JACKSONVILLE

david bazan interview | aqua grill restaurant review | d.l. hughley interview | wedding singer on broadway

free weekly guide to entertainment and more | november 1-7, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature Sea & Sky Spectacular ...... PAGE 15 Greater Jacksonvile Fair ...... PAGES 16-20 movies Movies in Theaters this Week ...... PAGES 6-8 American Gangster (movie review) ...... PAGE 6 The Darjeeling Limited (movie review) ...... PAGE 7 Bee Movie (movie review) ...... PAGE 8 Lars and the Real Girl (movie review) ...... PAGE 9 home Netscapades ...... PAGE 10 Video Games ...... PAGE 11 dish Aqua Grill (restaurant review) ...... PAGES 12-13 Haunted Pub Tour ...... PAGE 14 music Music Calendar ...... PAGES 21-25 Evanescence (arena) ...... PAGE 21 Fing Fang Foom (Jack Rabbits) ...... PAGE 22 David Bazan (interview) ...... PAGE 23 Keith Anderson (interview) ...... PAGE 24 Steve Holy (interview) ...... PAGE 25 I Am Ghost (album review) ...... PAGE 26 Plastic Parachute (album review) ...... PAGE 26 arts / theatre / on stage D.L. Hughley (interview) ...... PAGE 27 Downtown Gainesville Arts Festival ...... PAGE 28 MOCA Responses ...... PAGE 29 Wedding Singer (interview) ...... PAGE 30 A Party to Murder (ABET) ...... PAGE 31 Whose Wives Are They Anyway (Orange Park Community Theatre)...... PAGE 32 columns and stuff Children’s Museum of St. Johns ...... PAGE 20 Infertility Awareness Week ...... PAGE 33 Native Foreigner ...... PAGE 34 The Jock ...... PAGE 34 NASCAR News & Notes ...... PAGE 35

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 3 thisweek friday NOVEMBER 2 First Fridays in 5 Points Check out live music, special sales, shops open till 9 and more in 5 Points, Jacksonville’s original town center! Anomaly will be having The Madhatter’s Tee Party, 6-9 Chris Smither pm. Plus, don’t miss First Fridays $5 Flick! 5 Points Theater will be showing GOONIES. Doors open @ 9:15. BYOB and a blanket and/or thursday NOVEMBER 1 lawn chair as there is no seating in the theater! Info: (904) 354-7002 Chris Smither Smither is an American original, a product of the musical melting Project Independent Ben Harper pot, and one of the absolute best singer-songwriters in the world. His penchant for lyricism sometimes makes it easy to overlook his Showcase Delta-inspired guitar chops, which boast a strong rhythmic sense Project Independent is a national NOVEMBER 2 - 4 and a beautiful, fl uid, fi ngerpicking style. Check him out for yourself touring, artist showcase program specifi cally designed for and celebrate European Street Listening Room’s 400th show, 1704 the discovery and development of independent metal artists. Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular This action-packed event will feature a dynamic, over-the-ocean San Marco Blvd. - 8:30 pm Info: 399-1740 Jacksonville’s fi nest will be performing this Friday for the Project Independent A&R guys in hopes of winning the big Sky Show highlighted by the U.S. Blue Angels along with other prize: a spot on a future Project Independent compilation military and civilian fl ight teams. Other activities include a street Big D and the Kids Table and a chance to become their Featured Artist. Sanctioned, festival with Aviation Alley Autograph Sessions, Kiddy Hawk Kids Big D came together ten years ago when the members converged at Transpose, Inner Sinn, Dirt Messiah, As Daylight Burns, Area, live entertainment, displays, simulators, military apparatus college in Boston. Thanks to the insane live show they put together, Devistation, Fed Up, and Menna Zenn will all perform. Tickets: and booths, interactive games and more! Best of all, it’s free! the band built up a huge local following almost immediately, $10 French Quarter- 7 pm, Info: (904) 242-4630 Sea Walk Pavilion, Jacksonville Beach, Info: (904) 247-6100 packing clubs, halls, dorms, basements- you name it- all over New England. A lot has changed in a decade but Big D and the Kids th Table are still making the music they love and the masses are still D.L. Hughley 27 Annual Lincolnville Festival Celebrate St. Augustine’s rich African-American cultural heritage at loving the music they make. Check them out with Whole Wheat He grew up in South Central Los Angeles and had a diffi cult the 27th annual Lincolnville Festival. The festival kicks-off on Friday Bread, the Fenwicks, and the AKAs. Tickets: $12 upbringing, getting kicked out of high school and becoming with live R&B music, food, and arts and crafts. Then on Saturday, Fuel Coffeehouse- 7 pm, Info: (904) 425-3835 a member of the Bloods gang. After his cousin was shot, Hughley turned his life around, got a GED and a job and, after there will be narrated tours of historic Lincolnville, live country/ prompting by his wife, LaDonna, tried his hand at stand-up pop, jazz and dance music all day, and a “Soul Food Contest”. On Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals comedy. His comedy was a huge success and in 1992 he was Sunday, the day’s entertainment features gospel music. Funds In their fi rst ever seated theatre tour, Ben Harper and the Innocent picked to be the fi rst host of BET’s ComicView. He is number raised from the festival will be used for exhibits at the Fort Mose Criminals will perform the brand new album, Lifeline, dig deep into 54 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups Museum. The Lincolnville Festival is free and takes place on Harper’s back catalog of soulful gems, and will feature songs from of All Time. Read EU’s interview with Hughley on page 27. Granada and Washington Streets. St. Augustine, Info: (904) 827- 2004’s Grammy award winning ‘There Will Be A Light’. If you’re a Tickets: $39.50 Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 6893 fan of this exceedingly talented musician, this is one show you do not want to miss. Tickets: $42.50-$52.50 Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 Hank Williams III NOVEMBER 2 - 3 saturday NOVEMBER 3 Reverend Horton Heat / Hank Melissa Manchester Williams III Grammy Award-winner Melissa Rock to Read benefi t show Reverend Horton Heat is perhaps the most popular Manchester is one of the most According to the Heart of America Foundation, sixty-one percent psychobilly artist of all time, really rivaled only by compelling singer/songwriters in of the children in low-income families have no books at all. And genre founders the Cramps. The Reverend (as both contemporary music. This stellar while the national average estimates 18 books per student in school the three-man band and its guitar-playing frontman headliner takes the spotlight with the libraries, many schools in depressed areas often have less than one were known) built a strong cult following during the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra book per student. Grab a children’s book and head to the Murray ‘90s through constant touring, manic showmanship, to deliver a brilliant performance. Hill Theatre for a terrifi c concert for a terrifi c cause. The line-up and a twisted sense of humor. Thankfully, some Morihiko Nakahara, conductor. Times- includes The Sophomore Attempt, Red Letter Bullet, Wherefore, things never change. See the Reverend with special Union Center Jacoby Symphony The Acclaim, The Namesake, Among Your Brothers, and more. All guest Hank Williams III next Thursday at the Freebird. Hall - 8 pm. Info: 354-5547 or books collected will go to Chaffee Trails Elementary and Books for Tickets: $22/advance, $25/day of show Freebird jaxsymphony.org Africa. Admission: $8 + a new or used children’s book. Murray Live- 8 pm, Info: (904) 246-2473 Hill Theatre- 6 pm, Info: (904) 388-7807

4 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Riverside Harvest Gala and silent auction The second annual Riverside Harvest Gala will feature delicious food and unforgettable entertainment all for a low price and a terrifi c cause. DJ Triclops I and the Royal Treatment DJ Crew will be spinning tunes all evening while local break dancers move to the beat. Riverfront Café will provide the eats and wine and beer will also be available. All proceeds will benefi t RADO, a non-profi t dedicated to keeping affordable housing available to our community. Admission: $15 for one or $20 for two (includes two drinks per ticket) Five Points Theater- 7 pm, Info: (904) 381-0950 or radocdc.org sunday NOVEMBER 4 Widespread Panic In a world of instant anything and disposable everything, Widespread Panic stands apart. The notion of a band surviving for more than two decades, continually thriving and creating vital music, is almost unheard of in this age of digital sound bites, corporate radio, and pretty video faces. Widespread Panic defi es convention, continuing to make incredible music and build a legion of fans. See them live this Sunday. Tickets $38 Times-Union Center, Moran Theatre- 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 353-3309 monday NOVEMBER 5 Trans-Siberian Orchestra Veteran hard rock producer Paul O’Neill was always looking for ways to make music with a greater emotional impact so instead of penning songs he wrote rock operas. With the help of a 60-piece orchestra and chorus, O’Neill created the Trans- Siberian Orchestra, a massive band that incorporates progressive rock, symphonic metal, and heavy metal, with classical music infl uences. Learn why they were one of the most successful live acts of 2005 this week when the Trans-Siberian Orchestra comes to the Arena. Tickets: $35- $45. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial

Arena- 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 630-3900 Trans-Siberian Orchestra tuesday NOVEMBER 6 Busdriver & Astronautalis Get trippy with some indie hip-hop from LA’s Busdriver, Jacksonville’s Astronautalis along with Daedelus and Antimc. From Busdriver’s socio-conscientious, roof-raising stage show to Astro’s desire to be the Van Morrison of this rap sh*t, the show is sure to be full of sick beats and spit-addled microphones. clubTSIdiscotheque in downtown, 333 E Bay Street. (904) 424-3531

The Wedding Singer Direct from Broadway! It’s 1985 and you’re invited to The Wedding Singer, where every night is a totally rad reception for Robbie Hart and friends until he’s left at the altar. Based on the hit fi lm, the Tony Award nominated show takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer sporting a mullet might be the coolest guy in the room. The party starts this Tuesday and only lasts until November 11th, so get your tickets today! Read EU’s interview with local Joey Chancey and his part in the show. Times-Union Center, Moran Theater, Info: (904)632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org David Bazan Known mostly for his tenure performing as Pedro the Lion, songwriter David Bazan recently retired the band moniker to continue making music under his own name. Easily one of greatest below-the-radar storytellers of our time, Bazan has a decade worth of albums under his belt and continues to make mind-blowing records solo and with his side project the Headphones. See him live at Café Eleven with special guests All Smiles. Café Eleven, St. Augustine- 8:30 pm, Info: (904) 469-9311 Read EU’s interview on page 23. wednesday NOVEMBER 7 November Art Walk Help Downtown Vision celebrate Art Walk’s fourth birthday! Come down to Hemming Plaza where Strawberry Shortcake the Clown will paint faces and make balloons from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and birthday cake from Worman’s Bakery & Deli will be served at 7:00 pm. See some art, get some exercise and have a blast exploring our fair city at the First Wednesday Art Walk. Literally dozens of galleries, restaurants, businesses and landmarks will feature local, original art, with many also providing beverages, food, live music and more. This monthly event is free of charge and open to the public. Downtown Jacksonville, 5 pm to 8 pm, Info: downtownjacksonville.org

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 5 Lucas’ sell-direct business model makes him fi lthy rich quickly as he eliminates the competition MOVIES OPENING by selling high-grade product for less and doing his AMERICAN GANGSTER Based on the life of drug-kingpin- own dirty-work. “Never ask someone to do some- turned-informant, Frank Lucas, who grew up in segregated thing you wouldn’t do yourself” is Lucas’ motto. His North Carolina. He eventually made his way to Harlem where henchmen both respect and fear Lucas, knowing that he became a heroin kingpin by traveling to Asia’s Golden crossing him would mean a quick death by multiple Triangle to make connections, shipping heroin back to the bullet wounds. US in the coffi ns of soldiers killed in Vietnam. He soon made upwards of one million dollars a day in drug sales. Lucas was shadowed by lawman, Richie Roberts, who fi nally helped bring the kingpin to justice. The two then worked together to expose the crooked cops and foreign nationals who made importing heroin so easy. Starring: Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Josh Brolin, Common , Ted Levine. Rating: R

BEE MOVIE Barry B. Benson is a graduate bee fresh out of college who is disillusioned at his lone career choice: making honey. On a rare trip outside the hive, Barry’s life is saved by Vanessa, a fl orist in New York City. As their relationship blossoms, he discovers humans are mass consumers of only game you know is do or die honey and decides to sue the human race for stealing bees’ honey. Starring: Jerry Seinfeld, Renee Zellweger, Chris Rock, Ray Liotta, Mark Moseley. Rating: PG American Gangster Lucas had rivals such as a wannabe kingpin MARTIAN CHILD A recently widowed science fi ction writer played by Cuba Gooding Jr., a crooked cop played forms an unlikely family with a close friend and a young by Josh Brolin and a mob boss (Armand Assante) adopted boy that claims to be from Mars. The new couple BY RICK GRANT [email protected] that wants to take Lucas nationwide as his partner. ignores some sage parenting advice from the widower’s A Rated R 157 min tary coffi ns by bribing the handlers. He then hired his This is best gangster movie since It sister and gets more than they bargained for when a series The Godfather. brothers and cousins and soon is living la dolce vita has Ridley Scott’s stamp of excellence with the act- of strange occurrences lead them to believe that the child’s claim may be true. Starring: John Cusack, Amanda Peet, In his most powerful performance since Train- with his mucho gorgeous Puerto Rican wife (Lymari ing prowess of Washington and Crowe as opposing Joan Cusack, Sophie Okonedo, Oliver Platt. Rating: PG ing Day, Denzel Washington portrays ruthless Harlem Nadal). forces. Kiddyup! drug kingpin Frank Lucas in Ridley Scott’s American Gangster. Lucas singlehandedly ran the Harlem rackets in the 70s. He conducted the business of NOW SHOWING extortion, murder, gambling, prostitution and drug dealing in Harlem as the sole proprietor – the black 30 DAYS OF NIGHT In Barrow, Alaska, the northernmost town in the U.S, the winter sun sets and does not rise for Godfather. Lucas lived like a corporate CEO, with a 30 days and nights. From the darkness comes an evil force large family and a beautiful wife – all the trappings of that strikes terror on the town, and all hope is pinned on a the American dream built on the power of his will and husband-and-wife cop team. Starring: Josh Hartnett, Melissa his ruthless murder of rivals. George, Danny Huston, Jon Bennett, Ben Foster. Rating: R Based on a true story adapted from Mark Jacobson’s 2000 New York magazine interview ACROSS THE UNIVERSE Set against the anti-war protests, with Lucas, master scribe Steven Zaillian created a rock and roll revolution, and mind-expanding psychedelia of street-wise and penetrating script. Russell Crowe the 1960s, Julie Taymor’s hallucinogenic musical follows the arduous journey of star crossed lovers Jude (Jim Sturgess) deftly inhabits the skin of honest cop (one of the few) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) as they and a small group of Richie Roberts, who sacrifi ces his marriage to bring musicians are swept up in the raging waters of the volatile down Lucas. With most of his colleagues on the take counterculture movement. The music in the fi lm consists from Lucas, Roberts is obsessed with this major exclusively of songs made popular by The Beatles during the crime lord, dubbing him bigger than the Mafi a. time period depicted in the movie. PG-13 With Ridley Scott at the helm and cinematog- rapher Harris Savides’ innovative camera work, the THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES An action western 70s mean streets of NYC burst to life. This is Scott’s surrounding the private life and public exploits of America’s best work since But savvy viewers have to most notorious outlaw, Jesse James. As the charismatic and Gladiator. unpredictable outlaw plans his next great robbery, he wages give credit to the collaboration of Scott, Washington, war on his enemies, who are trying to collect the reward Crowe, and screenwriter Zaillian in making this gritty money--and the glory--that is riding on his capture. However, story materialize on the screen with such explosive the greatest threat to Jesse’s life may ultimately come from energy. Washington channels the hellish soul of Lu- those he trusts the most. Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Affl eck, cas, so full of false pride and patriotic fervor, thinking Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner. Rating: R of himself as an American hero. Then along comes this fl atfoot detective Richie Roberts, who can’t be THE COMEBACKS This spoof comedy follows an out-of- bribed and at fi rst seems like an annoying fl y in Lu- luck coach, Lambeau Fields, who takes a rag-tag bunch cas’ soup. of college misfi ts and drives them towards the football championships. In the process, this life-long loser discovers However, Roberts, like Frank Serpico, is a plod- that he is a winner after all by redeeming himself, saving ding foot soldier of justice. He attends night school his relationship with his family and friends, and fi nding that studying law for the bar exam. Roberts is playing a there is indeed, no “I” in “team”! Starring: David Koechner, dangerous game by shunning the regular bribes his Carl Weathers, Matt Lawrence, Brooke Nevin, George Back colleagues are taking so Lucas can operate with im- Rating: PG-13 punity. Roberts is on his own and can trust no one as he takes on Lucas’ power base as the lone investiga- tor.  Like all big time gangsters, Lucas rose to prominence by casting a wide net of fear and murder. Lucas came to NYC from his humble North Carolina roots as driver for black mobster Bumby Johnson. Soon Lucas is Bumby’s protégée, learning the drug business as a corporate enterprise. Lucas bypasses the middleman, including the Mafi a, controlling the distribution of his product from its source in South- east Asia, then he ships it back to the States in mili-

6 november 1-7, 2007, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper lieu. The brothers board a slow moving Indian DAN IN REAL LIFE A widower and father of three who also ramshackle train for a six day journey to locate writes a parenting advice column for his local newspaper their mother. Along the way, they have many mis- falls for the girlfriend of his younger brother during a family adventures. A short film preceding the movie acts vacation in director Peter Hedges’ offbeat love triangle as a prelude in which viewers learn about Jack’s laugher. Steve Carell stars as the writer who fi nds his widely- strange love affair with his standoffish ex-girlfriend known convictions put to the ultimate test, with Dane Cook (Natalie Portman) in a Paris hotel room. In contrast and Juliette Binoche respectively assuming the roles of the to his non-passionate relationship with Portman’s younger sibling and his radiant girlfriend. Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, John Mahoney. Rating: character, Jack has a kinky sexual tryst with a PG-13. beautiful train stewardess. Bill Murray even has a cameo as a Business- THE DARJEELING LIMITED Three American brothers who man who doesn’t catch the train. (Wes was deter- have not spoken to each other in a year set off on a train mined to get Murray in his film, even if just for one voyage across India with a plan to fi nd themselves and bond scene.) The brothers travel with a stash of Francis’ with each other -- to become brothers again like they used to be. Their “spiritual quest”, however, veers rapidly off-course pain medication to stay high during the long trip. (due to events involving over-the-counter pain killers, Indian Their flagrant disregard for the train’s rules gets cough syrup, and pepper spray), and they eventually fi nd them in trouble with the funny train conductor themselves stranded alone in the middle of the desert with character, who doesn’t like them. eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating machine. At By Wes working with basically the same cast this moment, a new, unplanned journey suddenly begins. and crew, who understand his ideas and methods Starring: Owen Wilson, Adrien Brody, Jason Schwartzman, of filmmaking, the actors are able to improvise and Anjelica Huston. Rating: R. precisely create Wes’ ideal characters, who are ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE Actress Cate Blanchett way left-of-center, but oddly appealing. The humor returns to her Oscar-nominated role and director Shekhar is subtly drawn from each actor’s fine tuned char- Kapur steps back into the director’s chair for this belated acterization, and the fact that Jason Schwartzman sequel to the critically acclaimed 1998 biopic Elizabeth that is a co-writer of the film as well as a star. Instead explores the 16th century romance between the “Virgin wes is more of having Owen help write this one, Roman Cop- Queen” and noted adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive pola inked part of it, bringing in an authentic family Owen). Michael Hirst teams with William Nicholson to pen connection between the writers, since Coppola and the screenplay, and actor Geoffrey Rush returns to the role of The Darjeeling Limited Sir Francis Walsingham. PG13 Schwartzman are cousins. For Wes’ fanatical cult following, this is THE GAME PLAN Gridiron Gang star The Rock picks BY RICK GRANT [email protected] another little masterpiece of his original style and up the pigskin once again for this sports-themed family A- Rated PG-13 91 min vision. I’m glad Wes can make his films without comedy concerning a football superstar who abandons the Wes has placed his repressed characters compromise, maybe creative cinema will stick gridiron to answer the call of fatherhood after learning that Wes Anderson has carved out a fiercely origi- – the three brothers – in a fish-out-of-water mi- around. he has a daughter he never knew. Kyra Sedgwick stars as the professional athlete’s ruthless agent who would rather nal niche in filmdom. His eccentric droll satire and see her client scoring touchdowns than cementing familial the use of the same actors has established Wes bonds. Rated PG as a wunderkind who writes and directs his own brand of dramedy. With critically acclaimed movies GONE BABY GONE Two young private detectives are such as Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums, and hired to take a closer look at the mysterious disappearance Wes has gained of a little girl and soon discover that nothing is what it The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou seems. Ultimately, they will have to risk everything -- their the respect of Hollywood’s elite without compro- relationship, their sanity, and even their lives -- to fi nd a little mising his artistic ideals. Indeed, Wes plays in his girl-lost. Starring: Casey Affl eck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed own sandbox universe, oblivious to whether or Harris, Morgan Freeman, John Ashton. Rated R. not his films make money. He’s the Woody Allen of today’s film world (without Woody’s pedophile THE HEARTBREAK KID This remake of Elaine May’s The leanings). Heartbreak Kid stars Ben Stiller as Eddie, a man who as the fi lm opens is getting married to a woman he proposed The Darjeeling Limited is Wes Anderson’s pe- to after knowing her for just one week. While on their culiar meditation on the loss of a parent fused with honeymoon he discovers that his new bride is in many ways a trip gone terribly wrong. Three estranged broth- a horrible person, and at the same time meets a woman ers–Francis (Owen Wilson) Peter, (Adrien Brody) (Michelle Monaghan) who he begins to realize he should and Jack (Jason Schwartzman) come together at have married. Rated R their father’s funeral. Then, on a whim, they travel INTO THE WILD Based on a true story and the bestselling to India to find their mother, Patricia (Angelica book by Jon Krakauer. After graduating from Emory Houston) who dropped out of life, became a nun, University in 1992, top student and athlete Christopher and joined convent school as a teacher. The un- McCandless (Emile Hirsch) abandons his possessions, derlying motivation for the brothers’ trip is spiritual gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and enlightenment masking an exotic getaway from hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, their individual problems back home, while dealing Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape with their grief over their father’s death. his life. Starring: Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt. Rating: R

