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cigar style entertaining u newspaper free weekly guide to entertainment and more | february 22-28, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com SPECIAL BOOK ROOMS ’S MUSIC wwwCHECK GEORGE OR EARL RA CALL.springingtheblues.com OURTES 800-733-2668WEBSITE NOW Y! AV AILABLE! TO DA TO Y SA VE!

Music Festival Oceanfront April 2nd March 31– Seawalk Plaza Beach, FL Jacksonville JOE BONAMASSA KELLY BELL BAND GRACE POTTER & THE NOCTURNALS LEE ROY PARNELL JIMBO MATHUS’ KNOCKDOWN SOUTH YO MAMA’S BIG FAT BOOTY BAND SEAN COSTELLO BEN PRESTAGE THE ERIC STECKEL BAND SHANE DWIGHT WILLY KING AND THE LIBERATORS ROGER "HURRICANE" WILSON REGIE BLUE THE HOWL J.W. GILMORE & THE BLUES AUTHORITY BLUEPHONIC ERIC LINDELL ALBERTA ADAMS COREY HARRIS

2 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature Cigar Style...... PAGES 16-18 movies Astronaut Farmer (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies In Theaters This Week...... PAGES 6-10 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted...... PAGE 7 Bridge To Terabithia (movie review)...... PAGE 8 The Number 23 (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Ghost Rider (movie review)...... PAGE 10 Factory Girl (movie review)...... PAGE 10 at home The Prestige (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 Future Weapons (TV Review)...... PAGE 13 Launching FX (TV Review)...... PAGE 14 Sarah Silverman Program (TV Review)...... PAGE 14 All-A-Twitter (Wild Birds Unlimited)...... PAGE 15 Video Games...... PAGE 15 music House Arrest - Jared Bowser (interview)...... PAGE 19 Music Calendar...... PAGES 22-26 Sidewalk 65 (Tom & Betty’s)...... PAGE 20 C5 (Brewsters) ...... PAGE 21 Deerhoof (Jack Rabbits)...... PAGE 29 Gym Class Heroes (interview)...... PAGE 24 Showdown (interview)...... PAGE 25 Cool Hand Luke / Harloe (album reviews)...... PAGE 25 food Third Street Diner...... PAGES 27 arts / theatre / on stage Vagina Monologues (Atlantic Theatre)...... PAGE 26 Dance Alive (National Ballet)...... PAGE 26 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 28-29 Bethany Owen (Atlantic Theatre)...... PAGE 28 Pulp Fiction Theatre (Boomtown)...... PAGE 29 columns and stuff What’s Eating You? ...... PAGE 30 The Jock...... PAGE 30 NASCAR...... PAGE 31

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 3 MONSTER JAM! This Saturday at the thisweek Stadium. Harloe with Our Finest Hour february 22 & Sophmore Attempt thursday Harloe’s brand of rock combines traditional pop punk verse-chorus-verse Coco Montoya structures with a slightly more modern hardcore twist. Rich with melodic vocals and a burly guitar backdrop, Harloe also has layers of screamed secondary vocals that come across as tormented and a texture that is their own. Fuel Coffeehouse Info: 425-3835

Sugar Minott Sugar Minott is one of the great figures of reggae music, and carries the title of the “Godfather of Dancehall.” Sugar has released over 60 albums and hundreds of 45’s. Also playing Sun Shade, Tony Green (Saxman), Danjah Reggae Band Tickets: $15, $20 Show Day Freebird Live – 6:30 Info: 246-2473

Ruby James Ruby James began her solo career using not only her ability to play guitar, but the finest female voice to hit modern rock Coco Montoya since Joan Jett, Stevie Nicks and Sheryl Crow. It is this voice, Classical Savion Master guitarist and vocalist Coco Montoya will celebrate the coupled with a hint of glamour, sweetness and grit that make The genius and intensity of tap icon Savion Glover unite in a new release of his new CD, Dirty Deal, with a live performance in her EP and songs reach into your heart and soul. Cost $10. show that fuses modern tap with the passion and elegance of St. Augustine. Montoya, a ten-year veteran of John Mayall’s The Pit, 14003 Beach Blvd. – 8 pm classical music performed by an ensemble of string musicians. Bluesbreakers and protégé of Albert Collins, ranks among the Hear the rhythm in Vivaldi, Bach and more like never before, as he top-drawing and best-selling artists on the blues-rock scene. Also Shangrala to open for Cool Hand Luke releases the soul within the sound through the beat of his magical playing, bluesman Willie Green. Tickets: $15.00 With songs that are rich with singable hooks, without becoming feet. Savion Glover was the $36-$48 Lazzara stage UNF Fine Arts Café Eleven - 8:30 pm Info: 469-9311 or www.cafeeleven.com hokey chorus-driven ditties, layered with complex levels of Center - 7:30 pm Info: 620-2878 melodies to create an enormous, almost symphonic sound, Great American Shangrala transports you from the club to The Barber of Seville Opera Jazz Series with the some ethereal plane that is exciting. The Local rockers will get the crowd going before Cool Spend a madcap evening with a cast of lively characters and revel Yellowjackets Hand Luke takes the stage for their CD release in old-world Mediterranean flair. From the moment Figaro artfully The Yellowjackets Jazz Quartet have performance. guides the plot, you just might uncover the secret of why people dedicated themselves for 25 years Murray Hill Theatre, 932 Edgewood Ave S. always trust their hairdressers the most. Times Union Center for to pushing boundaries of jazz with 8 pm Info: 388.7807 Performing Arts - 8pm Info: 354.5547 a deceptively intense, distinctive sound that incorporates elements Boney James of bebop, funk, R&B and rock. They James “Boney James” Oppenheim is a smooth jazz saxophonist will be joined by Saxophonist Eric who popularized urban jazz (an updated version of smooth jazz that Marienthal. saturday contains elements of hip-hop). Mr. James has produced remakes UNF’s Lazzara Performance Hall yellowjackets february 24 of classic soul songs, such as Chaka Khan’s ‘Sweet Thing,’ Stevie – 7:30 pm Info: 620-2878 Wonder’s ‘Creepin’ and Bill Withers’ ‘Ain’t No Sunshine (When Railroadiana She’s Gone)’. Tickets: $42.50, $32.50 The Florida Theatre - 8 PM Jacksonville’s oldest and largest model train show, featuring Info: 355-2787 over 325 tables of model trains and collectibles for sale. february 23 friday Prime Osborn Convention Center, 9am - 4pm Night of the Griot Jali To Jazz Info: 407-656-5056 The Griot, a West African term for storytelling, will bring you stories Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Tonight! in song, dance and traditional music that blend classic folktales, Every performance is different in Holbrook’s classic channeling of Monster Jam historical wisdom and personal experiences into a spicy gumbo the great American writer, and no wonder. Twain is the mother lode Over 16 cars, 2 vans, buses, motor homes, and perhaps even of entertainment and learning. Night of the Griot will feature Fred of American humor, and Holbrook has been mining it for 50 years, a 4th record attendance in the past 5 years will all be at this Johnson with Kala JoJo and Valerie Tutson. Tickets: $15.00 updating the show to reflect on current events as well as perennial year’s Monster Jam event. Tickets: 353-3309 Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum - 8pm human foibles. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium - 7:30pm Info: 633.6100 Info: 632-5555 or ritztheatre@coj. The Florida Theatre– 8:00 p.m. 355-2787

4 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper monday 19th Annual “Music for the Birds” Concert The Humane Association of Wildlife Care and Education (HAWKE), a not for profit professional wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center, will be hosting this concert featuring performances by Bob and Joline Patterson and the Friends of Mine Band, Jamie Defrates, The Ashley Gang and Paradox. There will also be a silent auction featuring original art, paintings, prints, gift certificates and unique gifts. St, Johns County Agricultural Center (just off SR. 16, near the St. Augustine Outlet Mall - 692-1777. 6:30 PM to 10 PM

Tishamingo and Yankee Slickers The Georgia-based quartet, Tishamingo, presents its real-world observations and trusts the listener to get the message (i.e. “the point”) without being preachy. Freebird $10 246-2473 Tishamingo sunday february 25 Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash Kristofferson has starred in 44 films and recorded more than 23 albums. Rosanne Cash is one of the daughters of Johnny Cash. Her music draws on many genres in addition to country, including folk, pop, rock and roll and blues. Tickets: $47.50-$40. The Florida Theatre - 8 PM 355-2787

The Showdown On, Temptation Come My Way, The Showdown gives you the where, why, and how of the devastation, unpredictability, and substance that has come to personify this one-of-a kind heavy metal act. Read interview on page 25. Murray Hill Theatre, 932 Edgewood Ave S. – 7 pm, Tickets: $10 Info: 388.7807

Catie Curtis Folk-rocker Catie Curtis grew up in a small town in Maine, attended Brown University and made a splash in the Boston music scene in the 1990’s. With 10 CD’s to date, Catie Curtis delivers her most personal effort with Long Night Moon, an intricate work of stripped down modern folk. Cafe Eleven – 8:30 Info: 469-9311 tuesday february 27 Gym Class Heroes with RX Bandits, P.O.S., and K-Os If any band personifies hip-pop (a combination of hip-hop and pop), it’s the exuberant Gym Class Heroes. Read interview on page 24. Tickets: $15 Freebird Live – doors open 6:30 PM

Bowfire Bowfire brings the violin to a whole new level in a musical theatrical production that has critics raving...and audiences leaping to their feet again and again. Read story on page 23. Tickets: $23.50 -$36.50 Times-Union Center, Jacoby Concert Hall – 7:30 p.m Info: 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org.

wednesday february 28 Bruce In the USA Matt Ryan and American Dream present “Bruce in the USA” a tribute to Bruce Springsteen. “If Matt Ryan and his band, American Dream, took the stage at a Springsteen concert ...few people would be able to tell the difference.” -Gregg Maltby Bruce’s lighting director. Price: $12.00 Freebird Live – 8 pm

Elekibass, Velcro, Black Kids, and Airport Factory Elekibass describes themselves as a party band happy music. “The Beatles influenced Brazilian band playing Rock and Roll with Portuguese. We are influenced from that kind of band and playing Rock and Roll with Japanese and English...that’s us, with the simplest self-introduction.” Says elekibass vocalist Youichi Sakamoto. TSI Live Info: 424.3531 Elekibass

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 5 monday opening this week

THE ABANDONED An American woman searching for her birth parents learns she has inherited a house in the middle of a forest in a remote area of Russia. She meets a mysterious man who claims to be her brother, a twin she never knew. Together they fi nd the house holds secrets to a past they don’t remember. Together they are forced to relive a series of horrifying events and shocking murders that occurred just after they were born, in the place they were supposed to die. Rated R

AMAZING GRACE In this British period piece, Ioan Gruffudd stars as idealist William Wilberforce who maneuvers his way through Parliament in 18th Century England lobbying to end slavery in the British empire. Directed by renowned fi lmmaker Michael Apted Rated PG

THE ASTRONAUT FARMER Billy Bob Thornton stars as a NASA astronaut who is forced to retire so he can save his family farm. However, his dream of going into space still burns in his soul. And so, he begins the impossible dream of building his own rocket despite the government’s threats to stop him. Rated PG

THE NUMBER 23 Jim Carrey stars as Walter fl y me to the moon on his rocket to pay the bills, but no one wants to Sparrow, a man who becomes obsessed with a book titled The Number 23, that appears to be based on his back his project if he fails and is killed. At this point life but ends with a murder that has yet to happen. in the story, an unexpected event takes place that The more Walter investigates the premise of the book, The Astronaut Farmer movie review sets back Farmer’s dream. relating it to his life, the crazier he becomes. Rated R Through it all, viewers will be rooting for the BY RICK GRANT [email protected] underdog to complete his mission. However, setback RENO 911!: MIAMI The goofy cops from the TV after setback plague the project. When a famous series have made a feature fi lm of their loopy brand of B+ Rated PG 104 min who, against all odds and government interference, astronaut visits Farmer, he ridicules him for taking on police comedy. Set in Miami, the Reno cops are called pursues his dream of fl ying into space and orbiting an impossible task. Farmer is crushed by the astro- in to save the day after a terrorist attack disrupts a The grandiose premise of this movie is about an the earth. The theme cries out: Live the impossible naut’s attitude since he thought that the astronaut of national police convention in Miami Beach during ordinary man, Charles Farmer, (Billy Bob Thornton) dream if you dare but be prepared to defend your all people would understand his dream. spring break. Rated R dream against conventional wisdom and government The Polish brother’s script goes off on a tan- road blocks. gent in the middle of the fi lm, but gets back to the Written and directed by Michael and Mark Pol- central theme about Farmer’s close family supports now playing ish, the story harkens back to the Wright Brothers his revolutionary idea. The scenario alludes to the who, in 1903, fl ew the fi rst powered aircraft at a government’s fear that if Farmer is successful, every BECAUSE I SAID SO Diane Keaton stars as Daphne time when no one believed it was even possible. The rocket enthusiast in the country will aspire to build Wilder, and overbearing mother who pampers her underlying theme is about how NASA and the FBI, their own space rocket and make NASA look foolish three grown up daughters Maggie (Lauren Graham) a portrayed as bloated government bureaucracies, because of its inability to keep costs down. It would psychologist, sexy and rebellious Mae (Piper Perabo), bullied Farmer with threats of sending missiles into prove that private space companies (that do exist) and insecure but adorable Milly (Mandy Moore). his staging area if he continued with his mission. can send ordinary citizens into space at a fraction of Keaton’s Daphne tries to spare Milly her mistakes with the cost that NASA is spending. men, but Milly is on the wrong path. Rated PG-13 Thematically, the story is about a brilliant private citizen beating Big Brother. Billy Bob Thornton’s laid-back portrayal of Farmer’s determination to complete his mission BREACH Based on the true story of Robert Hansen, Virginia Madsen skillfully portrays Charles gives the fi lm credibility. Thornton’s salt-of-the-earth who, for sixteen years was a spy for Russia. In this Farmer’s dutiful wife Audrey, who seems implausibly story, Eric O’Neill (Ryan Phillippe) is a young agent supportive even when she discovers Charles mort- Farmer is an inspiration to young people to never who gets into a power play with his boss Hansen and gaged the farm to the tune of $600,000 to pay for give up their dream, even if the entire government is is recruited by Kate Burroughs (Laura Linney) to help his rocket project and the property is on the verge of against it. The Polish brother’s family unity theme is bring him down. Rated PG13 foreclosure. Bruce Dern plays her elderly father who the glue that holds their scenario together. In other supports Farmer’s crazy space mission. words, the gospel that love conquers all enabled BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA Jesse Arron is a fi fth grader Farmer’s story began when he was hired by Farmer to pursue his dream. who has hopes of becoming the fastest runner in his NASA as an astronaut. Sadly, he was forced to retire For aspiring aerospace engineers, this story class. His hopes are dashed when a new girl Leslie to save his father’s farm, consequently he never got serves as motivation to get through college and Burke outruns everybody, including him. However, his space fl ight. Using his extensive knowledge of pursue space fl ight as a private endeavor. That is Jess and Leslie become friends and discover a rocketry, Farmer bought scrap parts from a NASA the future with the new private companies setting up magical kingdom in the forest where they reign salvage yard including a Mercury project rocket shop providing low cost space vehicles for satellite together as king and queen. Starring AnnaSophia Robb engine and a Mercury capsule. He assembled his and manned launches–even space tourism. and Josh Hutcherson. Rated PG rocket to the exact specifi cations of an early missile design in his barn with a retractable roof. DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL In this Tyler Perry comedy Working against time, Farmer feels he has a successful female attorney falls in love with a to complete his mission before he is served with janitor, the single father of three daughters, over the foreclosure papers. He pulls his kids out of school, click it. objections of her father. Starring: Gabrielle Union, Idris including his brilliant son, Shepard (Max Thieriot) Elba, Louis Gossett Jr., Tasha Smith, Gary Anthony who is helping his father with the project and is Sturgis. Rated PG13 dad’s mission control manager. He makes the family read it all online DREAMGIRLS This fabulous fi lm adaptation of the his mission support crew. Broadway musical is based on Tom Eyen’s book–a With the bank and the FBI on his back, Farmer eujacksonville.com thinly veiled biography of the rise of the Supremes as calls in the media to protect him from government the fi rst black/white crossover singing group in the interference. The story takes off like his rocket and 1960s. It’s the best adaptation of a Broadway musical he becomes a media darling. However, money is a movies · music · arts continued pg 7 problem. Farmer even tries to sell advertising space

