entertaining u newspaper

JACKSONVILLE

summer weddings Alternatives to the typical wedding

Summer Events at the Downtown Library | MOSH Dinosaurs are Back | Interview with Emperor X

free weekly guide to entertainment and more | may 31-june 6, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents cover photo: Lloyd’s Country Day Castle, taken by Erin Thursby feature Summer Weddings...... PAGES 18-20 Alternative Wedding Locations...... PAGE 18 Cutting Wedding Costs...... PAGE 19 Easy-to-Make Wedding Food...... PAGE 20 Wedding Eats...... PAGES 20-23 Downtown Library...... PAGES 22-23 movies Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies in Theaters this week...... PAGES 6-10 Bug (movie review)...... PAGE 7 The Waitress (movie review)...... PAGE 8 Away from Her (movie review)...... PAGE 9 seen. heard. noted. & quoted...... PAGE 7 Gracie (movie review)...... PAGE 10 Knocked Up (movie review)...... PAGE 11 at home The Good German (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 On the Lot...... PAGE 13 Everybody Hurts (book review)...... PAGE 15 Video Games...... PAGE 14 kids MOSH Dinosaurs...... PAGE 16-17 food Back Porch Cafe (restaurant review)...... PAGE 21 music Big Sam’s Funky Nation (MoJo’s)...... PAGE 24 Music Calendar...... PAGES 24-27 Everybody Else (interview)...... PAGE 26 Despised Icon (interview)...... PAGE 25 Emperor X (interview)...... PAGE 27 Route 66 on 89.9 FM (interview)...... PAGE 28 Mice Parade (album)...... PAGE 29 Antsy McClain - Trailercana (album)...... PAGE 29 arts / theatre / on stage FloorPlay (interview)...... PAGE 30 Through Our Eyes (LaVilla art show)...... PAGE 31 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 31-32 Seaside Summer Season (Daytona)...... PAGE 32 columns and stuff The Jock...... PAGE 33 NASCAR News & Notes...... PAGE 34

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 3 thisweek Mice Parade thursday MAY 31 The experimental electronica/ post-rock of New York’s Mice Parade, aka Adam Pierce (of The Charlie Louvin Swirlies), blends live instrumenta- The term “living legend” gets thrown around quite a bit, but it tion, layers of overdubs, and intri- actually applies to Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Louvin. cate percussion into a distinctive, A veteran of the Grand Ole Opry, Louvin has performed on major playful sound. The band will per- television programs since back in the fifties, and has toured with form Friday with Tom Brosseau everyone from Elvis Presley to Hank Williams. Now he has slated and guests supporting. (Read a stop at Cafe Eleven, for what is bound to be a legendary show. album review on page 29.) Tick- Tickets: $20 Café Eleven, St. Augustine- 8:30 Info: 469-9311 ets: $10 Jackrabbits- 7:00 pm Don’t miss TOOL Info: 398-7496 this Sunday

Maxi Priest maxi priest Anastasia State Park’s Annual Christened the “King of Lovers Rock” by Beach Bash his fans, British reggae star Maxi Priest The Beach Bash celebrates the beginning of is one of the most internationally popular summer with a variety of family-friendly events. reggae singers since Bob Marley. His silky Enjoy a day of sand castle building, scavenger voice is a natural fit with romantic material hunts, nature walks, and other fun activities. and his best music is as sensual as it is Prizes will be awarded for the best sand castle. soulful. Tickets: $20 Freebird Live- 8:00 Admission: $5 per vehicle for up to 8 people and pm Info: 246-2473 $1 for pedestrians and bicyclists Anastasia State Park- 9:00 am to 4:00 pm Dan Deacon Info: 904.461.2035 or floridastateparks.org/ Baltimore, Maryland composer and anastasia emanuel performance artist Dan Deacon brings his mess of wires, outdated equipment, Emanuel homemade light show and Casio keyboards to TSI to show Drake’s Raid Jacksonville what goes on in that crazy head of his. With special Emanuel’s music is the byproduct of the gritty, heavy local sound Relive history as Sir Francis guests Roargan!, Video Hippos and Lissajou, this is one show of their hometown indie-rock scene in Louisville, KY and the Drake and his raiders return that should not be missed. Tickets: $5 advanced, $7 at the door. members love of both nineties alternative acts such as Nirvana, to St. Augustine in an TSI- 9:30 pm Info: 424-3531 or www.clubtsi.com the Smashing Pumpkins and classic rock greats like The Beatles authentic re-creation of the and Led Zeppelin. The influences bleed through in their latest album 1586 sack of the city. Open Soundtrack to a Headrush. Emanuel will perform with Madina Lake, JUNE 1 - 2 to the public, the raiders’ Firescape and Fightstar. Tickets: $10 Jackrabbits- 7:00 pm camp at the Fountain of Info: 398-7496 The 2nd Annual Railroad Days Festival All aboard! The West Nassau Historical Society is very proud Youth Park features displays to host for the 2nd year The Railroad Days Festival 2007. The of the arms and armor, two-day event will include a parade, street dance, arts and craft skills, and lifestyles crafts exhibitors, live entertainment, steam engine displays, of the period explained by june 1 sawmill displays, West Nassau Genealogy Society, John costumed interpreters. In the friday late afternoon, Drake and his Leynes and his motorized railroad car demonstration, plus much more. Free! followers will descend on the Anna Tomczak Exhibition at Ponte Vedra Cultural Historic Callahan Depot, Brandies Avenue- city’s historic district as St. Center Info: www.wnhsfl.org or email: [email protected] Augustine townspeople and Anna Tomczak will be showing her works, Odes and Travels – Spanish soldiers attempt to stop the assault. Admission is free! Polacolar Images Transfer Photographs on Archival Art Paper from St. Augustine, FL- 9:00 am Info: 829-9792 or www. travels with the Large 20 x 24 Poloroid View Camera to Locations searlesbuccaneers.org/ and Studios. The exhibition opening will be from 6:30 – 8:00 pm at june 2 the Cultural Center, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach. saturday Freddy’s Birthday The Catty Shack Ranch, a non-profit organization that rescues Dancing In the Streets of Avondale Breakfast with Spider-Man and cares for big cats, only opens it doors once or twice a month Our favorite web-slinger is in town and ready to chow down This fourth annual street party features a parade, vintage car dis- to the public. This weekend kids and adults alike are invited to with some of his biggest fans. Kids of all ages are invited to plays, live bands playing 1950s, ’60s, ’70s and 80s music, break celebrate a very special birthday. Freddy, an African Lion, will be Adventure Landing for a delectable breakfast buffet followed st dancing and swing dancing exhibitions, and a Grease-themed turning 2 years old on May 31 and is having a birthday party this by a meet and greet with Spider-Man himself. Don’t forget your costume contest. Plein Air painters will paint the event from 6:00 Saturday. Come celebrate this special day with some cake, see autograph books! Breakfast is $10 and the meet and greet is pm until 7:30 pm and the art will be silent auctioned at R. Roberts some beautiful animals and hear from trainers. Admission- children free. Adventure Landing, 1944 Beach Blvd- Breakfast- 8:00 Gallery at 8:00 pm to benefit the Special Olympics. This wonderful under 2: free, ages 2-7: $5, ages 7 and up: $10 am, Meet and greet- 10:00 am Info: 246-4386 or www. family event is free. Shoppes of Avondale, St. Johns Avenue- 6:00 Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, 1860 Starratt Road- 12:00 adventurelanding.com pm – 10:00 pm Info: 338-3194 or www.historicavondale.com/ pm - 5:00 pm Info: 757-3603 or http://www.cattyshack.org/

4 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper sunday MAY 27 next thursday june 7 Gary Gulman Archaeology Day at Kingsley You may remember this guy from a little reality Plantation show called Last Comic Standing. Gary Gulman Ever wonder how archaeologists make sense placed third on the NBC series and has since of the past? Learn more at the Archaeology become a star, appearing on Leno, Letterman, Day at Kingsley Plantation! Visitors will see Kimmel and that one show with the weird British archaeologists at work in two areas of the site– guy. The funny man will perform right here in the slave quarters and near the plantation house. Jax on June 7th through the 10th. Ticket prices As they work, the archaeologists will explain are $18 or $20 on Thursday and Sunday, $20 or the process and answer any questions you may $22 on Friday and Saturday depending on seat have about the field. Can you dig it? selection. Kingsley Plantation, 11676 Palmetto Avenue- Comedy Zone 11:00 am - 3:00 pm Info: 292-4242 or www.comedyzone.com Info: (904) 251-3537 or www.nps.gov/timu The 17th Annual Jacksonville Food Tool Fight Alternative metal band Tool have cultivated a heavily industrial sound which has put them at More than 40 of Jacksonville’s finest restaurants the forefront of the genre. The Los Angeles based group, though they have had their hits, have and beverage wholesalers come together for maintained a place at the margins of rock ‘n’ roll, which allows them to continually experiment. They one of Jacksonville’s premiere food events. In bring their weird science to the River City this weekend with special guest Melt Banana. Tickets: addition to the great food and spirits, there is $38.50-$48.50 live entertainment and a silent auction featuring Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena- 8:00 pm an array of exciting items such as Jaguar Gary Gulman Info: 353-3309 or www.jaxevents.com memorabilia, fine wines, weekend getaways, golf packages, jewelry, Jacksonville Symphony orchestra tickets, dining certificates, fabulous artwork, and much more. Best of all, the proceeds go to a great cause, the Lutheran Social Services’ Second Harvest Food Bank. Tickets are $50 each for june 4 general admission and $75 for VIP admission. monday Crown Royal Touchdown Club East, Jacksonville Municipal Stadium- 6:00 pm -9:00 pm Info: 448-5995 or http://www.lssjax.org./ Theatreworks presents Free Summer Theatre! Start the summer off right with Free Summer Theatre, presented by Theatreworks. The special event kicks off this week with “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” from Monday until Wednesday June 6. This show is suitable for children in grades 1-7. Florida Theatre- 11:00 am and 1:00 pm each day Info: 355-3500 or http://www.theatreworksjax.com/ wednesday june 6

Burn the Floor presents FloorPlay Since their first American tour in 2000, the Ballroom and Latin dance show “Burn the Floor” has performed to sold-out houses in 103 cities around the world. Now they are back with their brand new show: FloorPlay. The company of 18 of the world’s best dancers performs a brand new collage of dance styles including swing, tango, rhumba, salsa, cha-cha and waltz. Read interview on page 30. Tickets range in price from $31.50 to $74.00 Times-Union Center for Performing Arts- 7:30 pm Info: 632-3373 or www.artistseries.fccj.org. eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 5 Movies Opening This Week Kids Turned Pirates

GRACIE Gracie Bowen (Carly Schroeder) is a 15- While Pirates of the Caribbean may not year old girl who is obsessed with soccer. When her be suitable for little ones, even the youngest of soccer star brother, John is killed in a car accident, she wants to take his spot on the all-male soccer wanna-be swashbucklers can get into the act at team. Her dad, Bryan (Dermot Mulroney), is a Walt Disney World Resorts. Four different resort former soccer star and coach. At first, he is against hotels offer special programs to let children sail Gracie trying out for the team. Eventually, dad helps the high seas, search for treasure and share the her train for the try-out. However, the coach doesn’t loot with their friends. give her any chance of making the team. Rated PG 13 The Pirate Adventure at Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Spa takes little buccaneers KNOCKED UP The consequences of having on a wild quest that ends with a full chest of unprotected sex is explored in this comedy. Slacker booty. As the young adventurers sail through Ben Stone (Seth Rogen) meets a vivacious woman, Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon, they’ll hear Alison Scott (Katherine Heigl) in a bar, they get drunk, and go back to his place and have sex. Oops, “The Legend of Gasparilla,” the story of a real she gets pregnant. Ben has to grow up rapidly to Florida pirate. The fun morning at sea is offered deal with this life altering event. For the first time in on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. his life, Ben has to accept responsibility. And, he’s At Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, the not ready. Rated R Caribbean Pirate Adventure puts kids on an old MR. BROOKS Kevin Costner stars as a charming battle relic where they will sail to parts of the man who has a split personality. In his spare time, Caribbean in search of treasure. As they journey, he’s a serial killer. Demi Moore plays a homicide children will hear the story of Old Port Royal Detective Tracy Atwood who is on his trail. Dane the end of a franchise and search for clues to guide them through Cook portrays Mr. Smith–a follower of Mr. Brooks the perilous waters. After spending some time who wants to be just like him. Rated R Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End movie review in the same waters as Captain Jack Sparrow Now Playing himself, the buccaneers will sail to Fort Cay and by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] munch on PBJ’s, gummy bears and Goldfish 28 WEEKS LATER Six months have passed since crackers. This program is offered on Sundays the rage virus has annihilated the British Isles. The B- Rated PG-13 and Thursdays. U.S. Army declares that the war against infection has been won, and that the reconstruction of the With fans the world over and billions of dollars Over at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club country can begin. As the first wave of refugees already earned, the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise is Resorts kids will hear about “The Legend of return, a family is reunited, but one of them right up there with Star Wars in popularity. The third and the Albatross” while searching Crescent Lake unwittingly carries a terrible secret. The virus is perhaps final film in the series picks up where the last and Epcot’s World Showcase lagoon for clues not yet dead, and this time, showing no outward film left off and ties up all the loose ends left dangling to hidden booty. The hunt ends with all the tiny symptoms, it is more dangerous than ever. Rated R from the second adventure, Dead Man’s Chest. The East India Trading Company, under the leader- treasure hunters receiving goody bags filled with ship of Lord Cutler Beckett (Tom Hollander), has vowed terrific treasure. Kids can take this journey on to rid the world of piracy and common folk are paying the Wednesdays and Fridays. price. Most basic freedoms have been temporarily abol- The Sassagoula River Adventure Cruise at ished and those who have ever had any sort of contact Disney’s Port Orleans Resort- Riverside teaches with a pirate are to be put to death regardless of age, sex or station. As the crackdown continues in ports around kids about the history of an ancient court jester the world, Elizabeth Swan (Kiera Knightley), Will Turner who was said to have lived in the region. The (Orlando Bloom), Captain Barbossa (Geoffrey Rush), Tia New Orleans-themed adventure takes kids on Dalma (Naomie Harris) and the rest of their motley crew a clue-driven treasure hunt that ends with the are plotting to rescue everyone’s favorite slurring swash- children being named Honorary Jesters and buckler (more on him later). Teamed up with Captain Sao sarily a need for one. The last two films relied heavily on Feng (Chow Yun-Fat), a powerful pirate from Singapore, showing us strange new creatures and giving us belly getting “gifts of enchantment” (goodie bags) AWAY FROM HER Grant and Fiona have been the unlikely team makes their way to the end of the world laughs at every turn. This time around, the film is more and lunch. This magical experience is offered married for decades. They have been through and beyond. action-driven, with non-stop battles that end in a lot on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. rough patches, but their lives are inextricably Meanwhile, after being swallowed by the Kraken, more deaths. The violence isn’t bloody, but it is brutal Each of these four fabulous pirate connected and their relationship seems idyllic: they Captain Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) is lost in Davy for what many consider a children’s film, with mass adventures are available for children ages 4 to share a private language and obvious affection for Jones’ Locker, a strange place in the underworld where hangings opening the film and ships and crews going one another. Now retired, they live comfortably all that can be seen is vast white sands, a few rocks and down in flames closing it. 10 for just $28.17 plus tax. All of the programs in a house in the country, but their contentment Jack’s beloved ship, the Black Pearl, marooned in the A much darker picture, At World’s End has signifi- are from 9:30 am to 11:30 am and include lunch is permanently disrupted when Fiona’s memory dunes. The solitude has caused our hero to loose his cantly fewer laughs, with the only truly funny bits having and treats. Each party will be accompanied starts to deteriorate. Starring: Julie Christie, Gordon mind and he spends his time bossing around a crew of to do with Captain Jack and his madness, which hap- by two Disney Cast Members, one of whom Pinsent, Olympia Dukakis, Michael Murphy, Wendy Jack Sparrow hallucinations and throwing rocks at noth- pens about 20 minutes in. About midway through comes is a certified lifeguard. For information and Crewson. Rated PG-13 ing at all. Upon being rescued by his “frienemies,” Spar- the film’s only other low point. As the characters make row remains slightly unhinged by his experience but is their way to the meeting of the Nine Pirate Lords each reservations, call 407-WDW-DINE. BUG A lonely waitress with a tragic past, Agnes forced to bounce back in order to meet as one of the nine tries to double-cross the other, leading to a confusing Pirate Lords to decide what should be done about the web of backstabbing a deception. It’s so confusing, continued page 8 East India Trading Company’s mission to force them into you almost have to give up trying to understand it and extinction. The result is the battle to end all battles as the hope for the best at the end. Luckily, this strategy works. dwindling pirates take on an entire fleet to secure their My sister-in-law actually saw the film a second time way of life. and found this part much more clear upon the repeated This phenomenal trilogy ends (perhaps?) in nearly viewing. perfect form with plenty of action, satisfying conclusions I’m still a firm believer that the first Pirates film is to the big storylines and, best of all, no cliffhangers. the best, but I was not disappointed by the third at all. Unlike the second film, which felt like half a movie in the Compelling action sequences, a visit with some of cin- story department, At World’s End wrapped everything up ema’s most beloved characters and a satisfying ending nicely, leaving the hint of another sequel but not neces- make this a successful ending to a remarkable franchise.

