizza culinary hidden gems

For anyone who enjoys the occasional meal out, it can be easy to constantly fall back on Pisco’s Restaurant old, familiar favorites. But hidden along the winding roads of this sprawling city are some incredible little restaurants that you’d never know existed were it not for a friendly suggestion. And there are plenty more hidden in plain sight, part of the scenery we pass by every day during our high speed commutes. They are unassuming little eateries that, for some reason or another, never succeeded in beckoning us to stop by. We here at EU hope to reveal these hidden gems. This month we’re starting with worthwhile places that are either tucked away in strip malls or that you’d never fi nd on your own. by oliver dodd pho cali vietnamese restaurant think I’ll be obliged to stop by a bit more often in order to fully prepare our taste buds for the trip. Even if you aren’t going to 5624 Cagle Rd., 730-7333 Southeast Asia, Pho Cali is a great place to enjoy an exotic but family served meal at a reasonable price. Pho Cali, one of Jacksonville’s small handful of Vietnamese restaurants, is almost completely hidden and, like Vietnam’s own Perfume Pagoda, you might just need a guide to tommy’s pizza get here. It can be found just off of I-95 at University Boulevard in the Ramada Inn. 4160 Southside Blvd. Unit 2, 565-1999 This restaurant is basically the textbook definition We’ve extolled the virtues of Tommy’s before, but it of a hole-in-the-wall. The general decor and atmosphere, remains an excellent place to grab a slice of brick oven seemingly unchanged since the 70s, only serves to enhance goodness. the experience and shifts the focus on to their food. Pho Cali At Tommy’s you won’t want to wantonly discard the is family owned and operated. The same mother and son duo crust as you might do with any ordinary pizza. With a light always take orders and deliver the food while the patriarch toils slathering of garlic butter baked into the crispy bread, you’re away in the back concocting authentic Vietnamese cuisine for going to want to savor that little end piece. Besides the kick- all who know well enough to stop by. ass pizza crust, there’s also the super fresh topping that still The name comes in part from the primary food served: retain their full flavor, even after being cooked in the brick tastiest Latin America has to offer and Pisco’s does it better Pho. Pho is a delightful Vietnamese soup made from thinly oven. Not in the mood for pizza? There are a number of other than many of the restaurants we visited in Peru, all for an sliced meat, rice noodles and spices (typically including Saigon items including sandwiches and dinner entrees. If you’re incredibly meager price. cinnamon, star anise, charred ginger and cloves). It is often looking to eat light then try the strawberry-spinach salad. It Any fan of Latin American cuisine is bound to regret served with basil, lime, sprouts and peppers on the side that may sound like a strange combination but it tastes amazing not stopping by sooner after an enormous helping of their can be added at will. and makes a perfect companion to the huge slices of pizza delicious Pollo Saltado. Potions tend to be large and decently The Pho comes in three sizes: small, medium, and large Tommy cooks up. priced. Don’t forget to try the corn and cheese appetizer to (take that, Starbucks), all for very reasonable prices. I must reacquaint yourself with how flavorful corn should be and caution you that these sizes run a little large. I have never been purely to experience the spectacle that is Peruvian corn. If able to comfortably finish a small portion by myself and a pisco’s restaurant you order a beer, try one of the Peruvian varieties as they do medium is more than sufficient for two very hungry people to 4131 Southside Blvd., 646-3888 a better pilsner than many of the domestic breweries. Sushi share. fans should order a plate of the ceviche, seafood “cooked” For those not interested in the soup, they offer plenty If you’ve traveled down Southside Boulevard between in lime juice. The great food is complemented by a friendly of rice and noodle based meals. Number 32 on the menu, Tinseltown and Beach, you’ve passed Pisco’s without even and engaging staff who are incredibly welcoming and helpful the spicy chicken dish, has an incredibly varied flavor. The knowing it. It is, as far as we know, the only place in town towards new patrons and regulars alike. different spices hit your tongue, the most intriguing of all being serving traditional Peruvian food. the lemongrass which provides a subtly sweet contrast to the Despite the lack of one of Peru’s most popular dishes, Oliver Dodd and his wife Kateri blog about the interesting savory overtones. guinea pig, (yep, guinea pig) Pisco’s has a huge menu for food they’ve discovered on the First Coast, on http://findingfl. Because I’m planning a trip to Vietnam later this year, I such a small place. Authentic Peruvian food is some of the blogspot.com

14 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly the 100-mile diet by anna rabhan

Could you go a whole year eating onlyy food grown or raised within 100 miles of where you live? That was the question contemplated by Alisa Smith and James MacKinnon, both freelance writers, after successfully feeding surprise guests by foraging from the land at their off-the-grid cabin in northern British Colombia. The resulting feast made them wonder, “Was it possible to eat this way in every day life?” In order to answer that question, they committed to one year of eating food originating within a 100-mile radius of Vancouver, where they live most of the year. The resulting website articles led to the creation of www.100milediet.org and to their book, Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locally.

“Our faith in the food we were eating was higher than ever before; in fact, we’d only realized how much confi dence {we’d lost in the food system when we started to regain it.”} The authors examine where the food we eat comes from. They discover that “the food we eat now typically travels between 1,500 and 3,000 miles from farm to plate” and that the distance is likely continuing to increase. They also discover that shipping food nationally uses 17 times more fuel than a regional food system. These facts, and the authors’ desire to “live more lightly on the planet,” drive the experiment and the book. The co-authors alternate writing each chapter, which adds a fascinating layer of perspective.

They begin in March, titling each chapter with the month, and they preface each chapter with a recipe. The food itself becomes a character with its own life as they weave the story of the discovery or acquisition of ingredients throughout the chapter. The way the authors describe the magic of that fi rst meal in the cabin refl ects the elegant style of writing that pervades the book. “It was the kind of meal that, when the plates were clean, led some to dark corners to sleep with the hushing of the wind, and others to drink mulled wine until our voices had climbed an octave and fi nally deepened, in the small hours, into whispers.” There are delightful jewels of humor throughout the book. The fi rst chapter fi nds the authors adjusting to their new diet with the lack of imagination inherent in the beginnings of most great experiments. In other words, they eat a lot of potatoes. Potato Amuse Bouche is the opening recipe of the next chapter. The recipe ends with, “Serve in the center of a very large plate, alone and a little heartbreaking.” The authors lead their readers on a journey to discover what it means to eat locally, where food really comes from, where it could come from provided people have open minds, the connection between humans and their food, and even much about themselves and their relationship with each other. Along the way, the reader learns plenty. The examination of the concept of “traceability” is eye- opening. The connection drawn between human history and food and the decline of genetic diversity in our food is also fascinating. While the authors present compelling evidence and make a solid case for regional food systems, this is not your stereotypical “green” book with an impossible heap of statistics, studies and dry facts. In this elegantly written adventure, the authors vividly describe the landscape all around them. They set the scene for the city they live in, the countryside around it and all the magical places they visit, from Minnesota to Malawi, in their quest to understand man’s eating locally relationship with food. By the end of the journey, the reader feels he has been to exotic places and seen uncommon things. •www.100milediet.org The authors’ site contains great local eating tips and resources. The reader is likewise transported as the authors experience resounding successes, such •www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?isbn=9780307347336 This is the U.S. as regaining confi dence in food safety. As they make the decision to eat meat after 15 years of publisher’s link. The book is also sold as Plenty: Eating Locally on the 100-Mile Diet. vegetarianism, they realize, “Our faith in the food we were eating was higher than ever before; in fact, •www.localharvest.org This site is useful for fi nding farmers markets, CSAs, farms and more. we’d only realized how much confi dence we’d lost in the food system when we started to regain it.” •www.attra.ncat.org Visit the National Sustainable Agriculture Information Service site to learn about such topics as organic farming. They make clear, however, that this is no Pollyanna idyll, as we also witness the devastating setbacks the authors face. Their fi rst attempt at preparing a “local” meal ends up costing more than •www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0 The USDA’s “organic” designation is the most trusted. Learn how a product earns “USDA Certifi ed Organic” status and more at this site. they normally spend on food in two weeks. There is also a shocking description of a chemical spill into a river which causes a fi sh kill just as they were planning to stock up for the winter on salmon •www.uga.edu/nchfp/index.html Learn to preserve your farmers market surplus in a variety of ways. from that river. is one of the best “green” •www.annarabhan.com/JaxFarmersMarkets.shtml This is an extensive list of Jacksonville area Plenty: One Man, One Woman, and a Raucous Year of Eating Locallyy farmers markets. book that’s come out in the last fi ve years. It’s a beautifully written, fascinating look at our food, food sources and our motives behind the engineering of the two, as well as the vast possibilities we •www.sustainabletable.org Type in your state and the specifi c season and see what’s fresh and local. may not be considering. It is intellectually satisfying, as riveting and entertaining as fi ction and as delectable as garden-fresh spring vegetables.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 15 Mark George

Thru September 30 Africa’s Living Arts This exhibition features beautiful handcrafted and factory printed textiles that tell stories of Africa’s heritage, politics and social values using color, pattern and form to explore the traditional art of communication through adornment and display. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 829 N. Davis St., 632- 5555

Sept 1-30 Ted Head & Mary Doppel Local Artists of the Month at Corse Gallery. Sept 11 - Art on the Rocks is a fun night out with your friends. Bring your favorite beverage and paint your very own masterpiece abstract painting. 6-8 pm, $55 (all supplies included) and reservations are required. Corse Gallery & Atelier, 4144 Herschel St., 388-8205, www.CorseGalleryAtelier.com

Sept 2 First Wednesday Art Walk - Downtown Jacksonville 5-9 pm rain or shine. Meet former Jaguars linebacker and local radio per- sonality, Tom McManus, at 11E from 6-8 pm. View Central Fire photography by Cameron Beard. Additional local artists and live music located next door in the former Starbucks space. At the Carling, celebrate the start of the NFL season with former Jaguars center, Dave Widell. View photography of real jaguars from the Jacksonville Zoo by Dan Van Slyke and artist Jim Smith’s installation. Stop in Visit Jacksonville’s new location to learn more about things to do in Jacksonville. Enjoy the mixed media masks, abstract collages, paint- ings and 3-D abstracts by Laurence Waldon. Swing to the music of The Fabulous Moods of Roger Glover. Adams Street, Suite 101 will

september art events feature a Secret Show by Morrison. Come find out for yourself. www.downtownjacksonville.org or www.DTJAX.org by mobile phone for event information.

Sept 4 First Friday Lunch Bunch for Artists, Actors, Dancers, Musicians, Photographers and Arts Enthusiasts If you’re looking for an opportunity to expand your social network, First Friday Lunch Bunch (FFLB) may be for you. FFLB is an opportunity to dine with and meet artists, actors, dancers, musicians, photographers and arts enthusiasts from Jacksonville and the surrounding area. Our next gathering is Friday, September 4th at from 11 am-1 pm at Clara’s at the Cathedral, Saint John’s Cathe- dral, 256 East Church St.

Sept 4 St. Augustine Art Walk First Friday of every month from 5 - 9 pm, Tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street, St. Augustine, (904) 829-0065 or staugustinegalleries.com

Sept 4 Enjoy a unique exhibition including video, projection and music by Clay Doran, James Draper and Herman Mack. 6-9pm @ Flux studio/gallery located at 1011 Park Street in 5 Points.

Sept 4 Grand Opening of Avondale Artworks Avondale Artworks opens in the Shoppes of Avondale with a celebration from 5 - 9 pm. The current exhibition includes oil, acrylic, pastel, and watercolor paintings, photographic art, mixed media, pottery and ceramics. Current exhibitors include Chris Chav- ers, David Snyder, Brian Gray, Desiree Kantrim, Ken Stutes, Glenda Ramsey, Julianne French, Raquel Morcillo-Gallego, and Scott Morris. Avondale Artworks, 3568 St. Johns Avenue, www.AvondaleArt- works.com

Sept 10 - Oct 13 Retrospective of Virginia Ford Landmarks of the Beaches. Sept 10 - Oct 30 Land- scapes of the Beaches By Bruce Ann Ferguson Exhibit . Sept. 19 Live Painting Demonstration by Forida Highwaymen R.L. Lewis. R.L. Lewis will also introduce his Special Beaches Series Calendar 10 – 3 pm. Beaches Museum & History Center, 380 Pablo Ave, Jacksonville Beach, 904-241-5657, www. bm-hc.com

Sept 10- Oct 7 Mark George: Recent Paintings Opening Reception: Sept 10, 5-8 pm. The Gallery Group at the Art Institute of Jacksonville presents an exhibition celebrating the recent paintings of Jack- sonville artist Mark George. Mark’s work represents an aesthetic that merges fine art and commercial art in a format that utilizes industrial materials. Mark George paintings of love, anguish and anxiety spare no emotion, and bear no subliminal message. George’s work demonstrates his commercial art background, graphic design, and the idea of painting. The paintings on the torn, oversized, poly vinyl chloride panels are an attempt to embody an era of mid-century Americana in advertising and urban street art. The material gives the work an abandoned quality that suggests the piece is not a painting per say, but a relic or illustrative portion of an old billboard or advertisement. The look created is genre crossing: a Dada approach, a Pop sensibility. The Gallery Group is a focus group of graphic design and interactive media students responsible for curating, installing and advertising exhibitions throughout the school year. Art Institute of Jacksonville, 8775 Baypine Road, 476-7495.

Sept 11 - Dec 31 FLORENCE NIGHTINGALE EXHIBIT™ Florida Artist Joanelle Mulrain celebrates the life and times of Florence Nightingale, a global pioneer of nursing, Crimean war heroine, feminist, and known to many as the founder of modern nursing. Her suite includes six painting/collages depict the inspirational moments and points of light during of Miss Nightingale’s life of service and the times she lived in; two narrative canvases that feature quotes, including the 1857 poem, “Santa Filomena”, dedi-

16 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly cated to her by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow; and a portrait of young Florence as she became a leg- end in her own time. Find link to Mulrain’s discussion about her exhibit on BBC Radio by going to www. florencenightingaleexhibit.com. Opening Exhibit on Sept 11, 5:30-8 pm. Admission is free. Museum open Tues. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 101 W. First St., 356-2992. (Be part of this global effort to participate in the Library of Nursing Inspiration™. Are you a nurse? What inspired you to join the profession? You’re invited to participate in The Nursing Inspiration Project, a blog of inspirational stories by the caring and compassionate women and men who have chosen nursing as their life’s work. Mulrain wants to know what inspired you to become a nurse, so others may follow your foot- steps. To be a part of this global effort go to www.thenursinginspirationproject.com and find out more.)

Sept 13 Sound Effects welcomes the Department of Music at UNF Celebrating the partnership be- tween MOCA and UNF, the musicians of Sound Effects will be joined by the outstanding talents of the UNF music faculty. Internationally renowned instrumentalists, vocalists and composers will combine forces to deliver a fascinating variety of contemporary chamber music. A benefit for the Music Schol- arship Fund at UNF and MOCA Sound Effects Series. MOCA Theatre, 2 pm, $9 MOCA Members/$12 Non-Members. Reservations suggested. 366-6911, ext 208 or mocajacksonville.org/Sound Effects

Sept 18 – Jan 3 New Fall Exhibitions At MOCA The following exhibits will be opening this fall at MOCA: Robert Motherwell: Lost In Form, Found In Line, The Art Of Teaching: UNF Art & Design Faculty Exhibition, Emergence: Works By UNF Sculpture Students (Thru November 8), Art With A Heart For Healthcare (Thru October 18), Shifting Points Of View: Selections From Moca’s Permanent Collection. MOCA- The Museum of Contemporary Art, 333 North Laura St. Info: (904) 366-6911 or www.mocaja- cksonville.org.