6 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted. NO MORE COMB-OVER? Donald Trump and Vince McMahon squaring off in a “Battle of the Billionaires” at Wrestlemania 23 on April 1, with each mogul picking a wrestler to represent him in the ring. Whoever chooses the losing wrestler will have his head shaved after the match. Hey, where do we get tickets. MORE BRITNEY SHEARS The owners of a salon where Britney Spears gave herself an impromptu buzz cut Friday telling E! News’ Giuliana DePandi said that they saved the “Oops” singer’s shorn locks and will probably auction them off for charity. After leaving the salon, Spears continued on to a tattoo parlor, where she was inked with a black, white and pink cross on her lower hip and red and pink lips on her wrist. The dramatic skin-head treatment occurred after the star reportedly checked herself in and back out of rehab in the Caribbean last week. Hey, she’s worth $100 million bridge to terabithia and she’ll do what she wants! So there! OH BABY movie review Bahamas Immigration Minister Shane Gibson resigned his position Sunday amid controversy over pictures of him embracing Anna Nicole Smith on a bed that were BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] published by the Tribune of Nassau last week. Gibson, B+ Rated PG 98 min. helps both of them deal with the real world situations who had already been criticized for allegedly fast-tracking Smith’s residency permit, continued to main- they encounter at school. tain he had done nothing wrong, even while offering his resignation. I love a good childhood fantasy fl ick that uti- Up to this point I found the fi lm perfect. We lizes state-of-the-art effects to fl awlessly recreate were gradually introduced to the fantasy world and BRADY LEAVES SPERM IN BRIDGET BREAKUP the most amazing images that my imagination can simultaneously learning the value of imagination and Bridget Moynahan is pregnant with the child of her ex-boyfriend, New England Patriots quarterback Tom concoct. I love to bring my daughters to movies that creativity to real world issues. These children were Brady, her rep said Monday. The parents-to-be ended their romantic relationship late last year, and Brady stimulate the imagination and maybe even incite being kids and at the same time their eyes, possibili- has since been linked with Gisele Bundchen. some discourse. It’s important to appreciate that art ties, and lives were opening up to the potential of the can make you think about things in a new way. The real world. Reality may be stranger than fi ction, but MORE SAW SEQUELS–SAW 23? way presented in a fi lm may not always be “correct” fi ction allows us to deal with reality. What a fantastic Darren Lynn Bousman, the director behind Saw II and Saw III, returned to helm the fourth installment of but at least it stirs the child’s thoughts and opens message for children to receive, and how impressive the horror franchise, slated to begin shooting in April and due for release on Oct. 26. dialogue between the child and the parent. that Hollywood would take the time to deliver this My oldest daughter is an avid reader and we message. But this isn’t totally what the fi lm is about. ANOTHER CELEBRITY DUI love to go see fi lms about books we have read After you are introduced to the situation that these Ray Liotta was arrested on suspicion of driving under the infl uence after crashing his car into two together, because of this we can hardly wait for His children are faced with and the world they create to parked cars in Pacifi c Palisades on Saturday night. The actor ponied up $15,000 bail and was released, Dark Materials: The Golden Compass to come to deal with those situations, you see them becoming after being ordered to appear in court next month. the big screen this Christmas. Although we haven’t happy, but don’t get too sold on it. This movie is a read The Bridge to Terabithia, I had heard nothing but tear-jerker that deals with the intensely heavy topic EASY RIDER CHU-CHING rave reviews of the book and the trailer made the fi lm of death. Ghost Rider, starring Nicolas Cage as a maniacal motorcycle stunt driver who collects souls for the look like the fantasy story. I adored Pan’s Labyrinth, I don’t want to spoil the movie for those of devil on the side, debuted atop the box offi ce with $44.5 million. Family-friendly fi lm Bridge to Terabithia but that was hardly a children’s movie in spite of its you eager to see it, but don’t let the trailers, which opened in second with $22.1 million. fantasy element, so I hoped this fi lm would be the celebrate the fantasy aspects of this fi lm and present childhood fantasy equivalent. It was and it was not. it as a children’s buddy picture, trick you. This fi lm is MEN AT THE TOP This fi lm celebrated a child’s imaginations about losing a friend right when they were changing Children of Men won top honors at the 21st Annual American Society of Cinematographers Outstand- and the possibilities that exist when you seek to your outlook on life. Halfway through the fi lm every ing Achievement Awards on Sunday. Smallville won the top award for episodic TV and Nightmares and incorporate that imagination into your life in order to eye in the theatre, including everyone in my family, Dreamscapes claimed the prize in the TV movie/miniseries category. make sense of the harshness that can be reality in was weeping and the crying didn’t really stop until the pre-teen school life. Jesse Aarons is played by the very end. I’m not saying it was a bad fi lm, I’m RARE AWARDS TIE Josh Hutcherson (RV, Zathura). Jesse is an average just begging you to be prepared. This tear-jerker has Babel and The Departed tied for Best Edited Drama at the 57th Annual American Cinema Editors’ Eddie kid from a family full of sisters. His father works at a terrifi c message, and the lessons that young Jesse Awards on Sunday, making the second tie in the history of the awards. (The fi rst was in 1989, when a hardware store and can barely make ends meet. Aarons learns are valuable for any person of any Rain Man and Mississippi Burning were jointly honored.) Dreamgirls won the prize for Best Edited Com- His mother stays at home raising the family of four, age. Death is diffi cult to deal with, but through Jesse edy or Musical. and because they are not wealthy, he is forced to you can not only relate to the loss of someone you wear his sister’s old pink tennis shoes to the fi rst loved in your own life, but you can see how those ONO’S DRIVER JAILED day of school. As a child that is immersed in his own people can live on through what we learn from them. Yoko Ono’s former driver, Koral Kasan, pleaded guilty in New York imagination, he is constantly drawing pictures in his It is a beautiful fi lm and it there are some truly to a reduced charge of third-degree attempted grand larceny for try- sketchbook and avoiding the other kids at school. He spectacular performances, especially from Bailee ing to blackmail John Lennon’s widow. The Turkish-born Kasan was is something of an outcast. Madison who plays Jesse’s younger sister May sentenced to 60 days in jail and is facing deportation. He was initially Then Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb) moves Belle. This is a starlet on the rise who, if she can charged with trying to extort $2 million from Ono by threatening to in next door. She is eccentric, cute, and good at keep it together while growing up under the hot lights publish so-called “embarrassing” photos and recordings of her, but standing up for herself, although she is also an out- of Hollywood, I imagine we will see outstanding the assistant district attorney said her offi ce accepted a plea to protect cast from the other school children. Her confi dence performances from throughout her life. Her talent is Ono’s privacy. catches Jesse’s attention, but he is always on guard. shining star even in this well cast and articulately Eventually the two develop a friendship and Jesse is acted fi lm. POT BUST happier than ever. They create a fantasy world out in See Bridge to Terabithia, defi nitely, but bring a Nicole Richie was charged with misdemeanor driving under the infl u- the woods behind their houses. There is a rope that box of tissues and get ready to have some serious ence stemming from Dec. 11 arrest for heading the wrong way on hangs over a creek and when they swing across they conversations about death, imagination, and even an L.A. freeway. The Simple Life star, who told police she had taken enter a world where they are the king and queen and God when leaving the theatre, because this fi lm deals Vicodin and smoked pot before getting into her car, is scheduled to be must fi ght the elusive forces of the Dark Master. With with big issues through the small lense of a young arraigned next Wednesday. their imaginations they bring this world to life and it boy’s life.

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 7 to fi lm ever. Ex-American Idol reject, Jennifer Hudson steals he movie as the Dreams original lead singer Effi e White who is dumped in favor of Deena (Beyonce’ Knowles) who represents Diana Ross. Jennifer Hudson its a numbers game won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress and Eddie Murphy won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor. Rated PG-13 (Opens Christmas Day) Number 23 movie review EPIC MOVIE In the spirit of “Scary Movie” and “Date Movie, a parody that spoofs recent mega- BY RICK GRANT [email protected] blockbusters. The comedy centers itself around B Rated R 95 min roles. However, he probably wasn’t the right actor for four orphans who visit a chocolate factory and are this role but he brings his edgy comedic side into it, transported to the wonderful land of Gnarnia, after In one of his most daring dramatic roles, Jim which in many ways, makes the character more inter- stumbling upon an enchanted wardrobe. There they Carrey stars as Walter Sparrow/Fingering, an animal esting. battle pirates, encounter earnest wizards and attempt control offi cer who becomes obsessed with a book Clearly, Walter is bored with being an animal to defeat Gnarnia’s dastardly White Bitch. Rated PG-13 The Number 23, that he believes is telling the story of control offi cer and the book gives him an opportunity his life. Virginia Madsen portrays Walter’s loving wife FACTORY GIRL The year is 1965, and Edie Sedgwick to develop a fantasy world, far more interesting than Agatha/Fabrizia who has to contend with her husband is rich, ambitious and breathtakingly beautiful. Her his work-a-day duties. But, Walter crosses over from life changes forever when she meets Andy Warhol, as he comes unglued reading this strange book. reality to actually living in his fantasy world of Finger- New York’s most famous artist, and the man who will Although for the most part, Carrey gets inside ing as his mental state degenerates. He visits the plac- Carrey hams it up doing his impression of Jack transform this trust fund baby into the Big Apple’s his character’s head, he struggles to contain his es in the book and discovers evidence that the events Nicholson in The Shining as his entire psyche is taken most dazzling Superstar. At the center of this exciting comedic side. This schizoid acting style confuses his and characters in the book were real. Yeah, Walter is over by Fingering. Walter as Fingering sees his wife and decadent new world is The Factory, Warhol’s fans, who are befuddled by Carrey’s mocking tone. nuts, but as he investigates the times and places of Agatha as the book’s fl oozy Fabrizia, also played by downtown loft, a place where musicians, artists, Still, the fi lm comes off as dark and foreboding with the book, the scenario becomes a mystery/detective Madsen. Director Joel Schumacher created a mosaic actors and all types of misfi ts gather to create art and Carrey’s character, Walter vacillating between his real story. in which to place his characters and his orchestration movies during the day, and to throw fabulous parties life and his fantasy life of the book’s protagonist, Fin- Of course, toward the end there is a Big Twist, of the scenes is impeccable. Reining in Carrey’s over- at night. It is here that Edie takes her place at Andy’s gering. which ties all the loose ends together. But it’s fun acting was his main problem, which he doesn’t quite side as the Factory’s most alluring and irresistible As Walter reads the book, he becomes Finger- getting there and watching for the number 23 to pop succeed in containing. Superstar. Starring: Guy Pearce, Sienna Miller, Hayden ing, who is obsessed with numerology and manic up in many different forms and formulas. Ciphers and Ah, yes, the number 23 is driving Walter stark Christensen, Jimmy Fallon, Meredith Ostrom. Rated R. writing. As Walter sinks deeper into schizophrenia, his numbers yield 23. But what does it mean? That is the raving mad and his wife is morphing into the S&M paranoia deepens and he is convinced the number 23 hook of the premise. Walter is feeding his paranoia loving Fabrizia. Yeah, maybe the characters in the GHOST RIDER Based on a Marvel comic book is out to get him. The more he reads the more he be- by obsessing on the numerology of 23, as he loses book are much more exciting than Walter’s dull life as character, a motorcycle stunt man named Johnny comes Fingering, the detective character in the book. all reason. Poor Agatha, she is the most tolerant wife a dog catcher. Viewers can understand why he would Blaze who gives up his soul to become a hell-blazing Accepting Carrey in this role is paramount to in history. She tries to help Walter with his detective prefer living Fingerling’s life to Walter’s working stiff vigilante to fi ght against the power hungry Blackheart, getting into the picture’s murky premise. In accept- work only to get involved with the disturbing aspects existence. the son of the devil. Starring Nicolas Cage. Rated ing this role, Carrey endeavored to stretch his acting of delving into the number 23. Viewers who are perplexed by this story should PG-13 beyond his goofy Pet Detective shtick. Pundits (me The problem with Fernley Phillip’s script is the not worry. The Big Twist answers all questions. That included) admire Carrey for taking diffi cult and daring implausibility of Walter’s wife and son Robin’s abilities darn 23 is persistent in catching the viewers attention. HANNIBAL RISING So what was Hannibal Lecter like to put up with Walter’s lunacy. Madsen’s character By various equations any number combination can as a kid through his teens? This movie answers that Agatha is much too eager to go along with hubby’s end up as 23. It’s a fun game like the Six Degrees question. The young genius learned many scientifi c fi elds such as medicine and chemistry. He also was contention that the number 23 is destroying his life, of Separation from Kevin Bacon game. Do enough a talented artist and musician as well as a forensic and the book was actually written about him. In real computations and you’ll end up with 23. It’s uncanny! expert. The story opens in WWII in a medieval castle life, Walter’s wife would be long gone from this lunatic However, what does it mean? Let’s see if I add my in Lithuania built by Hannibal’s forebear, Hannibal the bin. Agatha even becomes her husband’s assistant as birthday and multiply by the square root of 66 divided Grim. The budding serial killer survives the horrors he goes mad as a Hatter. by Pi, I get 23. Oh, I know it means something. of the war and escapes the Soviet aftermath to fi nd refuge in France. His horrifi c memories of the war combined with his psychopathy drive his future murder lust. Rated R

LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA Clint Eastwood shot Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima back to back on location on the volcanic island of Iwo Jima. In Letters, Eastwood’s scenario involves the brutal battle for Iwo Jima, told from the Japanese perspective in Japanese with English subtitles. Both Eastwood fi lms are Oscar worthy. This movie won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film. Rated R

MISS POTTER Inspired by a true story set in Victorian England, a tale charting the life of Beatrix Potter--a literary phenomenon of the early 20th century. Starring: Renee Zellweger, Ewan McGregor, Emily Watson, Perdita Weeks, Bill Paterson. Rated PG

MUSIC & LYRICS Hugh Grant stars as a washed up rock singer who is given a couple of days to compose a chart-topping hit for an admiring teen sensation. The only problem is, he has never written lyrics, so he teams up with a younger woman (Drew Barrymore) who has a fl air for words. Rated PG-13

NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM A hapless security guard, Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidently invokes an ancient curse that causes the animals and insects on display to come to life. Rated PG

NORBIT Eddie Murphy plays multiple roles as Norbit, (continuedcontinuedcontinued on pg pg 89) 9

8 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper heart. “Yeah, I can dig it,” she thinks. Written and directed by Mark Steven Johnson, Rasputia, and Mr. Wong in this nutty comedy. A mild with dialogue on a twelve year old level, the entire mannered guy (Murphy) is engaged to a large fi gured scenario is building momentum for the grand fi nale woman (Murphy). In his dreams, he meets his ideal when Ghost Rider and Blackheart fi nally have their woman (Thandie Newton) and schemes to fi nd a way showdown–two supernatural forces clashing in an- to be with her, not his bulbous fi ancée. But she has other dimension, with the devil overseeing the event. other ideas. Rated PG-13 It’s the walking blow-torch against the powerful NOTES ON A SCANDAL A teacher, Sheba (Cate Blackheart who has absorbed the dark souls of mil- Blanchett) in a British high school becomes sexually lions of evil spirits. involved with one of her students. Judi Dench plays Sam Elliott plays the Caretaker who hangs out another teacher who knows about the torrid affair and in a cemetery where he is insulated from the devil by uses it to force her friendship on Sheba. The illicit tryst the religious icons nearby. Flaming Skull seeks his causes a major upheaval in Sheba’s life that escalates advice on the history of the Ghost Rider legend and out of control. It’s one of the best fi lms of last season, how he can beat Blackheart. Caretaker once rode as on every critics best of list including mine. Rated R a Ghost Rider on his trusty steed that, like himself, morphed into a trotting fl ame thrower. PAN’S LABYRINTH The story of a young girl who In Ghost Rider’s encounters with Blackheart travels with her pregnant mother to live with her and his crew, he is smashed by a truck and set upon mother’s new husband in a rural area in the North of by a soot covered demon. Oh the heartbreak of be- Spain in 1944. It was a time after Franco’s victory. The ing Flaming Skull. What humiliation he suffers when girl lives in an imaginary world of her own creation and he gets out-foxed by Blackheart. faces the real world with trepidation. Eventually, the girl By now, Roxanne (Mendes) understands must come to terms with her life through a fable of her burn out dude Blaze’s problem and she tries to help him. But she is own. Rated R a mortal being, helpless in the face of these super- natural forces. Right, and when Flaming Skull gets PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Will Smith stars in this down to business, all hell breaks loose. Sorry babe, true story of a precocious child and his father, who Ghost Rider movie review Ghost Rider can’t make love in his fl aming mode. through circumstances beyond his control, drfi ts into a Roxanne likes it hot but not that searing–she’d be downward spiral and ends up homeless but working in burned to a crisp. Oh, mamma, it’s Flaming Skull a Dean Witter internship. Later he becomes a top Wall BY RICK GRANT [email protected] to the rescue as things are getting out of hand and Street broker. Smith’s real life son Jaden Smith plays his son in this engrossing docudrama. Rated PG-13 C+ Rated PG-13 114 min the forces of good and evil meet on the other side For what it is–a ridiculous special effects driven for one hell of a fi ght. Varoom, Flaming Skull’s fi re SMOKIN’ ACES A Las Vegas snitch named Buddy comic book movie–Ghost Rider is a loud and fl ashy shooting chopper roars through the darkness burn- Israel (Jeremy Piven) bravely decides to turn States entertainment, eighty percent of which was created ing up the pavement. Whew, I need a cold drink. evidence against the mob by testifying. The mob and by CGI. With tongue-in-cheek verve, Nicolas Cage other criminals take out contracts on Buddy’s life portrays a motorcycle stunt performer, Johnny Blaze to prevent his testimony. Then the twists and turns who makes a deal with Mephistopheles–the devil, happen and Buddy is hotter than a showgirl’s thong on (Peter Fonda) to save his father from dying of can- a Friday night. Rated R cer. Of course, never trust the devil. He saves the STOMP THE YARD A troubled 19 year old stomp father from cancer, but kills him in an accident. dancer loses his younger brother in Los Angeles. His Now, Blaze must ride his fl aming chopper at night grief turns him to minor crime. But in court, he is as Ghost Rider, the devil’s bounty hunter. In his con- able to bypass jail by enrolling in Truth University,an tract, if Ghost Rider neutralizes the devil’s nemesis, all-black college in Atlanta where his dance talents Blackheart, (Wes Bentley) he can have his life back. are sought after by two campus fraternities to win the Viewers must remember this movie is adapted national step show competition. Rated PG-13 from a Marvel graphic novel and everything is pushed beyond reason into the realm of supernatural SWEET LAND When Lars Torvik’s grandmother Inge fantasy, conjuring up the old legend of the Ghost dies in 2004, he is faced with a decision--sell the Rider in the sky. Old Flaming Skull rides his tricked- family farm on which she lived since 1920, or cling to out chopper into the night burning the highway the legacy of the land. Seeking advice, he turns to the behind him with his white hot chain as his weapon. memory of Inge and the stories that she had passed Call him Zippo-head–able to ascend vertically up on to him. Starring Alan Cumming, Ned Beatty, Lois buildings and fry anything in his path. Yeah, it’s Smith, Tim Guinee, Elizabeth Reaser. Rated PG nonsense, but once viewers leave their brains at the theater door, it makes perfect sense. His deadly en- THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND A Scottish doctor travels to Uganda to do humanitarian work. In a counters with Blackheart’s crew are the stuff of wild chance meeting with Idi Amin, the new strong westerns. and rides around at night as the fl aming Ghost Rider. man of Uganda, he develops a friendship with the Blaze nurtures a romantic involvement with At fi rst she thinks he’s mad as a Hatter, but there dictator, who invites the doctor to be his personal his old childhood sweetheart, now a TV journalist, have been some odd things happening around town, physician. The money is great and he lives large, but Roxanne (Eva Mendes). She gets suspicious of his and she may just believe it could be true. Then she as Amin goes mad with power, the doctor is trapped strange behavior and asks him what’s up with him. sees Ghost Rider and it all starts to make sense–a and desperately tries to escape the country. Forest He reluctantly tells her he sold his soul to the devil comic book super-villain trying to bring down Black- Whitaker received a Golden Globe for his performance as Idi Amin. Rated R

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

THE QUEEN A revealing, witty portrait of the British royal family in crisis immediately following the death of Princess Diana. The setting for this fi ctional account of real events is no less than the private chambers of the Royal Family and the British government in the

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 9 wake of the sudden death of Princess Diana in August of 1997. The result is an intimate, yet thematically epic, battle between private and public, responsibility and emotion, custom and action - as a grieving nation waits to see what its leaders will do. This movie won a Golden Globe for Best Screenplay and Helen Mirren won a Golden Globe for Best Actress. Starring: Helen Mirren, Michael Sheen, James Cromwell, Sylvia Syms, Helen McCrory. Rated PG-13

VOLVER Set in Spain, a generational story of three women--a good mother who is desperately in love with a man who is far from being a saint, a young mother carrying a hard life upon her shoulders and an illegal hairdresser whose shop is the meeting point for all the neighborhood gossips. Starring: Penélope Cruz, Carmen Maura, Lola Duenas, Blanca Portillo, Yohana Cobo. Rated R special showings

