EU Page 1 COVER.Indd

Home , Breathe Carolina, DecembeRadio, Dolphin (character), Hope for the Hopeless, Kill Hannah, Planetfest

JACKSONVILLE get wet this summer A Look at Our Area Beaches, Springs and Water Parks

5-13 17

14-15

feature family pages 5-13 beaches page 23 family events pages 10-11 mayport in pictures page 24 water safety page 14-15 area springs page 24 family water spots page 16 disney water parks on the cover music Photo by A.M. Stewart a better u page 25 blackwater sol revue Model: Baunﬁ re, local to FL, page 15 a greener u page 25 cody dickinson interview performs alternative modeling page 21 virtuous femina page 26-30 music events across the country. page 31 g. love interview

A.M. creates a variety of authentic dish images spurring from the depths page 17 casa marina’s penthouse lounge theatre & culture page 19 chamblin’s uptown books of her imagination. Specializing page 18 dish update + food events in the unordinary, A.M. welcomes page 18 ingredient secrets page 32 cultural events commissions. myspace.com/ amstewartview; amstewartview@ home visual arts gmail.com page 19 olympics page 33 scapel to sketch page 20 notes from the bachelor pad page 33 art events page 22 netscapades movies page 34-35 new movie formats

august 08 page 36-39 august movies + special showings 33 20

graphic by eric staniford

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 3 eu staff managing director Shelley Henley

creative director Rachel Best Henley

senior writer food editor Rick Grant Erin Thursby

specialty features Jon Bosworth

contributing writers Kellie Abrahamson Jennifer McCharen Laura Britton Troy Spurlin Brenton Crozier A.M. Stewart Dick Kerekes Tom Weppel

Published by EU Jacksonville Newspaper. P.O. Box 11959, Jacksonville, FL 32239. Copyright 2008. Repro- duction of any artwork or copy prepared by EU Jack- sonville is strictly prohibited without written consent of the publisher. We will not be responsible for errors and/ or omissions, the Publisher’s liability for error will not exceed the cost of space occupied by the error. Articles for publication are welcome and may be sent to info@ entertainingu.com. We cannot assume responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs. For information concerning advertising phone 904-730-3003 or email [email protected].

4 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly IT’S HOT! IT’S People complain all the time about the heat. Welcome to Florida and if you think its AUGUST! GET WET! hot now, just wait till the end of August. We really have it lucky compared to some other Southern locations. Over 50 miles of coastline bring the easy opportunity for a refreshing swim in the Atlantic. We are one of the few cities that enjoy hundreds of miles of rivers, creeks and waterways where a day afl oat on the water can be enjoyed by everyone. You can travel by boat and be delighted by fi ne dining, seafood restaurants, concerts, the Sports Complex, Jacksonville Landing and Metro Park. We are also blessed to have an abun- dance of fresh water lakes nearby and natural artesian springs that provide an invigo- rating dip in the naturally chilled waters. There are 34 public swimming pools in Jacksonville along with nearby state parks that feature boating, fi shing and camping. We need to appreciate our good for- tune and pay attention to the vital natural resources of waterways that abound our piece of paradise. Recent government and river activists’ efforts to reduce fertilizer runoff and regulate lawn watering have met with mixed responses from the public. Community education and heightened awareness will certainly provide the opportunity for positive action and results that will protect our treasure for generations to come. Yes, it’s hotter than a baker’s oven, but we do have the option to leave behind the walls of air conditioned confi nement and still keep our cool. Even when you can’t make it to pool or the shore to cool off your hot spot, just step outside because every- day we get a dose of liquid sunshine from the sky compliments of Mother Nature. Get wet! And get over it.

photo by a.m. stewart

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 5 jacksonville beach

ou might not know it today, but Jacksonville Beach began as a tent city originally called Ruby (named for the YPostmaster’s daughter) and was later renamed Pablo Beach until 1907. Like the rest of the beaches area, its development was spurred by the railroad. Henry Flagler purchased the Jacksonville & Atlantic Railroad in 1889. By the 1920s Jacksonville Beach had become a major tourist attraction, complete with a boardwalk, hotels and eventually an amusement park. by erin thursby, photos by daniel goncalves The hotel was built in the 20s, and was a hangout for colorful gangsters such as Machine Gun Kelly If you want to stay at a hotel that captures Jax Beach’s sense of history, stay at the Casa and Al Capone, who stayed there on their way down to Miami and Cuba. Historical photos and prints Marina (691 1st St. N., 904-270-0025). Rooms can go for about $139 right now, but they do vary adorn the hallways, showing you Jax Beach as it was in the old days. Check out our review of their depending on the season. Almost every beautifully decorated room has a fabulous view of the ocean. locally treasured tapas lounge on page 18. Fishing is a very popular pastime at the Beaches, whether off the Jacksonville Beach Pier (503 1st St. N., 904-241-1515) or on a charter boat. The phone book is full of charter boats, but you might want to check out the light tackle experts of Enterprise Fishing Charters (904-241-7560, enterprisefi shingcharters.com). The outfi t is actually run by a guy named Captain Kirk. The Captain is a bit of local celebrity, since he can be heard on AM radio every Saturday morning (1010AM The Outdoors Show, 7-10 am). The Pier attracts more than just fi shermen. Surfers also venture around the pier to catch waves. If you’ve never surfed and want to learn, don’t despair! You won’t be out there on your own if you don’t want to be. COS or Clean Ocean Surfboards on Jacksonville Beach across from the Jackson- ville Pier will rent you a board and will give you lessons. It’s something couples can do together ($60) or that you can learn on your own with one of their surfers ($50). Eastcoast Rental (1617 1st St. N., 904-349-0997) rents surfboards, boogie boards, skim boards, kayaks, bikes and other beach items. So if you’d like a bicycle to fi t in with the beach cul-

6 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly ture, you won’t have to strap yours to your car. When the sun goes down and you’re done with all your watersporting, check out Players-by-the-Sea (playersbythesea.org). You can reserve seats ahead of time for their current play or musical, but you can also give them a call or check the website when you know you’re coming for the weekend to see if they have any events going on. Another dry land activity worth trying is the Pablo Historical Park & Beaches Historical Museum (425 Beach Blvd., 904-241-5657). Their main exhibit will stoke your nostalgia, with separate sections for each of the beaches areas. Currently they’ve got a great exhibit on the history of surﬁ ng on Jackson- ville Beach.

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 7 neptune & atlantic beach t’s true that Neptune and Atlantic are separate beaches that are right next to each other. The I communities supported by their beaches are very different from each other, but because the Beaches Town Center bisects the two, I mention them together. This section of shops is what visitors see. by erin thursby, photos by daniel goncalves

On the Neptune Beach side of the Town Center is Sun Dog Café, Mezza Luna and Pete’s Bar. Pete’s is hallowed ground for dedicated drinkers. Sure it’s a hole in the wall, but pool is only 25 cents, and the drinks aren’t unreasonably priced! Also, Pete’s was established in 1933, making it Neptune Beach’s most historic bar. It’s not trendy or fancy. It’s a real bar for real men (and women). The crowd is a mix of regulars who have been patrons for 50 years, college kids, the occasional yuppie looking for a genuine experience and tourists. Just down the street from this rough hewn drinker’s paradise is Cobalt Moon, your Neptune Beach stop for all that is metaphysical. They hold classes in tai chi and yoga. Call (904) 381-0501 for more info on all the available classes and services. If you want to stay at a funky beachside hotel/motel, try the Seahorse Inn (120 Atlantic Blvd., 904- 246-2175). It’s a cheap alternative within walking distance of all the action on Neptune and Atlantic, with a sand and surf attitude. Don’t expect 5-star accommodations, but do expect a vintage beach stay that you just might love. Even if you don’t stay there, their odd little Lemon Bar is worth checking out. You’ll also ﬁ nd art galleries on the Neptune Beach side, such as First Street Gallery.

8 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly beaches events ongoing & upcoming beaches events

Beaches Art Walk Second Tuesday of each month from 5 pm – 8 pm, 9 varied venues. Info: jaxbeachesartwalk.org

North Beaches Art Walk Every third Thursday of each month, 5 pm – 9 pm, Atlantic/Neptune Beach area. Info: (904) 249-2222

Movie Night at Donner Park August 9th- The City of Atlantic Beach and JaxParks presents Cars. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs and picnic baskets to enjoy a night at the park with friends and neighbors. Pick up a ticket between 7 and 8 pm for free refreshments. Atlantic Beach. Info: ci.atlantic-beach.ﬂ .us

Songwriters’ Concert August 3rd, September 7th, October 5th, November 2nd, December 7- Musicians are invited to showcase their original songs. The public is invited to hear 8-12 musicians performing in this intimate and comfortable theatre. Musicians, please contact Darrell Prather, Coordinator at (904) 710-0397. Adele Grage Cultural Center Theatre, Atlantic Beach. Info: ci.atlantic-beach.ﬂ .us

Acoustic Nights August 17th, September 21st, October 19th- Bring your blanket, beach chair and picnic basket and relax and enjoy the acoustic sounds of Mike Shackelford & performers. Free. Bull Park, Atlantic Beach. Info: (904) 247-5828 or ci.atlantic-beach.ﬂ .us

Summer Jazz Concert Series August 17th, 5-9 pm. Headliners Marion Meadows and Gerald Veasley. Info: (904) 247-6100 x 3

Summer Beach Run August 23rd, 6-9 pm. Info: (904) 731-1900

Making Strides Against Breast Cancer October 11th, 8 am- noon. 5K beach walk, run or bike to celebrate life and breast cancer survivorship. Funds beneﬁ t the American Cancer society’s programs of education, patient services, advocacy and research. Sea Walk Pavilion & Beach. Info: cancer.org/stridesonline or (904) 249-0022

5th Annual Buddy Walk October 18th, 9 am - 1 pm. Down Syndrome Association public awareness and fundraiser for programs to benefi t children with Down Syndrome. One mile walk on the beach, music, clowns, infl atables. Info: (904) 353-6300 or visit dsaj.org On the Atlantic Beach side of the Town Center, you can visit the Ragtime microbrewery, where you can take in some suds and eat a lobster taco. Just around the corner from the main drag is Ocean 60, a Out of the Darkness Community Walk November 1st, 8 am - 11am. Non-competitive 5K walk to raise awareness favorite beaches martini joint. They make a crème brulee martini that tastes EXACTLY like a crème brulee. and funds about suicide prevention. Info: outofthedarkness.org If you’re looking to spend lots of green on your accommodations, try the newly remodeled One Ocean (904-247-0305) on Atlantic Beach. It used be the Sea Turtle until new owners bought and renamed it. This upscale hotel includes an onsite spa. yearly beaches events Besides the beach proper, If you like to kayak, there’s always the Dutton Island Preserve in Atlantic Beach, a park that was developed around 2000. There isn’t much in the way of amenities there, but there Great Atlantic Seafood & Music Festival Seafood Music activities for the kids and craft booths are the attractions is a boat launch for hand launched boats such as canoes and kayaks. It’s beloved spot for kayak fi sher- at this annual festival. Held in March. Jacksonville Beach Sea Walk Pavilion. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvil- men. You can rent your kayak from B&M Bait and Tackle (2789 State Road A1A, Atlantic Beach,1 904-249- lebeach.org 3933). Annual Sand Castle Contest Held for more than 30 years on Jacksonville Beach. Participate or just come to observe. Held in April. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvillebeach.org

1 Springing the Blues Festival Nationally recognized blues festival featuring blues performers, great BBQ & seafood, kids games, rides and crafts. Jacksonville Beach Sea Walk Pavilion. Held in April. Info: (904) 247-6100 or spring- ingtheblues.com

Easter Sunrise Services Held Easter Sunday. Jacksonville Sea Walk Pavilion. Info: (904) 247-6100