6 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

Get Thee Hence, Hanger-ons Britney Spears posted a lengthy letter to fans on her official website Tuesday in an effort to “reach out...and explain some of the things I have been faced with recently.” The pop star said she “hit rock bottom” while in rehab but maintained that her problems did not stem from alcohol abuse or depression. “I think the whole problem was letting too many people into my life,” Spears wrote, adding that she has since cut off contact with many former confidantes. Yeah, hanger-ons are such a drag when they run out of drugs! Loco Lohan Party Confidential Lindsey Lohan’s latest DUI arrest didn’t seem to have much effect on her busy social schedule over the weekend. The 20-year old actress attended a Memorial Day pool party at Hollywood hotspot Teddy’s on Sunday and was photographed by x17online.com apparently passed out in the front seat of the SUV belonging to her friend Samantha Ronson as they departed around 4:30 am. According to the New York Post, Lohan collapsed as she left the club and had to be lifted into “a bug thy never wert.” the car by a bouncer. Hey, at least someone else was driving. Stop the ‘N Sync Rumors Justin Timberlake has partnered with Interscope Records Bug movie review to launch his own label, Tennman Records, and will serve as chairman and CEO of the new venture, Interscope chief by Rick grant [email protected] Jimmy Iovine announced Monday. Former Sony BMG exec Ken Komisar has been named president of the fledgling label. B+ Rated R 102 min “I cannot wait to introduce the world to my new discoveries,” RC doesn’t trust Peter and advises Agnes to come Timberlake said in a statement. Meanwhile, chances of a ‘N Sync reunion look increasingly unlikely. This psychological thriller/horror film plays on stay with her. But, she wants Peter to stay–he’s all Besides, Justin has moved way past his boy band stage. the viewer’s deepest fear that tiny insects could gain she has to care about. She had even slept with him access to one’s blood stream, lay eggs, and gradu- which, in her mind, spread the bug infestation. Barb’s Rome Gig at $1,200 Bucks APiece Cancelled ally take over one’s body and mind. In the masterful- As time goes on, Peter’s obsession with bugs Barbra Streisand has called off her concert in Rome next month, following protests by Italian con- ly constructed scenario, directed by William Friedkin, escalates as he tries to cut them out of his skin, sumer groups over what they deemed “absurd and shameful” ticket prices, which ranged from about written by Tracy Letts, based on his off-Broadway leaving wounds over his whole body. Agnes should $200 to $1,200. Concert organizers claimed the cancellation was not related to the protests, but play, Ashley Judd portrays a struggling waitress, have taken RC’s advice and left. She is sucked into was due to “unexpected production delays.” Streisand will now launch her European tour June 18 in Agnes White, who lives in a seedy motel room. Her Peter’s madness and believes she is infested with Zurich. She did say she would send autographed photos of herself for $20 a pop to any Italian citizen abusive ex-husband, Jerry Gross (Harry Connick Jr.) tiny bugs. At this point, twists and tangents to the who was too cheap to buy a ticket to her show. just got out of jail and is harassing her with dead-line story happen to make the scenario unpredictable. phone calls. Viewers will not be able to figure out where this bi- “Loud Lesbian” gone Silent Agnes’ best friend, a lesbian named RC (Lynn zarre story is going. Rosie O’Donnell posted a video blog on her website stating that she does not expect ever to speak to Collins) also works at the same bar. One night, RC Ashley Judd was tasked with portraying Agnes’ Elisabeth Hasselbeck again in the wake of the on-air dustup that led to her early exit from The View. “I brings a stranger, Peter Evans (Michael Shannon), gradual descent into madness and make it convinc- haven’t spoken to her, and I probably won’t, and I think it’s just as well,” O’Donnell said. The former back to Agnes’ room to party. He’s a quiet type who ing without overacting. She did that with skillful chat-fest cohost also confessed that her chief writer did indeed scrawl a mustache on a poster of doesn’t drink or take drugs. His insightful personal- dynamics, but the director clearly nudged her to go Hasselbeck hanging in the View studio. “It was a joke on the way out,” she said. Yeah, and Hassel- ity appeals to Agnes, who is lonely and desperately beyond a certain point that hovers on overkill. Mi- beck scrawled a body part on Rosie’s poster. needs a friend. He tells her he doesn’t want to sleep chael Shannon nails his character’s advancing crazi- with her but he’s not gay. He is between jobs and ness with convincing realism. Now, Agnes and Peter Pea Pot Plea could use a companion. Agnes offers him a place to believe the bugs are multiplying inside their bodies Black Eyed Peas member Taboo (real name: Jaime Luis Gomez) pleaded not guilty to two misde- stay if he sleeps on the couch. and they are being controlled by the CIA. meanor marijuana charges Friday stemming from his Mar. 27 arrest. The hip-hopper did not attend Of course, Agnes is taking a big chance, since The couple’s outrageous belief in a govern- the hearing and entered his plea through his attorney. He’s due back in court June 28 for a pretrial she knows nothing about Peter. And, he has some ment conspiracy that is producing a race of human hearing. Afterward, Taboo bummed a joint from his attorney. strange beliefs about government conspiracies and bugs is given credence by Peter telling Agnes about seems to know a lot about insects. After a disagree- the CIA’s infamous LSD experiments to induce mind Police Giddy to be Back Together ment, Peter confesses to Agnes that he is an Iraq control and other historically accurate accounts of The Police launched their first world tour in more than 20 years in Vancouver Monday with 20,000 War veteran who volunteered to have medical experi- the CIA dabbling in mind-control experiments. Sadly, cheering fans looking on. “Since we haven’t been together in 25 years, I’d like to introduce the band. ments performed on his body. After a period of time, Agnes has submitted her will to Peter and, in so do- Andy, this is Stewart,” Sting joked a few songs into the show. The band will play two North American he found out that the experiments were about mind ing, is trapped in his web of paranoid delusions–lost legs, a European leg and shows throughout Latin America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand before control using insects. Most people would recognize in a hellish nightmare. wrapping up the tour early next year. After years of hating each other, the lads are downright giddy to Peter’s explanation of the experiments as delusions- Soon, the couple has redecorated the room in be together. The loads of money the Police are making to tour soothed all the past acrimony. symptoms of paranoid schizophrenia. However, there an aluminum foil motif. A knock on the door sends was something about Peter’s sincerity that leads her Agnes and Peter into a frenzy of paranoid specula- Revolving Suits to at least give him the benefit of the doubt. tion. Is it the cops, the CIA, some other covert gov- NBC is expected to oust its chief entertainment executive, Kevin Reilly, and replace him with Ben Sil- Soon Jerry shows up and starts beating Agnes, ernment agency? No, it’s a strange doctor from the verman, the man responsible for bringing Ugly Betty and The Office to American television, according as he had done before being locked up. Peter is clinic, who wants to take Peter back for treatment. to published reports. Reilly has headed up the struggling network’s entertainment division for the last there but he doesn’t defend her. Still, Agnes is glad This sets off another round of twists and odd hap- four years and signed a new three-year contract in February. he is around. RC wants to call the cops, but Peter penings that blow the audience’s mind. The climax stops her. The last thing he needs is the law show- depends on how well the actors buildup the tension ing up and taking him back to being a lab rat. Now, to critical mass.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 7 the life growing inside her. At first, she calls it a parasite but when she sees its little heartbeat on the ultrasound, she begins to change her mind. Her hor- mones are raging and when she sees the handsome doctor Pomatter (Nathan Fillion) she can’t resist her urge to jump his bones, although both the doctor and Jenna know its wrong. Thus, Jenna begins a self destructive sexual affair with Dr. Pomatter, who is married to a woman doctor who is doing her resi- dency at the local hospital. Shelly’s savvy orchestration of the scenes and the pacing avoids melodrama in favor of humor and sensitivity. Jenna wants out of her bad marriage, but rooms in a run-down motel, living in fear of her she is scared of her violent husband. Most of the abusive, recently paroled ex-husband. But when time, she placates him to keep him calm. Having the Agnes begins a tentative romance with Peter, an baby has greatly complicated her already complex eccentric, nervous drifter, she starts to feel hopeful situation, but she continues to make pies and hope again--until the first bugs arrive. Starring: Lynn that she can figure out how to break free of Earl’s Collins, Harry Connick Jr., Ashley Judd, Lynn Collins, tyranny. Brian O’Byrne. Rated R

DELTA FARCE Larry the Cable Guy stars as member of a blumbling Army reserve outfit which is bound for Iraq. However, they are accidentally dropped off at a care for any pie? Mexican village besieged by hostile forces. Let the fun Waitress movie review by Rick grant [email protected]

A Rated PG-13 107 min her sense of desperation turns to hopelessness. Her The fact that writer/director Adrienne Shelly husband, Earl (Jeremy Sisto) is an abusive, control- was brutally raped and murdered three months be- ling lout, who makes her promise that she will not fore this film was premiered at Sundance plays into love the baby more than him. At that point in the the its tragic mystique. However, if this tragedy had story, women in the audience will seethe with loath- not happened, the movie would have still wowed ing for this archetype dunderhead. begin. Rated PG-13 audiences at Sundance with its overall brilliance. Every day Jenna invents a new pie with cre- Indeed, the film will be Shelly’s lasting memo- ative names like “I Don’t Want to Have Earl’s Baby DISTURBIA Shia LaBeouf stars as Kale, a kid who rial. Audiences will view the film and think that the Pie.” Her delicious home made pies made this res- punches out his teacher, and consequently, is placed world was robbed of a major talent, who would have taurant a popular haunt in the small Southern town. under house arrest wearing an ankle bracelet with gone on to write and direct many other noteworthy Her colleagues and friends are Becky (Cheryl Hines) GPS. While confined to his house, he gets bored and projects. Incredibly, we live in a violent world in and Dawn, (Adrienne Shelly) who have their own Meanwhile, Jenna continues her tawdry affair becomes a voyeur. First, he spies on his beautiful which these heinous crimes happen every day. problems. The restaurant is owned by a cranky old with her doctor. They make a lame attempt to break teenage neighbor who comes over to confront him. Shelly’s story involves Jenna, (Keri Russell) a entrepreneur Old Joe (Andy Griffith). Jenna is the it off but every time they see each other they end Then, he sees strange things going on at another waitress and gourmet pie maker who is trapped in a only waitress who can get along with him. up having sex. If Earl found out he might kill her and neighbor’s house that leads him to believe the man, bad marriage and is secretly trying to save enough Jenna figures that getting pregnant was dumb, the doctor. Old Joe advises her that life’s too short Mr. Turner (David Morse), is a serial killer. Rated PG- money to get out of it. Then, she gets pregnant and but she is against abortion. So she has to reconcile to be in an unhappy marriage. But, she doesn’t have 13 enough money saved to leave. Yes, older viewers will think back to the old GEORGIA RULE A rebellious teenager (Lindsey sitcom Alice, but Shelly’s story is mutli-dimensio- Lohan) is hauled off by her dysfunctional mother inal, which upgrades the material from falling into (Felicity Huffman) to spend the summer with her sitcom mediocrity. When Jenna’s friends give her a grandmother (Jane Fonda). This arrangement will lead baby book to write letters to her baby, Jenna is able all three women to revelations of long buried family to write down her inner most thoughts that help her secrets and a greater understanding of family unity. rationalize her predicament. In her letters to her baby, Rated R she doesn’t blame the baby, but she wonders about how she will react when the baby is born. PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: THE AT WORLD’S Interestingly, since Shelly wasn’t happy about END Will Turner (Orlando Bloom), Elizabeth Swann her own pregnancy, her letters to her baby have (Keira Knightley) are allied with Captain Barbossa double meaning to the story and to her own life. (Geoffrey Rush) in a desperate quest to free Captain Shelly felt that taking care of a baby would stifle her Jack Sparrow (Johnny Depp) from his mind-bending creativity as a writer/filmmaker, but as viewers learn trap in Davy Jones’ locker, while the terrifying ghost in her movie, she works out that fear in her insightful ship, The Flying Dutchman and Davy Jones, under thoughts in her letters. Now that she is dead, it takes the control of the East India Trading Company, wreaks on a deeper meaning in the context of her film. havoc across the Seven Seas. Rated PG-13 Keri Russell’s exemplary performance as Jenna continued pg 8 is full of humor and insight into Jenna’s psyche. Toward the end of her pregnancy, Jenna sees a light at the end of the tunnel, in that the baby may be a wonderful asset to her new life, if she can muster up the courage to dump Earl. This is the key to Shelly’s motivations in creating her alter-ego character, Jenna–to work out her own demons. Shelly’s script, direction, and Keri Russell’s performance are Oscar- worthy. The film is building quite a buzz after it open- ing worldwide last weekend. It will be on my top ten list for 2007.

8 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper the awful symptoms of Alzheimer that have alienated him from the love of his life. SHREK THE THIRD The big green ogre is back with Grant visits Aubrey’s wife Marian (Olympia his pals for another adventure. When his new father- Dukakis) to commiserate about their respective in-law, King Harold falls ill, Shrek is viewed as the spouses. Marian has brought Aubrey back home heir to the land of Far, Far Away. Shrek, who doesn’t and Grant wants her to take him back to the center want to give up his beloved swamp, recruits his pals because Fiona is miserable without him. The two Donkey and Puss in Boots to install the rebellious other victims of Alzheimer strike up a friendship and Artie as the new king. Princess Fiona rallies a band of then start dating, which, under the circumstances, royal girlfriends to fend off a coup d’etat by the jilted seems an acceptable way of coping with their dying Prince Charming. Rated PG spouses. SPIDER-MAN 3 Spidey is back for a third episode. In this scenario, he explores his dark side when an alien entity lands on earth and attaches itself to Peter Parker (Tobey Mcguire). Suddenly, Spidey is acting like a jerk, but he likes his new powers. Spidey’s new personality puts a strain on his relationship with Mary Jane (Kirsten Dunst). Rated PG-13

THE INVISIBLE Nick is a high school senior with a bright future until, in a tragic case of mistaken identity, he is brutally attacked by a troubled girl, and his body is left for dead. Now in limbo, not quite dead but invisible to the living, his spirit can only watch real cinema as his mother and the police search frantically for him, unaware that he is only hours away from truly perishing. Rated PG-13

Away From Her movie review WAITRESS This indie from filmmaker Adrianne Shelly, who also appears in the film, was a winner by Rick grant [email protected] at Sundance. But the film took on new significance when Shelly was murdered by a construction worker A Rated PG-13 110 min her husband. It’s not clear that she even recognizes in her own apartment in NYC just before the picture’s Grant. He is shattered and jealous that she is caring premiere. Shelly’s scenario is about a waitress, This film, helmed by Sarah Polley, is an ex- for, and seems to love, this other man. However, a played by Keri Russell, who is unhappily married but ample of what I define as “real cinema.” It is an adult sympathetic staff member, Kristy (Kristen Thom- hopes to win $25,000 in a pie baking contest. She drama that delves deeply into an important subject son), attempts to comfort him by telling him it is not loses all hope when she finds out she is pregnant with intelligently written dialogue and cinematic unusual for the center’s patients to develop relation- Stories about the devastating effects of Al- until she meets a newcomer to town and falls into subtlety. Based on Alice Munro’s story, it involves a ships with other patients. It’s no consolation. Grant zheimers on the wives and husbands of the victims an unlikely relationship with him as a last attempt at seemingly happy seventy-something couple, Fiona feels shut out of his wife’s life. It’s another tragic tend to be depressing. However, this exemplary happiness. Also starring Jeremy Sisto, Cheryl Hines, (Julie Christie) and Grant (Gordon Pinsent). They live symptom of this cruel disease that is slowly shutting scenario sheds light on the possible ways of coping in the Canadian country near a frozen lake and go down Fiona’s brain one circuit at a time. and it gives the viewer a measure of hope. Today, cross-country skiing together, They are the picture Indeed, this is Julie Christie’s magnum opus there are new drugs that allow Alzheimers’ patients of health. Fiona still has a great figure and a beautiful performance as Fiona. Her characterization is skill- to enjoy a better quality of life before the disease face, and they have never been separated in the last fully nuansed and insightful, even humorous as overwhelms their brains at an advanced age. Still, an forty-four years. she blithely accepts her fate. Gordon Pinsent also Alzheimers diagnosis is a traumatic experience for After noticing that she was having serious captures Grant’s trauma and sense of grief with con- all concerned. This film deals with this trauma with memory problems, and put the frying pan in the vincing realism. Viewers will empathize with Grant, sensitive dynamics and humor. It’s an Oscar worthy freezer, Fiona goes to the doctor and gets a battery who is suddenly lonely and doesn’t fully understand picture for lovers of real cinema. of tests, coming back with grim news. Fiona has Alzheimers. Shocked and dismayed, Grant wants her to stay with him as long as she can. But when she goes cross-country skiing, gets lost, and almost freezes to death, she insists on checking herself into a luxury Alzheimers’ care center. Grant visits the center and is depressed by what he sees. His efforts to convince her to stay at home fall on deaf ears. Fiona seems relieved to check into the center. She views it as a hotel. How- ever, when Grant finds out that the center’s rules require relatives to stay away for the first thirty days, Nathan Fillion and Andy Griffith. Rated PG-13 he doesn’t see how he can do it. Of course, Fiona’s illness is much harder on Grant than Fiona, who is taking the degeneration of her brain with stoicism Special Showings and resignation. Polley’s straight forward filmmaking style Moonlight Movies creates an uncluttered setting for character devel- Classic movies will be shown outdoors under the opment. Alice Munro’s screenplay avoids gushing stars at the Jacksonville Beach Pavilion. On June 1 sentimentality while showing the tragic advancement of this insidious disease and how it affects the fam- ily, and in this case, devastates Grant. Under normal circumstances, just dealing with a loved one with Alzheimers would be hard enough, but in this story, Fiona develops a romantic relationship with another patient, Aubrey (Michael Murphy) who is in the final stages of the disease, is wheelchair bound, and can’t talk. When Grant comes to visit Fiona after the 30 day separation she treats him like a suitor instead of