Tchaikovsky’s “Eugene Onegin” Experience the MET with this live HD broadcast direct from the Metropolitan Opera in New York City. The beloved American soprano Renée Fleming Advanced Ticketing at amctheatres.com or (904) 264-3888 joins Russian baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky for this A.M.Cinema - All seats $5 before noon broadcast of Tchaikovsky’s gorgeous and lyrical andy warhol’s sexless on Fri., Sat., Sun., & holidays - denoted by ( ) Eugene Onegin. The sweeping dramatic arc of this AMC Select- Special films for select tastes. opera—youthful longing, rejection, regret, a desperate plea that comes too late—is perfectly mirrored in ORANGE PARK 24 escapades Wells Road and Blanding Tchaikovsky’s achingly beautiful music and in the AMC BEST PICTURE SHOWCASE (R) Starts at 11:00 AM stunning lighting of this strikingly minimal production. WILD HOGS (PG13) 7:30 One showing only on February 24 at the Cinemark THE ABANDONED (R) (11:15 @ $5), 1:50, 4:40, 7:20, 9:50 Tinsletown - 1:30 pm. Info: 998-2020 or cinemark. ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG) (11:05 @ $5), 1:50, 4:35, 7:15, 9:55 com or metopera.com Factory Girl movie review THE NUMBER 23 (R) (11:30 @ $5), 2:05, 4:40, 7:20, 10:05 RENO 911!: MIAMI (R) (11:30 @ $5), 12:45, 2:15, 3:15, 4:45, 5:45, 7:05, 8:05, 9:40, 10:40 Midnight Movies BREACH (PG13) (11:00 @ $5), 1:40, 4:20, 7:10, 9:55 BY BRENTON CROZIER [email protected] BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) (11:20, 11:55 @ $5), 2:00, 2:45, THE GOONIES (1985) A band of young boys fi nd a 4:30, 5:15, 7:45, 10:10, 10:45 treasure map and embark on a magical adventure. Silver balloons and overfl owing exploits of pop GHOST RIDER (PG13) (11:25 @ $5), 12:30, 1:30, 2:15, 3:15, 4:30, Produced by Steven Spielberg, starring Sean Astin, 5:15, 6:30, 7:25, 8:15, 9:15, 10:05, 11:00 culture were merely minor backdrops and even props MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG13) (11:45 @ $5), 1:35, 2:40, 4:20, Josh Brolin, Jeff Cohen, Corey Feldman, and Kerri in George Hickenlooper’s Factory Girl. The story of 5:20, 7:00, 7:55, 9:45, 10:30 Lee Green. Rated PG. San Marco Theatre, Feb 23, 24 TYLER PERRY’S DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS (PG13) (11:10, Edie Sedgwick’s rise and fall is told from her counsel- 11:55 @ $5), 1:45, 2:30, 4:15, 5:00, 6:45, 7:30, 9:15, 10:00 at midnight, Info: 396-4845 The following weekend, ing induced narrative after her time spent in New York HANNIBAL RISING (R) (11:50 @ $5), 4:00, 7:00, 10:10 March 2 & 3, MULHOLLAND DRIVE will be shown at City as the object of Andy Warhol’s obsession and NORBIT (PG13) (11:15 @ $5), 2:00, 4:45, 7:30, 8:15, 10:15, 10:45 midnight at the San Marco. BECAUSE I SAID SO (PG13) (11:35 @ $5), 2:10, 4:55, 7:25, Bob Dylan’s affection. 10:00 I can’t imagine a better rendering of Sedgwick THE MESSENGERS (PG13) (11:40 @ $5), 2:10, 4:35, 7:10, 9:45 EPIC MOVIE (PG13) 7:15, 9:40 Best Picture Showcase: 2007 Oscar Nominees than the one delivered by Sienna Miller. Her charisma This Saturday, Feb. 24, the AMC Theater at Orange SMOKIN’ ACES (R) (11:10 @ $5), 1:55, 4:50 is kinetic and captures the conduit that it must have STOMP THE YARD (PG13) 7:35, 10:20 Park will be showing all fi ve movies nominated for this took for a twenty something to win the brief but glar- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 1:45, 4:25 years Academy Award’s Best Picture. For $30 you THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:45 @ $5), 2:30, can see all fi ve movies, large drink and popcorn with ing spotlight of the art and fashion worlds. Andy War- 5:20 hol is played with precision and even a bit of humor ————$AMC SELECT%———— unlimited refi lls, and get collectible pass which allows AMAZING GRACE (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 1:40, 4:25, 7:05, 9:50 you to come and go as you please. BABEL 11:00 by Guy Pearce. Their performances are even more a.m., THE QUEEN 1:45 p.m., THE DEPARTED 3:45 convincing when they are sharing the screen. It is REGENCY 24 p.m., LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA 7:00 p.m., LITTLE easy to believe that she is the artifi cial blonde anima Behind Regency Square Mall of his eye and he the iconoclast that she wants to MISS SUNSHINE 9:45 p.m. SNEAK PREVIEW! absorb herself in. WILD HOGS (PG13) 7:30 2007 OSCAR STUDIO PARTY On Sunday, February The movie has a strong and stylish start as Edie THE ABANDONED (R) 12:20, 2:50, 5:20, 7:40, 10:00 25th local fi lm lovers will be celebrating the Oscars at relocates from a Cambridge art school to immerse ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG)  (11:55 @ $5), 2:40, 5:10, 7:40, 10:10 a viewing party to benefi t the Jacksonville Film Festival. herself into the NYC art scene. It is easy to fall in love THE NUMBER 23 (R)  (11:00 @ $5), 1:00, 3:00, 5:25, 7:50, As well-heeled and sparkly partygoers, you can cast with this curious and buoyant version of the girl who 10:10 RENO 911!: MIAMI (R)  (11:20 @ $5), 12:25, 1:25, 2:35, 3:35, Delicious delectables by World Grill and an open bar would soon be dubbed, although somewhat mock- Although the depiction of Sedgwick’s fall is 4:40, 5:45, 7:15, 8:00, 9:35, 10:30 of Bacardi USA, Inc sponsored drinks will complement ingly, a superstar. This part of the story is comfortably not glossed over with psychedelic score and pop BREACH (PG13)  (11:40 @ $5), 2:10, 4:50, 7:35, 10:20 the live broadcast of the 79th Annual Academy BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG)  (11:35 @ $5), 12:40, 2:00, juxtaposed next to the exploration of Warhol’s work art montage, each scene simply becomes more dif- 3:20, 4:30, 5:50, 8:15, 9:40, 10:35 Awards® ceremony. For more info call 633-9399 or that created visceral reaction from both sides of the fi cult to watch than the one before it. The director GHOST RIDER (PG13)  (11:00, 11:50 @ $5), 12:35, 1:40, 2:25, 3:30, 4:20, 5:15, 6:45, 7:30, 8:20, 9:30, 10:15, 11:00 go to jacksonvillefi lmfestival.com. spectrum. It was an interesting look into the sexually could have left more to not only the imagination, but MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG13)  (11:25 @ $5), 12:15, 1:50, 3:05, charged, industrial atmosphere of The Factory where common sense. While you will have an infatuation 4:25, 5:35, 7:00, 8:05, 9:45, 10:55 MOCA Jacksonville Film Series TYLER PERRY’S DADDY’S LITTLE GIRLS (PG13)  Warhol worked and artistic miscreants played. for Sedgwick, or at least Miller’s depiction in smart (11:05 @ $5), 12:30, 1:00, 1:30, 2:55, 3:25, 3:55, 4:45, 5:30, 6:00, 6:30, GET ON THE BUS Directed by Spike Lee, 1996 Get As Sedgwick falls into the shadows of the speed haircut and black tights, you can’t help but feel that 7:20, 7:55, 8:30, 9:45, 10:25 on the Bus follows several black men on a cross- HANNIBAL RISING (R) 1:35, 4:15, 10:15 scene, the swank luster and storyline take a plunge Hickenlooper has presented her as a lamb led to the country bus trip from South-Central Los Angeles NORBIT (PG13) (11:15 @ $5), 1:45, 4:15, 6:50, 8:10, 9:25, 10:40 down a clichéd spiral right along with her. The Bob slaughter by the cruel, calculating world of the New BECAUSE I SAID SO (PG13) (11:35 @ $5), 2:20, 4:55, 7:25, to the historic Million Man March in Washington Dylan character that the real Dylan insisted be called York City avant-garde spearheaded by Warhol. 9:55 DC. On the bus are an eclectic ensemble cast of THE MESSENGERS (PG13) 6:55, 9:20 Billy Quinn, enters the story and an undercurrent of characters including a laid-off aircraft worker, a former This movie does have more than 15 good min- SMOKIN’ ACES (R) (11:45 AM @ $5), 10:35 PM blame and crookedness shifts towards the conniving STOMP THE YARD (PG13) 9:00 PM gangbanger, a Hollywood actor, a cop who is of mixed utes and is carried on the backs of Miller and Pearce’s Warhol. Hayden Christensen, who looks the part but NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) 1:20, 3:50 racial background, and a white bus driver. Wednesday, compelling performances. With better directorial deci- ————$AMC SELECT%———— February 28at 7 pm in the Underground Cinema. fails to fully fi ll out the character of Quinn, is intro- sions and less lampooning of Andy Warhol, Factory MISS POTTER (PG) 7:00 Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non-members. duced like an idealistic and poetic knight sent to save Girl could have been the art fi lm that crossed a lot of AMAZING GRACE (PG) (11:30 @ $5), 2:15, 5:00, 7:45, 10:20 Sedgwick from the exploitive clutches of Warhol. The FACTORY GIRL (R)  2:45, 5:05, 7:35, 10:05 If you are not already a MOCA member, take advantage borders and awakened at least a handful to go beyond LETTERS FROM IWO JIMA (R) 1:35 of our Film Series membership special show for free! look into Warhol’s work and the scene that budded their conceptual comfort zone. Instead, it will merely SWEET LAND (PG) (11:05 @ $5), 3:10, 5:35 around him ended as quickly as Sedgwick’s sobriety. February 24, 2007 Times for Saturday, Info: 366-6911 be another art fi lm for a niche crowd. -SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT No passes or discount coupons

10 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Adv. Tix on Sale 300 (R) - ID REQ'D ★ AMAZING GRACE (PG) DIG (120) 420 720 1020 Sneak Preview: WILD HOGS (PG-13) DIG 730 THE ABANDONED (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (145) 425 700 930 1150 THE NUMBER 23 (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (130) 400 730 1010 1230 RENO 911: MIAMI (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1200 115 215) 330 430 540 700 745 915 1000 1130 1215 THE ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG) DIG (1205 235) 505 740 1005 1235 BREACH (PG-13) DIG (135) 445 750 1025 GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG ★ (1200 100 140 240) 345 515 705 735 800 1015 1035 BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) DIG ★ (1215 120 250) 405 530 805 950 1040 1225 TYLER PERRY'S DADDY'S LITTLE GIRLS (PG-13) DIG (105) 415 715 950 1230 MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG-13) DIG (1220 125 255) 440 525 710 810 940 1040 1205 NORBIT (PG-13) DIG (1235) 325 650 925 1200 HANNIBAL RISING (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1230) 335 645 935 1215 BECAUSE I SAID SO (PG-13) DIG (1210 230) 510 815 1030 THE MESSENGERS (PG-13) DIG 435 945 1215 THE QUEEN (PG-13) DIG (110) 655 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 410 930 1210 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG 450 1025 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG (150) 755

Adv. Tix on Sale WILD HOGS (PG-13) ★ Adv. Tix on Sale 300 (R) - ID REQ'D ★ THE ABANDONED (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1205) 505 730 1015 THE NUMBER 23 (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1230) 425 720 945 RENO 911: MIAMI (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1250 115) 400 450 720 750 935 1030 THE ASTRONAUT FARMER (PG) DIG (100) 405 725 950 AMAZING GRACE (PG) DIG (120) 420 715 1020 BREACH (PG-13) DIG (1200) 355 710 955 GHOST RIDER (PG-13) ★ (1210) 435 800 1035 GHOST RIDER (PG-13) DIG ★ (1240) 405 730 1005 BRIDGE TO TERABITHIA (PG) DIG ★ (1215 1245 235) 430 500 655 745 940 1000 TYLER PERRY'S DADDY'S LITTLE GIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1225) 440 700 1025 MUSIC AND LYRICS (PG-13) DIG (1235) 445 705 930 NORBIT (PG-13) DIG (1245) 520 755 1040 HANNIBAL RISING (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1220) 410 735 1010 OC: THE MESSENGERS (PG-13) DIG 515 BECAUSE I SAID SO (PG-13) DIG (110) 740 THE MESSENGERS (PG-13) DIG (1220) 1035 PAN'S LABYRINTH (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 455 1020 NOTES ON A SCANDAL (R) - ID REQ'D (1255) 805 VOLVER (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (230) 755 THE LAST KING OF SCOTLAND (R) - ID REQ'D 415 1040 Times For 2/24/07 ©2007

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 11 new on dvd

A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints (98 min.) tricks of time Dito Montiel writes and directs this autobiographical film about a young man growing up in ‘80s New York who believes saints have saved him from the fate of his friends who have been killed or imprisoned. Winner of two awards The Prestige dvd review at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival, the film stars Robert Downey Jr., Shia LaBeouf, Chazz Palminteri, Dianne Wiest, Channing Tatum, and by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] Rosario Dawson. Rated R for pervasive language, neur named Fallon. some violence, sexuality, and drug use. Unable to allow either man to taste success, the Babel (143 min.) two enemies sabotage Three stories across four countries and three each other’s tricks, stealing continents are woven together in this multi- each other’s acts and do- Oscar nominated film starring Brad Pitt and Cate ing all they can to discredit Blanchett as an American couple in Morocco, the other. When Bordon Adriana Barraza as their Mexican nanny back unveils the ultimate trick, home in California, Gael García Bernal as her “The Transported Man,” nephew, and Rinko Kikuchi as a deaf-mute all Angier can think of is Japanese teenage daughter of Kôji Yakusho. figuring out how he does it. leads. Bale always impresses, but it’s Jackman Rated R for violence, some graphic nudity, sexual His quest for answers leads content, language and some drug use. who gives the performance of his career, hitting all him to Nikola Tesla (David the right notes as the emotionally complex Angier. Bowie), an electrical genius Scarlett Johansson, whose role is relatively small, Flushed Away (90 min.) who may hold the key to A pampered pet mouse (voiced by Hugh compared to that of Michael Caine, curiously graces all of Borden’s secrets. the cover of the DVD. While this is no doubt an at- Jackman) with a James Bond fantasy life gets Meanwhile, those same flushed into a miniature subterranean London tempt to lure some of her fans to the video store, secrets have Borden’s pro- those expecting an extensive, knockout performance in the sewers. Kate Winslet voices the spunky fessional life soaring while sewer rat and Ian McKellen plays a toad crimelord from the blonde bombshell will most likely be disap- his personal life goes down pointed. Still, she makes an impression with her brief plotting the end of rat civilization. Rated PG for the drain. Both his wife crude humor and some language role and continues to show a lot of promise. Thanks Sarah (Rebecca Hall) and to the collaboration between Nolan and cinematogra- his mistress Olivia (Scarlett For Your Consideration (86 min.) pher Wally Pfister, the use of hand-held cameras and Johansson) feel neglected minimalist lighting makes The Prestige rarely feels Christopher Guest rounds up his usual cast of and his young daughter collaborators that get swept up in Oscar fever like a period piece set in one of the most notoriously Jess (Samantha Mahurin) stuffy eras known to man. Mixing this intimate at- when bloggers and film pundits start the pre- is caught in the middle. nominations buzz. Catherine O’Hara, Harry mosphere with the incredible storyline produces one The Prestige is based of the most entertaining, captivating films in recent Shearer, and Parker Posey play the film leads and on the award-winning Bob Balaban, Jennifer Coolidge, John Michael memory. 1995 novel by Christopher The Prestige is a film that’s difficult to clas- Higgins, Jane Lynch, Michael McKean, and Fred Priest. Director Christopher Willard co-star with Guest and his co-writer sify because it’s got a little bit of everything. But, Nolan collaborated with his what really makes The Prestige unique when held up Eugene Levy. Rated PG-13 for sexual references brother Jonathan on the and brief language. against today’s similar films is that the payoff is truly adaptation of the complex satisfying. While you’re able to discern right away book and mirrored the that a twist of some kind will happen, the end result Man of the Year (115 min.) story after the three essen- Robin Williams plays a popular talk show host, is almost completely unexpected. And, because of tial acts of a great magic all the little clues given throughout, one can watch famous for speaking his mind about politicians, trick: the Pledge (or the set who is swept into running for president by a The Prestige several times and pick up something up), the Turn (where some- new each time. grassroots movement. Christopher Walken, Laura thing ordinary becomes Linney, Jeff Goldblum, and Lewis Black co-star. Christopher Nolan blew audiences away with extraordinary) and the Prestige (when the magician Rated PG-13 for language including some crude his time-bending indie thriller Memento back in 2000 does the impossible). In that way, the film in itself is sexual references, drug related material, and brief and continued to impress with his big budget epic like one two-hour long magic trick, leaving the audi- violence. www.eujacksonville.com Batman Begins in 2005. The fairly new director has ence amazed and wanting more. The Prestige is now managed to once again please both critics and Joe available on DVD, allowing viewers to experience and Open Season (86 min.) Moviegoer with his latest film The Prestige, which is re-experience this amazing film whenever they want. A domesticated grizzly bear (voiced by Martin now available on DVD. The Prestige DVD is surprisingly light on the Lawrence) with no survival skills finds his easy- In Victorian-era London, in a time where magi- bonus features. There, unfortunately, is no audio- living world upended when a fast-talking mule cians were like rock stars, two budding illusion- commentary track or deleted scenes, which by now deer (Ashton Kutcher) gets him deported to the ists find themselves locked in a bitter rivalry after should be standard issue on such releases. Still, wild three days before hunting season begins. an accident makes one of those men a widower. there is an interesting five-part making-of featurette Their only hope lies in organizing the forest Showman Robert Angier (Hugh Jackman) and that, when watched using the “Play All” option, critters. Rated PG for some rude humor, mild rough-edged purist Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) clocks in at around 20 minutes. Here, Nolan, the action and brief language. were once friends who worked together, playing cast and Priest cover the production, the story and ringers in other magic acts while honing their own pay (an albeit brief) tribute to real-life scientist, Tesla. Shut Up and Sing (93 min.) skills. Angier’s wife Julia (Piper Perabo) was also in The supplements are concluded with a four-part Two-time Oscar winning director Barbara the act, serving as an assistant to one of the more photo gallery with stills from the production and Kopple collaborates with Cecilia Peck in this popular illusionists. When a trick goes terribly wrong some of the poster art used during the film. documentary about the Dixie Chicks in the years due in part to Borden’s cockiness, Angier makes it The Prestige takes the audience by surprise after they were boycotted by conservative fans his mission to out do the man whom he blames for with all of its twists and turns. The highs and lows and essentially blacklisted from an entire radio is wife’s untimely death. With the help of his illusion of the film’s subjects become our own personal network after singer Natalie Maines’ notorious engineer, Harry Cutter (Michael Caine), Angier sets roller coaster ride and, no matter which character comment about President George Bush. Rated R out to make a name for himself, while his rival does you’re rooting for, you find yourself sucked in thanks for language. the same with the assistance of a mysterious inge- in large part to the stellar performances by the two

12 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ready, aim & fire Future Weapons - tv review by Rick grant [email protected] Like most men, I’m fascinated by the develop- straight, and use it like a normal weapon. ment military weapons. Although I do not own any In another sequence, Mack tests an Israeli weapons, keeping up with new weapons technology close quarter assault rifle, like the M16 but shorter, is a hobby of mine. Discovery Channel’s Future for fighting inside buildings. It’s compact and comes Weapons is an adrenalin pumping, ultimate man- with a built-in electronic sight. This gun is just the show for the weapons enthusiast. It’s a testoster- thing for urban warfare. It also packs a wallop and one high watching as host, ex-Navy Seal, Richard will take down an enemy at fifty yards. It features “Mack” Machowicz tries out the latest in future a semi or auto setting. American SWAT teams are weapons. Mack is eminently qualified to get special buying these babies. access to the companies making these weapons. The M82 Barrett 50 caliber sniper rifle has As a Navy Seal, Mack participated in numerous been the preferred sniper weapon for many years. tactical missions in many different war-time military It will take down a target a mile away. Now Mack operations. He has over twenty years experience in tests the semiautomatic version M107 of the same helping develop new weapons systems as a civilian weapon. In the past, going semiautomatic affected consultant. His special status gets him invitations to the gun’s accuracy. But the Barrett Company solved the various company testing facilities to personally that problem. The targeting system compensates for test these space-age weapons as host of this show. the kick and keeps the gun locked on the target (like Mack makes Rambo look like a sissy. He’s a a tank gun) so the sniper can fire multiple rounds black belt in various martial arts such as kickboxing, downrange, greatly increasing the gun’s effective- aikido, jujitsu, savate, karate, and many others as ness. No enemy would want to be on the receiving well as being a certified combat fighting instructor. end of this killing machine sending a shower of large Hollywood’s central casting could not have come caliber bullets downrange. You wouldn’t even hear up with a guy like this. He’s sharp and entertaining. the gun’s report. You’d be dead before the sound got When he tests a weapon, viewers can see the joy in there. his fac, such as when he fired the new M40 semi- For many years a practical laser weapon was automatic grenade launcher. It puts major whup-ass in the realm of science fiction. In an especially in- on the target. Mack is the real deal. For weapons triguing sequence, Mack shows the viewers the Air aficionados the new armaments being developed are Force’s airborne laser (ABL). It’s a powerful chemi- awe inspiring. cal oxygen iodine laser mounted in the turret-like The show debuted January 18, 2007 and runs array on the nose of a specially modified Boeing Monday nights at 9:00 pm CT, with frequent repeats 747-400 Air Freighter. The plane’s mission is to during the week. In one episode, Mack travels to shoot down enemy ballistic missiles by heating up Israel to check out the new Israeli “Cornershot.” It the missile’s metallic skin, which causes the missile combines a swivel barrel with a video sighting array. to explode. And you thought Star Wars was a movie. It allows the operator to fire around corners without The weapon has built-in infrared sensor targeting exposing himself. The swivel moves in various in- system that locks on to the incoming missile at dis- crements up to 90 degrees and can be fitted with a tances which are classified. It has proven effective in variety of weapons, including a pistol, assault rifle, a 100% of its testing. Of course, we are a long way small machine gun, or a 40mm grenade launcher. from developing a personal sized laser weapon to The key to the gun’s viability is its video screen laser replace projectile firing guns. Mack has many other sighting system. The soldier can see what’s around cool weapons to show his audience. the corner or over the top of a wall, sight a target, If this program doesn’t make you feel like a and fire without exposing his head or body. Fitted man, then you’re a hopeless weenie. Get a beer and with an assault rifle, the soldier can click it back to check it out.