Beaches Festival Weekend “The Ofﬁ cial Opening of the Beaches” Features a parade, sandcastle building contest, entertainment, crafts, kids activites and a 5K Run/Walk. To register for the parade call the Jacksonville Beach Parks and Recreation Department. Held in April. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvillebeach.org

The Players Championship The world’s best golfers come to Ponte Vedra to face off for the title. Plenty of related family oriented events! Held in April. Info: (904) 273-3383 or pgatour/tournaments/the players

Ponte Vedra Arts and Crafts Festival Food, entertainment and a juried art show held at the Sawgrass Village Shop- ping Center. Held in April. Info: (904) 247-6100 or artfestival.com

Annual Wave Master’s Surﬁ ng Contest Florida’s largest and most prestigious open amateur surﬁ ng tournament. This annual contest attracts over 300 competitors of all ages from all over the southeast! Held in May. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvillebeach.org

Pops at the Beach Mother’s Day Concert Pops concert by the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra. Free and open to the public. Bring mom and a lawn chair or blanket. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvillebeach.org

Moonlight Movies This free series of movies is generally held in May and June at the Sea Walk Pavillion. Bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy some classic ﬂ icks for free. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvillebeach.org

Jazz Concert Series Held one Sunday a month during the summer. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvillebeach.org

Youth Fishing Derby Fishing for the kids, with free bait, tackle and fun! Held in June. Hanna Park Info: coj.net

Liberty Fest The Beaches July 4th blowout. Sea Walk Pavilion. Info: (904) 247-6100 or jacksonvillebeach.org

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 9 the times they are a changin’ for mayport

he small ﬁ shing village of Mayport may be facing some drastic changes ahead. The JAXPORT Authority wants to build a new cruise boat terminal on the island, partly because the JPA wants to close the existing terminal and use that land to build a shipping terminal for Hanjin Shipping, a T Korean containership line. a photo essay by daniel goncalves

Mayport Village, rich in fi sh and history, was established back development. in 1562. Mayport has been Jacksonville’s answer to a quaint fi sh- The proposal, which has yet to be approved, would place a two story cruise ing village. It was fi rst controlled by the French in the late 1500s terminal and fi ve level parking garage on some eight acres of land where Safe Harbor and early 1600s, then alternated control between the Spanish, Seafood was located. This would not only make for a sweet deal with Hanjin but French and English before fi nally becoming wholly American. would also allow larger cruise ships to have access to a terminal. The plan, according It became a center of travel when the railroads pushed down to the Port Authority, will preserve the distinct ambiance of a small fi shing community into Florida and to Mayport in 1900. Goods and people could and dramatically improve the somewhat tattered and decrepit business district of the either travel by boat or by train. Coal and lumber moved through village. In recent years many of the familiar popular restaurants and businesses in the town, while tourists moved through the area traveling to the Mayport have closed or relocated and the shrimping industry is suffering due to high various popular health spas of the day. The trains stopped running fuel prices. in the early 1930s, when fi shing and shrimping again became the More people, more money, more restaurants. Be careful what you wish for, leading industry. Like most of Florida, it’s making room for modern Mother Nature is at risk.

10 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly Photography by Daniel Goncalves on display and for sale, Sept.3 - Oct.1st at MOCA. Featuring limited edition photographs from his “Cuba Libre!” collection, as well as other works. Opening night and appearance- ArtWalk, Sept. 3. DanielGoncalves.com

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 11 beaches and parks near mayport

f you’d like to make a day of it in Mayport, there’s the Sun Cruz I River Boat Casino and boat tours. You also might want to visit Hanna Park (500 Wonderwood Dr., 904-249-4700) at Seminole Beach. They’ve got great waterfront camping, beaches, a small kiddie water park and kayak and other watersporting rentals. by erin thursby

On the other side of the river from Mayport, you’ll fi nd Huguenot Park (10980 Hecksher Dr., 904-251-3335), just at the mouth of the river. This park is extremely popular with windsurfers, particularly around the Ft. George Inlet. It’s also unusual because it sits where the river meets the sea. These jetties, where the saltwater meets the fresh, are also a prime fi shing area. You can also watch the activity at the naval base and to explore, from salt marshes to maritime forests and more than fi ve miles all the boat traffi c. Other amenities (like tennis courts and camping) can of sandy beaches. As with most state parks, there is a small entry fee- $4 also be found in this large park. per vehicle (up to 8 passengers) or $3 for a single car occupant. Camping Little Talbot Island is available for extra fees, but make sure when you book the site that you State Park (12157 ask about which sites are prone to fl ooding during full moons and extreme Hecksher Dr., 904- weather. Call the park number (904) 251-2320 for this info. To reserve a 251-2320) can also campsite call Reserve America at (800) 326-3521. be found on Hecksher For kayak rental or go on a guided paddle tour of the inland waters call Drive not too far from Kayak Amelia at (888) 30-KAYAK (305-2925). Kayak Amelia is just north of Huguenot. Little Talbot the Little Talbot Island Ranger Station on State Road A1A. Advance reserva- is one of a small num- tions required. You can also get guided Segway tours of Little Talbot Island ber of undeveloped bar- or Fort George Island with Ecomotion Tours (904-251-9477). rier islands in Northeast Florida. Like Huguenot, With all that our beaches have to offer, anybody can take a mini vaca- it features a mix of salt- tion to one of them. Check out our year-long calendar of beaches events water and freshwater (most of which are free or low cost) on page 9 so you can plan around habitats. Any nature them, or just head on down to the beaches for some fun in the sun and lover will have plenty surf. photo by danielgoncalves.com

dogs at the beach

If you’re bringing your pooch for a day at the beach, keep the rules in mind. Dogs are only allowed on Jack- sonville Beach and Neptune Beach before 9 am or after 5 pm. Dogs must be leashed and have a current rabies tag. Owners must clean up after their dogs. Dogs are allowed anytime on Atlantic Beach, but must be on a leash no more than 12 feet long. You can unleash your dog at Paws Dog Park (321 Penman Rd. S., Jacksonville Beach) located across from Wingate Park. There’s a small dog area, a large dog area, a place for dogs to drink and an educational bulletin board. While there are rules to follow (pawsparkjaxbeach.com/ rules1.php) it’s a great place for your pup to unwind and run around!

12 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly Florida Bank Jacksonville, Greenscape Interior Design, JAX4KIDS, St Johns County Tourist De- velopment Council and Florida Arts and Culture. Here are just some of the other upcoming events at the Cultural Center. Be sure and visit their website at ccpvb.org or call (904) 280- 0614 for more info on their schedule of events and classes.

Beaches Unplugged Summer Series August 10th, 6 pm-8 pm. Free! Live musical performances in the Cultural Center Ballroom. EverGreen: Environmental Interpretations Ex- hibition Opening August 22nd, 6:30 pm-8 pm EverGreen Family Festival August 23rd, 10 am-3 pm. Beaches Gallery Tour September 20th, 10 am-5 pm. Exhibiting artists will meet and greet, Sydney McKenna at The Cultural while artist members display their talent in the Center at Ponte Vedra Beach workshop. Arts Alive: Caliente Nights! October 4th. An exciting evening of hot, hot, hot dancing, arts spectacles, creative food and libations, and un- believable, interactive entertainment. Sponsored ponte vedra by The Twisted Martini, Florida Bank of Jackson- ville, The Chef’s Garden, Destination Planning Corporation, St. Johns County Tourist Develop- hile there’s still a beach sensibility here, Ponte Vedra ment Council and Florida Arts And Culture. Exhibition Opening: Allison Watson October is the more affl uent of the Beaches communities. It 10th, 6:30 pm - 8 pm. was a strategic area off and on since it was close to St. W MidTown Art Center in St. Nicholas November Augustine and was one of the many ropes in the three way tug of 8th-9th. Cultural center artist will sell their works war between the Spanish, English and French from the mid-1500s in the Cultural Center tent. November until it became part of the U.S. by erin thursby Holiday Shoppes Boutique 2008 21st-22nd. Ten premier vendors with unique offerings at the Cultural It was fi rst dubbed Mineral City because the National Lead Company Center and a Cultural Center Café extracted minerals from the sands. When Provided by The Chef’s Garden. the company fi nally left, the city was Skip the holiday crowd and shop at renamed. the Cultural Center. Golf became part of the landscape Exhibition Opening December 5th, by the time the railroad was built. From 6:30 pm-8 pm the 1930s through today, it’s been a watchword for luxe resorts, golf and Santaland Diaries– Theater/Play spas. Their largest claim to golf fame is, with Ian Mairs December 12th-13th of course, TPC Sawgrass. The arts are also an integral part of Class Sessions & Workshops the community, with plenty of upscale galleries to choose from. Visit the Ponte 9/8-10/20 Fall Session I of adult and Vedra Cultural center’s website (ccpvb. org) or check out our listing of their up- children’s classes coming events. Sawgrass 9/27 Workshop with Jim Draper- Beginning Acrylic Painting 10/11-10/18 Workshop with Nofa The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach Dixon- Building a Clay Vessel 10/25 Workshop with Carol Keller- Basic Pho- Besides the spas, great shopping, food and golf, Ponte Vedra Beach has a sense of commit- ment towards the arts. Nowhere is that more apparent than at the Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra tography Beach. The current exhibition is local artist Sydney McKenna: Evaporation. Her oils capture Florida 10/27-10/30 Workshop with Ed Jonas- Sculpt- skyscapes. There’s just nothing like the light of a Florida sky just after a storm, when the sun sifts ing the Human Head through the grey clouds, dousing the landscape in an otherworldly yellow. Her brush freezes those 10/27-12/15 Fall Session II of adult and chil- moments, whether it is a sudden shaft of pure light through the clouds, or the Jacksonville skyline lit dren’s classes by sunlight battling through storm clouds. McKenna will be on exhibition through August 16th. 10/27-12/15 Fall Session II of adult and chil- This month the Cultural Center will be hosting a unique event for the community, the Evergreen Environmental Festival. The art on display will refl ect an environmental theme, whether it is because dren’s classes the artist used recycled objects or because they used their art to refl ect the state of the earth and the 11/1-11/2 Workshop with Ellen Diamond- Inter- importance of our green spaces. Expect demos at the Festival. The event is sponsored by JAXPORT, mediate Acrylic and Oil Painting

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 13 searching for springs

photo by a.m. stewart photo by a.m. stewart

ant to experience 18th century Florida, like when the Native Americans inhabited the land? Need somewhere to cool off from this muggy August heat? I’ve got the perfect spots. And since you’re here in Florida, you don’t have any excuse not to go. Well, other Wthan our costly need for oil... so grab a couple friends and arrange a caravan. by a.m. stewart