Sept 18 Up & Cummers Fashion Forward Event The Up & Cummers will host the Fifth Annual Fashion Forward event at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. The theme for this year’s fashion show, Destination, is a tribute to the designs of featured local fashion designer Caroline Long. Hot trends from Jacksonville’s finest boutiques will also be on display. “The Up & Cummers are excited and enthusiastic that our annual trademark event will help bring together many of Jacksonville’s young professionals, art and fashion enthusiasts,” said Elizabeth Ingram, President of Up & Cummers. Ticket prices are $45 for Up & Cummers members and $65 for non-members and include a variety of heavy hors d’oeuvres from several area restaurants, an open bar and the fashion show itself. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. RSVP with payment by Sep- tember 11, 2009 to Holly Keris at (904) 899-6018 or [email protected]. tattoo’d jacksonville Sept 19 Art Adventures on Saturdays. Classes in painting, printmaking, collage and construction with changing themes,10 am- Noon. Sept 16 or 17, Saving Art: Diana of the Hunt Restoration Seated by madeleine wagner gallery talks at 1:30 pm with reception immediately following. Seating is limited and pre-registration is required. Members and Non-Members $6. Please call (904) 355-0630 to register. For info on Art Ad- venture Saturdays and Lectures, Classes & Programs for Adults visit www.cummer.org. The Cummer Tattoo conventions are weird places. Walking into an otherwise mundane mid- Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave, 356-6857 level hotel conference room, and instead of seeing grey suited marketing managers and associate sales directors, seeing a cacophony of bearded, pierced, and tattooed men and Sept 25 - Oct 23 Jane(s): Contemporary women (fewer beards on the ladies though). Either way, lots of exposed flesh. Female Perspectives Jane Gray Gallery will open the season with Jane(s): Con- For the most part, tattoo conventions are like any other convention—interesting only temporary Female Perspectives. Jane(s) to aficionados and trade members—almost. It’d be disingenuous to pretend that tattoos will feature works by a group of emerging and the people who choose to wear them aren’t interesting. There is a seductive quality to and established contemporary female thumbing one’s nose at conventional ideas of beauty and acceptability. Plus the images, artists living and working in Jacksonville. the art can be beautiful and the desire to possess it can be almost overwhelming. These artists are revered among their contemporaries in the Jacksonville arts Jacksonville has over sixty tattoo shops within its limits. It is home to one of the community. Featured artists are Christie most famous shops in the tattooing world, Inksmith & Rogers, and has a host of other Holechek, Heather Blanton, Christina quality shops, with dedicated artists. However, it wasn’t until 2005 that the first Tattoo Foard, Tiger, Madeleine Peck, and Sharla convention was hosted in Jacksonville. Now, it’s an annual event that gets better (and more T. Valeski, Andrea Deflorio, Brittni Wood, entertaining) each year. This year, the Jacksonville Tattoo Convention is from September Sarah Crooks Flaire, Mary Lou Gibson, Kathy Stark, and Jennifer Woodall. This 11-13, at the Wyndham Riverwalk (1515 Prudential Drive). visually exciting exhibition will showcase a For collectors and artists alike, conventions are an opportunity to meet favorite variety of media including painting, draw- artists, get work done by hard-to-find/hard-to-get-to artists, collect prints or score a few ing, and manipulated photography and is t-shirts. For visitors the lure isn’t just to get a tattoo, but to feel a part of a larger culture. not to be missed. An opening reception Though most tattoo artists are more than the sum of their tattoos, there is a certain honoring the artists will be held Friday, September 25, 2009 from 6pm- 9pm. satisfaction gained from mingling with those who share some of the same interests. Jane Gray Gallery @ Daryl Bunn Studios Nick Wagner, the owner of Black Hive Tattoo in Riverside, (and in the interest of full is located at 643 Edison Avenue, 762- disclosure--my husband), weighs in: “I do it to showcase the people I work with to the 8826 www.janegraygallery.com. wider public.” As for what visitors get when they go to a convention, he says, “They get to see many styles of tattoo artists side by side. It widens their view of what is available as Saturdays Riverside Arts Market The Riverside Arts Market (RAM) is Jackson- far as tattooing.” ville’s spectacular new riverfront artists’ However, there are a few rules of etiquette that deserve to be mentioned. Even at a market. Beneath the sheltering expanse tattoo convention, its impolite to stare, gape-jawed at the fellow who tattooed sideburns on of the Fuller Warren Bridge structure, his face, or grab the arm of the girl walking by to get a closer look at her work. Ask, and this huge all-weather weekend artists’ be nice about it. Most people are happy to show off their tattoos. Also, most artists have market has over one football field’s covered area and will feature up to 150 artists displaying their wares, accompanied by musical entertainment, street performers, food vendors, and a fresh produce portfolios with them at the show, before asking a bunch of silly questions, take a look at market. The market will be open every Saturday until December 19. Riverside Arts Market is located what they do…and if you don’t see the style you want, or imagery you like, ask…chances on Riverside Avenue as it passes underneath the Fuller Warren Bridge. There is plenty of FREE parking are they’ll know someone who’ll be happy to do it. If you have an appointment to get in the Fidelity National parking deck next to the arts market and immediately across the street. www. tattooed during the convention, be on time and sober…in fact, lots of tattooers won’t work riversideartsmarket.com on a drunk subject. Finally: remember to tip your artist, it’s not just tradition, it’s the nice thing to do. If you have an art event you would like to have listed in EU Jacksonville, please send infor- mation to: [email protected] by the 20th of the month prior to the event.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 17 inspired by

Before you settle down to check out these fi lms and television shows, check out the books that inspired them. by kellie abrahamson

Flashforward

big screen wearing a wire for three years resulted in his breakdown. Steven Soderbergh is directing the fi lm adaptation of Eichenwald’s story, with Matt Damon taking the cloudy with a chance of lead role. meatballs (released September 18) Inspired by: Cloudy surrogates with a Chance of Meatballs by Judi Barrett (released September 25) Inspired by: The Surrogates fi ve-part comic series by Robert Venditti Barrett’s food fantasy has been a Venditti takes readers into a not-so-distant future that has people utilizing a new technology that bedtime story staple since it was fi rst allows them to experience the world without ever leaving their homes. Through a combination of virtual published in 1982. In it, a doting grandfather reality and cybernetics, machines called Surrogates live a human’s life for them, allowing people to be tells his grandsons about the town of strong, attractive, ageless and resilient without ever needing to work for it. But when Surrogates around the Chewandswallow, a community where food rains down from the sky just in time for breakfast, lunch and city wind up “dead,” the police are called in to investigate the strange killings. dinner. At fi rst, its citizens are thrilled with having an endless supply of food, but when the weather gets This intriguing premise has been turned into a feature fi lm with Bruce Willis as an FBI agent in charge worse, resulting in school-engulfi ng pancakes and persistent fogs of pea soup, Chewandswallow becomes of tracking down the murderer. Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines director Jonathan Mostow also helmed a dangerous place to live. this potentially epic sci-fi tale. The movie version of this kid’s classic takes a look at how the town’s strange weather came to be. The fl ick has new characters, including a young inventor whose creations often turn out to be disappointments. When he decides to solve world hunger and his gadget turns out to be a success, the whiteout (released September 25) Inspired by: Whiteoutt comic series by Greg Rucka town is affected in ways no one can imagine. In this award-winning series US Marshal Carrie Stetko is sent to Antarctica station to investigate a murder. As she goes from one station to another she discovers even more murders and a number of the informant! suspects. Thus far, the Whiteout series consists of two volumes, both of which are available in paperback (released September 18) Inspired by: The Informantt by Kurt Eichenwald form. A third installment is scheduled for release in the fall. A non-fi ction thriller, The Informantt gives readers an inside look at the lysine price-fi xing conspiracy Rights to the story were acquired in 1999, but they changed hands three times before it fi nally ended of the mid-90s, specifi cally whistleblower Mark Whitacre’s involvement. Whitacre was a high ranking up at Dark Castle Media, where Whiteout fanboy Dominic Sena was tapped to direct. The resulting fl ick executive at Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) who confessed that he and other execs met with competitors earned a stamp of approval by Rucka, who applauded the fi lm at Comic-Con in 2007. to fi x the price of the food additive lysine. After years of working undercover for the FBI, Whitacre had a meltdown due to bipolar disorder. The book details Whitacre’s bizarre behavior and how the pressure of small screen accidentally on purpose (CBS- September 21) Inspired by: Accidentally on Purpose by Mary F. Pols Movie critic Mary Pols opens up about single-motherhood in this memoire, which chronicles her one night stand with a man ten years her junior, the subsequent pregnancy and how the two go about handling their Odd Couple-esque parenting situation. CBS picked up the rights to Pols’ story with Jenna Elfman taking the lead. The show also stars Jon Foster, Ashley Jensen, Nicholas Wright and Grant Show.

eastwick (ABC- September 23) Inspired by: The Witches of Eastwickk by John Updike Updike’s famed 1984 novel centers on three witches who are seduced by a mysterious stranger to stir up trouble in their small New England town by way of their magical powers. The story was adapted into a stage musical and, most famously, a fi lm starring Jack Nicholson, Cher, Susan Sarandon and Michelle Pfeiffer. In addition, two television pilots have been created over the years but neither of which were picked up. It seems the third time really is the charm for this tale. ABC has made room in its Wednesday night schedule for Eastwick, a drama based on Updike’s book. The show will star Lindsay Price, Jaime Ray Newman and Rebecca Romijn.

fl ashforward (ABC- September 24) Inspired by: Flashforward by Robert J. Sawyer First published in 1999, Sawyer’s sci-fi drama takes place in a futuristic 2009 (the near future at print time) where an experiment involving a particle accelerator causes the entire world to lose consciousness for two minutes. During the blackout each individual gets a glimpse of their life 21 years in the future. The novel follows the aftermath of the phenomenon, which resulted in numerous deaths due to humanity being asleep at the proverbial and literal wheel for two minutes. Much of the drama centers on Theo Procopides, a man who attempts to prevent his own death, foretold by the “fl ash forward.” ABC’s version has different characters and centers on an FBI agent who is desperate to fi nd out what caused the blackout and why. In addition, humanity sees visions 6 months in the future instead of the novel’s 21 years. Sawyer himself has apparently approved the direction of the series and will be writing one episode in FlashForward’s fi rst season.

the vampire diaries (CW- September 10) Inspired by: The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith This teen vampire series is about a girl who meets and falls for a vampire. But things get complicated when the vampire’s brother, also of the bloodsucking persuasion, comes to town and wants to claim the girl for himself. Originally intended as a trilogy, Smith’s series was so popular when it was released in 1991 that fan pressure forced her to write a fourth book. In February another Vampire Diaries book hit selves with two more scheduled for release next year. The CW took a cue from the successes of other vampire books turned multi-million dollar fi lm and TV franchises (Twilightt and True Blood, anyone?) and picked up Smith’s series for the small screen treatment. The show stars Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley and Ian Somerhalder as the heroine and the fanged brothers respectively.

18 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 19 THE VAMPIRE DIARIES view from the couch

on the tube

New fall shows mean the end of some of our favorite summer series’. 10 Things I Hate About You (ABC Family- September 8), True Blood (HBO- September 13), Hung (HBO- September 13), Eureka (Syfy- September 18), Ruby & the Rockits (ABC Family- September 21) and Warehouse 13 (SyFy- September 21) all wrap up their seasons this month. • FX unveils the second season of their biker drama Sons of Anarchy on September 8. • The third season of ABC Family’s Lincoln Heights premieres on the 14th. • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia the funniest show on FX, and perhaps cable TV as a whole, returns on September 17. • Premium channels HBO and Showtime have a few premieres this month as well. On September 20 Curb Your Enthusiasm returns to HBO. Paired with that hit series is a new comedy starring Jason Schwartzman called Bored to Death, in which he plays a down on his luck writer turned amateur detective. Over on Showtime, new episodes of fan favorites Dexter and Californication hit airwaves once again on September 27. • Some big award shows are scheduled to go down this month. The 2009 MTV Video Music Awards airs on September 13 with Brit comedian Russell Brand taking up hosting duties. The American Latino Media Arts Awards, or ALMA Awards, will be held on September 18 and will broadcast on ABC. Eva Longoria Parker and George Lopez will share the stage as hosts. Finally, the mother of all TV prizes is up for grabs on the 20th. The 61st Primetime Emmy Awards, hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, is coming to CBS and promises to be the most star-studded event in September.

network premieres We’ve got the skinny on the returning shows this month.

The CW is the fi rst network to show off their Monday schedule with new episodes of One Tree Hill and Gossip Girl premiering on September 14th. Crime gets its butt kicked with CSI: Miami (CBS- September 21) and Castle (ABC- September21). Over on CBS Monday is comedy night with the return of How I Met Your Mother, Two & a Half Men and The Big Band Theory. They all premiere on the 21st. Reality TV is alive and well with two hours of ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars, also airing on September 21. Finally, Mondays will also mark the return of some of TVs best dramas including Heroes (NBC- September 21), House (Fox- September 21) and Lie to Me (Fox- September 28).

On Tuesdays reality reigns with a two hour block of The Biggest Loser (NBC- September 15) and yet another episode of (ABC- September 22). Also premiering are (The CW- sneak peek Dancing with the Stars 90210 September 8) and NCIS (CBS- September 22).

A nice variety of entertainment will be available to viewers on Wednesdays. Reality shows are the fi rst out of the Wednesday night gates with the premieres of America’s Next Top Model (The CW- September 9) and So You think You Can Dance (Fox- September 16). On the 23rd, CBS brings comedy and drama with new episodes of Gary Unmarried, The New Adventures of Old Christine, Criminal Minds and CSI: New York. More drama can be had over on NBC with Law & Order: SVU, also premiering on September 23.