THE KINGDOM In the aftermath of a deadly attack on American forces in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, diplomats are slow to act, but meanwhile, FBI special agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) assembles a secret team of U.S. counter-terrorism investigators to enter the city and fi nd the JACKSONVILLE criminal behind what has quickly become an international incident. The crew, however, fi nds their attempt to capture the perpetrators stalled by bureaucracy and their presence unwelcome. Also starring Jennifer Garner, Chris Cooper, web / graphic artist wanted. Jason Bateman, Jeremy Piven. Rated R

we are seeking creative individuals who are LARS AND THE REAL GIRL Written by Six Feet Under proficient in web design and desktop scribe Nancy Oliver, ‘Lars and the Real Girl’ is a heartfelt comedy starring Academy-Award nominated Ryan Gosling publishing. experience and degree preferred. as Lars Lindstrom a loveable introvert whose emotional please send resumes with portfolios to baggage has kept him from fully embracing life. After years [email protected]. of what is almost solitude, he invites Bianca, a friend he met on the internet to visit him. He introduces Bianca to his Brother 730-3003 

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 7 Gus (Paul Schneider) and his wife Karen (Emily Mortimer) and they are stunned because she is a life-size doll, not a real person and he is treating her as though she is alive. What follows is an emotional journey for Lars and the people around him. Rating: PG-13

MICHAEL CLAYTON Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is an in-house “fi xer” at one of the largest corporate law fi rms in New York. A former criminal prosecutor, Clayton takes care of the dirtiest work at the behest of the fi rm’s co-founder Marty Bach (Sydney Pollack). At U/North, meanwhile, the career of litigator Karen Crowder (Tilda Swinton) rests on the multi- million dollar settlement of a class action suit that Clayton’s fi rm is leading to a seemingly successful conclusion. Rated R

RENDITION Isabella El-Ibrahimi, the American wife of Egyptian-born chemical engineer Anwar El-Ibrahimi, who disappears from South Africa to Washington. Isabella desperately tries to track her husband down, while a CIA analyst at a secret detention facility outside the U.S. is forced to question his assignment as he becomes party to the man’s unorthodox interrogation. Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Omar Metwally, Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan Arkin. Rating: R seinfeld gets buzzed SAW IV Just when audiences thought they’d heard the last of the demented killer Jigsaw (Tobin Bell), here comes Saw IV, continuing his trap-fi lled legacy -- this time, targeting the last remaining offi cer who has touched the case, SWAT to be or not to Bee Movie Commander Rigg (Lyriq Bent). Starring: Tobin Bell, Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell. Rating: R. BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected] SEA MONSTERS: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE IN 3D C Rated PG 91 min. Quarter-life crisis aside, Barry’s reaction to sue the This stunning photo-realistic computer-generated animation pants off of “Big Honey” is another rather adult con- transports audiences back to the Late Cretaceous, when He’s won a Golden Globe, an Emmy, three cept to try and wrap a kindergartner’s head around. a great inland sea divided North America in two. The fi lm American Comedy Awards and two Screen Actors Gags about Barry’s love interest not being a “wasp” follows a curious and adventurous dolichorhynchopsas she Guild Awards. Despite practically dropping off the travels through the most dangerous oceans in history. Along and lawyers being “bloodsucking parasites” got big the way, she encounters long-necked plesiosaurs, giant face of the earth when his long-running sitcom end- laughs from adults in the audience, but my kids? Not turtles, enormous fi sh, fi erce sharks, and the most dangerous ed nearly 10 years ago, Jerry Seinfeld remains one so much. Thankfully there’s a nice balance of slap- sea monsters of all, the mosasaur. of the most beloved comedians alive today. His latest stick cartoon violence to keep kids entertained while project, DreamWorks’ Bee Movie, is one of the most grownups enjoy the more cerebral dialogue. THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE Audrey Burke is reeling from anticipated movies of the fall, with many hoping the The problem with Bee Movie isn’t so much the the shock of the news that her husband Brian, the father of fi lm will mark Seinfeld’s grand return to the limelight. their two young children, has been killed in a random act of comedy, it’s the story. It seems as if Seinfeld wrote a violence. Impulsively, she turns to Jerry Sunborne, a down- Bee Movie buzzes into theaters this weekend. bunch of bee jokes and handed them to his co-writ- and-out addict who has been her husband’s close friend Barry B. Benson (Seinfeld) is a young honey- ers to build a story around. The result is a disjointed since childhood. Audrey invites Jerry to move into the room bee fresh out of college and about to start his life- fi lm that feels like four separate movies loosely tied adjacent to their garage and working together, they discover long honey-making career in the Central Park hive together. We start off within the hive, learning the the strength to move forward. Starring: Benicio Del Toro, he calls home. The problem is Barry doesn’t know secret lives of bees and its fascinating and charming Halle Berry, David Duchovny, Alexis Llewellyn, Micah Berry. what he wants to be and defi nitely doesn’t know if he and just the right amount of silly. Then Barry exits Rating: R wants to do it for the rest of his days. Fear of mak- the only home he’s ever known and falls for Vanessa TIM BURTON’S NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRISTMAS This ing the wrong choice forces Barry to leave the hive and suddenly we’re in the middle of an inter-species stop-motion animated fable was a big hit when it was released with the “Pollen Jocks,” macho foragers who spend romantic comedy complete with a jealous boyfriend in 1993, praised for its stunning originality and for the much of their time outside gathering nectar and pol- and a pair of fretting parents (voiced by Kathy Bates excellence of its execution. Fans of the innovative animated linating fl owers. While exploring New York City, Barry and Barry Levinson). Soon that takes a backseat to classic can experience ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ in fi nds himself in the apartment of a compassionate a courtroom drama as two bees and a fl orist take Disney Digital 3-D -- a process developed to add remarkable fl orist named Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellweger) on a hot shot southern attorney (John Goodman) new depth to fi lms that were originally released in standard who saves the bee from being squished by her who seems to be the only human who fi nds it the 2-D. Rating: PG boyfriend Ken (Patrick Warburton). The near-death least bit odd that an insect managed to fi le a lawsuit. TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED? A big-screen experience and Vanessa’s kindness compels Barry Once the dust settles and the trail is over, the fi lm adaptation of Perry’s hit stage play of the same title, ‘Why to violate bee law and reveal that bees can in fact switches yet again, this time to a classic cartoon Did I Get Married?’ is an intimate story about the diffi culty of talk. Once the initial shock wears off, Vanessa fi nds a fantasy where a sprinkle of pollen instantly solves all maintaining a solid love relationship in modern times. During friend in Barry, who himself is rather smitten with the problems, a single hive full of bees can successfully a trip to the picturesque snowcapped mountains of Colorado, fl orist, and the two begin learning about each other’s land a commercial jet without human assistance and eight married college friends have gathered for their annual cultures. While spending time together in a super- seven-day reunion. But the cozy mood is shattered when a cow (Tress MacNeille) seeks legal advice from a the group comes face-to-face with one pair’s infi delity. Perry market Barry makes a shocking discovery about the mosquito (Chris Rock). This strange combination stars alongside a talented ensemble cast that includes Janet human race: they like honey and are getting it with- of themes keeps viewers from sitting back and truly Jackson, Malik Yoba, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, Tasha Smith, out permission from bees. This “thievery” cannot enjoying the protagonists and what they go through. Michael Jai White, Denise Boutte and Lamann Rucker. PG13 go unpunished so Barry, his best buddy Adam (also As a result, you’ve got a bunch of potentially great a bee – voiced by Matthew Broderick) and Vanessa characters getting lost in a bunch of weird storylines WE OWN THE NIGHT WE OWN THE NIGHT Set against decide to sue national honey companies to get the the backdrop of the bloody battle waged between New York in a movie that sadly ends up being forgettable. City cops and the Russian mafi a in the 1980s, director sweet stuff back to the bee hives where it rightfully The only thing keeping Bee Movie from com- James Gray’s period drama tells the tale of an emerging club belongs. pletely falling apart are a decent helping of clever manager whose family ties to law enforcement make him a I’m usually pretty easy on animated fi lms. jokes sprinkled throughout. Unfortunately, a few target for the city’s most dangerous criminals. Bobby Green Most of the time if my kids are entertained by it good jokes do not a good movie make. Bee Movie (Joaquin Phoenix) manages one of Gotham’s hottest clubs and I can make it through without looking at my lacks the consistency to really become a standout - but being in the club scene often means turning a blind eye watch and praying for the closing credits, I’ll give it animated classic. I have no doubt that the fi lm will do to blatant criminal activities. Realizing that his career - and a pass. After all, I’m not really the target audience, well at the box offi ce. With an amazing cast of talent- perhaps his life - could come to a sudden end if anyone right? With Bee Movie that rule really doesn’t apply. ed actors behind these characters and an extensive discovers that his father Burt (Robert Duvall) is the deputy There’s plenty here for adults, beginning of course chief of police and his brother Joseph (Mark Walberg) is a ad campaign that has ruled all forms of media for rising star on the force, Bobby struggles to keep that sensitive with our leading man, er, bug, Barry. His Graduate- the past two months, I would be in shock if the fi lm information from everyone except his devoted girlfriend esque search for a life of meaning is what most new isn’t the number one movie in America this weekend. Amanda (Eva Mendes). Rated R college grads go through, and is something my fi ve- Ultimately though, Bee Movie will be remembered for year-old wont “get” for another couple of decades. what it could have been, not for what it bee. SPECIAL SHOWINGS

8 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper sweet delusions Lars & The Single Girl movie review BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] A- Rated PG13 106 min treatment of mental illness, but it isn’t about reality. Lars and the Real Girl is one of those movies It’s about fantasy, about possibility in our delusions. where the best thing to do is just to go see it, know- That’s what fi lm is about, after all. ing absolutely nothing. If you like weird, indie style One thing that did bother me about the movie: fl icks with a sweet, quirky sense of humor, just go overhead mics were often in the shots. It tended to see it and stop reading now. Seriously. Right. Now. take me out of the scene just when I was absorbed Looks like you’re still reading, so you must be in it, destroying the delusion that I come to the the- one of those people who have to know something ater for—that all the people on the screen are real. about a movie before you see it. There’s nothing It’s a testament to Ryan Gosling’s acting ability wrong with that. You’re the reason there are reviews. that you never question his simple belief in Bianca as If you liked Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, a real person. I couldn’t help but love him, for all his this might be the fl ick for you. strangeness and distance from people. Ostensibly, Lars and the Real Girl is about an The rest of the cast holds up their end as well. anti-social dude named Lars who develops a delu- Emily Mortimer plays Karin, Lars’ concerned sister- sion that his life-sized sex doll is a fl esh-and-blood in-law, with a tenacity of love and middle-Americana girl. What prevents the movie from spiraling into sensibility. Paul Schneider plays Lars’ brother, who is porn territory is the fact that he believes that Bianca by turns focused on curing his brother, embarrassed (the sex doll) is a religious girl. In fact, she has an and guilt-ridden. entire, elaborate history and is wheelchair bound. Though there’s value in watching Lars work It’s a fl imsy premise, but the fi lmmaker, a de- through problems, using Bianca to do it, it’s even cent script and the level of the acting make it work. more interesting watching so-called normal people So much could have gone so wrong with this fi lm, begin to treat her as though she’s a real person with but miraculously, it doesn’t go wrong. It goes right. real feelings. The casting director alone deserves a special award. The movie ends up being an inescapably sweet It’s hard for me to believe that the director (Craig and strange fantasy, somewhat colored by the real Gillespie) who gave us Mr. Woodcock, also directed world. It’s interesting without being edgy, fantastic Lars. The script writer, more believably, is Nancy without being unreal. If you can invest emotion in Oliver, whose writing credits include a stint on the TV these characters, you’ll fi nd it easy to lose yourself show Six Feet Under. with Lars, Bianca and the people who love them Some nay-sayers might object to the light both.

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 9 netscapades Sunday, November 4th, 6 p.m. by brenton crozier Epic Shredding of Destruction 3: There are numerous fl avors of satire, all delicious and satisfying in their own way. From the Legends of Rock standard satire found in sketch shows and fake news outlets like The Onion to mockumentary styles found in Christopher Guest movies and the featured sites this week. The latter is endearing in its are- GUITAR HERO 3 TOURNAMENT they-for-real? qualities. As old as the chicken and the egg quandary comes the who’s laughing at who impasse—a testament to well-executed satire. double elimination format in From a super-cool Russian rapper and skater to a white bread couple that is convinced that pro face off, best 2 out of 3 black people love them, my fi nds are affl uent in satirical goodness . . . or are they? Take point on this one and you tell me, are these people for reals? $5 door fee songs. highest score wins. + $10 for the tournament www.illmitch.com ( toward the pot) TOTAL 15 bucks to enter. Did you think that Borat had the market on broken English, stylistically-challenged fun? Time to revamp your thinking and meet ILL Mitch. Mitch’s website looks like it was designed along with the inception of the Internet, but live performance it is fi tting in its neon green splendor. Mitch welcomes site after the tourney by visitors in his patented headband, blue jacket vest and red Board City Skateshop motorcycle helmet. His message reads, “Hello to rap fans, I 410 Blanding Blvd am ILL Mitch.” He goes on to discuss his 3 favorite things, rap, skateboarding and hitting his boxing bag. Rest assured, Orange Park, FL 32073 his favorite of these 3 is rap. (904) 272-6996 The site consists of various elements including a video section, store and ILL Mitch team signup. The pictures Those who show up dressed up as their specific HERO OF ROCK will get a discount on the door fee. Costumes are subject to review, so try to be a RECOGNIZABLE hero if with captions are easily the best part of the website. His fantastically bad fashion sense and awkwardness are only you can. Dressing up as Ulala from Space Channel 5 does NOT count, and the Ultimate Warrior is technically not a “Rock Star”. accentuated by the broken English descriptions. My favorite would have to be the picture of Mitch in his big red motorcycle helmet, holding his skateboard with the caption “This board is fast and danger.” I suggest downloading some tracks, in particular Hey Ladies Fans and Fast and Danger, perusing the photo page full of hilarious tidbits and signing up an unsuspecting friend to join ILL Mitch in his goal of “Make ILL Mitch number one rap man in world.” Represent Russian-style with ILL Mitch dawgs. www.blackpeopleloveus.com Wow, this site is sure to hit “Mr. I Take Everything Way Too Serious and Have to Raise Hell about Anything Teetering on Offensive to Show How Thoughtful and Informed I Am” right between the eyes. Apparently Sally and Johnny, clothed in formulaic yup- pie fashion, are psyched that black people like them so much since “lots of black people don’t like lots of white people.” The site has a very DIY look and feel, but is full of absolute hilarity. The party pictures and testimonials are brilliant. My particular favorite among the testimonials is from a black woman that states, “Sally is so great . . . every time I ride in the car with her she makes sure the radio is tuned to ‘my’ station.” Be sure to explore all of the pages of the site, as they all contain fantastic photos and captions. On the Stuff Our Friends Care About! page you will fi nd links to Million Man March sites, Black History sites and even a Nation of Islam site. They are so conscientious! As funny as this site is, it should also be recognized for its genius for delivering social commentary on both black and white stereotypes in such a funny manner. Sally and Johnny invite you to be their friend, but you do have to attach a picture and reasons why you love them. Do Sally and Johnny make you angry enough to write a scathing letter about their ignorance? Well get in line, because they already have a page dedicated to “Your Letters” that feature numerous suggestions about their racism, questions to the sites authenticity and pleas for them to “get a clue.” It’s not all negative though, they have a num- ber of fans who actually have a sense of humor and enjoy the site. So next time someone is being accused of being racist and retorts with, “But my best friend is black,” show them some understanding and introduce them to Sally and Johnny.

10 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper video games BY NORM STOVALL [email protected] rally racing makes the world go round (and slide sideways from time to time) I’m writing this week’s column in honor of the Scotsman who was possibly the greatest rally driver ever to get behind the wheel. Whether it was on tarmac, dirt, or pixels, Colin McRae got the job done in style. Coming from a family full of racing talent both on and off the road, McRae truly excelled at what he did. Whether it was racing down rural roads in Great Britain or winning time trials at the X Games, he was always an inspiration to watch. In mid September, Colin McRae passed away in a helicopter accident, but to rally fans worldwide, he will always be remembered for what he did for the sport, the manufacturers, and the racing videogames that he inspired. DIRT For PC, Xbox 360, and PS3 One of the most recent and realistic rally racing games, your goal is to win races, buy cars, and master driving all types of rally vehicles, whether its Baja-style mountainside racing, or on the tarmac and in the rain. Dirt is truly a rally fanatic’s racing game, featuring a great number of driving styles and scenarios. Stateside, the game was released without Co- lin McRae’s name in the title and had a more involved presentation featuring Moto X racer- turned-rally-champ Travis Pastrana, though the gameplay itself was unchanged. SEGA RALLY REVO For Xbox 360, Playstation 3 If there is one thing that Sega does well, its making great arcade racing games. With Sega Rally Revo, they certainly haven’t broken that tradition. With the newest game in the Sega Rally series, the developers have included an innovative way for cars to interact with the dirt and snow surfaces that they race on. As you zoom through the mud, the track will actually change, with ruts created by your car’s tires. As the race pro- gresses, you can use these ruts to your advantage, using the extra grip they provide that will help you main- tain high speeds while sticking to your racing line. Your car will also get dirty in a realistic way. While Sega Rally Revo wouldn’t really be considered a racing simulation game, it does create a fun rally environment that people of all skill levels can enjoy. older games RALLISPORT CHALLENGE, RALLISPORT CHALLENGE 2 For Xbox As the second and last title in the Rallisport Challenge series for the original Xbox, this game is cer- tainly the best. While mostly a racing simulation game, the game is still fun to play, and the graphics are great with lots of detailed environments and variations in track styles.

