JACKSONVILLE

haunted by history the scariest spots on the first coast vs. fl orida activities | halloween events for kids and adults | kings of leon interview | jacksonville history

free weekly guide to entertainment and more | october 25-31, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature vs. Georgia ...... PAGE 16 Jacksonville History ...... PAGE 17 Haunted North Florida ...... PAGES 18-20 Evergreen Cemetary ...... PAGE 21 Halloween Fun For Adults ...... PAGE 22 Haunted Houses ...... PAGE 23 Haunted St. Augustine ...... PAGE 24 Kids Halloween ...... PAGE 25 movies Movies in Theaters this Week ...... PAGES 6-10 Dan in Real Life (movie review) ...... PAGE 6 The Comebacks (movie review) ...... PAGE 7 Things We Lost in the Fire (movie review) ...... PAGE 8 W. Trey White “The Impaler” (interview) ...... PAGE 9 (Jacksonville Cinema History) ...... PAGE 10 home Direct-to-DVD Horror ...... PAGE 12 Return to Halloweentown (DVD review) ...... PAGE 12 Netscapades ...... PAGE 13 dish Plaza III (restaurant review) ...... PAGES 14-15 Historic Restaurants ...... PAGES 15 music Music Calendar ...... PAGES 26-30 Jacksonville’s Musical Legacy ...... PAGES 26-27 The Fenwicks (interview) ...... PAGE 28 Kings of Leon (interview) ...... PAGE 29 Steve Azar (interview) ...... PAGE 30 arts / theatre / on stage Night of the Living Dead (Hippodrome) ...... PAGE 31 Southern History Museum ...... PAGE 32 The Art of Dr. Seuss ...... PAGE 33 columns and stuff Native Foreigner ...... PAGE 34 The Jock ...... PAGE 34 NASCAR News & Notes ...... PAGE 35

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 3 thisweek fall out boy Genitorturers Orlando-based rock band the thursday OCTOBER 25 Genitorturers honed their music and live show in the early 90’s Florida Beakman Live Science Show! Hardcore scene. What emerged is a Do the words “Science Project” strike fear in your heart? Let band that goes beyond shaking up Beakman (Paul Zaloom) unlock the secrets of science (well, some the house that “Mickey” built. The of them) for you and your family. He is living proof that science Genitorturers have mastered the art can be fun, with belief-suspending demonstrations of intriguing of the live show, breaking ground for scientifi c principles, plenty of audience participation, and his performance-based music artists trademark goofy humor. Tickets: $7 UNF- 10 am and 12 pm, Info: worldwide. They perform live this (904) 353-3500 or theatreworksjax.com week with X-Sister-Z. Tickets: $15/ advance, $20/day of show Evanescence - 8 The goth-inspired Arkansas rock band pm, Info: (904) Evanescence, with its Linkin Park-meets-Tori 246-2473 Amos sound backed by chugging guitars, easily made it to the top of the charts back in 2003 and haven’t looked back. They’re currently on tour and Jump5 will be at the Veterans Memorial Arena next week. This foursome (the Tickets: $36.50 to $45 Jacksonville Veterans 5 in their name is Memorial Arena- 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 630-3998 a mystery to us benise all) has made 10 albums since the Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Edgar millennium, most of which went Gold Meyer or Platinum. During their time in the Mandolin/fi ddle champion Sam Bush, dobro master Jerry Douglas spotlight, Jump5 have toured with and bass virtuoso Edgar Meyer join forces in a new collaborative acts like Aaron Carter, Play and Baha project featuring genre-crossing original works, traditional tunes, Men- not bad for a group made up of Tennessee teens. Now all Nada Surf and some of their best-known pieces. Twelve-time Grammy Award- grown up, the kids of Jump5 are moving on. Their fi nal album Nada Surf has been a band for 10 years — longer than most of winner Jerry Douglas incorporates bluegrass, country, rock, jazz, Hello & Goodbye just hit stores and the band is hitting the road their living peers have been out of a car seat. In 1995, their debut blues and Celtic into his distinctive musical vision. Renowned for to promote it with one last headlining tour. Jump5 will perform album High/Low became a hit, their single “Popular” fi rmly stuck in his unparalleled technique, musicianship and compositional skills, at the Murray Hill Theatre with Jesse Daniels, pureNRG, Sammy the minds of every man, women, and child for months on end. After Edgar Meyer has appeared with artists as varied as Béla Fleck, Mike Ward and Cali. Tickets: $12/advance, $15/day of show many years off the mainstream radar, the band has triumphantly Marshall, Yo-Yo Ma and Joshua Bell. Tickets: $32.50-$40 Murray Hill Theatre- 7 pm, Info: (904) 388-3179 returned, and with them a whole lot of really great music. See them - 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 live with Sea Wolf this Saturday. Tickets: $12 Cafe Eleven- 8:30 pm, Info: (904) 469-9311 MagnoliaFest OCTOBER 25 - 28 Enjoy four unforgettable days of incredible music at the 11th annual saturday OCTOBER 27 MagnoliaFest. This year’s impressive line-up includes Toots & the sunday OCTOBER 28 Maytals, Donna the Buffalo, Railroad Earth, The Duhks, Bobby Lee Ancient City Kids Day Rodgers Band, Oteil & the Peacemakers, The Lee Boys and much, monotonix much more. Full festival tickets: $115/advance, $130/at gate, Single It was the (once) great Whitney Houston who said “I believe day tickets: $30/Thursday, $40/Friday, $50/Saturday, $40/Sunday that children of our future/Teach them well and let them lead the Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, Info: (904) 249-7990 way.” It is with this wise sentiment in mind that we recommend or magmusic.com Ancient City Kids Day, a fun, family-friendly festival that will include over 40 youth service agencies offering carnival style games and activities, arts and crafts, and contests for the kids and live entertainment all day. Best of all, entry to the event is OCTOBER 26 free to the public! Francis Field- Castillo Drive, St. Augustine- friday 11 am to 4 pm, Info: (904) 829-2273 Corey Smith At a time when most of the music industry is talking about creating City of Jacksonville Florida vs. Georgia a new business model and connecting more effectively with Classic consumers, singer-songwriter Corey Smith is blazing trails in a It’s that time of year again, folks! Rivals to the end, the Gators Monotonix brave new territory others have yet to explore. With a catalogue and the Bulldogs will once again face off to the glee of college Monotonix are a 3-piece hailing from Tel-Aviv, Israel and are quickly of hard-hitting songs, a mesmerizing live performance, and an football fans everywhere. The game itself is on Saturday, but an gaining worldwide recognition for their vertigo performances- enormous internet presence, Smith is forging ahead with an event this big means plenty of football frenzy all weekend long! wild, over-the-top, raucous garage parties that dazzle audiences independent, do-it-yourself attitude, and posting numbers that leave See page 16 for more info. Jacksonville Municipal Stadium- everywhere. See for yourself this Sunday when Monotonix performs little room to doubt his success. Tickets: $23.50-$28.50 Florida 3:30 pm, Info: (904) 630-3690 at TSI with Young Widows, The Yusge and The Jack-its. Theatre- 8pm, Info: (904) 355-2787 Club TSI, Info: (904) 424-3531

4 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper benise monday OCTOBER 29 Benise An unprecedented and spectacular journey of music and dance, Roni Benise takes us on a romantic and exotic voyage through the wild and beautiful sounds of his Spanish guitar. From Spanish Flamenco to Cuban Salsa to Brazilian Samba, the traditions and rules of music and dance are shattered. Tickets: $40.50-$80.50 Times-Union Center- 7:30 pm, Info: (904) 632-3373 tuesday OCTOBER 30 Young Wild Things Tour with Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T’s, and Cute Is What We Aim For Lock up your teenage daughters! Fans of MTV, guyliner and $50 t-shirts are going to be in heaven this Tuesday when the Young Wild Things Tour tears through town. Top 40 and TRL darlings Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T’s and Cute Is What We Aim For will all perform at the Arena. Tickets: $29 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena- 7 pm, Info: (904) 353-3309

Kings of Leon Initially embraced as “the Southern Strokes” for their resurrection and reinvention of Dixie-styled rock & roll, Kings of Leon have steadily morphed themselves into an experimental rock outfi t. Made up of three brothers and a cousin, the Tennessee boys are keeping it all in the family with infl uences ranging from Southern rock to indie to blues. Read EU’s interview with the Kings on page 29. See them with Black Rebel Motorcycle Club on Tuesday. Tickets: black rebel motorcycle club $32.50 Florida Theatre- 7:30 pm, (904) 355-2787

Dr. Dog Dr. Dog is a musical band from the greater West Philadelphia area who is interested in three-part harmonies, the out-of-doors, soya roti’s, baking bread and diminished chords. According to Doug Wallen of the Philadelphia Weekly, “There’s a little folk, blues, indie rock, soul, bluegrass--and a whole lot of down-home harmonizing. It conjures images of old friends sitting on a porch swapping instruments and just letting the tape recorder run.” Also playing Delta Spirit and Emily Lacy. Tickets: $10 Cafe Eleven – 8:30 pm, Info: (904) 469-9311 wednesday OCTOBER 31 Happy Halloween Jacksonville! The city’s ghosts, ghouls and goblins will be out in full force this Halloween, taking advantage of all of the terrifi cally spooky events the River City has to offer. Not sure what your plans are yet? Take a look at our Halloween guide (on pages 22-25) and start planning for the big night!

Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair Let the fun begin! The 53rd annual Greater Jacksonville Agricultural Fair gets underway Wednesday, October 31. In addition to the usual cotton candy, corn dogs, wild rides and entertaining music, the Fair will feature a host of exciting activities including talent shows, cooking contests, beer tastings, magic shows, animal encounters and much, much more. Admission: $8/adults, $5/seniors, $5/children ages 6-12, free/children under 6. Jacksonville Fairgrounds, Info: (904) 353-0535 or jacksonvillefair.com next thursday NOVEMBER 1 Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals In their fi rst ever seated theatre tour, Ben Harper and the Innocent Criminals will perform the brand new album, Lifeline, dig deep into Harper’s back catalog of soulful gems, and will feature songs from 2004’s Grammy award winning There Will Be A Light. If you’re a fan of this exceedingly talented musician, this is one show you do not want to miss. Tickets: $42.50-$52.50 Florida Theatre- 8 pm, Info: (904) 355-2787

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 5 achieving a painless outcome is nil. Before this MOVIES OPENING situation is over, someone is going to get hurt. Yet, Hedges keeps the laughs coming and capitalizing on THE DARJEELING LIMITED Three American the many farcical moments when Dan and Marie are brothers who have not spoken to each other in a alone. Here again, the comedy depends on perfect year set off on a train voyage across India with a timing, which Hedges and his cast act-out with con- plan to fi nd themselves and bond with each other summate skill. Viewers learn to appreciate Carell’s -- to become brothers again like they used to be. comedic talent in the context of this script, compar- Their “spiritual quest”, however, veers rapidly ing it to his role in The Offi ce. They are similar char- off-course (due to events involving over-the- acters. counter pain killers, Indian cough syrup, and pep- For Dan, doing the right thing is important. But per spray), and they eventually fi nd themselves his judgement is so clouded by his love of Marie, stranded alone in the middle of the desert with he can barely keep his thoughts together. Even his eleven suitcases, a printer, and a laminating ma- daughters notice him fl irting with Marie. It’s a cal- chine. At this moment, a new, unplanned journey dron of boiling emotions as Dan tries to resolve the suddenly begins. Starring: Owen Wilson, Adrien problem, but, like being caught in quicksand, the Brody, Jason Schwartzman, Anjelica Huston. more he struggles the deeper he sinks into the muck. Rating: R. Juliette Binoche is a versatile actress who has a natural talent for comedy. She sparkles with laugh- DAN IN REAL LIFE A widower and father of three ter, stunning beauty, and acting talent, playing Marie who also writes a parenting advice column for with amazing verve. Mitch dotes on her, bragging his local newspaper falls for the girlfriend of his that she is the most wonderful thing that has ever younger brother during a family vacation in direc- happened to him, blah, blah, blah. This only tortures tor Peter Hedges’ offbeat love triangle laugher. Dan, who is about to burst with desire to be near Steve Carell stars as the writer who fi nds his Marie. widely-known convictions put to the ultimate test, with Dane Cook and Juliette Binoche respectively assuming the roles of the younger sibling and his steve carell delivers radiant girlfriend. Starring: Steve Carell, Juliette Binoche, Dane Cook, John Mahoney. Rating: PG- 13.

LARS AND THE REAL GIRL Written by Six Feet laughs Under scribe Nancy Oliver, Lars and the Real Girl is a heartfelt comedy starring Academy-Award nominated Ryan Gosling as Lars Lindstrom a loveable introvert whose emotional baggage has Dan in Real Life kept him from fully embracing life. After years of what is almost solitude, he invites Bianca, a friend BY RICK GRANT [email protected] he met on the internet to visit him. He introduces Bianca to his Brother Gus (Paul Schneider) and B+ Rated PG-13 95 min makes the most of the occasion, which leads to his wife Karen (Emily Mortimer) and they are many opportunities for comedic situations that Carell The picture is consistently funny from begin- stunned because she is a life-size doll, not a real Writer/director Peter Hedges’ theme for Dan delivers with his trademark deadpan droll style. ning to end with a stellar cast. Its comedy is tem- person and he is treating her as though she is in Real Life involves protagonist Dan Burns (Steve The bustling household with all the siblings, pered by the portrayal of a large loving family which alive. What follows is an emotional journey for Carell) fi nding cosmic love at a very inopportune their wives and kids makes a busy backdrop for warms the viewer’s heart. For Steve Carell, it’s a Lars and the people around him. Rating: PG-13 time. Yes, this happens often in real life. For instance, Dan’s critical dilemma. His options are many but great follow-up to Little Miss Sunshine. Jerry Seinfeld met his wife just after she had married SAW IV Just when audiences thought they’d someone else, greatly complicating both of their heard the last of the demented killer Jigsaw (Tobin lives. Soul-mate level love happens like an emotional Bell), here comes Saw IV, continuing his trap-fi lled atomic bomb. The two people involved know in their legacy -- this time, targeting the last remaining hearts that they’re soulfully connected, but it happens offi cer who has touched the case, SWAT Com- on whatever track their respective lives are running at mander Rigg (Lyriq Bent). Starring: Tobin Bell, the time. Costas Mandylor, Scott Patterson, Betsy Russell. In Hedges’ screenplay, Dan is a widower whose Rating: R. wife died four years ago. He is raising three teenage daughters with the requisite annoying melodrama. NOW SHOWING As a popular newspaper advice columnist, writing a column titled Dan in Real Life, Dan is not heeding 30 DAYS OF NIGHT In Barrow, Alaska, the north- his own advice. For a Christmas getaway Dan and ernmost town in the U.S, the winter sun sets and the girls travel to visit his large extended family. His does not rise for 30 days and nights. From the brothers and sisters are all concerned about him. His darkness comes an evil force that strikes terror brother Mitch (Dane Cook) has a hot new girlfriend. on the town, and all hope is pinned on a hus- When Dan goes to visit a “bait and book store,” he band-and-wife cop team. Starring: Josh Hartnett, meets an interesting and beautiful woman Marie Melissa George, Danny Huston, Jon Bennett, Ben (Juliette Binoche) and the fi reworks go off as both of Foster. Rating: R them realize it’s an extraordinary connection. After a long talk with much laughter, Marie has to go, but 3:10 TO YUMA A rancher struggles to support she gives Dan her phone number. Later, back at Dan’s his ranch and family during a long drought. Des- parents’ house, Mitch fi nally comes home with his perately needing money to build a well, he takes new girlfriend. Ah yes, it’s Marie. From this point on, the comedy is built on  precisely orchestrated timing, pregnant pauses, and Dane Cook and Steve Carell’s skillful comedic act- ing–both together and solo. Clearly, director Hedges reined in Cook’s tendency to grand-stand. Carell uses a variety of facial expressions to pull-off many guf- faw-producing moments. Forced to be in the same house with the new love of his life, who is sleeping with his brother, Dan

6 october 25-31, 2007, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper so he can practice holding onto the “ball.” an assignment to transport a notorious felon, in Coach Fields goes on a tirade when he discov- the hands of authorities, to Yuma for imprison- ers that all the players are making passing grades ment. But, once the two meet, the criminal tries and some are on the dean’s list. Real football play- to tempt him with--in exchange for allowing him ers are athletes fi rst, scholars second, according to to escape--an offer of much more money than the Coach Fields’ playbook. “I want academic proba- rancher ever expected, the result of hidden loot. tion–I want felonies and lawsuits,” he screams. Ev- Starring: Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Alan Tu- ery character is pushed to the extreme, which gleans dyk, Peter Fonda, Gretchen Mol Rating: R plenty of laughs. ACROSS THE UNIVERSE Set against the anti-war protests, rock and roll revolution, and mind-expanding psychedelia of the 1960s, Julie Taymor’s hallucinogenic musical follows the ardu- ous journey of star crossed lovers Jude (Jim Stur- gess) and Lucy (Evan Rachel Wood) as they and a small group of musicians are swept up in the raging waters of the volatile counterculture move- ment. The music in the fi lm consists exclusively of songs made popular by The Beatles during the time period depicted in the movie. PG-13

THE ASSASSINATION OF JESSE JAMES An action western surrounding the private life and public exploits of America’s most notorious out- law, Jesse James. Starring: Brad Pitt, Casey Af- spoofi ng sports fl eck, Sam Shepard, Mary-Louise Parker, Jeremy Renner. Rating: R

THE COMEBACKS This spoof comedy follows an The Comebacks out-of-luck coach, Lambeau Fields, who takes a rag-tag bunch of college misfi ts and drives them BY RICK GRANT [email protected] towards the football championships. Starring: David Koechner, Carl Weathers, Matt Lawrence, dy–the lack of a prominent comedic star. In contrast, C+ PG-13 84 min Brooke Nevin, George Back Rating: PG-13 the script seems to be written from story-board The insipid rah-rah sports movie genre is defi - ideas of various skits that work seventy percent of Actress Cate nitely ripe for parody. This comedy spoofs just about the time. That’s a pretty good percentage. ELIZABETH: THE GOLDEN AGE Blanchett returns to her Oscar-nominated role every sports movie cliché ever used in these formu- The incompetent Coach Fields takes over the and director Shekhar Kapur steps back into the laic fi lms. In this frat-house styled comedy, the satire rag-tag Comebacks in an impossible bid to win director’s chair for this belated sequel to the is not sophisticated and it uses a series of skits or games. His players are a bunch of miscreants with critically acclaimed 1998 biopic Elizabeth that sight-gags to get laughs. one star player, Trotter (Jackie Long). Cue black ste- The cast does what it can to make funny and explores the 16th century romance between the Comedic character actor David Koechner por- reotypes when Trotter arrives for practice in a limo their efforts at least keep the comedy motor idling. “Virgin Queen” and noted adventurer Sir Walter trays loser coach Lambeau Fields. Koechner rarely with his entourage, including his own cheerleaders. The coach’s daughter tries to scandalize her father Raleigh (Clive Owen). Michael Hirst teams with takes the lead and is usually part of an ensemble There is the handsome quarterback Lance, who is by dating Trotter. “He is my black boyfriend,” she William Nicholson to pen the screenplay, and ac- cast. Yes, he’s funny, but not funny enough to carry known for fumbling the ball, and the rest of this loser chirps. Coach Fields barely notices his daughter’s tor Geoffrey Rush returns to the role of Sir Francis the picture. Therein lay one of the fl aws of this paro- team. Lance’s girlfriend wears a football shaped bra attempt to piss him off. So, she takes up with Lance, Walsingham. PG13 a guy who seems to be having sexual identity prob- lems, maybe because his dad works part time as FEEL THE NOISE a cross-dresser specializing in a shabby Cher im- A 21-year-old aspiring hip-hop star from the personation at a gay club. In this low-level comedy, Bronx is forced to put his career on hold when anything goes to get a cheap laugh. a gang of local thugs threatens his life and he is The coach enlists an Indian soccer champion forced to seek refuge with his estranged father in a la Bend It Like Beckham to be the team kicker. The Puerto Rico. Musical appearances: Vico, Volito, towel boy is the coach’s whipping boy. A mentally Wyclef Jean, Alexis and Fido. PG13 challenged black kid is the team mascot, which is an obvious reference to Cuba Gooding Jr’s Radio, THE GAME PLAN The Rock stars this sports- but this kid pushing the grocery basket uses an iPod themed family comedy concerning a football instead of a radio, thus his nickname, “iPod.” superstar who abandons the gridiron to answer Director Tom Brady (not the quarterback) even the call of fatherhood after learning that he has a threw in a fl ashy Journey tribute band sequence that daughter he never knew. Rated PG is hilarious. Viewers will ask, “Were they that ridicu- lous?” Yes, but it’s a highlight of the fi lm. Brady at- GONE BABY GONE Two young private detectives tempts to parody the redemption angle of the typical are hired to take a closer look at the mysterious sports movie but, in so doing, he ends up losing the disappearance of a little girl and soon discover thread of what he’s parodying. that nothing is what it seems. Starring: Casey In all sports movies, the momentum builds to Affl eck, Michelle Monaghan, Ed Harris, Morgan the fi nal championship game with the underdogs Freeman, John Ashton. Rating: R. coming from behind against all odds to end up in the fi nal game. Brady makes his point that these fi lms HALLOWEEN Under the direction of Rob Zombie are so predicable there is a wealth comedy material there is a new take on the legend and a new to skewer the big emotional fi nish. He does a fair job chapter in the Michael Myers “Halloween” saga. sending up this hokey big fi nish with just about every Starring: Daeg Faerch, Danielle Harris, Malcolm grand fi nale cliché imaginable. The Comebacks rally McDowell, Danny Trejo, and Sheri Moon. Rated R from 34 to zip to win the game. As spoofs go, this fi lm is palatable. It’s aimed THE HEARTBREAK KID Ben Stiller stars as Ed- at viewers who love to laugh at slapstick and sight- die, a man who is getting married to a woman he gags. After viewing this fi lm, mainstream sports proposed to after knowing her for just one week. movies will take on a whole new undercurrent of comedy. 