There are over 700 freshwater springs to explore in our Sunshine State, mostly in the creates cavities, sinkholes, caverns and caves. This limestone is also porous which means it northeast and central regions. Florida has one of the largest concentrations of springs in the retains groundwater. The Floridian Aquifer, which is underneath most of FL, is comprised of world, with constant water temps in the low 70s. And many of these water features are so a series of underground water-bearing limestone features. As pressure builds up, the aquifer close together it’s easy to make rounds to multiple spots. So make a weekend of it– with water is pushed to the surface through the openings in the limestone bedrock. Essentially, campsites-a-plenty, this will be one cool “get wet” vacation you CAN afford this summer. springs are where the aquifer meets the surface of the earth. A vast underground limestone peninsula is responsible for a complex cave system that Since there are tons of springs to choose from, I’ve highlighted a few that will be worth gives way to hundreds of springs. When the limestone becomes weathered by rainwater, it the trip.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park Try to say that ten times in a row! My two gal-pals and I gin- gerly coasted atop the Ichetucknee River and watched as an osprey (or a bird of signifi cant proportions) scooped down about 8 feet from the river and fl ew along its winding path. Electric-white Ghost Orchids popped up near the river’s edges. I thought I’d seen all the natural beauty I could take until visiting the Head Spring, one of 9 springs at Ichetucknee. Crystal clear blue-green waters made my fi rst snorkeling experience incred- ibly unforgettable. more to do: Canoeing, kayaking, hiking, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, tubing, picnicking (tables and grills), wildlife viewing and an education and exhibit center. helpful hint: If you’re going to bring your own rafts or tubes to fl oat down the river, infl ate them before entering the park or bring your own air pump. It’s quite expensive to pay for air at the park. Also consider bringing an airbed if you don’t have a tube. It works fabulously! Otherwise, there are infl atables for rent before the park entrance if you wish to glide down graphic by eric staniford the river, which I absolutely encourage. where to go: I-10 west to I-75 south, to exit 423. Take SR 47 south, turn the price is: Admission: $5/per vehicle (up to 8 people), on CR 238 and follow park signs. (386) 497-4690 Tubing and canoeing: $5/person, Diving: $10/person. (You extras: There is camping nearby, just outside the park and at other surround- didn’t hear it from me - but park workers have no way to tell if ing springs and parks. (O’Leno State Park: I-75 south to exit 414, take U.S. 441 photo by a.m. stewart you paid the $5 to tube down the river or not). south and follow signs. 386-454-1853)

14 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly Lafayette Blue Springs State Park Located a few miles northwest of Ichetucknee, this park plants itself just to the west of the Suwan- a greener u nee River. A unique natural limestone land bridge connects one spring to another. The springs look as if they have just spontaneously sprouted out of the forest. It’s like something you’ve read about in fairy tales with pirates and kids who never grow old. Lafayette Blue Springs is one of Florida’s fi rst save water, shower with a friend by jennifer mccharen magnitude springs, producing 168 million gallons of water a day. First magnitude springs are those that discharge the greatest volume of water. Florida has more fi rst magnitude springs than any other These August days are the hottest of our Floridian lives; time to get out of your oven- state. like car and into a real Floridian phenomenon. Florida’s cold, freshwater springs are the ideal respite from our sweltering Augusts. The crystalline water in these rocky pools is a constant more to do: Boating, canoeing, kayaking, fi shing, picnicking, primitive camping, scuba diving, swimming and wildlife viewing. 70 degrees. Springs are also a great starting point for a brief education about our water resources, and the need for conservation. the price is: Admission: $4/per vehicle (up to 8 people) age 5 and under free, $1/bicycles, Div- First off, head to a nearby spring for a delighful cooling experience. There are many near- ing: $10/ person and includes admission fee, Walk-in camping: $10/per site includes water and by. Check out fl oridasprings.org for more information or read the article to the left. Look down electric. into the deepest part of the spring, where the water bubbles up from the rock. The clear, cold where to go: I-10 west to exit 283. Head south on Hwy 129 through Live Oak. Take Hwy 51 groundwater (that you’re diving into ecstatically after that sweaty car ride) has been percolat- south then north on Hwy 27. Follow signs to park, about 5 miles. (386) 294-3667 ing for years through the spongelike limestone layers of the Floridan Aquifer. This water fi rst extras: Other nearby springs: Troy (south) and Peacock (north). fell as rain that seeped into the ground and fl owed, drop by drop, into the numerous pores and caves of the aquifer, eventually being pushed to the surface here at the spring. This vast aquifer isn’t just refreshing to swim in; it is Florida’s most important source of drinking water. Springs are the easiest part of the aquifer to see, as well as the most fun. Ginnie Springs Unfortunately, almost everything else you’ll read about the Floridan Aquifer will make you feel With 7 clear-blue spring features on over 200 guilty and scared, possibly both. acres of forests, Ginnie Springs is noted as the It isn’t hard to fi gure out what’s wrong with the aquifer. We keep growing by nearly a most popular freshwater diving location in the thousand people per day; and we don’t develop effi ciently. Any number of things can be done world. The springs have also become a popular statewide to help the situation (grow more slowly, or more effi ciently, for example). Likewise, spot for college kids and alcoholics alike, since many things can be done on a personal level. the consumption of adult beverages are strong- One such thing is stop buying bottled water. Get a reusable container and refi ll it from ly encouraged while tubing down the spring-fed the tap. Think about this as you fl oat in the soothing pools of Madison Blue Springs. This very Santa Fe River. place was the scene of a recent, quiet loss in the battle to prevent corporate control of water. more to do: Swimming, snorkeling, tub- Nestle was given (for free) the right to bottle and sell millions of gallons of water from Blue ing, canoeing, kayaking, scuba diving, cave Springs in 2004. The water it takes to process and package a bottle of Evian is pure waste diving and camping. when you consider that our tap water is carefully regulated and safe to drink in all but the most the price is: Admission: adults $12/person; photo by ian newman extreme circumstances. Add the social injustice of a heartless corporation controlling a pre- $3/children ages 7-14, Camping: $18/person, Diving $22-30/person. cious resource and you can pretty much swear off that Dasani forever. where to go: I-10 west to exit 335. Take S.R. 121 south through Worthington Springs. Turn right But simply drinking tap water isn’t much of a shift. We need to change all of our profl igate water-use habits to make a real difference--and it isn’t just the idyllic springs that are at stake. onto CR-236. Then right on CR-340. Follow signs to spring. (386) 454-7188 or ginniespringsout- The St. Johns River has been targeted for drinking water use in Central Florida. This frightening doors.com possibility (dubbed The Big Suck) would draw 155 million gallons per day to feed never-ending extras: Tubes, canoes, kayaks, snorkeling and diving gear is available for rent at the springs, from development in a region that will outstrip its own watershed by 2013. $6-$60. The end use of most of that water is lawns, not thirsty throats. We are addicted to fl at mats of green St. Augustine in our front yards, a grass that needs a great deal of care; so De Leon Springs State Park much that a full 50% of municipal drinking water is used for irrigation. West of Daytona, just off Hwy 17 you will discover this historically rich state park. Originally oc- Honestly, the water crisis we face is complex, and a bit overwhelming. A few tips will help cupied by Seminole Indians, the land was seized under several different owners including a Colonel you make the most of your H2O, and a few resources will point you in the right direction for who erected a sugar mill with the help of some 90 slaves. The mill was destroyed by Seminoles in learning a little more than will fi t in this brief article. the 1830s, and then rebuilt in 1854. Today, the sugar mill attracts many visitors as it has been trans- formed into a restaurant known for letting guests make their own pancakes. tips more to do: Boating, canoeing, kayaking, interpretive exhibits, nature trails, snorkeling, swimming, picnicking, wildlife viewing and playground facilities. 1. A no-brainer: turn the faucet off when you can. That means when you brush your teeth, the price is: Admission: $5/vehicle (up to 8 people) when you wash dishes by hand, when you do anything, turn the water off when you don’t need to leave it on. It’s that simple. where to go: I-95 south to exit 268. Take Hwy 40 west to US Hwy 17 south, then follow park signs. Or take US Hwy 17 from Jax to De Leon Springs. (386) 985-4212 2. Find ways to reuse water. Leave a bucket in the shower to catch water you can use to water plants or do hand laundry. 3. Upgrade fi xtures and appliances to effi cient models when you can, and/or check to make Blue Springs State Park This is the largest spring on the St. Johns River and is a designated manatee refuge. The park experi- sure no appliances or fi xtures are leaking. ences the highest volume of these sea mammals during the winter season because of the spring’s 4. Always shower with a friend. warmer water temp, a constant 73 degrees. It is strictly prohibited to swim or scuba dive with manatees. resources more to do: Tubing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, picnicking, nature trails, camping and St. Johns River boat tours. St. Johns River Water Management District, Watershed Action Volunteers the price is: Admission: $5/vehicle, camping: $20/night. sjrwmd.com/education/wav/index.html where to go: I-95 south to I-4 west. Take exit 114. Go south on Hwy 17 to Orange City. Make right onto West French Ave. (386) 775-3663 St. Johns Riverkeeper stjohnsriverkeeper.org Now is the time to take advantage of these beautiful, naturally occurring openings in the earth. Be sure to ask park attendants about other surrounding springs in the area, many which are not listed. The Green Team Project Plan ahead: call or arrive early to these springs as most of the parks have a capacity limit for visitors. greenteamproject.org Check out more amazing springs and state parks at fl oridastateparks.org.

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 15 Blizzard Beach Typhoon Lagoon water world water parks prefer Florida by jon bosworth August in Florida is one place where the term “all typhoon lagoon wet” is a preference rather than some archaic insult. It gets so hot that the zoo provides discounts to visitors When Disney does a park they start with a theme. The theme to Typhoon Lagoon is that it is one when the mercury is too high to encourage people to hundred years in the future and global warming has melted the polar ice caps and heightened water play outdoors. The thought of a vacation to Universal, Six levels wreaked havoc on this tropical island, loading it with new waterfalls and giant waves! Not really. Flags, Busch Gardens or Disney sounds more like torture According to the story on the map a typhoon ravaged this island community and left it a ransacked to Floridians that know just how punishing a Florida sum- beach village with all sorts of new water formations on its central mountain. At the top of the moun- mer can be. These days start off hot, climax with after- tain is an impaled boat and many of the slides start high up in its hills. noon thunderstorms and then end as the wet air becomes While most of the slides are great fun, the best thing about Typhoon Lagoon is the number of an outdoor steam bath. During these dog days when stay- moderately paced rides. It features a great raft ride for the whole family, a river that winds all through ing dry seems next to impossible, Floridians love to get the park, including in caves and under waterfalls, and many rides for the water park novice. These wet. Be it boating, fi shing, pool parties or slip and slides rides may seem too mild for the professional water parkers, but Typhoon Lagoon still has some clas- in the yard, we’ll do just about anything to stay hydrated. sics of its own. I’ve never been to a state that didn’t have some sort When you heard about the sea life encounters at Aquatica, you may have thought that was a of water park nearby, but few have as many as Florida. totally new concept, but Typhoon Lagoon’s Shark Reef has been around for years and is one of the From Clay County’s redneck water park Strickland’s to coolest parts of the park. You go snorkeling in a tank with stingrays, schools of fi sh and even sharks! the closest water parks in Jekyll Island and Ocala, natives They aren’t scary, just shovelhead sharks, but it still seems creepy to let your toes dangle too low. remember making the treks and categorizing our favorites And for the fi rst second you’re in the water, they look just like hammerheads. summer after summer. Jacksonville Beach now has the The running joke in the car on the way down to Orlando was who would be the fi rst to ride the Adventure Landing Shipwreck Island, which actually has Spine Blaster. There isn’t actually a ride called the Spine Blaster, but the Crush N’ Gusher came pretty several rides that compete with the best water parks in the close to what we thought the archetypal new waterslide should be- the one that you start off a little Blizzard Beach state. But any water park afi cionado will tell you that the scared of, but by your third ride you know which of the three lines has the best payoff (it’s the middle absolute Mecca for water parks has always been Orlando. line, by the way) and you only stop because everyone else is tired of waiting for you. The wave pool In the 80s and 90s kids often made the trek to Ocala at Typhoon is also hella cool, churning out 6-foot, knock-you-over-and-roll-you-around waves. They to enjoy the slides at Wild Waters. It had the whole deal, from wave pools to kiddie pools to The Silver actually have surfi ng lessons there. Bullet slides. It was always a fun trip. But when the chance arose to go to Wet N’ Wild in Orlando, there was no comparison. Their enormous wave pool dwarfed the others and created a number of meandering lagoons and tidal pool areas for the toddlers. They had dramatically taller straight slides and it seemed like blizzard beach they introduced a new slide every visit. In the last ten years, however, it has gotten some competition. Sea World just opened the Aquatica With Blizzard Beach I do believe Disney has made one of the single greatest water parks in the water park. It has new slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a kid’s area and many of the amenities and thrill history. As soon as a pro water parker steps into the park, they are inexplicably called by the fi rst slide rides featured at every park. The more unique attributes include Loggerhead Lane, a lazy river ride that they see: The Summit Plummet. This straight, 12-story drop waterslide gets you going 55 miles per goes under some tropical aquariums loaded with real fi sh, and Tassie’s Twister, a slide that takes you hour. But the wait is substantial enough to only allow you to ride it once. through the same aquarium. But the slide you’ve probably heard the most about from this new park is the The theme of Blizzard Beach is that it is a small skiing village in the polar icecap, but then global Dolphin Plunge, a clear slide that shoots you through an aquarium swimming with porpoises. warming strikes and melts all of the slopes leaving only waterslides! Actually I injected the global But when it comes to theme parks, no one does it like Disney. Whereas Sea World is a side-operation warming part (outside of Epcot, Disney doesn’t make much mention of global warming). It was just to the Anheiser-Busch company’s beverage business, bringing a smile to kid’s faces has been the main some freakishly warm winter that melted their ski village. So all of Mount Gushmore had snowy trails objective of Disney for a better part of the last century, and they still know how to do it. Typhoon Lagoon that led to the rides in Blizzard Beach. There is a ski lift to take you to the top of Gushmore, but wait- and Blizzard Beach offer a double-whammy of fun, whether you’re there with the whole family or just a ing in line to wait in line isn’t really for me, so I mounted the intense staircase every time I wanted to gaggle of your friends. sprint back to a line for a slide. It was rough on the leg muscles, but I wouldn’t feel that until the next My family booked a room at Disney’s Beach Club Resort because we were told that the pool alone at day. this hotel was as nice as any of Orlando’s water parks. The Disney Resorts always have such easy trans- From the mat races to the tunnel rides, the slides at this park were great. Even the family raft ride portation to the parks and being at one of the Epcot resorts meant we were walking distance to Epcot and was exciting. Speaking of family stuff, Blizzard Beach had some of the best kid areas I’ve seen. Not only across a small lake from the Disney Boardwalk. only was there a great winter summerland for the tiny tots, but also zip lines and fl oating icebergs and The hotel didn’t disappoint. The pool, or rather various pools, had soft sandy fl oors. Rather than the aquatic obstacle courses for the middle kids. Their wave pool wasn’t the biggest, but it still had some traditional pool cut into the ground and surrounded by tile or textured concrete, the Beach Club offers fan- cool features and their lazy river was the best of the weekend. Long stretches of cave swimming and tasy cliff walls, waterfalls and bridges bordering the Beach Resort pool. They imported sand from Mexico even an island with a cabin where you’ll fi nd the ferocious Ice Gator is snoring off his cold. and gave the whole place the feeling of being a lagoon on some tropical paradise. It even had its own waterslide! The hotel really got my kids in the mood to spend the weekend getting wet. My fi nal assessment: the best water park you can go to is a park hopper pass from Disney to do So I bought one of those weird swimming shirts and a waterproof camera that strapped to my wrist both parks. Then, if those afternoon thunderstorms roll in, you can still make a night of Epcot during to complete my costume as a Canadian tourist. I didn’t even have to whiten my skin since I am famous for the evening steam bath. Aquatica doesn’t look so bad either. We’ll check that one out next time. being Florida’s whitest resident! Let’s get into the water, eh? Hoser.