TEST DRIVE V-RALLY For Sega Dreamcast This was my fi rst, and my favorite rally racing game. V-Rally introduced some really great things that many racing games to date have yet to include, such as building your own track. V-Rally also included great night racing levels, which were awesome to play and to watch, seeing how realistically the lights from your car would illuminate the road, and cast shadows behind things. Not only did the game prove that it was the best looking racer of its time, it was also the most fun to play. If you still have a Dreamcast lying around, look for this game at your local independent game store. It shouldn’t cost you more than 5 or 10 bucks. TOP GEAR RALLY For Nintendo 64 This was an early release in the Nintendo 64’s lifecycle, but it was a lot of fun. With a good selection of vehicles to choose from and some fun and wacky unlockable features, I consider this to be one of my favorite racers for the console. There were a lot of crappy games for the Nintendo 64, but there were a few really, really, good games too, and I consider this to be one of them. The only drawback here is the graphics, where every color on the screen seems to fi nd a way to fade into brown. Even pastel brown. Didn’t think there was such a thing? Play this game. games i left out There are tons of games in the genre that almost always get overlooked by the mainstream public, but the niche market of rally racing games does earn some good money overseas, so the games are always gonna’ be there. For a good idea of what to look for, go to the main page of gamefaqs.com and do a simple search for ‘Rally.’ You’ll be able to fi nd a great selection of rally games for every known game console, and see reviews and message boards about them too. Good names to look for include Colin McRae (numerous games), Rally Cross, and Mobil 1 Rally. Sony’s Gran Turismo series also has a decent selection of rally events, especially Gran Turismo 3. Check it out.

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 11 dish. where to eat, drink and be merry.

Grand Opening Party of Let Them Eat Cake succulent seafood Ponte Vedra’s Aqua Grill BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] One of Ponte Vedra’s dining hotspots is the Aqua Grill, surviving twenty years in the fi ercely competitive realm of fi ne dining in the area. A great spot for romantic dinner dining, lunchtime also fi nds the place buzzing with business lunches and post-golf repasts. The Grill is tucked in an upscale shopping center that specializes in unique items, from clothing to décor, so you’ll often fi nd shoppers taking a lunch or dinner break. The deck has to be my favorite spot, but there are a few large dining areas, most featuring picture win- dows and murals. The restaurant seems a little dated in décor (looks like the early/mid 90s) but they made an pages 12 - 13 aqua grill restaurant review | pages 12 - 13 effort to be elegant and timeless, so it doesn’t seem too tired. A good view and fi sh tanks fi lled with reefs and exotic fi sh helps the décor. november food calendar | page 14 haunted pub crawl One thing that other diners have loved when dining at the Aqua Grill is their ability to be accommodating. If you have a particular dietary requirement or you want to change a dish due to a preference, they’ll fi nd a way to do it. They will try to steer you away from choices that might not be so fl avorful, but they’ll do their dish update

Did you know that you can vote for your favorite football team AND feed the hungry in your home- november food calendar town just by clicking your mouse? Visit the Chunky Soup website at chunky.com/clickforcansvote.aspx and vote for the Jags. If the Jaguars win, Chucky Soup will donate Campbell’s Soup throughout the year to local soup kitchens or centers for the needy. Our Jags have slipped from 5th to 6th place, so vote! You Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair 22nd Annual Great Chowder Debate can vote once a day until December 15th. October 31 - November 11 November 4 For the month of November, Blue Bamboo will be serving specials from Italy. Chef Dennis Chan is Fair food, midway rides, games, arts & crafts, food, Satisfy your passion for great chowder at the 22nd especially excited about the bruschetta they’ll be serving, using ciabatta bead with whole, roasted garlic. fabulous entertainment and more! Jacksonville Fair- annual edition of the Conch House Marina’s cel- Also, a correction to last week’s Dish Update, Café Nola inside the MOCA (333 North Laura Street, grounds, 510 Fairgrounds Place, Jacksonville. Info: ebrated annual Great Chowder Debate. Sample the across from Hemming Plaza) will actually be opening Wednesday through Friday for dinner. In addition to (904) 353-0535. best chowder created at more 30 area restaurants their regular dinner menu there will always be four nightly specials, including a starter, salad, sandwich competing for bragging rights to the Best Chowder and an entrée. Guests can enjoy their favorite beer, wine or cocktail from the full bar. 27th Annual Linconville Festival title. Entries range from local favorites like the New restaurants are due to open with phase two of the St. Johns Town Center. Capital Grille and November 2 –November 4 Menorcan chowders to an assortment of New Eng- Mitchell’s Fish Market, a seafood restaurant and bar. Celebrate St. Augustine’s rich African-American cul- land chowders – made with clams, conch, lobster, In San Marco, Simons Winebar (1004 Hendricks Ave) is open again for lunch from 11 am to 2:30 tural heritage at the 27th annual Lincolnville Festival. scallops and crab and laced with secret concoc- pm on weekdays. Dinner is served 5 pm to midnight on weekdays and 5 pm to 1 am on Friday and Sat- One of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, more than tions of herbs and spices. The event starts at noon urday nights. half of Lincolnville’s buildings date from the late and runs throughout the day. All proceeds benefit Back Porch Café in Arlington is open for breakfast Monday - Friday from 8am until 11 am. Call 19th century. Funds raised from the festival will be the Shriners’ Hospitals for Crippled Children. Info: ahead the night before and you can pick up your breakfast curbside. A favorite breakfast-on-the-go is used for exhibits at the Fort Mose Museum. The fes- (904) 829-8646 their BPC Breakfast ($6.95), an egg casserole with American cheese, cheddar, bacon and mushrooms. tival kicks-off on Friday with live R&B music, food, Comes with hash browns or grits and a beverage of coffee or tea. and arts and crafts. Then on Saturday, there will be 6th Annual Ponte Vedra Food & Winefest “Let Them Eat Cake!” has moved to 3604 St. Johns Avenue and will be open for retail. That means narrated tours of historic Lincolnville featuring the Friday, Nov. 9 – Sunday, Nov. 11, 2007 we can buy those luscious cakes we used to only be able to get from the case at b.b.’s, Biscotti’s and civil rights movement sites in the area, live country/ Enjoy a weekend of exploring the Ponte Vedra wine other swank eateries in town. In the morning, coffee and breakfast pastries will be served. Cupcakes, pop, jazz and dance music all day with more arts scene as the Ponte Vedra Beach Chamber of Com- cookies, desserts and whole cakes will be around the entire day. While they’ll still be maintaining some and crafts and a “Soul Food Contest”. On Sunday, merce presents their 6th Annual Food & Winefest at wholesale accounts at some of the best J-ville restaurants, they’re ready to concentrate on the retail the day’s entertainment features gospel music and the Sawgrass Marriott Resort in Ponte Vedra Beach. walk-in customers. more food. The Lincolnville Festival is free and takes The weekend begins on Friday with a six-course Remember, if you’ve got any dish on Jacksonville food and drink, do send us an email at place on Granada and Washington Streets. Granada gourmet dinner prepared by the Sawgrass Marriott’s [email protected]. and Washington Streets Info: (904) 827-6893 

12 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper best to execute whatever you can request. As the name indicates, they specialize in seafood, and it is very fresh. When possible, they use a local vendor so they can supply their diners with the best. But seafood isn’t all that’s on the menu. Whether you’ve brought along a vegetarian or carnivore, they should be able to fi nd things on the menu to order. At dinnertime, their entrée prices average from about $16 - $26. Lunch entrées go for about $8 - $13, mostly hitting below $10, positively a steal for the outstanding quality of their meals. Appetizers are reason- ably priced as well, and the portions aren’t tiny. Appetizer selections include the favorite Aqua Grill Rockefeller, the diner’s choice of oysters and shrimp, baked with the creamy spinach topping and Parmesan cheese. I sampled Chef Larry’s Jumbo Shrimp Sauté, a New Orleans culinary adventure with just a dash of Asian infl uence. It’s a tasty way to start off a meal if you’re a shrimp lover. They also offer the standard seared ahi tuna. They always serve this dish at Caring Chefs and get quite a crowd because they actually cook the stuff onsite, using a fl at grill. Many other places serve ahi tuna at Caring Chefs, but most cook the tuna off site, refrigerate it, then serve. While they blow the competition out of water at the event, I felt that the restaurant version was a passable rendition of the dish. Since I’ve had so many variations of the dish at dif- ferent places, it ranks about the middle on seared ahi tuna, in both presentation and taste. The mustard based sauce on the side isn’t an entirely common move, and it was a nice touch. As a main entrée I took a few heavenly bites of their Bang-Bang White Fish. The fi sh in question changes, depending on what’s available and fresh, but they tend to use a light white fi sh like grouper, fl ounder or sea bass. Since fi sh is what they do best, it’s an exquisite preparation. It’s a Thai twist for the fi sh, in a breading made from almonds, Japanese breadcrumbs and cilantro. Fresh Thai peppers are used to make the danger- ously good and lightly spicy sauce, which is mitigated by the pad Thai underneath. If you’re a Thai food and fi sh fan, you will adore this dish, as I did. For the fi nale, I ate their lovely bread pudding. Finished with a Jack Daniel’s glaze, topped with freshly-made whipped cream, artistically placed sweet sauces and lush strawberries, it was an excellent end to an excellent meal.

Info: 950 Sawgrass Village, Ponte Vedra Beach, (904) 285-3017

 Empty Bowls Luncheon Award Winning Chef Charles Charbonneau accom- November 13 panied by the wines of Alexander Valley Winery and Okay, so there isn’t any food at this event, but they a live auction. On Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m. the are raising money to feed the poor and hungry. The Grand Tasting featuring an extensive selection of Empty Bowls Luncheon is one of our most recogniz- JACKSONVILLE international and domestic wines and champagnes able events for raising support and awareness of the accompanied by signature gourmet dishes from 15 issue of hunger in Northeast Florida. Uniquely indi- local restaurant, mini seminars, cooking demonstra- vidual ceramic bowls created by area school children tions and an olive and cheese tasting are featured. and local potters are displayed prominently at the advertise your On Sunday, a champagne brunch takes place from event. Artists’ bowls signed by celebrities are in- 11 am to 2 pm at the Sawgrass Marriott Resort & cluded in a Silent Auction during the luncheon. Local Spa. Info: (904) 285-2004 school groups and other community groups perform restaurant here. during the program. This event serves as a reminder Cabaret Parisien- A Night of Music, Food & Fun that many families and children in our community go November 9, 10, 16 & 17 to bed hungry. Come help the Lutheran Social Ser- Showtime is 8:00 pm at the Bishop Baker Parish vices raise money to distribute food throughout the Center in St. Augustine, with a cash bar open at year. Info: (904) 630-4000 7:30 pm. Tickets are $20, $19 in advance, or $170 for table of 10 people. Tickets include show, French St. Johns County Fair hors d’oeuvres, coffee and dessert. Info: First Coast November 13 – 18 Opera (904) 417-5555 Who doesn’t love fair food! Get a taste for St. Johns County agricultural heritage by enjoying exhibits, Riverkeeper’s Oyster Roast food, fun, entertainment and the best that it produces. November 16 @ 7 pm Livestock, good things to eat, music, midway rides, let EU spotlight your dish. join This annual oyster roast has so much more than and activities for the whole family are the mainstay of local foodies by digging into just oysters. Catered by Liz Grundemyer, this fund- the Fair. Spotlight entertainment includes live perfor- raiser for the St. Johns Riverkeeper program is held mances on Friday and Saturday. Other entertainment our dish section every week. at the Garden Club of Jacksonville, $100 Info: (904) includes the Fair Rodeo on Friday and 4H Shows and 256-7591 Contests throughout the week. Info: (904) 794-7287 call (904) 730-3003 to advertise

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 13 HARRY’S Address or Directions: 46 Avenida Menendez Type of Place: Seafood Grill and Bar Serving: Shelf and call liquor drinks, domestic draft beer and house wines. Atmosphere: No smoking. If you’re at the upstairs bar, you can’t even smoke on the patio. But the view of the bay is spectacular. Drink Specials: If you’re lucky, the ghost will turn on the tap for you while the bartender isn’t looking.

Ever since my girlfriend applied for a job at Harry’s in Orange Park and was told she had to be willing to do body shots, I haven’t been much of a fan of the chain. But the Harry’s in St. Augustine is in a haunted building, so when a girl gets on the bar to do a body shot, it’s because she’s possessed by the spirit of Catalina (and wasted)! Catalina is a punitive ghost that insists on good manners. Quentin calls this stop the “Weeding out place,” since Catalina has a tendency to punish the riff raff. Bartenders Vance and Melinda also told us casual stories about the beer taps randomly turning on in the upstairs bar, next to Catalina’s old bedroom!

CASABLANCA INN Address or Directions: San Marco Boulevard, across from the Bridge of Lions Type of Place: Martini Bar Serving: Shelf and call liquor drinks, bottled beer, and a selection of wines. Atmosphere: An intimate, elegant little bar with seating that looks over the Matanzas Bay. Amenities: Featuring a player piano and live music on Thursdays, usually jazz.

This is the quintessential St. Augustine ghost story. Until you know the story of the rum-running owner of the Casablanca Inn that still waves her lantern at boaters at night, you’re still a tourist. Built in 1912, the Casa- blanca Inn was a speakeasy during Prohibition. The owner was a very “independent woman” who bought rum ghosts go drinkin’ right off the ships that traveled between Jamaica and the mobsters up north. But the bar of the place doesn’t exactly embrace the tale with their tourist-chic Tini Martini bar. They even have a tiny piano. But there wasn’t room for a ghost tour, so Quentin told the story out front and let us spend more time in the next bar. the pub crawl gets haunted by johnny st. thomas ANN O’MALLEY’S I’ve always enjoyed spirits, and how better to enjoy them than with spirits? I learned of this haunted Address or Directions: 23 Orange Street in St Augustine pub tour presented by Ghost Augustine when I set our professional drinkers to the task of fi nding haunted Type of Place: Irish Pub and Restaurant pubs for Halloween. Jacksonville didn’t turn up much, but that’s mostly because bars and restaurants Serving: Good selection of Import and domestic Drafts with even more bottle selections have a shelf life of about two years here. St. Augustine, on the other hand, is loaded with bars and many Atmosphere: Quaint and authentic. No smoking. of those bars are loaded with people that won’t leave even after the (too early) last call. Some of them Amenities: Beautiful historic building overlooking one of the country’s oldest cemeteries. don’t leave, though, because they’ve been dead for hundreds of years. A couple of these bars we’ve We’ve been to this bar before, but this time was by far the creepiest. As we rounded the corner of Orange reviewed before, but never with full disclosure about their haunted nature. This time we had a pro take us Street, Quentin talked about the graveyard, and the unmarked graves below the surrounding area from some ancient plague. And as we approached dear old Ann O’Malley’s there on the front stoop was a Spanish con- to tell the stories. His name was Quentin and he was haunted by the ghost of haircuts past. Although all quistador, a ruffi an pirate and some sort of British colonist. Here we were being cynical about the possibilities of the professional drinkers showed excitement at the prospect of this adventure, only our photographer of seeing any creatures at all and the pub is packed to the gills with ‘em. As it turns out, they are all tour guides Heath dared brave the adventure with me. We got so haunted we had to crash at a cheap hotel. And that having a nip after work. They will go home and fall asleep watching reruns of Scrubs on cable. It seems as though we’ve had an inordinate amount of time at O’Malley’s and perhaps Quentin is getting a little snockered hotel was the creepiest part! with that pirate.

SCARLETT O’HARA’S Address or Directions: 70 Hypolita Street, just off Cordova Type of Place: Bar and restaurant Serving: Southern food, bar cuisine, domestic beers on draft (Bud products only) and a full bar. Atmosphere: Rustic and rickety. The atmosphere is awesome, it belongs in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. They often feature live music. Amenities: “Upstairs ghost bar.”

Quentin forgot to tell us the ghost story behind this place (I think he was getting a little sauced – it was his third tour for the evening), but in my experience, Scarlett O’Hara’s is a nightmare every time. In the past year I have tried to go to three times, and although I’ve never been cursed, each time has left me cursing. From their half-hearted beer selection to their slow service, all they have to offer is atmosphere. Although the claim was that we would get 25% off of our tab for having the “Pub Tour” sticker on, instead the bartender was an ass, the drinks were too expensive and after waiting an eternity for a beer, we decided to cut to the chase and head to St. George Tavern. After that, I saw all sorts of things that weren’t there.

We didn’t see any ghosts, but as the night waned on, Heath’s trashed digital camera caught more and more “orbs.” The walking pub tour is $16 and if you enjoy the stories, you should also tip. You walk to four or fi ve pubs and you spend twenty to thirty minutes in each pub, depending on the group in the tour and the daily schedule, but with a group of friends I can see this being a perfect night on the town. Split a room and book your tour early, because this is the season for ghosts in St. Augustine!

14 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper tacular T-shirts. If you get hungry, there will be a variety of food and beverage booths will serving an array of David Martin tasty treats. For the littlest aspiring pilots, there will be an assortment of activities just for kids, featuring Little Pilots Lounge, dog tags, aircraft carrier infl atable, face painting, plus make and take crafts. Pick up a complimen- tary child ID kit to take home or fi ll out an ID band for your child to wear during the event, compliments of the City of Jacksonville and the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department. Ironically, this booth will also serve as a lost and found for both personal items and any child or adult you might lose during the event.

Gene Soucy and Theresa Stokes

If you’re inspired by the show to become a military man or woman, there will be military recruitment booths onsite with reps from the Army, Navy, Air Force, Air National Guard, Marine and U.S. Coast Guard, to give you all the info you need. If free is too cheap for you, there are VIP Viewing Cabanas on First Street between Fourth and Fifth Av- enues North. A limited number of tickets are available at the event entrance each day. Prices are as follows: Adults $25.00 (includes two beverage tickets), children 4 -12 years $15.00 (includes two beverage tickets) and children 3 years and under are free. The Cabanas offer shade, are located on an oceanfront fl ight line and are available for private groups, corporate gatherings and invited guests. While the event is free, you will want to have $20 for parking. Parking won’t be available on-site for the Saturday and Sunday festivities. Park at the TPC Lots located West of A1A on Palm Valley Road/County Road 210. There will be free shuttles running to and from the lots to the event site. For more info visit coj.net.

friday, november 2 - Gene Soucy and Theresa Stokes Event Hours: 6 -10 pm - John Klatt - Red Baron Pizza Squadron Practice Show - Red Eagle Sports Both military and civilian air show performers will - The Red Devils practice their demonstrations and aerobatic feats. - Matt Chapman The U.S. Navy Blue Angels practice will commence - The Black Daggers aeronautic feats at approximately 3 pm. - S-3 Viking - F-16 Fighting Falcon Pre-Flight Party at the Seawalk Pavilion - F-104 Starfi ghters (6 pm-10 pm) Air Show Performers Meet & Greet - The Black Daggers & Dueling Pianos. This event is free and open to - P-3 Orion of daring-do the public. Meet air show performers and crews as - USCG Demonstration you listen and watch some of America’s premier - F-15 FANG pianists perform your favorite tunes. This is a - U.S. Air Force Heritage Flight great opportunity to get your favorite performer’s - EA-6B Prowler Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular autograph! - David Martin - F-18 Formation Flyby - F-4 Phantom BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] saturday, november 3 & • Meet the Performers at Aviation Alley! Pre- WHAT: Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spectacular sunday, november 4 sented by VyStar Credit Union WHEN: November 2-4 Event Hours 10 am- 4 pm On Saturday and Sunday, pilots and performers will WHERE: Seawalk Pavilion/Jacksonville Beach take time to meet and sign autographs for air show 10 am Skydiving teams, the Red Devils and Black fans. This is a great opportunity to meet the men Jacksonville Beach’s Sea & Sky Spectacular has to be one of the most unique First Coast events you Daggers will open the show with the American and and women behind these incredible machines! can go to this year. It’s joint effort from the City of Jacksonville, the Naval Station at Mayport and the Cities of British Flags while the National Anthem is sung • Red Baron® 3-D Flying Adventure Feel like Jacksonville Beach, Atlantic Beach and Neptune Beach. by MU2 Mallory McKendry. Jacksonville Sea & your fl ying with the Red Baron Pizza Squadron with The free event brings together some of our country’s best talent in aviation feats, from the U.S. Navy’s Sky Spectacular Sky Show, Narrated by Danny a 3-D movie and try Red Baron® Pizza in the mo- Blue Angels and various military parachuting teams to civilian performers such as wingwalker Theresa Stokes Clisham. bile kitchen. or Olympic level aerobatic champ Patty Wagstaff. • Visit one of the Clear Channel radio station The air shows will happen all day Saturday and Sunday, but there’s plenty to do on the ground as well. Featuring: booths for information and giveaways. The corresponding street festival (First Street from First Avenue North to Fifth Avenue North) will have inter- - The U.S. Navy Blue Angels • Stop by the WTEV CBS47 and WAWS FOX30 active games, displays, simulators, children’s activities, arts and crafts and more. You can meet the pilots, - Patty Wagstaff booth for information and giveaways. score an autograph and buy some sweet merch with Blue Angels logos and Jacksonville Sea & Sky Spec-

eujacksonville.com |november 1-7, 2007 15 all’s fair The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair

general admission Admission tickets may be purchased on-line at any time before and during the Fair or at the gate.