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 7 While on their honeymoon he discovers that his dialogue. The meticulous orchestration of her scenes new bride is in many ways a horrible person, focuses on Benicio Del Toro’s ragged heroin-addled and at the same time meets a woman (Michelle face, juxtaposed with Audrey’s anguished expres- Monaghan) who he begins to realize he should sions. Del Toro’s penetrating performance may win have married. Rated R him another Oscar. (Del Toro won an Oscar for Best Supporting Role in Traffi c.) INTO THE WILD After graduating from Emory University in 1992, top student and athlete Chris- topher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity and hitchhikes to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Along the way, Christopher encounters a series of characters that shape his life. Starring: Emile Hirsch, Vince Vaughn, Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt. Rating: R

THE KINGDOM In the aftermath of a deadly at- tack on American forces in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, diplomats are slow to act, but meanwhile, FBI special agent Ronald Fleury (Jamie Foxx) as- sembles a secret team of U.S. counter-terrorism investigators to enter the city and fi nd the criminal behind what has quickly become an international incident. Also starring Jennifer Garner, Chris Coo- per, Jason Bateman, Jeremy Piven. Rated R

MICHAEL CLAYTON Michael Clayton (George Clooney) is an in-house “fi xer” at one of the larg- est corporate law fi rms in New York. A former criminal prosecutor, Clayton takes care of the dirtiest work at the behest of the fi rm’s co- founder Marty Bach (Sydney Pollack). At U/North, an oscar contender Bier’s style of hand held camera work utiliz- meanwhile, the career of litigator Karen Crowder ing available lighting greatly enhances the noir-ish (Tilda Swinton) rests on the multi-million dollar tone of the story. She uses closeups of Berry’s eyes settlement of a class action suit that Clayton’s and Del Toro’s grizzled junkie face to drive home fi rm is leading to a seemingly successful conclu- Things We Lost in the Fire the characters’ plight. Audrey feels an inexplicable sion. Rated R closeness to Jerry, but she’s jealous of his past BY RICK GRANT [email protected] relationship with Brian. She invites Jerry to stay in RENDITION A thriller that centers on Isabella her house and fi nish rebuilding a spare room, which El-Ibrahimi, the American wife of Egyptian-born A Rated R 119 min intervened when he observed a husband beating was the garage that burned up in a fi re. He reluc- chemical engineer Anwar El-Ibrahimi, who disap- his wife to death. The murder and the subsequent tantly accepts her offer. Audrey doesn’t want to be pears on a fl ight from South Africa to Washington. Danish fi lmmaker Susanne Bier created visu- aftermath leaves Audrey devastated. When Jerry alone and leans on Jerry, but his drug addiction gets Isabella desperately tries to track her husband ally stunning still shots and close-ups that were so shows up at the wake, Audrey has ambivalent feel- in the way. For Audrey, this shaky relationship brings down, while a CIA analyst at a secret detention well thought out, each frame of the fi lm could be ings toward him. However, Jerry is her only link with out a cascade of repressed emotions. In the realm of facility outside the U.S. is forced to question his exhibited in an art gallery. Allan Loeb’s screenplay her dead husband, so she puts aside her anger and friendship, Brian was closer to Jerry than he was to assignment. Starring: Reese Witherspoon, Omar is a masterful exploration of grief, drug addiction, nurtures a fragile friendship with him. Audrey–a fact that drives her up the wall. Metwally, Jake Gyllenhaal, Peter Sarsgaard, Alan loneliness and recovery after a tragedy. The scenario Bier, who is internationally renowned for such Arkin. Rating: R involves Audrey Burke (Halle Berry) who has just fi lms as Open House, Brothers, and After the Wed- lost her husband Brian (David Duchovny) in a sense- ding, was given carte blanche by DreamWorks to RESIDENT EVIL: EXTINCTION Alice, now in hid- less murder. make the fi lm in her original style, making no con- ing in the Nevada desert, once again joins forces Viewers learn about Brian in numerous cessions for American audiences. The resulting fi nal with Carlos Olivera and L.J., to try to eliminate the fl ashbacks. The key to understanding this story cut is quality cinema that is neither pretentious nor deadly virus that threatens to make every human is Steven’s unusual friendship with his childhood aimed at selective viewers. Everyone can relate to being undead...and to seek justice. Rated R buddy, Jerry Sunborne (Benicio Del Toro). The two the core premise–the sudden loss of a loved one by grew up together and, although Brian went on to random violence. How Audrey gradually lifts herself SARAH LANDON AND THE PARANORMAL HOUR achieve success as a real estate developer, he still up from her crippling grief is a hopeful inspiration to 17-year-old Sarah Landon is in over her head. stayed in touch with Jerry, who had hit rock bottom those who have been through it. Staying far away from home with her late friend’s as a heroin addict. Audrey hated Jerry because Brian Ah yes, Halle Berry is drop dead gorgeous even grandmother, she realizes she’s sleeping in a confi ded in him, telling him things that he wouldn’t toned down to look haggard. She skillfully portrays haunted guest house and that she’s just uncov- tell Audrey. Brian showed remarkable compassion Audrey as a lost soul trying to make sense of her ered a small town’s dark secret. Rated: PG for his friend and tried to help him. husband’s murder and still a good mother to her Loeb’s script is a study in character-driven two children. Bier uses her actors to show emotions SEA MONSTERS: A PREHISTORIC ADVENTURE story lines, revolving around Brian’s murder. He had by affecting various facial expressions instead of IN 3D This stunning photo-realistic computer-gener- ated animation transports audiences back to the Late Cretaceous, when a great inland sea divided North America in two. The fi lm follows a curious and adventurous dolichorhynchopsas she travels Halle Berry digs deep into Audrey’s soul, af- through the most dangerous oceans in history. fecting hidden emotions and pain. It’s a showcase performance. In the midst of all this tragedy, Berry THINGS WE LOST IN THE FIRE Audrey Burke is even brings out Audrey’s bitchy side when she gets reeling from the shock of the news that her hus- angry that Jerry has knowledge of events that Brian band Brian who has been killed in a random act never told her about. of violence. Impulsively, she turns to Jerry Sun- This fi lm is an Oscar contender that speaks borne, a down-and-out addict who has been her volumes about tolerance and friendship. Bier took husband’s close friend since childhood. Audrey the time to setup her shots to convey a feast of vi- sual images set against exemplary characterizations  by top tier actors.

8 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper a treasure trove of lunacy interview with fi lmmaker W. Tray White BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected]

Jonathon “The Impaler” Sharkey is a blood- forwarded to me [because] Jonathon and I aren’t INVITESNVITES YOUOU TO SEEEE sucking politician… literally. The self-professed speaking. It’s not me, it’s him. He doesn’t like how vampire and Satanist ran for Governor of Minnesota the movie is edited… He’s pissed at me. He’s been back in 2006 and is currently seeking the highest doing this thing where he’s been going around say- THEHE JACKSONVILLEACKSONVILLE PREMIEREREMIERE offi ce in the land, running for President under the ing he’s going to impale me… if I mock him in the Vampires, Witches, and Pagans Party. Filmmaker W. movie, he’s going to impale me and I don’t think I Tray White heard about Sharkey’s Minnesota cam- mocked him. I think if there are laughs in it it’s not paign and in 2006 fi lmed the bizarre candidate for 8 because of my manipulation, it’s because of what months as he basked in an unprecedented amount he’s doing. I think I gave him a pretty fair shake. The of media for an Independent candidate. That footage fi rst time he watched it I think he was more a little became Impaler, a fascinating documentary that bit in shock and he was cool with it. But after a few looks at Sharkey’s life, family and unconventional weeks I could tell his attitude was changing a little platform, which includes affordable healthcare, end- bit and he started sending messages to people and ing the war in Iraq and impaling law breakers and people were forwarding his emails to me and I’m terrorists. like “Yeah, whatever. I’m doing other stuff; I don’t With Halloween upon us, we couldn’t help but really have time for this.” But he ended up posting to bring this intriguing documentary to your atten- on some vampire site how he’s going to kill me tion. Filmmaker W. Tray White was gracious enough and I was having a really bad day so I just, being a to talk with EU about his time with The Impaler, what redneck Texan, I called him up and I was like “Alright, the vampire thought of the fi lm and the possibility of enough’s enough. I fl y for free; I’ll meet you any- a sequel. where you want.” So he called the Secret Service on me like he’s some dignitary [laughs]. So we’re not EU: What brought Jonathon Sharkey to your atten- talking but he’s sending messages… [This email] is tion? from a sock puppet email address: “A dire warning W. Tray White: I saw a little blurb on the news from the vampire community: Look over your shoul- before he got big, just a little passing blurb and a der, we’re coming after you” that whole thing. So picture of him with his cloak and a sword and didn’t I wrote them back and gave them my address and think anything of it… Later on that night I was just told them what my schedule is… It’s gotten kind of screwing around on the Internet procrastinating on ridiculous but I still don’t have hard feelings for him writing and I was just searching around and found a because I think maybe he needs some help. quote that said “Unlike most politicians I will not try and hide my evil side” and it was Jonathon Sharkey. EU: What’s been the general response from audi- So I just Googled his name, went to his website ences so far? and it was a treasure trove of lunacy [laughs]. I WTW: When they don’t know anything about the called him that same night and it was really late and story, they’re blown away. That sounds a little… Uh I wasn’t sure what I was going to do. I wasn’t sure [Laughs]… I’m shocked that it’s so well-received… if I was going to prank call him or what, I was just I’m shocked that they like it… I think outside Minne- bored and doing what any 28-year-old kid would do. sota it’s been very, very well-received. In Minnesota So I called him and ended up talking to him and the I got one bad review. They take it really personal in next thing I knew I was out there in Minnesota fi lm- Minnesota. They think that I made a movie that is an ing him. indictment of the American media and I’m not going to say what the movie is about… that’s not my call EU: What were your fi rst impressions of Sharkey? to make. But they take it real personally… They’re WTW: [Laughs] Oh gosh. I was surprised by his basically like “Tray is a scumbag and this and this openness, his willingness to tell me anything I want- but the movie works and it’s good.” So they didn’t ed to know and just how inviting he was. He’s a guy like me a whole lot in Minnesota but everywhere who worships Satan and bites people for blood and outside of Minnesota its been well-received and I’ve daydreams of impaling high-ranking federal offi cials, gotten really good word of mouth. STOP BY AND REGISTER FOR yet he’s actually a pretty nice guy. I expected kind of dark, gothic, skull and crossbones on his door and EU: Do you see Impaler making it to DVD any time YOUR COMPLIMENTARY PASS for him to be all sophomoric and he’s not like that at soon? (one pass per person • no purchase necessary • supplies limited) all. He’s just really down to earth… I was just kind WTW: Yeah, soon. In North America, soon, yeah. In of like “Wow, this guy’s not a lunatic like everyone’s other territories it might take a little longer. thinking.” I mean, he might be a lunatic, he might be. But that’s for the audience to decide. But just EU: I came across a strange posting by Jonathan right off the bat he’s a pretty normal guy with a re- that mentioned the possibility of an Impaler se- ally interesting story. I also did notice right off the quel. Do you know anything about that? bat that there were things he was keeping from me, WTW: [Laughs] No, I think I’ve had my fi ll of satanic that we later kind of fi nd out. A lot of things weren’t vampires for a lifetime. There is no sequel in pro- Ice Cream · Gelato · Ices necessarily adding up, that’s another impression I duction right now. I own the rights and if someone got from him. wanted to come and take the life story rights off my hands then go for it, but right now I have no plans. EU: I read some self-proclaimed vampires and There has been some interest but we’ll see. I’m not 13475 Atlantic Blvd. #34 werewolves put a curse on you. What was that all doing it again; I want no part of it [laughs]. I’m mov- 904-220-9030 about? ing on to other things. WTW: Yeah, yeah, well there was a group that did some mass curse on me but the newest news For our complete interview with W. Tray White IN THEATRES NOVEMBER 9 is, that… well, I’ll just read it to you. This was visit our website at eujacksonville.com.

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 9 invites Jerry to move into the room adjacent to their garage and working together, they discover the strength to move forward. Starring: Benicio Del Toro, Halle Berry, David Duchovny, Alexis Llewellyn, Micah Berry. Rating: R

TIM BURTON’S NIGHTMARE BEFORE CHRIST- MAS This stop-motion animated fable was a big hit when it was released in 1993, praised for its stunning originality and for the excellence of its execution. In Disney Digital 3-D Rated: PG

TYLER PERRY’S WHY DID I GET MARRIED? A big-screen adaptation of Perry’s hit stage play of the same title. During a trip to the picturesque snowcapped mountains of Colorado, eight mar- ried college friends have gathered for their annual seven-day reunion. Perry stars alongside a tal- ented ensemble cast that includes Janet Jackson, Malik Yoba, Jill Scott, Sharon Leal, Tasha Smith, Michael Jai White, Denise Boutte and Lamann Rucker. PG13

WE OWN THE NIGHT WE OWN THE NIGHT Bobby Green (Joaquin Phoenix) manages one jacksonville fi lm history of Gotham’s hottest clubs - but being in the club scene often means turning a blind eye to blatant criminal activities. Realizing that his career - and Norman Studios perhaps his life - could come to a sudden end if anyone discovers that his father Burt (Robert Duvall) is the deputy chief of police and his BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] brother Joseph (Mark Walberg) is a rising star on the force, Bobby struggles to keep that sensitive By 1908 Jacksonville was the Southern silent ings: wardrobe, fi lm processing, a generator room, information from everyone except his devoted fi lm capital of the . Records from our prop storage and studio fi lming space. There was girlfriend Amanda (Eva Mendes). Rated R area mention as many as thirty-seven major studios also an onsite swimming pool, used for water shots that made their home here. Just eight years later, in and other effects. The pool is still there, though it’s 1916, the local telephone directory listed more than been fi lled in with dirt. One building has been con- SPECIAL SHOWINGS 100 motion picture companies. City fathers such verted into a church, one is the former dance studio as Mayor J.E.T. Bowden welcomed the studios to run by Mrs. Norman and the rest were used for stor- Midnight Movies Jacksonville because of the money and status they age and other things. In the near future gas prices have BLOOD CAR brought to the city. As of today, Norman Studios is the only Silent reached astronomical highs nearing $40 a gallon. Year round warm weather, a variety of settings Complex in the country left standing. All fi ve One man, Archie Andrews, an environmentalist and abundant sunlight kept the studios coming. In- buildings are still intact. Old , Inc, a non- elementary school teacher, is trying to discover expensive labor and relatively cheap land was also a profi t preservation society, has taken on the task of an alternate fuel source. While experimenting with plus that couldn’t be had in other locations. helping to restore the site and raise awareness. wheat grass, Archie accidentally stumbles upon a For about fi fteen to twenty years, Jacksonville There have already been fundraisers to that solution. That solution turns out to be blood. HU- reigned as a silent fi lm capital. But local politicians end, such as the Silent Sundays, held at the Phar- MAN BLOOD! This fi lm had sold out crowds this focusing on cleaning up the city began to make cyde Dance Center (6354 Arlington Road) across year’s Jacksonville Film Festival. Showing Oct 26 it less attractive to fi lm studios. Post-World War, from the complex. During the September Silent Sun- & 27 at 11:55 pm at the Theatre. Info: Jacksonville experienced a severe drop in studio day, they debuted the fi lm series with “The Son of 396-4845 or sanmarcotheatre.com. companies. The studio our area is most famous for, the Sheik,” starring the enigmatic Rudolf Valentino. however, was established in 1920. Before the fi lm, patrons could take a tour of the old MOCA Underground Eagle Studios built their complex in 1916 in fi lm complex and listen to a talk about its history. Wednesday’s come alive at MOCA Jacksonville Arlington. In 1920 the property was purchased by Live dancing, entertainment and drinks were part of from 5 to 9 pm for MOCA in the Middle. Enjoy Norman Laboratories, which was working on new the post-party fun. Proceeds will be used to restore live music in the atrium during the happy hour methods to produce “talkies.” Between 1920 and the interiors of the four buildings owned by the City 5 to 7 pm before the MOCA Underground fi lm 1928 Richard Norman made scores of shorts and of Jacksonville and for the possible purchase of the series begins at 7 pm. Fright Flicks on October six feature fi lms. He left his mark in history by being remaining building, which is currently being used as 31, Halloween Night, will feature a Special Double one of the few fi lmmakers who produced all-black a church. Feature Wednesday, with (1931) with DRACULA fi lms that were not degrading to the race, but were At present, exterior renovations are in progress new score by Philip Glass and DRACULA: PAGES instead more realistic depictions, often taking a stan- on four of the complex’s fi ve buildings, funded by . Special Twofer Price: FROM A VIRGIN’S DIARY dard movie plot and casting black actors. $681,000 in grants from State of Florida Division of Non-Members $10, Members/Students $8. First “My father was disheartened about the state of Historical Resources, America’s Treasures and the 20 people to arrive in costume admitted free! race relations at the time, both in real life and in the City of Jacksonville. 7pm. Info: 366-6911or mocajacksonville.org. movies,” says Captain Richard Norman, Jr. “And he Organizers aim to reopen the complex as a saw an untapped market. So, he set out to help give silent fi lm museum and community center. Plans Night Owl Cinema Series the black community a stronger place on fi lm, behind include workshops, indie fi lm screenings and sum- The St. Augustine Amphitheatre will be hosting the cameras and in the theatres.” mer camps to teach underprivileged children about a Halloween Double Feature with a Haunted Hay Norman was one of the fi rst, along with Oscar careers in the fi lm and television industries. Ride, Costume Contest & Games on Friday, Oc- Micheaux and the Lincoln Motion Picture Co., to “My father would be proud, and my fam- tober 26. At 7:30 LEMONY SNICKET’S A SERIES make what were dubbed as “race fi lms.” These ily is deeply honored to see his legacy… not only (PG) will be screened OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS movies resisted the conventions of the day by cast- preserved but furthered,” Captain Norman says “A and at 9:30 see (R) . Food will be , THE SHINING ing black actors in positive, starring roles and hiring whole new generation of young fi lmmakers stands to provided by local restaurants so come early and black crewmembers. Black characters were the benefi t from the efforts of the Norman Studios Silent hungry. Doors open at 6:30 pm. The Amphitheatre heroes and heroines, the lovers and fi ghters, not the Film Museum.” is located 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. Info: stereotypical, degraded black characters presented For more information on the restoration project, 904-471-1965 or staugamphitheatre.com. in white-centric fi lms of the period. history and Silent Sundays, visit NormanStudios.org The Norman complex included several build- or oldarlington.org/home.php.

10 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper JACKSONVILLE web / graphic designer wanted.

we are seeking creative individuals who are proficient in web design and desktop publishing (specifically all the programs in the adobe creative suite). must be organized and know how to appreciate clean and neat design. experience and degree preferred. please send resumes with portfolios to [email protected].