Arguably the most competitive night of television, Thursdays promise to bring some of the best shows on TV back to the airwaves. Known throughout the land as “Comedy Night Done Right,” Thursdays on new tv 2009-2010 NBC promise to bring the laughs with the returns of The Offi ce, Parks & Recreation and SNL Weekend Update Thursdays on the 17th. Fan favorites Supernatural (The CW- September 10), Survivor (CBS- TV fans, rejoice! Fall is fi nally here and it’s time once again to September 17), Bones (Fox- September 17), Grey’s Anatomy (ABC- September 24) and CSI (CBS- September 24) are all coming back this month. Finally, we’re most excited about revisiting the worlds of check out what new shows the networks have cooked up for Fringe (Fox- September 17) and The Mentalist (ABC- September 24), two of our favorite new shows from last season. our viewing pleasure. Here’s a rundown of each network’s brand new series’ and when you can catch them. Set your TiVo Friday night TV will tempt you to stay in this fall with new episodes of Dollhouse (Fox) on the schedule. You also might want to set your TiVos to catch Law & Order (NBC), Southland (NBC), Num3ers (CBS) accordingly. by kellie abrahamson and Smallville (The CW). Last but not least, you’ll see dead people when Medium and The Ghost Whisperer return to airwaves on CBS. New episodes of all of these shows begin on September 25. abc Rounding out the week is another biggie: Sunday nights. ABC is keeping things the same with new ABC won big with top dramas like Desperate Housewives, Grey’s Anatomy and Lost. This year the episodes of their hits Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Desperate Housewives and Brothers & Alphabet Net is hoping to score similar numbers with these new dramas: Sisters. CBS has Cold Case and The Amazing Race on the docket while Fox keeps things animated with new episodes of , and . All of these shows premiere on The Simpsons Family Guy American Dad THE FORGOTTEN (premiering September 22): A group of amateur sleuths attempt to solve crimes the September 27. police cannot, all of which involve unidentifi ed victims. The series stars Christian Slater, Reiko Aylesworth, Michelle Borth, Bob Stephenson, Anthony Carrigan and Rochelle Aytes.

dvd releases EASTWICK (September 23): Based on John Updike’s novel The Witches of Eastwick, this supernatural drama stars Rebecca Romijn, Lindsay Price and Jamie Ray Newman as three women given magical SEPTEMBER 1 Emperor (Rated PG) Easy Virtue (Rated with Hannah Montana powers by a mysterious man. Disney Nature presents Crank: High Voltage PG-13) (Not Rated) Earth (Rated G) (Rated R) FLASHFORWARD (September 24): The entire world is given a glimpse of their future and must fi gure Sugar (Rated PG-13) Local Color (Rated R) SEPTEMBER 22 SEPTEMBER 29 out what they want to do with this new knowledge. This supernatural thriller will feature Joseph Fiennes, Tennessee (Rated R) Observe and Report Monsters vs. Aliens John Cho, Jack Davenport, Sonya Walger, Courtney B. Vance, Brian O’Byrne, Christine Woods, Zachary Good Dick (Rated R) SEPTEMBER 15 (Rated R) (Rated PG) Knighton and Peyton List. X-Men Origins: Battle for Terra Hardware (Not Rated) SEPTEMBER 8 Wolverine (Rated PG- (Rated PG) The Girlfriend V (November 3): Massive spacecrafts arrive on Earth with beings that seemimgly wish to help mankind. Valentino: The Last 13) Wizards on Deck Experience (Rated R) But their presence is just too good to be true for a small group of skeptical humans who make it their mission to keep these aliens from taking over the world. We got a chance to see the pilot episode of V

20 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly and it’s easily one of the most intriguing series ABC has on its slate. We look forward to seeing what the creators have in store for us. V stars Elizabeth Mitchell, Morris Chestnut, Joel Gretsch, Lourdes Benedicto, Logan Huffman, Laura Vandervoort, Morena Baccarin and Scott Wolf.

Comedy hasn’t really been ABC’s strong point, but they’ll attempt to grab some laughs with these promising offerings:

COUGAR TOWN (September 23): Courtney Cox stars as a 40-something mom who fi nds herself back on the market after her divorce. Along with Cox, Cougar Town is also home to Christa Miller, Busy Philipps, Dan Byrd, Brian Van Holt, Josh Hopkins and Ian Gomez.

MODERN FAMILY (September 23) An unseen documentary crew follows the hilarious trials and tribulations of an extended family’s efforts to make it in the modern world. EU got a look at the pilot episode for this show and we’re hooked! Modern Family stars Ed O’Neill, Sofía Vergara, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Eric Stonestreet, Ty Burrell, Julie Bowen, Sarah Hyland, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould and Ariel Winter.

HANK (September 30): This comedy starring Kelsey Grammer is about a formerly successful business man who has to cope with being one of the little people. The show also features Melinda McGraw, David Koechner, Macey Cruthird and Ryan Wynott.

THE MIDDLE (September 30): Taking a cue from shows like Roseanne and Malcolm in the Middle, this series is about a middle class family just trying to survive the day to day. The Middle stars Patricia Heaton, Neil Flynn, Eden Sher, Atticus Shaffer and Charlie McDermott. cbs

The Eye will be unveiling three new dramas this fall, including a new version of the NCIS series that’s sure to be a viewer draw:

NCIS: LOS ANGELES (September 22): The fi rst spin-off from CBS’ hit series NCIS stars Chris O’Donnell, LL Cool J and Linda Hunt. In it a group of top-notch naval investigators solve crimes on the West Coast.

THE GOOD WIFE (September 22): Audiences will get to see political scandals from a new perspective with CBS’ new drama The Good Wife. In this series starring Julianna Margulies, Chris Noth, Christine Baranski and Matt Czuchry, a woman is forced to return to the workforce after her politician husband is sent to jail after very public sex and political corruption scandals.

THREE RIVERS (October 4): This medical drama focuses on the emotionally complex lives of organ donors, the recipients and the surgeons who perform the procedures. The series features Alex O’Loughlin, Katherine Moennig, Daniel Henney, Justina Machado, Christopher Hanke and Joaquim De Almeida. COMMUNITY

CBS is adding just one comedy to its schedule this fall: fox ACCIDENTALLY ON PURPOSE (September 21): The only new comedy on CBS’ slate is also one of the most promising of the year. In it, a San Francisco movie critic fi nds herself pregnant as a result of an affair Fox is lightening the mood this fall with three new comedies. Here’s a look: with a younger man. The two decide to move in together and soon fi nd that they have a lot less in common than they originally thought. The show features Jenna Elfman, Jon Foster and Grant Show. GLEE (September 16): An idealistic teacher takes on the task of turning the school’s lame glee club into a singing and dancing sensation with the help of some talented albeit socially awkward teens. The charming series stars Matthew Morrison, Jane Lynch, Jayma Mays, Jessalyn Gilsig, Lea Michele and Cory Monteith. GLEE

BROTHERS (September 18): Former NFL star Michael Strahan and Daryl “Chill” Mitchell play estranged brothers who are pressured to get along by their parents in this new half-hour sitcom. The series also stars Carl Weathers and CCH Pounder.

THE CLEVELAND SHOW (September 27): A spin-off of the insanely popular animated series Family Guy, The Cleveland Show centers on the character of Cleveland Brown and his family as he moves from Rhode Island to the fi ctional town of Stoolbend, Virginia.

nbc

With the addition of The Jay Leno Show, which will take up the 10 pm slot fi ve days a week (more on that later), NBC has little room to add much to the fall schedule. Still, here’s a look at the two dramas that made the cut:

MERCY (September 23): Three nurses navigate the daily traumas and social landmines of life and love both inside the hospital and out in the real world in this new drama from executive producer Gail Berman. Mercy features Taylor Schilling, Jamie Lee Kirchner and Michelle Trachtenberg.

TRAUMA (September 28): This medical drama is about fi rst responder paramedics and their action-packed days of saving lives. The series stars Derek Luke, Cliff Curtis, Anastasia Griffi th, Kevin Rankin, Aimee the cw Garcia, Billy Lush and Jamey Sheridan.

The C-Dub has cancelled its comedies and will be adding at least three new dramas to its schedule With hits like The Offi ce and 30 Rock on their schedule, comedy is one thing NBC does very well. this fall: Here’s a look at the only sitcom the network felt worthy of adding to the slate:

MELROSE PLACE (September 8): The success of 90210’s revival is bringing its biggest spinoff back from COMMUNITY (September 17): After his degree is deemed invalid by the State Bar, a fast-talking lawyer the dead. Laura Leighton, Thomas Calabro, Ashlee Simpson-Wentz, Shaun Sipos, Katie Cassidy, Colin must head back to community college to get it back. There, the suspended attorney meets other disgraced Egglesfi eld, Stephanie Jacobsen, Michael Rady and Jessica Lucas star in this sure fi re fan pleaser. individuals, including a man who’s been divorced seven times and a 28-year old drop out with something to prove. The series stars Joel Mchale, Chevy Chase, Gillian Jacobs, Yvette Nicole Brown and Danny Pudi. THE VAMPIRE DIARIES (September 10): Taking a cue from Twilight and True Blood, this month the C- Dub will unveil The Vampire Diaries, a new drama that is based on the L.J. Smith book series of the same As promised, here’s a peek at Jay Leno’s new talk show: name. In it, a centuries-old vampire is drawn to a teenage girl with a tragic past. The series stars Nina Dobrev, Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder and Steven R. McQueen. THE JAY LENO SHOW (September 14): Late night funnyman Jay Leno moves to primetime this fall for a new series that is strikingly similar to the talk show format he left in the spring. The show will have the THE BEAUTIFUL LIFE: TBL (September 16): Ashton Kuther’s production company brings us this glimpse usual monologue, celebrity interviews and comedy sequences, including Tonight Show favorites “Jay into the high stakes and high drama of high fashion. The surprisingly fascinating series follows several Walking” and “Headlines.” It will also feature new segments like green car races and “Stories Not Good teen models that all have the same goal: to make it in the glamorous world of catwalks and couture. The Enough for Nightly News” with NBC News anchor Brian Williams. Jerry Seinfeld will be the celebrity guest Beautiful Life features Sara Paxton, Mischa Barton, Corbin Bleu and Elle Macpherson. on the debut episode with a musical performance from Jay-Z, Rihanna and Kanye West.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 21 Sadly, the Alhambra Theatre has closed its Chorus Line, part of the upcoming doors, at least for now. They’re still going for- Artist Series season ward with their Oklahoma! show with JSO, but the physical location is closed. The Alhambra was one of the few remaining equity dinner theatres in the country, on a run of 41 years. Word is that the theatre might be taken over by new owners and revamped. Time will tell. We’ll keep you posted.

Sept 1, 8, 15 & 29 GROSS INDECENCY: THE THREE TRIALS OF OSCAR WILDE A Classic Theatre, Inc presents this production which recounts the fall of one of literature’s most widely read authors of our time. Tickets: $20. The Studio Theatre of Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave, St. Augustine, 904-829- 5807 Sept 4 - 5 COMEDIAN SHERYL UNDER- WOOD Sheryl’s down-to-earth approach, likable style, and ability to use humor to drive home her sometimes controversial point-of- view is what makes her one of the funniest and topical standup comics today. Under- wood makes her mark as ComicView’s fi rst- ever sole female host. Recently, BET viewers

theatre events voiced their preference for Sheryl as their adventure and intrigue of individuals associated with northeast saving souls but making money. The youth bent to this tempta- favorite comic by voting her into the winner’s Florida during the 19th Century times of the American Civil War. tion and begin compromising their wares and loosing their souls. circle as the BET Comedy Awards Dodge The program features the enlightening and entertaining stories of Stage Aurora Performance Hall, 5188 Norwood Ave (inside Gate- Platinum Mic Stand-Up. $20 or $25 depending on seat selection. St. Augustine’s native-born Confederate General Edmund Kirby- way Town Center), 765-7372 or 765-7373 The Comedy Zone (Ramada Inn) 3130 Hartley Road, (904) 292- Smith and his bride Cassie Selden, the Belle of Lynchburg, VA and HAHA www.comedyzone.com others. Begins 7:30 pm. Tickets: $8. San Marco Theatre, 28 San Sept 18 - Oct 4 THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST Jack Marco Ave, St. Augustine, 904-808-7211 or 904-471-0179 Worthing is in love with Gwendolen Fairfax, daughter of the domi- September 6 COMEDIAN NICK LEWIS First Sundays Comedy neering Lady Bracknell, and cousin of his friend Algernon ? who at Arielle’s with headliner BET Comicview Comedian Nick Lewis Sept 18-20 OKLAHOMA! The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra is also in love with Jack’s pretty young ward Cecily. Unfortunately and host BET Comicview Comedian Terry T. Harris. Tickets: $10 and Alhambra Theatre present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s clas- Jack and Gwendolen cannot marry until the mystery of Jack’s Adv / $15 Door. Open Mic Show 8 pm. Arielle’s Fine Dining, 7707 sic American musical that brings the old west to life. The Jack- parentage is solved, and how he came to be found in a handbag Arlington Expy, 365-8816 sonville Symphony Orchestra opens its 2009-2010 season with left at Victoria Station. The Importance of Being Earnestt is one of a semi-staged concert production of Oklahoma! with the cast of the most popular plays ever written. Subtitled “a trivial comedy for Sept 10 - 13 COMEDIAN JIM BREUER You probably know him the Alhambra Theatre. Experience the classic story in a concert serious people,” it bursts with witty dialogue and social satire, all from the movie but, Breuer fi rst rose to fame as a cast Half Bakedd production of the complete musical, accompanied by our very you’d expect from the writer of Lady Windermere’s Fan, An Ideal member of Saturday Night Live. Among his impersonations was own Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, with sets, lighting, cos- Husbandd and A Woman of No Importance. Rated PG. that of actor Joe Pesci, often accompanied by Colin Quinn playing tumes, acting, dancing, singing and an authentic surrey courtesy Theatre Jacksonville’s Harold K. Smith Playhouse, 2032 San fellow actor Robert De Niro. 8 pm The Comedy Zone (Ramada of Horse & Buggy Daze. Show times are Sept 18 at 8 pm, Sept Marco Blvd, 396-4425, www.theatrejax.com. Inn) 3130 Hartley Road, (904) 292-HAHA www.comedyzone. 19 at 2 pm and 8 pm and Sept 20 at 2 pm. Tickets are $26, $31, com $41, $56, $66. There will also be a themed event to precede the Sept 18 - Oct 10 BAREFOOT IN THE PARK Neil Simon’s roman- premiere of Oklahoma! on Friday, Sept 18, beginning at 6 pm at tic comedy focuses on newlyweds Corie and Paul Brater and their Sept 11 - 26 THE ACT ABET opens it season with a lively musi- the Times-Union Center. The Oklahoma Gala Celebration will in- adventures living in a miniscule, sixth fl oor, walk-up apartment in cal from the highly acclaimed songwriting team of Kander and clude heavy hors d’oeuvres, an open bar and special décor. Party Greenwich Village. Paul and his bride attempt to capture romance Ebb set in a fi ctional nightclub. Starred Liza Minnelli on Broadway reservation cost is $50 and net proceeds benefi t the Jacksonville in one room, with no heat, a hole in the skylight and oddball - wait till you see ABET’s version. Sept 11-13, 17-20, 24-26, Symphony. Jacoby Symphony Hall of the Times-Union Center for neighbors. Orange Park Community Theatre, 276-2599, www. Thurs, Fri & Sat at 8 pm and Sun at 2 pm. Tickets: $20. Atlantic Performing Arts, 354-5547, www.jaxsymphony.org. Read more OPCT.org Beach Experimental Theatre, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, on page 23 249-7177, www.abettheatre.com Sept 18 - October 18 PICNIC Winner of the Pulitzer Prize and Sept 18 – 27 APOSTASY: 360 DEGREES 5 non-secular church the Critic’s Circle award, The New York Times praised, “Inge has Sept 11-26 PIPPIN “We’ve got magic to do, just for you” prom- reared young adults whom are endowed with exceptional singing made a rich and fundamental play” from “commonplace people.” ises the opening number of Pippin, a delightful fable of self-dis- talents vowed at heart to sing only for the Lord. In their prowess Thurs, Fri and Sat at 7:30 and Sun at 2:00. Tickets: $25. Lime- covery, with music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and book by and acclaim commercial music corporations pursue them with the light Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave, St. Augustine, 904-825-1164 Roger O. Hirson. The show is directed by Lee Hamby, with music lure of big dollar fi gures whose intentions in gospel is not that of www.limelight-theatre.org. direction by Samuel Clein and choreography by Niki Stokes. The creative team, fresh from their sensational Hairr success, takes a fresh look at the 1972 Broadway hit, with its endearing folk-pop read weekly theatre reviews at www.eujacksonville.com score, sensuous dance numbers and larger-than-life characters. A wily troupe of traveling Players leads the audience on a surreal journey of the senses. Miranda Lawson is the Leading Player, in a role originated by Tony-winner Ben Vereen. Pippin is played vroom vroom... test drive your seats! Juan Unzueta, Pelican-nominated for his touching work in Bench- The Artist Series, Broadway in Jacksonville, 12th Annual Test Drive Your Seats is happening Wednesday, September 16th warmers. David Alan Thomas plays the overbearing warrior-king at the Times-Union Center from 10 am to 6 pm. The Artist Series, Broadway in Jacksonville, is a division of Florida State College Charles. It’s an upbeat and entertaining beginning for the 2009-10 at Jacksonville and is the largest presenter of national and international touring companies in Northeast Florida and Southeast Mainstage Season. September 11-12, 17-18-19, 24-25-26 at 8 Georgia. pm. Sunday matinees are 2 pm on September 13 and 20. Regu- The Artist Series 2009-2010 Broadway Season includes Oprah Winfrey Presents The Color Purple from November 17-22, A lar admission is $25. Thursdays are 2-for-1 Student Night, with Chorus Line from January 19-24, The Wizard of Oz from February 23-28, and Grease! – starring American Idol Taylor Hicks from two tickets for $25 for students with ID. Sold-out houses are the April 27-May 2, with the four show package deal starting as low as $86.50. Two subscriber specials also included are Mamma norm for PBTS musicals, so reserve early to avoid disappoint- Mia! from March 26-28 and Chicago from May 21-23. ment. Players by the Sea, 106 Sixth St., Jacksonville Beach, 249- Current season ticket holders will be able to pick up their ticket packets, exchange their tickets, buy additional tickets and test 0289 www.playersbythesea.org. drive their seats. Season ticket holders have advantages over single ticket purchasers which include the guarantee of best seats in the house, easy ticket exchange, ticket insurance and priority seating. Sept 15 UNTOLD STORIES FROM ST. AUGUSTINE’S CIVIL WAR Individuals seeking to purchase season ticket are encouraged to come out and see the venue and what seats are available. ERA Tale Tellers of St. Augustine continue a long storytelling tra- Single tickets for all shows will be available for purchase to all season ticket holders. dition in St. Augustine. Untold Stories from St. Augustine’s Civil To order by phone with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover call the The Artist Series Box Offi ce at (904) 632- War Era is a unique and informative program that interprets the 3373 (toll-free outside of Jacksonville 1-888-860-BWAY.)