Adults $8.00 Children 6-12 $5.00 5 and younger Free Senior 65 and over $5.00

Ride tickets are available, and different rides require different numbers of tickets, but wristbands for unlimited rides usually cost between $20 and $25 dollars depending on the day. Go to jacksonvillefair.com for more details.

The fair is incomparable to any other event in the area. This isn’t just Jacksonville’s offering to the annual fairs that roll through every county, this is The Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair. It’s greater, in that it dwarfs any of the other county fairs in both size and extent. I’m not sure precisely how it compares in size to other fairs, but it is the biggest I’ve ever attended. Of course, that perception is relative too. Because in Hoboken or Minneapolis, an agricultural fair may not be that big of a deal, but in the Deep South, a fair is part of our folk history. In fact this one has been around longer than anyone reading this, I would dare bet. Of course there are the spectacles that everyone goes there for, the rides that spin and teeter and rise far above the earth. Few things can give you that anxious and excited feeling that rides at the fair provide. People that adore the scariest roller coasters and travel the country to try the rides are still scared of the fair rides, and therein lays precisely their thrill. They are thoroughly inspected and tested on hapless, toothless carnies before you are allowed to get on board, but the knowledge that it is at least slightly more likely for these road-weary portable machines to jeopardize your life than it is a permanent fi xture at a theme park provides a portion of that thrill. Real terror. Couple that with Iron Maiden blaring through the speaker and the cryptic look in the eyes of the man controlling your fate with a lever, and you have a perfect autumn scare. In the midway you can test your skills against the taunting carnies and win your sweetheart a framed velvet portrait of the Guns N’ Roses logo or a 80% likeness Winnie the Pooh doll for your sweetheart, or dare to try one of the many other spectacular spectacles along the walk around the fair. Whether you want to get upside down or just see the county’s fi nest hog, the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair has plenty to offer for all ages and is a true cultural experience. Read on for details about the shows and the exhibitions (not to mention the food). Big Cosmo fair game National Artists Perform on the Fair’s

Main Stage by rick grant

One of the main perks of buying Fair tickets is the free music included with the price of admission. The Fair books national artists, many of whom have recent hits or a signifi cant body of work that is familiar to fair-goers. The Fair is the biggest event that happens in Jacksonville, drawing a major chunk of the population, and they books mainly country acts with a few exceptions. This year there is an impressive lineup of established artists performing on the main stage. During the last three weeks I’ve been interviewing many of these artists, all of whom have been cordial and engaging conversationalists. The fact that country artists are fan and media-friendly is what makes them successful in the viciously competitive milieu of country music. Once a country artist has been signed by a major label and is out touring with hit music on the charts, they understand that without their fans and media support they would be nothing.

16 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Sunday, November 4th the Flynnville Train takes the stage. This group plays two types of music- create a design that uses the techniques exclusive to that artist, and paint it on a piece of furniture. The - Southern and rock. Yeah, this Train is redneck powered, honky-tonk sounding, beer drinking, kick-butt pieces will be on display for the length of the fair, so you have plenty of time to vote for your favorite. rock’n’roll. Monday, November 5th Steve Holy–a new face on the country scene–takes the main stage. Steve won Professional Floral Design Competition: Local high school fl oral design students will show their fl air with a regional talent contest in Dallas, Texas which got him noticed. Then his songwriting talent impressed the freesias, their creativity with carnations, and their ingenuity with irises at this year’s Professional Floral Design Nashville moguls. Now Steve and his band, the Marauders, are burning up bus tires on a whirlwind tour. Steve Competition. Just wait until you see what these folks can do with a few fl owers and some imagination! Be blends 50s rock’n’roll with country, which gives his sound a rocking beat. However, his ballads, such as sure to check out the entries (located at Exhibit Hall A on November 1st and 8th) and vote for your favorite. his big hit ‘Good Morning Beautiful,’ are climbing the charts. His newest single, ‘Cliff in Colorado,’ is set for release before Thanksgiving. Red Hat Table Decorating Competition: Those lovable Red Hat Society ladies will be competing to see Tuesday, November 6th, Steve Azar performs on the main stage. Recently, I interviewed Steve who whose table setting reigns supreme at this year’s fair. The table décor will be judged on originality, design and fuses his Mississippi Delta blues infl uences with country. Steve set the country music world on fi re with appearance. You can be sure there will be some stunning centerpieces, especially since fi rst prize is $100! his big hit ‘I Don’t Have to Be Me (Until Monday)’ and is riding high with his new album Indianola. Steve’s See them all and vote for your favorite from October 31st to November 9th. songwriting prowess has also gotten him noticed by other artists, but he said in the interview that he is the best person to perform his own songs right now. Fall Fair Scholastic Chess Tournament: On November 10th area kids will compete in an intense tournament Wednesday, November 7th, 80s hit machine Firefall brings it vast repertoire of hits spanning 30 years to determine who is King (or Queen) of the chessboard. Think you have what it takes? Then register at to the Fair’s main stage. Helmed by the only original member and owner of the trademark, Jock Bartley, who mychessclub.us (there is a registration fee of $10 which needs to be paid in advance) before November 7th. I interviewed last week, Firefall is still going strong. When audiences hear Firefall’s songs they will remember The offi cial rules and entry forms can be found at jacksonvillefair.com. them as classic hits. Firefall also has new material that they perform live. During the band’s heyday they released eight hit albums, three of which went gold and two went platinum. Eleven of the band’s singles were top ten hits. for the animal enthusiast th, singer/songwriter and the latest hunk of burning love, Thursday, November 8 Keith Anderson, If the popularity of circuses and zoos is any indication, a large chunk of the population is fascinated performs his hit music. Months before releasing his debut album, Keith was ranked as country’s number by wildlife. In addition to the many farm animals that will be on display for the livestock competition, animal one new male artist of 2005 by the music trades and . Keith was also chosen by Billboard Radio & Records lovers will get to see a variety of amazing critters doing some extraordinary things thanks to four new People magazine for its 2005 “50 Hottest Bachelors” issue. But it’s Keith’s exceptional songwriting talent that additions to the Fair. has got everyone in country music excited. Just about every song Keith writes is a top ten hit. With movie star good looks and hitmaking skill, there is no limit to this cat’s career potential. His top ten hits include Not all the animals you’ll see at the fair are real, and ‘Pickin’ Wildfl owers,’ ‘Every Time I Hear Your Name’ and the Grammy nominated ‘Beer Run (B Double E Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour: that may be a good thing! Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Adventure Tour gives visitors a chance to get Double Are You In).’ up-close and personal with lions, boas and bears, all animatronic, of course. The fascinating traveling wildlife th rolls into the Fair. Buddy is a traditional country artist in the George Friday, November 9 , Buddy Jewel experience features three distinct habitats with lifelike animals, a theater showing moments from the Animal Strait bag. He won a contest in Dallas that got him a sweet deal in Nashville. Buddy’s unwavering clear voice Planet series , and hands-on activities for little adventurers. Those over 18 is as smooth as clover honey and his material is rich with country roots infl uences. Yes, Buddy is hitmaker Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom can also play the Win Something Wild instant win game to get cool prizes and a chance to take home a 47” who will be around for many years making new fans everywhere he goes. HDTV. Saturday, November 11th, Crossin’ Dixon hits the main stage with “Southern Comfort running through their veins... I’m modern day... guitar slinger,” the band’s song ‘Guitar Slinger’ states. This story-song is Now a clever autobiography condensed into a song. The group features precise vocal harmonies and rocking Robinson’s Racing Pigs: here’s something you don’t see rhythms. This group redefi nes the country rock sound with some romping stomping rock’n’roll. every day. These adorable pigs will do just about anything for an Oreo cookie including rock silly names (Britney Spare-Rib, Hillary Rodham Clint-Ham, and Snoop Hoggy Hog are just a few) and fair-tastic fun for run around a track at 15 miles an hour. Root for your favorite during these popular daily pig races.

Kachunga and the Alligator everyone Show: Gil Castillo is Kachunga an American Bushman who does what no one with a lick of sense and a love of their limbs will: he Fair Entertainment by kellie abrahamson wrestles alligators. The Kachunga and the Alligator show pits this When most people think of the Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair the fi rst things that come to mind brave but very stupid man against are thrill rides, concerts and fair food. In reality, the Fair has so much more to offer it boggles the mind. From a 300 pound, nine-foot alligator. cooking contests to wrestling to magic shows, there’s so much more to this annual fun-fest than corndogs The result is something like a and country acts. Here’s the lowdown. car wreck- you just can’t look away. Learn about these massive beasts and see Kachunga tame for the competitor one (we hope!) during this daily performance. Looking for a blue ribbon? There are literally dozens of competitions and contests going on at the Fair that can enter to win. Everyone already knows about the livestock and horticulture competitions that go on each CoolDog High Performance Thrill Show: The Las Vegas-based show has been wowing audiences for 25 year but below are some of the lesser known contests that will take place as well. If you see a competition years. If I can get my dog to sit, we’re having a good day. These dogs leap through the air, balance on their you want to enter, head over to jacksonvillefair.com for more information. front paws and even jump rope. Watch these incredible canines in action every day at the Fair.

Cooking Contests: Nine different culinary competitions will take place over the course of the Fair’s 12-day run. From cake-baking and decorating to “The Great American SPAM Recipe Contest,” would-be chefs can for the kids test their tummy-satisfying mettle to win nice prizes like cash or kitchen goodies. Nearly every day of the Fair will feature a different cooking contest so if you think you have what it takes strap on an apron and join the Kids always have a great time at the Fair and this year will be no exception. Check out these cool just- fun! for-kids activities.

Blue Ribbon Quilt Project: This year the Jacksonville Agricultural Fair challenged Duval County schools to Trick-or-Treating: Free food at the Fair? Now this I have to see! Kids 12 and under are invited to come in read a book and make a quilt based on what they read. Approximately 80 area schools accepted the challenge costume on Halloween night and trick-or-treat at the fairgrounds. The festivities start at 5 pm and include a and have created wonderful quilts which will be displayed in Exhibit Hall A. All Fair attendees ages 5 and up children’s costume contest. are invited to cast their votes for the best quilt during the length of the fair. The winner will receive $500, a trophy for their school and, of course, the coveted blue ribbon. Kandu Magic Show: Each day children will get a chance to see some cool magic tricks courtesy of Kandu & Company. This magical husband and wife team combines music, comedy, magic, and audience participation Student’s Painted Furniture Contest: Middle and high school artists will show their skills at this year’s to dazzle and amaze little fair-goers. Student’s Painted Furniture Contest. Kids were told to pick a “Master” artist, research their life and work, 

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 17 18 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper TA-DA Robots

 Wild & Wacky Game Show: The Wild & Wacky Game Show gives audience members a chance to win prizes while performing some wacky relays and wild competitions. This fun game show will be going on every day during the Fair so step right up and give it a go!

TA-DA Robots: If you happen to see a pig riding a tractor or a horse with a guitar, don’t be alarmed. It’s just the TA-DA Robots, life-sized, radio-controlled characters that will roam the fairgrounds spreading joy and laughter to kids young and old. These charming creatures will even strike up a conversation with you if you let them. Be on the lookout for the amazing animals daily. for the grownups The fair is pretty kid-friendly, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t have a great time too. Check out these special Fair events with a more grownup fair.

Florida Crops: Want a little bit of education with your fun? This fascinating exhibit will extol the wonders of our state’s agricultural offerings. Fairgoers will get to taste, touch and understand the value of agriculture while exploring the interactive exhibit. You can check out this instructional display daily.

“Tribute to Florida” Wrestling: Next to the musicians who will be performing at the Fair, the “Tribute to Florida” Wrestling will probably be the most popular event this year. On November 1 wrestling superstars Jerry “The King” Lawler, Kamala “The Ugandan Giant,” Kevin Sullivan, Dustin Rhodes, Jim “the Anvil” Neidhardt, Psycho “Sid” Vicious, Scotty Too Hotty, and many more will all do battle during this full night of body slams, piledrivers and headlocks. The action begins at 8 pm but be sure to show up early for the special autograph signing from 5:30 to 7:30.

Sports Card and Collectible Show: Got a bunch of baseball cards from the 70s and 80s stashed away in your closet? Break ‘em out and make some dough at the Sports Card and Collectible Show on November 1st through the 4th. Sell or trade your cards and collectibles or browse for some new goodies to add to your collection.

NovemBeer Fest!: Anheuser-Bush and Planet Radio invite the 21-and-up crowd to NovemBeer Fest, a chance to sample over 23 ales, lagers and malt beverages for the low, low price of $5. When you think about how much you’ll be spending at vendors for a single cup of brew, NovemBeer Fest’s additional fee is a steal. Drink up but drink responsibly on November 9th from 7 to 10:30 pm. more than rides

Exhibitions, Contests & Events by erin thursby If you just stick to the fairway, ride the rides and give carnies your money as you attempt to win a stuffed animal you would never actually buy, you’re missing out on some of the best stuff at the fair—the exhibitions. Seriously, your world will open up wider after viewing this stuff. Just the knowledge that somebody out there is actually weaving their own fabric, raising strange breeds of rabbits, creating string art and polishing Florida stones to high sheen, it makes me happy, because it shows what humans can do in their spare time. These exhibits can be beautiful and meticulous. If you’ve still got a scrap of a child left in you, it might fi ll you with wonder, however briefl y. 

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 19  For a full list of events, head to the website at jacksonvillefair.com/pb/index.html. Here’s just a few of the things you’ll fi nd in the exhibition tents, as well as some of the animal competitions a museum without and other events:

Sat Nov 3rd - 9 am 4-H – FFA LIVESTOCK JUDGING exhibitions CONTEST Sat Nov 3rd - On Site registration at 9 am, walls… for now Art of all types—from 2-D photography and competition at 9:30 am 4-H HORTICULTURE paintings to sculpture and ceramics. JUDGING (Activity Tent) Duval County Schools Quilt Exhibit Gems & Minerals Sat Nov 10th - 7 pm Angus Cattle Judging Children’s Museum of St. Johns Red Hat Table Decorations Student Floral Show & Exhibit Each Thursday Student Painted Furniture Exhibit BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected] Quilters Guild Exhibit & Sale In the immortal, lip-synched words of Milli Vanilli, “Blame it on the rain.” The 12th installment of St. Augustine’s Ancient City Kids Day was cancelled farm, horticulture and last weekend when mid-morning downpours made a massive mud puddle of Francis Field. The rain was animals a bummer for many families, mine included, but also for exhibitors who hoped to share their goods Wed October 31st - 9:00 am POULTRY SHOW Open and services with area parents and their little ones. & Youth Divisions But a little precipitation is not going dampen the spirits of Kathy Weed and Wendy Philcox, the daring Wed October 31st - 7 pm. 4-H and FFA DIVISION other events mommy duo behind the Children’s Museum of St. SHEEP Johns (or CMSJ), a brand new non-profi t that was Each Friday Noon – 6 pm Senior Bingo set to debut at the annual family festival. EU recently Thu Nov 1st - 6:30 pm 4-H DOG OBEDIENCE AND Nov. 10th - 1-4 pm Student Fall Scholastic Chess spoke with Philcox about their big idea, how they SHOWMANSHIP Tourney plan to implement it and what you can do to help. November 1st – 4th Sports Card and Collectable The idea behind CMSJ was born when Weed Fri Nov 2nd - 7 pm 4-H and FFA DIVISION BEEF Show and Philcox, mothers of three and one respectively, CATTLE Nov. 1st - 5-7pm Autograph Signing attended a child’s birthday party earlier this year and began talking about an award-winning hands-on learning center in South Carolina. “Kathy Weed and I had been, on separate oc- casions, to a relatively new museum in Charleston called the Children’s Museum of the Low Country helpful to us and friendly. Potentially we could take food, glorious food! and both had kind of this revelation: we need some- an exhibit and schedule it to go and rotate to all of thing like this in our community because it’s just a the branch libraries. That’s something that we’ll wonderful resource,” said Philcox. “We just had this defi nitely be doing next year quite a lot because it And SPAM, of course by erin thursby chance conversation… and that was it, we just said certainly creates awareness, it creates desire for the let’s try to do something like that here.” museum.” Serious bakers, preservers and cooks come out for the Fair’s cooking competition. There are categories Since then, the two have been hard at work, Their fi rst “museum without walls” experiment for every taste, from the SPAM competition to pies and preserves. Winning in a preserves category mainly making contacts, working with the Association of was “Walk like a Timucua,” their booth at the ill-fate nets winners with bragging rights and prestige, but the serious money is, as always, in branded competitions Children’s Museums and meeting with members Ancient City Kids Day. It’s an exhibit that they still like the KC Masterpiece “Memorable Meals Contest” or the Fleischmann’s Yeast “BAKE for the Cure” Contest. of the community to fi gure out what to put in their plan to implement when the festival is rescheduled On the National Level of prizes at the fair, a good recipe involving a 12-ounce can of SPAM can net you museum once they get the idea off the ground. or perhaps even sooner. $3000. Joan Painter has been judging food at the Fair for eleven years. For the past eight she’s been judging “We have had a community roundtable and “It focuses on something that’s unique to our SPAM. plan to host more of them in all of the different sec- environment and that’s the Timucua, the fi rst inhab- Painter’s been eating SPAM since about WWII. tors of St. Johns County…” Philcox explained. “We itants of the area,” said Philcox. “We have a de- “I remember having it as a kid…My dad was paid once a month after he got out of the service and just wanted to get feedback from the community signer who developed a mask; basically a warrior’s when you got down toward the end of the month, with three children, you were sometimes a little short, so and you always get better ideas when you get a mask that’s like a panther head… That’s what the you had things like SPAM for dinner.” group process going, kind of a think-tank.” kids will do is put these together and they can dress She, like the other food judges at the Fair, has a master food and nutrition certifi cation. They also go Some ideas tossed around so far include a like a Timucua Indian. So they get to do the things through a course specifi cally geared towards judging. railroad exhibit that honors one of Henry Flagler’s they like to do- paste and dress up- but in the pro- “Sometimes it’s good, and sometimes it’s not so good…” Painter says, recalling interesting recipes in contributions to the area, an archeological dig site, cess of doing that they’re going to learn about the the past, like SPAM sushi. kid-sized replicas of Old St. Augustine including the Timucua, some of their culture.” Maintaining a smooth demeanor even when the food is “not so good” is important in Duval County, Castillo de San Marcos and Old Village houses, and So what can you do to help bring this incred- where the competitors are often watching judges take a bite of their creation. a room dedicated to aquatic ecosystems. ible idea to life? Most recipes that have ham in them can be replaced with SPAM, so Painter tastes a lot of rich and “We’re wide open to possibilities,” Philcox “It’s all about fundraising at this point because savory dishes. Despite the diversity of the recipes involving SPAM, there still is uncharted SPAM territory in said. “The main thing to keep in mind is that every mission equals money,” said Philcox. “Nothing can Duval County. So far she hasn’t seen a dessert created with SPAM. children’s museum is going to be unique to its happen without the funds behind it and unfortunately community. Ultimately our exhibits are going to right now the State of Florida Division of Cultural Here’s a short list of the food contests due to happen at the Fair. There’s plenty more going on as far as refl ect the unique history of this area- social history, Affairs just froze all of their cultural facilities fund- food is concerned, but these are the big attractions: cultural history, natural history, our coastal environ- ing, so funding is very tough right now for cultural ment and things like that.” organizations. It’s really going to be up to the private Wed Oct 31st- 7:00 pm Cake Baking - Exhibit Hall A& Tue Nov 6th- 7:00 pm Hidden Valley “Family Friendly CMJS is still in its infancy, with a fully opera- sector to fund things that they think need to happen Cake Decorating - Exhibit Hall A Foood” Contest Exhibit Hall A tional permanent site still three years away, maybe and then we’ll be working on lobbying the state and longer. But area families will get a sneak peek of the county for funding. Life or death for not-for-profi t Thurs Nov 1st- 7:00 pm Event: Ghirardelli Chocolate Wed Nov 7th- 7:00 pm Fleischmann’s Yeast “BAKE what’s in store much sooner when CMJS satellite organizations is funding.” Contest - Exhibit Hall A for the Cure” CONTEST Exhibit Hall A exhibits begin popping up all over town. Learn more about the Children’s Museum of “One thing that emerging museums do is St. Johns at their website, explorecmsj.org. There Sat Nov 3rd- 7:00 pm Event: Eagle Brand Great Thu Nov 8th- 7:00 pm The Great American Spam you’re basically a museum without walls until you you can read about their vision, sign up for the e- Baking Bonanza Exhibit Hall A Championship Exhibit Hall A have the site and the space,” explained Philcox. newsletter, play the “Dig It! Adventures in Archaeol- “You can take the exhibits and take them to schools. ogy” game and discover how you can become a Mon Nov 5th- 7:00 pm Event: KC Masterpiece Sat Nov 10th-7:00 pm “Stick with Canola Oil - Fry it The St. Johns County library system has been very member of CMJS. “Memorable Meals Contest” Exhibit Hall A for the Fair” Exhibit Hall A