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

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007, 2007 11 a fun hour and a half. new on dvd the mad (95 min.) oh, the horror! 83 min. Unrated MEET THE ROBINSONS Lewis, a brilliant young inventor, sets off on a The Mad is yet another zombie fi lm but it’s got time-traveling journey to fi nd the family he never an interesting premise. A normal family is traveling knew. In the fantastical world of 2037, hip-hop- direct-to-dvd horror and comes across a café that is unknowingly sell- pin’ frogs and dogs that wear glasses are as ing tainted burgers that turn those who eat them into common as talking dinosaurs. In an amazing BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected] blood-thirsty monsters. Billed as a horror/comedy, The twist, Lewis discovers that the fate of the future Mad stars Billy Zane and was directed by Canadian rests in his hands, but he can’t save it alone- Direct-to-DVD fi lms are often a crapshoot. Sometimes you end up with a surprisingly good fi lm that just got lost indie fi lmmaker John Kalangis. Even if it isn’t the next he’ll need every bit of help he can get from the in the studio system shuffl e. Other times you can tell from the title alone that the fl ick was never meant to see Shaun of the Dead, you gotta appreciate the fi lm’s wonderfully wacky Robinson family, who help the inside of a movie theater. With Halloween offi cially upon us, EU decided to peruse the internet and local video clever tagline, “A zomedy with fl avor,” and tongue-in- him learn to keep moving forward and never stop stores to fi nd some fun direct-to-DVD horror movies. Here are a handful of titles we came across during our cheek cow-power message. believing in himself. This fi lm is rated G. search: reeker INTO GREAT SILENCE (162 min.) Showtime’s Masters of Horror television series. In it, 91 min. Not Rated Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the stink of fl esh 82 min. Not Rated a group of childhood friends are tormented by the ice Reeker actually looks like the ever-so-rare legiti- the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the Unlike a lot of zombie movies, cream man they accidentally killed when they were mately good direct-to-DVD fi lm. Five college kids fi nd world’s most ascetic monasteries. Filmmaker The Stink of Flesh uses the rising of the dead as a backdrop to a far kids. The ice cream man’s weapon is evil frozen treats themselves stranded in a deserted travel lodge while Philip Gröning, sans crew or artifi cial lighting, stranger and more original story. Nathan and Dexy are on their way to a party. While there, the students begin lived in the monk’s quarters for six months, that, when eaten, turn people into puddles of melted fi lming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare married swingers always looking to add some spice Neapolitan. Demented, but oh so delicious, We All seeing horrifying visions of mutilated travelers killed outdoor excursions. This fi lm is not rated. (usually in the form of one or more people) to their Scream for Ice Cream is well worth a rental. by a wicked entity known as the Reeker. Soon the sex lives. But a recent zombie problem affl icting the frightened kids are being picked off one by one and THE CHRISTMAS CARD (84 min.) area has left them with very few choices. Enter Ma- the wickeds those left behind must fi ght to stay alive. Don’t let the While on duty in Afghanistan, Captain Cullen tool, a killer of all things undead who is kidnapped by 94 min. Rated R (violence/gore, language, some description fool you, this is not another The Hills Have (John Newton) receives a Christmas card from the couple and forced into the bedroom. Meanwhile, sexuality and nudity) Eyes. Entertaining, scary and full of twists, Reeker got his hometown in California that lifts his low the world is turning into a zombie wasteland and the Looking at the cover art, The Wickeds looks some fantastic reviews after its DVD release, so much spirits. Months later, he is propelled on an inspi- fl esh-eating monsters are descending upon Nathan like your average Night of the Living Dead rip-off and, so that a sequel is currently in the making. rational journey to fi nd the card’s sender, Faith and Dexy’s love shack fast. Plenty of gore and an by all accounts, it is. But this particular Night of the (Alice Evans). This fi lm is not rated. outrageous take on the zombie genre makes The Stink Living Dead rip-off stars Ron Jeremy and that, my evil bong of Flesh a surefi re winner for horror fans who have a friends, makes it worth a rental. The plot goes a little 86 min. Not Rated HOSTEL- PART II (94 min.) taste for lots of blood. something like this: a group of 20-somethings decide The title alone kind of says it all. Evil Bong is Three young Americans studying in Rome set off to spend Halloween at a run-down house in the mid- a horror/comedy starring Tommy Chong (naturally) for a weekend trip when they run into a beautiful masters of horror: we all dle of nowhere that’s currently being used as a movie about a water pipe that magically transports the model who invites them to an exotic destination, scream for ice cream set. Not far away, a couple of grave robbers disturb smoker into a world where they are brutally killed by assuring them they will be able to relax and reju- 57 min. Rated TV-MA the wrong corpse, causing the dead to rise again. monster bras. Yes, I said bras. Directed by Charles venate. What they don’t know is they are about to I didn’t want to add any of the Masters of The grave robbers end up fl eeing to the house where Band and shot in just 7 days, Evil Bong is by no become victims for hire, pawns in the fantasies Horror DVDs to this list since they technically are they team up with the kids to try and stay alive. With means a masterpiece but the concept alone had me in of the sick and privileged from around the world. made-for-TV, but a look at the opening scene and the a budget of $50,000, a fi rst-time writer and a cast of hysterics and I haven’t touched pot in nearly a decade. Rated R for sadistic scenes of torture and bloody brilliant cover forced me to make an exception. nobodies (Jeremy, of course, being the exception), This low-budget C-movie is supposed to be stupid, violence, terror, nudity, sexual content, language We All was directed by Tom Holland mindless fun so keep that in mind before picking it up and some drug content. Scream for Ice Cream The Wickeds will not knock your socks off or make it (Child’s Play) and is the 10th episode of season 2 of on your Top Ten list, but it’s just campy enough to be and you shouldn’t walk away disappointed. MR. BROOKS (120 min.) Consider Mr. Brooks (Kevin Costner): a success- ful businessman; a generous philanthropist; a loving father and devoted husband. Seemingly, scared past silly he’s perfect. But Mr. Brooks has a secret--he is an insatiable serial killer, so lethally clever that no one has ever suspected him--until now.Rated R for strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual Return to Halloweentown dvd content, nudity and language. BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected] HOME OF THE BRAVE (105 min.) In Southeastern Iraq, a war-wearied National Let’s get this out of the way right up front: other reason but to add a few more words to the Guard unit has just received news that they are I am not the target demographic for any of the cover. Extras on the disc are nearly nonexistent. Fans about to be sent back home. But when they head Halloweentown movies. Sure, I’ve seen bits and get a single 6 minute featurette called “Behind the pieces of a couple, but I’ve never actually sat Scenes Spooktacular.” Here we get a very brief look out on one fi nal humanitarian mission, things go through an entire installment of the series until the at some of the visual effects and hear from the cast terribly wrong. Ensnared by insurgents, a chaotic fourth fi lm, , which is now members and crew about the making of the fi lm. Ad- fi refi ght ensues from which none of the group Return to Halloweentown available on DVD. mittedly Return to Halloweentown is no High School will escape unscathed. Back home, the soldiers Marnie Piper () is now enrolled Musical, but I’m sure fans would have appreciated a fi nd themselves still reeling from the ambush’s at Halloweentown’s Witch University, a prestigious bit more effort on this release. Hopefully Disney will lasting effect, haunted by their own personal school that’s fi lled with the magical elite. Marnie, a do right by them in the future. demons and feeling a deep disconnect between descendant of the ultra-powerful Cromwell family, Return to Halloweentown is almost impossible themselves and those leading everyday American soon becomes the target of the Sinister sisters, a to follow without knowing a bit of the back story lives around them. Rated R for war violence and trio of wicked siblings who play pranks on the teen found in the fi rst three fi lms, so if you’re planning on loweentown managed to get 7.5 million viewers language. legacy to prove that they rule the school. Mean- picking this DVD up for the tween in your life be sure when it premiered, making it the 5th highest rated while the group known as The Dominion is plotting they are familiar with the series. Having seen many DCOM ever, so it’s gotta be doing something for TV on DVD to use Marnie’s magic and bloodline to take over Movies over the years, this one the kids! Snag this perfectly seasonal DVD for Veronica Mars- The Complete Third Season, The Halloweentown. struck me as the most forgettable, especially com- your Halloweentown fan and I’m sure they’ll thank Sopranos- Season 6, Part 2, The L Word- The The Return to Halloweentown DVD is dubbed pared to monster-smash-mega-hits like High School you for it. Just be sure to grab a good book for Fourth Season, and NCIS- The Fourth Season “The Ultimate Secret Edition” for apparently no Musical and The Cheetah Girls. Still, Return to Hal- yourself so you won’t too bored while they watch!

12 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper netscapades by brenton crozier

From its pagan heyday, identifi ed by bonfi res and animal sacrifi ce, to its current excuse for slothful children to embellish their corpulent fi gures with complimentary confectionary handouts, Halloween commemorates the best society has to offer. Whether you think Halloween is evil and should be euphemistically called a Fall Festival, are fi xated with bad horror movies and goth-metal music or are of the puff-paint pumpkin sweater variety, Halloween brings out the bad taste, pettiness and social awkwardness in us all. I would like to take this week to celebrate some Halloween all-stars, the inventive pumpkin artistes, and Halloween’s faux pas, the schlocky costumes that we all had to endure for a few trick-or-treat outings from yester-year.

extremepumpkins.com I never realized what could be done with a pumpkin, knife, some art supplies and a passion for pumpkinry. This is “pumpkin carving at its wild- est!” This is truly all things pumpkin and features the most bizarre, humor- ous and creative carving that I’ve ever seen. An incendiary tone is literally set from the start with the fl aming pumpkin on the home page. The site includes how-tos, pyrotechnic information, design strategy, contest winners and the crème de lem crème: the photo gallery. It’s all here folks, the conjoined twin pumpkins, the electrocution pumpkin, the Pac Man pumpkin and my favorite: the puking pumpkin. I didn’t think that pumpkins could be so engrossing, but I’ve spent hours looking through this entertaining and informative site. Whether you want to switch up the routine Halloween décor or are the kind of person that salivates at the thought of taking a power tool to your pumpkin, extremepumpkins.com has something for you. Not even the most boorish punk could smash one of these guys! retrocrush.buzznet.com/costumes Do you remember the prepackaged Halloween costumes that came from Woolworths in a fl imsy cardboard box? They were plastic, cheap, had that rubber band that pulled your hair upon application and were kind of creepy with the static expression. You could be the disturbing version of your favorite celebrity, comic book hero or monster without any thought or effort. Retrocrush features all the greats, mainly the hits from that tasteful decade, the 70s. This site dubs itself as “The World’s Greatest Pop Culture Website.” I’m not sure if it lives up to such billing, nor do I plan to fi nd out, at least not this week. It looks interesting, but I need to stay focused. These costumes are indeed tacky, deliciously kitsch and extremely funny, although we are laughing at them, not with them. I mean seriously, there is a reason that this style of costume got downgraded from Halloween attire to bank robbing apparel. All of these costumes are worth taking a look at, but there are defi nite standouts. The Gabe Kaplan (Mr. Kotter of Welcome Back Kotter) features a creepy-fantastic mask with afro and mustache, along with the trash bag-esque suite that features the faces of the “Sweat Hogs.” The site points out that you could “just go naked with it (the mask) as Ron Jeremy.” Eww, gross. The Flipper costume is accurately called “freakish” and conjures up thoughts of that disturbing children’s book series Animorphs. The write-up describes the costume as “some experiment from The Island of Dr. Moreau gone horribly wrong.” Wasn’t the point of that story that all the experiments went horribly wrong? Well, we know what they are trying to say. I saved my absolute favorite for last. So who was the kid that wanted to be the biker guy (also referred to as “Leather Guy”) from the Village People? I wonder if there were groups of friends that collaborated as the entire band. The site points out that this costume was probably the “second choice after the Richard Simmons costumes were sold out.” This was a costume that was just bursting out of the closet! Happy Halloween and be careful if you are planning to sport a sweet Gabe Kaplan costume or planning to take a blowtorch to your pumpkin.

EU does not condone any type of activity that involves blowtorches or Gabe Kaplan costumes. Unless you take pictures and send them to us, then give us the green light to publish them, but not really.

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 13 dish. where to eat, drink and be merry.

steakhouse serving history ala carte Plaza III

BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] Hotel restaurants are one of those things that you may never know about unless you stay at the hotel. Here in Jacksonville, some of the best places to get a steak are tucked inside hotel lobbies, with spacious bars and city views. One such place is the Plaza III, located inside the Regency Hyatt Downtown. The original Plaza III is in Kansas City, a place where a good steak is a prereq- Desserts from Preservation uisite for almost any restaurant. Although Tap and Chop House. it’s affi liated with its namesake, it isn’t a chain; it’s locally owned and operated. The beef is corn-fed, carefully se- page 14 - 15 plaza III restaurant review | page 15 lected and then aged for three weeks. The interview with drew cavins | page 16 haunted pub crawl décor is conservative and the walls are decorated with scenes of old Jacksonville, such as a 1900s picnic, scenes from We love to dish! So we thought we’d give you the news on local eateries and food events. If you’ve WWII and the old train yards. Some of the got news on your restaurant or event, email us at [email protected] to get your news included. most interesting black & whites can be Beginning November 1st, if you didn’t know already, Café Nola will be opening up nights, but only found in the private dining areas, where on Wednesdays. The lovely Chew, also Downtown has been open Thursday-Saturday from 5 pm- 9pm, you can hold small parties with advance so if you haven’t gone there because you hate Downtown parking during the day, try the evening on a notice. weekend. No more excuses! Chew is just too, too fab to miss! As you walk into the place, you’ll see The Cork & The Keg in Bertram Walk is holding their fi rst anniversary party on October 25 at 7 pm. a full bar on your left. Besides the standard They’ll have free wine tastings, food, cake, door prizes and specials on their wine and beer, as a thank bar selections, they also have cognacs you to the community. They’ve also got a tasting on Halloween night from 6:30 pm- 8:30 pm. If you and scotches for your pleasure. The wine dress in costume you can taste for free! list is very extensive, with over 200 selec- Last month there was the sad demise of Crush, but two other interesting restaurants sprung up to tions. They’ve even got their own label of take its place—Flavors on Baymedows, nestled in a strip mall just before Old Baymeadows, and Bread Plaza III wines. Wine Spectator has hon- & Butter Downtown. Flavors is an Indian place with a fantastic lunch buffet (love the paneer!), and we’ve ored them with awards for several years already been hearing good things about Bread & Butter. running, so they must be doing something Remember, if you’ve got any dish on Jacksonville food and drink, do send us an email at right! [email protected]. Appetizers are fairly standard, although the seared tuna has a Cajun twist to the usual Asian treat- ment. The crab cakes, oysters Rockefeller and oysters on the half-shell are all great pre-meal nibbles.

14 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Their lobster bisque is exception- ally popular. I had their pretty pre- sentation of Shrimp Cocktail as an appetizer. While you only get four restaurateur embraces shrimp, they are huge, tender and well-presented in a martini glass. The half-frozen “salad” in the cen- local charm ter of the glass is for presentation instead of consumption, which was a disappointment for me. I got interview with Drew Cavins over it as I dipped my enormous shrimp in cocktail sauce ate them. The salad I tried, the Tomato BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] Roquefort, gets high marks in both Drew Cavins owns two restaurants with a historic Jacksonville fl air, the Mossfi re Grill and the presentation and taste. Tomatoes Preservation Tap and Chop House. were sliced and stacked high, Scooter and Drew Cavins opened the Mossfi re in 1998 and the restaurant soon became a 5 Points laced with the bold Roquefort favorite. It’s a great place to go for a meal with a Southwestern fl air and often has live entertainment cheese, marinated Raddichio and on the weekends. Friday nights are particularly busy. Servers tend to know the menu well and are great the sweet tang of a balsamic re- at recommending something for everybody. Mossfi re is vegetarian friendly, so if you’re vegetarian and duction. looking for another place to go out, add this one to your list. One of the most popular Somehow, the mix between Southwestern style and Jacksonville history works, perhaps because the food’s so good. The Mossfi re’s historical angle comes mainly from the name, which ties into items on this upscale menu is, Jacksonville history, though you will see the occasional historic photo of the fi re. Says Cavins about the surprisingly, the Black Jack Meat- christening of the Mossfi re: loaf. We Southerners love a great “When we fi rst opened up we were trying to do a kind of a Southwestern name and we called meatloaf, whatever the setting. it the Tumbleweed Grill. Unbeknownst to us there was a company up in Kentucky…that had 40 Their Kansas City Strip Florentine, Tumbleweed Grills we didn’t know about…They found out about us and sent us a friendly letter saying stuffed with garlic spinach and that we needed to change our name…We didn’t know what to name it, so we held a contest and fi elded Monterey Jack and Mahi Mahi are a bunch of crazy ideas.” While the name “Mossfi re” sounds cozy, the bit of Jacksonville history it relates to really isn’t. also top non-steak entrée choices In 1901, Jacksonville suffered because of the Great Fire, which took out most of the Downtown area. for regulars. The fi re originated at the Fibre Factory, which processed the moss used to stuff mattresses Prices for entrées vary, but are generally in the ball park of $31-42. Their steaks are top quality in those days. During a drought, moss on the drying platform caught fi re from a lunchtime kitchen fi re. and you can even request a presentation plate so you can pick out your cut. My steak was excellently Workers found the small fi re and attempted to extinguish it with a few buckets of water. But it was a marbled, cooked perfectly to my specifi cations and well-aged. They’re recognized by Zagat’s as one windy day and they couldn’t control the fl ying sparks. It spread, becoming a large fi re in a very short of the top steakhouses in the country. Although they’re primarily a steakhouse, there are plenty of fi sh amount of time. By the time the fi re department arrived, Jacksonville was ablaze. selections and a chicken dish topped with bacon cream gravy. They also pride themselves on their lob- Though this was one of the largest fi res in Florida, the loss of life was minimal, with only seven ster, which is a cold water African lobster, cooked just so and served with drawn butter. people unaccounted for. The loss of property was enormous, causing many people to move to other parts of Jacksonville. Riverside and the surrounding areas became known as the Mosssfi re district. Even though the actual “mossfi re” happened in the Downtown area, Riverside, and specifi cally 5 Points, was the closest place for evacuees. And the ones that couldn’t make the trek down Riverside Avenue, were ferried there by the Cummer family’s boat. The building that the Preservation Tap and Chop House is in does have a longer history than their Mossfi re location. The building went up in 1929. It served as a store in Jacksonville during the 30s and beyond. The owner’s family lived above the shop. The Preservation is decorated in vibrant, dramatic red, black and white, in the style of the 1930s. Says Cavins “I wanted it to be a neighborhood place with an elegant ambiance…I wanted to create what a restaurant in 1930 in Jacksonville might be like…Because we’re in the Riverside/Avondale Preservation District…we were trying to keep it historic as well, as close to the time period as possible.” From the decorating to the menu with a Southern fl air, it seems that the high-living pre- Depression 30s are indeed captured here. If you’re eager to mix a little local color with a scrumptious meal, take a drive to the Preservation House for something upscale or to the Mossfi re for something a little more casual.

Mossfi re Grill 1537 Margaret Street (904)355-0777

Preservation Tap & Chop House 3951 St. Johns Ave (904) 387-5700

Desserts offered include the classic crème brûlée, a diffi cult item for me to pass up, as always. I ended up sampling the oh-so-rich goodness of their chocolate cake, surrounded by a moat of sweet cream to cut the decadence. Although there isn’t any fruit in the cake, you’ll detect the fl avor of cherry in it. It’s quite a large piece and very rich, so you might want to share. The menu isn’t what I’d call avant-garde, but it is solid, upscale cuisine with a good presentation and spot-on execution. It’s a place I’d feel comfortable taking out-of-towners for dinner or for a great business lunch.

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 15 game played in Macon, Ga in 1904. But Florida did not fi eld an offi cial team until 1906. Clearly, it’s a bone of contention for Gator fans. In 2000, U of G changed their fall break to coincide with the date of the game. This was intended to fl orida/georgia reduce absences and alarming traffi c fatalities related to students traveling to Jacksonville for the game–a 342 mile trip, which, without the break, needed to be made on one night. In 2003 and 2004 there have been two subsequent attempts to change fall break to a different weekend. Both attempts were withdrawn after overwhelming complaints from the student body. game tradition The well-established rivalry has produced a number of close games over the years which lead to the inevitable controversy over how the game ended. Most of the early memorable games favored the Bulldogs, with more recent ones favoring the Gators. These noteworthy games have titles such as The Heisman Curse in 1966. The Gators entered the game The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party by rick grant at 7-0 on the season and vying for their fi rst ever SEC title. The Gator’s quarterback, Steve Spurrier (who went on to become the Gator’s coach) had just locked up the Heisman trophy the previous week. He now had As the insidious politically correct virus has taken control of our society, in 2006 the Southeastern Con- a chance to beat the Bulldogs for the fi rst time in his playing career. Ah yes, wunderkind Spurrier threw three ference asked the three networks which broadcast SEC games not to refer to the Florida/Georgia game by its interceptions in a 27-10 Gator loss. long time moniker, “The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party.” This initiative was prompted by the growing Other notable games were the 1970 The Rip, Strip, and Grip, 1976 Fourth and Dumb, and 1980 Run, problem of binge drinking on campuses across the nation, causing a handful of alcohol overdose deaths. Lindsay Run. Throughout this glorious rivalry’s history, the fan support has never wavered for either school. However, the most fervent college football rivalry in history went on that year with its traditional booze-driven Today it eclipses fan support for the Jaguars, despite the fact the Jags are on a roll. Traditionally, college tailgating parties and massive RV city celebrating near the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, commonly known alumni loyalty runs deep. Once a Gator or Bulldog, the alumni want to relive their college days every year, and as the “” to Gator fans. this is a perfect opportunity to do that. It will always be called The World’s Largest Outdoor Cocktail Party, “Go Gators” or “Go Dawgs” are part of the sports lexicon for Florida and Georgia fans as excitement regardless of who tries to squash it. Google the Florida/Georgia game and that title pops up. It’s carved in builds for the sell-out Florida/Georgia game featuring the Gators versus the University of stone, bubba! Georgia Bulldogs. The game was fi rst staged in 1912. Since 1933, except for the 1994 game while Alltel Sta- dium was being built, the game has been held every consecutive year on the last Saturday in October. In past years, fans from Florida and Georgia were assigned seats grouped in alternating sections of the stadium and the contrasting colors worn by the fans created a “beach ball” visual effect in the stands. Fanatical alumni from both schools have driven this rivalry, and in some cases, the game has infl uenced fl orida / georgia activities lifestyles and choice of pets, mostly bulldogs, since alligators can not be domesticated. The chop-chop hand and arm movement imitating the alligator’s mouth is a familiar symbol of Gator loyalty. Ultimate Florida/ The Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic on Saturday, is sold out as usual but don’t Georgia fans decorate their houses with team memorabilia and their RVs accordingly. RV city is a nationally despair, if you don’t have tickets, there are plenty of other activities in which you can famous stop for Gator/Bulldog fans. The all-night parties among the RVers are legendary and promote friendly rivalry. Bulldogs tear up Gator toys and fake alligators attack Bulldog toys. Some people’s whole lives revolve show your spirit, or drink your spirit; you choose. around this October game. It’s an unrivaled sports cult. Critics say that the Florida and Georgia alumni got their degrees in tailgating at the Florida/Georgia game. After the 2006 season, Georgia held a 45-37-2 advantage in the all-time series. However, Florida has The will have live Friday, Oct. 26 at noon gone 15-2 in the game since 1990 (Georgia winning in 1997 and 2004) to follow a similar 15-5 domination entertainment Thursday 5 pm - 2 am then The Georgia-Florida Hall of Fame Induction by Georgia through the 70s and 80s. U of F records indicate the series record with Georgia, which stands at Friday and Saturday from noon to 2 am. Live Ceremony at the Championship Dream Tent 45-37-1 in the UGA’s favor. U of G records indicate a 46 -37-2 lead, which includes a 52-0 Georgia win in a music will be played at the Casadora Stage next to Alltel Stadium. no charge for general (located at the corner of Hogan and Water admission Street) and dance music in the courtyard. Info: (904) 630-3600.