22 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly oh what a beautiful match up

Peanut butter and jelly. Milk and cookies. Christmas and bad sweaters. Some things just go together. This month the Alhambra Dinner Theatre and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra will prove just that when they make beautiful music (and theatre) together for four

performances of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical Oklahoma! by kellie abrahamson

This isn’t the fi rst time the two have teamed up for something special. In honor of the dinner theater’s 40th anniversary, the two collaborated last May to bring The Music Man to the Jacoby Symphony Hall. This was a “concert version” of the musical, meaning the JSO and the cast of 21 actors shared the stage, trimmed away some of the dialogue to shorten the play and had limited choreography due to a lack of space. The fi ve performances were such a smashing success that the duo joined forces yet again six months later to present a fully staged production of West Side Story across the lobby in the Moran Theatre. Again, the match up proved to be a triumph, wowing fans and critics alike. EU’s own Dick Kerekes called it “a perfectly wonderful theatre experience” and hoped for “more of the same next season.” Well, next season has come and it seems the Symphony and the Alhambra heard his call. This time around the two First Coast institutions will tackle Oklahoma!, Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein’s very fi rst collaboration. Fitting, no? The tale is set in 1906 and follows the romance between a cowboy named Curley and his lady love Laurey. With instantly recognizable songs like ‘Oh What a Beautiful Mornin’,’ ‘Surrey with the Fringe on Top,’ ‘People Will Say We’re In Love’ and of course ‘Oklahoma,’ the musical is an unforgettable snapshot of Americana and a true fan favorite. For Oklahoma!, the exceptionally talented actors and musicians will go back to the concert format on the Jacoby Hall stage. We spoke with the show’s director, Alhambra owner Tod Booth, who gave us an idea of what to expect. “It’s all costumes and sets,” he said. “But since we’re on stage in front of the orchestra… the sets are designed so you can see through them. They’re more or less skeletal, if you will. All the windows are skeletal, so you can see the symphony performing behind it.” This unique format will allow audiences to experience Oklahoma! in a whole new way, and not just visually. “On Broadway, the maximum they have is 25 people in the pit… I don’t know the exact number but we’ll probably do it with 60 musicians,” Booth explained. “The dynamics of it, the size of it, the sound of it is just so much grander than a normal Broadway show... It’s just an exciting setting to participate in.” Recently the JSO gave Oklahoma! fans at the Florida Theatre a sneak peek at what’s in store. On July 26th the fi lm version of the musical was screened as part of the theater’s Summer Movie Classics series. Before the show, six symphony chorus members, accompanied by the fi ddle-playing of JSO Concertmaster Philip Pan, performed songs from the play. The performers were in full costume and even arrived at the Florida Theatre in an actual horse-drawn carriage. The event proved to be as much fun for the singers as it was for those who witnessed the spectacle. “We were given the royal treatment. The ambiance was perfect and the weather was splendid,” said chorus member Dorothy Jean Bush. “And while we were singing and waving to people on our buggy ride, we were stopping traffi c along the way. September will be a great time to enjoy the JSO- Alhambra production of Oklahoma! and we encourage everyone to attend.” Catch this very special production of Oklahoma! on September 18, 19 and 20 at the Times- Union Center’s Jacoby Symphony Hall. Sadly, the Alhambra venue will be closing, (see page 22) however this collaboration will be going on as planned. The show’s run only consists of four performances so get your tickets as soon as possible because this is one event that’s sure to pack the house. Tickets range in price from $26-$66. For more information, visit jaxsymphony.org or call 354-5547.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 23 Event listing provided jaguars football preview by Jax4Kids.com

In Week One, Jacksonville opens on the road, playing the Colts (12-4 last year). We all know Indy has given the Jags a nasty time. They are led by perhaps the best QB in the NFL, Peyton Manning, who continues playing at a high level. And while the Colts will be without veteran WR Marvin Harrison, Sept 2 -7 2nd Annual Beach Manning will still have great receivers to throw to, including TE Dallas Clark and WR Reggie Wayne. Days at The Landing More than Defensively, the Colts are led by S Bob Sanders, who has established himself as a leader on the 100 tons of sand transforms squad. You can also look for a strong pass rush, led by DE’s Robert Mathis and Dwight Freeney. This the Courtyard into downtown will be a different year for the Colts, playing without veteran Head Coach Tony Dungy. Former Assistant Jacksonville’s only beach during Jim Caldwell comes in to run the show. Labor Day weekend. Live All of this means that Indy will be strongly favored to win this one, and I would consider it an upset music on the stage each day if the Jags prevail. and night, sand toys, beach chairs, hula hoop contest and In Week Two, the Jaguars open up their home slate against the Cardinals, a team that last played in Tampa for Super Bowl XLIII, losing to the Steelers. This is a team that has a strong passing offense, more. Don’t miss the Krystal led by veteran QB Kurt Warner, and perhaps the best receiver combo in the NFL, with Anquan Boldin Square Off World Hamburger and Larry Fitzgerald. Add in third WR Steve Breaston, and a solid running game with Tim Hightower and Eating Championship on Mon, rookie Beanie Wells (Ohio St.), and you can say that the Jags certainly will have their hands full in this local professional eater and one. hometown hero Hall “Hoover” Golden Dragon Acrobats Hunt will be competing again In Week Three, Jacksonville goes back out on the road, this time to Houston, to face a Texans team that has gradually improved. Last year, they fi nished at 8-8. The Texans feel they can do better this year. Five amateur hopefuls competitions, shrimp boat excursions, shrimp eating than that. This is a team led by two solid All-Pros, in DE Mario Williams on Defense, and WR Andre will be chosen at 1 pm with contests, cookbook signings, and much more. The Johnson on offense. Houston also has RB Steve Slaton, who rushed for over 1,200 last year. Take into the qualifying eating contest festival is completed with live entertainment, arts consideration the Jaguars have lost to the Texans in fi ve of the last six seasons, and you know why this beginning at 2 pm. The winner and crafts vendors, and a kids’ fun zone. www. is gonna be a tough game for Del Rio and his squad to bring home a ‘W’. goes to the Krystal Square Off jekyllisland.com/shrimpandgrits/ family events VI World Hamburger Eating Then in Week Four, Jacksonville will come back home, this time to face those nasty Tennessee Titans (13-3 last season). Without question, a rivalry has developed between these two teams. They Championship, and possibly Sept 19 Dog Days in the Park Presented by the frankly don’t care for each other. A lot of it has to do with Jeff Fisher and the Titans’ success against $50,000 in cash prizes. The Springfi eld Animal Care & Rescue Club. Adoptable Jacksonville. The Titans hold a 16-12 edge in the series history, and they’ve beaten the Jags four of Jacksonville Landing, www.jacksonvillelanding.com. animals from local rescue groups will showcase the last six times they’ve played here in Municipal Stadium. Stuff like that does not make for friendly pets in Petco’s Rescue Row. The event also features relations. Sept 5 Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Butterfl y the Disc-Connected K9’s, food, drink, a silent Tennessee will come in with the veteran QB Kerry Collins, and a solid running game, led by RB’s Garden Tour Come enjoy the butterfl ies as they auction, costume contest and a children’s play area. LenDale White, Chris Johnson and Chris Henry. Defensively, they lost DT Albert Haynesworth to free fl utter by while experts point out the important plants Admission is free. 11 am to 5 pm at Confederate agency, but still have DE’s Jevon Kearse and Kyle Vanden Bosch to create problems for any offense. that attract those elegantly peaceful insects to your Park (the city’s new off-leash dog park). This means the Jags will once again have a tough time playing their Division nemesis. garden. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, All in all, its not gonna be an easy fi rst month for this squad, without question. I’m guessing 757-4463 Sept 19 Rollin’ on the River Enjoy hundreds of they might be happy to go 2-2. If nothing else, we will get a very good chance to see what these cars of all makes and models at the annual regional Jacksonville Jaguars have got in the tank, hopeful that, if nothing else, they can be entertaining and Sept 5 - 6 Golden Dragon Acrobats perform open car and truck show for the 1st Coast Car exciting to watch. “Cirque D’Or” The Golden Dragon Acrobats from Council. Enjoy music, prizes, raffl es and 50/50 Hebei, China, perform a number of gravity defying drawing with all proceeds benefi ting the Ronald acrobatic feats. Show starts at 7:30pm. $12 for McDonald House Charities. 9 am-4 pm. The Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lonnie Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron adults and $6 for children 12 and under and seniors. Jacksonville Landing, www.jacksonvillelanding.com Duguay on SportsAvengers.com 24/7. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A South, 904- 471-1965, www.staugamphitheatre.com Sept 19 “Ride For Recovery” Motorcycle Ride schedule game! Activities include live entertainment and Keep Kids Drug Free September Recovery Month appearances by Coach Jack Del Rio, Owners Sept 5-7 Event. Live entertainment- Xodus, Celinda Pink’s Preseason 27th Annual Labor Day Weekend Catfi sh Wayne and Delores Weaver, current and former Enjoy crispy southern-fried catfi sh and Blues Band, Billie Holiday. Kid’s zone, youth art Sep. 3 7:30 pm Festival Washington Redskins Jaguars players, Jaxson De Ville, The Roar, a succulent serving of country music during exhibit & free health screenings. 10 am - 5 pm. Free Jaguars D-Line and more! Jacksonville Municipal Kingsland, Georgia’s Annual Labor Day Weekend to the public. Metro Park, 485-3512 Stadium at the Jaguar Statue 6-10 pm, 630-3690, Catfi sh Festival. Events include a parade, free www.recoverymonth.org www.coj.net. concerts, arts & crafts booths, southern fried and Cajun Catfi sh, a variety of food booths, antiques and Sept 19 Annual Family Literacy Fair Presented collectibles, entertainment, children’s amusement by Florida State College at Jacksonville, the Fair will support your team! show area, a 5K run, a classic car & tractor exhibition. For feature interactive games and music, face painting, your teal! more information, call 912-729-5999 or visit www. JSO equipment, Mr. Wizard, music, storytelling, VisitKingsland.com games, prizes and surprises. A dental presentation Support your team and show your TEAL every and vision screening will be available and lunch Friday during the football season. Let them Sept 12 ZOObilee ZOObilee is a casual, family will be provided. 10 am-2 pm, free and open to the know you’re saying GO JAGUARS! Display fl ags after-hours fundraising event with play park, public. Florida State College’s North Campus, 4501 and banners. Wear hats, t-shirts and buttons! photo by daniel goncalves giant infl atables, games, carousel and train rides, Capper Rd, 766-6553. Send your GO JAGUARS! pictures to info@ kid friendly food, adult-friendly drinks, animal Regular Season eujacksonville.com and see if you are EU’s encounters, and more. 6 - 9 pm. Children $25, Sept 20 It’ll be a tail Sep. 13 at Indianapolis Colts 1:00 pm Yappy Hour “Round Up” featured fan next month. Adults $75, Family of Five $200. Jacksonville Zoo & waggin’, paw stompin’ good time at this month’s Sep. 20 1:00 pm Arizona Cardinals Gardens, 370 Zoo Pkwy, 757-4463 event for dogs and their pets (a.k.a. owners). Dogs Sep. 27 at Houston Texans 1:00 pm Jacksonville Jaguars are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite Jacksonville Municipal Stadium Sept 18 - 20 This festival cowboy or cowgirl. Enjoy live music by the George Sept 18 Shrimp & Grits Festival Jaguars Kick Off Pep Rally One Stadium Place on Jekyll Island is about two Southern favorites Aspinall Band till 8 pm, pet expo, games, prizes, Make a game plan to kick off the season right as [email protected] – Georgia shrimp and grits. Highlights of the festival drink specials and more. 4 -7 pm. The Jacksonville the anticipation builds for the Jaguars fi rst home 904-633-2000 or 1-877-4-JAGS-TIX include, the amateur and professional cooking Landing, www.jacksonvillelanding.com