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 13 launching FX laugh wince laugh by Erin thursby [email protected] FX has made effective use of movie trailer techniques to promote their series, but they’ve fixed all the The Sarah Silverman Program things that make movie trailers suck. What FX has borrowed from movie trailers is what movie trailers have hijacked from MTV: the musical montage. FX uses it to great effect, conveying the mood of a series rather than what characters will actually be doing/saying. The recent popularity of FX’s shows, like the Shield, Nip/ by mike bolles Tuck and Dirt can be traced back to their unique style of promos. Even before Dirt aired, the distinctive promo style caused a massive buzz. Thursday, 10:30 p.m. This promo style (albeit in embryo form) also is what launched Nip/Tuck’s 2003 debut season as the Comedy Central highest rated new series on American Basic Cable. The series has grown in popularity ever since, in no small Who can get away with crashing into a chil- part due to the slick, mood-setting season promos. dren’s playground drunk on cough syrup, starting Unlike movie trailers, they don’t reveal too much. After I watch some movie trailers, it feels as though a fund-raiser by falsely claiming to have AIDS, and I’ve seen the whole damn flick. They throw nearly every interesting/funny moment into most trailers, thereby making fun of a homeless guy’s mother’s queefing sucking the enjoyment out of the actual movie. Apparently, many people want to know EXACTLY what they’re problem on national TV? Only the adorable comedian getting if they see a movie in a theater because they have to go out and spend money on a ticket. In contrast, Sarah Silverman, star of The Sarah Silverman Pro- it barely takes any effort to tune into a TV show if you’re already paying for basic cable. On a TV series gram on Comedy Central. promo, the less dialogue snippets from the actual show—the better. All of FX’s promos, in particular the Dirt The slender, cute-as-a-button Silverman shines promos, leave a viewer with a sense of curiosity because they allow the series to retain an air of mystery. FX in her first feature television show, which is a mixture has perfected their technique since those first promos ofNip/Tuck , creating the South Beach atmosphere so of sketch, musical, and outright outlandish comedy. effectively in the viewer’s mind that they don’t need to constantly show shots of liposuctioned bikini babes Sarah stars as herself, along with Brian and Steve and slick shots of Miami in the actual series. (her unassumingly gay neighbors) and her real-life Interesting music choices (Goldfrapp on the past season of Nip/Tuck) and fantastic imagery (the swirl- sister, Laura, who also plays her sister in the pro- ing, massive red dress of Dirt, with all the souls trapped beneath) have been crucial in branding each show or gram. Laura is a nurse who meets Jay, the police season of a show. officer that books Sarah after finding her parked in So far, the promos that broke the most from the FX formula were for It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, the sand pit of a playground, when she shows up which featured clips from the actual show, likely because the show is a flat out comedy. For the same reason at the police station to take care of her sister’s little bickering couple. When I say that these two are un- FX’s newest series, The Riches, has veered a little bit away from FX’s highly effective promo formula, though DUI problem. The two quickly fall in love, which pro- assumingly gay, I mean they are exactly the opposite not as much as Sunny. The promo for The Riches is more explanatory in nature than Dirt but they’ve still vokes a jealous Sarah to make it her mission to do of what the average American visualizes gay men branded it with the ponderous and simultaneously ethereal horn orchestration from Julee Cruise’s Floating everything in her power to break them up. This usu- to look and act like. Both Brian and Steve are hairy, Into the Night. Fortunately, the material in each promo seems to be made especially for the promo, rather ally involves embarrassing or upstaging Jay every overweight hippie-types who act completely mas- than culled from the show. chance she gets. culine. This makes their fighting scenes that much The standout thing they’ve done with their promos is this: they’ve made them works of art in and of When Jay announces he is receiving an award more hilarious. Their first argument stems from themselves. When an FX promo comes on TV, if you haven’t seen it, you don’t run to the kitchen for a snack for his time spent reading to blind children, Sarah Brian’s statement that he is not gay and, instead, is because it’s commercial time. You stay for the ear and eye candy--you’re intrigued. That’s why people are decides to one-up him by telling Laura, Brian, and bisexual. Steve, angered by the claim, then challeng- sending links of the promos to their friends, and that’s why FX has become a hot commodity. Steve of her plans to take in a homeless man she es him to “name three parts of a woman’s vagina.” knew from high school (this is the guy whose Later in the same episode, Steve walks in on Brian mother, a cafeteria lady at their high school, had the masturbating to a lingerie catalogue. The only catch problem with uncontrollable queefing). In another is that Brian has stapled pictures of Steve’s face example of Sarah’s efforts to shove Jay out of the onto the bodies of the models, making it semi-forgiv- picture, while planning Jay’s birthday party, Sarah able. walks in and tells the group that she has AIDS. The If you’re not quite sure what to think of all this, only thing is, she doesn’t even know for a fact that don’t worry. It all makes sense in Sarah’s weird, she has it. However, she is convinced because of imaginative world. Or should I say Sarah’s weird, how badly the Q&A session went with the nurse perverted, sick, deranged, imaginative world? Any at her free HIV test. In fact, at one point the nurse way you look at it, The Sarah Silverman Program is asks her, “Are you trying to get AIDS?” Caught in the easily one of the funniest TV shows to hit the air- middle of all this is Laura, who is torn between the waves in some time. This show never for a minute sister she unconditionally supports (both emotionally stops to consider how politically incorrect its topics and financially) and her new love, Jay, who grows are, which is a breath mint in the tooth-decayed increasingly more aggravated with every stunt Sarah mouth of a comedy television landscape more wor- decides to pull. ried about offending the viewer than doing what it’s As for Brian and Steve, they both seem pretty supposed to do, which is make us laugh. Although much indifferent to the drama surrounding the sometimes lacking in maturity, The Sarah Silverman unorthodox love triangle that is Sarah, Laura, and Program is never short on the stuff that counts: Jay. They create their own hysterical moments as a laugh-out-loud humor.

14 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper all a-twitter by meg macdonald [email protected]

Winter has finally caught up with us in Jacksonville. Cold blustery nights that totter on the very edge of freezing and days that swing from damp and cold to warm and sunny and back again. In these weeks, as you look out your windows and observe the birds at your feeders consumed in their consumption, has the question emerged - how do they keep warm? Birds are small creatures, delicate, and situated at the bottom of the food chain to boot. Yet with the odds seemingly stacked against video game reviews them, we have a plethora of birds. They survive and they flourish. Of by Norm stovall [email protected] course our winter is does not com- pare with any state north of us; our extremes are only extreme to us. Crackdown Even so, we may occasionally come For Xbox 360 across that bird that did not survive the cold; because there will always be Words cannot describe the mirth I have experienced from playing Crackdown. To get an idea on what weak, sick or old creatures. their metabolism. makes the game as great as it is, picture the sandbox-style world of grand theft auto. Throw in some But the dozens, hundreds, score that do see There is a down side to being able to consume action and fireworks that you may find in a game like Halo or Gears of War, (not too much!), add some spring, how do they keep warm now? such large amounts of food. A chubby bird is a slow kung-fu, and then top it all off with the super-human jumping abilities of Mario and Luigi, who happen to The answer is a wonderful combination of con- bird and a slow bird makes a nice meal for the cold be fighting crime with a passion. That sounds pretty ridiculous, doesn’t it? Well, it might sound that way, struction, activity, appetite, behavioral adaptations, and hungry predator birds such as hawks and owls. but it is completely awesome. In crackdown, the storylines are delivered via radio contact, and it is up and metabolic control. But there is safety in numbers. Next, behavioral to you which bad guys you kill and in what order. Heck, you don’t even have to kill bad guys if you don’t First, construction. Birds are tightly clothed in adaptations. More so than at other times of the year, want to-you can simply run, shoot, drive, skip, hop, jump and climb your day away and not suffer any down feathers. These feathers are great insulators birds will band together in large groups to increase sort of consequence. and serve to trap air that is kept warm by the heat their individual odds of survival. Plus, at night, birds The theme of Crackdown is basically centered on your character as a part of a crime fighting orga- produced by the bird. Since Autumn is the time for will flock together and huddle to share body heat. nization in the future. Gaining abilities and leveling up by defeating enemies and collecting ‘Agility Orbs’, creatures to acclimatize to lower temperatures, this You may also observe activity at your nest boxes at your character starts at tough-guy human level, and can advance to wield super-human abilities in is the time the feather count increases and may in- this time. The birds are not nesting. They use these strength and agility, jumping from rooftop to rooftop, and throwing items such as cars and people into crease up to 30 percent. (I correlate this to my cat’s cavities as gathering places to facilitate energy con- the distance. Completing missions and powering up your character is lots of fun, and never feels forced. fur. The thickness of her coat foretells how harsh the servation. Exploring the huge environments of the game’s city is also fun, and you can even invite a friend to join winter will be.) Last is metabolic control. If birds had to main- in with you over Xbox live if that is your thing. If you like action adventure games and own an Xbox 360, Next, activity. On cold mornings, birds raise tain the same daylight metabolism throughout the this game might just be that killer app you have been waiting for. their temperatures by fluffing their feathers, slapping, night, they would perish. Instead, during the night, and shivering. With this activity their heart rates can their heartbeat slows significantly and their body increase to 2,000 beats per minute. This activity temperature drops. This ability is the final step in Virtua Fighter 5 consumes energy and thereby increases body heat. surviving terribly cold nights. Birds can fall into these For PS3 Activity can only be maintained through appetite. torpors, a kind of hibernation, and wait out the frigid Ok, so we all know by now that my favorite genre of video games happens to be fighting games, so On cold days, you can observe birds at your night. you can take all of my praise from this game with a grain of salt. You don’t have to believe me when I tell feeders from dawn until night fall. Compared to an When daylight comes again, make sure your you that this is BY FAR the best thing that has happened to the PS3. Okay? Okay. average summer day, birds may eat up to 20 times feeders are full; serve plenty of high protein food- Virtua Fighter 5 has previously only been available in higher-end arcades in the states, but is widely more food on these cold days. Every seed, suet stuffs like suet and peanuts. Have fresh water avail- popular in arcades all over Japan. Lucky for us, we can play it on our PS3 for only a fraction of the cost morsel, insect egg, nut and berry makes the differ- able for hydration. Then enjoy the frenzy of activity of an arcade machine! Ok, well maybe the machines aren’t that much more expensive than a PS3, but ence. Birds will not accumulate fat tissue. So the as the birds wake, fluff and begin another day! my point is, this game is great for numerous reasons. constant activity and eating is required to maintain Happy birding. Running at 60 frames per second, Virtua Fighter 5 is by far the best looking fighter available. With pages and pages of different moves for each character, you may also say that is the most complex fight- ing game on the market as well, and you would be partially correct. See, the joy of VF5 is that you have so many options to choose from in a fight, but rarely will you need to use every move in your repertoire. The moves themselves are rather simple, and the practice modes are great for getting yourself acquaint- ed with how to play the game. The gameplay of VF5 basically boils down to fast, quick movements, and to play it effectively, you will need to learn to react to your opponent rather than acting strictly offensively. There are three buttons you will make use of--punch, kick, and guard. This simple setup allows for even the most inexperienced players to jump in and enjoy. You are given the option to choose from all of the VF characters from previous editions, along with the two new characters, Eileen and El Blaze. Each of these characters has a unique fighting style, and none has a distinct advantage over another due to near perfect character balancing by the developers of the game. Some people may complain of the lack of online play, but Virtua Fighter will probably never be an on- line fighter, and I actually prefer it that way, going by my previous experience with online fighters. Without getting too much into it, VF is really better off without it, so it was not included with this game. If you like fighting games and are interested in getting the best, Virtua Fighter 5 is truly the best of the best. While not for everyone, this competition-based fighter will be a staple of the fighting game com- munity for years to come. You can look for this title later in the year on the Xbox 360.

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 15 cigar style Jacksonville is Smokin Stogies

Being a connoisseur isn’t just for wine-lovers anymore. Everywhere you go, people are finding the nuances and details of everything from cuisine to libations to tobacco products that keep them coming back for more. In Jacksonville, cigar smokers take their vice seriously, and that isn’t a bad thing. Although our senior writer, Rick Grant, feels that he is not allowed to fire up his stogies in most places because of posted signs, he can rest assured that Jacksonville has new places welcoming his ilk that are opening everyday. And there is a lot to know about cigars. From the difference between hand-rolled and a convenience store blunt to the fact that cigars don’t actually cause cancer. So smoke ‘em if you got ‘em and let EU’s own Rick Grant walk you through what you need to know.

BY RICK GRANT cigars 101 As a long time cigar smoker, I can cut through the haze of mythology and other crap that surrounds the pleasure of smoking a fine cigar in this Cigar 101 commentary. The most frequently asked question I hear when someone sees me smoking a cigar is: “Is that a Cuban cigar?” Yes, since all top tier cigars sold in America are made from Cuban seed tobaccos grown in other countries. In 1959, when Fidel Castro’s 26 de Julio revolution seized control of the country, the famous Cuban cigar families such as Macanudo, Partagas, H. Upmann, and Montecristo left the country with their seeds and planted their crops in the Dominican Republic and Honduras under the same high quality control standards. Castro’s Marxist regime quickly turned Cuba into a banana republic. Instead of a middle and upper class, everyone was the same – dirt poor – except Castro of course. Since trade embargos have been in place since 1960, Cuba could not export cigars to the free world, including America. And since the top quality cigar makers had left the country long ago, indigenous Cuban cigars are still being grown, but it’s illegal to own them, which only adds to their allure. If you could get a Cuban cigar, it may or may not be of the same quality as the transplanted name brands. If Castro dies, his brother Raul wants to deal with the U.S. to lift the embargo. Cuban cigars could be available in the U.S. again. As I see it, if one is interested in getting into smoking fine cigars, go to a cigar bar and buy a variety sampler of quality name brand cigars to try. Like fine wine, moderation is the key. Savor the aroma and taste

16 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper without inhaling. Unlike cigarettes, cigars burn slower and are all tobacco, which means they don’t give off carbon monoxide from the cigarette paper. Contrary to myth, premium cigar smoke smells aromatic, similar to pipe tobacco. Not surprisingly, cheap trashy domestic cigars smell and taste awful. aromas knows cigars This brings us to the sensitive matter of the high cost of name brand cigars. Yes, handmade cigars are interview with Scott Dreicer expensive. If one goes to a cigar bar one can order single cigars from the humidor. Like with most products, quality cigars are worth the price. Aromas co-owner, Scott Dreicer, is also a well-known cigar blender. For his two Jacksonville locations, So what makes up a quality handmade cigar? The outside wrapper is the most important and he blended two special Aromas private cigar brands. To find out more about these quality products, I called expensive part of a cigar. These plants are typically grown under a gauze tent (shade tree) in places such as Scott for a confab. cigar style Connecticut. The shade tent prevents the leaf from growing too thick. The wrapper must be smooth and have “We are especially proud of our two private cigar brands. I personally blended them and I’m very very few veins. Mild wrappers are brown while Maduro wrappers are darker and taste stronger. Claro is a light pleased with the results. The first blend is called the Aroma Swirl. It features two wrappers in a barber-pole- green wrapper which is medium-mild. Cameroon wrappers are grown in Africa and are black. They have a like swirl. One is Cameroon and the other is Connecticut. It looks strange but tastes great. It comes in 5 ring distinctive nut-like flavor. sizes.” The binders usually come from the bottom part of the plant, where the leaves are thicker and have “The second blend is our Aromas Signature Cigar. I used a combination of Dominican and Honduras’ more strength. These leaves have little or no flavor and they hold in the filler in the cigar. Finally, the filler is a filler and a Connecticut wrapper. It also comes in 5 ring sizes. We sell these at $10.00 a piece,” Scott said. blend. Like a beer brewmaster blends hops, the tobacconist mixes various flavors until he or she achieves the Scott went on to say that his annual charity Golf Tournament is coming up on July 10, 2007 at the World brand’s trademark taste. This is the artistic part of making cigars that burn evenly and have a particular taste. Golf Village course. Last year, the tournament raised over 90,000 for local charities. There are more details on For the guy or gal who wants to go whole hog, there are all the trendy peripheral cigar products like Aromas’ website aromascigars.com. cutters, special lighters, humidors, leather cases, etc. I stay away from them except for a temperature controlled humidor to keep my cigars fresh. I cut the top of my cigar with my teeth and use a Zippo to light it. Like wine, premium cigars are a relaxing, guilty pleasure. It’s a civilized alternative to cigarettes to feed one’s nicotine jones. a notable tobacconist interview with Bob from Edwards of San Marco

Back in the late seventies, when I lived on smokin’ cigar bars Hendricks Ave. in San Marco, I used to walk to Edwards at least once a week. It was a hangout for Island Girl Cigar Bar cigar smokers who would smoke cigars and chat The newest addition to the cigar bar phe- about a variety of subjects. Sandra Jones owned nomenon is the Island Girl Cigar Bar located at Gate the store for years and in the 1990s she had moved Parkway and 9-A, just off the UNF exit from JTB. I to a bigger location and expanded into a variety was out there two weeks ago to cover Debra Rider’s of gifts as well as cigars, pipe tobacco, custom Blues Trio. This place is huge, with a large walk-in cigarettes and Lampe Bergers, which are French humidor. It has a spacious main room with comfort- aroma oil lamps. able easy chairs, tables and a large bar that serves The new owner, Bob Wright, has continued wine and beer. Its package store is fully stocked with Sandra’s tradition with the largest humidor in the fine wines as well as domestic and imported beers. area and plenty of room for people to relax in luxury. There is an area with cigar accessories for sale. Edwards has a knowledgeable tobacconist on hand Joyce and Rick Lay just opened the club a month to answer your questions and help you find the right ago and it’s already catching on with cigar devotees 3 who want to socialize and enjoy the laid back atmo- sphere. The wait staff is friendly and they keep the big cigar ashtrays emptied. Order single cigars from the humidor to sample certain brands. The Friday night I visited the Island Girl, the place was packed. Its motto is, “relax, you’re on island time,” depicting the shadow of a girl smoking a cigar. Monday is 24 night where fans can gather to watch Jack Bauer save the world one hour at a time on The Island Girl’s big plasma screen TVs mounted on the walls around the room.