Suncoast RV City Entertainment and Friday, Oct. 26 Activities Corey Smith at the Florida Theatre - 8 pm Thursday & Friday, Oct. 25 & 26 Info: (904) 355-ARTS Enjoy the music of the George Aspinall Band on Thursday and sing along to your favorite Saturday, Oct. 27 tunes on the Roving Karaoke Truck on Friday Championship Dreams Festival at Campground Lot E from 7 - 11 pm Outside Jacksonville Municipal Stadium’s South End Zone Thursday, Oct. 25 For Information (904) 630-3600 Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Edgar Meyer The Florida Theatre - 8 pm Saturday, Oct. 27 Info: (904) 355-ARTS The Georgia vs. Florida Football Classic Jacksonville Municipal Stadium at 3:30 pm

16 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The Great Fire of 1901 area, insuring the stability of the sawmill Rebecca and John had spent so much time building and developing. While they were there defending their family’s “property” against intruders, they met other American settlers such as John McQueen, William Jones, Phillip Dell, John Jones, Robert Hutchinson, and George Atkinson. These American settlers saw their situation as being very similar to the pioneers that were heading out west, only they were protecting what they had already known, not conquering new lands. It was during this time that William fi rst learned that Robert Pritchard had recently disappeared and Purnal Taylor, a Spanish loyalist who had recently died, had been given Pritchard’s several acres in Cow Ford, and so they were passed on to Dona Maria Suarez, Taylor’s widow. She married a man named Hogan. In 1811, Americans under the thumb of Spanish rule revolted, bolstered by the power of a new world, and the Patriot Revolution of Florida began. Jacksonville’s history is a dense and elusive topic, but more of it drifts into the ether everyday as our elders pass away and the buildings are torn down and the stories that hold our past disintegrate into the wet, Florida air. Much of Jacksonville’s history seems to fl oat by unnoticed, but if you visit neighborhoods such as Riverside and Springfi eld, the history is somewhat tangible. What is even more frequently ignored, is the foundations of our fair city. Isaiah Hart, who surveyed the land at Cowford on the St. John’s River with a group of other local settlers, decided to make a city here. The only monument to his undertaking that enor- mous task is a bridge by the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Gone is the monument that Isaiah erected where FCCJ’s downtown campus now stands. Most people don’t know that Isaiah Hart donated what is now Hemming Plaza to the people of Jacksonville and that his son Ossian fi nally offi cially sold the land to the city for ten dollars after the Civil War. Most people don’t know that this town’s founding family were Union sympathizers and had philosophically progressive ideas about racial equality for their time and place. Isaiah Hart was directly infl uential on not only the physical location of Jacksonville, but the very heart of its people to this day. A well-meaning lot that is trying to fi nd the moral high-road into progress. A stark contrast to the riff raff and miscreants that promoted a Civil War during his lifetime, Hart was a loving father, a wise leader, and a noble Southern gentleman when it would have been just as easy to skip all of those traits. Jacksonville was named after Andrew Jackson, as part of a political maneuver to become a national port while Jackson was campaigning for president. Unfortunately for them at the time, John Adams was elected instead. Too bad. I would have been proud to call Hart City my home. In this issue we do our best to provide some morsels of historic facts about our Bold New City of the jacksonville South (I hate the slogan “Where Florida Begins”) and incite you to look into our history for yourself. I’m not even originally from Jacksoville, but our history is compelling and fascinating and worth exploring. For factual information about the history of Jacksonville, go to the Jacksonville Historical Society’s website at jaxhistory. com and navigate through the stories and archival photographs that make up the dense history of the River City founded at Cow’s Ford, or even of the Timacuan settlement of Wakka Pilatka before that. If the soul of a town is found in it’s common areas, than the mind of a town is found in the memories that came before us and the generations of “Jacksonvillians” or “Cowfordians” or “Hart City Dwellers” that have brought us to this history place in history.

Hart Family Monument Hart City in 1812 by jon bosworth

William Hart awoke to Isaiah, his 15 year-old son, excitedly shouting that they were going to Florida. The Hart family had planned a trip to visit Isaiah’s sister Rebecca on her and her husband’s land on the St. Johns River in Florida from their farm in St. Mary’s Georgia. The reason for the trip was just a long-time, no-see affair. The last time William Hart had seen his daughter was during their last visit in 1801 when William was shot trying to save the king of Spain’s horses from American raiders disguised as Seminole Indians. Since his last visit to Florida, 11 years earlier, he and his son-in-law, John Roberts, who owned the most profi table sawmill in the Spanish colony of Florida, had often discussed the economic benefi t of Florida be- coming a free state in America. Although American taxes had recently increased, and many Americans were grumbling about the fact, their taxes on industry were still far less than Spain’s. For John Roberts that was the crux of the debate. As long as Florida was a Spanish colony, American buyers had to pay import tariffs on anything they bought from him, which meant his price was at least the same, and often higher, than the price of his competitors. In addition to all this, Spain was no longer protecting them against “Indian attacks.” Due to this unfortunate circumstance and the mounting pressure of nationalism in America, William began to feel that it was necessary for America to fulfi ll its destiny of complete control over North America. This initiated a national sense of opposition to Canada, which was still loyal to Britain, and Florida, which was still a Spanish province. In America a new judicial system had been implemented and president Thomas Jefferson, the third president of the young nation, had just been sworn into offi ce. William had heard that Seminole Indians were threatening his daughter’s success in Florida and that Governor Quesada refused to defend the business. At the same time an American general, Andrew Jackson, was gaining notoriety for keeping the Native Americans from attacking and killing American farmers that were trying to cultivate their own land. Between Seminole attacks on American settlements and the Spanish refusal to take any action, William found himself siding with the patriots that spoke out against Spain having a colony in North America. These feelings, along- side actual travesties, fi nally drove Rebecca, William’s daughter, to his side in St. Mary’s Georgia. William, who was so distraught over this development, called on some friends he knew in St. Mary’s to go to the St. John’s River and defend John and Rebecca’s sawmill. After getting several Northeast Floridians involved, this group called themselves the St. John’s Militia. This time William, with his sons Isaiah and Dan- iel, were all privates in this renegade military force, and they were determined to follow through with Colonel Samuel Hammond’s original plan of getting Americans to take over Florida so that the government wouldn’t have to pay to buy the state, thus increasing taxes even more. Isaac Hendricks allowed the St. John’s Militia to stay on his property, largely because William had given him the property to begin with, and they fought off Seminole attacks on Americans in the St. John’s River

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 17 dangerous to go into the place, which has been slated for demolition since the 80s. Property owners, afraid that trespassers would be hurt on the site, put up barbed fencing and padlocks. It hasn’t yet been torn down because of its status as an historical building. Plenty of uses for the build- ing have been fl oated over the years, but most have been scrapped, either because of the accessibility prob- lem or because renovations would have been too expensive. It doesn’t help that I-95 whizzes by the place within a few feet of the façade. Finding a use for Public School #4 is only going to get tougher, as they’re building a fl y-over ramp that will obscure the building. While it’s been reported that the building will fi nally be demolished and the land sold, it has somehow survived under the constant threat of destruction for years. I’ll believe it when I see it.

Haunted Hospital Old St. Luke’s Hospital The site of the Old St. Luke’s Hospital is now the location of the offi ce for the Arthritis Foundation. The site’s got a long history and death associated with it, so of course there are rumors that 314 Palmetto Street is a ghostly haunt. In 1878, the Old St. Luke’s hospital was constructed to house local tuberculosis patients. About 40 years later the hospital was relocated. After that, the old structure was used by other businesses, supposedly even a coffi n manufacturing company. The story goes that the place is haunted by patients, nurses still roam the halls and an unbalanced lady who believes that the men building coffi ns were building one just for her. Since she’s supposed to be a ghost, she’s probably right.

The Vanishing Hitchhiker on Girvin Road

A vanishing hitchhiker is common enough in the annals of ghostly lore. In Jacksonville’s case, it isn’t a guy who disappears from your back seat. Nope, we’re all for equal opportunity haunting. Our vanishing hitchhiker is a girl on Girvin Road, who tends to show up sometime past midnight. She wears glasses and will summon your car to stop. Look away for a moment and she simply disappears. haunted A Watery Grave at the Offi cially called the Napoleon Bonaparte Broward Bridge, this cable bridge which spans the St. Johns as part of 9A, is also more colloquially called the Dames Point Bridge. It’s not a very old bridge, as the main span was completed in 1988, opening in ’89 for highway traffi c. Despite persistent rumors, no one was killed during the construction. But people have died on or near the bridge since then. It’s known to be haunted by a black woman, who is sometimes seen walking back and forth along the north fl orida bridge and then disappears. It’s said that she was thrown from the bridge in 1996 by an unknown attacker. There was a documented suicide on the bridge that year, but the unidentifi ed woman who fell to her death was white. Last year, in November, there was another suicide, wherein a different woman drove her car to the top ghosts in the fi rst coast by erin thursby of the bridge, abandoned it and then jumped. An unidentifi ed man also jumped last month, and his body was later recovered by fi shermen on the St. Johns. In May of this year, a young black woman who had gotten out of her car after her tire blew out was pushed into the river when a Hummer slammed into her vehicle and the impact to her car tossed her into the People love a good ghost story this time of year, and we here river. She survived, miraculously unhurt. Maybe somebody was watching out for her. at EU are happy to oblige. We scoured the area for haunts and Old Red Eyes history, so you’d have a good story to tell around the campfi re Kingsley Plantation or the candy bowl. Happy Hauntings! In Jacksonville, on St. George Island, is the old Kingsley Plantation. Timucuan Indians are known to have lived on the site about a thousand years ago, but all the remaining structures are from the plantation era. owned and ran the plantation from 1813-1839. Kingsley operated under a “task” system, allowing slaves to work tending their own gardens or working at their own craft once plantation tasks were complete. Profi t from their labors during their “free” time was usually kept by the slaves. He even allowed The Haunted School slaves to buy their freedom and married Anna Madgigine Jai, one of his own slaves, who was freed in 1811. Anne Lytle School, School # 4 or The Devil’s School Kingsley’s liberal notion concerning slaves for the time came to an end once Florida became an American territory. Florida passed laws that discriminated against free blacks and placed harsh restrictions on African Stories about the School No. 4 are legion. Bring up hauntings in Jacksonville and inevitably someone slaves. This prompted Kingsley to move his mixed-race family to , where the descendants of Anna and mentions it as the most haunted place in Jacksonville. The place just looks haunted. You’ve probably passed Zephaniah live today. it at one point or another. It’s on the corner of I-95 and Margaret Street in the area of Riverside. The Kingsley Plantation still stands today, along a rough and narrow road. On that road, near ruins of I love the stories about the school, even though none of them are true. I’ve heard that most of the stu- abandoned slave quarters, some people have seen Old Red Eyes, said to be the spirit of a slave who raped dents died in the 60s because of a furnace explosion, that the principle was a cannibal who ate children and and killed several of the female slaves. The other slaves caught him and hung him, supposedly from the large that a disgruntled janitor went on a bloody killing spree. Everybody has a story as to why the place was aban- oak tree at the entrance of the plantation. He is often spotted in the rear view mirror of a car, simply two, red doned. glowing eyes that follow you. The reality is much more mundane. The school was built around 1917, as Riverside Elementary. It was Two other ghosts round out the cast at the plantation. A woman in white (there certainly are a lot of used as a school until the 1960s, when the construction of I-95 cut off access to the place, making it a logis- these haunting the area) who sits on the porch of the main house. She only shows up in photos and is tical nightmare to get to in a car. The same is true today—you can see it from the highway, but it’s diffi cult to thought to be Anna Kingsley, mistress of the plantation. The last ghost is that of a child, whose screams can get to by car. After many complaints and logjams, it was shut down as a school and used as an administra- be heard at the old well. tive building until 1970, when it was vacated. It’s a spooky place towards dusk, full of history and the promise of spirits from the beyond. Since that time, the homeless, ghost hunters, vandals and would-be-Devil worshippers (so the story goes) have invaded the school. The spook appeal has proven too much for teens looking for the forbidden. At this point, the place is in such a state of disrepair, after a roof collapsed and a fi re in the 90s, that it’s very (continued on page 20) 

18 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | october 25-31 19 became a restaurant, it was a boarding house prior to the late 1940’s. The original owner was Ms. Paynter, Lavilla 1870 who sold the place to Preben and Nina Johansen in ’62. They, in turn, sold it Carmen Macri who owned the place until it was bought by the daughter of the Johansens and the owner of First Street Grille, Kathy Marvin. Most of the ghostly activity concerns sounds and voices on recording devices that the trackers placed in haunting hotspots. There’s even something posted on YouTube, with the humming woman that can be heard near the Coppertop Bar. But the hauntings mostly take place in the old section of the restaurant, specifi cally by the fi replace and in the ladies room. Water has been inexplicably turned on in the bathrooms, lights turn off and on, plates have been shattered when nobody was in the restaurant and menus have been found strewn about the fl oor by the cleaning crew. Folks still talk about the lady in white, who sometimes makes an appearance on the second fl oor. Restroom doors sometimes lock on their own and voices are heard when nobody is around. There’s plenty of unsubstantiated lore concerning the place. Folks believe that the original owner, Ms. Alpha O. Paynter was buried in the backyard, although there are records of her cremation. Whatever the case, it’s believed that she never really left after she died. There are also stories of two suicides that supposedly took place in the building. In the1960s it’s said that a woman hung herself in the back of the restaurant. Ten years later her daughter is rumored to have also hung herself, this time in one of the storage closets.

Haunted Saloon The Palace Saloon in Fernandina

The Palace Saloon in Fernandina has been called the oldest standing, continuously operated saloon in the state. Before it became a saloon, it was built as a haberdashery in 1878. About 20 years later it was bought and the new owners refurbished it as a bar. Most of the décor from that time is still intact—the mosaic fl oors, tin ceilings, wood female fi gures and old gas lamps, among other things. The bar has seen sailors, pirates and the famously wealthy. It even survived Prohibition, selling Texaco gasoline, ice cream, special wines, 3 percent near-beer and cigars. Rumor has it that special customers could also buy a little whiskey. The ghosts in this place range from famous patrons—a Rockefeller and a Carnegie- and the not so famous. The most active ghost is Uncle Charlie, the saloon’s late bartender, who lived in the saloon for more than fi fty years, dying in 1960. They say that he sometimes plays the piano, and the keys are covered by a Haunted Theatres plexiglass casing. It seems like every stage theatre has a resident ghost or two. This is true in San Marco and at . Haunt me please, I’ve got laundry King House Ghosts

Theatre Jacksonville The story goes that the King House was built on an old Spanish graveyard, used at fi rst as a boarding house for sailors and traveling men. it was rebuilt on the same site in the 1880s after a fi re burned it to the Theatre Jacksonville, also known as The Little Theatre, has been part of San Marco since 1938. Usually, ground. community theaters in the in U.S. are, in fact, converted spaces, made from storefronts or former profes- It really became a popular “haunt” when John King owned the house. He loved a spooky tale and was sional theatre spaces, but The Little Theatre was built specially for Jacksonville’s fi rst community theatre good at amusing the children of Mayport with his ghostly yarns. He believed that the place was haunted and group. The group was formed in 1919 and got funding for the theatre from Carl S. Swisher, cigar magnate he told stories about the strange happenings and gruesome events. and local supporter of the theatre arts. It took a little over ten years from the ground breaking in 1927 for the He claimed that an aunt of his died in a rocking chair which apparently used to rock when no one was company to launch their fi rst production in the Art Deco-style building. The façade of the building has stayed sitting in it. Auntie, according to the tale, didn’t die in her sleep, but was pitchforked (that’s right, pitchforked) intact since it was built and it still has the same look that it did all those years ago. to death by a jealous ex-boyfriend sailor. The two story building was designed by Ivan H. Smith, who also designed Jacksonville’s City Hall, the The place is a veritable hive of hauntings. Mediums who have investigated the place have said that it and several JU buildings. In ’91 the Little Theatre was added to the U.S. National seems to have an atmosphere that attracts spirits of the dead, perhaps because of all the tales John used to Register of Historic Places. After 87 consecutive seasons, it’s one of the oldest continually producing com- tell. munity theatres in the U.S. There’s the inevitable lady in white (killed on her wedding night in a nearby car wreck), poltergeist activ- Of course every theatre with a history that long comes with a few ghosts. There are rumors that in the ity and a strange little man wearing a red suit. lobby stairwell one can often see a faint shadow of a mysterious man in a bowler hat. With the lady in white and the little man in red, there really shouldn’t have been any need to keep on a staff, as the little man sometimes acts as a ghostly butler before disappearing and the lady tidies the house and does the dishes. Sign me up for a haunting! If I were to have a ghost in my house, I’d want one that does chores. Haunt The San Marco Theatre me please, I’ve got laundry. The San Marco Theatre offers a different sort of entertainment—movies. Finished in the same year as the Little Theatre, the San Marco Theatre was designed by nationally recognized architect Roy Benjamin, who Union Troops in also designed Downtown’s Florida Theatre. Instead of sticking with the Italian, Moorish and Spanish infl u- Jacksonville ences of San Marco’s Square, he built something that refl ected the current trends at the time: Art Deco. The structure and architecture has remained basically the same, and the theatre owners have focused on restora- tion rather than redoing the old building. An old tale of a former theatre manager dying in the offi ce surfaces from time to time, and former em- ployees speak of spooky happening after hours. Says former manager Heath Valdez, “Me and a buddy were painting the fl oors at night…I looked up and I swear I saw someone standing in the manager’s offi ce looking down at us. We went up to look, because sometimes, you know people would hide in the bathrooms and stay…but there was no one there.”