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 9 THE KING AND I will be shown and June 8 you can see FORREST GUMP. The movies begins at 9 pm but you should arrive early to get a space because Soccer Chicks Kick Back these events are very popular and fill up quickly. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and a picnic dinner or you can purchase snacks at the Pavilion. Gracie movie review MOCA Summer Cinema MOCA Jacksonville’s Film Series is offering an by Rick grant [email protected] eclectic array of fantastic films and special guest B Rated PG-13 90 min speakers during their MOCA Summer Cinema. Don’t Essentially, this is a predictable formulaic sport miss this opportunity to see some of the most story involving a girl soccer whiz, 15 year old Gracie artful thought-provoking films of our time. Meet Bowen (Carly Schroeder) who, against all odds, your friends in the Museum’s Atrium before the wants to play on the boys team after her brother, 7 pm showing for MOCA’s happy hour held each Wednesday evening and pick up a glass of wine or Johnny is killed in a car accident. Set in 1978 South a cold beverage to enjoy as you watch the movie. Orange, New Jersey, the story was inspired by Elisa- On Wednesday, June 6th MOCA will show THE beth Shue’s teenage soccer career. DEVIL’S BACKBONE. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, Gracie is the only girl in a family of three broth- this 2001 film is analogous to Guillermo del Toro’s ers. Her father Bryan (Demot Mulroney) is a former recent blockbuster Pan’s Labyrinth. It is 1939, the soccer star and coach who had pushed his son end of three years of bloody civil war in Spain, and Johnny to excel at the sport. When Johnny is tragi- General Franco’s right-wing Nationalists are poised cally killed, Bryan is devastated and falls into a grief- to defeat the left-wing Republican forces. A ten-year- fueled depression. old boy named Carlos (Fernando Tielve), the son of Grieving for her brother, Gracie is obsessed a fallen Republican war hero, is left by his tutor in an with soccer, but her school does not have a varsity orphanage in the middle of nowhere. The orphanage girls soccer team. As a tribute to her brother, Gracie is run by a curt but considerate headmistress named wants to fill his slot on his team. Gracie’s mom, Carmen (Marisa Paredes) and a kindly Professor Lindsey (Elisabeth Shue) is not crazy about Gracie’s Casares, both of whom are sympathetic to the interest in soccer, but she supports her daughter’s doomed Republican cause. Despite their concern campaign to win a spot on the boys’ soccer team. for him, and his gradual triumph over the usual There are many hurtles to overcome, such schoolhouse bully, Carlos never feels completely as the school’s policy against inter-gender sports. comfortable in his new environment. Rated Gracie’s dad, Bryan is dead set against her playing R. Tickets are $6 for members and $8 for non- with the boys’ team. No matter how skilled she is members. If you are not already a MOCA member, at the game, she doesn’t have the physical mass to take advantage of our Film Series membership compete with the scrappy male players. The boys special – join the Museum the night of the movie and are too strong and she will get hurt. Undeterred, plays with the rough and tumble boys’ sand-lot play- then watch the show for free! Gracie practices on her own to the detriment of her ers. But, she lifts herself up and continues to play Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Series grades. with her brother’s spirit to guide her. It’s an uphill See great movies that boomers grew up with that still When all her efforts to play on the boys’ team struggle for Gracie to get up to the level of the boys’ intrigue and enthrall all generations. Relax at a FREE are thwarted, Gracie is frustrated and starts to act team. However, dad is supportive and drives her 5:45 showing of a classic film in the Jacksonville out. This leads her to a downhill slide into dangerous hard. Public Library Main Branch Auditorium with behavior. Her father sees this happening and decides The boys soccer coach has been against Gra- complimantary popcorn and soda and then enjoy an to coach her and do what ever it takes to get her on cie playing on his team from the beginning. When evening downtown. Every 2nd and 4th Thursday. the soccer team. He even quits his job to devote his dad finally gets the School Board’s permission to let The next film isS PLENDOR IN THE GRASS on June full time energies to coaching Gracie. her try out, the coach is dubious that she will make On the surface, every sports movie cliche` the team. So, she goes to the try-out and works hard 14. Info: 630-2665 or www.jaxpubliclibrary.org/ is shamelessly exploited by filmmaker Davis Gug- to make the cut. librarynews/main_boomers_2007.html genheim, who co-wrote the script along with Andrew Shockingly, Gracie finds out that she is out- and Elisabeth Shue, Karen Jansen, and Lisa Marie classed physically on the field with the boys, and she PLAGUES AND PLEASURES OF THE SALTON SEA Come to the Subterranean Cinema @ The Pit for Petersen. Still, the stellar cast and lack of gushing gets banged up badly. The coach is not impressed, their annual outdoor screening on Sunday, June sentimentality make this sports film different and but he admires her spunk and determination. Still, 17. Film maker, Chris Metzler will be in attendance entertaining. Sure, a monkey could predict where the he has to think about winning and doesn’t need a at 9:45 pm. Bring your lawn chair and cooler and story is headed, but there are a few surprises. Carly weak link on his team. Director Guggenheim built the view this documentary covering the once cherished Schroeder portrays Gracie with just the right chem- momentum to eke out every drop of whoopie from and man-made mistake of the Salton Sea narrated istry of teen angst and dogged determination. Her this scenario as the story reaches its climax. It’s way by John Waters. The Pit is located at 406 Chelsea stunning blue eyes flash with acting talent. But it’s too familiar to savvy viewers. Of course, the movie St. on the outskirts of downtown Jacksonville. Info: obvious that her thin frame is no match for the much is aimed at young fanatical soccer players and fans subterraneancinema.com bigger and stronger boys. who grow up mysteriously liking football instead of As father Byran works with Gracie, their mutual soccer. No matter how many sports movies are re- Summer Movie Classics 2007 interest in soccer helps to overcome their grief and leased, audiences really like them, especially young The Florida Theatre will be showing Summer Movie form a solid bond between them. Oddly, at times, people. Soccer is wildly popular among a certain age Classics on Sundays throughout the Summer. Gracie loses her confidence, especially when she group and they will love this picture. Enjoy great selections from cinematic history in the beautiful setting of one of Jacksonville’s own classics. The series begins with HIGH SOCIETY starring Bing Crosby, Grace Kelly and Frank Sinatra on June 24. All showings start at 2 pm. Call 355- ARTS for details or go to floridatheatre.com.

10 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper knocked up movie review by Rick grant [email protected] B+ Rated R 129 min Writer/director Judd Apatow hit the ground run- ning with this follow-up scenario to his wildly success- ful 40 Year Old Virgin. It comes close to the outrageous comedy that made Virgin a smash hit, but falls short of Virgin’s impact. Nonetheless, it’s funny with a master- fully crafted comedic script. Katherine Heigl portrays Alison Scott, an on- air personality with E channel who goes out with her sister to a bar, gets drunk, and ends up sleeping with a complete stranger, Ben Stone (Seth Rogen). During the excitement of the one-night tryst, Ben did not use a condom. Consequently, Alison gets pregnant–a pre- dicament to which many young women can relate. The premise deals with this traumatic event with compassion and humor, answering the question: What are the chances of a woman getting pregnant from a one night stand, and ultimately, the man turning out to be Mr. Right? Yes, the chances are astronomically negative. However, Apatow’s scenario plays with this question as fertile material for continuous laughs throughout the uitable solution for both of them. This setup is cleverly picture. written by Apatow who uses the characters’ dilemma as To make Alison’s situation more untenable, Ben is a springboard for his droll comedic writing. a bong sucking slacker who has no job and lives with a Seth Rogen, as Ben, is a natural comedic actor gaggle of losers. Clearly, he’s no Adonis, but a chubby who delivers his lines with perfect timing and panache. guy who rarely gets lucky. In contrast, Alison is beautiful Viewers see him mature in front of their eyes as he and committed to her career in broadcast journalism. meets the challenges of his new life. The nagging ques- Now her world is turned upside down by her drunken tion viewers will ask at this point in the story is: could indiscretion. Her sister, Debbie (Leslie Mann), is mar- Alison actually love this teddy bear guy? The answer is ried to Pete (Paul Rudd) who married her when she got yes! He’s sweet and loving to her even when her hor- pregnant, so sis can identify with Alison’s dilemma. mone imbalance causes her to turn into a raving she- Rudd is funny as Debbie’s acerbic husband who sneaks devil. off to play fantasy baseball. Ben’s goofy friends are supportive, although they Ah yes, does Alison abort the baby or keep it? are still stoned out of their minds most of the time. But Being pregnant came at the worst time for Alison, Ben sobers up and is gradually coming to terms with his who just got a promotion to on-air anchor. First, she quantum leap to maturity. On the other hand, Alison has decides to have the baby and hide her pregnancy from many doubts, especially about Ben being her soul mate. her boss, who is already pressuring her to lose weight. And how long can she hide her bulging tummy? When Ben is flummoxed by this turn of events. He decides to her boss does find out, he’s mad that she didn’t tell him. do the right thing and be supportive of Alison. Now he However, his market research reveals that her audience has to grow up rapidly, find a job and get an apartment. relates to her pregnancy and it has already enhanced her Sometimes, a guy like Ben needs to be shocked out numbers. So, at least her job is safe–for now. of his lazy lifestyle and become a man. But, he has no Again, Apatow proves that he can deliver a funny compass for such a drastic change. script and cast actors who understand his humor and Likewise, Alison has to face a new level of maturity can effectively act out its full comedy potential. Rogen from her carefree single life. So these two mismatched and Heigl have great chemistry together and convince parents-to-be must find some common ground. Fortu- the viewers that two mismatched people can fall in love, nately, they decide to talk it out and perhaps find an eq- against all odds.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 11 New on DVD same name, The Good German received two Acad- Hannibal Rising (117 min.) emy Award nominations despite mixed reviews from After the death of his parents during World War critics, who claimed the picture had plenty of style II, young Hannibal Lecter moves in with his but little substance. The Good German was actually uncle and aunt and begins plotting revenge on filmed in color against a green screen. It was then the barbarians responsible for his sister’s death. reduced in post-production and given a grainy black Rated R for strong grisly violent content and and white appearance to match the archival footage some language/sexual references. that was used throughout. The result is a film that looks straight out of the pre-Technicolor era. Dinosaur Jr.: Live in the Middle East With a film that was shot so uniquely and (83 min.) earned three Oscar nods, it’s hard to believe the This full-length concert DVD features the band DVD release would be completely devoid of supple- in its original line-up playing at New York’s ments. And, yet, here we are, stuck with a disc with legendary Irving Plaza and other venues during nothing but a handful of trailers. Clearly, a special their December 2005 tour. With unfettered edition double (or triple) dip is in the works, leav- access to this famously elusive band, fans ing the most impatient of movie fans with this bare will have complete backstage access to their bones release. If you can, hold off on buying the film recent reunion tour, see one-on-one videos and until around Christmastime, when, no doubt, a more experience a full set of Dinosaur Jr. favorites. worthy edition will happen upon store shelves. This DVD is not rated. Despite the sorely lacking bonus features department, I was quite pleased with what I saw Free Zone (90 min.) when I popped in The Good German. Lately I’ve been Rebecca (Natalie Portman), an American living watching a lot of old classics like The Maltese Falcon in Jerusalem, flees her hotel in tears and hails and The Big Sleep and this film seemed to echo the a taxi driven by Hanna (Hana Lazlo). The two style almost to a “T”. The characters are not entirely women embark on a road trip to Jordan’s free zone to retrieve some money from a person the good german known only as “the American.” Along the way, their circumstances are revealed and the ladies form a bond. This film is not rated. dvd review The Dark Ages (94 min.) This History Channel series profiles those by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] who battled to shape the future, from the warlords whose armies threatened to cause the demise of European society, like Alaric, With the exception of a daring few, we’ve caught up in a dangerous mystery when the body Charles the Hammer, and Clovis; to the men kissed black and white cinema goodbye. Only a of an American soldier named Tully (Tobey Mc- and women who valiantly tended the flames of handful of these throwbacks to a simpler era are Guire) washes up on the Potsdam shore. In search justice, knowledge, and innovation, including made anymore and even fewer make a legitimate for answers on why the young solider was killed, Charlemagne, St. Benedict, Empress Theodora, impact (i.e. rake in the box office dough). Instead of Jake stumbles upon Lena Brandt (Cate Blanchett), and other brave souls who fought for peace and using black and white because it was cheaper, like a German widow who had an affair with both Tully enlightenment. This DVD is not rated. Kevin Smith did when he made his first film Clerks, and Geismar at different points before and after the Steven Soderbergh chose to make his latest flick, war. It’s discovered that both the US and Russia are Rain (104 min.) The Good German, in the ever fading gray-scale to incredibly interested in finding Lena’s husband, a A 19-year old African-American woman make his neo-noir picture look the part. The film is man believed to be alive despite a death certificate (Brooklyn Sudano) learns, after a family tragedy, now available on DVD. that says otherwise. With very few clues to go on that her birth mother was white and that the It’s post-World War II Berlin and American war thanks to both Lena and the military’s reluctance to parents whom she knew were paid to raise her. correspondent Jake Geismar (George Clooney) has tell everything they know, Jake delves deeper into When Rain leaves the inner city to live a more returned to the war-torn country to cover the Pots- the mystery which leads him to uncovering horrors privileged life with her newly discovered white dam negotiations between the Allied forces. While beyond his own imagination. family, she faces a whole new set of dramatic attempting to mind his own business, Jake gets Adapted from Joseph Kanon’s book by the and life-threatening challenges. This film is not rated. likable, each doing and saying things that raise an My Brother (90 min.) eyebrow in the morality department. We’ve got a L’Tisha Morton (Vanessa Williams) has terrific femme fatal in Cate Blanchett, who is almost two sons, one of whom is developmentally unrecognizable as the wife-turned-adulteress-turned- disabled. When she discovers she is dying of prostitute, Lena. With dark hair, darker lipstick and a tuberculosis, L’Tisha tries desperately to get heavy German accent, Blanchett piles on the intrigue her two boys adopted together, to no avail. and sex appeal, making up for admittedly lackluster With no other option, L’Tisha helps create an performances from her male counterparts. I’m not unbreakable bond of love between the boys, and saying Clooney and McGuire are bad per se, but hopes that bond will get them through life. Her Blanchett seemed to fit the era more than they did. prayers are answered as the boys overcome Much of what critics saw as flaws are what make the impossible odds on their way to adulthood. film fit in so well with its decades old counterparts. Rated PG-13 for violence, some disturbing A few scenes featured some unintentionally funny images and language. dialogue, which was most likely an intentional choice on the part of Soderbergh to make it feel like it was Katharine Hepburn Collection shot in the 40s (I defy anyone to watch some of This six-disc box set includes six of Hepburn’s these old flicks and not get a kick out of some of the most under-rated films:Morning Glory, lines and how they’re delivered. It can’t be done.). Undercurrent, Sylvia Scarlett, Without Known for his constant experimenting, Soder- Love, Dragon Seed, and The Corn Is Green. bergh successfully made a movie that that looks Supplements include featurettes, Oscar- and feels like classic film noir. Many may not get the nominated shorts and classic cartoons. This concept and fewer will be able to appreciate it, but box set is not rated. those that do will find the good in The Good German.

12 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper on the lot Fox’s new filmmaking reality show by Rick grant [email protected] When we hear the names Mark Burnett and multi-talented person who can pitch ideas and work Steven Spielberg, normally we think they exist on with the moguls. It’s not a job for a person who different creative planets. So, when Burnett and lacks confidence in themselves. The first assign- Spielberg made a deal to produce a reality show ment eliminated many of the group down to 18. that would showcase the brightest young filmmak- The next assignment was to work in groups ers in an American Idol styled show, it seemed like of three to make a two minute film based on ideas an odd happening. Odd or not, Spielberg looked given to them. This challenge tested the contes- at Burnett’s track record of hit shows, and even tant’s ability to work together with different people he was impressed. So the two strange bedfellows and get results. Clearly, there were going to be seri- conjured up this new reality show that was a hit ous personality conflicts, which were fascinating to right out of the box. Yes, Spielberg figured that if he watch. Filmmaking is a team effort involving many couldn’t fight reality shows, he’s better join them to people. get a piece of the action. In the end, the trios that got along and worked On The Lot premiered on May 22 and will air as a team made the best films and were safe. The twice a week through the summer on Fox. Initially, others went home. There were some heartbreaking the producers were inundated with12,000 submis- scenes of talented young auteurs having to face the sions which were whittled down to fifty original cruel reality of the business for the first time. They contestants. That in itself was a challenge. The were so close to their dream, but it slipped away. fifty original filmmakers were showcased on the But as in American Idol, they can use their appear- debut. They came from all areas of the country, ance on this show as an important credit on their and they were an eclectic group of young aspiring resumes. filmmakers looking for the big break that this show The producers wanted to task the young could give them. Some of the contestants were film hopefuls with real world problems like time frames, school graduates and some were self taught. But budgets, and turning chaos into product. When one they all were honored to be chosen as fifty among considers the judges, one realizes that these film- 12,000. makers have to take multi-tasking to new levels of It didn’t take long to weed out many of the frenzy that equates into meaningful shoots. Sure, contestants. Their first assignment was to take an someone has a great little film, but if one is hired, idea given to them at random and work up a pitch suddenly one is cast into the pit of fire with unimag- to producers, or the judges, who are Carrie Fisher, inable pressures to get things done on time and on Brett Ratner, and Garry Marshall, with John Avnet budget. Only a few of these hopefuls have all these as an alternate. This was an extreme challenge for qualities. Obviously, the judges know what they are most of the young hopefuls, who never dreamed looking for and it may be clear who is the dominant of pitching an idea to major Hollywood producers. one. Only a few contestants were good at doing this. Nonetheless, in the end, although the judges One guy, who was so confident in the beginning, have clout, in the final stages of this competition, completely blew the pitch by forgetting what he had the viewers at home will determine who will make to say. I felt sorry for him because he’s a creative it to the top. As in real life, that vote will be in the filmmaker to be chosen in the last fifty, but terrible form of “box office” results. In other words, in the at selling himself. final analysis, the people who buy the tickets, or Ah yes, but this is the big time, and the winner in this case, viewers at home who vote determine will get $1 million dollars and a job with an office who gets hired and who walks. Whatever happens, at DreamWorks. So, the producers are looking for a the show is exciting and heartbreaking to watch as these promising young filmmakers go for it.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 13

video games by Norm stovall [email protected]

Forza Motorsport 2 Xbox 360

Forza is one of those games that take a little work to make. And by a little I mean more than one single person could ever do in a lifetime. When you play the game, its pretty and fun and all the bells and whistles will be there, but it takes a good bit of playing for you to fully realize the scope of what is happening in front of you. From adjusting the strength of the brakes on your VW Golf, to fine tuning the paintjob on your Lotus Esprit, Forza 2 really does present you with a wealth of things to do with your vehicles. The game also provides a great system of making the game fun for people who aren’t perfect gearheads, with things such as an on-track suggested racing line for you to follow, and ABS braking and tracking control. Just like the previous Forza game, Forza 2 has a strong online element, allowing you to adjust and tweak your car both inside and out, and you can even sell your souped up car to friends online. If you love racing or even like it just a little, you have got to give Forza 2 a try. And if you can, try using the Microsoft racing wheel for the 360, as it’s pretty much made for this game.