24 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly local music news

Pop rock fi ve piece Coming This Fall releases their sophomore EP, Claim to Fame on September 4. Party with the band and the rest of their fans at their Freebird Live CD release party that same day. A Jasey Project, Doubting Benefi t, Ocean Is Theory and Radio City Confessions are also performing. • Yet another CD release party is happening on the 5th. The latest from Jeremiah Daly’s acoustic project, The Perfect Measure, will be unveiled at the Murray Hill Theatre. • Local light country artist Julie Durden is holding a benefi t concert for suicide prevention on September 5. The special event is taking place at the Beach Boulevard European Street. Come out to support this worthy cause. • A homecoming of sorts is taking place on September 8 at Jack Rabbits. Concert promoter, band manager, EU contributor and all around great guy Jeremy Gould is coming back to town and SUNBEARS!, Shangrala and Lark & Owl are welcoming him home with a local’s show that’s not to be missed. • Doozer’s Pub is celebrating their 2 year anniversary on September 11. The festivities will include one heck of a concert with guests Grabbag, The 2416, Super Pizza Party and more. • Neo-soul songstress Monica Monet will show off her latest effort, Nappy Halo Vol. 1, at Poppy Love Smoke on the 19th. The $15 admission will get you a copy of the CD and goodies including free dessert. That’s a sweet deal! • A Fall to Rise is shooting a music video in town on September 19 and 20 for their song ‘Faded & X Rated.’ Details are still being ironed out but they want fans to be in it so keep an eye on their website, www.afalltorise.com, for the latest. • A local tradition, Murray Hill Theatre’s King of the Hill competition, continues on the 26th with yet another round. Come out and show your support. • Finally, the Battle for Planetfest continues this month at Jack Rabbits with bands duking it out on September 7, 14, 21 and 28. See some of the best acts the city has to offer all in one place!

venue of the month Sometimes good bands don’t come to us, so we have to go to them! get outta town! Here are a few road trip-worthy shows to check out this month: September 1 Depeche Mode / Peter Bjorn and John Lakewood Amphitheater (Atlanta, GA) September 3 The Postmarks / Peter Bjorn And John The Social (Orlando, FL) September 9 Chairlift / Micachu & the Shapes Drunken Unicorn (Atlanta, GA) September 10 Pet Shop Boys Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center (Tampa, FL) September 20 fun. / Miniature Tigers Drunken Unicorn (Atlanta, GA) September 20-27 2009 Savannah Jazz Festival various venues (Savannah, GA) September 25 Matt Nathanson / Sugarland / Jake Owen St. Pete Times Forum (Tampa, FL) September 29 Dr. Dog The Loft (Atlanta, GA) September 30 The Sounds Revolution (Ft Lauderdale, FL)

the spotlight the sinclair This month the EU spotlight burns brightly down on the talented (904) 358-0005, www.thesinclairjax.com local band Marion Crane. We got the great opportunity to catch up with 521 W. Forsyth St., Downtown them and discuss all the exciting things that they have in the works, from collaborating with Grammy award-winning producers to possibly Downtown Jax’s newest drink house is going on tour with major acts. classing things up. The Sinclair, named after For a band that hasn’t even been together a full year it is extremely Pulitzer Prize-winning author Upton Sinclair, is a hard to believe just how perfectly they have put everything together so bar and performance space with an altogether quickly. Marion Crane consists of four members and one of the most uptown feel. Their dark wood bar and exposed dedicated managers you will fi nd with any band out there today. While brick walls with portraits of John Updike, Ray their combined efforts and musical abilities have forged a musical style Bradbury and the bar’s namesake (all of which diffi cult to pigeonhole in a specifi c genre, the core of the music is some were painted by local artist Ryan Strasser) work together to create an artsy, chic atmosphere serious hard rock that will rattle your senses. Thomas Hill (vocals, with an old-fashioned twist. Situated just off the guitar) created the fi rst breath of life for the band when he made four beaten path (where Voodoo Lounge used to be, songs in early ‘08 that gained quick attention through internet radio and just past the bus station) and marked only by a a release on iTunes. Near the end of that same year Hill enlisted the swirly “S” on the front window, the Sinclair is services of Jasper Judge for lead guitar, and shortly there after they destined to be one of those locals-only spots brought aboard Adam Tillis on drums. All three went to work immediately, and the result was the recently released Amphetamine E.P. Then, that you’ll want to take out-of-towners to in this July, Henry McMillan came into the fold to play bass after fi rst helping with photo work for the band. “We have been very fortunate with order to show them that Jacksonville can be fi nding members,” says Hill about the fact that none of the members knew one another prior to working together. Each member was found hip too. Past the player piano and the gorgeous on the fi rst audition. Now with a solid four musicians in place they are about to begin their latest assault on the musical world. bar, an elevated stage has been built in the back Next up for the band is a trip to Royal Studios to work with lifetime achievement Grammy winner Willie Mitchell. Mitchell has produced where, on any given night, you can catch some of our fair city’s most unique musical acts, DJs over 400 artists in his career, and was determined to get the band into the studio to produce after he heard what they bring to the table. or even a sketch comedy troupe or theatrical Their plans are to hit the studio around November or December, and hopefully have the album completed in time for an early 2010 release. performance. No hard liquor is on the premises Also in the works is a possible tour on which they will be opening for a major act, which still hasn’t been confi rmed, and manager Charlie but you have plenty of beer (on tap and bottled) Lightcap couldn’t divulge who it might be at the time of our sit down together. Though later on he did note the fact that “it looks pretty and wine to choose from. And just to mix things promising that it will happen.” up, the Sinclair also serves sake and champagne If you haven’t heard Marion Crane yet, then rest assured it will not be too long before you do. With all of the things they are at work on cocktails. Their website is still in the works, but currently, and the fact that they already have enough songs created for another album or two after this one, there’s a good chance they’ll be check out the Sinclair’s Facebook page (www. on everyone’s radar very soon. facebook.com/home.php#/thesinclairjax) for regular updates on their upcoming events. september album releases coming this month: HEALTH Get Color September 22 September 1 Holopaw Oh, Glory. Oh, Wilderness Alice in Chains Black Gives Way to Blue September 3 Edge of Sketch (comedy show) David Bazan Curse Your Branches Polvo In Prism Volcano Choir Unmap September 6 The Bronzed Chorus / Antarctic The Apples in Stereo #1 Hits Explosion Yo La Tengo Popular Songs / City Lights Bloom September 29 September 10 Helado Negro September 8 September 15 7 Worlds Collide The Sun Came Out September 12 Chris Spohn & Chris Phillips- Saosin In Search of Solid Ground Grand Archives Keep In Mind Frankenstein You Say Party! We Say Die! XXXX Bossa Nova Raekwon Only Built for Cuban Linx 2 Butterfl y Boucher Scary Fragile Avett Brothers I and Love and You

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 25 SEPTEMBER 10 Helado Negro The son of Juliette Lewis performing at Jack Rabbits this month. Tickets: $17/advance, $20/ Ecuadorean immigrants, Roberto Carlos Lange, day of show. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 also known as Helado Negro, draws from his Latin heritage as well as 60s pop, Funkadelic SEPTEMBER 26 Shooter Jennings As the son of Waylon Jennings and the world around him to create his unique and Jesse Colter, Shooter Jennings has country music in his blood. brand of experimental music. His debut CD, The legacy has produced three chart-topping records since 2005 and Awe Owe, was released last month and features is the host of his own weekly two-hour radio show, Shooter Jennings’ contributions from Guillermo S. Herren (Prefuse Electric Rodeo. He’s currently at work on a new album that reportedly 73), Matt Crum (Feathers), Jason Ajemian (Born has a more rock feel, but is taking a break to hit the road and is Heller, Chicago Underground Trio), Shannon making a stop at Maverick’s on September 26. With JJ Grey & Mofro Fields (Stars Like Fleas) and many more. See and Earl Greyhound opening, this should be one heck of a show. Helado Negro with guest Jason Ajemian live at Tickets: $20-$30. Mavericks, 356-1110 the Sinclair on September 10. The Sinclair, 358- 0005 SEPTEMBER 27 Islands Nick Diamonds, also known as Nicholas Thorburn, didn’t sit idle after his the Unicorns split. He decided to SEPTEMBER 11 Toad the Wet Sprocket With form Islands, a project that combines beautiful pop melodies with their catchy early 90s hits ‘All I Want’ and ‘Walk elements of afro-pop, hip hop and indie rock. The Montreal-based act on the Ocean,’ Toad the Wet Sprocket will is unveiling their newest effort Vapors on September 22 and is already forever live on in the consciousness of those on the road in support of it. Hear some of their new stuff live at Jack who owned a radio during that time. The band Rabbits on the 27. Tickets: $12/advance, $15/day of show. Jack was so popular at the time that their music could Rabbits, 398-7496 be found on over a dozen movie and television soundtracks. Though they offi cially broke up in SEPTEMBER 29 The Decemberists Blending pop, indie rock, folk 1998, the band has worked together on multiple and most recently progressive rock, the Decemberists are easily occasions since then and offi cially reunited one of the most consistently interesting bands on the scene today. in 2006. We’ll get our chance to see and hear Their most recent album Hazards of Love is a concept piece that tells what this nostalgic band has been up to when a twisted fairy tale complete with a damsel in distress, her shape- th

music events they come to the Freebird on the 11 . Tickets: shifting lover, a wicked forest queen bent on seeing them apart and $20/advance, $25/day of show. Freebird Live, a selfi sh rake with a gruesome past. The Decemberists will tell this 246-BIRD tale in full when they come to the St Augustine Amphitheatre and will then return to the stage for a second set of their older stuff. This SEPTEMBER 12 Willie Heath Neal No, you’re not going crazy. this month with Kill Hannah and Paper Route. Tickets: $17/advance, is one show you do not want to miss! Tickets: $25. St. Augustine Punk rock cowboy Willie Heath Neal is returning to Jack Rabbits $20/day of show. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Amphitheatre, 471-1965 on September 12th. It was just four months ago that Neal made an appearance in the River City, but the Georgia-born songwriter is SEPTEMBER 16 Secondhand Serenade John Vesely, who is said back once again to share with fans his blend of traditional country, to have the vocal range of an 80s hair band and looks to rival Elvis, Alice Cooper honky-tonk and rockabilly with a punk sensibility. Amy Hendrickson, went from band to band, fi nding that he could never settle with just Longfellow Street and Truckstop Coffee will also play. Tickets: $8/ one. Then in the summer of 2004, Vesely decided to do his own thing advance, $10/day of show. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 and go solo. The result was Secondhand Serenade, an acoustic rock project that spawned several hit songs including the certifi ed Platinum ditty ‘Fall for You.’ See Secondhand Serenade this month at Freebird Live. Tickets: $18/advance, $20/day of show. Freebird Live, 246-BIRD

SEPTEMBER 21 Smokey Robinson If you’re looking for the all-time number one purveyor of mainstream romantic soul, Smokey Robinson may well be the man. With the Miracles in the 1960s, he turned out dozens of Motown hits and later, as a solo performer from the 1970s onward, he was one of the staples of urban contemporary music. As a songwriter and producer Robinson was the most important musical component to Motown’s early success, not only on the hits by the Miracles, but for numerous other acts as well. See Smokey Robinson at the Florida Theatre on September 21. Tickets: $45-$85. Florida Theatre, 355-5661

SEPTEMBER 23 Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Time to break out your old zoot suit! The band at the forefront of the Swing revival, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, is coming to Freebird Live this month. The act formed in 1989 but didn’t see commercial success until they appeared the 1996 hit fi lm Swingers. Since then, the band has come out with seven albums and even performed at the Super Bowl. Don’t miss your chance to see Big Bad Voodoo Daddy on September 23. Tickets: $20/ OCTOBER 5 Alice Cooper With a career spanning four decades, She Wants Revenge advance, $25/day of show. Freebird Live, 246-BIRD rock superstar Alice Cooper knows how to please a crowd. His stage shows often feature props like guillotines, electric chairs, fake SEPTEMBER 25 Juliette Lewis You might know her from fi lms like blood, boa constrictors and creepy baby dolls, mixing his heavy SEPTEMBER 15 She Wants Revenge San Fernando Valley duo She Cape Fear, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape?, and, of course, Natural Born metal stylings with a touch of the theatrical and branding him with the Wants Revenge is releasing their new EP Up and Down this month Killers, but Juliette Lewis is a mere actress no more. In 2003, Lewis world’s most “beloved heavy metal entertainer” according to Rolling and is on the road get the word out. The goth-rock group found crossed over into music and formed Juliette and the Licks which Stone Magazine. Last year Cooper released is 25th studio album, limited commercial success with their 2005 single ‘Tear You Apart,’ found some minor success in the UK with songs like ‘Hot Kiss’ and the hotly anticipated Along Came a Spider. Hear him perform tracks but after spending much of the following year on tour with Depeche ‘Sticky Honey.’ The band split earlier this year, but Lewis is continuing from that record along with all of his biggest hits when he comes Mode and Placebo, the band has developed something of a cult on and will release a new album, Terra Incognita, on September 1st to Daytona on October 5. Tickets: $40-$55. Peabody Auditorium following that continues to grow with each new release. See them with her new band the New Romantiques. Juliette and the band will be (Daytona), (386) 671-3462

26 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly day-to-day music

September 1 Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- September 5 9595 Ritz Jazz’n Jam Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, Chuck McComas Landshark Café (Jacksonville 632-5555 Beach), 246-6024 VJ Jaren Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 Matrix Infi nity Café 331, 354-1999 Brian Turner & the Riptide / Hipp Street / Cloud 9 Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 September 2 Suicide Prevention Benefi t: Julie Durden European Jimmy Parrish & the Ocean Waves Jacksonville Street Listening Room (Beach), 399-1740 Landing, 353-1188 Killer on the Way / American Attitude / Azmyth Stu Weaver Milltop Tavern (St. Augustine), 829- Freebird Live, 246-BIRD 2329 Long Strange Day / Our Never Ending Life Doozers kLoB Burrito Gallery, 598-2922 Pub, 738-8922 Jimi Graves & Supernatural Whitey’s Fish Camp The Perfect Measure Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 (Orange Park), 269-4198 Destin for Florida / The Rommels Ocean Club (Jacksonville Beach), 242-8884 September 3 Ben Robinson Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Beach), Stu Weaver City Coffee Company (St. Augustine), 247-6636 209-6810 Untamed Spirit Trade Winds Lounge (St. Augustine), Korby Lenker / Angel Snow European Street 829-9336 Listening Room (San Marco), 399-1740 Stu Weaver Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cobblestone We Still Dream! / Select Start / Faster Faster / Village, (St. Augustine), 819-8880 Inside the Target Car Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Fleming Big Engine Box Seats, 908-7328 Island), 541-1999 Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville Laurel Lee and the Escapees Shantytown, 798- Beach), 241-5600 8222 Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), Lil Streetz Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 269-4198 The Ride Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269- 4198 September 4 Paint the Town Red Doozers Pub, 738-8922 September 6 Becoming the Archetype Murray Hill Theatre, 388- Soldiers Of Jah Army Freebird Live, 246-BIRD 3179 Michael Funge Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Amateur Night Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 632- 9595 5555 Brian Turner & the Riptide / Party Train RAB Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 George Aspinall Band / Paul Lundgren Band Tattooed Millionaires Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 BATTLE! / Hercules / Legacies / Gnarly by Nature / Running Rampant Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Little High Little Low Doozers Pub, 738-8922 Coming This Fall / A Jasey Project / Radio City Split-Tone / Whyte Python Ocean Club (Jacksonville Confessions / Ocean Is Theory Freebird Live, 246- Beach), 242-8884 BIRD Agraceful / Apollo’s Lyre / Confi de / Memphis May Goldcure / Airport Factory TSI, 424-3531 Fire / Aglacea Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 ASG / The Uprise / What About Me Landshark Café NEXUS 3 Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 (Jacksonville Beach), 246-6024 Antarctic / The Bronzed Chorus / City Lights Bloom Untamed Spirit Trade Winds Lounge (St. Augustine), The Sinclair, 358-0005 829-9336 Chuck Nash Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville Lorenzo & the All-Stars West Inn Cantina, 389-1131 Beach), 241-5600 Stu Weaver Mizu Sushi & Grill, 880-0889 Bookie Freaks Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), The Muzik Director The Pangea Live, thepangealive. 269-4198 com Vagrant Undertow Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 September 7 Bambi Shoots Backk Box Seats, 908-7328 Sugar Bear Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Captain Hookk Mellow Mushroom (Fleming Island), Battle for Planetfest: His Name Was Iron / 541-1999 Supercollide / Morning After / HILLvalley Jack Big Al & the Kaholics Square One, 306-9004 Rabbits, 398-7496 The Ride Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269- Pili Pili Ocean Club (Jacksonville Beach), 242-8884 4198 Stu Weaver Harry’s of St. Augustine, 824-7765