20 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper This time around, Evanescence is traveling with an Aussie band called Sick Puppies. Opening for them both is a band called Julien-K. They were the sur- live music prise of the night, because they were actually very, very good. They bill themselves as dark alternative music or dark techno. I detected scraps of New shows calendar Wave, the best of the 80s and some old school bal- lad metal in the music. Currently on their MySpace THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 1 page, their song, ‘Technical Diffi culties,’ fi ts into Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249- the Dark Techno category and has recently caught 9981) national attention. After their performance, I immediately ran Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, back to the merch area and demanded a Julien-K St. Augustine (829-8646) CD, but there were none to be had. Post-concert I The Fenwicks, The A.K.A’s Fuel, Jax (425-3835) checked the Internet. They’ve got a devoted fanbase Mint Julep Jax Fair, Fairgrounds and full-fl edged songs that they haven’t released. Fans on the boards are pretty angry about the lack Blistur Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) of a CD release date. I’m sort of annoyed myself, Will Pearsall A1A, St. Augustine but I haven’t been waiting for the CD since early Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) this year/late last year like they have. When their CD fi nally does come out, you can bet I’ll be reviewing Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) it. Open Mic w/Krank Shaft Overtime Sports Bar, Jax Sick Puppies did a decent job onstage. The (786-5466) bass player really knows how to rock it. Her hair Target X Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) was blowing everywhere, the result of a strategically placed wind machine. Meanwhile, the engaging lead Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) singer pumped up the crowd with an adorable Auss- Mike Sweet & Friends Kingshead Pub, St. ie accent. They had a few fans in the audience, plus Augustine they had T-shirts and CDs available at the merch Sweet Low Down Aroma’s, Jax (928-0515) counters. Gutterboy Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) Once Sick Puppies ended their set, the crew went to work setting the stage for Evanescence. Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Before they started, the people behind us (hardcore Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) fans) started lamenting about the lack of warm bod- Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359- ies fi lling the stadium seats. They resolved to yell 0001) very loud to make up for it, in the hopes that Amy Lee would like Jacksonville despite the low turnout. David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove The stadium, when it’s blocked off for stage shows Springs (230-9670) goth-lite tailgating Cloud 9 Twisted Martini, Ponte Vedra like this, can hold a little under 5,000 people. That means that even a crowd of 2,000 people is going Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- to look unimpressive. 4293) Julien-K, Sick Puppies & Evanescence Evanescence, once they took the stage, was Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) incredible. Amy Lee hit most of her diffi cult notes, BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] and they seem to have the theatrics down. The Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) piano would be raised onto the stage for certain 3 Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) I didn’t know what kind of crowd to expect gating event. Only in Florida! Or at least that’s what numbers, to sink down for others. The other band Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) at the Evanescence concert. According to all the I thought until I saw that beers were pretty steep members don’t get near as much fuzzy fan love as really gothed out folks I know, Evanescence is inside the arena. I guess any event where they rape Amy, which is a little sad because they do an excel- Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- “goth-lite,” scorned by the Truly Goth. They are, you for alcohol and food should begin with some lent job. Really though, let’s face it, the entire band 9499) after all, the bastard child of a one-night stand serious tailgating. (except for Amy) could quit tomorrow and there Ben Harper Florida Theatre, Jax between pop and goth. Maybe Evanescence never After a pat down by security, we made our way would still be an Evanescence. Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) got the love it needed in the early years (mom and to the overpriced merch table, dodging moms who’d dad just weren’t there for them) but now they have brought their tweenage daughters, young men in Open Mic w/Ron Perry Tailgaters, Green Cove hordes of tween, teen and aged fans to make up for skirts and already drunk forty-something yuppies. Springs (529-1976) it. Concertgoers ranged from preppie girls to guys Instead of the traditional T-shirt ‘o tour-dates, I Saltwater Grass Spare Time, Jax Beach bought a T-shirt so subtly marked with the band’s who would never make it through a metal detector Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269- without stripping clothing and removing some major logo that only somebody who was paying attention 4198) hardware from their faces. would know what it was. Upon arrival, we found that some Jacksonvil- About six helpful people checked our tickets Rev. Horton Heat, Hank Williams III Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) lians had made the concert into some sort of tail- and told us where our seats were. We were early. Rick Arcusa Band Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-7877) Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax (260-0810) Ace Winn The Melting Pot, Jax

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Thousand Day Massacre Rebar, Jax Something Distant Culhane’s, Atlantic Beach Devereux Jax Fair, Fairgrounds Dot Wilder Village Café, Jax (389-3995) Ghostwitch Doozer’s Pub, Jax Lawrence App Jax Zoo, Jax Najee Performing Arts Center, Jax

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 21 Southern Wailers Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina (261- 3300) Matt Still Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) when all the boys Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242- 9499) The Wild Shiners Art Walk/Downtown, St. come home Augustine Big Al & the Kaholics Sharky’s Place, Orange Park Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine Jacksonville bands wander back to Jack (824-9317) Video Hippos TSI, Jax (635-3024) Rabbits Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Sugar Bear West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] Clayton Bush Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) It was an old-school showing at Jack Rabbits was in the classic Dampading on Friday, thanks to The Fest in Gainesville. The Fest (with Christian Gordy of Brass Ray Callender Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) is an enormous live music festival that happens in Castle fame and the late Dave Jonathan Fowler Jax Fair, Fairgrounds Gainesville every year and features a wide variety This) as well as BoJack (a Shawn Lightfoot The Green Turtle, Fernandina of indie rock bands from every subgenre. Held at Riverside insider rock band various bars and night clubs in Gainesville, it is a that occasionally emerges th The Druids 9 & Main, Jax sort of down home CMJ. Like CMJ you will often and then dives back into the Madison Fadeout Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach see a band at The Fest just before they get under the underground). (246-6024) blaze of stardom. For an indie rock band, that “blaze Following Hand of the of stardom” is simply a good write up in Pitchfork Host was the Chapel Hill band Media. Fin Fang Foom. Although FRIDAY-SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2-3 The fi rst band to take the stage on Friday was this trio is currently called a Jody & the Driveshafts Trade Winds Lounge, St. Science of Yabra. This screamo Portland band came Chapel Hill band, every one of Augustine (829-9336) into town with Portland’s Old Growth. Old Growth’s the members are from Jack- The Ride Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269- guitarist/singer (screamer) is John Magnifi co, the sonville. Guitarist Mike Triplett 4198) Jacksonville native that fronted Twelve Hour Turn. graduated from Orange Park Roger That The Roadhouse, Orange Park (264- He brought his magnifi cence to the opposite corner High School and bass player, keyboardist and vocal- wasn’t fully realized. Until now. Their set on Friday 0611) of the country a few years ago, but happily rocked ist Ed Sanchez graduated from Douglas Anderson. was spectacular, even sans their newest addition, back through the old town on his way to Gainesville, Their breed of indie jam rock has evolved much a cellist, they played an intense and dynamic post- Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) where he will no doubt see many more friends from since their days in the River City. After their fi rst rock/math-rock/stoner rock set. A post stoner math Drivin South New Neighborhood Tavern, Jax (721- those No Idea Records days. I would love to report drummer left the band and their second drummer rock set, as it were, and they executed it brilliantly 5087) on their performances, as I have heard that they (Peter Enriquez) passed away in a freak accident (a with just the three of them playing the four instru- Those Guys A1A, St. Augustine were incredible live, but I arrived too late to see tree branch fell on the car he was in as he was driv- ments on stage. either of their sets. ing through Riverside on a clear day) they enlisted The desire to fl ee came suddenly for my drunk Lyons Palace Saloon, Fernandina When I arrived at Jack Rabbits Joe Parker and Mike Glass, who had been the drummer for Deep photographer, and I was his ride, so I missed the Hunnert Proof Cap’n Odie’s, Jax Beach (241-8848) Sean Irwin were representing the usually four-piece Root. Then they moved to Chapel Hill. post-rock, mathy hardcore outfi t Antarctic, even Irving Clements Quartet Starbucks/Town Center, Hand of the Host. The two of them held the line Fin Fang Foom’s music started with an al- though they are currently my favorite local band. All Jax impressively, presenting Joe’s Echo-and-the-Bun- most-typical mid-nineties indie rock vibe, with long in all Friday was a great night of homegrown music nymen-esque vocals sang over blues guitar with Dueling Pianos Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax instrumental interludes. Something you could get that has since, in most occasions, transcended our Sean’s harder rock edge pushing the songs along. high and rock out to, as most of the Jax bands were little scene. Friday’s lineup could have been three Driven Players Grille, Orange Park (264-4633) Although it is more diffi cult to get into Hand of the at the time. But as they evolved, they incorporated really solid nights of music, but as is par for the Retro Kats Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Host when just two of them are on stage, they were more of a math rock initiative to their stoner rock course in Jacksonville, it was all crammed into one a good fi t historically. Joe was in the old-school set. For their fi rst few albums they fl oundered there. night, only a brief window of which I was able to Neurotic Butterfl y Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) Jacksonville stalwart Common Thread and Sean You could hear potential in their live set, but it attend. The Company Ragtime Tavern, Jax Beach (241- 7877) Spade McQuade Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246- 4293) Cupid’s Alley Casey’s Hideaway, Yulee Big Engine Square One, Jax (306-9004)

FRIDAY-SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2-4 Josh Baldwin New Life Christian Fellowship, Jax

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Boogie Freaks Hyatt Hotel, Jax Southern Wailers Michelle’s, Jax The Sophomore Attempt Murray Hill, Jax (388- 7807) Karl Denson Trio Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246- 2473) Destany Sea & Sky Spectacular, Jax Beach De Lions of Jah Caribbee Key, Atlantic Beach A1A North River City Brewing Company, Jax (398- 2299)

22 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Big Al & the Kaholics Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach pedro the lion’s last roar Dubwise Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) What About Me Landshark Café, Jax Beach (246- 6024) interview with David Bazan Diario Vivir UNF Arena, Jax Over the Ditch Tijuana Flats, Jax BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] Dial 9 Spare Time, Jax Beach WHAT: David Bazan live passing through Pennsylvania. Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) WHERE: Café 11 Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine th WHEN: Tuesday, November 6 EU: What is the difference between David Bazan (824-9317) and Pedro the Lion? Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) Seattle’s David Bazan has been a sort of poster Dave Bazan: On recording, there isn’t very much dif- child in the indie rock circuit for the post-modern ference. The majority of the Pedro catalog I recorded Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, movement. Rock music has gotten smarter, more by myself or with the help of one other person, but Jax (287-9900) articulate and often downright deep. Part of this evo- I played the majority of the instruments on most of Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax lution is evidenced in the discourse created through the records and on a couple of the things with Pedro lyrics and sometimes even between performers and I played all of the instruments, but with David Bazan audiences. In the case of David Bazan, his former records, I play all of the instruments. Live, Pedro the SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 4 band, Pedro the Lion, wrote stripped-down songs Lion was always a band, at least me and one other Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) about pain, human failure, and, very early on, Jesus guy, and David Bazan, at this point, has always been Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) Christ. me playing a guitar live. When I tour the upcoming an authentic thing to write about. There wasn’t this The son of an evangelical minister, David was album, it will be me and a bunch of other guys helping wealth of joy that I was trying to express. Over the Cross Canadian Ragweed Freebird Live, Jax Beach a devout Christian when he fi rst broke into the whole me present the record, but for the time being it is just years I stopped believing in that idea of the depravity (246-2473) indie rock scene and he wasn’t a bit scared to talk and solo shows. of man. Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax sing about it. Songs like ‘Amazing Love’ directly ad- Widespread Panic Moran Theatre, Jax dressed his gratitude to a God willing to offer his only EU: Do you feel obligated to be a little more authen- EU: How do you feel about the Christian Rockers son in a fl awed and broken voice. The lyrics on sever- tic when it’s David Bazan than you would when writ- coming out to your shows and talking about your Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax al of his fi rst albums refl ected his deep Christian faith, ing behind the guise of a band? faith with you? David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) sometimes coming across as almost painful hymns. No, not at all. In fact, to my mind, one can be just Well, usually I get the sense that it is somebody DB: DB: Busted & Confused Pastime, Jax However, later in the career of Pedro the Lion, which as authentic writing fi ction as autobiography. In fact attempting to manipulate that question and answer released four full length albums and fi ve EPs between sometimes I would say you can be more authentic period to talk about faith in a way that evangelizes Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) 1998 and 2004, David Bazan changed his mind about when writing fi ction, because as a person you are people. It’s not always that way, sometimes it’s a Bigga Rankin Plush, Jax (743-1845) his faith. For fans it was a very public transition. much more than your history. There are all of these genuine question…But having grown up Christian Sun Dog Steak & Seafood In addition to Pedro the Lion, Bazan has also Cloud 9 , Neptune aspects of subconscious and your personality and I know that there is this forwardness and entitle- Beach (241-8221) toured with the bands the Headphones, Paperback, imagination and they are informed by things that you ment that Christians feel to be able to break into any the Undertow Orchestra and many others. Probably read and things that you see in the news and things situation with that discussion. It’s ostensibly for the Girvin Mountain Buoys Mongo’s, Jax the most interesting thing about Bazan’s many bands, that you consume that didn’t necessarily happen to purposes of “spreading the word,” and that colors it a Tahirah Whittington Friday Musical, Jax he is usually the songwriter and often plays every in- you; that aren’t a part of your history, but they make little bit. I don’t dislike those questions in this context, Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829- strument on the recordings. Pedro the Lion rarely had up your you. but if somebody is looking for an honest answer, I feel 8646) the same lineup for two tours in a row and on most of like I can usually tell… Sometimes it feels like people 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) their albums he recorded every instrument. So David EU: Do you feel that your songs focus on weakness ask: “So is there any historical fi gure that really in- Bazan’s solo stuff is not unlike Pedro the Lion. It still or human inability? spires you? Not just your music, but your life?” Yeah, El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) has that intimate closeness and the painfully frank DB: Yeah, defi nitely. It’s funny, I think very early on in I do know what you mean and I’m irritated by it. We’re Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine emotions that have been his trademark under every my songwriting life I believed in the depravity of man not on the same team, bro. (825-6775) moniker, although his newest songs do seem to be a and that idea has everything to do with man’s relation- Livid Michelle’s Watering Hole, Jax little cheerier than past albums, even when he is dis- ship with the biblical God. Most of the supposed joy EU: What has changed between singing songs like cussing God’s cruelty. that comes around seems artifi cial and seems more ‘Amazing Love’ to the newer stuff referring to a EU caught up with Bazan as he was on the road like escapism than it does real joy. It didn’t feel like cruel God? MONDAY, NOVEMBER 5 I don’t believe in Christianity. That’s a big differ- DB: Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) ence. I mean, I’m off the reservation, as it were, so one of the things that made a song like that compel- Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) ling to me was the basic mathematics of the gospel, Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) and most of those things don’t even make any sense to me anymore. The idea that I’ve somehow offended Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) God... If he exists, he made us how we are, and so I Tiffany Lee Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune didn’t choose to reject God or be alienated from him. I Beach (241-8221) don’t know what to make of it all, none of that makes With Dead Hands Rising Thee Imperial, Jax (475- any sense to me. The authority of the Bible, hell, all of 0488) your sort of fundamental Christian beliefs. Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004)

Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- EU: What can people expect from a David Bazan 4293) show in St. Augustine, at Café Eleven? DB: It’s gonna be me and a mildly distorted electric Goliath & Dorian Lopez Casbah, Jax (981-9966) guitar. I’ll be playing six or seven new songs, a bunch Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) from the old Pedro catalog, a handful from the new EP, some Headphones songs and maybe a cover or two. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 David Bazan’s Cold Beer and Cigarettes comes Second String Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune out on Barsuk Records sometime in 2008. Go to Beach (241-8221) davidbazan.com to hear some of the songs from his Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829- most recent EP. 8646)

Read the entire interview at eujacksonville.com to Cuban Raglands, Jax fi nd out how his parents feel about his music, why Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax he gave up telling dirty jokes between songs and (355-5099) other sordid details.