Haunted Dining Homestead House, Jacksonville Beach

Besides great food and a long history, one reason people stop by The Homestead is because they want to know if the haunting stories are true. All manner of spooky tales and interesting lore gets passed around regarding the Homestead, particularly since the Ghost Trackers investigated the place about four years ago. Ownership of The homestead has shifted since the pine log building was constructed in 1934. Before it

20 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper crooked, showing their age. Evergreen’s tombstones are what really tell the story of Jacksonville’s intricate and interesting past. On April 8th, 1881, the cemetery’s fi rst burial took place for Mrs. Margaret Jamison. Isaiah D. Hart, the founder of Jacksonville, is buried in Evergreen. Sarah Hogan is buried there, whose tombstone boasts her as the fi rst white child to be born in Jacksonville, back when it was called “Cow Ford.” Numerous United States Senators are buried there, as well as a number of Florida’s previous Governors. Rev. Robert James Bateman, a passenger of the Titanic, is buried in Evergreen. Rev. Bateman died during the tragic sinking and was survived by his siblings that were also on board, who would later come to rest in Evergreen as well. The acres were purchased by a group of seven gentleman of the city for a measly $25 an acre. The Jacksonville-Fernandina Railroad runs through the middle of the grounds with a depot in order to provide convenient access to visitors back in 1880. A horse, cart and cap were purchased and used to carry visitors through the grounds. The cemetery is divided into numerous sections. There is St. Mary’s Catholic section that is situated near the entrance of the cemetery, and holds some of the cemeteries oldest plots. There are numerous Jewish areas, the Ahavath Chesed section and the Beth Shalom Congregation among them. One section of evergreen the cemetery holds those who passed during the Yellow Fever epidemic that struck Jacksonville in 1885. Many veterans are buried in Evergreen as well. Spanish American War Veterans are buried throughout the grounds. C.S.A Confederate Veterans are buried there, as well as some United Daughters of the Confederacy. On Sunday, October 28, 2007, the Evergreen Cemetery Association is sponsoring the Pumpkin Run, a 10 mile and 5K run through the cemeteries grounds. The run begins at 8:00 AM. Prize money will be awarded to the top three men and women in each age group for the ten mile run, with fi rst place taking home $200. cemetery Each participant will receive a T-shirt. This will be the perfect opportunity for people to promote life and health, while appreciating the lives of Jacksonville’s past. Evergreen Cemetery is an integral part of Jacksonville’s history. Walking through the grounds, one can stories from below by hilary johnson almost feel the presence of decades past, stories of its residents quietly whispered through the blown tree branches and the humming of mosquitoes. The stories surround you and continue to add to this interactive There is no better way to catalog the history of a place than through a graveyard. Each tombstone history book of what Jacksonville once was, and what it will become. represents a different story, a different part of the history, and through their lives, the deceased weave together what once was. But there is something about cemeteries in October that seems especially ghoulish. Suddenly, all those lives seem to want to come out, ready for all hallow’s eve, ready for the party. Evergreen Cemetery, Jacksonville’s oldest cemetery founded in 1880, is the perfect place to refl ect on all the things graveyards seem to represent. There is a chill in the air; be it a cool breeze or a ghoulish daunt. Pretty much any cemetery would be considered creepy, to a degree. One can not avoid the immediate thought of “This is where dead people live,” running through their minds when they enter one. There is something about the idea that just six feet below are decades and decades of stories, of lives, of lives lost that are now buried beneath us for safe keeping. But Evergreen has a leg up on its competitors. Its 167 acre lot is a resting place for over 70,000 deceased, covering a massive expanse of historic Springfi eld in downtown Jacksonville. To get there one must drive through a part of town that some might consider neglected, others might consider refurbishable, but its an old site that is not for sore eyes. However, when you pull up to the massive cemetery you are greeted by brick walls and a cast iron fence. The words “Evergreen Cemetery” stretch across the top, ominous and forlorn at what rests inside. A huge mausoleum and crematory loom overhead in the distance, a fresh reminder of who comes here to visit, and who comes to stay. The grounds are gorgeously maintained. The narrow roads are swept. A quaint brick house has been turned into the offi ce. And the area has been carefully landscaped. It’s charming. The air smells fresh and it is relatively quiet. The sound of mosquitos can be heard, probably eager for fresh blood, providing the cemetery with its very own vampirish effect. But, the further one ventures into Evergreen, the lusher the landscape becomes. Bugs come out in full force. Shallow ravines to a creek are overgrown and . Tombstones are faded and molded, sometimes

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 21 grown-up halloween fun adcock’s 5 points halloween legacy by erin thursby the starlite halloween bash

Halloween is more than just another drinking holiday. You also get to dress up as whatever you want WHAT: 5 Points Halloween Ball for the night. Okay, so that’s a lot like clubbing already, except that it gives you license to be even more WHEN: Halloween Night WHERE: 5 Points at the Starlite bizarre than you usually are. Here’s a sample of what’s going on around town as far as pre-Halloween activities, as well as a separate list for the night of Halloween. It was the 90s when 5 points really started to gain a retail identity. A large part of that retail identity was due to Adcock’s Costume Shop, which brought in a huge amount of October shoppers to the 5 fi rst coast pride’s annual masquerade ball October 26th at the 5 Points Theatre. The mas- points area. querade ball is a Black Tie Optional affair and is a benefi t for the First Coast Pride HIV testing, prevention and “I started out as a vintage clothing and antique store. Then people came in and wanted to rent out education program. Bewitchments of the evening include: Sumptuous hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, Midnight vintage clothing as costumes…[I found] a need for a costume shop in the area…and we put thousands Champagne toast, an eclectic mix of music from 2 DJ’s, cash & prizes for top three masquerade costumes of people through the store,” says former owner Linda Adcock. and live entertainment. Tickets ($35) may be purchased online at http://www.masqueradejax.com or by call- Neal Levitsky, owner of the Starlite in 5 Points and husband to Linda Adcock, says that “Her store ing 1-888-411-6482 x701 kind of made 5 Points Halloween central…It inspired other retail stores to embrace Halloween.” Even though Adcock’s Costume Shop is long gone, 5 Points is still a destination for those seeking vintage costumes, mainly at the Clothing Warehouse and at Time Warp. Each year the Starlite holds a October 26th at Freebird Live (Jacksonville devils & dolls halloween masquerade ball Halloween party, but this year they’re looking to turn it into something really special—a Halloween Ball. Beach) featuring the Genitorturers, X-Sister-Z, Man and Machines. There will also be movie give- Saw IV The last time 5 Points held something this large was in 1990, when Starlite owner Neal Levitsky had just aways. opened Club 5. They’re hoping to turn it into an event that includes all the shops in 5 points, so people can do a little late shopping before drinking the night away. th haunted time machine 4 October 27 at Eclipse (4219 St Johns Ave. in Avondale). Dark Alternative The entertainment will include the Patrick Evans Starlite All-Star House Band and there will be fi ve Music from throughout out time. Drink specials. Costume Contest and Gothtastic Fun! costume categories for cash prizes—best male costume, best female costume, sexiest, scariest and most imaginative. nightmare on 9th street October 27th at 7 pm. Horror Classics, Costume Contest, Prizes, Music by “We want to make this one extra big,” said Levitsky, noting that he’s expecting about a thousand Triclops I, Tasty Food from Burrito Gallery, Scariness and More! 9th and Main (1850 N. Main St. Springfi eld) people to show. metro halloween events Nobody does Halloween quite like a drag queen, which is why we love Halloween at the Metro! They’ve got four nights of Halloween fun going on, with costume contests and a halloween shows disco theme. Disco of the Undead October 28th Doors Open at 8 pm. Costume Contest at Midnight October 29th & 30th. October 31st “Because Polyester Never Dies!” Costume Contests, prizes, cash. Disco Inferno October 19- November 11, 2007 Night of the Living Dead by Lori Allen Ohm. No, this isn’t a showing of a Inertia Pumpkin Carving Party October 30th Show up with a pumpkin at 7 pm and get down with some classic movie. It’s a play but essentially it deals with the same sort of Universal Themes as the movie—un- cutting action on hearty gourd-like vegetables in an effort to eventually frighten small children through the dead zombies with a blood-thirsty lust for human fl esh. Huzzah! It’s thrills, chills and dark satire this Hal- cunning use of candles. Halloween Party Featuring Gorilla Joe at Plush November 2nd starting at 8 pm loween season! Too bad you have to drive all the way to the Hippodrome in Gainesville to experience it. Info: (352) 375-HIPP or thehipp.org Location: The Hippodrome in Gainesville. (See review on page 31) halloween night! A seasonal treat in the Agatha Christie vein, the witty murder mystery, A Party to Murder, by Marcia Kash and Douglas E. Hughes, creeps on to the Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre stage Friday October 26th, con- 5 points halloween ball at the Starlite. Things kick off at the Starlite around 8 pm, but people will tinuing Thursdays through Saturdays until Nov. 10th at 8 pm, with two Sunday matinees Oct. 28th and Nov. 4th come early in all their Halloween splendor to shop in the area and eat at some of the places in the neighbor- at 2 pm. Jeff Wells directs this thriller, which takes the stage at the Atlantic Beach Cultural Center, 716 Ocean hood. Blvd., on the corner of 7th in Atlantic Beach. Tickets are $15 and $12 (for Seniors, students and military) and art & halloween party at Bogda (1253 McDuff Avenue South). It’s the last day of the LABOR Show, reservations are recommended (due to limited seating) by calling (904) 249-7177. so buy some art, wear your costumes and have an artsy Halloween. Enjoy this hauntingly funny musical and comedic improvisation of Ghosts Goblins and Leprechauns Comedy disco inferno at the Metro “Because Polyester Never Dies!” Costume Contests, Prizes, Cash. Show at McKnight’s Little Ireland. The fun begins at 8 pm on October 26th at 113 Anastasia Blvd. For more halloween party at the French Quarter featuring Hell Within and Spread the Plague. information call (904) 829-0870. halloween block party at mark’s and dive bar Costume Contest with Cash and Prizes! Contest judging begins at 10:00pm. Door prizes from the Grape for the fi rst 25 costumes. Drink Specials for It’s a double feature of scary movies at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre, Florida’s newest outdoor arts and everyone!. Ages 21+ only. Cover $5 marksjax.com cultural venue. This Night Owl Cinema Double Feature of Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events & The Shining is a great and free way to kick off your Halloween celebrations on October 26th. The Night Owl Cinema Series is free and open to the public. Shows are at 7:30 and 9:30 pm The St. Augustine Am- phitheatre is located at 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. For more information, call (904) 471-1965 or visit staugamphitheatre.com.

It’s time for the Mandarin Museum & Historical Society’s fourth annual “Stowe, Steamboats and Stories,” from 7 to 9 pm on Sunday, October 28th, at the Walter Jones Historical Park in Mandarin (11964 Mandarin Road). The costumes are ready and stories polished. More than a dozen reenactors are prepared to bring alive historical fi gures from Florida’s past. During this free event, visitors will journey into the park by lamp- light and meet , Maple Leaf survivor Mrs. Chadwick, steamboat magnate Captain Brock, an 1870s trapper’s wife, and others. Last year, more than 350 attended the annual event. For informa- tion visit mandarinmuseum.net or call (904) 268-0784. scary tours

spooky carriage tours October 5th – 31st Forget romance and embrace the eerie on a spooky car- riage tour. Country Carriages will be providing a spooky tour of St. Augustine throughout the haunting month of October. Tours depart nightly from St. Augustine’s Bayfront on the hour between 7 & 10 pm. Reservations are required. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for Children 5 -11. For reservations or more information, call (904) 669-8361. dark of the moon tour October 5th, 6th, 12th, 13th, 27th, and 31st Venture into the Keepers’ House and Tower at night, learn about the history of the St. Augustine Light Station, listen to paranormal tales and experience darkness inside the St. Augustine Lighthouse. The tours begin at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $25 per adult and $20 per child. Children must be at least 7 years old and 44 inches tall to climb the tower. Space is limited and reservations are required. For more information, please call (904) 829-0745 x207.

22 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper ghosts and gravestones October 19th-21st & 25th – 31st Enjoy a most haunting experience on St. Augustine’s premier “Frightseeing” Tour, which explores the darker side of St. Augustine’s past. The only tour that takes you inside three of the most haunted places in the entire city: The Old Drug Store, The Spanish Military Hospital and The Old Jail. Tours are scheduled nightly and start at 8 pm. Tickets are $24 for adults and $12 for children. For more information, call (904) 829-3800, or visit trolleytours.com. ghosts of the matanzas October 25th– 31st Join the ghostly pirate that has commandeered the 72’ Schooner Freedom and holds passengers captive as they sail the dark waters of the Matanzas Bay. Enter- taining tales and assistance from the captives are the highlight of this adventure—not to mention the rations and grog that add to enjoyment. Tickets are $35 for adults and kids 2 -12 are $25. For tour times, tickets and more information, call (904) 810-1010. Reservations are required for these tours. ripley’s halloween tours and adventures October 26th, 27th & 31st Have a hauntingly good time on one of Ripley’s Halloween tours or adventures. Take the Ripley’s Ghost Train Adventure, Haunted Express, Mourning Tour or the Walking Ghost Adventure to experience the spookiest stories or to be a part of the sleuthing for spirits in the Nation’s Oldest City. Bring the kids to Ripley’s Garden for family-friendly stories. The Ghost Train Adventures take place from 8:30 to 11:30 pm, and tickets are $24 for adults, $12 for children; the Ripley’s Walking Ghost Adventures are at 8 & 9:30 pm and tickets are $15 per person; the Ripley’s Mourning Tour–a fun and quirky stroll with Death–is at 10:30 am, and tickets are $15 per person; the Ripley’s Haunted Express Tours are at 8, 9 and 10 pm, and tickets are $18 for adults, $10 for children, Ripley’s Children’s Story Garden is from 6 to 8 p.m. and admission is free. All tours, except the Walking Ghost Adventure depart from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, located at 19 San Marco Avenue in St. Augustine. The Walking Ghost Adventure Departs from 3 Cordova Street. For more information, call (904) 824-1606 or visit redtrains.com. doggie costume contests st. augustine rebarkable day October 27th Bring the dogs to the dog-gone-friendly Colonial Span- ish Quarter from 9 am to noon for a barking-good time. Make sure your doggie is dressed in costume for the doggone-est Halloween Costume Contest which takes place at 10:30 am. If you don’t have a four-legged friend, Goliath and Bebe’s World will be there with some adorably-adoptable pets. The Colonial Spanish Quarter is located at 53 St. George Street. Admission is $6.89 for adults, children $4.24 and $5.83 for se- niors. For more information please call (904) 825-6830 or visit ci.st-augustine.fl .us.

3rd annual howling halloween costume contest and fundraiser October 28th Spooks and goblins will be haunting Paws Park at Wingate Park, but these won’t be your standard Halloween spooks with the usual tricks or treats. These trick-or-treaters will be four-legged with wagging tails and wet kisses. Prizes will be awarded for the following: most original dog costume, best dog and owner costume, funniest dog costume, scariest dog costume and best group. The group must include dogs. Friends of Paws Park volunteers will be hosting the event to raise money to help pay for maintenance and improvements to Paws Park. For more information, visit pawsparkjaxbeach.com, email [email protected] or call (904) 513-9240

haunted houses listing ever before. Hall of Terror Tickets are $10 per person Hall of Terror Combo Ticket $13 per person Artoga’s 1st Annual Haunted House 2113 Florida (includes Hall of Terror plus 1 attraction) Blvd. Neptune Beach October 26-27 & 30-31 For little ghouls there’s Face painting, Halloween art, Haunted Hospital and Halloween Carnival 230 games and more from 6-8 pm. After 8 pm come in Filmore Street Orange Park (904) 276-7729 Oct. if you want to SCREAM! Go to artoga.org for more 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th from 8 pm -Midnight JACKSONVILLE info. $3 per person, $5 per family. Haunted hospital and carnival to benefi t Clay Hu- mane Society. Appropriate for ages 10 and up. $5 Conquer the Night 101 W. 1st Street, Jacksonville (904) 389-8883 On October 28th only, appropriate The Horror Zone Prime 1 Outlet Mall St. Augustine, for adults. 9 pm until 1 am. Tickets $20 FL (904) 829-9438 Open from 5-10 pm on Octo- web / graphic ber 21 & 22 and October 27-31. Appropriate for E-House 939 Blanding Boulevard Orange Park, FL adults but there are family discounts. $4 designer wanted. (904) 272-3791 From Halloween to November 1st from 6-9pm. Appropriate for ages 10 and older. Skull Castle “Where your fears come to life.” Free! Located in the Mandarin Ale House Shopping we are seeking creative individuals Center 11112 San Jose Blvd. For those 12 and Fifth Annual “Holler for a Dollar” Haunted older. No masks or costumes allowed. Also having who are proficient in desktop House, Haunted Hayride, Haunted Forest FCCJ a not-so-scary version on October 26th- 27th from publishing (specifically all the Nassau Center, 76346 William Burgess Boulevard, 11 am to 4 pm. Cost $8-13 For more info visit programs in the adobe creative suite) Yulee. (904) 548-4490 October 26, 27 Events skullcastle.com offered include a Haunted House, Haunted Hayride and web design. must be organized and Haunted Forest, inhabited by horrible creatures Villa Haunted House 2245 Plantation Center Drive, and know how to appreciate clean and and instruments of fear (all pretend, of course). Orange Park (904) 269-2022 Free Trick or Treat neat design. experience and degree Admission is $2 per event or $5 for all three. bags nightly. Located across from Fleming Island High School in Orange Park. Parking available at preferred. please send resumes with Hall of Terror at Adventure Landing 1944 Beach Fleming Island High School. For more infomation portfolios to [email protected]. Blvd Jacksonville Beach (904) 246- 4386 & 4825 contact Jean @ Dr. Fields Orthodontic Offi ce 269- Blanding Blvd. Jacksonville (904) 771-2803 The 2022. All proceeds benefi t FIHS. All Ages. admis- Hall of Terror holds more horrifying haunts than sion $3 adults, $2 students (904) 730-3003

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 23 Today Show and Travel Channel ---Lunch for 2 at Gaufre’s & Goods on Aviles Street – a quaint European café . spooky stuff on ---‘Oldest Ghosts’ – one of St. Augustine’s most popular ghost tale books Rooms range in price from about $129-300, with most at about $230. Go to their website, casadeso- lana.com for more info or call (904) 824-3555. The Ximenez-Fatio House, which was built in the 1790s, can be found across the street from the Casa de Solana. It looks like they’re still working on restoring it. The owners of the Casa de Solana have said that aviles street when guests take a picture from their grounds with the Ximenez-Fatio house in the background, they will often get orbs or fast, shooting lights. Wander further down the street, just past the Victorian Inn, you’ll fi nd the Cofradia Site Coquina Well in St. Augustine by erin thursby a gated park. Legend has it that a little boy is often sighted near the well, who people believe to have died at the old well. A plaque explains the historical signifi cance of the well and its age. Most likely it was built in the If you’re looking for more ghosts per square inch, you’re going to have to face the fact that St. Augus- early1600’s. For some reason (which has yet to be unearthed by historians) the well was fi lled around 1670 tine beats out J-ville in that department. with household items from a catastrophe, perhaps an enemy raid or a fi re. Those driving to St. Augustine to take in spooky tales and perhaps even see a ghost, should take the Keep going down the street and you’ll continue to fi nd historical sites that tourists don’t always fi nd, opportunity to stay the night on Aviles Street, the world’s oldest European street in the heart of historic down- such as the Father Miguel O’Reilly House. Each has its own story and intriguing history. town St. Augustine. It’s a narrow street, cobblestoned with small sidewalks and the claustrophobic but Old-World feel of a European street, built not for high-traffi c and SUV’s but for carriages and horses. It’s tailor-made for explora- tips for a safe halloween tion on foot and it has the benefi t of being close enough to the touristy areas that you can walk to those, but far enough away so that you can fi nd some really unique places, without being crowded. “Every trick-or-treater may be at risk for dangers that this holiday pandemonium may bring,” explains Pretty much, if there’s a building standing on Aviles Street, somebody somewhere in St. Augustine has a Dr. Jay Schauben, director if FPICJAX, Florida/USVI Poison Information Center – Jacksonville. “According ghost story about it. to the National Safety Council, the biggest safety concern is the risk of injury. This concern coupled with As you walk down the cobblestoned streets, or even on the sidewalks, consider that you’re probably using toxic paints and materials as part of a costume and eating treats that may have been maliciously walking over the bones of the dead. It’s true. When they were digging by the Old Spanish Military Hospital to contaminated can be alleviated by following a few simple safety tips.” re-do the streets, they made a gruesome discovery. Human bones. I don’t know if they found any fully intact skeletons (legend has it that they did), but we know for sure they did fi nd TONS of severed limbs. Apparently, · Parents should inspect all treats their children bring home before any are consumed and especially check when the surgeons at the Spanish Hospital amputated a limb, they simply had the staff bury it on or near the treats for puncture holes. Throw away all unwrapped candy, candy with wrappers that are faded, have holes, grounds. tears or signs of re-wrapping. Children should only be allowed to eat homemade treats from someone you The Spanish Hospital should be your fi rst stop on a haunted tour of Aviles Street. It’s also one place know and trust. where ghost tours start. It’s possibly one of the spookiest buildings in all of St. Augustine. Ghost tours start from either the Military Hospital (site of countless deaths and at least one suicide) or the Old Drug Store (on · If your child has a food allergy, pay special attention to food labels. top of an Indian Burial ground). Ghost tours don’t just run in the month of October, you can go anytime you please, although reservations are highly recommended. Call (904) 827-0807 to make a reservation. Go to · Be extra careful with toddler’s goodies. Remove all choking hazards or treats that are age-inappropriate, ancientcitytours.net to check them out, but buy your tickets either over the phone, at the Military Hospital or including hard candy and toys with small parts. at the Old Drug Store. Aviles Street, known as Hospital Street during the British occupation, was built by Don Manuel Solana, a · When in doubt, throw it out! native to St. Augustine born in 1740. Don Manuel’s residence is now the Casa de Solana Bed and Breakfast. With or without ghosties, staying there is a pleasurable experience – but it does have the added panache of · Feed children before they go out or bring along your own candy to give your children to reduce the urge to ghost stories. While visiting the Casa de Solana, investigators from The Ghost Hunters University stated that snack on treats that have not been inspected. the Casa had “the most paranormal activity” they’ve sighted in St. Augustine. Apparently, paying guests aren’t the only ones staying at the bed and breakfast. Visitors have seen a · Wear light-colored or refl ective costumes and carry a fl ashlight for visibility. mysterious lady in white in different places on the grounds, a Spanish solider and, in one room, lights and water being turned off and on. · Choose a fl ame resistant costume that fi ts properly and is comfortable and make sure the child wears Doors in the inn seem to be haunting hotspots. Neighbors and guests have spotted a blonde woman walking shoes. Blisters are never a treat! dressed in white opening doors facing ancient Charlotte Street and the bay front. These doors actually have a tall piece of furniture in front of them and haven’t been opened in years. Guests and employees sometimes · Purchase non-toxic face paint or makeup for costume use. If makeup is swallowed, call the Florida/USVI catch a fl eeting glimpse of her on the staircases and balconies of the inn. Poison Information Center - Jacksonville at 1-800-222-1222 for treatment instructions. Folks postulate that this lady in white could be the English bride – Mary Mitchel. She married the Span- iard Don Manuel Lorenzo Solana. When Spain traded Florida to Great Britain in exchange for Havana, Solana · Young children should trick-or-treat with adults while older children are encouraged to trick-or-treat with was one of only eight Spanish gentlemen allowed to remain in St. Augustine during the 20-year English occu- friends or in a group. If the child does go with friends, be sure to know their route ahead of time and set a pation. A gentleman of immense wealth, infl uence and prestige, he owned a sugar cane plantation and mar- specifi c time limit for the festivities. ried Mitchel in 1764. It was a good deal for both Mary and Manuel: he got security during the occupation; she got to spend his money. While there are a host of other ghosts who haunt the place, it’s the lady in white · If using dry ice for decorations, be aware that direct contact with the skin or mouth can cause a frostbite who is seen the most. type injury. Wash immediately with water. The Inn’s Ghosts on Aviles package is offered from Halloween, 2007 through the Ides of March, 2008. It’s a deal at just $79 per couple with a two night stay at the Casa de Solana. The package includes: · Lay down the ground rules: never enter a stranger’s house, never accept rides from strangers, look both ---2 Tickets to the Spanish Military Hospital – from which Aviles Street got its original name of Hospital Street ways before crossing the street, only knock at houses that have their porch light on and, most importantly, ---2 Tickets for the Ancient City Ghost Tour – begin at the haunted hospital on Aviles Street – featured on the have fun!