Odin Sphere Playstation 2

Sometimes, when a new game console comes around, the last line of releases for its predecessor tends to be overlooked. It’s an unfortunate thing, too, because that is usually when some of the best games are released. Now that the PS3 has come to replace the PS2, games like Odin Sphere don’t tend to make the limelight. It really should though, because this is probably one of the most beautifully illustrated RPG-action-adventure games to be released for the console. With absolutely huge storylines and an innovative way of reviewing events that have happened along your adventure, this game has the potential to keep you entertained for weeks. Odin Sphere plays a bit like your average beat-‘em-up game, only pumped with steroids for awesome gameplay and oil paints for the visual polish. I’d highly recommend this game to any PS2 owning RPG fan.

14 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper your guide to emo because Everybody Hurts by Erin thursby [email protected] “For the guys who wear eyeliner--and the girls who love them.”

The word emo is bandied about so much that it’s a bit hard for people to understand what it is, especially as a movement or a lifestyle. That’s why I picked up the book Everybody Hurts: An Essential Guide to Emo Culture, a mostly tongue-in-cheek information bank of all that is emo. You might be wondering: exactly what the hell is emo? It began as a confessional, emotional form of punk called emotional hardcore or emo for short. Emo has morphed from a type of music to a culture, much like punk before it. First, the authors give you a taste of core emo values like depression (which is way more dramatic than just being sad), effortlessness (trying very hard to pretend like you don’t care), empathy (feeling not just your own pain, but the pain of others), insecurity and the inability to compete in sports. They also take you through some of the misconceptions that have grown up regarding those who are emo. Emo folks do have friends, but they are generally MySpace friends. They might not often have sex (as they are too socially awkward and angsty) but they would really, really like to, and sometimes they actually do. Most emos are straight edge, but occasional experimentation with drugs and alcohol does happen. However, any emo who indulges frequently will be ousted from club emo. There’s a helpful section on emo concert etiquette and a section on the emo sub-cultures present within emo, such as goth emo, Christian emo , Indie emo and alt-country emo, among others. A scale of emo-ness is applied to celebrities like Jared Leto and Paris Hilton, as well as to things like black eyeliner and puppies. Sprinkled throughout this first chapter on ideology (and, indeed throughout the whole book) are emo slang words which are starred and defined in footnotes. The next chapter, my favorite out of all of them, is the chapter on emo fashion. It covers the do’s and don’ts of emo fashion, from tattoos to which band T-shirts are acceptable emo-wear. There are some fab illustrations of emo hairstyles and the list of independent emo-approved clothiers includes our own Anomaly in Five-Points. You’ll learn what piercings you should and shouldn’t sport as a certified emo-lite as well. Because emo-types often feel displaced in face-to-face social situations, they thrive in the world of the Internet, which is why there’s an extensive section of the emo online communities and must-browse sites that every emo kid should have bookmarked. You can learn how to take the perfect emo-style MySpace picture as well as picking up handy hints on how to emo-fy your blogs. You might be surprised at which films and TV shows get the emo seal of approval. The seemingly sunny and quirky French flick Amélie makes the emo list because of the title character’s inability to interact socially and her emo-approved Zelda haircut. Apparently, everything John Hughes wrote/directed in the 80s makes the emo cut, though Maid in Manhattan (written by Hughes) does not, because it starred J Lo and the writing was horrific. Edward Scissorhands makes the emo cut, of course, as does The Nightmare before Christmas. As the book says, to understand Tim Burton’s impact on the emo culture, one needs to look no further than the local Hot Topic store, “where tweens can currently choose from nearly eight thousand useless items with Jack Skellington’s face smattered across them.” More surprisingly, TV shows like 24. Despite its action-oriented nature, 24 makes the emo list. The authors offer no other reason other than: “…we’re hoping it’s because they thought Kiefer Sutherland was cool ever since they first saw Lost Boys.” Not surprisingly, the short lived My So-Called Life and Freaks and Greeks are also considered the height of emo television. The book seemed to confirm what I’d suspected. Emo has hijacked aspects of punk, goth and the socially awkward. In doing so it has become its own ideology. Luckily, the book never takes being emo entirely seriously. It’s a fun a read and a great pop-culture reference for all things emo.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 15

the return of the dinosaurs MOSH goes prehistoric

by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] There is nothing that captivates a child’s imagination more than dinosaurs. The massive lizards are myth come to life and kids of all ages just can’t seem to resist them. The Museum of Science and History’s newest exhibit, “Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals,” gives visitors a chance to see what these behemoths may have looked and sounded like and gives them an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating creatures. On Saturday, May 26th, the dinosaurs came into town and took over MOSH’s 6000-square-foot exhibit area on the second floor. The first thing visitors will notice is that 16 animatronic prehistoric creatures have taken up residence in the space and are moving and “speaking” in their own special language of growls, shrieks and roars. Major highlights of this popular traveling exhibit include a soaring Pteranodon, which flies above visitors heads with a wingspan of 23 feet, a 10-foot Wooly Mammoth, a mother Maiasaura and her baby and, of course, a massive Tyrannosaurus Rex that towers above guests at a whopping 18-feet, which is only 3/5 his actual size. Other dino guests include a Pachycephalosaurus, a sloth, and the Baluchitherium. Handcrafted in Japan by renowned animatronics company Kokoro, the colossal creatures were based on actual fossil record to give them their authentic look. Coupled with internal computers that make the beasts move and roar, these prehistoric animals make the youngest of guests feel as if they have stepped back into time and the oldest marvel at how fun science is now compared to when they were young. Speaking of fun, visitors can have a hands-on experience at some of the Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals stations. Pretend to be an archeologist at the Dino Dig Box, where fossils are just waiting to be discovered, or bring home a souvenir by visiting one of two rub stations. Guests can also take control of an Apatosaurus skeleton, moving it around with a special remote-control. Even the most stubborn learner will find it hard not to retain something at this incredibly enjoyable, but also deceptively educational exhibit. The Dinosaurs and Ice Age Mammals exhibit will be hanging around until October 14th so be sure to check them out before they go extinct again. The Museum of Science and History is open Monday through Friday from 10 am to 5 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm and Sunday from 1 pm to 6 pm. Admission is $9 for adults, $7.50 for military and senior citizens, $7 for children 3-12 and free for children 2 and under and members. For more information on this fascinating exhibit, please call (904) 396-MOSH or visit themosh.org.

Cosmic Concerts 16 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper other MOSH events

The Museum of Science and History always has something going on, especially during the summer. Here’s a list of some of the most interesting happenings coming up:

Friday and Saturday nights Under the dome of the Alexander Brest Planetarium, visitors can experience a phenomenal MOSH Party light show while jamming out to some of the very June 9th best music ever composed. From Pink Floyd Spider-Man and the Incredible Hulk will be on to Jimmy Buffet, the Cosmic Concerts have hand for this incredible family event to benefit our something for everyone. favorite museum. Come see crazy tricks by Disc- Connected K9’s Frisbee Dogs and meet some Pink Floyd- July 6th and 7th, August 17th and 18th of your favorite sci-fi movie characters. Other 8:00- Wish You Were Here activities include face painting, fire engine tours, 9:00-Dark Side of the Moon moon bounces and more. Admission: $20 10:30- The Wall Tonca’s Birthday Metal- June 1 and 2, July 13 and 14 July 14 8:00- Laser Fun Come see MOSH’s famous turtle Tonca turn 41 9:00- Led Zeppelin years old. The celebration will include a number of 10:30- Metallica fun kids activities and the massive turtle’s annual Smooth Rock- June 8 and 9, July 27 and 28 weigh in. Be sure to stick around for a piece of 8:00- Laser Swing cake! 9:00- Elvis 10:30- Jimmy Buffet Day of Total Luna-See July 21 Classic Rock- June 15 and 16, June 22 and 23, In celebration of the 38th Anniversary of Neil August 10 and 11 Armstrong’s walk on the moon, come to the MOSH 8:00- Beach Boys and have a far out time. 9:00- The Beatles 10:30- Classic Rock Dog Days of Summer Pop Rock- June 29 and 30, July 20 and 21 August 18 8:00- Space Rock From 10:00am to 2:00pm come see just how 9:00- David Bowie amazing dogs can be. Celebrity hounds include 10:30- Aerosmith Jacksonville Suns mascot Southpaw and Brandon the Termite-Sniffing Dog. Other canine- Country- August 3 and 4 orientated guests include the Safe Animal Shelter, 8:00- Laser Fun Southeastern Guide Dogs, Jacksonville Humane 9:00- Laser Country Society, Florida Service Dogs, Poochie’s Park, 10:30- Garth Brooks Dotson Adoption Rescue and Greyhounds as Pets.

One and Only Genuine Original

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 17 minute appetizers you want to stick in the oven. They also have plenty of contacts as far as other vendors you might want to hire. For more info on this castle at a ranch, call Sally Lloyd at (904) 879-9383 or go to countrydaycastle.com. the underwater bride You might be able to get an underwater wedding closer to home, but in Pensacola, about a five hour drive from Jacksonville, Captain Ron Beermünder can perform wedding ceremonies for the bride and groom who want it wet. Even though his website quotes a hefty $1200 price for an underwater wedding, when I spoke Captain Ron, he said that he would be happy to do any ceremony for the regular dive price. He’s got Naval Training, is a certified diver and best of all, is a Notary Public. You must be SCUBA certified to make the plunge with Captain Ron, but he can also teach you SCUBA, for an additional cost. All of Captain Ron’s ceremonies will be performed at a maximum of 70 feet, so there won’t be any chance of narcosis. “In ceremony, each diver has a diving slate with vows writer on it. The couple exchanges slates and they each write ‘I do’ on the slate…You can frame them afterwards, so you’ll always have a record,” said Captain Ron. In answering the fears about losing wedding happily ever after rings to the deep blue, Captain Ron replied: “Each ring is attached by fishing line and then, once they’re on, the line is cut as part of the ceremony.” The best part, he says, is that “underwater, spectacular summer weddings no one can see you cry.” For details, call the Captain at (850) 4- You don’t have to get married or be married to appreciate some good wedding ideas, but if you are thinking about tying that knot, make DIVING / 434-8464. You can also visit his website at pensacoladivecompany.com. it something special. Anyone can rent a church and a minister, but it doesn’t take more money or effort to throw a little creativity into the mix to make the occasion not only memorable, but a great story that your friends can marvel at throughout the years. Would you rather jump into marriage say “We got married in Jacksonville” or “we got married in a castle?” So we put together some good ideas that can help you keep the If you want to take a more than symbolic leap sparkle in your lovestruck eyes years after your nuptial vows. of faith, and you like an awesome view, try getting hitched at high velocity as you hurtle from a plane with a lovely view of the Jacksonville skyline. Call out of the ordinary choices for weddings by erin thursby 888-JUMP-JAX or go to skydivejacksonville.com laterra resort & spa reservations at 904-940-9912, choose option 1 about four years ago and styled after Bodiam river boat ride How can any woman resist getting married at and ask the wedding coordinator for details on Castle, which was built in England in 1385. If you One of Jacksonville’s most beautiful natural a place that can also provide her with spa luxury? various packages, pricings and wedding planning. go for the full package you can even stay in the resources, and certainly its most valuable, is the Such is the case at the PGA Tour Spa Laterra castle for the evening. There’s one room for the St. Johns River. As a bride you can take advantage Resort. It gets bonus points for being near golf, so bride and groom and an ample sitting area for of this resource by hiring one of Jacksonville’s dads and grooms-to-be can get in a round before fit for a princess the brides and bridesmaids to ready themselves. river boats to accommodate your wedding the happy event. You don’t have to go all the way to Disney to The full package, which is a little over $2,000, needs. They work with all kinds of brides on all With a beautiful lawn area and a covered be married in a castle. Instead, head to Hilliard, includes a night’s stay for the happy couple, kinds of budgets. Call (904) 306-2200 or call patio, it’s one of the prettiest semi-outdoor spots about 20 minutes from Callahan. Less than thirty chairs and table linens, and the use of a large tent jaxrivercruises.com for a small wedding and/or reception. They can minutes away from Jacksonville, it’s no more for the back patio area. The rehearsal time is also accommodate up to 60 people. If you and your remote than the far Westside, for someone who included in the package. They can accommodate guests book more than 10 rooms in the resort, the lives in South Mandarin. It is on a short unpaved anywhere from 50-150 guests. Rental of the the art of wedding space is only $250. road, as real castles usually are. space, without the package, is $200 for the first While you can’t get married at the Cummer They can help coordinate your special day The castle in question is the Country Day hour and $150 for each additional hour. There is Museum’s gardens anymore, you can hold your as well. Contact them for a tour or to secure Castle, also known as Lloyd’s Castle. It was built a kitchen on the premises if you have some last reception at MOCA Jacksonville. At the MOCA,

18 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper besides the venue where you hold the reception, have a beautiful specialty cake made for each they’ll open the galleries for an extra fee. Most table and still spend less on what you would have of the spaces accommodate about 50 seated for a florist, because the centerpieces double as guests or 100 standing guests, and the spaces food. can be combined. After hours Café Nola can If you can find an inventive chef who can accommodate about 65 people and is a great make appetizers pretty, have them create your space for a rehearsal dinner. centerpiece. Because you’ll save money on If art is your theme, even if you don’t centerpieces, you’ll be able to afford to hire an decide to go with a gallery for the reception, you excellent chef, even if you or your family members can always hold an “art shower” at the MOCA, don’t have the skills to pull it off. wherein they hold a hands-on art party where you Centerpieces can also double as favors. and guests create artwork. If you’re particularly Instead of having one central centerpiece, simply resourceful or have artistically inclined friends, provide one item per person at the table and group you can use this to create decorations or favors for them in the center. If it’s a garden party, don’t use your wedding. cut flowers; put them in ribboned pots decorated in your wedding colors. The pots can do triple- cutting wedding costs duty as place cards if you also decorate them with the names of the people who will be attending. As a bride, whether you’re paying for the Candles can also double as a centerpiece and whole deal yourself, or if you’re getting help from favors. the folks, cutting down the cost of the ceremony, reception and all the accoutrements that go with it how sweet it is will be a top priority. Depending on what time you hold your reception, you might not have to provide an ceremony entrée item. If you hold your evening wedding late Have your ceremony and reception in a place enough, you can make it an entirely dessert affair. that is special to you. Maybe there is a public park Make sure your guests know ahead of time and be that you and your betrothed met in or enjoyed very clear on the invites. during your courtship. Think of a landmark that The beauty of desserts is that most of them has sentimental value to you, or a beach that can be served straight from the fridge and can be reminds you of your first fling. A place that is made up ahead of time. You can serve some truly not usually a popular location for weddings can decadent innovative desserts without breaking the be cheaper (or free) to rent and by having your bank. By concentrating on the desserts rather than reception in the same space you can save the spreading your money over appetizers, entrées cost of the limo from ceremony to reception and and desserts you can make sure that the food is you save your guests the hassle of a lengthy and memorable rather than mediocre. obnoxious commute. You will want to make sure that you have some sugar-free alternatives, because there will always be at least one person who is either making potluck cool diabetic or on the Adkins Diet. A fruit platter is Another way to cut costs is to enlist the help also handy for strict vegans. of friends and relatives instead of hiring a caterer. It doesn’t have to seem cheap. Everyone has other cost-busting tips favorite recipes and you can make your potluck wedding part of the theme. -Do you have a friend that is in a band? What Favors can be pretty, printed index cards about the pianist at church? A good iPod selection of the featured recipes at the potluck. For an is like a DJ that only plays the music you and indie-cool twist you can buy some funky or old- your new spouse enjoy. Rent some good speakers fashioned mismatched dishes at the Goodwill for with an iPod hook-up and you don’t have to worry your guests to dine upon. (Retro, mismatched about the DJ playing C&C Music Factory. finger bowls can double as favors.) -Use fiftyflowers.com or let the flower girls use a selection of your flowers to create cute and make youir centerpiece sentimental centerpieces or chair decorations. -If you don’t have a family member with a do double-duty gorgeous gown that they’ve preserved for the next little lady to tie the knot, check out some thrift Your centerpieces can double as the stores or consignment shops for a wedding gown. guest’s food. Chocolate-dipped strawberries are Gowns are only worn once, so “used” isn’t so embarrassingly simple to make. Pile them up used pyramid style and decorate them with flowers. -Put disposable cameras on every table and enlist Desserts tend to be the prettiest part of most guests as your team of photographers. Ask them meals, so they work well as centerpieces and to send you downloadable pictures via email or you’ll save on the cost of flowers. You can even just share an album online.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 19 wedding eats caterers super simple wedding food by erin thursby Biscotti’s Catering 3558 St. Johns Avenue, Jacksonville (904) vegetarian 387-1080 The food at Biscotti’s restaurant in Avondale Vegetarians will enjoy a sundried tomato pesto never disappoints. It’s often one of the spread inside their stuffed crescent rolls. Get a pre- first places in town a bride will scout for a made store brand, or make your own by pureeing small rehearsal dinner. They can also cater sundried tomatoes, olive oil, basil and pine nuts. the main event. Most of the desserts they serve are actually made by some of the best confectionary makers in town. for the carnivores Cook up a mixture of caramelized onions, your Catering By Liz choice of ground beef or pork and a batch of tomato 919 King Street, Jacksonville (904) 387-1955 sauce, gravy or teriyaki glazes. Stuff it in a crescent, Liz does it all and she does it beautifully. For heat it and watch your guests enjoy. Throw in some events large or small, Catering by Liz is the sautéed mushrooms for a little variety. choice for most large high-end corporate Also, a great favorite is a variation on pigs in a events and weddings. Not only does it taste blanket. Instead of wrapping it around a hotdog, find fabulous, her presentation is outstanding. a pre-cooked morning or English sausage you enjoy. Catering By Liz now hosts parties and events at Bella Sera, a 10,000 square foot facility in cheat, cheat, cheat Riverside. The Italian farmhouse-type setting can accommodate up to 200 people. It is quite possible these days to make up an entire buffet of foods that actually came from the frozen section in the supermarket. Unfortunately, Shay-T While effort in the kitchen certainly shows, most brands aren’t consistent when it comes to 1712 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach some of the most celebrated items on a wedding frozen foods, so just because you like one item from (904) 249-9660 buffet can often be the simplest. a frozen food brand, it doesn’t mean that they excel Fans of the Homestead House’s cuisine and with other items. If you’re going to try to get away Sunday buffet should really check out the with serving pre-packaged frozen items, you’ll want reasonably priced and tasty options available stuffed crescent rolls to have tried each item before committing to buying for anyone planning a big event. You can One of the easiest things you can do for finger- in bulk. hold your event at the Homestead, which is food at a wedding is just to stuff bread with a tasty Fresh is always better, but sometimes it isn’t an a popular rehearsal dinner spot, or they’d be filling and pop it in the oven. Canisters of those flaky, option when you’re short on time and money. To cut happy to take it on the road. Notable menus easy-bake Pillsbury Crescent rolls are a great solu- costs on both without losing class appeal, make a include typical big ticket buffet items and tion for an easy finger food. Before you roll them few items from fresh ingredients, make sure they’re carving stations. They also offer themed up, just spread on whatever pre-cooked items you’d memorable and then put some filler items on the packages, such as the Hawaiian Luau. like (preferably in a non-bulky form, like a puree), buffet, or in the hors d’oeuvres. roll it up and cook it for the prescribed time on the One way to create the illusion of a prepared- package. Make sure the rolls are labeled as to what’s seafood from-scratch meal item is to throw a few shredded cakes inside, so folks aren’t surprised. fresh herbs over the top. If there’s one thing my As a finishing touch, you can glaze the outside For a seafood treat, stuff the rolls with a small mother-in-law taught me about entertaining, it’s this: Classic Cakes of the rolls with a mixture of spices and olive oil (or cut of smoked salmon, a little mayo, chopped green if it’s good enough, no-one will know how much butter, depending on the recipe). trouble you didn’t go to, if you don’t tell them. 4152 3rd St South, Jacksonville Beach (904) onions and pepper. 246-6408 Some of the most upscale weddings in Jacksonville have employed this cake maker. With an eye towards creating edible works of art, this company strives to corner the market on the most architecturally impressive confections.