16 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly beach view, cocktails and tapas Casa Marina’s Penthouse Lounge

by erin thursby

sugar rim and real blueberries tossed in. It’s just the right blend of sweet, tart and refreshing. For the sugar addicted, there are more creamy dessert martinis on the list. The tiramisu, chocolate, white cheese cake, and chunky monkey all make for a sweet ending to your meal. The tapas menu is only a page, but they stick to what they know they’re good at, since all of these recipes have been tested at the many functions Casa Marina hosts. Even though the selections are technically appetizers rather than entrées, they really can work as a meal. Since most places pile on three serv- ings for an entrée, a smaller plate of quality food is rather uplifting. The savory and unexpectedly smooth- tasting mustard crusted pork tenderloin can certainly work as a small entrée. Most of the selections come from the sea. The steamed Little Neck clams, the huge and tender scallops, jumbo shrimp, crab cakes, ceviche and seared tuna, just to name a few. Lighter fare includes bruschetta, a warm spinach salad and a baked brie puff pastry. Prices range from just $7 (the bruschetta) to $19 (seared tuna). Even though the lounge is open to the public and the balcony ﬁ lls up quickly, there’s a feeling of exclusivity. You feel as though you’ve discovered a place that not everyone knows about. If they did, there just might be a waiting list.

idden on the top ﬂ oor of Jacksonville Beach’s most historic hotel is the Penthouse Lounge. Here you H can soak in an incredible view of the expanse of shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean as you sip cocktails and nibble on tapas.

Constructed in 1924, during Jacksonville’s mini-boom in the 1920s. On the bottom fl oor, you’ll fi nd their full menu restaurant and verandah. It’s open to guests and visitors, but it’s often being used for functions such as weddings, parties and corporate events. Unlike the dining room, the Penthouse Lounge is consistently open to the public. Many of their customers are those who attended an event at the main restaurant, loved the food and came back for it. Once inside the hotel, you can either ask the desk for directions to the Penthouse Lounge, or you can head up the stairs down the left hallway, on the right, just before the big ballroom. Guests fi nd their own seats and the staff is pretty sharp about noticing them immediately. There are three sections to the bar. The space is open, so you can see through one to another, because there aren’t any solid walls blocking the view. It makes the small space seem larger and it almost seems to extend to the beaches themselves. First is the modern but comfortable bar and lounge area, with its round, frame- less mirrors, a cushy sofa and steel glass tables. This room is the least crowded because it’s furthest from the view of the beach. Step into the next room, an octagonal airy space painted in light blue. This room is all windows, with plenty of beach views to be had. But it’s the deck outside that fi lls up fastest on a beautiful summer day. Above all the surfers and the sunbathers, you can watch as the sun is slowly stirring the 691 1st St N Jacksonville Beach (904) 270-0025 sky and water with pinks and oranges. The lounge is blessed with a full bar and a specialty martini list for cocktails that are expertly crafted. Open from 4pm on Mon-Friday, serving food beginning at 5 pm, Prices for these concoctions range from $8-10, fairly typical for a beaches martini bar. So far, my summertime pick is the blueberry lemon drop, a mix of Stoli blueberry, Absolut citron, fresh lemon juice with a { Open 1pm- till midnight or later Saturdays. Open 1pm-10 pm Sundays. } dish | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 17 dish update + events where to eat drink and be merry by erin thursby

but always wanted to go to! Make an evening of it. You can try Plaza III, the upscale steakhouse inside the Hyatt, the simple urban chic of Chew or the gourmet and Southern high-hat dishes of Café Nola. New to the mix are the University Club, bb’s and Café 331. University Club, located on the 27th ﬂ oor of the Riverplace Tower on the Southbank, is usually a member’s only club, but for the Eat Up Downtown event, they’re opening their doors to the public. You can ﬁ nd a full and updated list of participating locations at eatupdowntown.com. There are no coupons to clip or tickets to buy, just choose a restaurant and call them for reservations. Info: downtownjacksonville.org or (904) 451-3344

Dignity AIXellence Sunday, August 24, 12:30 pm-3 pm- Join Bistro Aix and Dignity U Wear for the summer’s most talked-about event, the second annual Dignity AIXellence. Enjoy a special menu featuring signature Bistro Aix dishes and around-the-world wine pairings along with cool entertainment. Expanded silent auction and wine-related rafﬂ e drawing. Tickets: $75. Info: Dignity U Wear at (904) 636-9455.

New World Cuisine Festival of Food & Wine at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. August 28-September 1- Jazz bands, sampling of cuisine from local ﬁ ne dining establishments. Info: (904) 277-1100.

DrinkCentric Events

Zaitoon’s (13475 Atlantic Blvd. behind Fresh Market 904-221-7066) next wine tasting will be held on Wednesday, August 6th from 6 pm to 8 pm. Special guest and Sommelier, Kori Blacker, will showcase several red and white wines from their new wine list. Chef Mike Barbour will be preparing light hors d’oeuvres for the event and, this month, they’ll have live music by Mary Ann Hawkins. All attendees that decide to stay for dinner after the wine tasting will receive a 10% discount off of their total bill for that evening. The cost of the wine tasting is $12 per person- reservations are suggested. Call to make your reservation today. Zaitoon holds a tasting the ﬁ rst Wednesday of each month.

Notable Classes and Demos for August

Creating quite a buzz in cyberspace and beyond is the freshly opened 13 Gypsies (887 Stockton St. Dennis Chan at Blue Bamboo (3820 Southside Blvd. 904-646-1478) will be teaching a cooking class on 904-389-0330). Check out their website at 13gypsies.com or just have a meal there. You’ll need to call for Caribbean cooking on August 9th. Last month’s class was very popular, so call today to reserve your spot! reservations a day or two in advance, as it’s very popular. Despite the rumors, neither Twisted Martini (822 North A1A, Ponte Vedra 904-280-8800 ) nor Aqua Grill (950 Sawgrass Village, Ponte Vedra 904-285-3017) have closed and are not in process of closing. Two restaurants in Ponte Vedra that closed recently were Mackenzie’s Steakhouse and Aromas Cigar, Wine ingredient secrets & Martini Bar. For some reason this has lead to rumors that other restaurants in the area are closing. Open- ing to the public in Ponte Vedra is the Cabana Club’s revamped and renamed the 619 Ocean View Res- taurant (619 Ponte Vedra Blvd.). It’s got a great ocean view and fabulous cuisine for that special romantic dinner at the beach. honey The Ponte Vedra Beach isn’t the only First Coast area to experience recent restaurant closings. Se- quinos Bistro & Bar (1021 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach) closed this past month. It began as a fi ne Italian A million mysteries are held in the amber sweetness of honey. It’s been used to balm wounds, restaurant, but later changed its cuisine to bistro-style international fare. Also closing, the Downtown loca- preserve the dead, fi ght allergies and sweeten tea. tion of Mudville Grill. Their other locations are doing just fi ne and will remain open. Folk wisdom has always held honey in high regard as a medicinal. In tea with lemon it soothes a Shula’s 347 Grill (10605 Deerwood Park Blvd.) opened last month at the Southside Sheraton. It’s sore throat; the antiseptic qualities of honey have been used on small wounds when nothing else was billed as an upscale sports bar, with menu items from $9-$40. available. Today, people also use honey to fi ght allergies. A daily dose of locally collected honey sup- posedly combats allergies produced by the local fl ora because of the pollen in the honey. Stored properly, honey is the only food in nature that will not spoil, even in extreme temperatures. FoodCentric Events In fact, edible honey has been found in tombs that were thousands of years old. As it ages, the sugars in honey may crystallize. But crystallization can be reversed with a little heat. I recommend using a Roy’s 4th Annual Island Hop Dinner Tuesday, August 5- A popular annual event, this year’s Island Hop menu pays homage to the traditions of a Hawaiian celebration and showcases the brilliance of Hawaiian warm water bath in the sink. Honey should only be heated to a max of 104 degrees Fahrenheit (unless Fusion® Cuisine. The menu has been expertly paired with wine selections from Oberon Wines. Info: (904) it’s being baked or cooked into a recipe). Heating it in the microwave is not recommended, as it often 241-7697 becomes superheated. Even though honey doesn’t technically go bad, it’s best not to keep it more than 3 years, since 10th Annual Toast to the Animals Friday, August 15 at 6 pm-9 pm- Join the Jacksonville Humane Society the fl avor can change over time. Never keep your honey in a moist place, because if it absorbs mois- at the Florida Theatre for more than 200 varieties of wine, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and desserts at the ture, it can ferment. The fridge is one of the worst places you can keep honey. Keep it away from direct fundraiser event. Silent and live auctions will feature fabulous items. Tickets are $40 per person. Tickets sunlight, because that can change the chemical composition, killing some of the antibacterial enzymes. for designated drivers are $30 per person. Preview tickets are available for $65 to taste premium wines Store your honey in glass if possible, as honey tends to absorb the qualities of its storage container. starting at 5 pm. Info: jaxhumane.org or (904) 725-8766. Metal containers can lead to toxicity and wood vessels will change the fl avor. Unless you’re cooking for a baby (infants shouldn’t eat honey), honey can sub for sugar in Eat Up Downtown August 18-August 24- Just $25 and you can have a three course meal at some of the nicest restaurants Downtown. You get more bang for your buck and you can try a meal at any of the nearly any recipe. It will still get your blood sugar up, but it’s a healthier and more natural alternative Downtown places you’ve been wanting to try. Knowing ahead of time what your bill is going to be can be a than white sugar. It does add a bit of moisture and will brown a little more quickly than sugar in baking big help. The price doesn’t include tax or gratuity, but it does make it easier to budget for a night out. recipes. Bake a little longer and reduce oven temperature by about 25 degrees to offset this. If a recipe Last year the event was wildly successful. It really helps to get people out there trying something calls for 1 cup of sugar, substitute 3/4 cup honey, then reduce another liquid in the recipe by 1/4 cup new at a place they’ve never been Downtown. You too can get out of your culinary rut. Eschew that fast and add 1/4 teaspoon baking soda to neutralize the acid in the honey. food or “restaurant in a box” for a menu crafted just for Jacksonville. Choose a place you’ve never been,