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 23 Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) looks were causing quite a stir with young women, Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) who packed out his club dates. For the Nashville moguls, signing Keith was a no-brainer–he was a Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) natural star with incredible songwriting talent. Scenic Void Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) When Keith fi nally went out as a touring artist Badfi sh Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) he had done his homework and it all clicked to- gether. Big & Rich made a hit from one of his songs, Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) which is now up for an award. Out on tour, Keith Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach was burning up the stages with sold-out shows of Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) screaming female fans. His songs were climbing the charts as top 10 hits on his Arista Records debut Chelsea Saddler Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) Three Chord Country and American Rock & Roll, Mystic Dino Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) which substantiates Keith’s country-rock roots infl u- Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax ences such as Travis Tritt and Big & Rich. To personalize this piece, EU called Keith on Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) the road to chat about his rise to country music Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach stardom. Keith is a humble guy who comes from (246-4293) Oklahoma and feels genuinely blessed to be living Ron Perry Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) his dream. He is as naturally engaging as his songs, which he delivers with an unwavering solid voice. El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) He was a pleasure to interview. “I grew up a big fan of Bon Jovi and John TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6-7 Cougar Mellencamp–rock music of that era. I also liked Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard and country rock Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) artists like Travis Tritt. So, yeah, I was infl uenced by rock and country. But I came to this music thing in WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 7 an odd way. After college I joined the Kansas City Royals baseball team, which I thought was my call- Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) ing. But then fate stepped in and I got a career end- Bigga Rankin Club Christophers, Orange Park ing injury. I was thinking hard about what I wanted (215-4400) to do next. I had always liked music and I had Hard Livin Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) considered learning to play guitar and perform long before college and baseball. Captain Kid Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) “Without hesitation, I moved to Nashville to Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) learn about music and the business. I had friends Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) extraordinary songwriter who were out touring, so I studied their careers. I worked odd jobs to keep going and I studied music. Southern Wailers London Bridge, Jax When I started writing songs, people really liked Wes Cobb Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) them, so I went out to pay some dues in the local Late Night Transfer Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246- interview with Keith Anderson scene. Soon I was causing a buzz and one thing 2473) lead to another. Before long, people were making Wookie J & the Dubrockers, Kings of Hell, Ocean me offers. But I felt that I wasn’t ready to tour, so Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) BY RICK GRANT [email protected] I signed a publishing deal and soon I was selling songs to other artists who became my friends. It Shadow Agency WHAT: Keith Anderson Live in Concert girls scream) and extraordinary songwriting talent. was a smart move. Many top names helped me get Elvir Gazic Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) WHERE: Mainstage, Jacksonville Fair However, upon closer examination, it turns out that to a professional level as a performing artist, and th Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) WHEN: Thursday, November 8 Keith pursued country music after graduating from when I felt I was ready, I signed with Arista Records Oklahoma State with an engineering degree, and a and here I am, on the road, living my dream. I’m Luke Bryan Fairgrounds, Jax On fi rst blush, Keith Anderson seems to career in professional baseball with the Kansas City having a ball, but I’m continuing to write songs for Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (737-9938) have been created by Central Casting as the ideal Royals. After a shoulder injury ended that career, myself and other artists, which will give me security country star, with movie star good looks (he makes O’Hallions Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249- Keith moved to Nashville to learn about performing down the line when and if I get tired of the road,” 5181) and the business of country music. He studied mu- Keith said. sic and songwriting and it didn’t take long for him to Yes, Keith has the talent, looks and Nashville Love Chunk Conch House, St. Augustine (829- fi gure out that music was his calling. credibility to go far in the business. His easy going 8646) From the very beginning of his music career, manner and humble attitude was refreshing. It’s Chris Miller UNF Boathouse, Jax playing clubs around Nashville, Keith created a buzz easy to get a big head when one is on top. But Keith Bradlee Hathaway Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388- with his songs that everyone called hits. Soon he is grounded by reality and his past foundation learn- 7807) was being courted by Nashville’s elite producers ing the business. Above all, he considers what he Rebecca Zapen The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) and record companies. Keith’s drop dead good does a business, which is his key to longevity. Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) Out of Hand Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Sidewalk 65 Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246- 4293) Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299)

24 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper staying in touch upcoming with his fans concerts interview with Steve Holy BY RICK GRANT [email protected] WHO: Steve Holy were eclectic. I was infl uenced WHERE: Mainstage, Jacksonville Fair by the early 50s artists like WHEN: Monday, November 5th Elvis, Dean Martin, and Sam Cooke, the old R&B artists. I’m Steve Holy didn’t receive one big break, but all over the place. Since I’m a series of small triumphs that led him to Nashville from Texas I listened to George and country music stardom. Steeped in Elvis-era Strait and I’m passionate about rock’n’roll, Steve is blessed with a clear voice and my infl uences. I think if you a wide vocal range, which he delivers effortlessly. put all my infl uences in a pot His early rock infl uences combined with his love of and melted them, my own style country music were melded into an eclectic style– would come out. So yes, my unequivocally country but with a diverse gumbo of music is country but with hints The Polyphonic Spree sounds. He burst onto the country scene after sign- of other genres mixed into the Tallyrand Music Festival W/Spoon, Keller Williams, The ing with Curb Records in 1997. fabric of the sound. Bravery, Pepper, Against Me!, The Polyphonic Spree, Rooney In April of 2000, Steve released his second “I did win a contest in and more Nov. 10, Metro Park single from the Curb debut album that Dallas, but I had a series of Blue Moon Dan Zanes Nov. 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 made it to the top 20 on the charts. His third single good fortunes that led me to Nov. 12, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 ‘The Hunger’ was also a top-20 hit. Steve gained Nashville. The contest got me Nickel Creek star credibility with a number one hit single ‘Good a recording deal in Nashville Bob Weir and Ratdog Nov. 14, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Morning Beautiful ’ It stayed at number one for fi ve where I recorded a track album . Cartel Nov. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 straight weeks in 2002, which gave Steve household of other artists. It didn’t go name recognition. The single was also featured in anywhere, but it was a learning experience for me. stores... When we released the fourth single off the Wiggles Nov. 15, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Jennifer Lopez’s movie Angel Eyes. After that, I hired a manager with nothing to manage, album in 2002, ‘Good Morning Beautiful’ it exploded, Slightly Stoopid Nov. 15, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Steve has released two hit albums in four but it looked professional. Around that time, I met skyrocketing to number 1. It stayed there for fi ve Jeff Coffi n Nov. 15, Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 years with his latest single, ‘Cliff in Colorado,’ which Lyle Walker who wanted me to go to New Mexico straight weeks which justifi ed re-releasing the album. will go on his Brand New Girlfriend album to be to record an album. My manager suggested that we “There was a two year gap in my career when I Spill Canvas Nov. 17, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 released soon. Steve writes about fi fty percent of record in Nashville. Earlier, in my career, I had been took some time off–more than I should. But now I’m Planetfest 8 w/ Breaking Benjamin, Finger Eleven, Seether, Sum his own songs and uses other songwriters as well. performing gigs with an 11-year old girl and I ended back stronger than ever with a new single, ‘Cliff in 41, Drowning Pool, Operator and more, Nov. 17, Metro Park But his exceptional voice, boyish good looks, and up recording an album with her, which became Colorado,’ off the new album, which I’m out promot- Hawthorne Heights/Amber Pacifi c Nov. 19, Freebird Live, 246-2473 dramatic delivery keeps his growing legion of fans LeAnn Rimes Early Years album. ing on this tour,” Steve said. fl ocking to his concerts. “My very fi rst album came out in 2000. I had Talking to Steve, I got the impression that he ZoSo Nov. 23, Freebird Live, 246-2473 During our chat, Steve was laid-back and a song ‘Make Me Beg,’ which was my fi rst single loves to be home but the road is a necessary way to Jucifer Nov. 23, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 humble about his career. After taking some time off that charted at 24. Then another song off the album, stay in touch with his fans with new material. Be- Zoso Nov. 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 to build his dream house, Steve is back out on tour ‘There’s a Blue Moon out Tonight’ reached number tween his relentless touring and recording hit music, winning new fans with his extraordinary voice and 19 on the charts. And, a third song off that album Steve has longevity in the business. He is a hitmaker Lalah Hathaway Nov. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 charm. ‘The Hunger’ also reached number 19 on the charts. with major dude credentials. Steve Holy will perform The Electric Six Nov. 24, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 “You nailed it when you said that my infl uences Then we released the album which died in the November 5th at the Jax Fair. Wynonna Nov. 30, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

Kelly Joe Phelps Nov. 30, Café Eleven, 460-9311 Dinosaur Jr. Dec 1, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Lee Boys Dec. 1, Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 Nekromantix Dec. 4, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Col Bruce & The Quark Alliance Dec. 6, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Keith Urban December 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 Rev. Billy Wirtz Dec. 7, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 David Wilcox Dec. 8, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 The Avett Brothers Dec. 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Johnny Winter Dec. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Dec. 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

JJ Grey & MOFRO Dec. 28-31, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Taj Mahal Jan. 11, The Florida Theatre Riders in the Sky Jan. 12, Florida Theatre Kathy Griffi n Jan. 17, Florida Theatre Cherryholmes Jan. 26, Florida Theatre Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 28, Florida Theatre Classic Albums Live - Led Zeppelin IV Feb. 5, Florida Theatre The B-52’s Feb. 15, Florida Theatre Freda Payne - Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald March 6, Florida Theatre March 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 eujacksonville.comBlue Man Group | november 1-7, 2007 25 Classic Albums Live - Sgt. Pepper March 16, Florida Theatre elephants & giraffes album review

Artist: Plastic Parachute Title: Elephants & Giraffes Release Date: 09.28.07 Label: Self Release

Plastic Parachute can only be described as hard-hitting power pop. Lately, even the poppiest of pop has developed an indie feel. The same is true of the radio-ready Plastic Parachute. Vocalist Deb Hooks has a burgeoning sexuality to her voice, as though she’s just discovered how cool sex and rock & roll are and wants to sing about it. By turns she sounds girlish and edgy, but mostly girlish. That’s not a bad thing at all, in the context of the formulaic-yet-quirky album. You’ll be reminded of No Doubt, Blondie and even (gasp) Britney Spears. In their promo info they wax poetical about how they’re “too indie for mainstream and too mainstream for indie” but the band actually fi ts nicely in the power-pop category, along with a host of other bands. While it seems to be quite the height of fashion for a band to be so damn unique that you can’t possibly place them in a category, they are power-pop. And they do it well. ‘Four Alarm Fire’ kicks off the album with a danceable sure-fi re hit. It’s a fast start for the album, which occasionally wanders off into ballad territory, as in their song ‘Willing.’ They’re strongest, though, when they rock fast and hard, which luckily comprises the majority of the CD. My least favorite track, the sentimental ‘Finish with the Heart’ is one of the slower tracks, but it’s bound to be somebody’s favorite. Even the slower stuff is worth listening to, and ‘Willing’ has grown on me enough that I’ve developed a craving for it which will only be slaked by skipping ahead to it on the CD. ‘’Chute Love’, a 40 second mélange of sound and well wishes from fans seamlessly pours into the next catchy track, ‘Gotta Get It.’ ‘Tres Chic’ is the earwig of the album. It’s practically guaranteed that you’ll be singing the chorus in your head for days after hearing it. The crux of the music is that is just feels good. Their sound is enough to make any power-popster hopelessly addicted. It’s the kind of music you slide into your CD player for a carefree road trip to the beach. Musically, they do just enough that’s different to keep your interest, but it’s the wall-to-wall catchy riffs and hooks that will sound vaguely familiar. The band already has a devoted fan base that they hope to expand by touring to promote their music. The tour will take them from Georgia to Kansas, including a stop here in Jacksonville. You can see the band at Jack Rabbits on November 25th or, just check out their MySpace for an addictive dose of power pop at myspace. com/plasticparachute. - BY ERIN THURSBY

lover’s requiem album review

Artist: I Am Ghost Title: Lover’s Requiem Release Date: 10.10.06 Label: Epitaph

There comes a moment in everyone’s life when they need music that’s more than just a little bit over- the-top. Hence Xtreme metal bands and, the oh-so-goth dark alt music of I Am Ghost. Track one promised me something really different. Called ‘Crossing the River Styx’ and it features layered, operatic chanting (not un- like a requiem) and some interesting electronic work. It’s a track you’ll either love or hate. But the next track, ‘Our Friend Lazarus Sleeps,’ utterly destroyed the mindset the fi rst track created. Suddenly they sounded a lot like every somewhat metal-core/punk band I’ve listened to in the last two years. They began to redeem them- selves later in the track, but I was still disappointed in the sudden jolt from one style to another. It depressed me. As I listened to their album, I kept wondering about their next album. I heard potential in the music, but I was never quite reconciled to their current sound. I want to hear more of them, to see where they go and how they evolve. ‘Dark Carnival of the Immaculate’ begins well, with some nifty background noise, but it ended up sound- ing somewhat like the last two tracks. Still, their gimmicky yet hard-edged sound makes it easy to hear why they’ve gathered a large number of fans, even before they were signed to a label. I don’t mind screamo bands provided the screaming is well placed and well used. In many of the tracks I Am Ghost features misplaced screaming that they don’t use well. While they don’t make the mistake of screaming throughout the album, the best tracks feature either muted screaming mixed into the background, or it’s cut considerably. Lover’s Requiem, their fi rst professionally recorded album, can be considered a Goth-rock opera, and the band mapped out a plot before they wrote the songs to go with it. ‘Pretty People Never Lie, Vampires Never Die’ has to be my favorite track, because it’s at this point in the album when the mainstream hardcore sound is fi nally married to the more operatic and quirky aspects of their music. Their sound is much stronger when they blend the two in equal measure. The violins thrown into a couple of tracks do make them stand out from the rest, especially in ‘The Ship of Pills and Needed Things.’ The vocal duels between male and female also makes them worth listening to, if only for the delicious drama of it all. - BY ERIN THURSBY

26 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper unapologetic talk on the dl interview with DL Hughley

BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected]

DL Hughley grew up in South Central Los Angeles. He was a member of the Bloods gang at twelve years old. For a new comedian trying to break into standup on some sort of reality program, this would be the whole schtick, and when the South Central, former-gang member jokes ran dry, any other comedian might very well wash up. But not DL Hughley. He went from a life on the streets, a very serious thing, to comedy, where nothing is taken too seriously. In fact not taking public outrage seriously is one of the things that keeps Hughley relevant while thousands of other comics drift in and back out of the spotlight. After radio pundit Don Imus was kicked off the air for calling members of the WNBA “nappy headed hos.” Hughley went on to the Tonight Show with Jay Leno and agreed with Imus. “I think that Don Imus’ biggest mistake was apologizing. A person should not have to ask permission to have his point of view. He shouldn’t have to apologize for his perspective,” said DL Hughley when EU Jacksonville caught up to him for an interview. “Michael Richards was a white guy that got mad and resorted to using the ‘n’ word. That is the atom bomb of racial epiphets,” he added when asked about the “I think being frank is a necessary similarities between Don Imus’ statement and component for any artist.” Michael Richards’ outburst at a California comedy Hughley’s new tour, Unapologetic, is rooted club. in the same material that he performed on his Hughley didn’t go from gang member to HBO special of the same name, with bits about the international celebrity overnight. He took the natural immigration debate, airplane restrictions, the price path from the violent streets of South Central LA to of gasoline and cocaine and more topical issues the spotlight of standup comedy. A telemarketing than are featured in the special. job. “I keep it as fl uid as possible. A lot has Hughley worked his way up the corporate happened since the special. When I taped the ladder at the Los Angeles Times, starting as a special we hadn’t had Bill O’Reilly going into a telemarketer and moving up to management. After restaurant in Harlem.” a few years experiencing middle management in a Expect the set to be geared towards large corporation, he was ready to make fun of the adults, this is not his family sitcom but his real world. Professionally. observations in real time. “When you get older and your kids get There was one question and answer from this older and you realize you don’t have time for a interview that I must present in context: lot of bullshit, you start speaking a lot of truth. I am where I am right now. I feel like society is so EU: Didn’t Oprah do a show about black men upside down, how can you take it seriously?” being on the “DL” and it meant they were having Hughley says that these last couple months secret homosexual encounters? How do you feel of touring and writing on the road have been the about that moniker? most “creatively alive” he has felt in a long time. DL: (Laughing) I’m glad my name was here before So there is plenty of new stuff that will be in the live that practice started. I wanted to change it, but it’s show when Hughley comes to the Florida Theatre already on the stationary. on November 2nd. “After all the fi res and fl oods in California, The key to his success is his ability to see the I’m looking forward to a good old-fashioned Florida world in starkly frank terms. rainstorm.”

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 27 out of town art attraction 26th Annual Downtown Festival and Art Show in Gainesville BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] Some things are worth the road trip to Gaines- ville, like major football games, the occasional con- cert or their annual Festival and Art Show. It’s the 26th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show that might have me making the drive next weekend. I used to live in the area, so I’d go ev- ery year, walking around in the historic section of Gainesville’s cobblestone streets. It’s grown prodi- giously since then, but even in 1996, it was recog- nized as one of the top art shows in the nation. It’s been a high-ranking art show in the years since. They get a crowd of about 100,000 people, coming from the surrounding areas. It’s become more than just an art show; it’s more like a celebra- tion or a huge block party. They’ll have musicians playing live and oft times hawking their CDs. Jazz musicians, blues play- ers, local acts and street performers will all entertain at the fest. Friday’s Downtown Blues Concert will kick off the musical portion of the fest. Live enter- tainment will be playing on three different stages during the evenings, making for a perfect end to a day at the festival. There will be all kinds of festival foods to munch as you take in the art. Foods include Mediter- ranean pitas, Thai noodles and sweet barbecue ribs. If you’ve got kids, make sure you take them to the fest’s Imagination Station, where little ones can discover their artistic side, create sidewalk chalk murals, make books and design masks, free of charge. The station will also feature music and pup- for a spot. They’ll have jewelry, original oils, acryl- pet shows. The Imagination Station is present at the ics, watercolors, sculptures and decorative ceramics festival, and has entertained thousands of kids over from all over the country. This is the time and place the years. Caring volunteers, mostly students from to buy a one of a kind piece for those hard-to-shop- the Art Education Department of UF, work throughout for people on your Christmas list. the semester to create the activities available for Out-of-towners can park in the city parking ga- happy kids at the fest. rage, 2 blocks west of Main Street, for $5. Entrance Some festivals, I have to admit, let everybody to the festival and festival events are free. No pets in. But this fest has its standards. They only select are permitted inside the festival. For more info on the 250 artists out of some 650 applicants who apply festival, go to gvlculturalaffairs.org. poster art

The 26th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show is proud to present this year’s poster artist, Eleanor Blair. The featured painting, a vibrant oil on canvas depiction of the Thomas Center gardens and fountain, is a testament to the beauty and history of the City of Gainesville. “One evening I was walking home and the sun was setting and I had my camera with me and I took a photo of the way the light was hitting the water on the fountain,” Blair said. This image was used by the artist, who enjoys walking through the Thomas Center gardens on the way to her studio, to create the painting for the Downtown Festival & Art Show commemorative poster. Blair’s oil paintings combine visual accuracy with painterly brush work and rich color. Her fi ne draftsman- ship and sense of light can be seen through her primary subject of landscapes, as well as through por- traits, still life, interiors and architectural studies. Blair graduated from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City in 1969. She moved to Gainesville in 1971 and has been painting Central Florida scenes ever since. She is a respected member of the Gainesville art community and spends her time exhibiting in local shows and volunteering in the Arts in Medicine program at Shands at AGH. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to have one of my images on the poster,” said the artist, who always welcomes visitors to her downtown studio.