Aromas Cigars, Wine & Martini Bar on Southside Boulevard The concept of a cigar bar is relatively new to Jacksonville. The first such establishment to open was Aromas Cigars Wine & Martini Bar on Southside Boulevard across from Tinseltown. I’ve been there numerous times to cover live music and once for a special Playboy cigar promotion. It includes a fully stocked humidor with a complete line of quality handmade cigars. Aromas also has a small package store selling fine wines. When it opened in 2003, it was an instant success because of its outdoor patio and comfortable interior with easy chairs and tables. The place has three big smoke eaters in the ceiling, keeping the interior smoke-free. They also have recently added one of the largest ice bars in the Southeastern US, which features a lighted, frozen surface and sub-zero freezer full of premium vodkas, so you can keep your scotch cold without water- ing it down with ice, or enjoy a martini that is as cold as ice. Ask about their new menu if you are hungry for a top-quality meal while you are there.

Aromas Cigar, Wine & Martini Bar in Ponte Vedra Beach on A1A Aroma’s co-owner/operator James Morrow and partner Scott Dreicer opened this second Aromas loca- tion December 2004 in plenty of time for the Superbowl. It is located at 880 A1A North, Suite 18-B. It’s larger than the Southside store and also features an ice bar. The 4,600 square foot club also features a baby grand piano with piano bar top seating, plasma screen TVs, a centralized Jumbotron and separate stage area for a DJ or live music. The spacious cigar bar has an adjoining 1,200 square foot package store. Its large humidor is stocked with a variety of quality handmade cigar brands and more than 700 premium cigars. Also, Aromas in Ponte Vedra Beach carries a large selection of cigar accessories such as humidors, cutters, lighters, and more than 50 wines by the glass, as well as decadent deserts and appetizers. Overall, this is a larger version of the Aromas on Southside, featuring appetizers and more room. Both Aromas offer Club Robusto for members only. It’s an exclusive, private cigar club located within Aromas. They provide members with luxury services, a relaxing environment where you can meet Jackson- ville’s VIPs, use of the club for meetings, wireless Internet access, and private use of its conference room. The club features special events, exclusive gatherings and travel experiences. I always enjoy going there, smoking a cigar, sipping wine, and listening to the live music. In today’s anti-tobacco world, it’s gloriously politically incorrect to fire up a cigar inside a club. I would recommend any of these cigar bars to the serious cigar aficionado. They are great havens for cigar smokers like me who are usually relegated to smoking in our cars or at home.

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 17 3 cigar for anyone. They serve complimentary wines and beverages to their patrons inside of the expanded lounge room with easy chairs. It’s a great place to get away from the rat race, smoke one of their 450 brands of fine cigars (or bring your own) and meet with other cigar smokers. Bob Wright bought Edwards Cigar Shop in San Marco from Sandra Jones in October 2005, although Edwards has been a tobacco enthusiast’s institution in Jacksonville since 1969. To get some more personal information from Bob I called him for an informal interview. As it turned out, he just got back from a General Cigar Company tour of their Dominican Republic operations. I asked Bob what motivated him to buy a cigar shop after the boom waned in 2000. “Well, I’m a long time cigar smoker and a friend of Sandra Jones. When I retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield, I was looking for something to do with my time. One day Sandra mentioned that she was thinking of selling the place. So, I saw it as an opportunity to get involved with the cigar business.” “Since I took over the shop, our business has grown and we are up 20%. It seems we are on the brink of another cigar boom like in 1996. So, I’m ecstatic about the business and my trip to the Dominican Republic was very informative and gave me a new perspective on the entire cigar business.” We discussed the buzz about Cuba after Castro dies. Fidel’s brother, Raul, has expressed a desire to work with the United States to lift the embargo which has got cigar sellers salavating over the prospect of Cuban cigars being legally available in the United States again. I asked Bob if he discussed that possibility with the General Cigar managers in the DR. “Yes, we discussed it. They said they have secret strategies in place for if and when Raul takes over the country. However, there are many legal entanglements to producing cigars in Cuba again. And besides, they have big operations in place in the Dominican Republic and Honduras. Essentially, they produce Cuban cigars now because after Castro took over Cuba most of the cigar-making dynasties left and took their seeds with them. Of course, the allure of the Cuban cigar is still strong.” “Interestingly, The General Cigar Company sends its managers to Texas A&M to get their Masters. The university has a famous agricultural program and the gentlemen I spoke to are serious about the growing cigar market in the United States and other countries.” Edwards is located in the historic San Marco area, just up San Marco Boulevard from the San Marco Theatre and Theatre Jacksonville. This quaint strip of upscale shops is reminiscent of an old European shopping district, so not only can you enjoy your cigar inside of their lounge area, but you can also enjoy a nice stroll through one of Jacksonville’s treasured neighborhoods. speaking of cigars Profile of Swisher International, Inc BY ERIN THURSBY Swisher has been part of Jacksonville since 1913, when the Swisher Family was seeking a new home for their speedily growing business. They settled into Jacksonville because of its proximity to raw materials, shipping lanes and mild climate. They pioneered the use of mechanized rolling machines in the 1920’s and thrived during the Depression, hiring more workers rather than firing people. Swisher was able to do this because they found ways to sell their cigars at a lower price, providing a luxury item at a lower cost. Swisher’s hiring record earned the com- pany Forbes’ Certificate of Merit for having had “the vision, courage, and faith in America’s future to make large investments in the face of Depression problems.” Since the 1920’s Swisher has introduced a number of cigar lines. They ship their product to all fifty states and forty-seven different countries. Now, as in their early days in Jacksonville, Swisher has a positive impact on the area’s economy and has become part of the city’s consciousness and landscape. Currently Swisher’s Jacksonville facility is the world’s largest cigar factory, producing more than 11 million cigars per day.

Swisher Historical Fast Facts: ∙ David Swisher got the cigar business as settlement of a debt in 1861. ∙ Approximately 1,100 people work at the Swisher Plant today. ∙ Over 1,000 people rolled 300,000 cigars a day for the company in 1895. ∙ In the 1920’s Swisher was the first to wrap individual cigars in cellophane. ∙ The Jacksonville Swisher Factory housed the nation’s first industrial children’s nursery in 1939. ∙ The Swisher Sweets brand was introduced in 1958. ∙ Swisher’s Jacksonville facility is world’s largest cigar factory, producing more than 11 million cigars per day.

18 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper jacksonville musician gets national press interview with Jared Bowser by jon bosworth [email protected]

When I’m not sure what questions I want to ask a musician when I’m interviewing them, I have a few fallback questions. One of my favorites to ask is how they feel about the impact of the Internet on music. There are essentially two camps. There are those that think shareware helps people find new music, helps bands and labels find new audiences, and helps everyone sell more records. It is a win-win that labels are throwing a fit over because they don’t know how to evolve their business model to fit a changing culture. Then there are those that feel it is theft and it is wrong and it should be enforced by the law. If you are someone that has never downloaded a song or let a friend with Limewire make you a mix with whatever you want on it, then either you’re over fifty or you are really com- mitted to this latter ideal. But if you’re anything like me, you down- load and listen first, then buy when the deci- sion is informed. Imagine getting stuck in the cogs of a legal system that hasn’t caught up with your culture. That’s just what happened to Jared Bowser. Jared is a local musician that “I think downloading entire albums isn’t the performs with A Slight Breeze and Shangrala. Back best thing, it can hurt artists, but a song or two or in 2005 Jared got an advance copy of the Ryan even three will help the artist because it gets fans Adams album Jacksonville City Nights. He went to hyped up about the release. Of course they’re going some Ryan Adams blogs and posted the fact that to download it, but a couple of songs doesn’t harm thursday nights he had heard the new album and that it was great. the artist or the label.” People emailed him and asked if they could purchase Jared says that the judge himself stated that the album and Jared refused. A man from Milwaukee since the prosecutor couldn’t prove any financial offered to give Jared some rare Ryan Adams EPs loss from the incident, the law was limited in what in exchange for some of the songs from the new it could do. But United States Attorney, Jim Vines album. Jared agreed and sent him four of the fifteen claimed in the afore mentioned press release that songs. He never received anything in return and the these crimes victimize the artists, who get to pulppulp fictionfiction theatretheatre man posted the songs on a Ryan Adams fan site. determine how their music is distributed, and the Straight from the 30s I caught up with Jared at work, one of only businesses that foot the bill to put the music out. So three places he is currently allowed to go, and spoke Jared was put on house arrest for 8 weeks. They put with him about his indictment and how it came an electronic device on his ankle and he is not al- about. lowed to leave his home for anything other than work “I got a call from the FBI at work three days or church. after it was posted. Agent John McMurtry called and “It was a reality shock that hit me when they Gritty, thrilling and performed left a message. I returned his call and answered his put on the ankle bracelet. That made me realize that questions about where I got it from. I was coopera- this was real.” live at Downtown's coolest tive.” Since that day Jacksonville’s own Jared Bows- Local agents came to Jared’s home and asked er has been mentioned in the Hollywood Reporter, Dinner Theatre. for permission to copy his hard drive for evidence Pitchfork Media, Billboard, and a variety of other and that was the last he heard about it all for nearly industry papers, not for his music, as I’m sure he doors open at 6, show at 8:30 six months. On March 9th he got an email from a would prefer, but rather as a poster child for the new reporter in Nashville, Tennessee, that wanted to in- Family Entertainment and Copyright Act. terview him about his indictment. “I honestly don’t think that I did anything “He wanted to interview me about an indict- wrong. I don’t think that what I did hurt anybody. ment I didn’t know anything about. Then the FBI It only hurt me and my family, with all of the legal 5 bucks (CHEAP!) for the called me and told me I was indicted and had 30 fees. I guess, technically, the mp3s weren’t mine to days to appear before a judge in Tennessee for ar- do whatever with, but I don’t think the principle was show | full dining | call for raignment. So I had to get a lawyer and head up wrong. It was four tracks from a 15 song album, and more info. there to do that.” the entire album was already available on his web- Jared was originally charged with a three count site, as all of his last three albums have been since felony indictment, including conspiracy and copy- 2005.” right infringement. They reduced the charges to a Jared is officially off of house arrest as of last boomtown theatre misdemeanor with house arrest and probation if he weekend. To ask him about the debacle first-hand, pleaded guilty. Jared was forced to wear an anklet catch him at his next show. He will be playing at the 140 west monroe street | 632-0099 | http://pulpfictiontheatre.tk/ and not allowed to leave his home for the term of his Murray Hill Theatre with Shangrala and Cool Hand sentence except to attend church or work. Luke on Friday, February 23rd.

eujacksonville.com | february 15-21, 2007 19 sidewalk 65 rocks the socks off Tom & Betty’s by Rick grant [email protected] Last Friday night I traveled out to Tom & Betty’s doesn’t work for many different reasons. Anyway, I’m in the Roosevelt Mall to check out Michael Hogan’s staying busy with both She Said Yeah and Sidewalk new band Sidewalk 65. Michael had played bass 65, playing a variety of gigs. More importantly, I’m with Cloud 9 for eleven years, then left to form an writing songs and progressing as an artist, which original project She Said Yeah and Sidewalk 65 as a was important to me. Music must change, and I am cover band specializing in music from the mid-1960s changing with it,” Michael said at the gig. through the 1980s. Michael went on to say he likes pop music and On a bitter cold night, I arrived to find Tom & the British Invasion era and so his gigs with Sidewalk Betty’s had not changed. It still showcases 1950s 65 fulfill his desire to play that music and have fun decor, attracting an older crowd that appreciate early with it. And savvy musicians know if the band is hav- rock’n’roll and love to dance. The band was cranking ing fun then they will pass that joy on to the audience out the classic hits from the 1960s British Invasion, and everybody goes home happy. Motown, and 1970 funk. The band occasionally For musicians like Michael, playing in cover throws in 1980s new wave and 1990s power pop. and original bands satisfies a broad spectrum of their The Sidewalk 65 lineup includes Michael Hogan artistry. Lately, I’ve encountered many original bands on bass and vocals, Anthony Derasmo on guitar and that also play some cover material to keep working. vocals, and Dennie Carter on drums and vocals. The However, even older audiences are more accepting of band members have a special appreciation for The a bands original material if it’s up to the standards of Beatles’ melodic hook-heavy pop and artists and the group’s cover material. bands that employ vocal harmonies in their songwrit- In contrast, the younger audiences who pa- ing styles. tronize the modern rock venues will listen to 100 % Two members of Sidewalk 65 continue play in original music, no matter how awful it sounds, which other bands and all three are veterans of the regional is cool. I encourage experimentation. But as these music scene. Michael is a member of She Said Yeah, young people get older and more mature, their musi- which has roots back to The Philters from the mid cal tastes change and they crave more sophisticated 1980s. Michael was also a founding member of music, even if it’s in the new metal or punk genres. Cloud 9. Dennie stays busy with other creative proj- My point is: Even avant-garde music can evolve ects as well, playing drums with Thee Monarchy V into more sophisticated forms, which include ad- and other bands. Anthony is a veteran of several NYC vanced musicianship. Indeed, maintaining high stan- bands and played locally with Take 5 until teaming up dards of musicianship is the key to evolving modern with Michael. rock and pop genres, staying popular with their audi- “I recently ran into Robert from Cloud 9 in ences as they get older. the same place we last saw each other, which was To prove my point, during the 2006 Grammy definitely a cosmic deja vu experience. As to why Awards, Paul McCartney performed Helter Skelter we parted ways, well it’s just one of those things with a hot young modern rock band. It proved that the that happens to band members. I wanted to branch old and new can co-exist. That performance brought out into other things. Being in a band is like being the house down and gave me chills. Man, it rocked. I married to three of four guys and sometimes it just rest my case.

20 february 15-21, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper C5 at brewsters modern rock with a cynical edge by Rick grant [email protected]

Chris Booras founded C5 in 2000 as an alt-rock cover band. Since then, the band has crafted some original material that it mixes in with its modern rock repertoire. I crossed paths with C5 at Brewsters last Saturday night and met Chris Booras in the audience. He broke his wrist skateboarding, so he hired Eric Lynn on guitar to sit in with the band until his injury is healed. Chris’ bandmates chide him for risking injury skateboarding in the first place. Nonetheless, accidents happen to musicians like in any other profession. The band’s main influences include Seether, Bush, Tool, 3 Doors Down, and Green Day, just to name a few. The C5 lads are always updating their material to keep it current and new, so they’re not playing the same song list at every gig. Along with Chris Booras on guitar (Eric Lynn) the band includes Fred Cruz on bass, Jim O’Callaghan on drums, and Nate Dickinson on lead vocals. These serious players are all experienced about their influences. Chris said he has many musicians. Chris has been playing the regional eclectic influences including The Smashing scene for 10 years. Drummer, Jim O’Callaghan Pumpkins, Staind, Alice in Chains, Tool, Fusebox, joined the band in early 2002, but his resume dates and 311. On stage influences include all the back to 1982. Prior to joining C5, Jim played for 4 members of 311, William Patric and Maynard years at Auburn University, then he joined a band Keenan. called Fausch. He performed with this modern Nate said his father rammed The Beatles down rock band throughout South Alabama and Florida’s his throat, so, naturally, the Fab 4 were a huge Panhandle. influence. “But my music definitely does not sound C5’s frontman, Nate Dickinson, joined the like the Beatles. The Mop Tops made me excited band in 2004. Nate has been playing regionally about creating original music. After that, I got into as a singer/songwriter and solo acoustic artist for the grunge era and I never looked back. Pearl Jam, many years. He’s an experienced musician who has Nirvana, STP, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Tool, a distinctive voice, reminiscent of Eddie Vedder of and many other groups of that time turned me on.” Pearl Jam. Bassist, Fred Cruz was more cynical about his Bassist Fred Cruz is a guitarist who switched influences. He launched a political tirade that was to bass for C5. Fred’s diversity and musical talent bound to offend just about everyone, which was as a back-up vocalist have greatly enhanced C5’s cool. Summarizing his thoughts–he says he hates sound. big government but then again most people are too To his credit, Eric Lynn seemed to fit in well stupid to think for themselves, let alone be trusted with the band. On a few songs he was struggling with making decisions. Pictures of 9/11, the Kurdish because he hadn’t had enough time to fully learn atrocities, and the Berg beheading should be shown that particular song. But he pulled it off like a on TV daily to keep people from forgetting what it true professional. It’s always difficult to bring in a is we are fighting and why, instead of candy-ass stranger to substitute for a regular band member. whining insurgent prisoners who were exposed to a But Eric was working hard to smoothly cover the little male skin on skin action. Right! gaps in his knowledge of the group’s repertoire. Yes, like the guy in Network, Fred is mad as Being a substitute player allowed Eric to improvise hell and he’s not going to take it anymore. So he more than he would normally which made the group puts his anger into his music and the tension goes more interesting. away. Numerous shots and beers also help. Individually, I asked each player to tell me Play on, C5!