Edgewood Bakery 1012 Edgewood Ave South, Jacksonville (904) 389-8054 edgewoodbakery.com/ If you don’t live in Murray Hill, you’re missing out on the lovely Edgewood Bakery. Placed in slowly improving Edgewood strip, they do everything from fluffy pastries to specially designed cakes.

Let Them Eat Cake 3647 Park Street, Jacksonville (904) 389- 2122 Cup cake towers are one of the newest alternatives to the traditional wedding cake and Let Them Eat Cake has its share of Jacksonvilians devoted to their cupcakes.

20 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Pastitsio new as often as possible. Carlisle checks on her tables, doing what she can to make sure that every diner has a great experience. If wedding eats (cont.) they don’t love a dish, she wants to know why. If they put a new dish on the menu and most customers think it Shelia’s Cakes and Specialty Treats needs something extra, her chef will customize the dish. 4522 Appleton Avenue Jacksonville (904) That was the case with the restaurant’s Pastitsio, a lay- 388-8910 sheliascakes.com ered Greek dish, consisting of ground beef, tubular pasta While Shelia’s can do nearly anything as far as and, in this case, a flaky pastry topping. The variations a cake or specialty dessert is concerned, they of this dish are many, but it’s basically a meat and pasta specialize at making elaborate old-fashioned casserole, generally flavored with spices like a touch of cakes. cinnamon and nutmeg. When the Back Porch first served the dish, it was without the tomato cream sauce that Truffles now surrounds it. They served it in the traditional man- ner, without the sauce, but when patrons said they felt it 11362 San Jose Blvd Jacksonville (904) 292- needed something, they went back to the kitchen. What 3345 they developed was a tomato cream sauce with just In the Mandarin neighborhood, a prospective enough tangy pizzaz and a touch of nutmeg to make the bride might want to give Truffles a taste to dish truly great. audition them for a chance to craft her cake. “It isn’t traditional…my husband’s grandmother While they serve sandwiches as well, this would be spinning in her grave because of that sauce,” bakery excels in the art of sweet making. If said Carlisle. Traditional or not, it is mighty tasty. you’re counting calories, just skip straight to While traditions in cooking are revered, they take a dessert. backseat to taste. The Pantinakises have such a superb relationship with their patrons that customers often bring in their favorite recipes, which the kitchen tweaks a little. rehearsal dinner/ Items that began as a customer’s treasured family recipe neighborhood restaurant are often named after the customer. reception spaces On the lunch menu you might want to give their Reuben a try. It’s the best I’ve had in Jacksonville to Casa Marina Back Porch Café date. The super garlicky bruschetta is a top appetizer 691 North First Street, Jacksonville Beach pick, and it’s easy to taste why. It is loaded with garlic, (904) 270-0025 so get your date to eat some too. A beachfront, on-site hotel and a staff by Erin thursby [email protected] Another popular pick is the generous flounder dedicated to detail are just a few of the francaise. Lemon lovers will dig this lightly battered plusses. To sample their cuisine just head “My husband’s Greek and I’m a appetizer. I know I did. The sharp lemon pairs well with to the restaurant, where The Casa Marina’s WASP, so we just have this urge to the side of rice it comes with. imaginative Chefs design and serve “New One customer I chatted with was a fan of the Beach Cuisine” daily, highlighting the best feed people all the time.”—Carlisle meatloaf. I talked to him about other menu items, but he of local seafood, produce and specialty Pantinakis shyly mentioned that he was “stuck on their meatloaf” ingredients with an international flair for flavor and that he never got anything else. He did order sangria and style. They can accommodate up to 300 on my recommendation. The Back Porch Café wants you to feel as though people. you’re eating on your own back porch. A white picket Chef John Salisbury spoke to me at length about fence runs along the walls even with the windows. his style of cooking. He really seems to love the art of creating dishes and will even create dishes that aren’t on Chart House Each table sports a green and white checkered table 1501 River Place Blvd Jacksonville, (904) cloth (real linen, not plastic) and is topped with glass. the menu. “If we aren’t slammed and we have the ingredients 398-3353 With bright, faux potted plants adorning the tables, it At the Chart House you’ll get high-end succeeds at looking and feeling like a back porch. The in the cupboard, I love putting something together,” the Reuben seafood with a view of the St. Johns. It’s a décor is otherwise fairly neutral, with a tendency toward Chef commented. popular locale for rehearsal dinners, and can Italian/Greek touches here and there. At night they bring them know what’s new on the menu. While I was there, The inventive sauces he spoke about sounded so accommodate up to 150 people. the lights down low for a cozy atmosphere. It’s an inti- Carlisle and a patron traded old jokes while he sipped delish that I plan to give him complete creative license mate place with three areas to sit. Smokers, or anyone his wine. Judging from the amount of regular custom- the next time I sit down at the Back Porch Café. who wants to enjoy a breeze, can sit outside. There are ers, you’d think that this place had been a neighborhood Clarion Airport Hotel two small dining areas are inside and there’s a small bar fixture for twenty years. But, the Back Porch Café has 3031 Monument Rd Jacksonville, FL 32225 2110 Dixie Clipper Road, Jacksonville (904) 741-1997 where many patrons enjoy a glass of wine, a chat with been open for just two years. Ph: (904) 998-9918 the proprietor and a meal. Most neighborhood-style restaurants settle into Here’s an idea, why not make things super- Much of the clientele are regulars. Carlisle Pan- a comfortable menu, and Back Porch does have core Mon. - Thurs.: 11.30a-9.00p easy for those guests who are flying in by tinakis and her husband, Byron, know their customers, items that they’ve developed that don’t come off the Fri. and Sat.: 11.30a-10.00p holding your reception at the Clarion Airport greeting them as they come in, recalling which special menu, but the Pantinakis family likes to keep things Hotel, plus you can stay there at the end they prefer or, if they’re one of the adventurous, letting interesting for their customers by offering something Sunday: CLOSED of the day. They’ll provide everything you need for a small or large banquet. They can accommodate up to 300 and pet lovers can board their pooch at the Pet Resort.

Chew 117 West Adams Street (904) 355-3793 chewrestaurant.com/ For a small wedding reception or a rehearsal dinner, Chew is fast becoming the place to book. The restaurant itself is closed nights, but they’re often accommodating events after dark. Not only do they have a classy, urban- but-inviting décor, they also have a fantastic chef. Stop in for lunch and you’ll see what we mean.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 21 wedding eats (cont.) Country Club of Orange Park 2525 Country Club Blvd, Orange Park, (904) 458-1011 This picture-pretty clubhouse features a full length porch, ideal for the honeymoon send- off. The fountain and gazebo are elegantly placed on the manicured lawns with oak trees and the 18th hole of the golf course as a backdrop. They can accommodate groups of 50-200.

Dave and Busters I-95 at J. Turner Butler Blvd. (904) 296-1525 daveandbusters.com/ For a really unique rehearsal dinner or even reception, go with Dave and Busters. You might be surprised at the size and number of private venues on-site. Guests can enjoy the game area, a formal sit-down dinner or a murder-mystery dinner theatre.

The Hilltop 2030 Wells Rd, Orange Park (904) 276-4309 A garden, a stone fountain and rich oak shelby’s at the library paneled reception areas are all part of the atmosphere at this choice Orange Park venue. The food, whether vegetarian or filet No longer do you have to walk all the way to Starbucks for a cup of joe and a tasty tea mignon, has a reputation for excellence. Can to sip at the Downtown Library. Instead, visit Shelby’s Coffee Shop located right there inside accommodate 15-200+. the library. Max’s Restaurant & Grand Ballroom Besides Batdorf-Bronson Coffee, organic decaf gourmet coffees, teas and the usual 1312 Beach Boulevard, Jacksonville Beach morning beverages, they also serve gourmet sandwiches and salads. Have a club sandwich (904) 247-6820 maxsrestaurant.us The food at Max’s has been recognized by or go a little exotic with Shelby’s “The Strand Sandwich,” a mix of chicken salad, fresh Florida Trend Magazine and it’s made the top sprouts, pecans, grapes and tomatoes on 8-grain bread. 25 restaurant list for Jacksonville Magazine For breakfast, you can order an omelet to enjoy, a classic lox and cream cheese bagel, for 4 years in row. The 18th century, European- style ballroom and beautiful courtyard will or on the sweeter side, get yourself a muffin, pastry or fruit cup. wow your guests before they even get to the Wi-fi internet access is available and you can bring their food and beverages into the food. Accommodates anywhere from 10 to library areas that aren’t carpeted. They keep library hours, so you’ll always be able to grab a 250 guests. quick bite between hitting the books. River City Brewing Company 835 Museum Circle, Jacksonville (904) 398- 2299 rivercitybrew.com /index.htm Info: (904) 301-1065 This popular, high-end Sunday brunch spot has more than one thing going for it. It’s Hours: Sun-Thurs 7 am-9 am, Fri & Sat 7 am-11pm got a river-front view of Downtown for the bride and a microbrewery for the guys. Can accommodate from 75 to 240.

TPC Sawgrass 110 Championship Way, Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 273-3344 With a new, state-of-the-art clubhouse and plenty of space, this venue is bound to be even more poplar. Views of the fairway, excellent catering and full service makes this a great high-end venue for a large wedding.

The White Room One King Street, St.Augustine (904) 824-9056 ocwhiteroom.com/ Located downtown on St. Augustine’s Bayfront, you can hold the wedding, the reception or the rehearsal dinner at this venue. Panoramic water views, exotic hardwood floors, grand white columns and an elegant mahogany bar sets the mood for your perfect day or evening. Accommodates anywhere from 50 to 300 guests.

22 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper main library activities it’s all fun and games for the summer library offerings for kids by kellie abrahamson While quiet is still strongly suggested, even the youngest of readers can find something at the The library is a bastion of free events for both kids and adults here in Jacksonville. Summer is a great time Jacksonville Public Library. The love of reading and good clean fun are married with free programs for kids to head on down to library for a free event. We’ve focused here on some of the upcoming events at the Main and teens, allowing them to see that the library isn’t just some boring place where they keep the books. Take Library, but each branch has its own set for unique activities, so check your local library as well. a look at just some of the events happening at the Main Library in June and see for yourself.

Not Just for Baby Boomers Film Wednesday is Junior Achievement Night @ Art Programs Series Your Library Wednesdays @ 6 pm Get the thrill of the big screen with the Art-Rageous- On Saturdays at 4 July 11, 18, 25, August 1 & 8 nostalgia of a classic movie. Baby Boomers grew pm, 20 lucky kids get their chance at J.A. Economics for Success explores personal up with these movies, but everybody should see seeing if a career as a visual artist is finance, career option and proper decision making the definitive films in this series. See great movies in their future. Children ages 6 to 12 for teens. A valuable program that is free of charge! Boomers grew up with that still enthrall and intrigue will explore their creative talents while all generations. experimenting with different media. Denim Madness Each free showing is at 5:45 pm in the Main Saturday, July 14 @ 2 pm Library Auditorium. Enjoy a complimentary popcorn Family Art Time- On Wednesdays, Want to add some spice to your wardrobe? Add and soft drink, then enjoy an evening Downtown. Fridays and Saturdays at 11:45 am, sparkly baubles and bits to your denim! Bring your Call (904) 630-1741 for more information. The families can spend some quality time denim wear - decorative materials will be provided. series continues on throughout the year. For a full together making art worthy of any Teens and their families are welcome. schedule, please go to jaxpubliclibrary.org. refrigerator. Kids up to age 12 can participate with their parents. Harry Potter Release Party SPLENDOR IN THE GRASS - June 14 Saturday, July 21 @ 9 am - 12 pm ON THE WATERFRONT- June 28 Toddler Art- If you’re afraid to let Join us for games, magic and more as we celebrate SHANE - July 12 your toddler play with paints at your the release of the last book in the Harry Potter series. HIGH NOON - July 26 brand new kitchen table (who could For ages 5 -18. Help us celebrate the release of the TO CATCH A THIEF - August 9 blame you?), let them unleash their last Harry Potter book with a film series, book club SOME LIKE IT HOT - August 23 creative energy at the library. On and a Harry Potter Party at the Main Library. Saturdays at 10:30 am and Thursdays Check the calendar listings for more dates and at 11 and 11:30 am, kids ages 18-36 Poet’s Lecture Series times. “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” months and their brave caregivers can is released on July 21, 2007. experiment with art and someone else gets to clean it up. WHAT: Branching Out- Poetry for the 21st Century Family Programs – Dance WHEN: June 12, 2007 @ 6 pm WHERE: The Main Library Auditorium A Day of Dance! Renaissance & Country Storytimes Award-winning poet, author and editor E. Dance Workshop Ethelbert Miller will present an examination of the Saturday, July 28 @ 10:30 am - 3:30 pm Bilingual Spanish Storytime- works of Langston Hughes, helping to explore the The Society for Creative Anachronism history club Dora the Explorer isn’t the only one that tough tapestry of race. His work will make you look brings a day of dance classes to the library. Learn can teach your child some Spanish. into the mirror and see yourself. Are you ready? Who the steps to country dances and to the stately court The folks over at the Main Library spend was this man who taught us how to dream? The dances of the Renaissance era. Space is limited, so some time every Wednesday at 11 am life and work of Langston Hughes echoes the social pre-register by calling 630-0673. Ages 12 & up. to share a story or two in español and transformation of America from the 1920s to the ingles (if you don’t know what that says, this storytime is for you). Kids up to age 5 and their caregivers are early 1960s. How did he put blues and jazz into his General invited to enjoy this muy bien program. words? What was his secret? Come dance with the dreamer and discover how he changed literature. Teen Essay Contest Daycare Storytime- Small daycare groups are invited to take a fieldtrip to the library to hear some June 1 through July 27 stories, sing some songs and have a lot of fun. This fun program takes place on Mondays at 10:30 am and is Teen Programs At the Main Library For more information about this contest, visit your designed for kids up to age 5. Daycare providers should pre-register. local library or check out jaxpubliclibrary.org. Mother Goose Storytime- Little readers can enjoy a morning of books, songs and dancing during Hot Issues for Teens Mother Goose Storytime. Designed for babies up to 18 months, this drool-worthy program occurs every Children’s Summer Reading Program Saturdays @ 4 pm Friday at 9:30 am. Space is limited to 10 babies (who could handle more than that?) and their caregivers, so June 1 through July 31 July 7, 14, 21 & 28 show up early! Check jaxpubliclibrary.org for dates, times, and Join our Saturday discussion group - H.I.T. - if you locations for the Children’s Summer Reading have an opinion you’d like to share or simply want programming. Featuring Ronald McDonald, magic to hear what others think. Ideas, websites and Just for teens storytime with magician Barry Hinnant, Glue and Go booklists will be shared. costume-making, the Jacksonville Zoo, storytime Anime Club- Thanks to Pokemon, Sailor Moon and Hello Kitty, anime in all its forms is more popular than with the Jacksonville Suns, musical fun with Shana Reading List Book Club ever. Meeting the third Saturday of each month at 3 pm, teens can share their love for the genre by watching Banana, and lots, lots more! Saturdays @ 3 pm anime films and showing off their Manga drawings. July 14 & 28 Teen Summer Reading Program Have fun discussing books while working on your Battle of the Bands- On Saturday, June 23 at 11 am local bands will have a rock-off at the library’s 2nd June 1 through July 31 summer reading. annual Battle of the Bands. The winning band will get a chance to go to the studio and lay down some tracks. Check the calendar listings for exciting Summer Gaming Night- Who says you have to choose between reading a book and playing video games? Programs! Reader’s Theatre Apparently, the library thinks otherwise. Play a little PS2 and kick someone’s butt at Monopoly on the fourth Thursday, July 19 @ 11 am Monday of each month at 5:30 pm. LIBRARY NIGHT AT THE BASEBALL GROUNDS OF Join us for dramatic readings. Material will be JACKSONVILLE provided or you can bring your own work! All of these terrific programs are free to the public, but most are first-come-first-served so be sure Sunday, August 12, 2007 to sign up early. If the Main branch is simply too far for you to travel every week, why not check out what’s 5:05 pm happening in your neighborhood library. Events just like these happen at branches all over the city, so take Jacksonville Suns vs. Carolina Mudcats advantage of them and help encourage a love of reading in your kids.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 23 Clearly, the Funky Nation consists of experienced well-schooled musicians who can improvise on the live music band’s various grooves with interesting riffs that never get boring. In other words, this funk machine is rolling thunder fueled by high octane musician- shows calendar ship. The many musical luminaries with which Big THURSDAY, MAY 31 Sam has played include Karl Denson’s Tiny Uni- Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, verse, Dave Matthews, Ozomatli, and Widespread St. Augustine (829-8646) Panic. At the historic reopening of the Superdome, Big Sam shared the stage with U2 and Green Day Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) which was broadcast live on Monday Night Football. Concert in the Plaza-Tammerlin Plaza, St. Augustine Remarkably, the group relies on Adam Matasar on keyboards to supply the orchestration, which he Silver Lake Drive , St. Augustine (825-6775) Cortesses does with hot chops, especially on simulated B3. Emanuel Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Missing is a guitarist, which would round out the sound, and would have given the band more sizzle, Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) however the group can jam really well without an Dana Salmela House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) ax-man. Charlie Louvin Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) The band played various songs from their 2006 album Take Me Back, which is a mix of original Matt Still Sneakers, Jax Beach songs and funk classics. The material is rooted in 3 Way Street Ragtime, Jax Beach (241-7877) New Orleans traditions and Cajun ancestry. Between solos, Big Sam engages in New Orleans styled street Roger That Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) funk-n-blues new dancing called “second-line” Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) BSFN’s high-energy show got the audience Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) at Mojo’s on their feet and dancing. One cool little boy was moved to dance to the music before he Mista Magick Touch TSI, Jax (635-3024) orleans style collapsed into his mom’s arms, exhausted. Big Sam David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs evokes the joy of music and authentic New Orleans roots with his special animated style. Go Ask Alice Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) Big Sam’s Funky Nation at Mojo’s Before the show, I asked Big Sam how the re- Jam Session w/El Toro Loco Pub Ragusa, Jax (443- development of New Orleans was progressing,“ Well, 7888) BY RICK GRANT [email protected] it’s been slow but the music and spirit is coming Matt Collins Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra back,” he said. Indeed, progress has been painfully My double gig night began with viewing Bug checked out Big Sam’s Funky Nation. This force of slow in the Big Easy after Katrina. But Big Sam and Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) at Regal Beach, then traveling a short distance nature is a taut horn band fronted by Big Sam on his Funky Nation are dedicated to rejuvenating the Time2Swing Players Club, Ponte Vedra up Beach Blvd. to Mojo’s Blues Kitchen where I trombone with Calvin Johnson on saxophone, Adam City of New Orleans by keeping its music alive–all Matasar on keys, Doug Dietrich on bass, and Eddie over the world. Sky Eats Airplane Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Christmas on drums. Frankly, I believe that New Orleans will never Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) Leader and frontman, Big Sam is a veteran of be like it was before Katrina, but a different city with Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) New Orleans’ legends, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band. the old spirit reborn. It’s just too important to our He joined the DDBB at age 19 and was a favorite of national heritage to let it degenerate into a crime-rid- Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) the group’s many gigs around New Orleans and the den, shabby city. Big Sam is doing his part to help Out of Hand Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) country. After Katrina, Big Sam founded Funky Na- with the reincarnation of New Orleans. It’s a noble tion to book gigs when he wasn’t touring with Elvis mission. Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Costello or Allen Toussant. This summer, Big Sam will be touring with Elvis Big Al & the Kaholics Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337) Yes, Big Sam gets around, traveling in big time Costello and Allen Toussant, traveling the European Blood Thinner Than Water Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) company. His six-foot-six frame, polished dance festival circuit for the month of July, 2007. Hey, this moves, and advanced trombone playing effectively cat is the real deal. Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) leads these funk-n-blues master blasters to glory. 3 Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138)