2424 octoberoctober 25-31,25-31, 20072007 || entertainingentertaining uu newspapernewspaper happy halloWEEn not-so-spooky fun for little ones by kellie abrahamson Despite all the scary stuff associated with Halloween, it is, for the most part, a children’s holiday, especially once you have kids. Sure, we grown-ups get to indulge in scary movies, haunted houses and the occasional piece of candy (swiped from our own candy bowls, of course), but generally speaking, little ones rule the day; as they should. Most people who love Halloween are enamored with the fall spook- fest because of the nostalgia it brings. My parents always made a big deal of the holiday and, as a result, I look forward to it each year. My own little goblins are now old enough to take part in (and remember!) most Halloween festivities, a milestone I’ve been looking forward to since they were tiny future trick-or- treaters in the womb. Thankfully we live in a town that has plenty of events for families during this time of year. Here are a few of the major ones, but be on the look-out for smaller, community-based events in your neighborhood! halloween (no dentist required) Most kids are just in it for the candy, but these fun Halloween activities will make them forget their sweet tooth… at least for a little while! hall of terror and hallo-wee zone at adventure landing (October 12 to October 31) This annual stop has something for everyone. While adults and teens get their scare on at the Hall of Terror, kids get to participate in fun, not-so-scary activities such as arts and crafts, pumpkin decorating, infl atable games, face painting and more! The Hallo-WEE Zone at the Blanding location is free. Over in Jax Beach, expect to pay $2 per child for just the kiddie house or $5 for a combo ticket which includes the children’s activities plus rides on the Frog Hopper and the Wacky Worm. Head over to adventurelanding.com for more info and a $1 off coupon! monster MOSH (October 26, 6 pm to 9 pm) This Halloween-themed event will thrill and chill visitors as Museum of Science and History staff members conduct scientifi c experiments, ghoulish games, and tours of temporarily haunted exhibits. Costume and scream contests will also be part of the action at this annual frighteningly fun fall festival. Admission is $9 for adults; $7.50 for senior citizens and military; $7 for children 3-12; and free for children 2 and under. Visitors in costumes will receive a $1 discount. For more info visit themosh.org creatures of the night (October 26 to 28, 5:30 pm-7:30 pm) Families with children ages 2 to 11 will have a blast at Creatures of the Night, the St. Augustine Alligator Farm’s annual Halloween bash. Cos- tumed animal keepers will be on hand to teach little ghosts and goblins about some of the critters they keep and everyone will thrill at seeing a gator get his grub at the end of the evening. Kids will also score some treats along the way. Tickets are $5 for children and $7 for adults if you’re annual pass members. Everyone else will pay $6 for kids and $8 for grownups. For directions and info visit alligatorfarm.us. family concert series: symphonic spooktacular- the composer is dead (Octo- ber 28, 2 pm) Join Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra conductor Morihiko Nakahara for a Halloween concert with a musical mystery at the Jacoby Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Convention Center. The JSO will perform ‘The Composer is Dead,’ a new story by Lemony Snicket. Parents, bring the kids in their favorite costumes to join the ghouls and goblins of the orchestra for an afternoon of spooks and surprises! Tickets are $7 and are available at the JSO website, jaxsymphony.org. pump it up family jump (October 31, 3:15 - 6:15 pm) Children 12 years old and younger can come and jump for free if they are in costume. Otherwise admission is $8. Go to pumpitupparty.com for details. trick-or-treating alternatives Next to fi nding the perfect costume, kids are mainly concerned with getting as much candy as possible on Halloween night. If you want your child to get the most candy possible without knocking on a bunch of stranger’s doors, head to these locations for safe trick-or- treating.

20th annual spooktacular at the jacksonville zoo and gardens (October 19-21, 26-28 and 31, 6:30 pm to 9 pm) The Spooktacular is always one of Jacksonville’s biggest Halloween events. Come out and see the thousands of carved pumpkins on display along with cool not-so-spooky sets and much more. This year there will be trick-or-treating along the Spooktacular path so kids are rewarded for see- ing everything. Admission is $8 for Zoo members, $9 for everyone else. For more information visit jaxzoo.org. area malls : October 25, 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm, The Avenues: October 27, 1 pm to 3 pm Prime Outlets St. Augustine: October 31, 5 pm to 7 pm, St. Johns Town Center: October 31, 5 pm to 8 pm My family and I went to the Avenues last year and came home with a ton of loot, so you may really want to consider these mall events. Make sure your child comes in costumes that are free of fake weapons and masks and be sure to bring your own treat bags. halloween costume parade and trick-or-treating (October 28, 2 pm to 5:30 pm) Bring the little ghosts, goblins and fairies to the Ancient City Tour’s Annual Costume Parade and Trick-or- Treating in historic St. Augustine. Kids will get to parade up St. George Street in their costumes, then come back down, trick-or-treating at businesses along the way. This one should be a lot of fun for the whole family. For complete details, visit ancientcitytours.com.

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 25 teddy washington derek trucks live music shows calendar

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 25 Evanescence Veterans Memorial Arena, Jax David Solano Plush, Jax (743-1845) Str8 Up Landing, Jax Triclops, Greeness Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249-9981) Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) Ron Perry Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) Duval Boyz TSI, Jax (635-3024) Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) Von Barlow Springfi eld Station, Jax Open Mic w/Krank Shaft Overtime Sports Bar, Jax (786-5466) Simply Candace Dave & Busters, Jax RC and never knew what it stood for until Ray Mad Science Landshark Café, Atlantic Beach (246-6024) became a star. RC played piano and Teddy played Target X Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) jacksonville’s rich trumpet. Charles Brown was York’s singer and Mike Sweet & Friends Kingshead Pub, St. Augustine Ray’s mentor. In the late 30s, Ashley Street was Sweet Low Down Aroma’s, Jax (928-0515) like Harlem. RC ran with another blind kid called Blind Jimmy. The two would pretend not to be Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) by rick grant blind and walk up the street bumping into things, Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) musical legacy which they thought was hilarious. Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) RC was a wild kid at 14. He drank booze, Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) Over the years, Jacksonville has been the Tom Parker, who also managed and guided Elvis’ and he and Blind Jimmy would get in all kinds of David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove home and launching pad for many major musi- skyrocketing career. trouble. Indeed, RC was a musical prodigy. He Springs (230-9670) cal artists. Most people think of Jax as the Ray Charles and Teddy Washington Jr. grew read Braille, but once he went over a score, he Cloud 9 Twisted Martini, Ponte Vedra hometown of , and we spent last up together in downtown Jacksonville on Ashley could play it from memory. Teddy also said that Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) week mourning the anniversary of the death of Street. Ray later moved to Seattle, Washington RC had the best ear of anyone he ever met. He Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) our hometown heroes of Southern Rock. There because it was the longest distance from Jax. could hear something once and immediately play Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) have been many other musical stars who called Seattle is where Ray got noticed and launched his it. Ray continually drank gin mixed with coffee in 3 Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) Jax home as well. Going back to the mid-50s, career. When Ray died, I interviewed Teddy who a cup and chain smoked Kool cigarettes as well a Dupont Jr-Sr. High School teacher, Mae Boren told me many funny stories about this musical as reefer. Many of Ray’s girlfriends tried to get Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Axton penned Elvis’ career-launching hit, Heart- legend. him to stop drinking and drugging, but Ray didn’t Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) break Hotel. Mae’s son Hoyt Axton went on to a In the beginning of Teddy and Ray’s friend- listen and broke up with them when they tried to Ocean Waves Band Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, prominent musical and fi lm career. Mae’s con- ship, Teddy was only 15 and Ray was 14, and reform him. Neptune Beach (241-8221) nection to Elvis happened because she was Hank they were still in school but played on weekends Teddy Washington went on to become Jessie Daniels Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Snow’s publicist. He was managed by Colonel with the Tiny York’s band. Teddy knew Ray as James Brown’s musical director and trum- Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) pet player for eight years in the 70s. He then Open Mic w/Ron Perry Tailgaters, Green Cove launched a successful solo career fronting his Springs (529-1976) own big band. Teddy still lives in Jacksonville and Saltwater Grass Spare Time, Jax Beach performs with his band. Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) The late 60s, the Comic Book Club scene Something Distant Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-7877) in downtown Jacksonville was the fertile breed- Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax ing ground for the Southern rock sound. Skynyrd Ace Winn The Melting Pot, Jax  THURSDAY-SAT., OCT. 25-27 Bush Doctors A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 26 John Longbottom Shelby’s Courtyard, Neptune Beach Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Wild Card Shannons, Green Cove Springs Out of Hand River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299) Jump 5 Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Yankee Slickers Players Grille, Orange Park (264-4633) Drivin South Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine Ron Rodriguez Latitudes, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) Mint Julep Box Seats, Jax (908-7328)

26 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The struggling local jazz scene was greatly Handgun Honeybun Country Club Lounge, Macclenny enhanced as UNF took measures to become a Chris Kearnes Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) serious music school. Respected euphonium Hot Cotton Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) master, composer, arranger and educator from Sarcastic Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) North Texas State Rich Matteson took over the Southern Wailers Kickbacks, Jax (388-8551) UNF Jazz Studies Department in the early 90s. th Under Matteson’s infl uence, UNF steadily built Teague Stefan Band 9 & Main, Jax up its music school to national standards. Now Sugar Bear The Brick, Jax (387-0606) headed by saxophone titan Bunky Green, UNF is Riff Raff Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) considered a major music school, attracting the Yancy Clegg Sneakers, Jax most talented players in the country. Many UNF The Genitorturers Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) graduates went on to achieve national recogni- Sumak James Band Spare Time, Jax Beach tion such as trumpeter Marcus Printup, piano Temptest Reign, Cain Was Able Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) sensation Marcus Roberts, and many others. Jax Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine native Von Barlow is an internationally renowned (824-9317) jazz drummer who has played with many of the Video Hippos TSI, Jax (635-3024) legends of jazz. Celebrated trumpet player and composer Longineu Parsons grew up here and is Nightfi re Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) a respected educator, teaching at Florida State. Mike Gottuso Mandarin Cigar Company, Mandarin Longineu Parsons Jr. plays drums for . Antartic Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Speaking of the Platinum-selling Jacksonville The Bearded Assissins Landshark Café, Atlantic band Yellowcard, there are a number of modern Beach (246-6024) rock bands that have emerged from Jacksonville’s Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) alt-rock scene to achieve national status. In re- Out of Hand West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) cent years Limp Bizkit became the offi cial founder Clayton Bush Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) of rap-metal, The Fenwicks fused ska with just Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) about everything, punk pioneer Stevie Ray Stiletto The Repeat Offenders Latitudes, Atlantic Beach carried the punk rock torch and now Yellowcard (247-6606) and Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have taken that mo- Bottom Society Da Real Ting Café, Jax mentum even further. Forced Culture London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) Jax has a reputation as a staging area for Lix Lexington Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) raw talent in modern rock. Many of Jacksonville’s bands are struggling in obscurity and a few of Jacob Tyler Wolfgang Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) them may make it to the big time scene. Ah, but staying on top is the tricky part. Generally, mod- FRIDAY-SAT., OCTOBER 26-27 longineu parsons ern rock bands have a short shelf life unless they Red River Band Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine can write songs that capture the imagination of (829-9336) launched its career from there as well as The group is still touring mostly through Europe, their fans who will keep them on top by support- Boogie Freaks Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park Allman Brothers and Blackfoot. In those days, Japan and Scandinavia helmed by Bobby Ingram ing their live shows and buying their product. (269-4198) rock’n’roll was considered disreputable by the as the sole owner of the band. At that time, 38 From contributions to groups such as The Tytus Hale Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) average Jaxites, who looked down on this scene. Special, fronted by the late Ronnie Van Zant’s Commodores to The Royal Trux, Jacksonville Driven The Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Even when the members of Skynyrd became fi lthy (Skynyrd’s singer) brother Donnie, started to has seeped deeply into music history. More than Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) rich, they were not welcome by Jacksonville’s make waves on the rock charts, evolving into a many towns ever will. Clearly there are many lo- Irving Clements Quartet Starbucks/Town Center, Jax uptight Bible-belters, who dismissed the Southern hitmaking machine. cal musicians currently on the brink of stardom. Cloud 9 Champs, Ponte Vedra (285-7777) rock scene as hippie tomfoolery. As all this was happening, local guitar phe- If I left anyone out, it was not intentional. It just Big Al & the Kaholics Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337) The joke was on the niggling naysayers nom Derek Trucks was out touring when he was proves my point–Jax is a hot musical town. – Skynyrd went on the become rock icons whose 9-years old, supervised by his dad, Chris Trucks, Blistur Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349) music still shows up in fi lms, on TV, and is an Butch Trucks’ brother. (Butch plays drums for the Cheshire Cats Arnold’s, St. Augustine (824-8738) integral part of the en masse pop culture. After Allman Brothers.) Derek grew up on the road, be- Dueling Pianos Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax Skynyrd’s plane crash in 1977, the one-hit-one- coming a slide guitar avatar. In his early twenties, Roger That Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) tour wonder Rossington-Collins came together Derek married Susan Tedeschi who achieved star- Ron Perry Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) with the remnants of Skynyrd and sticksmeister dom as a blues rock artist. Now, Derek and Susan Derek Hess on drums. In 1979, Molly Hatchet have combined forces, touring together with one Colton McKenna & Friends Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) released its mega-hit Flirting with Disaster which big band. Derek also tours with Eric Clapton and Steven Craig Band TNT Lounge, Middleburg took the world by storm. This Southern roots the Allman Brothers. BayStreet Ragtime Tavern, Jax Beach (241-7877) Spade McQuade Fly’s Tie, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Cupid’s Alley Casey’s Hideaway, Yulee Big Engine Square One, Jax (306-9004)

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27 Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Gee T Bass Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine Lift River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299) John Davis, John Longbottom, Larry Mangum European St./Beach, Jax The Restless Kind Francis Field, St. Augustine Two Thirteen, Narcotic Nation Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Ocean Waves Band Mongo’s Grill, Jax Daisey Tootie Greens, Jax Robbers on High Street Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 27 Sugar Bear The Landing, Jax That Kid Art Yesterday’s, Jax (387-0502) ska that unites jews Lauren Fincham Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina (261-3300) Johari High Tide Café, St. Augustine Sly Poonce Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) and arabs Whoremoan Riot Doozer’s Pub, Jax Ladyfi sh Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Von Barlow Springfi eld Station, Jax interview with the fenwicks Calypsonuts-Parrothead Pirate Ball Cliffs, Jax Beach (249-2777) BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] Harlot Auggie Dogs, St. Augustine WHO: The Fenwicks with Big D and the Kids Table According to Steve, in 48 Mark Wirtz Shantytown Pub, Jax WHERE: Fuel in 5 Points hours The Fenwicks went from an WHEN: Thursday, November 1st acoustic duo to a “17-piece afro- Blistur The Landing, Jax Back in the late 80s Steve Schub was taking a Celtic Yiddish ska band with three full drum sets.” Jewish werewolf, we have a song about eminent Yankee Slickers Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) year off of his studies at NYU and playing in a punk “I think of the Fenwicks now as a lifelong domain abuse, we have a song about disemboweling Aerial Tribe Latitudes, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) band called Jew2 when he was “discovered” by metaphysical performance art project.” the undead and decapitating zombies.” Offi cer Flossie Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Skynyrd drummer Artimus Pyle. Steve’s family has a long history of Yiddish There will be costumes and “full battle regalia,” “Eventually the band name was changed to theater and he’s a fan of schtick, but he also takes so he recommends that you wear something either Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Traif, which doesn’t mean anything unless you speak pride in the depth of their lyrics. waterproof or fl ammable and be prepared to “sweat Hoods, Nasty Crew Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Yiddish. But it means un-kosher. You can imagine “The deepest most profound message that and giggle.” Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine playing in Jerusalem Israel in a band called Traif. anyone can make is that life should be fun. The “The actual quote we couldn’t use in the press (824-9317) We offended everyone. We united Arabs, Jews giddiness and wackiness, especially in this day and kit because it’s too grotesque, but I think it’s more Diario Vivir The Globe, Jax (596-1639) and Christians. We are owed a peace prize, I think, age when everything is nihilistic and post-modern accurate. I think it’s ‘If Madness had been violently because we united that country for the fi rst time in John Longbottom European Street, Jax (399-1740) and sarcastic…I think that is the most profound molested by the Marx Brothers, The Fenwicks would 5,000 years because everyone hated our band. We statement we could make. From the theater of the be the naughty musical afterbirth.’” Transpose Spare Time Grill, Jax Beach (246-8099) brought everyone together.” absurd, it’s all one thing. The stage schtick, the There are up to 17 Fenwicks at any given Fed Up Spare Time Grill, Jax Beach He would go on stage in an Israeli army banter between the songs, the costumes, the regalia, time “depending on the weather and the barometric Mint Julep Michelle’s Watering Hole, Jax uniform and an Arab headdress, or a burqa with the hyperactive music, it is all part and parcel pressure.” Jon Marshall Smith from the Mosquitos Mickey Mouse gloves. He was 21 years old and one Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) of the same thing. It is a vaudevillian, burlesque is the newest member to the Fenwicks family, he of the competing bands was called China Black. philosophical joyride.” joined them just before their 2005 Warped Tour Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, Chris Pyle was the drummer for that band and But the balance between depth and frivolity is Jax (287-9900) appearances. He also produced their last two Artimus was judging the battle of the bands. They one that The Fenwicks take seriously. records. Because they live in fi ve different time Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax hit it off, but Steve went back to New York, fi nished “The real battle on this planet is between zones, it is diffi cult and expensive for them to tour, his degree and played as The Fenwicks, which was reason and unreason. Between the rational and the so this may be your only chance to see them before SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28 just an acoustic duo consisting of Schub and his irrational.” Haley’s Comet circles earth again, although Steve songwriting partner Jimmie Corrieri at the time. He Which is why their sponsor on this Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) hopes that he and I will be conducting a similar was working at the Omni Park Central Hotel when short tour is The Human Rights Foundation interview when he’s 90. He also claims to be Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) the Lynyrd Skynyrd tour bus pulled in. They had (humanrightsfoundation.org), which is an “literally a thousand years old.” Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax just made a video with Bennett Miller, the director organization that “has a classical understanding of “We have a horn section now. Before we were Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax of Capote (Steve and Jimmie were also roommates human rights, which is that every person, as long as posing as a ska band, but now we got our certifi cate with Phillip Seymour Hoffman), and he handed the they’re not violating someone else’s human rights, David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) in the mail. We are offi cially sanctioned now that we video to Artimus. Two weeks later Artimus had should be left alone.” Steve also offers up their have horns as opposed to just me playing kazoo out Busted & Confused Pastime, Jax quit Skynyrd and he fl ew The Fenwicks down to gratitude to Big D and the Kids Table, the Boston of my sphincter.” Douglas Campbell Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Jacksonville to put a band together and record an ska band that Steve says is “the best ska band still Go to thefenwicks.com for free stuff and to Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) album. Their fi rst gig was at Metro park opening for skankin’.” learn more about the band. Go to Fuel Coffeehouse Foreigner and Billy Squier in front of 15,000 people. So is their music all just about Ayn Randian st Bigga Rankin Plush, Jax (743-1845) on Thursday, November 1 , and make sure to get “Which was especially ironic because we used philosophies and the evils of Hugo Chavez’s regime? there early since they are going on at 7 pm sharp Cloud 9 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach to play ‘Double Vision’ as a joke at coffeehouses in Hardly! and their set will likely be done before it’s even dark (241-8221) Greenwich Village.” “We have a song about an avenging, senile outside. Yankee Slickers Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Charlie Walker The Brix, Jax Beach Dana Salmela GQ’s, Jax Soulo Kingfi sh Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) PC Synergy Tera Nova, Jax Drivin South Reni’s Rooster, Jax (880-1111) Acoustic Soul Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-7877) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Livid Michelle’s Watering Hole, Jax