28 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper It is clear that there are concerns here, and some feel as though these concerns are going unnoticed, unanswered. Why is that?” art events -Brittni Wood NEW THIS WEEK

BEACHES ART WALK (November 13 - Second Tuesday of each month from 5 pm – 8 pm) 9 varied venues “Let me qualify these remarks by saying I’ve jaxbeachesartwalk.org only been to a few contemporary art museums. The museums were in New York, San Francisco and Mi- DOWNTOWN ART WALK (First Wednesday of each month ami, so I don’t know what a museum is supposed to from 5 pm – 9 pm) A map of the galleries can be acquired at any of the venues, including MOCA Jacksonville, the be like in a second or third tier city. Jacksonville Landing, and Art Walk Headquarters at 100 MOCA “Let’s for a moment put aside the idea that North Laura Street MOCA doesn’t do enough for the artists and does not reach out enough to the public, because lately HOLIDAY SHOW (November 1 – December 25 | I’ve been feeling like the real question should be: Open House November 1 – November 3. Monday – Friday, 10 am - 6 pm| Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm) Fogle Fine Art & for the people? Is MOCA Jacksonville even all that good? The last Accessories, 3312 Beach Boulevard foglefi neart.com or show was indeed good, but it’s only on one fl oor and RSVP@foglefi neart.com the permanent collection is getting to be a bit tired. If the responses by donald dusinberre you’ve gone through the permanent collection more STRIVE: NEW WORKS BY PRINCESS SIMPSON RASHID With an Installation by Sue Simpson and Von Chelston Dolls than a handful of times you’ve pretty much seen it A few weeks ago, I wrote an article on a subject that has been swirling around Jack- (Opening Friday, November 2, from 6 pm – 8 pm) Karpeles all. Okay, I realize it’s a Picasso, but it’s the worst Manuscript Museum, 101 West 1st Street, Downtown sonville’s art scene. By no means was I the fi rst to broach the subject, because many artists collection of Picassos I can imagine. mediciclub.blogspot.com have been talking about MOCA’s level of interest in local artists for many months now. “The fi fth fl oor BCBS gallery for local artists is so bad, I’m glad most people don’t even know CHARLES DICKINSON AND DEBBIE BOON (Friday, November Apparently, the discussion has ruffl ed a lot of feathers, and as I had hoped, a few art- 2, 5 pm – 9 pm) Spear House Gallery at the Kenneth W. how to get there. As for the selection of items in the Dow Museum of Historic Houses (formerly Old St. Augustine ists have volunteered to shed more light on the issue. I offer you two of the responses I’ve store, I’d rather go to Borders. That’s sad. I think Village) (904) 823-9722 received, both touching on completely different points. it might be time to take the Joan Mitchell paintings down in the atrium and put something up that is a P-JAY FIDLER: THE INEVITABLE CASCADE (November 2 - 30 | Opening Party November 2, 6 pm – 12 am) The Gallery At fi nancial supporters who have nothing to do with little more, I don’t know, CONTEMPORARY. “My opinion on the subject may differ from Screen Arts, 228 West King Street, St. Augustine (904) 829- others, but nonetheless, here it is: I do feel that membership, but if they are not receiving the support “I wish more people would buy my paintings, 2838 or screenartsfl orida.com MOCA has taken steps towards supporting artists of the community, more specifi cally the arts com- and I wish I could get some recognition in New York. on a local level, specifi cally with the Blue Cross Blue munity in Jacksonville, what is to be said of that? I wish I was on the cover of the new Art Forum, and CROSS-POLLINATION (November 2 – December 3 | Opening Shield Gallery on the fi fth fl oor. However, when you “Perhaps it is the duty of museums to listen I wish I could leave MOCA just a little bit inspired Reception Friday, November 2, 6 pm – 9 pm) Jane Gray Gallery, 643 Edison Avenue, Riverside (904) 338-5790 or and absorb the valid concerns of the people who look at other cities in comparison, there is no ques- instead of a little bit disappointed.” janegraygallery.com tion: museums in other cities are doing more to sup- frequent, or should frequent, their establishments. -Kurt Polkey port local art than Jacksonville. So, the real question ABBAS KIAROSTAMI: PHOTOGRAPHS AND FILM is: Is MOCA interested in being held to the standard (Saturday November 3 – January 18) Southeast Museum of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Boulevard, of art museums of other cities and rising to that Daytona Beach smponline.org caliber? Or are they perfectly content just fl atlining where they are? ANDRÉ KERTÉSZ: FIRST AND LAST PHOTOGRAPHS “I remain cautiously optimistic about MOCA, (Saturday November 3 – February 15) Southeast Museum and would like to think that, as a member and an of Photography, 1200 International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach smponline.org artist who has exhibited on the fi fth fl oor, I, along with everyone else, have some say in what happens STEVE MCCURRY: THE PATH TO BUDDHA (Saturday there. Without the support of its members, how is a November 3 – February 15) Southeast Museum of museum expected to survive? Of course they have Photography, 1200 International Speedway Boulevard, Daytona Beach smponline.org

TRANSITIONS: FEATURED ARTIST DESIREE KANTRIM JACKSONVILLE (Opening reception Wednesday, November 7, from 6 pm – 9 pm) The Art Center, 31 W.Adams Street, Downtown

ONGOING

MIKHAIL BARYSHNIKOV EXHIBIT (Through November 2) web / graphic designer wanted. J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach PHOTOGRAPHS BY INGRID DAMIANI (Through November 4) Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org creative we are seeking individuals who are PATRICK MIKO: EDIFICE BEAUTIFUL IMPOSITION (Runs through November 7) Alexander Brest Gallery and proficient in web design and desktop publishing Museum at Jacksonville University (904) 256-7345 (specifically all the programs in the adobe creative THE TRILOGY SERIES Featuring artwork by Leneke’, Sonya suite). must be organized and know how to Cox, Louise Cruz & Jennelle Comisky (Through November 9) Village Gallery & Framing, 964 Park Avenue, Orange Park appreciate clean and neat design. experience and WILLIAM MAURER SHOW (Through November 10) degree preferred. please send resumes with portfolios Waterwheel Art, 5047 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach to [email protected]. (904) 261-2535 or waterwheelgallery.com SARAH DODD, CRIS COLEMAN & MATTHEW ABERCROMBIE (Through Friday, November 30) Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 280-0614 (904) 730-3003 | a locally and family owned business for over 25 years or ccpvb.org

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 29 rehearsals. Every week we have rehearsals…I work culture & arts with the cast sometimes for vocal warm-ups. EU: Is the music in the show more Broadway style NOVEMBER or is it all 80s? 1-4 The Cummer Is…Photographs By Ingrid Damiani Cummer JC: It actually doesn’t contain any 80s hits. It’s 80s- Museum, Jax inspired Broadway, if you will. It does follow the mov- 1- 4 4th Annual House of Possibilities Chadwick House, ie [and] has a couple of the songs that Adam Sandler Fernandina wrote from the movie in the show. All of the music is original to this specifi c show…They’ve done a really 1- 4 “A Party To Murder” ABET, Atlantic Beach good job of mimicking the style [of the 80s]…the 1- 7 Edifi ce Beautiful Emposition – Exhibit by Patrick Miko JU way it’s orchestrated with keyboard sounds and the Gallery, Jax drum machine. 1- 9 Tricking Fish: How & Why Lures Work Exhibit The Lighthouse, St. Augustine EU: How many locals do they generally hire for 1-10 “A Party To Murder” ABET, Atlantic Beach a show like this? I know that some of the shows that come through often hire locals to play in the 1-17 “A Friendly Game of Death” Dave & Busters, Jax orchestra. 1- 17 “Whose Wives Are They Anyway” Orange Park JC: Actually, it’s a non-union tour. Last year Sweet , Orange Park Community Theatre Charity came through and it was a Union tour so 1- 25 Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat it travels with four to fi ve musicians and it will hire Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax eight or nine local people in each city. But we actually 1-JAN. 6 Sculptor: Minoru Ohira Exhibit MOCA, Jax travel with all nine musicians in our orchestra, so we the eighties on don’t hire anyone local…It’s nice because we can 1-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art Cummer really fi ne-tune the orchestra we have. We’ve played , Jax Museum almost 65 shows now. 2-3 An Evening with Melissa Manchester-JSO Performing , Jax Arts Center EU: So you’re part of the permanent traveling cast, 2-3 Classic Car & Truck Show St. Johns County Fairgrounds, a local that happens to be with the show? St. Augustine broadway Exactly…I drove up to New York and auditioned JC: 2-4 27th Annual Lincolnville Festival Granada/Washington, St. for the music contractor for the whole producing Augustine company. I travel with the show…It was a perfect interview with Joey Chancey from The Wedding Singer thing that happened. I had a couple of things lined 2-17 Moon Over the Brewery Theatre Jax, Jax up after graduation but no specifi c job. I sent in my 3 Shostakovich & Schubert-Pianist Scott Watkins JU Terry BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] resume…and they asked me to audition three days Concert Hall, Jax after graduation, so I drove up to New York, played… The musical adaptation of 3 One Woman Show & Reception-Joanelle Mulrain Ocean 60, WHAT: The Wedding Singer The Wedding Singer Two weeks later they called and offered me the job to th th Atlantic Beach WHEN: November 6 -11 is going to be sweeping into town as part of the FCCJ tour with the show. WHERE: Times-Union Center, Moran Theater Broadway Series. Based on Adam Sandler’s hit fi lm 3 Lock & Key Event , Jax Tera Nova of the same name, the Tony Award nominated show EU: Did you know the show was coming to Jack- 3 The Harvest Gala & Auction Fundraiser RADO Five Points takes us back to when “hair was big, greed was sonville before you got the part? Theatre, Jax good, collars were up and a wedding singer sporting JC: It was really, really cool because right after I got 3 Florida Ballet-Watch The Body Talk Florida Theatre, Jax a mullet might be the coolest guy in the room.” home from New York, I opened up the Broadway Joey Chancey is a Jacksonvillian who is part of 3 Gardens at the Zoo-Class Jax Zoo, Jax Series little packet and…I saw The Wedding Singer the permanent traveling cast. His local credits include th was coming…I thought ‘How Cool would that be to 3 10 Annual Art of the Deal Mount Dora Center for the producer of The Rocky Horror Show at the 5 Points Arts, Mount Dora tour to my hometown?’ So ironically, I get to tour to Theatre, Music Director for the Alhambra Dinner The- my hometown! 3-4 Jax Sea & Sky Spectacular Air Show Oceanfront, Jax atre’s productions of Beauty and the Beast, Wizard of Beach Oz, and Dreamgirls and Smokey Joe’s Café. Among The show closed on Broadway in January, us- 4 Learning About Installations MOCA, Jax a host of other regional and local credits (including ing a much larger orchestra, but Chancey likes the Batboy: the Musical) Joey has also had the pleasure smaller orchestra because “it means that it’s a little 4 Friday Musicale-Cellist Tahirah Whittington Friday Musicale, Jax of playing keyboards on the national tour of Joseph more involved for each player.” Joey is contracted to and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat starring be with the show through July of 2008. 4 Auditions: “Dearly Departed” 6pm Theatre Jacksonville, Patrick Cassidy. You might have seen him involved in “It’s a fantastic experience…to be just two Jax productions at Players by the Sea, Theatre Jackson- months out of college—I’m very grateful to be work- 5 Lecture Series-Kevin Eagleton-Romancing the Flame ville, and Orange Park Community Theatre. ing alongside these people.” Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra 5 Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society Meeting Library/San EU: What’s your role in the show? For more info or to buy tickets to The Wedding Pablo, Jax Joey Chancey: I’m in the orchestra, fi rst keyboard Singer call (904) 632-3373 or go to artistseries. in the pit…which means I play for all the New York 7 First Wednesday Artwalk Various Venues/downtown, Jax fccj.org 7 Drawing Live Models with Instructor Jonathan Lux MOCA, Jax 7-FEB. 3 In Stabiano: Exploring Ancient Seaside Villas of the Roman Elite Cummer Museum, Jax 8 Jazz in the Black Box JU Studio Theatre, Jax 8 Ballet Folklorico De Mexico UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax 8 Night of 1 Acts Bartram Trail High School, Jax 8-9 Beethoven’s Ninth-JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax 9-10 Cabaret Parisien-First Coast Opera Cathedral Parish Hall, St. Augustine 9-11 “Wrong Turn at Lungfi sh” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach 10 Festival d’Vine To Benefi t Catholic Charities San Marco Square, Jax 10 River Garden Gala Prime Osborn Center, Jax (CONTINUED ON PAGE 32) 

30 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper a party to murder Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre BY DICK KEREKES [email protected] The Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre play and it keeps your interest till the very end. J.C. opened its 2nd show of the season last weekend Wells, who is making his directorial debut at ABET, with the murder/mystery thriller A Party to Murder. has cast the show well and has the actors using Mystery fans will have until November 10 to solve the good vocal variety and direction so it is never static murder at the Adele Grage Culture Center in Atlantic or slow. Beach. Call 249-7l77 for information or to make Mr. Neilsen and Ms. Russe are both very reservations. polished performers with many shows to their The quandary for reviewers of this type of show credit, mostly in the beaches area. Bob Galzener, is how much can we tell without giving away too as Willy, provides most of the humor in the play much and spoiling it. I will therefore keep my plot and he is an accomplished character actor that summary simple. is always fun to watch on stage. Korina L. Barber Six well-heeled people come to a secluded is a product of ABET’s acting workshops, and I cottage on an island in a middle of a lake somewhere am proud to say I have seen every one of her fi ne in the USA. It is successful mystery writer Charlie’s performances on local stages, including a trip to St. l0th annual Halloween murder mystery game, which Augustine’s Limelight for Diary of Ann Frank and the requires an exclusive invitation because it’s expensive world premiere of Strange Poison. Audrey Helow is to attend, but the winner gets a fabulous prize of their a Douglas Anderson graduate who went on to the choice. One year it was an all expense paid trip to Florida State theater program. Audrey is leaving for Morocco, another year it was some rare jewelry. New York after this show to pursue an acting career This year’s winner Elwood (Wesley Nielsen) is a and additional schooling in the arts. Laura Sauls sharp businessman who owns 147 companies. What makes her acting debut with this show and has he wants as a prize is a favor of his choice from each taken on a very large role for a beginner. Ms. Sauls of the other fi ve participants. Did I mention he is a performed this demanding part exceptionally well. rather ruthless businessman and has even asked his Shawn LeNoble is the production designer, long time mistress, the attractive McKenzie (Audrey which was built by several ABET volunteers, Helow), for a life-changing favor? including the director and actors. It is a very cozy Two sisters, Valarie (Korina Barber) and Henri cottage complete with a secret passageway. Director (Laura A. Sauls), inherited a large utility company Wells added some great music and sound effects. that Elwood wants to own. Willy (Robert Glazener), The storm and lightning were so realistic I kept a former NFL football player now confi ned to a looking out the window to see if I had rolled up my wheelchair, is asked something he is unwilling to do. car windows. I really appreciated the excellent and Even the hostess, Charlie, is not spared by Elwood’s well-styled program by ABET Artistic Director Celia seemingly unreasonable wishes. Six unhappy people Frank. It was a pleasure to read, and I always like are a formula for mayhem. pictures of the actors included. Director J. C. Wells Then, in a manner very similar to Agatha is a Jacksonville University theater graduate, and Christie’s Ten Little Indians, members of this you will see more of his talents as a director in the gathering start to die off. Well, that is as far as I will future, I am sure. He is an excellent actor as well, and take you. If you manage to fi gure who done it before won a best supporting actor award for Little Shop of the start of Act II, I will nominate you for President Horrors at JU. of the USA, since the country’s problems would be I highly recommend you spend a couple of easier to solve, believe me. hours playing detective in an entertaining evening of Written by two Canadians, Marcia Kash and theatre at ABET, an excellent and intimate setting for Douglas E. Hughes, it is a very cleverly constructed this type of play.

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 31 to be his wife for the evening, after paying her off with a carload of cosmetics. Well you may have culture & arts already guessed it, the real wives, Laura J (Rebecca Pendergraft) and Karly (Ellen Hare) arrive to surprise  NOVEMBER (CONTINUED) their husbands, that’s when the bedlam really begins. 10 Painting Workshop-Italian Garden with Christina Foard Adding to the confusion is the inn manager, Cummer Museum, Jax Mrs. Carlson (Lisa Johnson), who thinks that there 10 History of the American Soldier Ft. Clinch, Fernandina is some wife-swapping going on and even winds Beach up in bed (fully clothed) herself. Fred Gatlin, as 10-11 26th Annual Downtown Festival & Art Show Downtown, Wilson the hypochondriac handyman, rounds out Gainesville the cast and is very very funny with his attempts at fi xing phones, overhearing and misinterpreting 11 Veteran’s Day Parade Downtown, Jax conversations. 11 Sculpted Creatures: Mold Your Own 3-D Creatures MOCA, There are 11 doors on this set, which consists Jax of two hotel rooms with beds, a check in-reception 13 Empty Bowls Luncheon Prime Osborn Center, Jax desk and a lounge all on one small stage. Designed 13 Daily Roman Life Revealed: Panel Discussion Cummer and built by the two directors, Rhodie Jackson Museum, Jax and Karla Hinton, producer Dave Wells, production manager Barbara Wells and the entire cast, this 13-18 St. Johns County Fair , Green Cove Springs Fairgrounds fabulous set works great! 14 Drawing Live Models with Instructor Jonathan Lux MOCA, I have seen many similar farces in my time, Jax but I cannot recall one with so many entrances and 14-17 Celebrity Cabaret Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine exits by the actors. The cast displayed incredible 15 Explore the Fundamentals of Filmmaking Around the World whose wives are they timing and was right on cue with their lines and Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra entrances. Credit some very sharp actors and some fi ne directing by Ms. Hinton and Ms. Jackson. They 15-17 “The Music Man” JSO & Alhambra Performing Arts have been in shows on this stage, but this is their Center, Jax fi rst joint directing venture. I bet it won’t be their last. 15-17 “Wrong Turn at Lungfi sh” Players by the Sea, Jax anyway? David Quirk and Trudy Wilbur made their main Beach stage debuts and performed remarkably for novices, 15-17 “The Orpheus Project” JU Swisher Theatre, Jax especially in such demanding roles. Lisa Wilford, as Tina, plays an adorable drunk. Probably the best 15-DEC. 5 Annual Juried Student Show JU Gallery, Jax Orange Park Community Theatre I have seen in several years. Just a year ago, Lisa 15-DEC. 5 “White Christmas” Seaside Music Theatre, Johnson (Mrs. Carlson) was in her fi rst play: Daytona Beach BY DICK KEREKES [email protected] First Baptist Ivy Gap. Wow, has she come a long way. 16 Kevin Locke Native Dance Ensemble Wilson Center, Jax Orange Park Community Theatre’s second be on stage until November l7th. Whose Wives Are Theatre Jacksonville and Players by the Sea old 16-17 2nd Annual Artists Making Miracles Art Show Villas show of the season opened last weekend and will They Anyway? is a farce and OPCT is the king of this timers may recall Rebecca Pendergraft from years Continental & Yacht Club, Orange Park type of comedy, having done more farcical plays ago. She is back as Laura and deserves an award than any other group in the North Florida area. for the best sobbing woman of the year. Ellen Hare 16-17 Cabaret Parisien-First Coast Opera Cathedral Parish Hall, St. Augustine OPTC did two of British playwright Michael Parker’s was the demur Mrs. Frakes in State Fair last summer plays, The Sensuous Senator and The Amorous and she is a classy/fl ashy housewife with revenge 18 Night of Lights Art Walk , St. Augustine Various Venues Ambassador. They were so well received that they on her mind as Karly. I have seen all Rick Sheffl er’s 18 JU Chamber Ensembles JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax jumped at the change to do Parker’s Wives. performances on local stages and he is a versatile 19 Poets Celia Lisset Alvarez & Marisella Veiga FCCJ This is a classic farce that starts with plausible and solid performer. Rick is indescribably funny Downtown Campus, Jax premise and builds to a fever pitch delirium with playing a woman. the world spinning into madness before the calm The program’s cover has a cartoon illustration 23-DEC. 2 Annual Nutcracker Tour of Homes World Golf and seemingly reasonable conclusion. Set at a golf provided by playwright Michael Parker, who lives Village, St. Augustine and country club in Connecticut, John Baker (Rick in Florida and who apparently corresponds with all 23-DEC. 30 The Gift of the Magi The Amphitheatre, St. Sheffl er) and David McGachen (Dave Quirk) are the groups who do his plays. The program, once Augustine vice presidents of a recently sold ladies cosmetic again, acknowledges the theatre’s gratitude for the 24 Holiday Market Laterra Links Clubhouse, St. Augustine company. After they arrive at the club for a weekend generosity of The Tom Nehl Fund of the Community 24-25 Fall Arts & Crafts Festival Francis Field, St. Augustine of non-stop golf, they discover their new boss Foundation. D.L. Hutchinson (Trudy Wilbur) is also there. D. If you want to forget your cares, and just 26 Guy Yehuda Faculty Clarinet Recital UNF Fine Arts Center, L. proclaims “Nobody who goes golfi ng for the Jax be entertained, check out Whose Wives Are They weekend without their wife would ever work for me.” Anyway?. The language is clean but some of the 26-29 In the Works – Dance JU Swisher Theatre, Jax Unfortunately John and David’s wives are shopping double entendres may have you scratching your 29 Christmas Choral Concert JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax in New York. There is nothing for John to do but head while you laugh. dress up and pretend to be David’s wife. John also Call 276-2599 for reservations or visit their 29 The Great American Jazz Series-Kurt Elling UNF Fine Arts bribes the hotel clerk Tina (Lisa Wilford) to pretend Center, Jax website at opct.org where you can order tickets. 30 Benefi t Children’s Home Society-Shop San Marco Prudential Network Realty/San Marco, Jax 29-DEC. 1 “Oklahoma” Bartram Trail High School, Jax 29-DEC. 8 Santaland Diaries Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine 30-DEC. 2 British Encampment Castillo de San Marcos, St. Augustine