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

The Undertones Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453)

THURSAY-SUN., MAY 31-JUNE 3 Blue Sage Shoes A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, JUNE 1 Blistur The Landing, Jax

Tasha Copelands, Jax

Mice Parade Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Steve Sebby Latitudes Café, Jax Beach

Five Day Beginning House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377)

Kim Delaney Band Brewsters, Jax (223-9850)

Dana Salmela Cross Creek, Mandarin

Retro Kats Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595)

Str8 Up Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311)

24 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper main incentive. Finally we’ve reached the point where Rebecca Zapen 95 Cordova, St. Augustine (827-1888) we make decent money on tour.” Sugar Bear, Little Green Men The Landing, Jax “We’ve gotten to tour a good portion of the world…playing with some of the bands that have Mandy Joy Tiujuana Flats, Jax (737-9938) infl uenced us the most, like Supplication and Morbid Naked Beggars Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) Angel…even Unearth. We toured the death metal circuit and metal core as well.” Dead Girlfriend’s Society Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) They’ve played everything from small venues of Tough Junkie Burrito Gallery, Jax (598-2922) less than 200 to venues that seat thousands. When it Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) comes to venues, Erian says, it’s not the size of the crowd that matters, but the depth of their enthusiasm. Maxi Priest Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) “Some of my favorite venues have actually been in Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) VFW Halls…We played in a strip joint once, a bowling alley, [even] a Karate Dojo. We’ve also played in House Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) of Blues all over the U.S…We’ve played huge venues Scholar’s Word Panama Hatties, St. Augustine (471-2192) but we’ve played small ones…It’s not really a matter of Str8 Up West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) how many people attend your show, it’s mostly a matter of having people that are into it…The more people kick Dan Deacon TSI, Jax (635-3024) and scream and do whatever during our set, the more Str8 Up Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) we’re into it.” He and the band want the audience right there in Only Me Club Fusion, St. Augustine (829-8333) their face having a great time. Their pet peeve at venues Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) seems to be barricades that keep the audience at bay. Oscar Barnett Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach “I f*cking hate barricades. They’re so lame.” The band’s newest album was released just about McKenna Reefers, Jax (737-6300) a week ago and Erian is excited about playing cuts from Colton McKenna Santa Maria, St. Augustine the new album, particularly ‘Fractured Hand.’ metal core at thee imperial “ ‘Fractured Hand’ is one of my favorite songs on The Secrets Lillian’s, Jax the new album. I wrote the music and the lyrics…so it’s X Sister Z, Esther Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) one of the songs I’ve worked the most on. It’s not the Dave Massey , Jax (388-9551) interview with Despised Icon best song, structure-wise, but it has some of the most Kickback’s memorable riffs on the album…our album leaked [on Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] the Internet] about a month ago and so kids were writing us about it… ‘The Fractured Hand’ was one of the songs WHAT: Despised Icon, The Red Chord, Through The familiar name in the metal circuit, making their rounds people talked the most about. I can’t wait to play it.” FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JUNE 1-2 Eyes Of The Dead, All Shall Perish, SYNT all over the world. When they aren’t on stage or doing Despised Icon, along with The Red Chord, Through Jody & the Drive Shafts Trade Winds Lounge, St. WHEN: June 7th @ 8 pm an interview, they mostly speak French amongst them- the Eyes of the Dead, All Shall Perish and SYNT will be Augustine (829-9336) WHERE: Thee Imperial selves. playing live in Jacksonville on June 7th at Thee Imperial. Driven Players Grille, Orange Park “Our guitarist is from Boston, but he’s slowly Despised Icon got their name just before they were learning our slang as well.” Michael Dennis Plaza III Steakhouse, Jax due to take the stage for a show. The current band front- The six member band consists of Alex Erian, Eric Drivin South Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine man, Alex Erian, then on the drums, cribbed the name Jarrin (guitar), Al Glassman (guitar), Sebastien Piche from two metal bands he was fond of and put them (bass) and Alex Pelletier (drums). The band started out Token Blonde Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) together. in 2002 with a female lead as the singer, but when the Something Distant Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach “We thought it sounded cool, thought it sounded band started to get serious about touring, she left the (242-9499) heavy,” said Erian during a recent interview with EU, band. Lisa & the Madhatters Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162) “Also, you know, an icon is something you look up to “Back then I was playing the drums instead of and calling it ‘despised’ sort of makes it , like, more screaming,” said Erian, “Now we have this kick-ass Deron Baker Trio Kingfi sh Grill, St. Augustine human.” drummer who’s like a thousand times better than I ever Kickin Lassie Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) The primarily Canadian-born band has become a was…We started out just having fun…[that]was the Ron Perry Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

De Lions of Jah Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181)

Mike Hart Trio Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329)

Steven Craig TNT Lounge, Middleburg

Big Al & the Kaholics Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349)

Steve Beck Band The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

Cloud 9 Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198)

Wes Cobb Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 2 Kenhe The Tree Steakhouse, Atlantic Beach (241-5600)

Soul Release-Farewell to Monroe St. Boomtown, Jax (632-0099)

Wild Card Landing, Jax

Southern Whiskey Mikes Brewsters, Jax (223-9850)

Dillinger River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299)

Shawn Lightfoot The Grape, Jax (642-7111)

The Wainwrights Latitudes Café, Jax Beach (247-6606)

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 25 Chillakaya Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (249-9595) don’t fear the melo- The Mission Dolls House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377)

The SMB Project Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Matt Still Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) of Everybody Else Go Ask Alice , Orange Park Box Seats BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] Rock N Roll Prom Night Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) WHAT: Everybody Else that you can’t sound too ‘good’ it th Scholar’s Word Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach WHEN: June 5 @ 8 pm all has to sound to thrown togeth- WHERE: Jack Rabbits er…There’s this feeling among the Lauren Fincham Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina Beach hipster-elite that no-one can relate (261-3300) I’ve fallen in love with a band again, and to the music and therefore it’s great Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) that band is Everybody Else. In a sea of “original” because only a select few can un- screamo-esque bands that work hard to kill catchy derstand it…We hope to reach a lot Tool Veterans Memorial Arena, Jax hooks and every scrap of melody, it’s refreshing to more people than that…There used Ya Gozo Aromas, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-2525) fi nd something different on the horizon. It’s not that to be a time when pop music was Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) I don’t like screamo; sometimes I do, but in their what everyone listened to…The quest to be completely different, they generally end Beach Boys, The Carpenters, the Colton McKenna San Sebastian Winery, St. up sounding the same. Pretenders, I mean even Blondie, Augustine At some point, pop became a dirty word, and I the Talking Heads. These are bands Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) don’t think it should be. But the pendulum is swing- that were considered punk in their ing back, and even the bands with an indie/hard- time, but really, they were pop mu- Kymystry Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) core/emo tinge are beginning to inject melody and sic.” said Mikey McCormack. Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) tunes reminiscent of pop oldies. That’s why I think Carrick, who started the The Goldmembers Pizza Garden, St. Augustine genres like rock-a-billy and throwback bands like the band, wrote most of the lyrics for Rewinds and Everybody Else are gaining ground in their current record, but, he says, Duval Boyz Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777) the music world. Melody never left the bleeding-edge “It’s starting to be more collab- The Bath Party Raglands, Jax scene, but it’s been shunted to the side so many orative as we grow as a band and times that those in the independent scene, who play live together.” He and Mikey Elisabeth Cramer Atlantic Theatres, Atlantic Beach crave the different and new, are now fi nding catchy got together because they knew (249-PLAY) melodies are new again. each other when they were in two Stevie Stilletto, Christina Wagner Yesterday’s, Jax That’s the same sentiment the trio of Every- different bands touring the same (387-0502) body Else (Carrick Moore Garety, Mikey McCormack venues. The big push for the two Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) and Austin Williams) expressed when I spoke to joining musical forces came from a mutual friend them for an EU interview. (named Taylor) who played matchmaker and was think, or at least as much,” said Carrick. Ron & Mary Harpoon Louie’s, Jax “There’s this idea…among the elite community insistent about them playing together. “We gotta give To that end, on the liner notes the band lists a Crystal Stafford Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach him props for that,” Carrick said. number of organizations (some of which will receive The latest member to join the band, Austin Wil- proceeds from the CD sales) whose causes they Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, support, such as the Freedom from Religion Founda- Jax (287-9900) liams, who harmonizes with the other two members and plays the bass guitar, was the server for Carrick tion (ffrf.org) and the League of American Bicyclists at a restaurant and as Carrick was walking out the (bikeleague.org) to name a few. SUNDAY, JUNE 3 door, Austin stopped him because he recognized And the band endeavors to live what they be- Carrick from Everybody Else. lieve. While they were recording their album, instead Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) “He was very rude, certainly, you could tell he of wasting fuel and taking a car to the studio, the Big Engine Reni’s Rooster, Jax (880-1111) wanted to be on stage playing music.” Carrick added whole band biked there, every day. a mite gleefully. At the Sandlot Recording Studios they recorded Chris The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) “The rest was history, as they say.” fi nished a crisp, clear sound. While I love multi-layered Bobby Flynn Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach Mikey tracks, there is something to be said about being (249-9595) Songs like ‘Meat Market’ on Everybody Else’s able to hear each instrument. “We really tried to stay as far away as we could Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) self-titled CD will remind you of the Beatle’s pop- rock fl avor during their early days. And, like the from editing and over-dubs. We really tried to keep Colton McKenna Zhanra’s, St. Augustine Beatles, these boys are a little counter-culture and the spirit of the track alive by not cutting them up,” 3 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) political said Mikey. “A lot of bands don’t realize how much power “That way,” Carrick chimed in, “you can really JW Gilmore Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine they have. People are afraid of voicing their political hear the character of the various instruments.” Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) views…because they’re afraid of alienating the kids, You catch the clean, rock-pop, but somehow indie sound of Everybody Else at Jack Rabbits on The Banner Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) but the truth is…they’re probably going to care more about what a band thinks than what their parents June 5th at 8 pm. Flashback Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877)

Soulo Kingfi sh Grill, St. Augustine

David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Good Fortune Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Dave Massey Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (260-1349)

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

Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940)

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

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

Leslie West, Corky Lane Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473)

Chris Kearnes Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646)

Blues Night Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

26 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) meta & physics with em- Jim Brady Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) interview with Chad Matheny Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax MONDAY, JUNE 4 BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) When I contacted Chad Matheny and told him EU remain affordable. The most amaz- Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) wanted to interview him in support of his upcoming ing interaction I’ve had with the arts Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) show at TSI, he told me to meet him in fi fteen minutes community in Jacksonville was one at the Publix in faux points (across from Memorial Park) time when I was collecting signa- Max Wood, Nestor Gill The Glow Studios, Jax (613-2901) where we were to purchase frozen burritos and proceed tures [for Jacksonville Carbon Neu- Billy Bowers Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune on to an undisclosed location to conduct said interview. tral initiative] downtown at ArtWalk Beach (241-8221) By 10 pm we were cooking French fries on ceramic and I was in an art gallery and this plates in the home of Cadets drummer Cash Carter. guy that looked like Jimmy Buffet, Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040) Matheny is from Jacksonville but he currently lives complete with mustache and tucked Inspection 12 Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) in Brooklyn, New York. He tours and records as Emperor in Hawaiian shirt, goes “Buddy, art Better Half The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) X, plays bass for The Cadets, and runs the Discos and politics don’t mix.” My mouth fell open. That’s what sucks. There Matt Still Ginger’s, Jax Beach Mariscos record label with Max Wood. As we huddled for him. He needed to have that feeling about Virginia are so many good artists here, but the culture has this around a plate of soggy French fries and tater tots on Tech. Of course its sad, people were murdered, and it’s Mark Hart Tradewinds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-9336) sad entrenched southern mindset that you can’t rock the Cash’s front porch, I asked questions that ranged from a really fascinating and weird sadness because it was boat. Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) physics to “The Problem.” done by this closed-up, pent-up emotional guy with a EU: So what is “The Problem.” EU: What is your education in? shaved head that takes digital photos of himself pointing Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Matheny: Right now I can safely say it’s a com- Matheny: The Problem is that we are swimming guns at the camera. But the leap from there to “I have Stu Weaver , St. Augustine (824-7765) upstream against all of this democratically fueled gar- Harry’s bination of music and physics. First I got my physics these emotions about an event.” I don’t believe him. I bage that is being replicated by mass media. degree then I taught a little [at Stanton College Prepara- don’t believe his emotions are real, especially when it’s The Problem is role assignment too. tory High School] and I guess I didn’t really get bored Wood: a one-four-fi ve power ballad written on a digital piano. TUESDAY, JUNE 5 with it, I just didn’t deserve the position of teacher. I Matheny: Meaning people that look at their lives as opportunities to live up to what they see on Billy & Vinnie Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune didn’t know enough about the things I wanted to know Check out Emperor X live at TSI on June 8th with television. Beach (241-8221) about so who was I to tell these kids anything. It’s a high Casper and the Cookies and M Coast. His shows vary EU: So is the solution just diversifi cation of responsibility and I was not cool enough for that respon- depending on what musicians he brings to play with Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) sibility yet. So I just started recording music and now voices? him, but the songs center around Chad’s distinct and Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax I’m in school for music composition. Matheny: If everyone that thought Jacksonville empahtic singing, an acoustic guitar, and an assortment (355-5099) was screwed up did something to make it better it would EU: When you get out on tour and see these of sounds that are contributed by performers such as alter the place like night and day. That’s true for any city. Blistur Rivers Edge, Fernandina Beach (491-3849) active communities, does that inspire you to bring Max Wood and other locals. Go to emperorx.net for more You don’t have to build a thirty-story that stuff to Jacksonville? Wood: information or go to eujacksonville.com for the com- Tasha Copelands, Jax building with a community center in it. We’re going to Matheny: I’m not here really anymore. I’m pretty plete interview. much gone, and it doesn’t hurt to leave. I always thought go play Risk in the gazebo in San Marco on Thursday. Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) it would. It always had the feeling that this place was Or sit in your room and draw instead of watching Who Forty Winters Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) fi rmly behind enemy lines, the enemy ruled here, with Wants to be a Millionaire or go to the library. There are Billy Bowers The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) the sprawl and the cops and all that, but there still so many things that you can do without extolling your seemed like there was a fi ghting chance, now when I resources. Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach EU: Do your songs project any of that angst? come back I see Five Points almost completely paci- Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) fi ed I see Riverside apartments with rents that aren’t Matheny: I don’t think so. I think the fact that I live that much less than Chicago. People are starting to talk now and think about that stuff means that it will come New Years Day Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) about moving to Moncrief and having art lofts. It is go- out every now and then. Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) ing to happen in Jacksonville, its an inexorable process EU: Do you fi nd yourself getting disappointed Ron Perry , Jax Beach (242-9499) of squeezing poor people out of their neighborhoods by with artists that do do that? Fionn MacCool’s spoiled rich people like... like me. And it sucks and it’s Matheny: Yeah. Defi nitely. It’s so easy. It’s like Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) a sucker punch. The perfect example is the Virginia terrible and to see it in your hometown is painful. Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax EU: Is the art movement as a predecessor to Tech killings. There is this guy on You Tube, and he will gentrifi cation a horrible thing or does that mean forever be remembered as ‘This Guy on You Tube” be- Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) there’s hope for an underground and a creative cause no one knows anything else about him, who wrote Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach soul. this terrible terrible sappy sentimental song about the (246-4293) Matheny: I’m sure it exists, but I’ve never seen tragedy in Virginia, and he wasn’t there. He was experi- El Toro Loco , Jax (306-9004) a poor community successfully integrate artists and encing it through the media and it was role-fulfi llment Square One

TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5-6 Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143)

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6 Cloud 9 Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606)

Artwalk-Crystal Stafford, PC Synergy Burrito Gallery, Jax (598-2922)

Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025)

The Elderly Bros. The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

Artwalk-Time2Swing Downtown, Jax

Music by the Sea-Elizabeth Roth The Pier, St. Augustine Beach

Whaleface Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)

Rebecca Zapen & Her Dirty Dishes Casbah, Jax

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 27 Shawn Lightfoot Boomtown, Jax (632-0099)

The Audition Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach Elisabeth Williamson Creekside Dinery, St. get your kicks Augustine (829-6113)

FunkTion Brix, Jax Beach

Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) David Luckin drives down memory lane on 89.9 FM

Big Engine Buffalo’s, Orange Park (778-1101) Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) “Route 66, for some, will not be as much about jingles, commercials from the 50s and 60s, old news the music, as it is about the memories that come spots, air checks and radio the way it used to be. Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) through your mind when you hear the song. In a roman- “Someone called me once and said ‘you do it the Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) tic or nostalgic way, that’s what I like about the show, it old-fashioned way, you actually get to pick the music.’ It Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) takes you back to another time. It’s about more than just allows us to go deep into albums, we don’t have to play singing along.” the stuff you always hear. Don’t get me wrong, we’ll play The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) When I arrived at the Burrito Gallery to meet David the Righteous Brothers and the stuff that you remember El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Luckin, the host of 89.9’s Electro Lounge, they told me I and love, but we can also play other stuff.” should be looking for an old hippie. This made me laugh He is also very proud of the selection of Motown Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) because my father, who was a disc jockey throughout songs, they will sound different than the ones you’ve music.” the 50s and 60s, had just described “baby boomers” as heard on the radio because Luckin is playing original Another aspect of Route 66 is going to be the Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) ex-hippies. cuts, not the remixes that made it to the radio, but origi- stories behind the songs. The songs played on this Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299) To my relief, when David Luckin was brought to my nals with violin parts and longer intros. What won’t you show aren’t new anymore, so we have had forty years to table, he didn’t look like an ex-hippie at all. Sure, he had hear? excavate the stories behind them, and Luckin is loaded a beard, but it was neatly trimmed, his hair wasn’t very “I’m not going to play a lot of bubblegum. I’m with them. From the story behind ‘My Boyfriend’s Back’ upcoming shows long, and he didn’t have that whole “my generation got sure people love it, but I want to play Motown and rock by The Angels to the real meaning behind the songs you it right” attitude. In fact, judging from Electro Lounge, and roll, not The Archies.” thought you had all fi gured out, Route 66 will re-intro- k.d.lang & Lyle Lovett June 13, Times Union Center, 353-3309 the only radio show on the Jacksonville airwaves that You also won’t hear anything recorded after 1972, duce a forgotten time to provide a new perspective on celebrates eclectic new, old, and world music, I thought so expect Roy Orbison, The Supremes and Crosby, Stills Julie Durden June 14, European Street, 399-1740 those good old days. of Luckin as being pretty ahead of the curve for a baby & Nash, but don’t expect any disco. “The Beach Boys are a perfect group. I loved them Burn Season June 16, Freebird Live, 246-2473 boomer. That was why I was surprised to hear that he Like many of the baby boomers, Luckin grew up when I was a kid, then I didn’t care about them for a Pierce Pettis June 17, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 was bringing Route 66, an oldies show, to 89.9’s listen- listening to the radio, and as he got older he listened to number of years, and now I listen and I’m amazed at ing audience. underground stations in the 60s and 70s. what a great songwriter that Brian Wilson is. I’m coming Go, Diego, Go Live! the Great Jaguar Rescue June 19, “I’ve always dropped sixties songs into Electro “People just played what they thought was good back to people I lost interest in and realizing that in their Times Union Ctr, 632-3373 Lounge. On Route 66 we’ll play great songs that some music with no worries about sponsors or who listened. time, it’s really nice music.” Steve Miller Band June 21, Florida Theatrre, 355-2787 people grew up with, but don’t fi t Electro Lounge. This That’s how I think of Electro Lounge.” Luckin also hopes to have local celebrities join gives me a chance to play all of those great songs in So Electro Lounge represents the here and now of him in the studio to help bring out the listeners’ memo- Railroad Earth June 21, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 one place, where they won’t seem out of place.” music, but that is only half of the story. ries. From local television celebrities to working musi- Zoso June 22, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Ever since Cox killed the Cool FM format on 96.9, “I’ve played oldies before, and on Electro Lounge cians, he wants to bring people you know in to help him the oldies haven’t had a stable place on the Jacksonville I get more response from young people when I play program the show. It will stir up the listener’s memories Bluegrown Undergrass June 23, Freebird Live, 246-2473 dial. Cox felt that their target demographic wasn’t being old music. I had a 20-something that was really into a of the time and provide you a new insight into the per- Brian Regan June 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 served anymore by the oldies format, so they updated Righteous Brothers song she heard on Electro Lounge. sonality of the person, through the music they select to…well to almost the same format as their other sta- Here I’m playing new music to reach her, and she’s into and the stories that those selections draw out of them. Drop Dead Gorgeous June 27, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 tions, Rock 105 and 102.9 The Point. Luckin saw a the old music. When I was growing up I was going back “Herman’s Hermits was the fi rst show I ever saw Street Dogs June 28, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 need. in time and listening to Count Basie and Duke Ellington and The Who opened and smashed all of their instru- “This is the baby boomers’ time. We should be and Glenn Miller and the older music while everyone Corey Smith June 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 ments. ‘Mrs. Brown You’ve Got a Lovely Daughter’ juxta- able to hear the music we grew up with somewhere.” else was listening to Jimi Hendrix. It’s gratifying to see posed with The Who was incredible.” Cedric The Entertainer June 29, Times Union Center, 353-3309 To this end, Route 66 will feature twin spins, old that kids want to hear something a little different, not Route 66 will air every Monday night from 9 pm Rooney July 2, Fuel, 425-3835 Brittany Spears or hip-hop, but something different.” - 11 pm starting in June and running through Septem- The middle of the twentieth century was also a ber. Electro Lounge can already be heard every Tuesday The Moscow Cats Theatre July 7-8, Times Union Center, groundbreaking time for music. – Friday from 9 pm – 11 pm and on Saturday from 10 353-3309 “All pop music springs from about six people. pm – 12 am. American Idols LIVE Tour July 8, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 Louis and Miles, Elvis and the Beatles, and Dylan and “You haven’t heard these songs in 30 years and if Marley. You can trace everything you listen to back to I asked you to sing them, you couldn’t. But if you heard 311 with Matisyahu July 12, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 one of those infl uences. Dylan is the poet, Elvis is the it, it would all come fl ooding back. It’s personal, not Shooter Jennings July 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 rebel, and no one sang like Louis Armstrong before. between me and the listener, but between the music and Those six are the most important performers in pop the listener.” Lisa Lampanelli July 14, The Florida Theatre, 355-2787

Morrissey July 17, Morocco Shrine Auditorium, 353-3309

Van’s Warped Tour July 19, Reynold’s Park Yacht Center in Greencove Springs, 353-3309

Lee Roy Parnell July 20, Freebird Live, 246-2473

My Little Pony Live “The World’s Biggest Tea Party”, July 20-22, Times Union Center, 353-3309

Tim McGraw and Faith Hill July 22, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900

Candlebox July 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473

The Fab Four July 31, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

Copeland Sept.2, Freebird Live, 246-2473

Dave Matthews Band Sep 11, O’Connell Center, Gainesville, FL, (352) 392-1653 Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787

28 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper mice parade album review

Artist: Mice Parade Title: Self-Titled Release Date: 05.08.07 Label: Fat Cat Records

Adam Pierce is the lone creative force behind Mice Parade. His indie rock credentials include drumming for the Swirlies and The Philistine Jr. The Mice Parade project finds Pierce dabbling more into a post-rock, even experimental genre-bending sound that is gentle, but less pop than his aforementioned musical endeav- ors. This self-titled album does not have a real capturing quality to it and is a bit flat at first listen. As commendable as it is a flaw in the album, Pierce attempts to take on the lofty task of giving his experimental rock more of a songwriter’s sensibility. The two elements often feel fragmented and highlight his limited vocal capabilities. A simple continuity pervades through each track, which is not always a bad thing, but each song seems to follow the same blueprint. Although it may not be ambitious in the technical or instrumental aspects of experimental rock often displayed by more jazzy outfits such as The Sea and Cake, it is charming in its determination to bridge an indie rock to post-rock sound that is more accessible than genre counterparts. The highlight of the album is the second track ‘Tales of Las Negras’ that features guest vocalist Laetitia Sadier of Stereolab fame. The infectious beat and simple keyboard melody in union with the vocal variety and depth of Sadier and Pierce together, demonstrate the real potential of the Mice Parade project. The percussive elements of Mice Parade are at times dynamic, and always interesting. Fans of Jim O’Rourke, particularly Gastr del Sol, particularly the album Camofleur, will appreciate Pierce’s approach. Mouse on Mars and Tortoise fans should definitely give this album a whirl, just be sure, give it 2 or 3 times extra through your listening cycle. If you are an indie rock enthusiast that is tired of the same old formula, Mice Parade makes the effort, so you’ll either think it is just the thing you are looking for, or you’ll be dreadfully bored with it, but in either case, you won’t know until you’ve given it a few listens. - by brenton Crozier

trailercana album review

Artist: Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours Title: Trailercana Release Date: 05.08.07 Label: DPR Records

If you listen to Antsy McClain and the Trailer Park Troubadours, the first question you might ask is: how seriously should I take this? In Trailercana the group walks a fine line between poking fun at the trailer park lifestyle and paying homage to it. They definitely use country music conventions to their advantage, twisting them enough to make things interesting. Even if you aren’t a fan a country music, there are going to be at least a few songs that you’ll have fun listening to. The first two tracks, ‘Living in Aluminum’ and ‘The Devil Gets More Credit Than He Deserves,’ are some of the more conventional tracks. Things really get cooking with track 3, ‘Joan of Arkansas,’ but the real fun starts with ‘DysFUNKtional.’ According to the liner notes, the song was inspired by “a girl who’s more fun when she’s off her meds.” With lines like: “There’s something bad wrong with her brain/ But she can sure throw a great toga party,” you start to get into the trailer park groove. The next song is just as much fun, and something most people can relate to. If you’ve ever been cut off in traffic by a car sporting a Jesus fish, you may have experienced some of the emotions in ‘I Was Just Flipped Off by a Silver Haired old Lady with a Honk If You Love Jesus Sticker on the Bumper of Her Car.’ The country-southern-corruption-and-mystery song, ‘Dora’s Dark Side’ is a somewhat overblown (but funny) send up of PMS. The somewhat silly ‘Prozac Made Me Stay’ ends with the line “Loving you is easy when I got this Prozac buzz.” Apparently, most of the people in the trailer park are a teensy bit unstable, judging from the number of songs that touch on psyche problems. As much as the Troubadours poke fun at the trailer park lifestyle, there’s a real love of the trailer park culture behind it, something that’s apparent in songs like ‘Full Moon Nights in Pine View Heights’ and ‘Falling in Love in America.’ While they don’t do anything astoundingly different with these songs, because they come from a place of sincerity, you can’t help but like them. - by Erin Thursby

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 29 WHAT: Burn the Floor presents FloorPlay WHEN: June 6th @ 7:30 pm WHERE: Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts at the Moran Theater

get it on with Before Latin ballroom dance became the popu- lar craze it is today, the dance troupe Burn the Floor had one of the most innovative ballroom- style dance shows in the world. On June 6th, floorplay they come Jacksonville with their newest show, FloorPlay. I got the chance to speak with the producer, Harley Medcalf, who started it all in by erin thursby the late 90s.

EU: What makes this dance show unique? HM: I think the culture that exists in Latin Ball- room dancing is pretty unique. There is, within this genre, an interesting heritage and history which the younger dancers have inherited, projected and nourished… [They’ve] brought it into a modern twist with a youthful exuberance …It’s the people that really got me going with the show. Harley Medcalf EU: What made you decide to pro- duce the show? HM: Well, it’s bit of a silly story, but – most of my career I was sort of a rock promoter/producer in Australia and I’ve worked for many, many years with Elton John…I happened to be invited…to his birthday party in 1997 and it was sort of a costumed evening of six-hundred jaded entertainment people, the sort of event where you’d think nothing would stop the action. Unbelievably, the entertainment that Elton had selected for the evening was ballroom Latin dancing. In almost impossible circumstances this young dance troupe…absolutely captivated the room with their…vitality, energy and chemistry. I was quite taken with how anybody could come and make such an impact in difficult circumstances…Then I wanted to meet these dancers, and after talking to them, discovering their wonderful qualities, that was the basic inspiration. I went to a few dance competitions after that, to see what it was all about and again, I saw this incredible talent in circumstances that were poorly produced…(the sound was not great…the lighting was not great) they were sort of working their heels off without support. I thought ‘What if I could harness all these incredible assets…and put it together with modern theatrical technology?’…That’s what started me on the road…[to producing] Burn the Floor.

EU: After eight years of touring Burn the Floor, you’ve decided to launch FloorPlay, what’s the difference between FloorPlay and the old show? HM: We were always tinkering and trying new ideas to challenge ourselves…We almost had the kitchen sink on stage [so]…we decided to strip away all of the extras and focus on the dance. The more we focused on the dance… the better the show became, so in 2005 after we’d been through a lot of the markets two, three, four times, we really needed to create something new.

hot latin dance on the stage EU: Have you found that the perception of ballroom dance has changed since you start- ed? HM: Now ballroom dancing is like rock & roll with tens of millions watching it on TV every week. It’s very popular and current, so we can actually come out and say ‘hey, we’re ballroom’ and everyone goes ‘Fantastic! I love it.’

EU: But that wasn’t the case when you started in the late 90s. Have shows like Dancing with the Stars helped with that? HM: Absolutely, no question. [Now] the audiences are informed. They know what you’re doing. They know it’s a tango or quickstep or foxtrot…or waltz…It’s such a relief, it’s a total change for us…It’s been totally rediscovered… When we began in 1999 our audience was well into their 50s and 60s. They loved it, but we had no young people. Now we get screamers who love the dancers, young people who just love it…It’s brought a whole new image into the audience and that’s inspired us even more.

For tickets call (904) 632-3373 or go to artistseries.fccj.org.