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29 Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) Tiffany Lee Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) Hann Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733)

28 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) a regal rock-n-roll revival Goliath & Dorian Lopez Casbah, Jax (981-9966) Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765)

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 30 Kings of Leon interview Second String Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) BY BRENTON CROZIER Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) Lauren Fincham The Frisky mermaid, Fernandina (261-3300) WHAT: Kings of Leon and Black Rebel Motorcycle the boring lives we were leading. We were tired of Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) painting houses and waiting tables. Club Wizard of Oz Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) WHERE: The Florida Theatre WHEN: Tuesday, October 30th EU: Has the charismatic nature of your father’s Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) former profession had an impact on you as per- Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) The Kings of Leon are beloved in the UK, have formers? Scenic Void Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) opened and played with some of rock’s biggest In a sense, it’s kind of the same thing. We’re NF: Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) names and set fi re to indie rock’s biggest festivals. not preaching, but we’re trying to get a message Their bio and music only seem to make sense when across of all of our hard work. It’s hard not to view Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach digested in tandem. As three brothers and a cousin, our audience as a congregation. We learned from Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) most of them grew up the sons of a charismatic our father how to put on a show. Chelsea Saddler Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) preacher in Tennessee and traveled on the tent re- never got caught up in the hoopla of what number Dr. Dog Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) vival circuit before putting their energy into writing a EU: To what do you attribute the early UK embrace record we were making. We saw this as an opportu- new brand of rock-n-roll and climbing the ranks of of Kings of Leon? nity to show fans how much we’ve grown musically Mystic Dino Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) rock stardom. NF: At fi rst it was the story. They thought it was our and as people. We’ve tapped into a different audi- Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax There is no easy way to describe their sound, publicist’s fabrication. Half the people didn’t even ence with this record. Fall Out Boy Veterans Memorial Arena, Jax except that it is truly inventive and a raucous good believe it, so we had to convince people it was true. Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) time. Purists from any of the genres that they are When the dust cleared and the smoke cleared, we EU: Is the band dynamic more restrictive or open associated with would probably gasp with preten- had a good fi rst record. The UK has always had a to more candor seeing that you are family? Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) tious derision, but anyone who appreciates guts, fascination with the South. Where we came from had NF: We all have a good time. We all have our diva Ron Perry Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) originality, passion and imaginative musicianship will something to do with it. moments. The only time we ever fi ght is on the golf El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) fi nd love in their hearts for KOL. If hard pressed, I course. would describe their sound as post-punk, incendiary EU: What do you attribute the more atmospheric indie rock born in a garage with empty beer bottles, elements of Because of the Times to? EU: What type of role does religion play in your TUESDAY-WED., OCTOBER 30-31 broken amplifi ers and a potent dash of Southern NF: What we were just talking about, a lot of those lives now? Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) Rock. Take away Tom Petty’s verse-chorus-verse songs were written while we were on tour with U2, NF: We still have uncles that are preachers. Our structure, add distortion and upheaval, and you get Bob Dylan and . We wanted to make a grandma is a Sunday school teacher. We’re not the WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31 Kings of Leon. They are far more interesting and record to sound as atmospheric in a small club as a same people we were, but we say our prayers every engaging that any of the alt-country or Southern rock big stadium. It opened our eyes that you’re not lim- night and are thankful for the opportunities we’ve Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) resurrectionists they have been grouped with. ited to any room. You can make music that sounds been given. If our grandma’s cool with it, we’re ok Bigga Rankin Club Christophers, Orange Park (215-4400) KOL drummer Nathan Followill was kind great in any size room. with it. Hard Livin Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) enough to take a break from his dinner in wine coun- Captain Kid Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) try with his fi ancé and parents to talk to EU about EU: Was your approach to this album any different EU: What is the album everyone in the band can the things that have shaped the sound of their new than that of Aha Shake Heartbreak? agree on? Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) record and bathing the great unwashed in it. NF: This was the fi rst record that we knew the NF: It changes. It’s probably a My Morning Jacket al- Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) sounds we were going for and wanted to experiment bum. We like traveling music, anything that can take Wes Cobb Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) with guitar and drum sounds. People expected 2- your mind off of traveling 310 days out of the year. EU: Was rock-n-roll in any way a rebellion or cel- Late Night Transfer Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) ebration of your childhood? minute barn burners. We started with the 7-minute Rock-n-roll was an escape from song so that everyone would know we grew. We Read the entire to interview at eujacksonville.com. Wookie J & the Dubrockers, Kings of Hell, Shadow Nathan Followill: Agency Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Elvir Gazic Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) Rowka Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Luke Bryan Fairgrounds, Jax Chelsea Saddler Tijuana Flats, Jax (737-9938) O’Hallions Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Love Chunk Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646) Chris Miller UNF Boathouse, Jax Bradlee Hathaway Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Rebecca Zapen The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) Out of Hand Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Sidewalk 65 Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299)

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 29 upcoming concerts delta country Ben Harper Nov. 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Reverend Horton Heat/Hank Williams III Nov. 1, Freebird interview with Steve Azar Live, 246-2473

D.L. Hughley Nov. 2, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Aerial Tribe Nov. 2, Freebird, 246-2473 BY RICK GRANT [email protected] Chris Cornell Nov. 2, Plush, 743-1845 WHO: Steve Azar blues all my life. Nov. 3, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Karl Denson Trio WHERE: The Jacksonville Agricultural Fair When I started Widespread Panic November 4, Times Union Center, 353-3309 WHEN: November 6th playing out at 11-years old, Trans-Siberian Orchestra Nov. 5, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 While talking to Steve Azar, I connected with I was still ex- David Bazan Nov. 6, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 him as a kindred spirit both on a philosophical and perimenting with Badfi sh Nov. 6, Freebird Live, 246-2473 musical level, which is rare indeed. We chatted various genres about his Mississippi Delta roots where blues and such as blues Classic Albums Live - Pink Floyd’s The Wall Nov. 7, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 rock’n’roll music were seared into his soul. He be- and rock’n’roll. gan playing gigs at 11-years old and his infl uences Later, my infl u- Tallyrand Music Festival W/Spoon, Keller Williams, The range from blues to country. ences fused Bravery, Pepper, Against Me!, The Polyphonic Spress, As a young songwriter, Steve was exploring together in my Rooney and more Nov. 10, Metro Park his talent by composing songs in different genres head and the Dan Zanes Nov. 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 of music. When he fi nally matured, his songwriting songs started to Nickel Creek Nov. 12, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 fused into a decidedly country slant. It wasn’t some- sound country. thing that Steve planned, it’s just how they came out. So, I accepted Bob Weir and Ratdog Nov. 14, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 So he moved to Nashville and his home style oozed that I could Cartel Nov. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 out as countrifi ed blues pop. probably market Wiggles Nov. 15, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 After connecting with the Nashville record cats, my work in Steve played the big record company game for his country music. Slightly Stoopid Nov. 15, Freebird Live, 246-2473 fi rst album. Afterwards, he decided to take charge of “So, I moved to Nashville and hooked up with working on a new album with no title yet that repre- Jeff Coffi n Nov. 15, Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 his own career with a little help from his friends, in- some record company cats which resulted in my sents my growth as an artist. I’m very proud of this Spill Canvas Nov. 17, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 cluding famed artists/producers Rodney Foster, A.J, fi rst album. It wasn’t a great experience. So I decided work. Masters, and Jo-El Sonnier who helped him produce that I would take charge of my career and make “As a songwriter, I never considered that other Planetfest 8 w/ , Finger Eleven, , Sum his latest album which Steve considers his music that I was proud of and I would make the de- artists would want to cut one of my songs. I just 41, , Operator and more, Nov. 17, Metro Park Indianola, breakout work, infused with his diverse infl uences. cision to release the fi nal cut. And, my latest record didn’t go there. But recently Reba McEntire wanted Nov. 19, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Hawthorne Heights/Amber Pacifi c “I grew up on the Mississippi Delta around Idianola was released as a work in that mode. I’m to cut one of my songs, which was very fl attering. ZoSo Nov. 23, Freebird Live, 246-2473 As my catalog of songs gets bigger, I will reach the point that other songwriters reach – that they are so Jucifer Nov. 23, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 much in demand writing songs for other artists, it Zoso Nov. 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 doesn’t leave much time for performing. But now, Lalah Hathaway Nov. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 I’m too busy promoting my own career to think about that. However, down the line when I’m older, The Electric Six Nov. 24, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 I can see that being strictly a songwriter would be Wynonna Nov. 30, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 desirable.” Kelly Joe Phelps Nov. 30, Café Eleven, 460-9311 Listening to Steve’s new material, I was im- pressed by its originality, with slide guitar and bluesy Dinosaur Jr. Dec 1, Freebird Live, 246-2473 sounding instrumentation. The song lyrics speak of Lee Boys Dec. 1, Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 the salt of the earth, working men, yet they are not Nekromantix Dec. 4, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 cookie-cutter country corn. It’s truly Steve Azar’s music–with his particular take on country styled mu- Col Bruce & The Quark Alliance Dec. 6, Freebird Live, 246-2473 sic with a blues bite. Although I’m not into country Keith Urban December 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 music per se, I will add Indianola to my collection. Rev. Billy Wirtz Dec. 7, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 It’s different, fi ercely creative and doesn’t sound like the legions of other country artists. Dec. 8, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 David Wilcox “For me, it took a lot of passion to leave my The Avett Brothers Dec. 9, Freebird Live, 246-2473 family and pursue being a performing artist as well Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 as a songwriter. I’m driven to do it – like breathing. At this point, I believe I’m the best person to perform Dec. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Johnny Winter my songs. But my family supports me and I’m en- Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Dec. 27, Florida Theatre, couraged by my progress. The Internet has changed 355-2787 the way all musical artists promote themselves. I’ve JJ Grey & MOFRO Dec. 28-31, Freebird Live, 246-2473 taken full advantage of every way possible to get my music into cyberspace with an extensive website Taj Mahal Jan. 11, The Florida Theatre with music samples, product for sale and a MySpace Riders in the Sky Jan. 12, Florida Theatre site. It’s a fast way I can reach my fans and the Kathy Griffi n Jan. 17, Florida Theatre press directly, which is awesome. “With my fans and family behind me, I feel Cherryholmes Jan. 26, Florida Theatre encouraged by my success. I thrive on being out Ring of Fire - The Music of Johnny Cash Jan. 28, Florida Theatre on the road, but sometimes I wish I could just zap Classic Albums Live - IV Feb. 5, Florida Theatre myself from the road to home in between dates. But when I get tired and discouraged, I look at The B-52’s Feb. 15, Florida Theatre how far I’ve come and I feel better. I’ll continue to Freda Payne - Tribute to Ella Fitzgerald March 6, Florida Theatre write songs and keep performing them as long as I Blue Man Group March 7, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 can–God willing,” Steve said. Steve Azar will be performing on the main Classic Albums Live - Sgt. Pepper March 16, Florida Theatre stage at the Jacksonville Fair on November 6th.

30 october october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Florida and it will probably not be matched by any theatre the rest of this season. Featuring a frame art events farmhouse complete with a full basement and tucked into a grassy knoll, you will be truly amazed Ongoing that Mr. Asse was able to get this structure on Sarah Dodd, Cris Coleman & Matthew Abercrombie night of the Through Friday, November 30 such a small stage with such realistic detail. Lighting Designer Robert P. Robins and Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach, 50 Executive Way, Technical Director Michael A. Eaddy have added Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 280-0614 or ccpvb.org award-winning and fantastic lighting and special Through October 27 effects to keep you at the edge of your seat. Five JU Student Artists Gallery’s 5th Anniversary and Fundraiser for JU If a few people being shot, stabbed or blown Eclectic Galleries, 2405 3rd Street South, Jacksonville Beach up in a gas explosion doesn’t bother you, then you 904-247-3750 or eclecticgalleries.com will find this rather tame. It has no sex, no earthy living dead language and no drugs or alcohol to corrupt you. Tactile Art Show for Art Beyond Sight Awareness Month Just long, hard laughter. Through Saturday, October 27 Here’s a warning. When you call to reserve St. Augustine Art Association Gallery, 22 Marine Street, St. your seats, do not accept seats in rows A, B, Augustine (904) 824-2310 Hippodrome Theatre review or C unless you want to be part of the show. At one point, the zombies go into the audience in The Art of Dr. Seuss- A Retrospective and National Touring BY DICK KEREKES [email protected] these rows and if you are bitten by a zombie, YOU Exhibition Through October 29 BECOME ONE. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. R. Roberts Gallery, 3606 St. Johns Avenue, Avondale Gainesville’s Hippodrome Theatre opened its The sheriff instructs the people what to I highly recommend you see this show. It is (904) 388-1188 second production of the season with a version do and where to go, assuring them that Florida very campy but still one of the most thrilling and of the l968 cult horror film classic Night of the football coach Urban Meyer has offered the use of chilling of the season, and seeing the set is worth The Works of Mary St. Germain & Joyce Gabiou Living Dead. Adapted by playwright Lori Allen the Gator team to fight the zombies. I later realized the price of admission. I would recommend you Through October 31 Reddi Arts Gallery, 1037 Hendricks Ohm, it was further adapted by Hippodrome a major reason that the team was expected to bone up on your knowledge of zombie culture Avenue, San Marco (904) 398-3161 Artistic Director Lauren Caldwell and is set in the mount an effective defense – they obviously had in advance! The Hippodrome zombies are really Gainesville/Alachua County area with the emphasis no one who could pass. beautiful people off stage, check out their photos Collage et Plus Terese Marie Muller & Sally Cole Moyers on humor as much as horror. The play will run The twelve young men and women who play in the program when you go. Through October 31 Karpeles Manuscript Museum, through November 11 with performances every the zombies were as wonderful as zombies could October is the month many adults dress 101 West 1st Street, Downtown Tuesday-Friday at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5 and 8:30 be, with wild hair, bloody bruises, glassy eyes and up as their fantasies for Halloween and theatres pm and Sundays at 2 and 7:30 pm. moldy old clothing. At various times during their present off-beat, unusual plays like Night of the Mikhail Baryshnikov Exhibit Through November 2 The simple plot concerns eight average bumbling and shuffling walk, the zombies stop Living Dead, so relax and enjoy, you have eleven J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4th Avenue North, Jacksonville Beach people who barricade themselves inside a to dance to . Picture a combination of months to be normal and to see more conventional farmhouse while an army of cannibalistic zombies the moves of Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, Elvis plays. Photographs by Ingrid Damiani rise from their graves to roam the countryside and Presley and Richard Simmons and you get the For reservations and information, call (352) Through November 4 terrorize the population. idea. 375-4477 or visit thehipp.org. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Two of the leading characters, a local sheriff Because I want you to sleep tonight without Riverside (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org (Sara Morsey) and television news anchor (Nell nightmares, a secret force I will not reveal here Page), use the actual names of the real Alachua defeats the zombies, so see the show. Patrick Miko: Edifi ce Beautiful Imposition County Sheriff (Sadie Darnell) and Channel 20’s This script will never win a Tony award, but Runs through November 7 Alexander Brest Gallery and newscaster (Paige Beck). Much of this is very Carlos Francisco Asse’s set could. It is absolutely Museum at Jacksonville University (904) 256-7345 funny (so funny I often had tears in my eyes). the best I have seen this year anywhere in North The Trilogy Series Featuring artwork by Leneke’, Sonya Cox, Louise Cruz & Jennelle Comisky Through November 9 Village Gallery & Framing, 964 Park Avenue, Orange Park

William Maurer show Through November 10 Waterwheel Art, 5047 First Coast Highway, Fernandina Beach (904) 261-2535 or waterwheelgallery.com

Fogle Fine Art Gallery Presents: Regions Bank Artist Celebration of Jeanne Pelligreno Through November 30 Regions Bank, 1461 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park

Valuistics: A printed installation by James Greene Through January 6 MOCA Jacksonville, 333 North , Downtown (904) 366-6911 x210 or mocajacksonville.org

Minoru Ohira Sculpture Exhibit Through January 6 MOCA Jacksonville, 333 North Laura Street, Downtown (904) 366-6911 x210 or mocajacksonville.org

Precious Gifts of Asian Art Through January 2008 Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org

Oh Say Can You See: American Art from the West Foundation Collection Through January 2008 Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org

Joseph Jeffers Dodge: A Passion for Art Through February 2008 Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Avenue, Riverside (904) 356-6857 or cummer.org

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 31 they had a surprising collection of Native American arrowheads from all over the area. culture & arts Many of the members of the museum are involved in the Battle of Olustee reenactments, and OCTOBER the museum has placed markers around the area to 25 Beakman Live Science Show UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax commemorate various skirmishes and events. The curator of the museum is Van Seagraves, 25 4th Annual Trunk or Treat , Jax Perdue Offi ce Interiors but during my visit I talked to Larry Skinner. I asked 25 UNF Jazz Faculty Featuring Bunky Green UNF Fine Arts Center, Jax him about Jacksonville’s participation in the Civil 25-27 Mystery Dinner Theatre Dave & Buster’s, Jax War, and he was knowledgeable enough to describe a number of incidents that took place in and around 25-27 Tactile Art Show , St. Augustine Art Association Jacksonville. He didn’t look very old, but I think he 25-28 “Frankenstein” Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine was there at every skirmish. 25-28 “Unspoken For Time” FCCJ Dramaworks Wilson Center, Jax Jacksonville was occupied by the Union Army four separate times, the fi nal one concluding at the 25-31 Breast Defense: Glamour Girls For Early Detection Battle of Olustee, by far the largest and most well Gallery at Screen Arts, St. Augustine known Civil War event in the area. Here is a short 25-NOV. 4 The Cummer Is…Photographs By Ingrid Damiani timeline of Civil War events in the Jacksonville area: Cummer Museum, Jax 25-NOV. 4 4th Annual House of Possibilities Chadwick House, January 2, 1861 – Confederate Army troops occupy Fernandina Fort Clinch in Fernandina. 26-NOV. 4 “A Party To Murder” ABET, Atlantic Beach January 7, 1861 – Confederate Army troops occupy 25-NOV. 7 Edifi ce Beautiful Emposition – Exhibit by Patrick Fort Marion in St. Augustine. Miko JU Gallery, Jax February 2, 1862 – Confederate troops withdraw from Fort Clinch. 25-NOV. 9 Tricking Fish: How & Why Lures Work Exhibit The – Union Army troops take over Fort , St. Augustine March 5, 1862 Lighthouse Clinch. 25-NOV. 17 “A Friendly Game of Death” Dave & Busters, Jax March 11, 1862 – Union troops occupy St. Augus- 25-NOV. 25 Joseph & the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat tine and Fort Marion. , Jax March 12, 1862 – Union troops enter Jacksonville. – Union troops leave Jacksonville. 25-JAN. 6 Sculptor: Minoru Ohira Exhibit MOCA, Jax April 9, 1862 the civil war in September 11, 1862 – Union gunboats patrol the 25-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art Cummer lower St. Johns River. Museum, Jax October 5, 1862 – Confederate troops withdraw 26 “Brown Bag” Boat Trips-The Riverkeeper The Landing, Jax from Yellow Bluff and St. Johns Bluff. A Confederate 26 Choral Concert: The Aim of Waking is to Dream FCCJ group led by Captain J.J. Dickinson engages Union South Campus, Jax jacksonville troops but are driven back. – Union troops reoccupy Jackson- 26-28 20th Annual Spooktacular , Jax March 10, 1863 The Zoo ville with regiments that include African American 26-NOV. 10 “A Party To Murder” ABET, Atlantic Beach soldiers. 26-NOV. 17 “Whose Wives Are They Anyway” Orange Park G. Howard Bryan Museum of Southern History March 29, 1863 – Union troops leave Jacksonville. Community Theatre, Orange Park February 7, 1864 – Union troops once again return to Jacksonville. 27 GA/FLA Game Jax Stadium, Jax BY DONALD DUSINBERRE [email protected] February 9-10, 1864 – Union troops occupy Bald- 27 Oktoberfest , St. Augustine win and Barber’s Plantation. 27 Figurative Drawing Workshop with Jim Draper Cummer Jacksonville doesn’t really have a glitzy history. the oldest city in the United States. Jacksonville is February 11, 1864 – Union Army recon unit ap- Museum, Jax We don’t have any widely known buildings like the the largest city in the United States in terms of land proaches Lake City but withdraws after skirmish with 27 Indian Dance Musical Morocco Shrine, Jax Empire State Building in . We don’t area. And most importantly, we host The World’s Confederate troops. have any fancy monuments like the Gateway Arch Largest Cocktail Party. – The Battle of Olustee occurs. 27 Ancient City Kids Day , St. Augustine February 20, 1864 Francis Field in St. Louis. We’ve got seven bridges, but none so To learn the fi ner points of Jacksonville history, The largest battle fought in Florida, 203 Union sol- 27 Patrick Robinson A Tribute to Gospel Legend Mahalia glamorous as the Golden Gate in San Francisco. I decided to visit the G. Howard Bryan Museum of diers were killed while 93 Confederate soldiers were Jackson St. Nicholas Bethel Baptist, Jax We’re situated along a major river, but Pittsburg is Southern History, located at 4304 Herschel Street killed in a Confederate victory. 29 Auditions: “Fantasticks” 12pm Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine nestled amongst three rivers. in Avondale. What I discovered upon entering was a March 1, 1864 – Skirmish results in the largest The truth is, most cities lack such outstanding museum dedicated largely to the Civil War. number of men killed in action within the county 28 Symphonic Spooktacular-JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax features, and maybe that’s just as well. I’ll bet the I have to admit I was nervous and quite a bit during the war. 28 Botany Collage: Using Dried Plants & Leaves MOCA, Jax folks living in Washington D.C. get tired of looking at disappointed, but I decided to make the most of April 1, 1864 – The Maple Leaf strikes a mine off 28 A Love Story The Potters House Christian Fellowship, Jax the Washington Monument. my visit. The museum has much to offer folks who Mandarin and sinks. It was one of four Union trans- Let’s focus on what makes Jacksonville spe- want to get a closer look at Civil War artifacts, and it port ships sunk during the war. 29 Benise-Nights of Fire Performing Arts Center, Jax cial, not just well known. The St. Johns River is a features an impressive library for those who want to May 23, 1864 – The Battle of Horse Landing occurs 29-30 Auditions: The Ride Down Mt. Morgan 7pm ABET, majestic, northward fl owing river. St. Augustine is do some research. In addition to the Civil War items, in the St. Johns River near Palatka. Atlantic Beach