30-DEC. 15 “It’s A Wonderful Life” Players By the Sea, Jax Beach

DECEMBER 1 Feast of Carols UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax 1 Morning Christmas Jazz Concert St. Augustine Plaza, St. Augustine

1 Grand Illumination Government House, St. Augustine 1 Christmas Parade Mission of Nombre de Dios, St. Augustine

32 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper multiplication problems National Infertility Awareness Week BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] WHAT: The Jacksonville Fertility Awareness present at the time of the drawing. Three IVF cycles Seminar will be given away. WHEN: November 3, from 10 am- 12:30 pm For more information see geocities.com/ WHERE: Marriott Southpoint jaxfertility; to reserve a seat, email jaxfertility@yahoo. Once upon a time, making a baby was easy. com or call Susan at (321) 258-6640. And it even involved sex. If you couldn’t have a kid of your own, you adopted. About 10 minutes after the about the fertility clinics adoption was fi nal you’d fi nd that you were pregnant. These days the methods of putting a bun in • The Jacksonville Center for Reproductive Medicine the oven can be a bit more complicated, involving (JCRM) has two locations in Jacksonville. For more doctors and hormone treatments. Did things get more information, please visit jcrm.org. complicated or did we just make it that way? • The Florida Institute for Reproductive Medicine has More and more career women turn to fertility offi ces in Jacksonville, Daytona and Tallahassee. For clinics because they’re waiting too long to have kids. more information, visit fi rmjax.com. There’s a feminist, career-centered mythology • Assisted Fertility of North Florida has offi ces in that women don’t experience fertility problems until Jacksonville and Orange Park, and Roanoke, VA. For 40. That simply isn’t true. Each woman is different more information, please visit assistedfertility.org. and each woman has her own natural “window,” but fertility problems generally start just after the age of about resolve: the national 30. By the time a woman reaches 35, it may already be too late. infertility association We see many older women in the media and Founded in 1974, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Hollywood with full pregnant bellies, but most won’t Association, headquartered in Bethesda, MD, is the admit to using donor eggs. oldest and largest consumer-based, nonprofi t group Women aren’t the only ones that can have that provides education, advocacy and compassionate problems conceiving after a certain age. Although support for those struggling with infertility in the theirs doesn’t tick as loudly, men have a biological United States. Each year, RESOLVE and its nationwide clock as well. As they get older, their sperm lose network of affi liates and chapters handle more than motility and morphology. 1.5 million contacts from people seeking information It’s surprising the number of people who are and help. For more information, visit the RESOLVE infertile. One in eight couples will have infertility website at resolve.org. issues. These issues affect 7.3 million people in the U. S., or about 12% of women of the reproductive age population. The blame is distributed fairly evenly amongst men and women: one-third of infertility is attributed to the female partner; one-third is attributed to the male partner and one-third is caused by a combination of problems in both partners, or is unexplained. where to get advice People that want to have a baby at a later age or when they have problems conceiving often get their advice from as many sources as possible and try all kinds of treatments. Some of the products, websites and treatments out there don’t really help desperate JACKSONVILLE would-be parents. If you are trying to get pregnant, do your research. Go to more than one place to do that research. Don’t use the web as a primary resource unless you’ve vetted the site. Just because 15 sites web / graphic say the same thing, doesn’t mean that thing is true. Sometimes one site puts out inaccurate information, and then it gets copied and pasted to others. designer wanted. Fertilityjourney.com has actually been peer reviewed, so it’s a great web source. You can also go to The Jacksonville Fertility we are seeking creative individuals Awareness Seminar on Saturday, November 3, from who are proficient in desktop 10 am - 12:30 pm at the Marriott Southpoint in publishing (specifically all the Jacksonville. Three local fertility clinics are joining with RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association to programs in the adobe creative suite) celebrate the 18th Annual National Infertility Awareness and web design. must be organized ® Week , November 4 - 10, 2007, along with thousands and know how to appreciate clean and of infertile women and men, healthcare professionals and other thought leaders to promote greater neat design. experience and degree awareness about infertility. preferred. please send resumes with The fertility clinicians want to give back to portfolios to [email protected]. the community, so each fertility clinic at the event is giving away one complimentary IVF treatment cycle; conference attendees are eligible to win a (904) 730-3003 complimentary IVF treatment cycle and must be

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 33 THE JOCK by tom weppel

Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... Spurrier is still hurting from his OT loss last weekend in Tennessee, and now he must go to Arkansas JAGUARS to play the Razorbacks. But the real SEC fi re on After a win against the Tampa Bay squad, the Saturday will be in Alabama, where the Tide, led by Jaguars now continue their road trip as they head their head coach Nick Saban, will entertain the LSU to New Orleans to play the upstart Saints in the Tigers, a team that Saban formerly coached to a Superdome. Jack Del Rio was unusually pleased National Title. That game will be even nastier than the with the win last week. I think it’s because, in so Iraq War! many cases, a team that comes off a big-time loss Along with Boston College, there are still three Talking about the weather is notoriously one of the most mundane, last-resort topics of conversa- has no ability to bounce back and get things rolling. teams with no losses. Top-ranked Ohio State will host tion. It’s the kind of thing that might come up while standing in an elevator with your crazy boss, whom Obviously, after the Colt loss, that was a concern Wisconsin, Kansas will host Nebraska, and Arizona you actually hate but must make polite conversation with. of the coaching staff. But the Jaguars were able to State will go to Oregon to play the Ducks, trying to “So, I hear there’s a warm front coming through,” you say, smiling politely, trying to stretch out the do so, against a team that had not lost at home all keep their record unblemished. And fi nally, I give you words for the long ride down. year. So, give Del Rio and his boys credit for the win, Notre Dame, who will be desperately searching for “Oh, yes, it has been unseasonably warm lately,” he might say back. especially with so many back-up players providing their SECOND win, hosting the Naval Academy. “Shit,” you think to yourself. There’s nowhere to go from here. You smile, nod. Agree that it has key roles. Every Saturday morning on ESPN, there is a been very warm lately. And then the elevator doors open and all the air that had been sucked out of the With that said, the Jags must now take on a live program entitled ‘College Gameday’. It is hosted atmosphere fi nally returns. You wave goodbye, free at last. Saints squad that has won their last three in a row. by Chris Fowler, former Ohio St. QB Kirk Herbstreit These guys, who were in the NFC Championship and former coach Lee Corso. The show travels But as I sit here on my couch, watching a Christmas episode of According to Jim while knitting a game last season, are playing good football. Once to various college campuses each week where it black and white angora scarf, I cant help but think that it’s late October and over eighty degrees outside. again, the Jags have a tough opponent and an features hundreds, if not thousands, of screaming, Warm weather was one of the reasons I moved back to Florida. As a native, being warm is some- interesting situation on their hands to deal with. Also, crazy, idiot fans waving ridiculous signs. We also thing I have always taken for granted until I was thrust into a temposphere that rarely went above sev- realize this is a franchise that Del Rio played and see cheerleaders, bands, and whatnot. The show enty. And although that doesn’t qualify as freezing cold, the fact that northern California never gets warm coached for and with. Plus, his wife is from New has become quite popular, especially with the college gets old real fast. I craved the feeling of the hot sun on my shoulders. I yearned to breathe thick, moist, Orleans. So, the ties are strong. crowd, who will always seem to venture to the site warm summer air. I was tired and exasperated by the fact that I was wearing a peacoat in June. Meanwhile, did anyone tell Quinn Gray that to wave a banner or sign of some kind, thinking they But now, with fall in full effect and summer still shining down on my freckled shoulders, I’m ready his receivers weren’t ten feet tall! His throws were simply MUST be on TV. I think it’s pathetic that ESPN for a chill. I miss the sweaters. I miss the boots. I want to pull all my fashionable coats out of the closet consistently high in that Tampa contest and its is allowing all this to occur while we try to listen to and layer an adorable outfi t. And although it seems as if this is mostly a vanity issue, its not. ridiculous, really, for a back up NFL QB not to be able the three hosts give us pertinent information about There is something about cool weather that really makes you understand it’s another season. A to get the ball to open men down the fi eld. Sure, you the college game. Now, maybe I’m just getting old can give me all the hype you want about the Jaguars and too mature, but you simply CANNOT tell me that chill in the air really seems to pull the holidays along with it. I expect Halloween to be accompanied by being a grind-it-out, running ball club. But please! Do it is entertaining to see! a great costume and a jacket that barely matches. I expect thanksgiving to come with warm food and NOT ignore the fact that they simply have a shoddy In fact, I think its safe to say that the ridiculous cider that perfectly accompanies a cold nose and fi ngers. So even for a Floridian, a warm Christmas just passing game! camaraderie has reduced the show to a complete seems wrong. I’m sure we’ll see Quinn Gray once again in the circus. Anything said in regards to any football Perhaps it’s global warming, something I learned a lot about while out there in the Bay Area. Per- saddle, as David Garrard continues to nurse his ankle games has lost its meaning and importance. Perhaps haps the world really is warming up in a remarkable way. I am, after all, remarking on it. But if that’s the sprain. We shall see if the guy can make an accurate Fowler, Corso and Herbstreit should consider this case, count me converted. throw to an open receiver. and mention something to ESPN to change the I love the heat. I think the world is a better place when warmed. Its lazier, more relaxed, and thus in background scene just a tad, so we can actually my mind, more pleasant. People are too hot to be rude. Your muscles don’t ache. And going outside is COLLEGE FOOTBALL LISTEN to what’s being said. always an option, except for the summer months when an air conditioner is my only chance of survival. After a tough loss last weekend here in Jacksonville to the Georgia Bulldogs, the Florida Just the other day I was showing my mom a picture of my Fourth of July in Berkeley. We, along NATONAL BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION Gators must now regroup and get back into the swing The NBA regular season cranked up this week. with 100,000 other people, walked more than a mile down a closed off street and crossed an interstate of the SEC as they host Vanderbilt. The Commodores Once again it seem as if this is a long, marathon to the edge of the Berkeley Marina to watch the fi reworks. For the most part, we watched the lights over are not an easy team to mess with and the Gators schedule that is never-ending, in some respects. One San Francisco in envy. It was the most glorious fi reworks display I had ever seen, even from fi fteen must continue to deal with the shoulder problems item of note has been the continuing saga of Kobe miles away. In the picture, my boyfriend and I were standing by the exit to I-580 with throngs of people of their QB, Tim Tebow. I also think Gator fans must Bryant and his situation with his current employer, walking behind us. It looked like a parade. It was a magnifi cent moment. So many people, all celebrating come to the realization that their school and team is the Lakers. It seems Kobe is not happy with the fact our patriotism. NOT going to be a National Champion again. They that the team doesn’t have the talent and roster that My mom looked at the picture and asked, “Are you wearing jackets?” The shock in her voice was were able to bask in the glow for quite a while, and is capable of winning in the Western Conference. It palpable. I laughed. now they must move to the side and let someone has been rumored, on and off, since last season that “Yeah,” I responded. “You know, Mark Twain said the coldest winter he ever spent was a summer else go for the crown. Kobe wants to be traded. This kind of deal doesn’t do Meanwhile, the Bulldogs and their fans went anyone any good at all. It makes no sense to come in San Francisco.” absolutely crazy here in J’ville after their win at No- out with stupid remarks against your team, coach, or And it’s true. San Francisco never gets warm. It never really gets freezing cold, but it also never Name Stadium. Their goal was to restore the rivalry, owner, whether its Kobe, or Phil Jackson, or owner gets warm. Although then I missed the heat and the therapeutic effects the sun can have on a chilled and perhaps they have done that in pulling out their Jerry Buss. soul, now I fi nd myself missing the chill, too. win. Georgia will host Troy this weekend. The one guy I give credit to is GM Mitch When it’s cold, you are forced to make your own warmth. You spend months hibernating indoors There are other games of note on Saturday. Kupchak, who has most likely tried his best to make with the people you love. And soup, one of my all time favorite things to eat, is much more appetizing Florida State, a team that has dropped off their high everything work for everyone’s benefi t. Alas, things when the weather is below 75 degrees. I will never trade my Florida heat waves for winter blizzards, but perch in college football prowess, now must head have stayed the same. And so we shall see how long it doesn’t mean I can’t want both every now and then. north to take on the #2 Boston College Eagles. That Bryant will stay in Los Angeles. We shall also see could turn into a nasty scrap for the ‘Noles. Steve how long he keeps his mouth shut.

34 november 1-7, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper nascar news & notes

BY RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected]

Three to go! I haven’t always been a fan of ness sake, please do not let Brian France see or hear the Chase format that decides the Cup Champion, me say this: the Chase makes sense. There, I’ve said but it has grown on me this year. Of course it is the it, but don’t ya’ dare repeat it! only thing we got nowadays. When it fi rst started, Don’t you know that Rick Hendrick hopes that back in 2004, it was so that NA$CAR races would Dale Earnhardt Jr. doesn’t repeat Sunday’s race with be more competitive after mid-season and increase a crash? (Ya know that Jr. does too.) Dale will test a fan interest. Oh yeah, and to keep the TV ratings up. Hendrick’s COT there this week and by the time this The Chase has been called the “Matt Kenseth Rule” article makes print, he should have already. Man, because of the way Matt won the last Winston Cup Junior sure took a hit on the wall today after driving Championship. He had only one win that year along like a mad man, or rather, his usual self. All the talk of with 11 top fi ves and 25 top tens in comparison to him being winless this season has got his guff. He re- sixth place fi nisher Ryan Newman who had eight ally wants to win one more than ever, and I want him victories with 17 fi ves and 22 tens. You kinda’ wonder to also. I know that if he doesn’t, he will be even more just who was doing the calculus that season, don’t determined to get them next year. I have been looking ya? Well not really, because you and I both know that for my crystal balls (I’ve got two of them) and they NA$CAR wouldn’t make a mistake about something are nowhere to be found. I need to look into the future like that, right? and see just how Jr. is going to do with Gordon, John- Even that year, the last race of the season was son and Mears, not that I think he won’t do well. It’s pretty much the decisive one with Kenseth beating just that when you are the FNG anywhere you work, Jimmie Johnson by only 90 points. I really don’t think whether it’s in NA$CAR or selling widgets, if there are that a driver running away with the Cup with two or big names already there, the row may be just a little more races left to run should make NA$CAR change too hard to hoe. the format. Fans lose interest simply because of that? Yeah, yeah, I know this don’t sound like me, Each race is exciting to watch just to see your driver and I’m not sucking up to the Junior Nation (of which try to win it. The playoff version didn’t make me and a I am a card-carrying member – no they did not take lot of people at the time happy with the change. With my card back) but I want Dale to run with those guys. the name change to Nextel and Winston leaving, what I think he will have feelings for DEI, and you know the heck? Why not have a Chase for the Cup? Well for there will be thoughts every time he’s on the track 3 years now, like I said, the Chase hasn’t been popular racing against one of their cars. But he’s on his way with me. But I think this year I will back off the criti- to the big time and a championship with HMS, you cism and just enjoy the last 3 races. can count on that. I said a few weeks back it may After Atlanta, Jeff Gordon is 9 points ahead of take awhile, and it just might, but the way he has been Johnson and a buck-eleven in front of Clint Bowyer driving the past couple of races shows that, if the with 3 to go. That means there’s going to be some momentum continues through to 2008, it will be soon. real racing coming up for us fans. Any one of those He’ll have the stuff and the crew to do it with. Move guys could be the last Nextel Cup Champion. The real over Jeffy and Jimmie, there’s a new guy in town and deal is that the next 3 spots with Carl Edwards at 261 he’s ready to run with ya’. A return to DEI is some- behind, Kyle Busch at 319 and Tony “Smoke” Stewart thing that will happen much later in his career, I truly 322 away, aren’t yet mathematically out either. After believe (as I think he does too). the sixth position, the drivers there would probably Well I am not supposed to do this, because my need an intervention from Mother Nature to win the publisher and friend Will asked me not to (and he’ll championship. Makes me wonder if the teammates more than likely edit this out), but a few weeks ago we of Bowyer and Edwards will be helpful to get them up started negotiations for my new season’s contract. from during a race so that they can have a shot or will Yes, I’m a year-to-year guy. It seems that with all the they let them do it on their own. space I take up writing about NA$CAR, there’s less Now I don’t mean to take anybody out or any- room for advertising, which means less money for thing like that, but we all know the old saying, “with him. I know I do take a lot of space rambling with my a little help from my friends.” A draft here or a push thoughts (and a little about the news, but you have to there or even a tad of a block somewhere else could admit there has been some news in these articles). make a big difference. If I was Richard Childress, I Now, I know that there are some that will be delighted think I would want Kevin and Jeff to help Clint when if I do not return next season, but hopefully some and if they can, just like Jack Roush would want. Will of you would be sad. We will be trying to reach an those owners tell or ask their guys to do so? Hm- accord and that ain’t no Honda in the next couple of mmm, maybe. Those drivers that knew they were weeks. To be honest, it don’t look pretty. out of it could help their teammate. But if they started I won’t go into details (just like the UAW and GM now, in these last three, perhaps they would make the wouldn’t) about how much I make now or how much difference at the end. Seems to be a very interesting I want to stay on, because if y’all knew it would only equation that could fall into the last of the playoff se- make your head swim. It seems that I didn’t read the ries, doesn’t it? super fi ne print last year at this time, about how I had Now if you look back at the old way of scor- to make the top twelve NA$CAR writers in the country ing at deciding a champion, it looks like this: Gordon for the last ten weeks of the season, so now I have would still be in 1st place and Johnson in 2nd, but not 9 to make concessions. Well, dang it, I really tried, but away. It would be more like 439 points back. Bowyer sometimes ya’ just come close and now Will has got wouldn’t be hugging third with 741 back, he would be the pendulum swinging, so I may not be back. I will swapping with Stewart (who’s at 5th) the new way and keep y’all informed one way or another. Perhaps by a at 624 points out. Edwards would still be in 4th at 718 secret code, which I’ll devise soon. Maybe in a series off Gordon’s pace, but then he’s pretty much out of of hand signals or an arrangement of words in these it along with Clint. The real change is Denny Hamlin, paragraphs that you can pick out and get the message who would move from 10th to 6th trailing 753 points. I’m sending. Whatever the case may be, remember But like the other two, he’s pretty much out of it also. that you can reach me at [email protected], When I look at it like that, it seems alright. For good- and if it ain’t NA$CAR, It ain’t s**t!!

eujacksonville.com | november 1-7, 2007 35