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 21 the rock struck, I thought at first there had been some sort of accident. Saunier cranked down on the live music drums in a way that sounded like the chaos of trash- chemically cans tumbling down a set of stairs, but meticulously controlled. shows calendar Matsuzaki’s vocals are airy and create a discordance that is at first obnoxious, then eventu- THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 22 ally just unusual, and then finally almost cute. The vocals unseat you enough to not be surprised by Yellowjackets Lazzara Hall, Jax (620-2878) imbalanced rock the strange construction of Deerhoof’s songs. Every Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, time you start to think that perhaps Dieterich has St. Augustine (829-8646) gotten lost and the drummer is pounding on regard- Deerhoof Live at Jack Rabbits less, they suddenly snap into an AC/DC-like riff that Normal Town Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) just attacks. The songs bleed into one another, or Gutterboy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132) by jon bosworth [email protected] perhaps they are single songs with so many dispa- Out of Hand Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) rate parts that you can’t connect them mentally, but I haven’t had time to catch a good show since Sensei left me wanting. It isn’t that Sensei was either way it’s like nothing I had ever heard before Coco Montoya Café Eleven, St. Augustine the clock hit 2007. All of that changed drastically bad, their set was tight and their showmanship was and it really rocked. Dot Wilder Layla’s, Jax in the past two weeks. Right after Valentine’s Day top-notch, but their songwriting needs to move into Guitarist John Dieterich and drummer Greg I took my lady friend out to see Old Crow Medicine something new. The melody-driven songs were trite Saunier are lucky to have found each other. Saunier Stu Weaver, Larry Magnum, Cheryl Watson Show at the Florida Theatre. Old Crow is an easy bet and the structures were predictable. came across as almost mentally disabled, not be- European Street, Jax (399-1740) when you want to have a good time, because no one Following Sensei was Busdriver. The transition cause of his pulverizing drums and chemically im- Jud Kussum Band Murray Hill, Jax (388-7807) is capable of disliking them. They are funny, up-tem- from a five-piece rock band to a man alone on stage balanced style on the skins, but because his impul- po, talented, and a great old-time string band. But as is strange, but Busdriver seemed the most comfort- sive tendency to leap from the drum stool between Dana Salmela Po Boys, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) good of a band as Old Crow is, I was still hungry for able up there. When he started I was thoroughly an- songs to talk into Matsuzaki’s mic, then leaping back Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) something new. noyed by his tedious beats and repetitious choruses, behind his drums and leaning in hard as he pounded I needed music that would change my mind. so I tried to delve into conversations that would dis- out another frantic and disarming beat. I can’t Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) Rock music like I’ve never heard before. I needed tract me and drown my attention in Yeungling. Then fathom how he keeps track of where they are in the Cloud 9 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) some chemically imbalanced band that confused and suddenly I would accidentally pay attention and there song, but somehow he and Dieterich know exactly Target X Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) bewildered me with their cadence, time signatures, was some brilliance to the concoctions Busdriver when it is time to change. Whether they are counting and eccentric musical genre-contortions. So when was performing. They were intermittent, and perhaps to some near-infinite number or have a telepathic Endwell Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) an old friend came to town and suggested we catch he was ashamed of the pop sensibility of some of link, I’m not certain how they communicate, but they Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) Deerhoof at Jack Rabbits, I shrugged and said okay. these jams, because they were buried deep within know exactly what they are doing. No other drum- This particular bill at Jack Rabbits, featuring his set, but they were truly brilliant for that glimmer mer would have any idea how to play to Dieterich’s Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Sensei, Busdriver, and Deerhoof, was certain to be of a moment that he allowed himself to not be as strange and dissonant guitar style, and likewise no Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) an interesting show at the very least. Sensei is the avant-garde as he could manage. Although most other guitarist could understand Saunier’s rythms, new incarnation of some of the members of the local of his set sounded like the Fresh Prince performing so the two are a match made in heaven. Oddly David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs pop-punk outfit Inspection 12. In spite of lead singer with Applied Communications, the songs were rich enough, Matsuzaki’s obscure vocals and solid bass Nimble Jim & the Ointment Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Mark O’Quinn’s impressive handlebar mustache, with blips and samples and with lyrics that don’t playing are the thing that ties the band together and necessarily form coherent thoughts (so they must be makes it all make sense, although by itself, her voice Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) deep), there were moments that reminded me more and ability on the bass would not stand out in the Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) of Del the Funky Homosapien or Tribe Called Quest. least. Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) When Deerhoof took the stage there was noth- If you are hungry for a new kind of music, give ing visually impressive about them. They sauntered Deerhoof a try. You certainly haven’t heard anything Lyons Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) up there unassuming. A small Asian girl (Satomi like it before, but it doesn’t go so way out that you Black Fire Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine Matsuzaki) picked up the bass and checked the mic. have to pretend to like it to be cool. It really is skilled A bean-pole of a kid carried his guitar up on stage and meticulously performed rock. If you can’t see Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) and fiddled with his amplifier (John Dieterich), and them live the first time you hear them (they are in the Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) then the drummer (Greg Saunier) came on stage Carolina’s and Virginia this weekend if you are up for and stuck his face between Matsuzaki and her mi- the road trip) then I am told Apple’O is the album to Sidewalk 65 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) crophone to casually thank us for being there. When get you started. Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

The Killdares Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181)

Billy Bowers A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

Glass Camels Ginger’s Place, Jax Beach

Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 23 Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax

Sugar Minott Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473)

Boxrockers The Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach (261-3300)

Chuck Nash Latitudes Café, Jax Beach

Cool Hand Luke CD Release Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807)

Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Str8 Up Reefers, Jax

Baker Act The Norm, Jax (384-9928)

The Killdares Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595)

22 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Porcelain Black Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

C5 Spare Time, Jax Beach bowfire Rebecca Zapen 95 Cordova, St. Augustine Infocus Duo River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299) setting their strings on Helioseye Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) Cliff Worell & the Restless Kind Papagallos, St. Augustine

Yancy Clegg Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999) fire! Brad Payne All-Stars Sports Bar, St. Augustine (827-9842) by Erin thursby [email protected] Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515)

What: Bowfire larly pleased with, Harloe CD Release Fuel, Jax (425-FUEL) When: February 27th @ 7:30PM given the history Where: Times-Union Center of the instrument Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) and the talent of Heavenly Noise Starlite Café, Jax The violin is an instrument of passion and the award winning Roger That West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) verve, one of the classical instruments that have Gao. lately become cooler by the minute. Violin virtuosos “Our violins Kent Smedley Dick’s Wings/University, Jax are gaining rock star status, with youthful players go back four hun- Kim Delaney Band Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) like Joshua Bell bringing the violin to the young. In- dred, four hundred deed, all the stringed instruments, such as the cello and fifty years. Mid Life Crisis Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) and the fiddle, have been getting extra attention from The Chinese violin Good Question Copeland’s, Jax the public. goes back two In 2000 Lenny Solomon, a classically trained thousand years. It has this haunting, rich and soulful ing is incredible step dancing. Three of our fiddle Aerial Tribe Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) Jazz violinist, made his longtime dream of Bowfire a sound that emanates from [it]. George Gao has really players are just among the top step dancers in the Jerry Melfi, LoriAnn Conch House, St. Augustine reality. EU spoke to Solomon about getting together brought it into the modern musical world. He plays world…One of our fiddle players is also a great (829-8646) the mass, traveling ensemble of the top virtuoso traditional ancient Chinese music, but he also plays singer. We have a song in the show.” The astounding violinists and fiddlers on the continent. blues and jazz along with the rest of us.” variety and toe-tapping numbers have bought audi- Kenny Smith Po Boys, Atlantic Beach (246-4121) “Throughout my career,” said Solomon “I’ve An incredible blend of genres, Bowfire remains ences around the world to their feet. Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) been lucky enough to play with a variety of styles the most versatile and large traveling string group in Bowfire will be performed at the Times-Union with a lot of great violinist and fiddlers. In my travels the nation. Solomon himself, who is also a performer Center on Tuesday, February 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets I always thought it would be a great idea to take this in the show, plays Led Zeppelin on the electric violin. range in price from $23.50 to $36.50 pre-tax. A FRIDAY-SATURDAY, FEB. 23-24 large concept of a lot of violins and fiddle players.” Other sounds woven into the show are Indian, Jazz, discount is available for groups of 20 or more by Susie Kite Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Solomon got all the performers together for swing, gypsy, rock & roll, Baroque, country and a calling (904)632-3228. Order other tickets by calling a debut performance at Expo 2000 in Hannover, piece called ‘Fiddler in the Hood’ which combines either (904) 632-3373 or 1-888-860-BWAY. Red River Band Trade Winds Lounge, St. Germany. Says Solomon, “I had enough time to be “Celtic melodies with hip-hop rhythms.” Augustine (829-9336) in touch with all my favorite players… pretty much Players range in age from their early twenties to Cupid’s Alley Cap’n Odies, Jax Beach (241-8848) everyone I thought of jumped at the opportunity.” their sixties, something that Solomon says “spreads By 2001 the show made it to Canada and has since our diversity and stylistic diversity as well. We bring Don’t Tell Anne Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach toured Asia and North America. Since its inception so much to the table as a group in terms of experi- (246-4293) in 2000 Bowfire “has morphed on its own, at its own ence and playing…Really quite a lot of fun for us to 3 Way Street Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune pace. We’ve slowly introduced different music into be traveling together and sharing our music.” Beach (241-8221) it…If a person leaves the group and we get someone But music isn’t the only thing the show offers new, they’ll have new material.” its audience “It’s not a mere concert performance. Von Barlow’s Jazz Ensemble The Brick, Jax (387-0606) Other instruments in the show include the cello, We’ve added theatrical production values to it that Nightowls The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) guitar and the erhu, an unusual Chinese violin. The encompasses staging, sets, costumes, choreog- show picked up George Gao, a master of the erhu raphy [and] great lighting. [It] really enhances the Longineu Parsons Ensemble Simons Wine Bar, Jax from China, something that Solomon is particu- performance…Along with the fiddle and violin play- (396-8088) Riff Raff Monkey’s Uncle, Jax Beach (246-1070)

Roger That Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181)

Spektra Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

Cloud 9 Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

Blistur Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611)

Wes Cobb Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055)

Those Guys A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

Ghost Rider Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337)

Something Distant Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

Gutterboy Casey’s, Yulee

Diane Ward & Jack Shawde Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940)

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24 Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600)

Debra Rider Island Girl Cigar Bar, Jax (854-6060)

Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828)

Chain of Fools Box Seats, Orange Park

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 23 David Milam Bourbon Bayou, St. Augustine couple of weeks. It kinda feels like it takes off in increments…and I feel like it’s this snowball effect… Will Neal Aromas, Jax (928-0515) We’re at the point now where stuff is really starting Diario Vivir Café Bolero, Jax to multiply. A lot of these rooms that we’d just be excited to play in—period, we ended up selling out Unky-J Cliff’s, Atlantic Beach (249-2777) [many] of those rooms.” Spirit of the Swannee Live Oak Gym Class Heroes got their start in the late HAWKE Benefit-Bob & Joline Agricultural Center, nineties when McGinley and singer Travis McCoy St. Augustine met in their high school gym class. Both had a quirky sense of humor and a passion for the alt- Brandon Reiger Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) music scene. For about seven years, until 2004, the Bluestone London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) band was secondary to jobs and school, leading to spotty releases. Out of Hand Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Besides ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’ two other popular New Day CD Release Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) songs from the Heroes are ‘The Queen and I,’ and ‘New Friend Request’ from their latest CD As Cruel Evans, Bruce, Monarch Po Boys, Atlantic Beach as School Children. ‘New Friend Request,’ which is, (246-4121) ironically, one of the songs posted on their MySpace Nine Tenths Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) page, pokes fun of the culture of MySpace and the fight for one of the “top 8” on a profile. McGinley Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) believes that MySpace is valuable for bands to “put Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) your music out there” but has closed down his per- The New Ghost Martini’s, Jax (388-6269) sonal account. “Myself and Travis recently started something Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) we like to call ‘erase your face’ and it’s an attempt Chuck Nash Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) get some new heroes to get people to stop using MySpace and start having real life conversations with people. It’s just Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) like a breath check. Really the real thing is we just Ryan Hamner Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Gym Class Heroes came to a point where we were just sick of being on MySpace. We’re kind of like already put on a public Tishamingo Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) pedestal…so MySpace only fueled the insanity. Pilar, Veronica’s Veil, Gunwitch House of Jam, by Erin thursby [email protected] And plus I was sick of my girlfriend going on my Mandarin (262-3377) What: Gym Class Heroes it seems like they’ve just burst onto the scene with MySpace and being like ‘Who’s THIS girl who says When: February 27th @ 6:30 PM ‘Cupid’s Chokehold,’ which climbed the charts in the she misses you?’…and I’m like ‘I don’t even KNOW Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) Where: Freebird last few weeks to settle into the 7 spot in Billboard’s that girl.’ …this was bad for me. Actually, in the box Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, If any band personifies hip-pop (a combination Hot 100. The song had always had its fans, and two where they ask why you’re leaving MySpace I just Jax (287-9900) of hip-hop and pop), it’s the exuberant Gym Class different versions of the video have kept interest in put ‘MySpace is ruining my life.’ Me and Travis both Heroes. For those who haven’t followed their career, the song alive. It can also be found on the last two closed our accounts on the same day.” CD’s the Heroes put out. In an EU interview with Matt Since getting off MySpace, he and the band SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 25 McGinley, one of the founding members of the band, still spend time on the computer, playing a popular Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) I asked if he thought ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’ owed online game. “Recently I’ve gotten into World of some of its success to the Valentine season. Warcraft…our whole band is really getting into it. Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) “For me I feel like [Cupid’s Chokehold] started We left for tour yesterday and our bus has wireless ‘3’ Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) to take off months and months ago. It all started with so, we’re really stoked.” The band mainly does that a radio station in Milwaukee…They started playing in their spare time, besides goofing off and hanging Steve Beck Duo The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) ‘Cupid’s Chokehold’ again and then they started out. Says McGinley “This is a really fun part of my JW Gilmore Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine getting a lot of calls. It became the most requested life right now… where I get to hang out with friends song there.” and get paid for it.” Billy & Vinnie Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) Their position in the top10 has made Gym As of this printing, the Gym Class Heroes Feb- David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Class Hero tour tickets a hot commodity. Something ruary 27th performance at Freebird had not yet sold McGinley is very pleased with. “It’s been a crazy out. Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940)

Kris Kristofferson, Roseann Cash Florida Theatre, Jax

Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646)

Unearth Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Catie Curtis Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311)

El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099)

Gary Campbell Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329)

3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966)

Spade McQuade Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

Bobby Flynn Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595)

El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004)

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Mike Hart The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040)

Str8 Up Jerry’s, Jax (220-6766)

24 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) all men, all metal Out of Hand My Place, Jax (737-5299) Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) interview with the Showdown Goliath The Casbah, Jax Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) by Erin thursby [email protected] What: The Showdown tion, the first CD they cut. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27 When: February 25th @ 7PM With their long locks and Vinnie & Billy Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Where: Murray Hill Theater ripped attire, they look to be Beach (241-8221) typical grunge metal rockers. “Just watch MTV or Fuse and they are littered Hearing the music of Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) with music videos of dudes who look like they are The Showdown, you’d ex- Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax scared to be in their own band... If it gets any worse pect that they spend much (355-5099) I’m going to just put ‘Enter Sandman’ on repeat, then of their spare time trash- I won’t have to listen to all those sensitive feminine ing hotel rooms, drinking Dr. Dog Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) bands crying and whining.”— David Bunton, Front and snorting high-grade H. Steven James Empire Coffee, Jax man of the Showdown. That’s pretty far from the The Showdown strives to be old school, bad- truth. The band actually got Ace Winn Duo Copeland’s, Jax boy rock and roll. They don’t understand emo, and together because all founding Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) they never ever want to. They are the anti-glam rock- members were band geeks ers who have holes in their jeans and flannel on their in the high school marching Bush Doctors Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) backs. They would never wear eye-liner and they band. They started jamming Gym Class Heroes Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) don’t whine about their depressing fate. after school and then played Ace Winn Duo Copeland’s, Jax One of the reasons they won’t be whining, is together through college. that fate has been fairly kind to the band so far. When The biggest concern for the Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) I spoke with David Bunton of The Showdown for an band was having fun and Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) EU interview, he talked about how effortlessly the playing good music, not any band got signed: “They found us on MP3.com…We sort of attempt to be stars or Nightowls The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) were saying there’s no way were going to get a van party. “We would play local Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) [to tour] we just kept telling…[the label] no and they shows,” says Bunton, “[be- just kept on calling me…Finally we were just like cause] you can get anywhere Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) ‘ahhh why not.’… By the time I was at the end of from Northeast Tennes- El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) college we just ended up getting signed. Everybody see…We were all in school, either finished college or quit and we went on tour.” working jobs. That’s how we The Showdown released their sophomore CD got started…Our drummer TUESDAY-WED., FEB. 26-27 this month, Temptation Come My Way. It’s a hard lived like 5 hours away so we driving heavy metal album with a generous side of would play on the weekend…playing a show was Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) Southern Rock. They even pay tribute to Kansas on more like a vacation.” the album by covering ‘Carry On Wayward Son,’ the The band also has Christian roots, which they laid out in Revelation. Christianity is a big part of WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 album’s one and only cover. With guitar solos and don’t necessarily cater to. The whole band has the their lives. According to Bunton, all the members of the occasional cowbell thrown in, these hard rock- number 777 (known as the number of the Lord) the band are Christians “but our goal isn’t to get on The Cover Band Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099) ers borrow enough gimmicks to be cool, running tattooed on their wrists, something they did together Christian radio.” Mainly what they want is to be part Mystic Dino Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) the metal gamut, including European Death Metal. on whim as show of solidarity towards the band and of that big epic sound that typifies metal and give it They’ve definitely backed down on the screamed God. Their first album was also a concept album greatness. Catch that metal greatness this Sunday at Cloud 9 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) lyrics they seemed to favor on A Chorus of Oblitera- based on the struggle between good and evil as the Murray Hill Theater. Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299)

The Hotness Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) listener a full range of the group’s musical history. Virgin records debut just went gold. cool hand luke The three new tracks ‘The Balancing Act,’ ‘Wonder Hoping to join the ranks of Jacksonville Elekibass TSI, Jax (635-3024) Tour,’ and ‘A Floating Smile’ continue to show band’s Artist: Cool Hand Luke bands in the national spotlight is our own Harloe. ET Swing The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) maturity both musically and in subject matter. Title: The Balancing Act This local punk/hardcore/screamo outfit is having Cool Hand Luke is currently on tour in support Glass Camels The Homestead, Jax Beach Release Date: their CD release party on Friday, February 23rd at of their new album and will be performing at the Fuel Coffeehouse in Five Points. Harloe’s brand Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) 02.20.2007 Murray Hill Theater this Friday with Shangrala. of rock combines traditional pop punk verse-cho- Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) Label: Floodgate / East - By Kellie Abrahamson rus-verse structures with a slightly more modern West hardcore twist. Rich with melodic vocals and a Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) burly guitar backdrop, Harloe also has layers of harloe Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) I saw Cool Hand Luke screamed secondary vocals that come across as in 2000 at a tiny little venue in Jax Beach and was Artist: Harloe tormented. This Every Time I Die twist to the usu- Chinese Horses Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) completely blown away by their powerful lyrics and Title: Interest Is The ally feel-good timbre of pop punk ala Good Char- Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) down-to-earth performance. This was back when Death of Attraction lotte creates a contrast of emotions that almost The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) “screamo” was just hitting our scene and the band Release Date: insinuates depth. was quietly riding that wave, making fans along the Their songwriting is still in its infancy, the 02.23.2007 El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) way. As with most things, over time the band has band does show some promise of extending out-grown the genre, creating more melodic tracks I’m not exactly sure why Limp Bizkit brought themselves beyond the traditional hardcore acts Livid Snookers, Jax (696-0714) that still manage to maintain the serious themes that us so much attention, but I know that most bands of the area, although they don’t seem to have the Bruce in the USA Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) I fell in love with so long ago. Their latest album is a in town have either been trying to use that break as emotional depth of the emo-core bands, the politi- retrospective of their eight years and five albums in leverage or tried to overshadow that awful band’s cal depth of the screamo bands, or the musical Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune the Christian music scene. success ever since. depth of the indie rock bands, they do have plenty Beach (241-8221) The Balancing Act features 14 tracks, three We have seen Whole Wheat Bread break into of energy and seem to fit the national trend of Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) of which are brand new. The rest come from Cool the national scene with the emergence of the krunk bands you might find on the Warped Tour. Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) Hand Luke’s other releases, including their first movement, which combines hip-hop and punk harloe will be joined by Our Finest Hour, (long out-of-print) 7” and EP So Far…. Those who much the same way Bizkit combined rap and metal. Shadow Agency, Sonoma, and Flood the City for have followed the band since their start and those Jacksonville’s Yellowcard has made great waves their concert on Friday. For more information who are just learning about this three piece will be in the pop punk scene and Middleburg’s own Red call 425-3835 or visit Harloe’s Myspace page at pleased with The Balancing Act since it gives the Jumpsuit Apparatus is all over the MTV and their myspace.com/harloe. - By jon bosworth