18 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | dish wasting time commentary by Chip, the Couch Potato

Every other year we’re treated to yet another dose of anciently orches- trated competition and a colossal waste of time. When the 2008 Beijing games conclude and you’re exhausted from the gruelingly endless hours of mind-numb- ing jock jargon, the great Greek Gods are already starting to polish the rings for another round in just 550 days. Starting on August 8th the Beijing Games will show the world what the Olympic Games really are: 3,600 hours of broadcast coverage to load the sag- ging NBC family coffers by some $1.7 billion. So get ready for an all out assault of commercials designed to tease us into looking and feeling like those buffed athletes, plus every imaginable Coca-Cola brand product and, of course this year, politics. Oh those pointless “I approve this message” political spots accomplish coffee, bagels and books more voter antagonism than endorsement. Maybe the spin doctors need to produce “special Olym- pic” spots like one with Barrack competing in synchronized swimming or ripping a mean game of ping pong. We’ll leave water polo and badminton for McCain’s Olympic message. (What, no shuffl e- Chamblin’s Uptown Books by erin thursby board? At least they have curling in the winter games – and that’s pretty close.) During the 2004 Summer Olympics After two years of careful construction, Chamblin’s Downtown locale fi nally opened its doors during the Athens Olympic Broadcasting Or- the July ArtWalk. Although they’ve been open for a few months now (and despite the fact that their opening ganization televised more than 4,000 has been featured on all the local blogs), construction had taken so long that many folks still don’t know hours of live Olympic coverage at that the Downtown store is fi nally open. some 300 Olympic events. It’s mind Owner Ron Chamblin has found that opening during ArtWalk is good for business. boggling the way they can fi ll that “We did real well,” says Chamblin “We more than doubled the gross take for the day.” much time with repetitive dialogue and If you’ve ever been to Chamblin’s on Roosevelt you might be surprised at the differences between inane trivia. It’s got to be a full-time that and the Downtown locale. While they both feature unfi nished wood rows of bookshelves (although job for legions of writers and research Chamblin says he may stain the ones Downtown) and a large amount of books, the Chamblin’s Uptown assistants searching for that minuscule has a spacious-yet-cozy café. The curvy, almost trendy café and its paper globe lighting come as a sur- story hook they can blow into a seven prise and a contrast to the rough shelving and the many boxes coming in from their daily shipments of minute athlete profi le. books. The two areas are separated by a wall, keeping the café’s feng shui intact. You can people-watch This go around NBC Universal will though the large picture windows or you can sit outside, behind wrought iron, feeling both protected from show 3,600 hours of the Beijing Olym- and part of the Downtown world. Chamblin’s Downtown also features a large magazine rack for all your pic Games on WTLV-NBC12, MSNBC, news needs from the frivolous (the last celebrity breakup) to the serious (world news and election cover- CNBC, USA, Universal HD, Oxygen, age). Telemundo, the NBC Olympic Basketball Channel and the NBC Olympic Soccer Channel. You can’t Roosevelt Chamblin’s is so vast and the shelves are so high that smart customers bring their cell escape it. phones to call each other when they get separated. Chamblin jokes that he sometimes has to send out The Summer Olympics feed us 27 different sporting categories, everything from Aquatics to search parties, since they don’t have a P.A. system. Downtown Chamblin’s is just as dense, though it Wrestling, whereas the winter time games offer just seven: Biathlon, Bobsleigh, Curling, Ice Hockey, doesn’t seem as immense. Still, it can’t hurt to bring cell phones anyway, as the Downtown location has Luge, Skating and Skiing. Both sets of games hang around for a seemingly never-ending 17 days. two fl oors and it’s easy to lose sight of the rest of the store behind the stacks. I can’t decide at what point the Olympic overload will occur. But I’m confi dent it will. After four “People are really impressed by the volume and variety of the stock- they’re really overwhelmed when years I really can’t recall what bored me the most in 04. The Archery, rowing and equestrian events they fi rst come to the Roosevelt location.” are defi nitely snoozers. At least the broadcasts will provide many, many hours of great Couch Potato The Downtown café serves Green Mountain Coffee, muffi ns and bagels from a local bagel shop Z-time. I’ve discovered that selective memory also numbs the pain of enduring hours upon hours of Healthy Bagel. It’s already become a popular morning pit stop. Bagels go quickly. The coffee is an all- fi gure skating during the frozen version and we get hooked in all over again. Then the ever quickening organic blend and a portion of the proceeds go toward various social programs, from hurricane relief to overload kicks in and you get that feeling like you’ve just discovered you’ve taken a wrong turn onto eco-causes. Eventually they hope to add sandwiches to the menu, but for now they’re sticking to coffee a one-way street. beverages (cold and hot) and baked goods. Really, who wants to watch a bunch of grown men pretend to be Robin Hood with bows and Not only will you be able to fi nd hordes of out-of-print book titles at both stores, you can trade in arrows? Evidently not too many people because the programming genius at NBC decided to broad- books as well. The policy is the same as it is at the Roosevelt store: for store credit you’ll receive ½ of cast archery at 2:30 am. Yeah, the basketball might warrant a glance with Yao Ming playing for the the sell value of the book and if you want cash instead you’ll receive 25% less than the store credit value. home team, but nothing like the 1992 “Dream Team” in Barcelona. In years past the games provided Whether or not they’ll buy a used tome depends on its condition and saleability. They won’t, for example, a quirky variety of events that stretched defi nition of “athletic competition.” The exalted Olympic buy an outdated book on tax law. Committee has deemed tug of war, rugby, polo, lacrosse, and golf part of the Olympic program only The database is shared at both stores, so if you have some credit at the Roosevelt location, you can to change their minds when the ratings didn’t score. Draft the American Gladiators for the tug of war use it at the Downtown site and vice-versa. mud splash and the USA will have Dream Team 2. That might grab some attention. While the stock Downtown is impressive, Chamblin says they’ve only got about “60% of the shelves Because of the vast time difference between Beijing and Jacksonville many of the events will be stocked.” As they fi nd out what’s in demand they’ll be able to better suit the needs of Downtown. Once broadcast starting at midnight (axing Leno and Conan) and airing through the dawn. The day’s cover- they get momentum, Chamblin plans to feature a different artist every ArtWalk. Chamblin believes in doing age wraps at 11 pm. Wow! A one hour break. You’ll have to set the alarm clock for 2 am if you want things right, even if it takes a lot of time. to see boxing. Tennis and softball games begin at midnight and the Men’s Basketball fi nals are slated “I was working on this for over two years. People… came by so many times; especially during Art- to tip-off at 10 am. Sick day! Of course the prime time slots features the big guns of gymnastics, Walk… Some people still think we’re closed.” swimming with Amanda Beard and a panoramic by-foot tour through the streets of Beiging with the Right now, the majority of his Downtown customers come from the Roosevelt Book Mine. Many of travelogue coverage of the women’s marathon. them, who work Downtown, fi nd the Laura Street locale to be far more convenient for them. Before and Well, sit back for half of August sizzling with these Olympic games while watching your electric after work they come- to trade books and relax with a cup of organic joe. meter spin at turbo drive just to keep the couch cooled. Maybe there’ll be some relief when football As to getting the word out, Chamblin’s not worried. “Book people know us, they’ll spread the word.” season starts and the boys-of-summer head for the World Series. Reruns on the Cartoon Network never seemed so appealing. I’ve spent more time writing this Chamblin’s Uptown Books 215 N. Laura Street (904) 674-0868. Mon-Sat, 9 am-5 pm; Sun, 11 am-5 column than I plan to spend watching the Olympics. Don’t get me wrong. The ideals of the games are pm with extended hours coming soon. The last Friday of every month Chamblin’s Downtown holds without question good and noble. I like the gift. I just don’t care for the package that it’s wrapped in. poetry readings.

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 19 notes from the bachelor

pad by troy spurlin

A Condo. Middle of the building. No windows Germain + 1 Shot of Hendrick’s except for the sliding glass door that leads to the Gin + Splash of Ginger Beer + balcony and maybe one next to the sliding glass Ice. And now, “To the Closet!” door or french door in the bedroom. Cream colored A quick inventory of the said walls. White Crown Moulding and trim. Cream closet, besides the dust balls and carpet. Stainless appliances. Granite countertops. sand: Red Football (Manchester Cream 12” tile in the kitchen. And you wondering United) Jerseys, Long Sleeve what in the hell to do with it. How can you make it Collared Work Shirts in Blue and your own? a ton in White; Polos: Black, Well let’s start with your closet. No, we aren’t White, Blue, Red; White Ralph decorating the closet. We are simply going to look Lauren Oxford Shirts; and an at your clothes. The same way that your closet is old “Penthouse Forum” hidden not all the same color nor do we want our home under a stack of multi-colored to be the same color. We want to mix it up. So Sweaters.” photo from Troy Spurlin Interiors go to your closet and take a look. What you will What does it mean Decorator fi nd is that you have a variety of colors, textures Dude? However do we decipher this most puzzling need for our kitchen counter. One word on these and patterns (include your belts and shoes in the list of closet items? It’s easy fellas. We are going for my loved ones: Please bury me with one of the analysis). Decorating is the same. We are simply to create a condo on “Red Alert!” “real” ones. I want a nice barstool in heaven. putting a great looking outfi t together for our home. So let’s begin. But wait, we need libation. Not a Walls: Red (Manchester United): We are going to Dining Table: Room and Board, “Bond” in Beer (wrong occasion). Not a Scotch on the Rocks hit the Crown Moulding too. The whole point of Stainless Steel. It is a 60” Diameter Glass with (ditto). We need something Euro: 1 Shot of St. painting your walls and the Crown is to create a a kick-ass stainless steel base. The price is continuous line to the ceiling. This not only gives a excellent. The only thing that sucks is the delivery heightened sense to the room but creates a more charge. But, I haven’t found a good replica modern appearance. Notice we aren’t removing anywhere else. the Crown Moulding because some will swear that Crown Moulding “adds” to the value of your home. Dining Chairs: Chocolate Brown Arm Chairs in a Use Benjamin Moore “Aura” (a “Green” Product- “linen-like” fabric from West Elm. Go by the Town none of the noxious fumes) Color: CALIENTE. Center and take a look- they are very cool and not expensive. Trim: Since I hate White, White trim (it’s OVER everybody) I would suggest Benjamin Moore Mirrors: Guys, mirrors are hot. Especially big “Edgecomb Grey.” It’s the perfect trim with Red, plates of mirror. They are expensive. They are not don’t let the word “Grey” fool you; it is an Off- easy to install. But when you have no windows White. and a condo that runs through the center of the building; fl oor to ceiling mirrors become a must. Sofa: Chocolate Brown Velvet (hides everything They double the space, create mood, allow you spilt) to watch the game from behind you, help you cheat on game night, and whole host of other Chairs: 2 “Barcelona Chairs” in White Leather wholesome activities that I am sure you would (Hint: You can fi nd “knock-offs” of this design appreciate. icon, just do a Google search.) Accents: Finally, add some great touches: Cowhide Rug: You remember “Wooly Bully!” If not, gimme pillows on the “Barcelona Chairs”; “snuggly” a hundred push-ups for your ignorance then go to pillows for your lady on the couch (off-white Lowes- they know. rectangular fur pillows from West End); a chess set and fi nally a plant. I recommend a Pencil Plant. Floors: If you have the option go with “Strand It looks like an alien. It has no leaves, is very Woven” Bamboo in a Dark Walnut tone (It’s architectural and the best part; you only have to “Green” and harder than Mahoghany- the perfect water it every fi ve weeks! fl oor for today.) See Mike Nichols at AB Hardwood Floors. And so another successful project is complete. A total formula for creating the ultimate Ceiling Fan: modernfan.com- they have some bachelor pad from the mundane. And all from great fans in stainless steel. I would recommend our little trip to the closet. Maybe you’re thinking, the “Altus.” It is sold in a ceiling “hugger” if you “Dude, I just want to paint my bedroom, I don’t have 8 foot ceilings. Very simple, modern and very want to redo the whole place.” It doesn’t matter masculine. man, it is still the same formula. Just open your eyes to what you have in front of you. Decorating Bar Stools: There is only one for this project: really is that simple! Bertoia. Another iconic design. Again, do a Google I know, I know. You need another St. Germain search for the “knock-offs” unless you have cocktail. ‘Til next time gentlemen: “Fight the Staus $3500 sitting around to purchase four that we Quo with Fearless Style!”