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 27 Shotgun Harbour Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 September 8 12th annual gram parsons guitar pull and SUNBEARS! / Shangrala / The Lark & Owl Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 tribute festival Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- 9595 Winter Haven, Florida’s Make Medicine Sickk Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Gram Parsons lived a short life, September 9 but a memorable one. At age The Supervillians Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 26, the country rock pioneer Stu Weaver Milltop Tavern (St. Augustine), 829- became a legend by bridg- 2329 ing the gap between the two Advent / Have Heart Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 genres. Though none of his Jimi Graves & Supernatural Whitey’s Fish Camp projects received commercial (Orange Park), 269-4198 success in life, his work has in- September 10 spired countless artists through the years and today he’s held Groundation Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Amateur Night Auditions Ritz Theatre & LaVilla up as one of the most revered Museum, 632-5555 musical minds of our genera- Helado Negro The Sinclair, 358-0005 tion. Connor Christian and the Southern Gothic On September 17, 18 and European Street Listening Room (San Marco), 399- 19 the annual Gram Parsons Leon Russell 1740 Guitar Pull and Tribute Festival will Ethan Gibson / Benjamin Jackson Doozers Pub, take place at Okefenokee Fairgrounds. The three day event is now in its 12th year and will fea- 738-8922 ture the musical talents of headliners Leon Russell, Charlie Louvin, Randall Bramblett, Tommy Stu Weaver City Coffee Company (St. Augustine), 209-6810 Talton, Ian Dunlop and Bloodkin, all of which name Parsons as one of their biggest infl uences. In addition to that brilliant bunch, dozens of other regional musicians will pay tribute as well. Danka Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville Beach), 241-5600 Tickets are now on sale for this very special event. For just $30 you can experience all of Big Engine Box Seats, 908-7328 the musical magic but you can get single-show tickets for as little as $5. For a complete look Rock Show Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), at the three-day event and other details, visit www.gramparsonsguitarpull.com. 269-4198

September 11 Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Toad the Wet Sprocket 1991 / To Esme Shantytown, 798-8222 5 Day Beginning / Echoes Thru Chaos Ocean Club Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), The Alan Dalton Trio Ivan TSI, 424-3531 (Jacksonville Beach), 242-8884 249-9595 Shawn Lightfoot/ Mallory Overton McKendry / DJ Kevin Snow TSI, 424-3531 Tini Martini Bar (St. Augustine), 829- Peggie Black Longfellow Street Starlite Café, 329-3374 BlackSnake / Cuttman / McComas Landshark Café 0928 Burning Daylight Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), (Jacksonville Beach), 246-6024 The Gator Country Fall Concert Series- Steve Holy 269-4198 Lisa & the Mad Hatters Trade Winds Lounge (St. / Kate & Kacey Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Augustine), 829-9336 Jack Lannen Fall / The Material / Shut Up & Deal September 12 Stu Weaver Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cobblestone Rabbits, 398-7496 Jamie DeFrates / Susan Brown European Street Village, (St. Augustine), 819-8880 Doozers Grabbag / The 2416 / Super Pizza Party Listening Room (Beach), 399-1740 Set the Record Straight / Thick as Blood / Pub, 738-8922 Grayland Daisy / VJ Jaren Culhane’s (Atlantic Lionheart / Endwell / Venia / As Darkness Shines All Is Art IV Jax Beach Art & Music Celebration Beach), 249-9595 Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Ocean Club (Jacksonville Beach), 242-8884 George Aspinall Band / Artisan / Sugar Bear Derryck Lawrence / Poppe De Ares Endo Exo, 396- The Fritz Landshark Café (Jacksonville Beach), Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 7733 246-6024 Chris Spohn & Chris Phillips- Bossa Nova The Yankee Slickers Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville Lisa & the Mad Hatters Trade Winds Lounge (St. Sinclair, 358-0005 Beach), 241-5600 Augustine), 829-9336 Willie Heath Neal / Amy Hendrickson / Longfellow Burning Daylight Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), West Inn Cantina, 389-1131 40 Watt Street / Truckstop Coffee Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 269-4198 Mizu Sushi & Grill, 880-0889 Stu Weaver SumFX-182 Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Kevin Lee Newberry / Borromakat / Frosted Flakes Hollow Leg / Dead Southern Bishop / Inner September 13 Weird Wax, 399-3004 / After the Bomb, Baby Demons / Six Dead Horses Doozers Pub, 738-8922 Michael Funge Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Clayton Bush / Mindslip / Days of the New / Indie Showcase: Canopy Red / Forever Escapes / 9595 Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Primer55 Operatio Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Brian Turner & the Riptide Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Sound Effects featuring the Department of Music at UNF MOCA Jacksonville, 366-6911 gator country’s fall concert series Gorilla’s Battle of the Bands Jack Rabbits, 398- 7496 Jacksonville’s home for country Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Fleming music’s biggest hits, Gator Country, is also Island) the only station to offer fans free live shows Sore Eyes / Trauma Deville Brewster’s Pit, 223- at the Jacksonville Landing this fall. As with 9850 the station’s previous concert series’, this John Earle Mellow Mushroom (Tinseltown), 997- succession of shows is packed with famous 1955 faces and promises to be four weeks of fun. Mail Man Endo Exo, 396-7733 The event kicks off on September Chuck Nash Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville 11th with music by Dallas native and chart- Beach), 241-5600 topping singer/songwriter Steve Holy and Pili Pili Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269- 4198 an appearance by Des Moines twins Kate & Kacey. Next up is one doozie of a show September 14 on September 18th with hit-makers Steve Battle for Planetfest: Marion Crane / What About Azar, Chris Young and Easton Corbin. On Me / South Facing House Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 September 25th Jason Michael Carroll and Stu Weaver Harry’s of St. Augustine, 824-7765 Josh Thompson will rock the Landing’s stage. Finally on October 2nd the event September 15 concludes with performances by Joe Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Nichols and Trent Tomlinson. 9595 This fall’s Gator Country Concert She Wants Revenge / Kill Hannah / Paper Route Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Series looks to be its best yet. Come out Jason Michael Carroll Bob Reynolds Trio European Street Listening Room and enjoy these free shows at the Landing’s beautiful river-front stage. It’s a great way to (San Marco), 399-1740 spend an evening or two. For more information, call 353-1188. Enforcer / As Darkness Shines / Heavy Artillery Enforcer / Cauldron Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850

28 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly Dawn of Plague / Rebar /All Shall Perish / Born Landing, 353-1188 of Osiris / Suffokate / After the Burial Edge 17, Juliette Lewis Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 edge17.com Children 18:3 Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Red River Band Trade Winds Lounge (St. September 16 Augustine), 829-9336 Secondhand Serenade Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Bay Street West Inn Cantina, 389-1131 Subrig Destroyer / Hell Comes To Town / Low Stu Weaver Mizu Sushi & Grill, 880-0889 Country Destroyer Doozers Pub, 738-8922 Sean Lander / Diminished / Shotgun Harbour / US Royalty TSI, 424-3531 Stone Bone Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Master Radical Landshark Café (Jacksonville Rosco Caine / Steve Wheeler Endo Exo, 396- Beach), 246-6024 7733 Stu Weaver Milltop Tavern (St. Augustine), 829- After the Bomb, Baby Edge 17, edge17.com 2329 Honey Chamber / Shawn Lightfoot / Karma Jimi Graves & Supernatural Whitey’s Fish Camp Explosion TSI, 424-3531 (Orange Park), 269-4198 Amy Hendrickson & the Prime Directive Starlite Café, 329-3374 September 17 A1A Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269-4198 Dublin City Ramblers Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 September 26 Dead Stars / Sara Haze / Christina Wagner / Billy Shooter Jennings / JJ Grey & Mofro / Earl Buchanan Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Greyhound Mavericks, 356-1110 Stu Weaver City Coffee Company (St. Augustine), Richard Buckner Café Eleven, 460-9311 209-6810 Grayland Daisy Band / Jacksonville Pipes and Ernie Evans / David Russell & Friends European Drums / VJ Jaren Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), Street Listening Room (San Marco), 399-1740 249-9595 Slick Idiot / Electrocide Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 George Aspinall Band Jacksonville Landing, 353- Big Engine Box Seats, 908-7328 JJ Grey & Mofro will be at 1188 Monica da Silva Aroma’s, 928-0515 Mavericks on September 26th Digital Leather Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 1984 - A Tribute to Van Halen Freebird Live, 246- 269-4198 BIRD King of the Hill: Radio City Confessions / Amelia / September 18 September 20 Operatio / Bare Soul / Only After Disaster Murray Hit the Switch / Break On Through / Does It Matter Cowboy Mouth Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Ocean Club (Jacksonville Beach), 242- / Whaleface Bobby Flynn Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 Anchor Arms / Status Faux / FFN / Cutman / Dover 8884 Regrets / Seraphim / Ripper / Dead Southern Lane Doozers Pub, 738-8922 Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Beach), Damon Fowler Bishop / Legacies / Galactoid Doozers Pub, 738- Trace of Day / Joey Chop / Master Radical Ocean 247-6636 8922 Club (Jacksonville Beach), 242-8884 - The Gator Country Fall Concert Series Steve Azar Chamber music Church of the Good Shepherd, Red River Band Trade Winds Lounge (St. / Chris Young / Easton Corbin Jacksonville Landing, 387-5691 Augustine), 829-9336 353-1188 Seconds from Sunrise / Big Engine / Dutch Black / Stu Weaver Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cobblestone Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Hed PE / Bran / Gollum Ghostwitch Family Band / Great White Brewster’s Village, (St. Augustine), 819-8880 Mike Gordon Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Pit, 223-9850 Bill Sheffi eld / Paul Garfi nkel European Street Landshark Café (Jacksonville Beach), Kings of Hell Lies of Autumn Mandarin Skate Station, 880-7703 Listening Room (Beach), 399-1740 246-6024 Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Fleming Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Fleming Spanky Trade Winds Lounge (St. Augustine), 829- Island), 541-1999 Island), 541-1999 9336 Cloud 9 Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269- Stereo TypikalZ Ragland’s, 598-5271 Park Street West Inn Cantina, 389-1131 4198 Chuck Nash Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville Stu Weaver Mizu Sushi & Grill, 880-0889 Beach), 241-5600 Brass & Organ Spectacular Church of the Good September 21 The Matt Kurz One /Corporate Whores / The Shepherd, 387-5691 Smokey Robinson Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Snacks Shantytown, 798-8222 Three Layers, 355-9791 Darryl Wise Battle for Planetfest Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 A1A Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269-4198 The Derby House, 356-0227 Shawn Lightfoot Stu Weaver Harry’s of St. Augustine, 824-7765 Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Fleming September 27 Island), 541-1999 September 22 Low Red Land / Chicken & Whiskey Nobby’s (St. Brewster’s Pit, 223- Rosco Caine / Steve Wheeler Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Augustine), 825-4959 9850 9595 Bobby Flynn Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269- Re-Load Luna Halo Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Brian Turner & the Riptide Jacksonville Landing, 4198 353-1188 September 23 Islands Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 September 19 The Independents Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Darryl Wise Three Layers, 355-9791 Doozers Pub, Omas Zwerge / Rusholme Ruffi ans Big Bad Voodoo Daddy Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Full of Hell / STS / In Betrayal / As Darkness 738-8922 Stu Weaver Milltop Tavern (St. Augustine), 829- Shines Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 VJ Jaren Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249-9595 2329 Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Fleming / Jacksonville Landing, Radio 80 Jay Garrett Band Jimi Graves & Supernatural Whitey’s Fish Camp Island), 541-1999 353-1188 (Orange Park), 269-4198 Mystic Dino Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), Hello Danger / everlikeme / Dancell Jack Rabbits, 269-4198 398-7496 September 24 Ocean Club (Jacksonville Beach), This Armistice The Queers / The Leftovers / Ta80 Jack Rabbits, September 28 242-8884 398-7496 Battle for Planetfest Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Murray Hill Theatre, 388- Youth Gospel Super Show Eric Lindell Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Beach), Stu Weaver Harry’s of St. Augustine, 824-7765 3179 247-6636 Aglacea / Oh Sleeper / With these Wings Trade Winds Lounge (St. Augustine), 829- Spanky Victor Wooten / JD Blair Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 9336 Stu Weaver City Coffee Company (St. Augustine), Stu Weaver Woody’s Bar-B-Q of Cobblestone 209-6810 September 29 Village, (St. Augustine), 819-8880 Darren Ronan European Street Listening Room (San The Decemberists St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Larry Mangum’s Songwriters’ Circle European Marco), 399-1740 471-1965 Street Listening Room (Beach), 399-1740 Big Engine Box Seats, 908-7328 Charlie Walker Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), 249- Riverside Ron Rodriguez & the Repeat Offenders Braxton Adamson Mellow Mushroom (Jacksonville 9595 Arts Market, 389-2449 Beach), 241-5600 Grant Carlisle / Tim Jarrell / Fantom Man / Justin Brewster’s Pit, 223- Omneity / Lecherous Nocturne Brian Ernst Landshark Café (Jacksonville Beach), Franklin Café 331, 354-1999 9850 246-6024 Shantytown, 798-8222 Borromakat Jimi Graves & Supernatural Whitey’s Fish Camp September 30 Monica Monet Poppy Love Smoke, 354-1988 (Orange Park), 269-4198 Battle for Planetfest Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Joey Chop / Matt Crawley / ChurchHill Grimes / Stu Weaver Milltop Tavern (St. Augustine), 829- Rhea Landshark Café (Jacksonville Beach), 246- September 25 2329 6024 The Bangles Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Bright Orange / Omebi Shantytown, 798-8222 Box Seats, 908-7328 American Attitude JK Wayne / Wittsend Culhane’s (Atlantic Beach), Select Start / Between the Trees / Punchline / Beau Damion Café 331, 354-1999 249-9595 Farewell Brewster’s Pit, 223-9850 Whitey’s Fish Camp (Orange Park), 269- Re-Load The Gator Country Fall Concert Series- Jason Jimi Graves & Supernatural Whitey’s Fish Camp 4198 Michael Carroll / Josh Thompson Jacksonville (Orange Park), 269-4198