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 25 upcoming shows vagina monologues

Michael Franks March 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

Kathleen Madigan March 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 atlantic theatre review

Jake Shimabukuro March 7, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 by dick kerekes [email protected]

Larry the Cable Guy March 8, Jacksonville Veterans The brew-ha-ha over the hoohaa is over. The paragraphs about this group, Memorial Arena, 630-3900 Vagina Monologues did its two day run last weekend but I would rather you go to capacity crowds. to vay.org and learn more Moe March 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 I was not asked to do this but it seems ap- about it. The “V” in V-Day propriate. On behalf of the show’s producers, Florida stands for Victory, Valentine Taste of Chaos March 8, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309 Coastal School of Law’s Students Against Violence and Vagina. The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra March 9, Florida Theatre, and Tom Fallon, General Manager of Atlantic Theatre, The show had twenty education for me and I found it to be a very powerful 355-2787 I wish to thank the anonymous woman who com- monologues of varying length with intriguing titles message. A couple of the monologues seemed over- plained about the word vagina on the billboard sign that included “I was 12 when my mother slapped ly long, but I have to admit they made their point. John Gorka, Sam Pacett March 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 in front of the theater. The always gregarious Fallon, me”, “My Angry Vagina”, “My Short Skirt”, “The This is a powerful show and every man and woman in a magnificent creative gesture, changed the word Vagina Workshop”. Several titles were titillating but I in a relationship should see it. Medeski Martin & Wood March 9, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD “vagina” to “HooHaa.” will pass on them and let you discover them by go- The members of this fantastic cast included ing on the Internet. Seda Aktas, Jessica Blackman, Amy DeLauter, Jes- Band Of Horses March 10, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 The media, both print and electronic, picked up the story then CNN and the wire services and The show requires some chairs or couches sica Fagen, Nellie Fitzpatrick, Michelle Gomez, Nikki Toots And The Maytals March 10, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD the worldwide Internet, and well the rest is history. and a microphone and has been done by a varying Ghanayem, Jennifer Jerome, Christi Kroesen, Renee The show sold out, and people were turned away! number of performers starting with only one on up. Maxey, Lindsey Perry, Heather Wallace Rogers, Ju- The Beach Boys March 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Ain’t America wonderful, especially the power of the This show has twenty lovely ladies, dressed in some dith StClair and Jenny Yencareffi. press? type of black or red clothing (usually slips). Profes- As a side note, the Atlantic Theatre is the hot- The Thermals, The Big Sleep March 11, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Oh, by the way, Mr. Fallon changed the sign sor Ann Shortstein served as the Emcee and was the test spot at the beaches, and there always seems most conventionally attired. to be something going on. The area is growing with Moneen March 11, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 back to vagina because of play licensing rules. Since I was a veteran of three productions of Laura Crolla and Elisa Saavedra were co- new and interesting businesses. Bailey’s Power- Explosions in the Sky March 12, The Alcazar, 469-9311 Menopause-The Musical, I figured I was qualified to directors of the show, which from open to close, house Gym just opened up a brand new million-dol- attend another play that was mainly for and about was very professional. Almost all of the ladies are lar facility next door. Just three doors down from the Pepper March 12, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD women. students at the law school, but in my opinion, if that theatre, I found a new Italian restaurant, Melissa’s The creator of the monologues, Eve Ensler career doesn’t work out, the stage awaits them. Yes, Pizza, that just opened last week. I can certainly ZZ Top March 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 interviewed over 200 women from very walk of life they were that good. recommend the place for wonderfully prepared food Lucinda Williams March 16, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 to explore the phobias about female sex organs (and Just as in performances of Menopause the au- at very reasonable prices. particularly this body part) and sexuality. dience was mostly women, but there were probably Thank you Florida Coastal Law Students, for The Temptations and The Four Tops March 18, Florida Ms. Ensler is a supporter of V-Day, a move- a couple of dozen men (a lot of them the husband’s a great evening out and for raising money for such Theatre, 355-2787 ment to stop violence against women and girls. of the ladies on the stage, I suspected). a worthy cause. I know you spend many hours of The two performances were a fundraiser by Florida The material ran the gamut from very funny rehearsal to do this show, and you made it look so Tom Rush March 21, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Coastal School of Law for V-Day. I could go on for to sad and thought-provoking. It was certainly an easy and truly professional.

Cold War Kids March .22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311

Anoushka Shankar March 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Vince Gill March 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 the human sculpture of ballet The Duhks March 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Leo Kottke March 29, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Dance Alive! Tom Jones April 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 by Erin thursby [email protected] Plain White T’s April 10, Freebird Live, 246-2473 What: Dance Alive National Ballet the movement and emotional spirit of horses. With Clap Your Hands Say Yeah April 20, Freebird Live, 246-2473 When: Saturday, February 24 @ 7:30 PM original music by Stella Sung and avant-garde cos- Where: Gainesville, FL at the Phillips Center for tuming by Cirque du Soleil’s Liz Vandal, it’s sure to Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 the Performing Arts keep the audience intrigued. Expect at least a dash of George Thorogood May 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 the Cirque’s physicality and flair. Sometimes we forget what a wondrous thing A majority of the works to be presented are Patty Larkin May 6, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 the human body is, that it can stretch and bend in new. The two that are not are still something to be so many configurations. The Dance Alive National excited about. The first is Balanchine’s ballet Rubies, Relient K May 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Ballet helps us to remember as their dancers though choreographed in the late 1920’s; is still become amazing moving human sculptures. Audi- fresh today. There’s a reason why Balanchine is ence members might not be able to do what they touted as the best choreographer of the 20th century. can, but it’s a reminder that perhaps we aren’t as The French choreographer crafted the piece almost limited as we think. Just look what a human body as a tribute to what he loved about the brash and Morschakov paints a portrait of two men of excep- can do when it’s stretched every day. carefree America of the time. tional talent and the jealousy one had for the other. Ballet has lately had a renaissance of creativ- The other piece is from Judy Skinner, the cho- Another new work to the Company, Yuri JUST ANNOUNCED ity, so if you ever thought a ballet performance is reographer-in-residence, the touring success Facets, Grigorovich’s Spartacus, has been staged by nothing but a yawn fest, you need to see a profes- a piece tangled in Tango, where the men dance first principal dancer Nikolai Morschakov, who danced KENNY CHESNEY sional performance such as the Dance Alive Na- and then the women, before coming together in a the role as principal dancer with Grigorovich Ballet. tional Ballet. Old dance steps are being refreshed blissful, passion-filled Tango. Mr. Morschakov will dance the role of Spartacus With special guests SUGARLAND & PAT GREEN by new choreography and there arenew ways of Opening the program will be the new work, with Michele Incollingo performing as Phrygia, his looking at the discipline of ballet. This show will Sacred and Profane, by Nikolai Morshakov. This beloved. April 21 at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena feature the choreography of five very different art- world premier features Stephanie Heston, Alexander Tickets range from $10 to $25 and are avail- ists. Smirnov, and Stanislav Ivanov along with other Com- able at the Phillips Center and Reitz Union Box Tickets on sale: Saturday, March 3 at 10 AM The finale comes from Rick Tjia of Cirque du pany members. It explores the famous relationship Offices as well as all Ticket Master Outlets. For Soleil. The piece, called Aeia Bridled, is based on between Mozart and Salieri. Principal Dancer Nikolai more information call 352-371-2986 or go on line at www.dancealive.org.

26 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper fish platter mus under the appetizers. Steak is one of the choices on the menu, though I’ve heard that sometimes the kitchen isn’t too accurate about cooking the meat to your specs (medium well can come out more pink than it should be). Also despite the Southern-homestyle feel of the place, most people will want to skip the fried chicken. I have heard very good things about their breakfast choices, especially their 3-egg omelets. They’ve got all kinds of omelet options including something they call a Greek omelet, which includes feta and tomatoes. Bacon, bagels, pancakes, French toast and Belgian waffles round out their breakfast selection. Pancakes are on the sweeter side and they have a good variety, besides standards like blueberry and buttermilk pancakes. They also have banana nut, chocolate chip, apple cinnamon and strawberry and whipped cream. One Fridays and Saturdays you’ll want to try the fried seafood specials. They’ve got a decent crab patty, fried shrimp and oysters. The crab patty is large, but tends have bits of shell in it, something that made the crab cake experience less than stellar. I do recommend the New England clam chowder, it’s got a superb texture and the clams are tender rather than over cooked and too tough as they often are in many clam chow- ders. Do go Greek when you can. The Gyro sandwich, which is the most savory in the South Jax Beach area, comes with a creamy tzatziki sauce. While I can’t imagine going to a diner with the intention of dieting, there are, surprisingly diet selections. A fresh fruit platter, stuffed tomato and turkey burger (served with a scoop of cottage cheese) are among that section. What is surprising is that there is a selection called “The Jumbo Char-Broiled Burger.” It doesn’t come with fries, you get cottage cheese and a peach half, which cuts out a considerable amount of calories and fat. When it’s time for dessert, pay no attention to the dessert selections on the back of the menu. They’re hardly ever accurate as the available desserts change daily, depending on what they’ve baked. Your best bet is to scurry back to the entrance where the desserts are and just take a look at the cases. They’re almost the joy of a diner guaranteed to have baklava, some of the best I’ve had in the Jacksonville area (next to the Hala Café, which specializes in a variety of baklavas). Their baklava was both flaky and substantial, a balancing act that most rd baklavas don’t come close to achieving. 3 Street Diner and Bakery Some of the food can be inconsistent in quality, but you can always, always count on the desserts. Because desserts are such a specialty at 3rd Street, I couldn’t bear to try just one. I also snagged their by Erin thursby [email protected] homemade tiramisu. It was excellent, though a little too laden with powdered chocolate. Getting tiramisu that wasn’t shipped from up North is a feat in and of itself, so I was just grateful to be eating it. Forget super snobby French foods and dressing up for dinner. Sometimes you just crave a diner experi- 3rd Street doesn’t do everything on their menu well, but their prices are low enough that you shouldn’t be ence, even if you do pay the price for it later with a raging case of heart burn. In a cookie cutter world of afraid to try things. However, if you’re looking for a sure thing, just get something Greek or off of the breakfast commercialism it’s refreshing to find a place like the 3rd Street Diner and Bakery. menu, and save room for dessert! Items you will want to sample are anything Greek (the place is run by a Greek family) and any of the desserts. Many places that are known for their desserts simply buy them from a bakery or someone who specializes in cooking sweet confections. Such is not the case at the 3rd Street Diner, much to the joy of their information patrons. 4372 Southside Blvd. Suite 207 (645-7554) Also, for a late night bite in the South Jacksonville Beach area, 3rd Street can’t be beat. They used to be open 24 hours a day, but they’ve since changed things. They are still open till 2AM and they open their doors Ratings (1-5) Cost Guide at 6AM, 7 days a week. Another interesting feature that you wouldn’t expect from a diner establishment is the full bar. Atmosphere 5 $ = under ten dollars for a single person Getting to the diner is easy, plus the neon sign is difficult to miss once the sun goes down on the A-1- Service 5 $$ = over ten to twenty for a single person A/3rd Street drag. Inside the place, it’s pure diner décor, in green and purple, with bright neon accents. The $$$ = over twenty to thirty-five for a single person only real difference is the diner counter, which seems like any other diner counter until you take a closer look Food 4 1/2 $$$$ = thirty-five and up for a single person and realize that there’s a full bar back there. I can’t imagine too many people knocking back more than one Cost varies drink in the place because it’s so bright. You can expect diner service, that is to say, it will depend greatly on the type of mood your server is in. Most of the servers, even if they aren’t slammed with customers, are happy to help you navigate the menu. Most casual foods you’d find in a diner are on 3rd Street’s fairly extensive menu. It’s likely that you’ll be able to find something on the menu you’re in the mood for. The surprises on the menu mostly come from the Greek selections and choices that you’re more likely to find at a Middle Eastern style restaurant, like the hum-

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 27 jump out at me then. So, when you ask me what’s culture & arts the hardest, there all pretty much equal. EU: What can someone expect at one of your 22 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax shows? 22 The Negro Speaks of Rivers Cummer Museum of Art, Jax BO: They can expect just about anything or anybody 22 Culinary Workshop-Sicilian Cooking Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach to appear on the stage. [Laughs] And it’s all clean fun. They don’t have to worry about (this being) a 22-24 Classes For Children-Drawing & Painting MOCA, Jax show with an audience that would be suitable to An- 22-24 “Twilight Time” Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Gainesville drew Dice Clay. [Laughs] No, it’s going to be a good 22-28 Exhibit: Joanelle Mulrain Starbuck’s/San Marco, Jax clean fun show; but geared towards adults. And there’s going to be lots of celebrity guests! [Laughs] 22-MAR. 11 Celebrating Black Hisotry Exhibit MOSH, Jax 22-MAR. 15 The Art of Collage Workshop Cummer Museum, Jax EU: Do you incorporate any audience participa- 22-Mar. 15 Abstraction of the Real Exhibit Raymond Yeager JU tion? Alexander Brest, Jax BO: Yeah, there are a couple moments in the show 22-MAR. 18 Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art where we mix with the audience and that’s what Cummer Museum, Jax really makes each show unique… No two shows 22-MAR. 18 “Crime & Punishment” Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando are alike because we’re drawing from people in the audience for a few routines. It’s really fun to watch 22-MAR. 24 “Really Rose’ Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando lady of many voices them adapt to their roles and whatever happens, 22-MAR. 30 Youth Actors Classes Theatre Jacksonville, Jax happens… It’s a fun time to see the audience mem- 22-MAR. 30 “Bright Young Things” Art Show Jane Gray Gallery, Jax Bethany Owen interview bers interact. 22-APR. 1 “Shenendoah” The Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax EU: Have you had any celebrities in your audi- 22-APR. 8 Other Worlds: The Landscape in Contemporary Art by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] ences? Museum of Contemporary Art, Jax extremely talented (and busy) lady to ask her about BO: Once a long time ago I did not know it but Cher 22-APR. 8 Second Skins: Sculptural Soundsuits & Tondos by her show, her unique talents and some of her experi- was in the audience… This was actually a com- Nick Cave MOCA, Jax ences: edy club because these were my pre-“One Voice” 22-APR. 17 The Walter O.Evans Collection of African American days… I guess the audience picked up on the notion Art Cummer Museum, Jax EU: What’s the process of getting a routine stage- that I was about to do Cher because of the Indian 22-APR. 28 “With An Even Hand” Brown v Board at Fifty Ritz Theatre, Jax ready? headdress, at that time I was doing a tribute to “Half BO: I always start with the voice. Long before I even Breed,” and I couldn’t quite understand why the 23 Don Martin-Charcoal Drawings Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach knew anything about the look or the mannerisms, audience got real, real, real quiet. I mean, comedy 23 Author John Amen Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax my ear was always tuned into doing the voice. Then rooms do not ever go that quiet and when they do 23 DASOTA Great Guitar Gathering DASOTA, Jax there’s a whole other side of all this and that’s the it’s like, ”Something’s not right.” [Laughs] So, the 23 Hal Holbrook in Mark Twain Florida Theatre, Jax look-a-like industry and that came way, way, way audience all knew that Cher was in the audience. later. So now in my act I do enhance my characters I did not. So, I put the headdress on and I started 23 Gospel Galore w/FCCJ Gospel Chorale FCCJ Downtown Campus, Jax with costume pieces and wigs and, of course, man- singing and I tell you if you didn’t believe the theory 23-25 “Miss Evers’ Boys” Stage Aurora Ezekiel Bryant Auditorium, Jax nerisms go along with the voice. When I’m develop- that goes along with “the electricity is in the air,” 23-APR. 14 Workshop-Don Martin “Ground of Being” Cultural ing out a voice, even from the beginning, it always step in my shoes that night because I felt, like, this Center, Ponte Vedra Beach helped me to watch the person as they were speak- crackling going on in the room and as I got more 24 Sanctuary Open House & Tour Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax ing or moving because that just solidifies how the and more into the routine the crackling got stronger voice comes out. until I finished. And it was like the whole room just 24 Archaeology of the Slave Quarters Kingsley Plantation, Jax exploded with applause and laughter and screaming. 24 Classical Savion Lazzara Hall, Jax WHAT: Bethany Owen “One Voice” EU: What was the hardest celebrity voice you’ve Truly what I guess was happening was it was such 24 Dance Alive National Ballet Gala Phillips Center for WHERE: Atlantic Theatre mastered? an intimate room… and everybody was looking at Performing Arts, Gainesville WHEN: February 26 through March 2 BO: Oh, gosh! The hardest? [Laughs] That’s a little Cher to see her reaction to me and when she reacted 24 Audition: “Majigeen” 10AM Fuel, Jax Bethany Owen is a celebrity impressionist who bit hard to answer because it’s a never-ending favorably, they just went bananas. [Laughs]… That has been honing her craft since she was 19-years- experience of trying to master somebody. I have was pretty memorable. 24 The Barber of Seville Performing Arts Center, Jax old. Her stage shows, the latest version of which is people in my line-up that I’ve been doing since I was 24 Book Signing: Allen Bohl Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax dubbed “One Voice,” have the Kansas-native trans- 19-years-old and when I see something new that EU: Tell the truth: have you ever used your talents 24 NE Florida Scottish Games & Festival World Golf Village, St. Augustine forming into a multitude of familiar famous faces, they’ve come out with or even if I go back into my to pull a prank on someone? from Dolly Parton to Diana Ross to Marilyn Monroe. library and pull out some video tape again and watch BO: Oh, yeah! [Laughs] Oh yeah, without a doubt. 24 Spanish Flamenco Dance Classes Flamenco de la Costa, Jax Ms. Owen brings her highly entertaining show back them I always miss something in my minds-eye I Radio stations have hired me a few times (and had 24 Beginning Figurative Sculpting Workshop Cultural Center, to the Jacksonville area next week, when she ap- go, “Oh yeah, I forgot she holds her mic like that” me) like, calling an In and Out Burger. Fran Drescher. Ponte Vedra Beach pears at the Atlantic Comedy Theatre on February or I’ll see some little mannerism or some word or Fran should be real pleased with some of the things 26 through March 2. I recently caught up with this something that will jump out at me now that didn’t I’ve done for radio stations.