30 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Tiffany M. Rodriguez culture & arts MAY 31-JUNE 2 True West Acrosstown Repertory Theatre, Gainesville 31-JULY 5 Out of the Shadows Exhibit UNF Gallery, Jax 31-AUG. 12 Rather Strange Developments Picasso, Kandinsky & Mondrian Cummer Museum, Jax 31-AUG. 17 Go, Dog, Go! Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 31-AUG. 26 Impermanence: Recent Works By Andres Michelena MOCA, Jax 31-OCT. 14 Dinosaurs & Ice Age Mammals MOSH, Jax 31 FCCJ Small & Emerging Business Training & Development Program FCCJ North Campus, Jax 31 Freddy the Lion’s Birthday-Open House Catty Shack, Jax

JUNE 1 Moonlight Movies Series-The King and I Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach 1 Exhibit Reception: Anna Tomczak Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra Beach 1 4th Annual Dancing in the Streets of Avondale Historic Shoppes, Jax 1 Opening Reception: Featured Artist Olive Energy Lab Art Gallery, St. Augustine through our eyes 2007 : 1-2 Railroad Days Festival Downtown, Callahan 1-23 State Fair Orange Park Community Theatre, Jax 1-SEPT. 3 The Cabaret of St. Augustine-Spirits Community School of Performing Arts, St. Augustine what’s goin’ on? 2 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax 2 Anastasia State park Beach Bash Anastasia State Park, St. Augustine A New Exhibition at The Ritz Theatre & 2 Drake’s Raid Re-Enactment Fountain of Youth, St. Augustine 2 Picking in Spring Park-Bluegrass Association Spring Park, Green Cove Springs LaVilla Museum 2-9 Women’s Golf Week World Golf Village, St. Augustine by donald dusinberre [email protected] 2-JULY 30 Death Murder Mystery Players Dave & Busters, Jax Rhonda Bristol 3 Family Fun Day World Golf Village, St. Augustine

featuring 24 artists from all over the greater Denise Cooper with anyone. Considering the individual messages, 4-JULY 27 Summer Adventure Camps MOSH, Jax Jacksonville area, the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum the general theme and the cohesiveness of it all, this 4-JULY 13 Camp Cummer Cummer Museum, Jax is currently showing Through Our Eyes 2007:What’s exhibition is one of the most successful shows I’ve Goin’ On? This excellent show will be running been to this year. 6 Burn the Floor-Floor Play Performing Arts Center, Jax through July 20th. The art was very well presented, each with just 6 Summer Cinema- The Devil’s Backbone MOCA, Jax Now in its 15th year, Through Our Eyes is an enough space to be focused on separately, yet the 7-24 South Pacific Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach annual art series that calls upon the area’s African- room was filled with color and expression. An infor- American artists to respond to a different topic each mation tag accompanied every piece, while many of 8 Moonlight Movies Series-Forrest Gump Sea Walk Pavilion, them featured an artist statement or poetry (which I Jax Beach Gil Mayers found insightful). Take the time to visit the Ritz The- 8 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir UNF University atre & LaVilla Museum and check out this exhibition. Center, Jax 8 Alphabet Affair: Celebrating the Cinema The Haskell Some of my favorite artists from the show: Company, Jax Denise Cooper 8-23 Guys and Dolls Theatre Jacksonville, Jax Tiffany M. Rodriguez year. Obviously, this year’s topic is “What’s Goin’ Owiredu Baffour 9 Beaches Fine Arts Series Concert Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach On?” This special way of arranging an art exhibi- Traci Mims-Jones 9 Celebrate 2007-Dinner, Drinks & Live Music with Revolution tion provides viewers with a unique opportunity to Marsha Hatcher TPC Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra experience all of the artists’ responses in a highly Fabielle Georges 9 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax diverse environment of paintings, sculptures, poetry Gil Mayers readings, and photographs. We can benefit greatly Billie McCray 9 Art Adventures-Chasing Kandinsky with Lines Cummer from experiencing art in this format, as each artist Rhonda Bristol Museum, Jax responds in a unique way. With one single idea, we Roosevelt Watson III 9 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir Main Library, Jax can explore and learn so many facets that may never Rootman 9 One & Only Genuine Original MOSH Party MOSH, Jax have come upon us before. I was impressed with how tightly bound the The Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum is located 10 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach works are to the show’s title. Each work articulately at 829 North Davis Street, near downtown Jackson- 10 Auditions: A Midsummer Night’s Dream 6pm Theatre expresses the artist’s point of view, no matter ville. The museum hours of operation are from 10 Jacksonville, Jax what the particular subject. Furthermore, all of the am – 6 pm Tuesday through Friday, 10 am - 2 pm on 10 Auditions: Cabaret – 6pm Players by the Sea, Jax Beach subjects adequately represent “what’s goin’ on” Saturday, and 2 pm – 5 pm on Sunday. Don’t worry for African-Americans. Polarizing stereotypes have if the front doors are locked, just go to the adminis- 10 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir St. Johns Cathedral, Jax been abandoned in favor of more universal themes, trative office door nearby. For more information, call making each of them capable of striking a chord 904-632-5555.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 31 11 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir FCCJ North (July 5-22) Campus, Jax Nine

12 Nelson Mandela Metro University Choir Plaza, St. Augustine Behind every great man stands a great woman, or in the 12-SEPT.2 Tradition in Transition: Russian Icons in the Age of case of filmmaker Guido Contini, MANY great women Romanovs Cummer Museum, Jax (21 to be exact!). In Nine, the bold and sexy Tony 13 Summer Cinema- Cocaine Angel MOCA, Jax Award-winning Best Musical, you’ll meet all of them. 14 U.S. Navy Band Southeast Woodwind Quintet Main The New York Times called Nine “a galloping fantasy Library, Jax with a ravishingly inventive and tuneful score.” Gor- 14-JULY 8 Silver Screen Seranade Seaside Music Theatre, geous music and gorgeous women surround you for an Daytona Beach arousing evening of entertainment! 15 Golfweek’s Father & Son Open Slammer & Squire, St. Augustine

15 Hand in Hand: A Father Daughter Art Duet Benefit Kessler Snapshots (July 26 – August 19) Mentoring R. Roberts Gallery, Jax 16 Vettes at the Village World Golf Village, St. Augustine Every couple has a story. Snapshots, a new Steven 16 Jax Herb Society Meeting Glynlea Grace United Methodist Schwartz musical, tells the story of Sue and Dan, who Church, Jax after decades of marriage, relive their life together 16-17 Car Show Jax Zoo, Jax through years of photos. Ultimately, they must decide whether they’ve taken their final snapshots together. 17 Chamber Music Society-Craig Hall Church of the Good Shepherd, Jax

18 Auditions: Benchwarmers Players By the Sea, Jax Beach Peter Pan (August 2-19) 19-20 FCCJ Artist Series-Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go Performing Arts Center, Jax it’s playtime in daytona Last summer, Seaside Music Theater made it rain on 19-23 CSI Summer Camp FCCJ Advanced Technology stage. This year they are taking the audiences on a fun- Center, Jax filled awe-inspiring trip to Neverland in Peter Pan. You’re 20 Summer Cinema Tsotsi MOCA, Jax never too old to visit Neverland! Journey with Peter, Wendy, John, Michael, and Tinkerbell for an exciting 20-21 Especially for Seniors Talk & Tea Cummer Museum, Jax The Seaside Music Theater is presenting special effects-filled adventure that includes sword- 22-24 21st Annual Greek Landing Day Celebration St. Photios fighting, crocodile encounters, and amazing rescues. Shrine, St. Augustine a summer season of musicals “I’m Flying! Flying! Flying!” – and rest assured, they 23 Art Adventures-Crazy Collage Cummer Museum, Jax will, all around the theater in this beloved classic for all The Seaside Music Theater is the only professional musical theater of its kind in the entire southeast. Located 24 The Huls Clark Duo Main Library, Jax ages. in Daytona Beach, SMT has been Volusia County’s best kept secret for 31 years. This year’s summer season is 27 Summer Cinema The Iron Giant MOCA, Jax about to get underway and they are gearing up for a season that will spoil the secret. Go, Dog. Go! (May 26 – August 17) JULY South Pacific (June 7-24) 4 4th of July Liberty Celebration Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach The hilarious musical based on the treasured children’s book by P.D. Eastman, will have the tiniest of toddlers 5-22 “Nine” Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach SMT sets the summer season in motion with the ro- mantic and timeless stage classic, South Pacific. South and the biggest kids enchanted. Just like the book, 9-AUG. 10 Summer Teen Workshop Orange Park Community canines of all shapes, sizes, and colors will drive, scoot, Theatre, Orange Park Pacific was among Rodgers and Hammerstein’s most successful and critically-acclaimed shows, winning swim, and play, in, out, up, down and all around the 11 Summer Cinema When Fried Eggs Fly MOCA, Jax nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical and a Pulitzer theater! 12 Arthritis Foundation’s Lunch & Lecture River City Brewing Prize for Drama. This lively masterpiece combines the Company, Jax conflicts of war with those of the heart. 13 Summer Cinema When Fried Eggs Fly Encore MOCA, Jax To purchase subscriptions or single tickets, call

13-28 Bat Boy: The Musical Players by the Sea, Jax Beach (386) 252-6200, or visit the News-Journal Center 14 Tonca’s Birthday Celebration MOSH, Jax Silver Screen Serenade box office at 221 N. Beach Street. Adult subscriptions 14 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax (June 14 – July 8) are $170, adult subscriptions plus gala are $264, and youth subscriptions (under 18) are $70. Single tickets 15 Summer Jazz Concert Series Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach The lights may be bright on Broadway, but no town range from $20 - $45, with youth tickets priced at $20 16-20 CSI Summer Camp FCCJ Advanced Technology Center, Jax sparkles like Hollywood! The brand new musical, Silver and college student tickets priced at $22. Go, Dog. 16-21 AT&T Greater Jax Kingfish Tournament Sisters Creek, Jax Screen Serenade, brings the two together in an explo- Go! tickets are $9 per child and $12 per adult. Group 18 Summer Cinema Akeelah & the Bee MOCA, Jax sive onstage revue of some of the silver screen’s most discounts are available by calling (386) 226-1941. For memorable music. more information go to seasidemusictheater.org. 20-21 Oklahoma! YBAG Fletcher High School, Neptune Beach 21 Day of Total Luna-See MOSH, Jax 25 Summer Cinema Cinema Paradiso MOCA, Jax 25 Tuller & Weinberg Summer Serenade Main Library, Jax 26-AUG. 19 Snapshots Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 28 Open House Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary, Jax

AUGUST 1 Summer Cinema Y Tu Mama Tambien MOCA, Jax 2-19 Peter Pan Seaside Music Theatre, Daytona Beach 4 First Coast Pride Festival Sea Walk Pavilion, Jax Beach 8 Summer Cinema An Inconvenient Truth MOCA, Jax 15 Summer Cinema The Notorious Bettie Page MOCA, Jax 18 Dog Days of Summer MOSH, Jax

32 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Cingular, the current sponsor of Burton’s car. Of course NASCAR is trying to protect their relationship with Nextel, the title sponsor of the racing series, which included exclusivity for their cellular business. All I can say is, my friends, this is gonna get damn THE nasty! JOCK NFL/JAGS by tom weppel This whole deal with Falcon’s QB Michael Vick and his dogs is getting ugly, and the NFL is absolutely hating it! It is an awful situation from a public MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL relations-standpoint, to the point For the first six weeks of the season, The where I say it’s worse than a player getting a Milwaukee Brewers were on fire, winning games, DUI. And I will say that I don’t think it’s gonna hitting well, pitching great, and just having a cool down anytime soon. blast. Then, they hit the wall, losing eight of ten. Earlier this week Pete Prisco wrote an article Funny thing, how all of the sudden people on CBS Sportsline ripping the local media for realize they don’t know how good they got it until their attitude towards Jaguar QB Byron Leftwich. thy don’t have it anymore. That’s the Brewers Prisco wrote how local media has not given right now. They are trying to get back into the Leftwich a chance at all because he ‘wasn’t Mark groove that was allowing them to play with Brunell’, meaning Leftwich is not a scrambler reckless abandon, not caring about anything and who brought winning and excitement to Jaguar just having fun winning games. In fact, what is games, and who also was a smiling darling in making things good for them is that if you look at oh-so-many ways, with a positive influence on the NL Central Division, everyone else is pretty the community. It doesn’t help that Leftwich and much sucking right now. Jack Del Rio don’t seem to get along. Meanwhile, we can’t talk baseball without Now, I’m not saying Prisco is right, but I’m recognizing those ‘Pinstripers’ in the Bronx, who not gonna say he’s wrong, either. I will say that can’t seem to find a way to get out of the rut they so far, there have been a number of items that are in. Their superstar hitters are not hitting and have come into play since Byron Leftwich was their pitchers are having problems, including the drafted in the first round a few years ago by the long relievers. Roger Clemens should be a nice Jags, and he hasn’t been able to completely inclusion to the team. Perhaps he can bring a fulfill the desires and hopes of the fans and the new attitude to the Yanks, and they can change coaches, and I bet the owner as well. their losing ways. And you simply cannot place the total blame for the Jaguar’s mediocre success the NASCAR past three years on Byron Leftwich. Sure, injuries In the Dale Earnhardt, Jr. Sweepstakes, it have taken Byron away from being able to seems Joe Gibbs Racing is bowing out. They perform. I would also say, though, that he hasn’t won’t have a relationship with Budweiser, and had the best personnel to work with on his side Gibbs does not want a beer sponsor. However, of the ball, including the coaching. Perhaps that Bobby Ginn Performance Racing has entered will change this season, with a new Quarterbacks into the picture here, and it could get interesting. Coach and a new Offensive Coordinator. So, we shall see how things continue to In the meantime, the only thing the local unfold. Meanwhile, I would bet that Dale Jr. does media have done so far is to interpret what they not win a race this season on the circuit. Maybe have seen and heard, then come out with an he can pull a ‘Rosie O’Donnell’ and get out of his opinion. That’s what makes Prisco his money. ride early. And if you don’t like it or agree with it, then How about the battle going on between simply don’t read or listen to what’s being said NASCAR and AT&T? You’ve got two massive, anymore. powerful factions working here, with NASCAR saying AT&T cannot have their logo on Jeff Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Burton’s #31 car, while AT&T is saying they Larson, Ron Duguay, and Lonnie Marts on can do what they wish, since they just bought SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 33 Come on now, I’ll say the name and you say what one more little thing I want to ask about, just they sponsor. UPS, Visa, Craftsman Tools, Bank where do you think that Dale Earnhardt Junior is of America and Tylenol. All right, since those were going next season? Seems that everybody has nascar news & notes easy let’s get a few harder ones. Yardman, Oral B, him going to one or maybe two places and Kelly International Truck & Engine Co., Kellogg’s, and, says that no bets are off, which means he can do although I thought it was Pizza Hut all this time, anything. She is right to a certain point. Something by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] Domino’s. All these fine companies fall into the I have noticed when Kelly or Jr. are interviewed, at “Official Sponsor” category but there are two other first it was that DEI wasn’t doing what was best for so they can test cars. I really am lost. Has NASCAR i bet you that Goodyear Tire & Rubber groups that are listed with NASCAR. Jr.’s chances at winning races or a championship, Company wouldn’t want to use that part where got it into their minds that they can control all the the first group is the “Official ‘Partner” of so they wanted to go where a team would make it Jimmie Johnson’s tire came off and wiped out a aspects of racing from tires to gasoline to sponsors NASCAR (does that mean that Brian shares the happen. Now when you hear or read about it, it’s all bunch of the leaders in the 600 Sunday afternoon. a team can have? Does being a “NASCAR Official money with them or not – not I would think): about trying to make a decision in time so that the I can see it now, you’re watching TV and here’s the Sponsor” mean that the companies have to do what America Online (Brian’s free Internet), Best Western manufacturers can have the correct car number and Goodyear blimp flying high overhead and those two NASCAR says and in return they will protect their (never pay for a motel room again), DIRECTV (never sponsor on his stuff in time for Daytona. guys are saying they want to get you there. Then product to the very end? Or just for so many court have to use cable again) and then this one is a Well does that mean it is about money after down on the interstate a car is traveling along and appearances? partner/manufacturer of NASCAR: Toyota. Just who all? I’m not sure how to take all that, but I guess one of its tires just flies off and takes out a half do you know how many NASCAR Official said Toyota didn’t buy their way into the Craftsman I’m not supposed to am I? Junior, wherever you go dozen cars. Not a good sign if you ask me. Now I Sponsors there are under Brian France’s wing? Well Truck and the Nextel (formerly Winston and soon the fans will wait until your stuff is made even if it know that Goodyear is the “Official Tire of NASCAR” I’ll tell you, but remember they are being added to be Sprint) Cup series? The third category is is in July, so don’t worry about making a decision and all but I have got to admit that I don’t run on almost every week. I wish I could also say just what the “Promotional Partners” which is a mixture of real fast, pick the right team and I hope it’s GINN them. I don’t think I have ever had a set of them on it costs to become one, but I would bet it varies from companies that provide services from soup to RACING!! Well that’s it for this week and if you got any car, truck, plane or bus I’ve owned. deal to deal. I got the count from the NASCAR media nuts, or rather like Waste Management to Ragu to the answers to my question about Jr. Please email oK, well I’ve never owned a plane or a bus site and I think that it changes all the time, so don’t Hellmann’s all the way to Combos and Planters. Like me at [email protected] and even if you but you get the idea don’t ya? I’ve always had a hold me to this, but there are over forty and it looks I said, soup to nuts. don’t, I’m proud to hear from y’all. Remember, if it General or a Michelin and some times a Uniroyal like NASCAR has got just about everything covered. Looks to me, like Junior puts it, there is a big, ain’t NASCAR it ain’t s**t!! tire and being NASCAR’s main tire hasn’t made me i will make a short list of these fine companies, big pile of money involved and it is going into the want them. Some of the teams aren’t even using and to be honest with you, I do use some of them, France’s bank account and he ain’t sharing with the them, but that’s only been for testing. NASCAR will but not only because they are Official Sponsors. teams at all. Just how much bigger can NASCAR not let Goodyear sell tires to teams and they won’t The first one is one I couldn’t use if I wanted to and King Brian France get before the rules and laws pick it up weekly let teams use them either. From what I understand cause I ain’t never heard of them, much less seen they lay down, along with the court battles they get NASCAR doesn’t want Cup teams testing their cars, one of their stores, and that is APlus, The Official into, will get the better of this sport? What will it movies mainly the COT, but why in the world is that? If an Convenience Store. I did do my research on them take to get it back to where it once was instead of music and found out that they are a part of Sun Oil owner wants to try new things on his cars then why the fastest growing sport on the planet? It may have can’t he? If Goodyear wants to sell new and used Company (Sunoco) so I wonder if Sunoco has to dining started slowing down some in the past year or two. tires, how can NASCAR stop it? pay double for having two companies as NOSs? I’m just an old, tired fan that wants his racin’ back theatre When I heard about this a few weeks back, I they are located at a few select gas stations and not all the other crap that has been shoved my couldn’t figure out why. Now that I hear that Michelin from Massachusetts to Florida and from New arts way for the past years. and Hoosier are going after teams to sell them tires York City (NEW YORK CITY!!) over to Ohio. APlus started out as the official pit stop and now they’re the convenience store of NASCAR, sounds kind of convenient don’t it? You know how you once could go into a gas station and buy those little Official NASCAR goodies but now you got to go to a Sunoco station to get them. I guess that is an advantage for Sun Oil and a minus for us since they got the lock on stuff. Now for some you and I have heard of, there is Minute Maid, Powerade, Dasani, Coca-Cola and Budweiser, which are all the official beverage sponsors. We all know who the official home improvement people are, Home Depot, but do you know who the “Preferred Uniform/Uniform Supplier/ First Aid Supplier” is? that honor is bestowed upon Cintas, but since they are only preferred does that mean they don’t pay as much as “official sponsors”? The next ones you have got to know what they sponsor or you’ve not been watching the commercials during a race.

34 may 31-june 6, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | may 31-june 6, 2007 35