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 29 Earth, Wind & Fire will be at the Jacksonville Memorial Arena on October 8 upcoming shows

October 2 GWAR / Lamb of God / Job for a Cowboy Plush, 743-1845 October 3 Stone Temple Pilots St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 October 4 Alan Jackson St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 October 4 The Silversun Pickups / Cage the Elephant Florida Theatre, 355-5661 October 5 Junior Boys Café Eleven, 460-9311 October 7 Lady Daisey & Batsauce Eclipse, 387-3582 October 8 Earth, Wind & Fire Jacksonville Memorial Arena, 353-3309 October 9 Lady Daisey & Batsauce Starlite Café, 329-3374 October 10 Johnny Winter / Damon Fowler Freebird Live, 246-BIRD October 11 Third Day / Glory Revealed St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 October 13 The Australian Pink Floyd Florida Theatre, 355-5661 October 14 Senses Fail / Skylit Drive Freebird Live, 246-BIRD October 15 Arvid Smith European Street Listening Room (San Marco), 399-1740 October 16 Heavenly Noise / Smile Rays TSI, 424-3531 October 16 Jason Ricci Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Beach), 247-6636 October 17 Robin Williams Times-Union Center, 633-6110 October 19 The Dear Hunter / Thursday Edge 17, edge17.com October 21 Marianne Faithfull Florida Theatre, 355-5661 October 22 Stryper Florida Theatre, 355-5661 October 23 Lynyrd Skynyrd St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 October 24 Bonnie Raitt St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 October 24 Tree Hill Nature Center’s Music Festival Tree Hill Nature Center, 724-4646 October 24 Lady Daisey & Batsauce Shantytown, 798-8222 October 25 Roger Daltrey Florida Theatre, 355-5661 October 27 Corey Smith Florida Theatre, 355-5661 October 29 Classic Albums Live- Michael Jackson’s Thriller Florida Theatre, 355-5661 October 30 AC/DC Jacksonville Memorial Arena, 353-3309 October 30 Lady Daisey & Batsauce Shantytown, 798-8222 November 5 Jewel Florida Theatre, 355-5661 November 6 Boys Like Girls / Cobra Starship Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 November 6 Elvis Perkins in Dearland / AA Bondy Café Eleven, 460-9311 November 8 Captured By Robots! Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 November 8 The Wailers Freebird Live, 246-BIRD November 12 Queensryche Plush, 743-1845 November 15 Lucero Café Eleven, 460-9311 November 19 Stacey Earle / Mark Stuart European Street Listening Room (San Marco), 399-1740 November 20 White Denim Café Eleven, 460-9311 November 20 Shane Dwight Mojo Kitchen (Jacksonville Beach), 247-6636 November 24 The Mountain Goats / Final Fantasy Café Eleven, 460-9311 December 3 Pierce Pettis European Street Listening Room (San Marco), 399-1740 December 10 Tracy Grammer European Street Listening Room (San Marco), 399-1740

30 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly Various infl uences are evident throughout the record, including Paul Simon, the Beatles and Album: Curse Your Branches the Beach Boys. Bazan has a penchant for writing songs with deep lyrical content and infectious hooks. The emotion in Bazan’s voice seems well-earned, sincere and very well may be the key Artist: David Bazan component to this record. Bazan questions both God and man in clear terms, not in saturated, enigmatic measures to later hide behind and deliver the cliched response of “Listeners deriving Label: Barsuk Records their own meaning.” One of the most prolifi c songwriters of this generation, Bazan is willing to Release Date: September 1, 2009 defy what he was once so certain of. It plays as if you’re getting direct access to one’s inner sanctum of thought, those nagging things that are not normally articulated. Perhaps his lack of faith is his new statement of faith. The fi rst track ‘Hard to Be’ opens with a hypnotic keyboard melody that is eerily singular, It seems as if the climate of David Bazan’s hometown, Seattle, has slowly seeped into almost an effort to warn you, “You may not like what you hear.” But the wondering immediately his pen—each album that much more dreary, more introspective, but with the promise of ends when he sings, “It’s hard to be a decent human being.” Bazan, although cerebral, chooses potential harmony. With that said, it only makes sense that Bazan would write what may be to go head-to-head with the Almighty numerous times throughout the record in the clearest of the defi ning moment in a short, yet tumultuous career. Whether you agree or disagree with his terms. A God-fearing person like myself can’t help but cringe at the honest yet forthright pursuit theology, you cannot deny the artistry and songwriting loftiness that is Curse Your Branches. Bazan displays, only to respect and somewhat understand this route he has chosen. With songs From his humble, but convincing beginnings in the much loved Pedro the Lion to the poet cynic that he has incorporated in his live set over the years, including ‘Please, Baby, Please,’ and simplifying only his moniker, Bazan grew from faith-based to faithless. Turmoil surrounds this ‘Harmless Sparks,’ Bazan uses his lyrics not to do damage, but more to ask “Is anybody else one time cross bearer that to this day, has constructed a path many thought not possible in the feeling this way?” The record culminates with a stab at God, in the song ‘In Stitches’ regarding beginning of his career. the story of Job- the Bible’s poster boy for trials. Beginning with God’s question, “Who are you Over the years, I have followed Bazan in the many incarnations he has offered up to to challenge your creator?” and ending with David’s answer “It makes you sound defensive, like his loyal fold. Bazan grew up a pastor’s kid, raised in a Christian home learning the Biblical you had not thought it through, like you did not have an answer, or you had bitten off more than fundamentals. With his tools intact, he began to create music that would refl ect his thoughts, you could chew.” feelings and fears resulting in the celebrated Pedro albums. As a longtime fan, I had high hopes With longtime collaborators T.W. Walsh (Pedro) and Blake Wescott (Bloomsday) in tow, for this record and do believe Bazan has delivered his magnum opus. Bazan continues to produce quality from start to fi nish. Filler would have been an insult to this While the Pedro album Controll might have been his breaking point, Curse Your Branches lofty effort. With Bazan playing the majority of the instruments, he chooses to display his most is a reawakening. With his fi rst musical output since his Fewer Moving Parts EP, David ambitious song structure, deceptively simple, but lushly layered. It’s especially interesting that he Bazan puts it all out for anyone to root through: direct challenges to God, doubts, cynical had his father, David H. Bazan, play piano on the record’s closing track. perspective—but never for show, it’s never conveyed in a manner that you feel like he has This record will delight many and confi rm what others hope to not be true. I tend to lean climbed on his own cross. towards the delighted, but hope Mr. Bazan has not ended his search. -Jeremy Gould albums

Album: Wind’s Poem Artist: Mount Eerie Album: Black Square Label: P.W. Elverum & Sun Artist: DD/MM/YYYY Release Date: August 18, 2009 Label: Impose Records

For Mount Eerie fans, or anyone who has heard Phil Elvrum’s distinctive style before, Release Date: September 15, 2009 the sound is familiar. The playing may be more precise, and the recording quality much (cassette tape) better, but the experimental lo-fi spirit remains from the fi rst Mount Eerie LP released under Elvrum’s old moniker the Microphones. I listened to the old Microphones catalog in anticipation of this disc, and it narrowly escaped a bad review due to my expectations. Gone is the acoustic guitar; some stretches of the album even sound a little like Neil Young Remember cassette tapes? Of course you do. Chalk it up to nostalgia or perhaps even a playing stoner metal, only the drums are hardly audible. Everything is so faint and muted, sense of elitism, but for some reason these most inconvenient forms of media are making a the melodies so fragile, that some of the greatest details of this record can be lost in a comeback with both the tragically hip and the hardcore DIYer. seeming wall of noise. I strongly advise headphones. Canadian band DD/MM/YYYY (pronounced day month year) are releasing a limited The album starts off with a rush of what seems like noise, but reveals itself to be edition version of their album Black Square, on the less than ubiquitous format later this month deeply distorted guitars and crashing cymbals, which fade slightly to reveal Elvrum’s on their new label, Brooklyn-based Impose Records. Already released on iTunes in February ghostly voice barely audible in the background. He seems to sing without actually moving and CD/LP in March, Black Square is a bizarre voyage through varying sonic landscapes. any air. The fi rst half of the record is beautiful, very slowly progressing, subdued, despite a DD/MM/YYYY’s music is as outlandish as their name suggests. A quick look at their few extreme dynamic changes. Instrumentation is minimal, but rich, and occasionally the former tour-mates (Dan Deacon, Crystal Castles, Japanther, etc.) provides a thorough metal guitar pounds out chords in the middle of the sparsest musical sections, cymbals overview of what you can expect to hear. From instrumental experimental jazz numbers like clanging and pumping from heavy compression. ‘Birdtown,’ to synth-driven juggernaut ‘Infi nity Skull Cube’ with its echoing gang vocals, the Elvrum’s vocals are diffi cult to understand throughout the album. Those lyrics that album showcases the band’s versatility and skill in whatever they are trying to accomplish. are discernible, are often foreboding - “My heart, will not stop thumping, the shapes in The opening track, ‘Bronzage,’ begins with a punch as the drums beat out a syncopated the dark, still look convincing” - or mystical - “Now the wind speaks, saying ‘hold on to rhythm to a deceptively simple melody with vocals reminiscent of vintage Perry Farrell. From something and watch it go, everything you love will end up on the breeze.’” there the record transitions smoothly into ‘No Life,’ an indication of the attention to detail put into the track order. In this way, the album is well-suited for the Side A / Side B structure The second half of Wind’s Poem spoke to me much more than the fi rst. I found the songs with clear lyrics and drum beats to be more compelling. My personal favorite song of cassette and vinyl. Side A is steeped in chaos with ‘They’ providing a brief respite right from the album, ‘Between Two Mysteries,’ begins with the hint of new age music, pads, in the middle and ending with the aforementioned ‘Birdtown.’ Side B picks up with ‘Sirius,’ dulcimers, stocatto guitar. His voice enters, then the drums, and for the fi rst time on the whose repeating keyboard riffs come off like a futuristic Man Man before devolving into the album it sounds like a fairly conventional song, almost dancy, with lyrics as dark as ever. mechanical noise of ‘Lismer.’ By the time you reach ‘Real Eyes’ it becomes evident that there If you can get past the unpredictable, almost alienating metal infl uences, and is nary a conventional eighth-note driven 4/4 drum sequence to be found. For as weird as Side listen patiently for melodies to surface, you will embrace this album. Otherwise, I highly A is, Side B steps it up a notch forcing you to hold out for the stand-out single ‘Digital Haircut.’ It’s a wild ride that doesn’t lose any steam from start to fi nish. recommend The Glow Part 2 by the Microphones. -Chris Williams -Jack Diablo

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 31 prodigal hip hop homecoming tour

Lady Daisey & Batsauce Bring Home the Soul by jack diablo Hometown hip hop legends, Lady Daisey and Batsauce have been living and working in Eurpoe for the past year and a half. Having made waves with their group the Smile Rays featuring another local emcee, Patten Locke, they’ve been able to take their funky style of soul-inspired hip hop out of Jacksonville and make a sizable splash whose wake has been felt across the European Union. Since their relocation, they’ve been extremely busy. Daisey is pursuing her solo career with the help of Batsauce, who has also done production work with such notable acts as Mr. Lif, Akrobatik, and many others. The husband and wife duo (formerly known as Heavenly Noise) features the laid back grooves of Batsauce’s beat production coupled with Daisey’s soulful vocals. Like a cold glass of sweet tea on a hot summer day, their music intoxicates and elevates, brightening the dreariest of days with a healthy dose of Florida sunshine. Perhaps that signature warmth and positivity is the reason they’ve found so much success across the pond. Even though they’ve enjoyed popularity and acclaim from their European audience, the group maintains strong ties to their hometown and has booked a month-long homecoming tour throughout the month of October. The “In My Hometown” tour kicks off at the A3C Hip Hop Festival in Atlanta followed by a host of local shows at venues like Club TSI, Eclipse, Starlite and various Florida State College at Jacksonville (formerly FCCJ) campuses. Before returning to their current base of operations in Berlin, they’ll play other cities in Florida and end the tour with the Hip Hop Helloween show at Shantytown Pub. Daisey and Batsauce took some time out of their busy schedule to talk with EU about the upcoming tour and what the future has in store for these intrepid musicians.

EU: For those familiar with your work as the Smile Rays and Heavenly Noise, what is different about what you are currently working on? Daisey: Really, it’s the same thing as Heavenly Noise, we just changed the name because it was easier to promote. Batsauce: Compared to the Smile Rays, it’s just all Daisey as far as the lead vocals. The beats are very much the same, the production’s the same. So it’s just focusing on Daisey as a solo artist.

EU: Daisey, your vocals are jazzy, funky and incredibly soulful. What put you on to this particular style? Daisey: I would have to say Batsauce is my hugest inspiration as far as that goes. In my past I did rock, I did folk, my parents were in a disco band so I have a lot of infl uences from all over the place. But it’s really when I hooked up with Batsauce that he hipped me to a lot of the more old school Aretha Franklin and stuff like that so my style changed up quite a bit once we started making music together and now I’m feeling it.

EU: Batsauce, where does the inspiration for the beats come from and where do you fi nd your samples? Batsauce: I guess my inspiration just comes from music, just good music, not necessarily just hip hop or soul but really any kind of music from anywhere. I get my samples a lot of times from whatever I’m listening to but I also play music. I’ll sample a video, I’ll sample a record, it doesn’t matter. I’m always trying to manipulate sound so really anything that makes sound is fair game.

EU: What prompted the decision to relocate to Europe and how does performing there compare with the US? Daisey: What got us over here actually was the Smile Rays. We put a European tour together and we had a couple of festivals we were booked at, and just through networking and spreading the word, I was also able to get Lady Daisey sets and do some booking for that as well. Originally, we thought were only going to be here for a couple of months but things just started picking up and snowballing and the next thing you know, it’s been a year and a half and we’re still here. It was music that brought us over here.

EU: Do you plan to stay there permanently? Daisey: I don’t know that we plan to do anything permanently other than make music and stay together. We don’t really know where we want to grow our roots yet, we’re still exploring the globe and fi guring out where that next magical place is going to be.

EU: You guys are coming back to Jacksonville to play a month’s worth of shows in and around your hometown. Tell us a little about the tour. Batsauce: It’s mostly in Jacksonville, we’ll go as far as Atlanta and Tampa, Miami. But really we just hit every place we’ve played before and just making the rounds. We’re really glad they remembered us and wanted to have us back. We’re really looking forward to it and excited about doing all these shows and seeing our friends and family. Daisey: And we’re also going to be doing a couple of Smile Rays shows over there too.