20 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly

virtuous femina by a.m. stewart

relationships are like tampons... Okay, let me clarify- unused tampons. I’ll explain. Negotiating the dating arena is not an easy task. We like to think we’re excellent judges of character, but as they say, ‘love is blind’ and who wants a blind judge? Epiphanies sometimes arrive in the form of a lost tampon. Relationships are like tampons that go missing in the bottomless pits we call purses and bags. You know it’s there but somehow forget to check on its status for months. You assume everything’s fi ne until one day at a bar, you reach for your cell phone and pull out a lost tampon instead (yes- it’s happened to me). Now in its fragile state- out of its wrapper, tattered and slightly bent. In what seems to be like an out-of-the-blue occurrence, your relationship pops up with the wrapper missing, looking curiously battered. You’re not sure how it got that way. But you know it’s no longer functioning the way it should. And once it’s out of its wrapper, there’s no putting it back. It never quite fi ts the same. In an unraveling relationship, epiphanies are important because they let you know you’re not taking any more bullshit. When the other half isn’t reciprocating the same effort, it’s time for action. And a well- functioning relationship between two people (or more) requires an intense amount of effort. It’s no cake- walk. Often, it takes months to carve through the fronts people display until their true colors are revealed. My lost tampon-epiphany popped up when my ex threw my cat against the living room wall. It’s amazing how much shit a person will take until he or she hurts someone/thing close to you. When a lost tampon gets so torn up, sometimes it can’t be used. It’s got to be discarded. Using an old, crusty tampon may lead to infections. That’s not a good time for anyone. If the other person is unwilling to change their ways and you are unwilling to live with it, be prepared to leave. The only people you’re required to have unconditional love for are your children and your parents– and sometimes not even parents. Any therapist will tell you that. (BTW, it’s helpful to see a counselor. They can help you see things from a different perspective.) Holding onto scraggily tampons is like keeping them against their will. Being held captive in a relationship is more common than people think. This could mean fi nancial restraints, emotional brainwashing and denial- the desire to make it work, even if it’s a bad thing. And beware of the crap people will tell you. For example, one of my friends had a conversation with her boyfriend’s mom. She tells my girlfriend that if she would just shut up and do what HE says, their relationship would be fi ne! Bad relationship advice in the form of submission- via an elder generation. (I have my own beef with the baby-boom generation and their lack of good parenting and guidance- but that’s a topic for another article.) Back to captivity- if you are experiencing an abusive relationship and money is preventing you from leaving, know there are organizations out there to help. Hubbard House, the Women’s Center of Jackson- ville and Micah’s Place are a few in this area. Otherwise, if the relationship just sucks and you need to leave, don’t be afraid to lean on a friend or two. But only you can make change happen. As a yoga instructor once said to me, “We cannot change the external world. We can only change ourselves from within.” If you’re still uncertain, gain some perspective from friends or co-workers. Don’t be afraid to open up and share because chances are we’ve been through something similar. And more importantly, embrace change. Change is how we grow and evolve as humans. We don’t all start out as graceful butterfl ies. We must grow into them. The end of a relationship is like grieving a death. Only, there is no real closure because that other person is still around. You may experience denial or shock, bargaining, depression, anger and fi nally ac- ceptance. Allow yourself to go through this process. This is normal. We have a tendency in America to rush through grieving when in fact other countries view the grieving process as being an authentic human being. what’s all this about . . . The point of this column is to educate and inspire women to be the powerful human beings we are. To share information so that we can all benefi t. Because as they say, ‘sharing is caring.’ And that’s how we grow. These articles won’t all involve relationships. Though, I thought this was the most pertinent subject matter since as one girl said to me, “It’s the season for break-ups,” which I’ve been hearing a lot. Comments and criticism are gladly accepted along with ideas you think need exposure: amstewart- [email protected]

eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 21 netscapades by brenton crozier

Apparently there is a theory that the younger members of society don’t posses the tenacious work ethic and dedication to higher callings that once existed and fueled such monikers as “The Greatest Generation.” And the culprit for this wave of sloth? The Internet. The logic behind this argu- ment being that despite the Internet providing a wealth of information in mere seconds, students these days couldn’t pass a basic common knowledge test without the help of their trusty PC. What’s a kid to do without Google? While the expression “hit the books” has nearly become extinct, Generation X and Y have also started to replace tangible community and interaction with the social networking aspects of the Inter- net. A meaningful relationship comes as easy as accepting a friend request! Slander, sex and reputa- tion have all gone cyber! It’s not all indolence and friendships squandered to clicks and bastardized forms of grammar, there is substantial positive gain to be noted and celebrated. Obviously, business and commerce have changed forever, communication is quick and easy and tawdry purchases no longer have to result in shame. For all the good and bad of the Internet, surely some things are simply too sacred to have gone virtual. I’m speaking to the metaphysical curiosity intrinsic in all of us. Surely the divine can’t be sought online. Well, don’t bother booking that ticket to Jerusalem or Mecca, your pilgrimage is mere clicks away. Instead of asking, “Is nothing sacred,” you should be asking, “If God had a website, what would it look like?” lightoftheworld.com So apparently God does have a website, and he uses it to support the idea that Ronald Reagan is the Anti-Christ and to spread the “light of the world.” Gregory Gordon, or God for short, would like to spread his creepy brand of gospel through dynamic light refl ectors (balloons) and much outdated books. Light of the World Prophecy Fulfi llment Place is a one stop shop for fun and crazy. Please, please, please watch his introduction video and prepare for the imminent enlightenment that is sure to wash over you. This came to me in the form of mocking laughter. Take your time and digest the eerie photos and videos, most of them of course focused on how the late Ronald Reagan was indeed the Anti-Christ (Christ Returns, exposes Mark of the Beast is my particular favorite). thebricktestament.com Holy Lego Batman! In addition to being one of the greatest toys of all time, Legos are also the perfect tool for illustrating the Bible’s greatest stories. From Moses’ murder of an Egyptian to Jesus’ Parable of the Tortured Debtor, each story is built out in the type of gory detail that your children are sure to appreciate. scientology.org I’m not sure what makes more sense when Scientology is juxtaposed to Gregory Gordon’s Light of the World Prophecy Fulfi llment Place. Ask them about Xenu the dictator of the Galactic Confederacy, it’s good stuff. angelinajolie.com Some people confuse people with a messiah complex as some sort of religious fi gure or spiritually enlightened being. I’m not sure if anyone actually thinks this about Angelina Jolie other than Angelina Jolie.

So there’s a good, sound start to your spiritual enlightenment via the Internet. You’re doing everything else online, so don’t compromise your religion. It deserves the same indifferent touch that you give to the other aspects of your life. Social networking sites and Web 2.0 are just the beginning. Soon, we will have Web 3.0. I’m no prophet, simply a visionary. I foresee a time when sermons will be delivered with the beloved and butchered vocabulary of an IM conversation between teenagers. “Gzus died 4 ur sins.”

22 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly august family events by the Cable Spense Kids Band and a Chalk Artist will invite families to get colorful onthe willinvitefamiliestogetcolorful by theCableSpenseKidsBandand aChalkArtist provided boothandJax4Kids willhostagreenactivitytable.Musicinthecourtyard Estuary tival attheCulturalCenter. Enjoywalkingthroughacool,Rain Forest andaButterfl y Garden, August 23 Seawalk Pavilion, 7pm.Info: 1stplacesports.com andFinishesattheJacksonvilleBeach includes freefood,livemusicandmore.Race Starts joggersand walkers. Race isheldentirelyonthebeach.Postall runners, racecelebration August 23 Campus,10amto2pm.Info:(904)766-6553orfccj.edu and freelunch.FCCJNorth ing, age-appropriatereadingactivitiesandlists,freebooks,facepainting, prizes,surprises bycelebrityreaders,storytell- CampusFamily LiteracyFair includesliveperformances North August 23 jaxevents.com Center thedayofshow. JacksonvilleEquestrianCenter, 7:30pm.Info:(904)573-4895or PassFree tomeettheDrivers.TicketsatTickemasterlocationsorEquestrian PitParty come earlytorideinarealMonsterTruck. Tickets$17-$25;kids$12.Allticketsincludea Bigfoot, Predator, Prowler andmore.The1st500kidsgetaFree Toy MonsterTruck andcan August 22and23 (904) 355-0630orcummer.org those needs.MembersandNon-members$5.CummerMuseum,4:30pmto6:30pm.Info: available todiscussacademicroutesintoprofessionsandareacollegiateprogramsthatmeet fiinsights intothevarying Careerrepresentativeswillbe elds ofdisciplinerelatedtothearts. August 19 Jacksonville MunicipalStadium,7:30pm.Info:(904)633-2000orjaguars.com. August 16 Info:(904)355-0630orcummer.org.mer MuseumofArt. Space goesquickly, soregisternow. Ages6to12.Members $60,Non-members$70Cum- um. Dinner, making,fl art ashlight adventuresandgameswill makethisoccasionmemorable. August 15-16 musicliveshere.com. 386-364-1683. SpiritoftheSuwannee,307695thDrive,LiveOak.Info:(386)364-1683or yourplacesnowbycalling ditional datesfor2008Musiccamps:November21-23.Reserve Ad- Concert. dinneronSaturdaynightandaSundayafternoon andcrafts, sessions, arts held attheSpiritofSuwanneeMusicPark. Weekend campsoffer4twohourinstructional August 15-17 com. Fireworks. JacksonvilleBaseballGrounds.Info:(904)358-2846orjacksonville.suns.milb. throughAugust16includingFriday Familyand icecreamtreats.TheSunsplayMontgomery August 12 2000 orjaguars.com. at$50.JacksonvilleMunicipalStadium,7:30pm.Info:(904)633- Single gameticketsstart August 9 Philadelphia Fight.UNFStadiumField,4:30pm.Info:(904)514-8503orjaxaxe.com August 2 or adventurelanding.com person. AdventureLanding,1944BeachBlvd.,JaxBeach,8am-10am.Info:(904)246-4386 are required.BreakfastBuffet:$9.99perperson.Buffetplus1attraction:$12.99 venture Landing.BreakfastwillbefollowedintheparkbyafreeMeetandGreet.Reservations August 2 Baseball Grounds.Info:(904)358-2846or TheSunsplayMobilethrough August4.Jacksonville thegameandbeforeconcert. after MarkSchultz.Friday Family Fireworks featuringaward-winningChristianartist, game concert August 1 Camp Hotlineat(903)633-6525beforeleaving,astrainingtimesaresubjecttochange. Bring yourstillcamera,butvideocamerasandnoisemakersareprohibited.CalltheTraining concession standsavailable.Park intheLotsJ,MandNonwestsideofstadium. Municipal stadium.Bleacherseatingwillbeprovidedandthererestroomfacilities sonville JaguarspracticeattheirTraining Camp,heldonthepracticefi elds ofJacksonville August 1-6 Jacksonville Jaguarsvs.AtlantaFalcons Jax Axevs.PhiladelphiaFight Breakfast withCuriousGeorge Jax Sunsvs.Mobile EverGreen Family Festival Carrabba’s SummerBeachRun Sixth AnnualFamily LiteracyFair Career DayforHighSchoolStudents Jacksonville Jaguarsvs.MiamiDolphins Jax Sunsvs.Montgomery Jacksonville JaguarsTraining Camp Slumber atTheCummer Kids MusicCamp Thunder SlamMonsterTruck Spectacular Family Faith Night and Mark Schultz concert! Enjoyapost Family Faith NightandMarkSchultzconcert! Free KidsMusicCamp,opentoallkidsfrom5-17.Campis Fifty-cent Family Feast Fifty-cent withfi hotdogs,peanuts fty-cent Families areinvitedtoattendtheEverGreenFamily Fes- Giveyourkidsararechancefornightatthemuse- Jacksonville’sRugby Leagueteamtakesonthe JoinCuriousGeorgeforabreakfastbuffetatAd-