30 Gremlin & Goblin Goulash Mystery Theatre Bartram Trail High School, Jax 31 20th Annual Sppoktacular The Zoo, Jax 31 Wild West Fall Fest Family Event Regency Church, Jax

NOVEMBER 2-3 An Evening with Melissa Manchester-JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax 2-3 Classic Car & Truck Show St. Johns County Fairgrounds, St. Augustine

2-4 27th Annual Lincolnville Festival Granada/Washington, St. Augustine

2-17 Moon Over the Brewery Theatre Jax, Jax 3 Shostakovich & Schubert-Pianist Scott Watkins JU Terry Concert Hall, Jax

32 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper authorized replica or recreation. Seuss’ wife hired a company to colorize his drawings, create printing plates and run a limited number of hand-pulled prints. Then they destroyed the plates to preserve the value of the prints. They also printed digital copies of Seuss’ paintings as well as cast replica sculp- tures and hand painted them to look exactly like the originals. I went into the gallery knowing this information, so I wasn’t disappointed. I wondered how forth- coming the R. Roberts Gallery staff would be with that information, so I decided not to tell them what I knew. I asked a few questions that I believe anyone would have asked, but mostly, I listened. Much to my surprise, nobody ever attempted to deceive me into thinking that Dr. Seuss painted on any of the canvases or personally drew any of the drawings. The exhibition is called The Art of Dr. Seuss, and I suppose it could fool anyone at fi rst, but you should always pay attention to what you’re looking at, especially when you’re in a gallery that sells the art they display. the art of dr. seuss R. Roberts gallery

BY DONALD DUSINBERRE [email protected] Did I ever tell you how lucky you are? Well, let me tell you my friend, a pleasant time is not far. Hop on your bicycle and get on a train, ‘cause you can see art from a genius’ brain. He’s no longer with us but as you will see, his pictures are in R. Roberts Gallery. Yes, the artwork imagery was defi nitely conceived by Dr. Seuss himself, but he didn’t fi nish it. It It’s true. The R. Roberts Gallery is currently hosting a sizeable collection of sculptures, bronzes, was interpreted and completed by some other person with no reputation of his own. That being said, it and graphic transfers of all your favorite Dr. Seuss characters. In fact, the R. Roberts Gallery is the fi rst doesn’t mean the work has no entertainment or monetary value. I had a great time looking at Dr. Seuss’ gallery ever to feature the bronze statues and the large-scale print of the Grinch on Mt. Crumpit. imaginative pictures and sculptures, and even though I knew they weren’t made by him personally, I still Theodor Geisel wrote and illustrated dozens of wished I could take one home with me. They are still unique in their own, albeit small, way. children’s books and other media as Dr. Seuss. In addi- There is a reason why I was aware of the fact that none of the artwork in the Dr. Seuss exhibit was tion to the well-known images we’ve all grown to love, actually made by Seuss himself. I was informed of a local man named Gary Arseneau, who has built a the exhibition also includes a number of personal and reputation on uncovering art fraud. His website, garyarseneau.blogspot.com, outlines his position: “secret” images that he created just for himself. Although he died in 1991, Geisel instructed his wife The 72,000 or more so-called “lithographs,” “serigraphs” and edition “sculptures,” attributed on releasing his secret art to the public. As a result, we to Theodor Geisel by Audrey Geisel, The Chase Group and participating art galleries, are not are able to experience a series of images that have never only non-disclosed -FAKES-, posthumously reproduced after 1997 but they have posthu- been seen in public before, allowing us to learn more mously applied counterfeit “Dr. Seuss” signatures and edition numbers to foster the illusion about one of the most beloved authors and illustrators in that Theodor Geisel a.k.a. Dr. Seuss either created them and/or at least approved them when history. in fact he hasn’t even seen them. A highlight of the exhibition is the collection of Un- orthodox Taxidermy sculptures, which were conceived I wholeheartedly appreciate Arseneau’s diligence in protecting the unknowing public from decep- by Seuss after his father, a zookeeper, would send him tion. Although his arguments are overly dramatic, he calls appropriate attention to important facts that horns, antlers, and other animal parts. Seuss would in- are often skirted. He carefully dissects the wording used by art brokers, galleries and museums to un- corporate each part into a sculpture that gave the animal cover what he believes is intentionally hidden. His arguments seem sound and logical, even citing legal a new form. Also intriguing were the “secret” paintings, precedents, but they only offer substance to certain people. If you’re an art collector, then heed his some of which look quite different from the lighthearted words and pay attention before you pay for artwork. But if you simply enjoy the art of Dr. Seuss, then drawings in his popular books. It’s always fascinating to feel free to enjoy the exhibition at R. Roberts Gallery. Perhaps you don’t need to look at the original to learn private things about a person, especially someone as creative as Seuss. smile. Read this carefully, because it is the most important thing to remember about all of the Seuss art Whether someone is out to convince you of lies or truth, keep your eyes and ears open. Do a little you’ll see at the R. Roberts Gallery: Dr. Seuss’ hand has never been on any of them. Every piece of research and you’ll be okay. As it is with everything in life, you can’t be fooled by what they’re selling work on display was created after Geisel’s death. Even more defi nitively, virtually all of the originals are unless you’re buying. Decide for yourself what the word “art” means. and will remain solely in Mrs. Geisel’s possession. Visit the Dr. Seuss exhibition at the R. Roberts Gallery until October 25th. It might also do you So how can they call this the art of Dr. Seuss if he didn’t actually make it himself? Well, techni- some good to check out Arseneau’s blog to get some perspective before you go. That’s what I did, and cally it’s not, but it is derived directly from Seuss’ work. In other words, every work in the gallery is an I still had a great time.

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 33 THE JOCK by tom weppel

One of a city’s defi ning features, at least in my eyes, is the quality of its nightlife. There isn’t much I like more than a cute outfi t, good music and a great place to go dancing. So let’s compare. My favorite place to go in Oakland was this Irish Pub, McNally’s. It was green on the outside and on one of the oldest streets in the city, College Ave. Inside there was a huge stone fi re- Random thoughts from a cluttered mind... Lee is actually being looked at by head basketball place, much appreciated on those cold, wet days of the rainy season. There was bumper pool, a game coach Leonard Hamilton, because he has thrown I had never heard of before and still have never mastered, a chess set on the back porch and posters some great bounce passes! everywhere. There was even a little tiki hut outside in the alleyway with Christmas lights and a television. COLLEGE FOOTBALL And so Bowden is going to give backup QB My crew and I were friends with the bartenders. We went there, on average, at least once a week. Unless you have your head in the sand, you Drew Weatherford a fourth or fi fth chance, depend- Even more so before we moved across town to Jack London. Tony, an old Irish man who had come to know that we will be seeing about 85,000 crazed ing on who’s keeping tally, to capture the head job. America at sixteen, was my favorite part of the experience. He knew more sexual innuendos than any fans invade J-ville, as the game between Georgia Weatherford has a scrimmage on Saturday as the other person in the world. And he could put any guy to shame any day of the week with his sly jokes and and Florida cranks up downtown in No-Name Sta- ‘Noles host the duke Blue Devils. After that, he’ll rapid-fi re wit. He was affectionate with all the girls, and the most genuine, caring person you could ever dium. The game starts at 3:30 and can be seen on have to play Boston College, Tech, Mary- expect to fi nd. Everyone loved him. He probably had about twenty-three girlfriends, not to mention his TV-47, CBS. land, and Florida .They could easily lose all four. actual girlfriend. Tony told us about his life. He told us about losing his son. About coming to America and the hard- The Gators come off a nice win last week over ships he faced in lieu of that transition. He told us about his broken fi rst marriage. He was open with us, top-ranked Kentucky, 45-37, while the ‘Dogs had JAGUARS and he could read any one of us just as easily. So, he also gave us advice. the week off to heal their wounds and rest up. After a pretty tough loss on Monday Night One time, Tony took my friend and me upstairs to the apartment above the bar. It was where the Despite their two losses, the Gators are a to the Colts, the Jaguars will have to bounce back original owner of the bar, McNally, had lived. Now it doubled as an offi ce and a place for too-drunk, close strong outfi t, led by former Nease QB Tim Tebow. as they hit the road now for three straight games, starting on Sunday in Tampa. This will be a tough friends to crash. Although you couldn’t have paid me to crash up there; it was creepy as hell. Tebow has turned into a Gainesville movie star. He On the street just below, underneath the concrete sidewalk, was a tiny tombstone for Bill McNally, is so popular, he cannot go ANYWHERE without an task, as the Jags must now go to work without the the original owner. He had been buried there back before the concrete existed, back before the buildings escort leading his way, whether its to class, prac- services of QB David Garrard. They now turn to had turned into row houses, and there was still space for a grave. And there they had laid him, right out- tice, or even to the store. He has had to change his Quinn Gray to lead the offense, and that, my friends, side his home and livelihood, his bar. That’s where he stayed, all these years, but almost a century later, cell phone number numerous times, as he continues will be tough. Without question, Jackie Del Rio and a lot has changed. to get calls from everywhere. his coaching buddies downtown will have to cook Now all that was left was the small brass plate that marked his spot, just in front of the bar’s addi- His main target on the fi eld is WR Percy Har- up some good stuff in order to generate points. tion. My friend and I stood in the tiny room in the upstairs apartment, looking down onto the tombstone. vin, who has shown his prowess in catching, run- Meanwhile, the Bucs have been a little better I could swear a chill was passing through the walls and I could feel Bill McNally standing there with us, ning, and scoring. The Tebow/Harvin combination, than average. They have won games people didn’t probably with a pint in his hand. We scurried out. Only one other time did I go back up there, and never without question, is the key to the Florida offense. expect them to, getting to 3-1. Since then, they have again did I go in that room. No need to disturb the dead. And, with Tebow nursing a sore non-throwing lost two of three, to go to 4-3. While they have had I loved McNally’s. When I think about Oakland and what I did for fun, that’s the fi rst thing that shoulder, early reports are saying he should be able great play out of QB Jeff Garcia, they have lost two comes to mind. It’s practically the only thing that comes to mind. McNally’s was awesome, but that’s to start and play. RB’s to injury, having to go now with former Gator where it ended for me. There was no dancing at McNally’s, either. Sure, you could have danced to the Meanwhile, Georgia, at 5-2, must deal Earnest Graham to carry the load. The Buccanneer Jukebox, which we did on more than one occasion. But an Irish pub is not exactly what one thinks of with concerns at the RB position. Their top two defense is the group the Jags will have to be most when thinking about dancing. backs, Thomas Brown (collarbone), and Kregg aware of in this game, to see if they can make some Dancing in Oakland was almost impossible to come by. We fi nally found the Ruby Room, which Lumpkin(knee), are either out or too banged up to things happen and stay competitive. was a retro throwback with low ceilings, a stone bar and red lights. There was a DJ and a tiny dance play. And so head coach Mark Richt must turn to The Jags must be very, very careful to make fl oor, but it was hardly used. And the music selection just wasn’t exactly my cup of tea. I remember on redshirt Freshman Knowshon Moreno to take care sure they DO NOT suffer a letdown. It would be easy multiple occasions asking the DJ to play a certain song, and he would never have them. He would just of running the ball. for them to do so, after being so jacked for the Colt look at me, surrounded by his vintage vinyls of the nineties, and say, “Yeah, that really is a great song. I In the last fi fteen years, the Gators have practi- game. We’ll see how they respond to that loss. should get that.” Well, duh. cally owned this game, having won 14 of the last 16 No, Jacksonville is different. Jacksonville’s nightlife far surpasses that which I found in the cities by games played between the two. Still, Georgia holds WORLD SERIES the Bay. Even San Francisco seemed to fall short, and the commute was enough to make us forgo the a 46-37 lead in wins, with two ties. The Red Sox and Rockies are cranking it up in venture all together. BART only ran until 12:30 AM and you still had to drive to and from the stations. It Most retail businesses and restaurants want the World Series now. Boston is the team of tradi- was redonkulous. the ‘Dogs to win. When Georgia wins, those fans tion that so many are aware of and know about, But Jacksonville offers me a number of choice options almost every night of the week. The Village stay in town Saturday night to party and spend while Colorado is the team, STILL, that no one Voice even recently sent one of their writers to come down for a show. We’ve come that far. We are wor- cash. When Georgia loses, they go home. Most knows about. It seems to be a total David/Goliath thy of a plane ticket. The writer went to TSI, one of my personal favorite dancing spots. I also like The Florida fans leave Jacksonville, no matter what. confrontation, on the surface. But the bottom line Pearl, Eclipse, and Square One (on Wednesdays) for the awesome DJ’s who always play the best songs And so we shall see how things play out. One team is that the Rockies are a fi erce team that has sim- and always have what I request. The guy labeled the scene as “NYC wannabe.” Well, I can settle for that. will emerge with three losses on their record, and it ply blown their fi rst two opponents right out of the At least we are emulating the best. Not bad, if you ask me. I’m sure it had something to do with the well- won’t be pretty. playoffs. It will be interesting to see how this series dressed hipsters, pushing their way into that fashion forward category despite limited availability. We just After losing last weekend at home to the emerges. Overall, though, many will be pulling for don’t have as many great stores. Yet. But the music is awesome. And the beer is pretty cheap. People Miami Hurricanes, I think its pretty fair to call the the BoSox to come away with another Champion- are just ready to have a good time and dance. Florida State Seminoles nothing more than an aver- ship title. Not that Jacksonville has made it there, but it’s getting closer. The art scene here is exploding and age team. That has to hurt, if you are a Seminole it shows in this creative nightlife. It’s not just my niche that is a good niche, there are plenty of niches for fan. Bobby Bowden is hurting, for sure, as he has everyone. Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lon- simply not kept things going for his boys over in There may not be a Tony or McNally’s here, but I don’t think I’m settling. nie Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron Tallahassee. He’s got an awful corps of QB’s. Xavier Duguay on SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

34 october 25-31, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper nascar news & notes BY RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] Well I done it now. When I wrote about Dale young, have gone down paths I don’t agree with. I Earnhardt Jr. and then about the Car of Tomorrow, thought it was the greatest thing in the world when caution laps, Brain France’s heritage and the end of he and Dale drove the Coke cars in Japan and I the stock car, that didn’t upset people. Those were couldn’t wait until they raced together in Cup. I really nothing compared to my (let me see how it hoped that he would be Dale’s teammate. They was put) “sentence structure and punctuation,” I should have been a real father and son dynamic duo believe it was. Among these comments, the question winning races and championships. Junior had a pret- was raised about my intellect and my preference ty good start in Cup after back-to-back full Busch of races with and without crashes. There was also seasons, and I took him in as my third driver back the hope (or wish perhaps) that since I do not like then. I watched him start in Cup that fi rst full season the COT at all next season, I won’t be interested in in 2000, then 2001 happened. It was slow for him NA$CAR or doing a column for EU anymore. Come that year and even more so the next two years, but on guys, if I didn’t write this article, how would I put 2004 was a powerful season. food on the table and a roof over our heads? How These past three years (and if memory serves would I buy treats for our Pomeranian Coco? (She me right he renewed a contract with DEI about the really likes those yogurt pudding drops and, bubba, start of this time) he hasn’t been the same. Was it they ain’t cheap.) that he didn’t get what he wanted that time and knew Even if I do not like the new car, I will be a fan that in a few years he had go back and try again? of NA$CAR cause it’s like buying gasoline. Yeah, I This season, for some reason, I have not been his hate paying $2.69 a gallon, but ya’ still got to drive. biggest fan. Why? I can’t say. Like I said early on, Some people really enjoy the COT and some don’t, I wanted him to race with Dale, which would have but either way they are fans of racing. The drivers meant at RCR, but he was needed at DEI, so then I and pretty much everything else in the sport is still wanted Dale to leave Richard, but that would have part of it. So you can’t tell what kind of car it is re- broken my heart too. So at least they did get to race ally quick, that’s why they got them big numbers together a short while. Seeing that black #3 car and on’ em. And you know who the guy in the car is, if the red #8 Bud running next to each other was prob- he’s your driver, you also know his crew chief and ably the greatest race I have ever seen. Things sure the car owner’s name, along with a bunch of other can change, can’t they? And that’s what’s happened stuff too. I say they look alike, but I’m told they are to me, but, by golly, next year with Hendrick Motors- really totally different when compared by NA$CAR’s ports, I promise I’m a fan again. standards. I’ve never been there when they’re teach- Was there a Cup race today? Yes there was. ing those standards, but when I get a chance, I will Did Jeff Gordon win it? Well no actually, Jimmie go over one of those babies with my calibrator and Johnson did, and in doing so he closed that Chase learn for myself. gap a tad. Gordon looked good for the win and with As for my smartness, you may have me there. the laps lead winner he couldn’t get the job done, so I only fi nished high school and about 3 months of Jimmie kept his streak going at Martinsville. They junior collage, so I’m caught. I’m not a Rhodes say that “Virginia is for Lovers” and Johnson really Scholar, just a street smart guy that knows how I does love it there. He matched the record Richard feel and I try to express it the best I can. Sometimes Petty set in 1972 by winning all four races the state I do make an error, but don’t we all? My sentence has to offer this season. With him being 53 points construction and punctuation was questioned too. behind teammate and car co-owner Gordon, can he Again, I plead guilty. I write the way I talk. Just ask make it a repeat of last year and win the champion- Will, the Publisher and owner of EU, he’ll tell ya’ all ship? Four races to go and it looks like he might. about me. I read once that good grammar and spell- Then there are three others that could be doing some ing are “part and parcel of projecting professional- real hard racing at Homestead in the season fi nale. ism,” which ain’t what I am, as you can tell. I also Just as Brian France wanted, the deciding race; no read that I shouldn’t “sacrifi ce personality, impact or more runaway champions. effect for the sake of punctuation” I’m trying to inter- Now I have been wondering how Tony Stewart ject my feelings or opinions to my readers so that I felt about Joe Gibbs Racing switching to Toyotas, can hear back from them. and I hear that he thought it to be OK, but the deal This ain’t supposed to be a one way deal here is that he’s not happy with the change, and it’s folks, tell me like it is, as these other good readers soon contract time for him. Tony supports Chevro- have this week. Most of my articles are MOO (“My let wholeheartedly and it has been his only ride in Opinion Only” for you bubbas and bubba-ettes that Cup. Chevrolet feels and returns those thoughts as ain’t got no ‘puters) and you should return yours to well. Here’s the deal, according to rumors. Stewart me. That’s why my email address is at the top and doesn’t want to talk about negotiations with Gibbs to bottom of these columns. I’m not trying to make the press. His reason is that he’s in the middle of the anyone mad ever, I just want to make you think Chase and that is his only concern right now. about this stuff and then you can let me know about A few weeks back Richard Childress said he it when you do or don’t agree. We all got opinions, was going to start a new team for 2008 in Cup and don’t we? Saying that opinions are like you-know- would announce the driver shortly. WELL Dick, what (a friend said I swear a little too much in my who’s it going to be? Let’s just say that on the in- writing, so it’s just “you-know-what” this time) is side, the talk is that Tony Stewart is the new driver. BS! Without different opinions and ideas, we would For 2008, since he can most probably end his con- have never left the dark ages or developed a new car tract with Joe Gibbs on a clause about major equip- for the NA$CAR Nextel (soon to be Sprint) Cup Se- ment change (if going from a Chevy to a Toyota ain’t ries, or a million other things in our lives would we? major what the heck is?) I can’t bring myself to buy Now for Dale Earnhardt Jr., as I replied to one a Toyota diecast car. reader, it was implied that I am like a dog with a Again I have shared my thoughts will y’all and bone. Maybe it seems that way, but that is not true I hope you want to share yours with me. Thanks to at all. I do like Jr. and he is one of my favorite driv- the readers that have and I hope you continue to do ers (of which I have fi ve). It’s just that sometimes so. Reach me at [email protected] and, you his actions, out of either being infl uenced or being know the rest, if it ain’t NA$CAR, It ain’t s**t!!

eujacksonville.com | october 25-31, 2007 35