EU: What plans do you have for the future and will we be hearing more from the Smile Rays anytime soon? Batsauce: I think you will defi nitely hear stuff from us in the future, we have plans to do stuff. Time and space providing, we’re going to get to that. We defi nitely have plans to do another project, we just really wanted to focus. Patten is working on his solo project and Lady Daisey has been working on her project and I’ve done gigs with some people. Really this year was about putting our best foot forward as solo artists and then come back with the Smile Rays and see where we can take it from there, maybe in a new direction.

With over a dozen shows scheduled in the South East, a majority of which will take place in Jacksonville, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to catch Lady Daisey and Batsauce this October. Just make sure you don’t let these dates pass you by.

32 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly netscapades by brenton crozier

hometown love edition

I trust the team of astute EU writers to handle the most vital aspects of improving the River City and giving proper accolades to the deserving. Heroes are like anything else in that they are as varied as favorite foods, artistic preferences and theories on how fast hotcakes really sell. Getting down to the nitty-gritty of it, my local heroes would have to include the decision makers that made 9A and the Park Street exit off I-95 happen, Mossfi re Grill for having such fantastic fi sh tacos, Chamblin BookMine for always having what I’m looking for and Cummer Museum for making Tuesdays free. My heroes may present me as being a tad shallow and self-serving, but don’t you get sick of hearing about faithful public servants, champions of some cause or another and individuals that went against the grain to make a difference? Seriously, entertainment, food and traffi c are no laughing matters. Think about what a difference a well-fed, highly-entertained and traffi c-less society would make. Now we’re talking progress that I can get down to! When thinking about bringing Jacksonville around, nurturing its evolution, or simply making it a cooler place to live, I think about the artists of the community. Not as heroes, let’s face it artists are usually a vulnerable lot in need of constant praise all the while admonishing it. I’m speaking specifi cally of the artists that forwent the temptation to move to bigger ponds in an attempt to strike it big. There are a number of local artists that enrich and care deeply for the area and have accepted that a day job is just how it’s going to be. This leads me to my point, as meandering as that diatribe was, to a hometown artist that has recently moved into national waters, but is keeping headquarters right here: Al Letson and his nationally-aired public radio show, State of the Re:Union. www.stateofthereunion.com

Although State of the Re:Union is a radio show, it also has a burgeoning multimedia presence that will continue to grow with each new episode. The radio show profi les a new city or town to discover what is creating community in that certain area and highlights unique cultural, educational, economical and political efforts and stories from the area. The website will mirror the show in that you will not only be able to visit the main SOTRU site, but a site dedicated to an area profi led in the radio show. The second SOTRU episode featured Jacksonville and was titled, “Jacksonville: Bold New City of the South?” It explored some weighty themes dealing with race, but also discussed some of the area’s unique groups like the Zombie Bike Collective, featured prominent Jacksonvillians sharing their thoughts on the city and Al’s spoken-word performance on reaching a place where he not only embraced Jacksonville as home, but grew to truly appreciate it for its diverse offerings in landscape, people and activity. You can fi nd the Jacksonville sub-site at: http://jacksonville.stateofthereunion.com. The important thing moving forward is going to be showing support to something that’s going to be such a positive light nationally for Jacksonville. The website encourages user participation and contains podcasts of the different shows, articles about innovative local businesses, groundbreaking churches, trend-setting nonprofi ts and so much more. It’s a great site and a great show—and as we all know, positive national attention means great things for Jacksonville, especially economically. Get on the site, read the articles, watch the videos, listen to the show, give your feedback and become a fan. I’ve had the pleasure of working in an unoffi cial capacity with the show, but am defi nitely a fan, and am proud that Jacksonville is home to something that so many around the country have celebrated and will soon come to celebrate.

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 33 NOW SHOWING CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS INGLORIOUS BASTERDS In the fi rst year of the German occupation of France, lieutenant Aldo Raine (Brad Pitt) organizes a group of Jewish American soldiers to perform swift, shocking acts of retribution. The group is later known to their enemy as “the basterds.” Also starring: Eli Roth, Mike Myers, Michael Fassbenderr, Daniel Bruhl, Til Schweiger, Melanie Laurent, B.J. Novak and Samm Levine. Directed by Quentin Tarantino, this one is award-caliber drama with an incredible cast. Rated R.

FINAL DESTINATION On what should have been a fun-fi lled day at the stockcar races,

s Nick O’Bannon has a horrifi c premonition in which a bizarre sequence of events causes multiple racecars to crash, sending fl aming debris into the stands, brutally killing his friends and causing the upper deck of the stands to collapse on him. When he comes out of this grisly nightmare Nick panics, persuading his girlfriend, Lori, and their friends, Janet and Hunt, to leave, escaping seconds before Nick’s frightening vision becomes a terrible reality. Thinking they’ve cheated death, the group has a new lease on life, but Antarctica is plunged into darkness and she is stranded with the killer. Starring: Kate Beckinsale, unfortunately for Nick and Lori, it is only the beginning. Starring: Bobby Campo, Shantel Columbus Short, Gabriel Macht, Tom Skerritt, Alex O’Loughlin. Rated R. VanSanten, Krista Allen, Mykelti Williamson, Haley Webb, Nick Zano, Andrew Fiscella and Richard T. Jones. Rated R. SEPTEMBER 18 LOVE HAPPENS Dr. Burke Ryan (Eckhart) is a self-help author and therapist who asks his patients SEPTEMBER 4 to openly confront their pain but is secretly unable to take his own advice. When Eloise Chandler ALL ABOUT STEVE After a lovely blind date, crossword puzzle-writer Mary Horowitz (Aniston) meets Burke at the hotel where he’s speaking, there is an instant attraction. As each falls head over heels in love with Steve, a news cameraman. Mary is convinced that she struggles with the hurt of love and loss, they realize that in order to move forward, they need to and Steve are true soul mates, and follows Steve around the country in a bid to win his let go of the past. Starring: Aaron Eckhart, Jennifer Aniston, Dan Fogler, Judy Greer, Martin Sheen. love. Along the way, she befriends an assortment of misfi ts who accept her for who she Rated PG-13. is, leading her to reassess her reasons for this strange journey. Starring: Sandra Bullock, Thomas Haden Church, Bradley Cooper, Katy Mixon, Sara Sanderson. Rated PG-13. CLOUDY WITH A CHANCE OF MEATBALLS Inspired by the beloved children’s book, this animated fi lm focuses on a town where food falls from the sky like rain. Flint Lockwood (Bill Hader), a young CARRIERS Four friends try to escape a viral pandemic in the American West. They inventor, dreams of creating something that will improve everyone’s life. Sam Sparks (Anna Ferris), a ultimately discover that they are more dangerous to each other. Starring: Chris Pine, Lou weathergirl covering the phenomenon who hides her intelligence behind a perky exterior. Rated PG. Taylor Pucci, Piper Perabo, Emily VanCamp, Christopher Meloni. Rated PG-13. JENNIFER’S BODY When small-town high school hottie Jennifer (Megan Fox) is possessed by a GAMERS Set in the near future humans control other humans in a mass-scale, hungry demon, guys who never stood a chance with her, take on new luster in the light of Jennifer’s multiplayer online game. The modern day gladiator must survive long enough to escape insatiable appetite. Starring:Megan Fox, Amanda Seyfried, Johnny Simmons, Adam Brody, J. K. the game to free his family, regain his identity and to save mankind from Castle’s Simmons. Rated R. ruthless technology. Starring: Gerard Butler, Michael C. Hall, Amber Valletta, Alison Lohman, Logan Lerman. Rated R.

SEPTEMBER 11 eptember movie 9 The world’s machines have turned on mankind and sparked social unrest, decimating the human population before being largely shut down. But as our world fell to pieces, s a mission began to salvage the legacy of civilization; a group of small creations was given the spark of life by a scientist in the fi nal days of humanity, and they continue to exist post-apocalypse to outwit and fi ght against still- functioning machines. Starring: Elijah Wood, Jennifer Connelly, Crispin Glover, Martin Landau, John C. Reilly. Rated PG-13.

SORORITY ROW When fi ve sorority girls inadvertently cause the murder of one of their sisters in a prank gone wrong, they agree to keep the matter to themselves and never speak of it again, so they can get on with their lives. This proves easier said than done, when after graduation a mysterious killer goes after the fi ve of them and anyone who knows their secret. Starring: Leah FAME Pipes, Rumer Willis, Jamie Chung, Carrie Fisher, Julian Morris. Rated R. SEPTEMBER 25 TYLER PERRY’S I CAN DO BAD ALL BY MYSELF FAME Fame follows a talented group of dancers, singers, actors and artists over four years at the When Madea catches sixteen-year-old Jennifer New York City High School of Performing Arts, a diverse, creative powerhouse where students from and her two younger brothers looting her home, all walks of life are given a chance to live out their dreams and achieve real and lasting fame...the she decides to take matters into her own hands kind that comes only from talent, dedication, and hard work. Starring: Kherington Payne, Anna Maria and delivers the young delinquents to the only Perez de Tagle, Paul McGill, Asher Book, Kristy Flores. Rated PG. relative they have: their aunt April. A heavy-drinking nightclub singer who wants nothing to do with the INVENTION OF LYING The fi lm is set on an alternate Earth, where no one has ever lied, and stars kids. But April soon realizes she must make the Ricky Gervais as a performer, who tells the world’s fi rst lie, coming to wield its power for personal biggest choice of her life: between her old ways and gain. Gervais describes his character as someone who “works in the fi lm industry, where actors are the new family, faith... and even true love. Starring: really readers who tell completely factual stories...he’s lumbering through the 1300s. All he’s got Tyler Perry, Taraji P. Henson, Adam Rodriguez, Brian to work with is the Black Death. But once he lies and pretends he’s found lost stories, he becomes J. White, Hope Olaide Wilson Rated PG13 www. the greatest storyteller in the world.” Starring: Ricky Gervais, Jennifer Garner, Rob Lowe, Jonah Hill, icandobadmovie.com Louis C.K. Rated PG-13.

WHITEOUT Carrie Stetko, the lone U.S. Marshal SURROGATES People are living their lives remotely from the safety of their own homes via robotic assigned to Antarctica, is investigating the surrogates -- sexy, physically perfect mechanical representations of themselves. It’s an ideal world continent’s fi rst murder, which draws her into where crime, pain, fear and consequences don’t exist. FBI agent Greer discovers a vast conspiracy a shocking mystery. Now, with only three days behind the surrogates and risks his life to unravel the mystery. Starring: Bruce Willis, Radha Mitchell, until winter, Carrie must solve the crime before Rosamund Pike, Boris Kodjoe, James Francis Ginty. Rated PG-13.

34 SEPTEMBER 2009 | eu jacksonville monthly special movie showings

Sept 2 Experience a Night of Independent Film Utopia (1950). Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach Two new fi lms, both directed by local fi lmmaker Blvd. (between Kernan and Hodges Blvds.), 6:30 to 8:30 pm. J.L. Jarvis, will premiere in the new, state of the Info: Steve Bailey, 246-0312 www.leaveemlaughingtent.com art student union theater on the UNF campus. The short documentary, WAITING FOR SAMUEL BECK- Sept 17 The Vans Warped Tour 15th Anniversary Celebra- ETT, and the feature fi lm, FOCAL POINT, utilized tion This one-night event is a fi rst in movie theaters and will the talents of current and past UNF students as well feature two-hours of all-star headliner performances recorded as actors from the Jacksonville area. Both fi lms will in Los Angeles including exclusive, theater-only appearances screen on the same night, beginning at 7:30 pm. from several top acts who have kick-started their careers on Jarvis wanted to be sure that the UNF and Jack- the Vans Warped Tour, as well as red carpet clips and special sonville communities would be the fi rst to see this behind-the-scenes access footage. 8 pm at AMC Regency groundbreaking new fi lm Focal Point. “This is truly Square 24, 725-4614 and Tinseltown USA, 4535 Southside a Jacksonville fi lm, with scenes being shot ev- Blvd, 998-2208. Tickets at www.FathomEvents.com. erywhere from Five Points to Atlantic Beach, from Downtown to the Southside.” After the screening, director J.L. Jarvis will be on hand to answer any questions. Screenings are free and open to the public. New Film Screening Room at the UNF Stu- dent Union, Building 58 West (Parking available in the North Parking Garage near the Arena).

5 Points Theatre The 5 Points Theatre will not only be showing fi lms, children’s movies and midnight movies, but live college football games. 8/31 to 9/2 - IN THE LOOP - 7 pm, 8/31 to 9/2 - THE HURT LOCKER - 9 pm, 9/1 and 9/5 - BABE - 11 am, 9/4 - Theatre Open House (Free Admission) - 7 pm, 9/4 - PUMPING IRON - 9 pm, 9/4 - FREAKS – mid- night, 9/6 - MOULIN ROUGE - 9 pm. Admission to the football game screenings is free, and they’ll be expanding the food lineup. 9/3 - South Carolina vs. NC State - 7 pm, 9/5 - Georgia vs. Oklahoma State - 3:30 pm, 9/7 - Miami vs. FSU - 8 pm. For more info on the 5 Points Theatre call 359-0047 or visit www.5pointstheatre.com

MOCA Fall Film Series This fall, Café Nola will be hosting a special series of fi lms hand picked by Café Nola staff. Each month will carry a theme and each night will feature a special menu as well as drink specials at the bar. All fi lms start at 8:30 pm. $5 MOCA members/ $7 non-members; $2 discount for dining in Café Nola @ MOCA before the show. Sept 10- KYMATICA We must look at the world not as a big ball of space but as the living body that contains us. If we continue to destruct the earth, it would be like cancer degrading a human body. There are also a lot of political views within the documentary which you may or may not agree with but still very interesting. Sept 24- ZEITGEIST: AD- DENDUM Director Peter Joseph attempts to locate the root causes of this pervasive social corruption, while offering a solution. The work advocates a new social system that is updated to present day knowledge, highly infl uenced by the life long work of Jacque Fresco and The Venus Project. Museum of Contemporary Art, 333 N. Laura Street. www. mocajacksonville.org

Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Series Enjoy free showings of Boomers’ favorite fi lms on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays each month at 5:45 p.m. in the Main Library’s Hicks Auditorium. Sept 10 - FROM HERE TO ETERNITY and Sept 24 - BULLITT Info: (904) 630-1741.

Movies in the Park Presented by JaxParks. Movie begins at dusk. Sept 11- HOTEL FOR DOGS Beachwood Park, 11758 Marina Dr. Sept 18- Flick and Float - BEVERLY HILLS CHIHUAHUA Family fun, walter relays and other games, free refreshe- ments and movie at dusk. Cecil Aquatics Center, 13611 Normandy Blvd. Sept 25- THE LION KING J.S. Johnson Park, 1112 Jackson St. 630-2489 www.jaxparks.com

Night Owl Cinema Doors open at 6:30 pm and movies begin at 8 pm. Food is available from local restaurants. Sept 12 - ENDLESS SUMMER (PG), Sept 18 - FIELD OF DREAMS (PG), Sept 25 - THE GREAT OUTDOORS (PG-13). The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, A1A South in St. Augustine. www. staugamphitheatre.com/cinema.php

Sept 14 Monthly meeting of the Leave ‘em Laugh- ing Tent Laurel & Hardy movie to be screened:

eujacksonville.com | SEPTEMBER 2009 35