The Carrabba’s SummerBeachRun TheCarrabba’s isopento jacksonville.suns.milb.com Free admissionto Florida CommunityCollege’s HighSchoolstudentsinvitedforvaluable Fans arewelcometocomewatchtheJack- FirstpreseasongamefortheJaguars. Preseason gamevs.MiamiDolphins. MonsterTruck show, featuring August 30 Talbot Island,12157HeckscherDrive,11am. Info:(904)251-2323orfl oridastateparks.org Talbot andtheprogramisfreewithregularparkadmission.Little arenecessary Island.Noreservations Florida.Theprogramwilltakeplaceatpavilion oneonLittle islandsofnortheast of theundevelopedbarrier MOSH Info:(904)396-7062orthemosh.org. Were Here”playsat8pm,followedby“DarkSide oftheMoon”at9pm,and“TheWall” at10:30pm. ThesoundsofPinkFloydarefeatured.“WishYoupm. August29-August30:PinkFloydCosmicConcert- “Aerosmith”Cosmic Concert- playsat8pm,followedby“LedZeppelin”9and“Metallica”10:30 Rock” playsat8pm,followedby“80’s”9and“Van Halen”at10:30pm.August22-August23: “Classic Side oftheMoon”at9pmand“TheWall” at10:30 pm.August15-August16:CosmicConcert- ThesoundsofPinkFloydarefeatured. “WishYouConcert- Were Here”playsat8pm,followedby“Dark followed by“TheBeatles”at9pm,and“DavidBowie”10:30pm.August8-August9:PinkFloydCosmic August15 Thru Info: (904)355-0630orcummer.org and scienceinspiredactivitiesforkidsofallages.Free admission.CummerMuseum,10 am to5pm. August 30 season. JacksonvilleBaseballGrounds.Info:(904)358-2846orjacksonville.suns.milb.com. game, Friday Family throughAugust27forthefi Fireworks.TheSunsplayBirmingham nal games ofthe August 23 to alocalareafoodpantry. WJCTStudios,100Festival Park Ave., 10am.Info:(904)358-6300orwjct.org the BigRed Dog,CuriousGeorge,WordGirl andSuperWHY!more.Bringacannedgoodtobedonated tivities, tourofthestudio,meetGordonfromSesameStreet,SeefavoritePBSKidsstarsincludingClifford August 23 ccpvb.org pavement. CulturalCenter, 50ExecutiveWay, Ponte Vedra Beach,10amto3pm.Info:(904)280-0614or Thru August29 Thru - TheMix,JacksonvilleIce.Info:(904)399-3223orjaxiceskating.com at9pm.August1-Worship 101,August8-OutofHand,15 7:30 pmto12midnight,musicstarts Museumhours are10amto5pmMondaythroughFriday, 10amto6pmSaturday, and 1 pmto6Sunday. MOSH.Info:(904)396-7062 or themosh.org greater sirenandanalligatorsnappingturtle. cypress swamptankhasthelargestvarietyofinhabitantsincluding catfi sh, crustaceans, Thetwofreshwater tanksarecomprisedofinhabitantsindigenoustoFlorida.Thefresh- water springcavetankfeaturesfi sh suchassunfi sh, catfi sh andAmericaneel.Thefreshwater varieties ofthesamespeciesandbeamazedbydifferencesin appearance. fi sh aretwo oftheversatilespeciesthatliveineachcoralreefsystem.Viewerscancompare of thesamespeciesfi sh whicharenaturallyfoundineachwatersystem.Angelandpuffer Thethreecoral reefsystemsincludeaRed Seatank,Pacifi c OceantankandCaribbean/ oftheworld,thesethree habitatscontainsome Florida tank.Found invastlydifferentparts mented byeducationaltextpanels.Theexhibitisincludedwithgeneraladmission. Fiveaquariumsgivevisitorsaglimpseintothreedifferentcoralreeftanksandtwofresh- water tanks.Theaquaticexhibitisfulloffi sh nativetoeachecosystemandisalsosupple- water worldsexhibitatMOSH Jax Sunsvs.Birmingham Arts andMedicineFamilyArts Day Talbot Critter WJCT Family OpenHouse MOSH CosmicConcerts Summer Concert Series Summer Concert Join a park ranger to learn aboutthespeciesthatinhabitnaturalcommunities Join aparkrangertolearn MiniatureFootball the GiveawayandFootball JerseyAuction!After Afreefamilydaythatisopentothepublic!Eventsincludekidsac- August 1-August 2: Cosmic Concerts “LaserFun” playsat8pm, August1-August2:CosmicConcerts Jacksonville Ice presents a Summer Concert Series. IceSkating JacksonvilleIcepresentsaSummerConcert family Enjoylivemusic,medicalillustration,drawingdemonstrations, | eujacksonville.com | at theWJCTFamily OpenHouse Sesame Street’sGordonwilbe AUGUST 2008

23 kids water safety

ot long ago my four year old son decided to hop in the pool without his water wings. Because there were many adults nearby keeping an eye on the kids he was only N under the water for a second before being pulled out of the pool and scolded for a) not getting a grown up to go with him and b) not putting on the infl atable swimmies that he needs to avoid sinking like a stone. It was a lesson he heard loud and clear but it was also one we adults needed as well. The incident reinforced what you hear countless times as a parent: if you turn your head even for a minute, the unthinkable could happen. Water safety is of the utmost importance during this time of year and we’ve tracked down some ways you can keep your family safe this summer. by kellie abrahamson in the pool Pools are a silent killer of young children. Even those that are strong swimmers can be en- trapped by fi ltration systems. Most swimming pools and hot tubs have fi ltration systems that use suction to get debris out of the water. What people don’t realize is these drains use hundreds of pounds of pressure to do their job and if a child plays near them they could get pinned under the water by the suction. The best way to prevent entrapment is to install anti-entrapment drain covers and a safety vacuum release system to automatically release suction and shut down the pump should photo by danielgoncalves.com entrapment occur. Even with such precautions, warn kids about the danger of entrapment and teach them to stay away from drains. on a boat Other ways to keep kids safe in the pool are to teach them how to swim, tread water, fl oat and Even though they’re not necessarily getting wet, kids on boats are still at risk for drowning and get in and out by themselves. If your child can’t swim, always stay within arm’s reach, even if they injury. That’s why children, by law, must always wear a life jacket when on a boat or other water are wearing water wings. Finally, be sure to instruct kids never to dive into water that’s less than 9 craft. The life jacket should be Coast Guard-approved and fi t snugly, not allowing the child’s chin or feet deep. ears to slip through the neck opening. While on a boat with kids it’s important for adults to be responsible, this means no alcohol. In at the beach addition, before taking a trip on the water, install a carbon monoxide detector to avoid possible CO Teaching kids that swimming in the ocean is not the same as swimming in a pool is essential. poisoning. You can also get a vessel safety check every year for free from the U.S. Coast Guard Uneven surfaces, undertows and changing weather are just some of the things they may not be Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons. Visit vesselsafetycheck.org for more information and to fi nd an used to and need to be aware of. Only allow children to swim in designated areas with a lifeguard to inspector near you. avoid rip currents and other unseen dangers and be sure to look for warning fl ags before entering the water. Teach kids that, if caught in a current, don’t try to swim against it: swim gradually out of the no matter where you are… current by swimming across it. Be vigilant. Always watch your children in and around water. Never assume someone else, like You probably won’t encounter a shark on your trip to Jax Beach but you may come in contact a lifeguard, is keeping an eye on your kid. According to Safe Kids USA, an organization whose mis- with some aquatic life, namely jellyfi sh. The best thing to avoid a sting is to stay away from them but sion is to prevent accidental childhood injury, most young children who drown in swimming pools sometimes that’s easier said than done. Treatment for a jellyfi sh sting is fairly easy if you pack your had been missing from sight for less than fi ve minutes and were in the care of one or both parents at beach bag properly. Never rinse a jellyfi sh sting with fresh water, that will just worsen the pain. Once the time of the drowning. If you have to leave the area for any reason, designate another responsible you’ve rinsed any tentacles off with salt water, pour vinegar (yes, vinegar- other remedies have yet adult to do the job. It’s also a good idea for any parent or caretaker to learn infant and child CPR. to be conclusively proven effective) over the burn to neutralize the toxins. Finally, ibuprofen and acet- Our local Red Cross offers CPR classes for just $40. For more information or to sign up visit nefl ori- aminophen will help relieve pain. daredcross.org and click on “Health and Safety Courses.”

local water spots water fun, take a trip over to Kid Kampus (1410 Gator Blvd., 630-5437) where they can splash With the weather heating up, fi nding a wet place to play is essential for most local families. And, around the water park until Labor Day. The park boasts two separate areas, one for children ages of course, with gas prices soaring, the closer the water spot, the better. Thankfully we live in Jack- 6 and under, the other for older kids. sonville, a city with a river running right through it and the ocean just minutes away. With so much water all around us it’s easy to fi nd a place to cool off, but here are a few of our favorite places to Water Parks get wet in the summer. Their water slides don’t exactly rival skyscrapers, but local water parks are a great alternative to spending three hours in the car and a couple hundred dollars in admission fees. Adventure Land- Public Pools ing in Jax Beach (1944 Beach Blvd., 246-4386) is home to Shipwreck Island, a summer hot spot If you’re not lucky enough to have a pool in your own backyard there are 34 public pools scattered that’s been giving families a place to get wet since 1995. The park features over a dozen different throughout the city and at your disposal. With the exception of the Cecil Aquatics Center (13611- slides including their latest thrill ride, the Undertow. Admission is $26.99 plus tax for guests 42” A Normandy Blvd., 573-8994), an indoor facility open year-round, these outdoor pools are open and taller, $22.99 plus tax for guests under 42” tall, and free for kids ages 3 and under. seven days a week until August 15th and then only on weekends until they close for the season on August 31st. To fi nd the swimming pool nearest you or to get more information, visit coj.net and If your family is interested in more than just taking a dip, head over to the Jacksonville Zoo (370 search for “public swimming pools.” Zoo Parkway, 757-4463) to see the animals and splish-splash in the Splash Ground, 4,000 square feet of soaking wet fun. Kids will enjoy running through streams of water sprayed by replicas of Jax Parks whales, dolphins and manatees while parents chill out under the shade of umbrellas nearby. The Jacksonville has the largest urban park system in the United States and a lot of those facilities Splash Ground is located in the Play Park which is also home to otters, a massive tree house style have a place to take a dip and cool off. Oceanfront locations like Hanna Park (500 Wonderwood playground and the Discovery Building where kids can learn more about animals and create cool Dr., 249-4700) and Huguenot Park (10980 Heckscher Dr., 251-3335) are the perfect way for crafts. Admission to the Jacksonville Zoo is $12 for ages 13 and up, $10 for seniors, $7.50 for the whole family to enjoy a different kind of day at the beach. If it’s just the kids who need a little kids ages 3 – 12 and free for children under 3.