28 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper attempt is made to match the actor to the script 24 Chili Cookoff/Latin Party Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach most of the time, so they may be describing a redhead but the actor playing the role is brunette. 25 Ritz Chamber Players Friday Musicale, Jax Likewise, the description might call for a fat person, 25 College Goal Sunday FCCJ Campuses, Jax but the actor playing it will be skinny as a rail. Hey, it 26 PAWS To Read with Molly Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax is all in fun. The sets are simple as well, mainly using the 26 Lecture Series “Building a Context” Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra furniture at Boomtown, which in itself is unique with 27 FCCJ Artist Series-Bowfire Performing Arts Center, Jax lots of couches and overstuff chairs. The accom- 27 Kayo Ishimaru & Dickie Fleisher-Duo Harpists Library, Ponte Vedra Beach panying sound, both music and sound effects, en- 27 Audition Techniques Workshop Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine hanced the performances. To say the lighting system is primitive would be correct, but it works and you 27-28 “Issues: We All Got Em’” Florida Theatre, Jax are able to see everything clearly. 27-MAR. 1 “One Voice” Starring Bethany Owen Atlantic Before the show, Boomtown co-owner, Stephen Theatres, Atlantic Beach Dare, gave us a very informative lecture on the his- 28 African American Cinema- “Get on the Bus” MOCA, Jax tory of Pulp Fiction. The cast, who play a variety of parts in all the shows includes, John Allen, Steve Bailey, Amy MARCH Demarco, Travis Salter, Amy Goodman, Rebecca 2 St. Augustine Art Walk Various Venues, St. Augustine Weaver and Amy Hilton. 2-4 The Great Jacksonville Book Sale Jax Fairgrounds, Jax I have eaten at Boomtown a number of times, starting when they were located out on Main Street. I 2-17 “Pack of Lies” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax am not really a restaurant reviewer, but I have always 2-24 “First Baptist of Ivy Gap” Orange Park Community found the food to be well prepared and unique. When Theatre, Orange Park you look at the price of a menu item, be sure to 3 Jane Austen Society Book Discussion European Street, Jax divide by two. Their portions are so large I guarantee 3 All Aboard the Boat: The Worship of Sun and River Cummer Museum, Jax you will always get another meal to take home. gulp your pulp Parking downtown in the evening is free on 3 Author Signing: Janet Lee Simpson Inn on Charlotte, St. Augustine the streets, and there is plenty of it. No worry about 3 Dr. Seuss’s Birthday Read-A-Thon Library, Jax Beach tickets, the meter maids are home either sleeping or 3 Meet Maisy Barnes & Noble/San Jose, Jax reading pulp fiction. 4 Audition: “Enchanted April” 6pm Theatre Jacksonville, Jax Pulp Fiction Theatre at Boomtown One final word, before the performance, the audience is made aware that there is adult language 4 UNF Opera Ensemble Main Library, Jax and adult situations in the show, and you are invited 7 Flux-A Verb. As Subject Exhibit By Margaret Schnebly Hodge by dick kerekes [email protected] to leave at that time. (No one did) Karpeles Museum, Jax Last month EU writer Kellie Abrahamson vis- eyes a few times in the course of the reading, to see Visit this group at http://pulpfictiontheatre.tk/. 8-APR. 15 “Disney’s The Lion King” FCCJ Artist Series ited Boomtown’s Pulp Fiction Theatre and wrote if the actors sound like they are acting or are they All performances are in the heart of downtown in the Performing Arts Center, Jax an excellent overview of the concept, the mission, just reciting. This cast for the most part was very only underground restaurant in the city (that I know 9-24 “Fat Pig” Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre, Atlantic Beach of). It is lots of fun. and history. Since I almost exclusively review just lively and animated, given the limitations of sitting. 10 Dog Lovers Day Adventure Landing, Jax Beach/Jax theatre, I decided to take in a performance from a Abstinence of Malice, the second show, ap- 10 Sanctuary Tour & Nighttime Feeding Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax critic’s viewpoint. pears to have become a staple for this group. It has To refresh your memory, Pulp Fiction Theatre is sex, violence and some very funny lines. A school- 10 Three Mo’ Tenors Lazzara Hall, Jax presented every Thursday night at 8:30 and you can teacher is bored with his marriage, falls for a sexy 10-11 Stage Aurora-Disney’s High School Musical FCCJ North Campus, Jax purchase tickets for the show (a bargain at $ 5.00) neighbor jogger (female of course, and wearing very 11 Piano Sundays-Donna Wissinger Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park or you can, as I did, enjoy a meal from the very tight, tight shorts) His dalliance almost turns out to eclectic Boomtown menu. be fatal. 12-26 Art & Music Appreciation Series Acrylic or Oil Painting Workshop Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach Each show features three playlets and last Snatch the Snatch, the third offering, according Thursday’s opener was a readers’ theatre selection. to the Mistress of Ceremonies, Boom Boom Temp- 15 Amateur Night Ritz Theatre, Jax Actors sit in a line of chairs and read the script. toria (a fake name, can’t you tell?). This was written 15 “Secrets Every Smart Traveler Should Know” Limelight When the material is well received, it will be done as in l934 by Max Allen Collins. It probably bears very Theatre, St. Augustine a real play in the future. little resemblance to the l934 version, since the first 17 Tale Tellers of St. Augustine “Civil War Stories, Part 1” The Book of Love by Steve Bailey concerned a thing mentioned is the AIDS epidemic, followed by Lighthouse, St. Augustine young schoolteacher whose love life seem to parallel characters that talk to television sets (Neither of 18 Gary Smart/Piano Main Library, Jax the course of a pulp novel he is reading. Playwright which existed in the 30s). Bailey played the psychiatrist, and four other actors I thought the acting was good over all, and you 19-23 “Spring Into Science” Camps MOSH, Jax were featured. I won’t reveal anymore about the plot can see the varied levels of experience in the per- 21 Glass Filigree Suncatchers & Glyphs Workshop Cultural as it is bound to change before it is mounted as a formers. The playlets are by nature farcical, which Center, Ponte Vedra Beach real production, but I will say it has some very off- invites broad gestures and overacting which the 23 The Acting Company’s Jane Eyre FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax beat humor. audience, enjoyed. 24 Sanctuary Open House/Tour Catty Shack Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax The way I judge readers’ theatre is to close my Costumes are simple but used effectively. No 24-25 The Human Figure Open Studio Workshop Cultural JACKSONVILLE Center, Ponte Vedra Beach 30 Pirates of Penzance Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park 30 Art After Dark Florida Theatre, Jax help wanted. 31 Easter Breakfast & Egg Hunt World Golf Village, St. Augustine 31 Book Signing: Linda Brandt Hot Shot Bakery, St. Augustine we are seeking a professional, enthusiastic person to represent the area’s leading weekly entertainment publication. this is an exciting oppurtunity to deal APRIL directly with leading entertainment venues and businesses and to promote exciting 14 Jaguars Concours d’Elegance World Golf Village, St. Augustine new movie premiers. 20-MAY 5 “Enchanted April” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax 21 Some Enchanted Evening Thrasher Horne Center, Orange Park sales experience is preferred, 21 Autograph Signing-Steve Carlton Dans Cardz, Orange Park enthusiasm necessary. 22 Audition: “Guys and Dolls” 6pm Theatre Jacksonville, Jax 24-29 FCCJ Artist Series-Shields & Yarnell FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax (904) 730-3003 · a locally and family owned business for over 25 years.

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 29 ing to hide. Many others believe he did steroids in the past that helped him with his power to hit a lot of his home runs. And now we are hearing about the strained friendship between Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter. what’s eating The two play together on the same team in the same THE infield right next to each other. They have known each other for a long time and have been friends in various ways, except now that friendship isn’t what JOCK it used to be for various reasons, whether its perfor- mance on the field or the amount of pay for playing. you? That is sure to continue receiving attention, no ques- BY TOM WEPPEL tion. I also see that the caps now being worn this by katie veltri [email protected] COLLEGE BASKETBALL season by players will be made of polyester, as op- In a way, the Florida Gators should have no posed to wool. MLB is saying this is a good thing, Do you find yourself making excuses for not through life at such a fast pace, and all I needed to concern whatsoever in losing their game last to as it is a lighter material and will ‘breathe’ easier. really taking good care of yourself? A definitive do was stand still for a few moments. In these mo- Vanderbilt. It pushed them out of the #1 slot, which Personally, I think the caps will look cheaper and not “yes” seems to be the answer to a question of this ments of standing still, I discovered a lot of other is fine, because they will receive a #1 seed in the as nice, but we’ll see how it turns out. nature, and the excuse to this open-ended ques- people running, also chasing the same thing: time. NCAA Tournament anyway. The loss took a little Many players have changed teams, as has pressure off them to continue winning. It also took a tion always seems to be, drum roll please: time. What is it that prevents us from taking much become a common occurrence in MLB. As Spring little of the spotlight off them, which is no problem, training continues, we’ll have plenty to throw our We never have enough time. It might be because needed and sought after time for ourselves? It is either. These Gators have plenty going for them, and attention on. you have family members to tend to, or your job is there, and we do have it. So, what are we doing they know it. They will be fine heading into the SEC all-consuming, or maybe it is that you’re just plain with it? Taking the time you do have and manag- and NCAA Tournament, when things really start to GOLF ing it wisely is the best advice I learned from one intimidated by the health industry in general, with get interesting. This weekend the PGA Tour will get into its an- many of its grandiose promises and complicated of my professors. Understanding the art of time Meanwhile, there are plenty of other teams nual Match Play Championship, with the top 64 play- diet and exercise programs. Well, I’m here to offer and sculpting it into something more valuable for who have suffered losses they didn’t plan on, who ers in the world playing for a title in a unique setting. some advice, tips, and thoughts in the world of yourself is a lighter, more beneficial perspective on are now wondering if they got a shot at even getting But for all intents, let’s be real here…it’s Tiger health and fitness. the issue of not having enough time. Whatever may INTO the Tournament, which is the ultimate goal versus 63 other guys. At least, that’s the way most I currently teach yoga and pilates at a few lo- be potentially holding you back from taking a step here. Kentucky, Maryland, Kansas St., Oklahoma St., viewers and fans will perceive any golf tournament cal fitness centers, and just graduated from Univer- into eating, exercising, and/or feeling better, let this and even Bob Knight’s Texas Tech squad are ‘On the from now on in. Tiger Woods owns Golf and the PGA sity of Central Florida, where I conducted research marinate; the root of feeling satisfied, strong, and Bubble’, as they say. Tour, and there’s no other way to explain it. on the effects of yoga. I’m nationally certified steady, is being healthy. Furthermore, if you don’t And so we shall see how these teams play in When Tiger is not playing in a golf tournament, through the Aerobics Fitness Association of Amer- allow yourself time to consider how you feel wholly, the next few weeks as we get closer to Selection NOBODY cares, pure and simple. A few people care ica in primary group exercise and trained in yoga who will? A healthy lifestyle, one without excessive Sunday. about Phil Mickelson and John Daly, but otherwise, and pilates. It wasn’t until I dislocated my knee that drug use, without mediocre cardiovascular activ- the rest of the boys playing golf are a bunch of no- I realized how fragile my body was and it was in my ity, without a constantly worried mind, and without NBA bodies. late teens when I started experiencing full-fledged a weak body, is the key to a more meaningful In many ways, an NBA team in Las Vegas Eldrick’s dominance has been great and dev- anxiety. I was determined to find something that existence. The root is the core, and when nurtured would be a great, great situation for the team AND astating to the PGA Tour. It is going to take someone would help me holistically, body and mind. I wanted properly, it is the antidote to our freedom, physi- the league. But it would also bring about some po- with personality, charisma, attitude, and a phenom- tential problems, and the NBA owners need to give to take on the world with vitality, without the need cally, mentally, and spiritually. enal golf game to come along and start winning a serious consideration to the possibilities. Certainly bunch of tournaments for things to change. And I for surgery in the future or anti-anxiety medication, Allow me to explore and share with you some gambling is a huge issue. Now, I know people guarantee you that is what the boys down in Ponte so I kept an open mind to healthier alternatives. of the simple advice from fitness professionals, can gamble ANYWHERE. But it is much more pro- Vedra are praying for every night. local gyms and health clubs, and aerobic/fitness What I stumbled upon through friends and past nounced and prevalent in Las Vegas, as people go classes for your body type. I’ll leave you with a fitness instructors is that yoga balanced me men- there to exactly that. If an NBA team were to exist in LAST WORD tally, while pilates strengthened me physically, from recipe, nutritional tip, or an exercise at the end of Vegas, they would almost have to adopt the mantra After a wild Daytona 500, the boys head out the inside out. I learned quickly that I was running each column. of being a team of ‘high rollers’, ‘players’, gamblers’, to the West Coast to do a little racing in California. etc…Am I wrong? Give it some thought, because it They certainly started off the season with a little Nutritional tip: was certainly talked about quite a bit last weekend entertaining fanfare. In a way, you can look at last during the All-Star weekend. weeks’ race as about 450 miles of cruising, followed Eat more complex carbohydrates, like whole-wheat bread, bran cereal, or granola in the morning than at by complete hell. Maybe they should just rename the night. This fuels your body for the day, and when lunch rolls around, you won’t be tempted to eat a larg- SPRING TRAINING race and call it the ‘Daytona 50’! er portion. Since carbohydrates are digested as energy, and in the morning blood sugar and glycogen Ah, yes, Major League Baseball has kicked off levels are lower, you will be burning it off throughout the day, says Chris Aceto in his article, “Get ripped Spring Training once again. It seems as if it starts LAST, LAST WORD on high carbs: an eight-point strategy for getting lean without cutting carbs”. Also, by eating more carbs earlier and earlier every season. Nonetheless, all Just curious: are people more interested these in the beginning of the day, you won’t crave as much later when it is time for dinner. camps are open, and almost all players have re- days in who will win ‘American Idol’, or will win the ported in various forms of condition. Iraq War? Of course we also have some great storylines. Barry Bonds certainly will assume a majority of the Tom Weppel talks trash on Thursdays from 7-8 headlines. He says he now welcomes investigation p.m. on WIOJ-AM 1010, and on SportsAvengers. in any and all ways of his past, feeling he has noth- com 24/7.

30 february 22-28, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper these people ever forgive or even more importantly, much because I need to let Will have more room for should we? advertisements, cause you know why? Yea, my big nascar news & notes As for the rest of the stretchers of the rules (or raise. Four words best tell my race day in the stands, pushers of the envelope as they may be called) were COLD – COLD – COLDER & WINDY. It wasn’t too by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] they penalized not enough or too much? What about bad while we stayed in the hospitality village, where Ray Evernham and his guys and the way NASCAR I could sit out of the wind and relax with plenty to Was That A Start Or What? Y’all are probably All of you know, just as well as I do, that the came down on them? Was what they did as bad as eat. It wasn’t so bad when the sun was up over the thinking I’m talking about the start of the NASCAR real perpetrator ain’t never going to “fess up,” as Mi- Waltrip, or were they just trying for that edge? How edge of the seats in turn one, but when that rascal season, and in essence I really am, but also I mean chael hopes they will, and unless that guy Monk gets about Kenseth and Jack? Did NASCAR get heavy dropped down and put us in the shade, It Got Cold!! the start of my third season with Entertaining U. Will on the case, no one will ever be caught. I think it is with them also? Does it do any good for either of I stayed as long as I could, but since Jeffy wasn’t up really outdid himself with a two-page spread about sad that I have to write how I feel. He’s a cheater and these teams to appeal the spanking they got, or front and Tony, Jimmie and, soon to be gone from NASCAR and the pictures in my monster column, so he should have been dumped for this week. Maybe should they just grin and bear, it knowing it sure DEI, Junior were waaaaaaaay baaaack it was time to I couldn’t be more tickled. He told me I would be the the pressure of owning a team added to the fact that could have been worse? Was the cookie jar lid left a retreat and head home. “Featured Article” last week and man I was shocked he is the “Flagship” team for Toyota’s entrance to bit too open and these guys thought it was possible So I did miss the fairly “big one,” but heck when he only cut about a thousand words from what Cup is causing a lot of changes in his way of doing to grab a cookie and nobody would see? Just where it was at the other end of the track and the big TV I submitted and then threw in some of the pics that business. You know, the guy has got to be so many is that line that we sometimes see when NASCAR about 100 yards away just wouldn’t have showed John and I took at Media Day. Thank You little Buddy, things at one time, but dang it Mikey, just what the catches a driver or a team and flushes out the cheat- up that well. I got the report on the way home and cause you let me share a lot of things with our read- heck is going on? Toyota said that MWR has used ers (for lack of a better word)? today the tape of the last few laps and I’ve got to ers and that’s what a newspaper does anywho, ain’t two of three strikes, as they put it, against them and I’m out on a skinny one here mentioning Jeff say, “Harvick won the race” no ifs ands or buts. Now it? I know, I know, don’t expect that every week, but I if something like this happens again the violating Gordon and his post race inspection troubles with John, y’all know John, we talked Tuesday and he sure liked it and I hope all of y’all did too. team will “face the loss of the manufacturer’s sup- the height of the car, and I know I’ll hear about this. said that Harvick won also, but it would have been Now you all know that I like nothing better port.” Yes, I feel there can be “unintentional” (as NASCAR nice if Kevin would have let Martin win, you know, than to get onto NASCAR, and y’all know who else, When the news broke about this happening, put it) failures to the working of a car that should not just out of respect. You know what I told him? “Re- but this week I think they acted just a little weak in the rumor mill got started real fast saying “NAPA be penalized, and the move to the rear of the starting spect,” where’s the respect in racing, ain’t nobody some spots and too strong in others. Then again, was pulling out,” and “Toyota was right behind,” but field was, well let’s just say, a little much. That’s like got respect for racing? They got one thing in mind: they make the rules and I don’t. I think every form of it never came to that and a realistic fan would know when a driver wins a race, and perhaps it’s his first winning! I learned that quite awhile back when some media in the world has run something about Michael that. These two companies have put too much into win or even his 50th one, and he gets so excited he of my readers told me about myself when I said I Waltrip Racing and even my 96 year old Mother Michael Waltrip and his abilities to organize a team, jumps up and down on the roof of his car. Is it right thought Jeff Gordon should have let Jimmie Johnson talked to me about it. With Michael’s crew chief and and to drive a racecar, for that to happen. Now, I for him to receive a fine, loss of points or even the win one, and they were right. But you see, John ain’t team director being fined and suspended, why even have always said that when it was announced that chance of the win being taken away? I think no, be- no Harvick fan either. Buffy got tagged 100 points along with Michael, Toyota was coming to Cup Big, Brother Darrell prob- cause things like that do happen, and with Gordon’s OK that’s it for this week and I know if’n y’all but at least no monetary fines where levied against ably had a bunch to do with MWR getting the spon- “misaligned, unsafe, part failure,” (all words used by want to get on to me you can do it at tinynascars@ them. What I don’t like is that he still raced in the sorship. I tell you this, the words “fly on the wall,” NASCAR) in this case aren’t in the rule book. There yahoo.com, but also remember, I write it my way not 500 and I felt that wasn’t right. He should have been when Mikey and D W got alone, have real meaning needs to be more in stone and less in sand, but your way, and if my guy beat your guy in the 2007 booted just like the other guys that where sent home. here. Well NAPA and Toyota aren’t pulling out, and heck, didn’t it all start on a beach? Daytona 500, I’m happy. Also, If it ain’t NASCAR, It To mess with your fuel is the worst infraction that Michael has been saying he’s sorry to everyone Now just a little about the Daytona 500. Not too ain’t s**t! can happen in racing and all he gets is a hundred from corporate presidents, fellow competitors, fans points in the hole, come on guys, you should have and just about anybody that will listen to him, but will sent his butt home! NASCAR says that they will announce next week just what the additive was, and the speculation has been everything from Sterno to rocket fuel, but I guarantee you there’s somebody at MWR that knows what, where, and when. Yes, I know that a driver can’t spend every minute watching his car, neither can an owner, but I would think that some trusted soul could do that for them. Waltrip says that the investigation about those three things is in full swing and he ain’t letting up for a second until someone comes clean or he finds out. Michael, they still don’t know who was behind the “Grassy Nole” and they never will, or perhaps they just don’t want to find out who it was. Was this some single individual that wanted to cause you trouble? Was it a misguided fan that slipped down to Cape Kennedy and scoped up a little substance lying around?

eujacksonville.com | february 22-28, 2007 31