24 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | family rain or shine The Blackwater Sol Revue returns for its sophomore year

WHAT: Blackwater Sol Revue featuring Mofro, Toots and the Maytals, Hill Country Review, The Lee Boys and Nervous Turkey WHERE: St. Augustine Amphitheatre {}WHEN: Saturday, August 30th

Interview with JJ Grey of Mofro by jon bosworth “It makes me feel like a kid again, really, which ain’t hard to do. I’m always feelin’ like a kid.” JJ Grey’s endearing southern drawl is very authentically North Florida. The unspoken sincerity and the seemingly deep emotional value to JJ’s demeanor are somehow unexpected considering his unassum- JJ Grey photo by Tobin Voggesser ing candor as he speaks about his youth in Jacksonville. “When I was young, in the summertime we would go and surf all day and then we’d come home and get a shower and then hit it, man, go check out Yellowman or someone like that play. I always liked that vibe of summertime.” Interview with Cody Dickinson of Hill Country Review by rick grant JJ talked to EU from Iowa City, where JJ Grey & Mofro were playing on the second week of their current tour. The Blackwater Sol Revue was JJ’s brainchild, and this year it will be the fi rst full band show they Drummer Cody Dickinson and his brother, guitarist Luther Dickinson, formed the North Missis- play after the release of their fourth full-length studio album, Orange Blossoms. It will be one hell of a CD sippi Allstars in 1996. Cody and Luther are sons of longtime Memphis music producer Jim Dickinson release party and it will kickoff a tour that won’t fi nish until November. (The Replacements, Screamin Jay Hawkins, Mojo Nixon). Steeped in the Mississippi hill blues tradi- Blackwater Sol Revue is one place where you will never have to worry about hearing some trumped tion, the group fused Mississippi blues with modern rock to win many fans (including me) from the up new emo band or a buzz kill metal band taking the stage. We can’t promise no hip-hop, even some alt rock and blues genres. Inspired by the sounds of North Mississippi regulars Fred McDowell and of the founder’s own songs have a little hip-hop to them, but the music is always a new spin on roots- RL Burnside, the Dickinsons eventually became regular players with the Burnside family and even oriented “sol” music. JJ Grey & Mofro are not your average southern band, by any means, but the south Jon Spencer of the Blues Explosion. NMA has been touring and recording successfully for more than defi nitely means a lot to them. And the Blackwater Sol Revue holds a special place in JJ’s heart. ten years but were recently forced to take a hiatus when Luther was recruited to wield his axe for “So often promoters say it, and I’ve seen it happen, that in the summertime shows don’t do as well The Black Crowes. So Cody and NMA bassist Chris Chew wrangled up the best blues players in the as in the wintertime, but hell, man, we’d really get goin’ in the summertime when I was a kid.” neighborhood to form The Hill Country Revue. Call it a souped up version of the NMA with fi ve play- To look at the meager audience that was at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre for last year’s Blackwater ers and more fl exibility in its sound. Drummer Cody Dickinson and his friend Gary Burnside (youngest Sol Revue during the famous Tony Joe White’s performance, you’d think those promoters were right. What son of RL) on guitar, along with bassist Chris Chew, Kirk Smithhart on lead vocals and Dan Coburn hurt the turnout most was that it poured down rain and it was the fi rst event ever to be held in the newly on harmonica and guitar are now the Hill Country Revue (HCR) and will be embarking on a nation- remodeled venue after being closed for more than a year. No one knew that you could watch a live show wide tour with JJ Grey and Mofro, starting at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on August 30. there during a deluge and not get a drop of rain on you. “The Hill Country Revue is an offshoot of the North Mississippi Allstars and it was born from “It still did okay. Given the rain, I was scared that less people would show up, but in the end, you our compatibility on stage and Chris Chew’s songwriting talent. We play songs and grooves and know, there was a little more than two thousand people. And that was great.” develop them by live improvisation. It’s a very creative mix of all the musicians having keen ESP on Along with JJ and the Mofro troupe this year’s event also will feature the legendary Toots and the stage. We lock into the groove and the juices start fl owing. Soon we have greatly enhanced the origi- Maytals, Hill Country Revue, Nervous Turkey and The Lee Boys. JJ and Mofro have played festivals with nal song. We have completed a studio CD that is almost ready for release. We’re not sure of the title Toots and the Maytals before, but inviting them to be a headliner on the Blackwater Sol Revue is a special yet. For now it’s the Hill Country Revue,” said Cody when EU spoke with him recently. honor for Mr. Grey. “The bottom line is we feel the HCR is an evolution of NMA. It’s exciting to launch a new project “[Toots] is one of my favorite singers on Earth. Him and Otis Redding are my two favorites. I’m so close to what we were doing. Chis is a creative musician and prolifi c songwriter and with fi ve stoked just to be able to see him and watch [Toots and the Maytals] play.” players we feel we can do the music more justice. We all play other instruments, which gives us Hill Country Revue is two members of the Mississippi Allstars, Cody Dickinson and Chris Chew, with- more fl exibility. On stage, it’s magic and audiences really dig what we do.” out guitarist Luther Dickinson, who recently joined The Black Crowes. So Cody wrangled together a crew At fi rst I was confused by the fact that the NMA recorded a live album titled the Hill Country of Burnsides, sons of bluesman RL Burnside, and formed Hill Country Revue to occupy his time. Revue. Cody set me straight that the new band is not the old album. At times, the HCR can turn into “I’ve known [Luther and Cody Dickinson] for years. They took us out so many times doing shows.” the North Mississippi Allstars, but for this tour, it will be strictly the HCR- sort of a turbocharged ver- And the Dickinson boys are becoming known for their particular brand of Mississippi Hill Country sion of the NMA. blues rock (see interview with Cody Dickinson to the right). “This project goes in conjunction with the NMA and when Luther is available it suddenly morphs “Luther is playing with the Crowes a lot, but these guys still want to get out there and jam and get it into the NMA. Fans of the NMA will recognize the HCR sound but with more instruments. So, we feel on and I was like- shoot, that’s a no-brainer.” confi dent we’ll bring the NMA fans along on this new journey. It is certainly in the same spirit as the The Lee Boys will be the only act other than Mofro that will have appeared on every Blackwater Sol NMA sound. The sound is lean, mean, and edgy with new ideas and sounds, but keeping our Missis- Revue to date (which is a total of two). sippi blues roots. You asked me what the main difference in the two bands were? Well the HCR is a “They bring a totally different fl avor with the pedal steel thing.” big band compared to the NMA trio.” Riverkeeper will be raffl ing off another guitar this year to raise money and awareness for the St. Being a fan of the North Mississippi Allstars, I can understand why Cody wanted to expand his Johns, that brackish artery that feeds most of the area’s famous blackwater creeks. JJ Grey is counting on horizons with more players. I think the new Hill Country Revue will only enrich the North Mississippi seeing people from all around our mighty river (meaning plenty of Floridians), but also fans from all over Allstars sound and give it more voltage. the country to this year’s Blackwater Sol Revue. “As HCR, we consider ourselves a live band and we thrive on the live scene, especially with JJ “A lot of our fans come from all over the place. There will be a contingency of people from Jackson- Grey & Mofro. They are so pure and untainted by outside infl uences. Touring with them gives us a ville and St. Augustine… but there are people that fl y in from all over the country to make a weekend of it.” cool roots atmosphere to play our music and we attract the same youthful audiences as Mofro. JJ Ticket sales are already going strong and advertising hasn’t even begun, so nay-saying promoters be Grey & Mofro toured the alt-rock clubs. We did the same thing and we attracted the same hip audi- damned, because this Revue will be a rock show to remember rain or shine, for any season. ence. So the Blackwater Sol Revue is a perfect venue for us. It’s a way of bringing roots blues to Tickets are $40 if you buy them from Ticketmaster in advance (better check out the service fees modern rock audiences, which is very hip.” before you go that direction) or $45 at the door. If you really want the full treatment, VIP tickets are $100 Hill Country Revue will be performing at the Blackwater Sol Revue at the St. Augustine Amphi- and include VIP seating, an air-conditioned lounge and private bathrooms, some face time with JJ Grey & theater on August 30, 2008 with JJ Grey & Mofro, Toots and the Maytals, the Lee Boys and Nervous Mofro and free admission to the after party with The Lee Boys at Café Eleven. For more details visit black- Turkey. watersolrevue.com.

music | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 25 AUGUST 15 Club TSI’s Art & Music Variety Mixer II Craving a little art with your music? TSI’s got you covered. Their second Art & Music Mixer will feature tunes from Last Year’s Model, Cpt. EO, Mark O’Quinn, America Del Sur and more. While sampling their sounds you can take a look at work from a wide variety of visual artists including Shaun Thurston, mactruQue, Sarah Copeland, Jay Peele, Brain Gray and many, many more. Tickets: $7. TSI, 424-3531

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band The Boss is in the house! Bruce Springs- teen & the E Street Band are gracing the River City with their presence on August 15th and if you call yourself an American (and are into his brand of heartland rock) you better be there. Tickets: $29-$95. Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900

AUGUST 16 Murray Hill Theatre’s 13th Anniversary Show The Murray Hill Theatre has been a positive place to hear Bruce Springsteen music for the past 13 years. In honor of Coheed & Cambria this illustrious milestone, the Hill is having a day-long celebration complete with $.50 hot dogs, prizes, giveaways and, of course, a ton of great music. Bands like The Sophomore Attempt, Second Thief, My AUGUST 5 Coheed & Cambria Concept albums are nothing new but Coheed & Cambria’s Epic, Wherefore and many more will be there to pay tribute to the Westside institution. Tickets: $10. Mur- entire catalog tells one epic tale based on front man Claudio Sanchez’s comic book series. ray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 The band’s name is even taken from the books. Complex stories aside, each of their four studio albums have garnered immense praise and their latest, Good Apollo, I’m Burning AUGUST 17 Jacksonville Beach Summer Jazz Series The Sea Walk Pavilion will swell with the cool Star IV, Volume Two: No World for Tomorrow, debuted at #6 on the Billboard charts. See sounds of jazz at the ﬁ nal installment concert of the 2008 Jacksonville Beach Summer Jazz Series. Music Coheed & Cambria on August 5th with guests Secret Machines and Russian Circles. Tickets: begins at 5 pm and ends around 9 pm. Headlining are contemporary jazz saxophonist Marion Meadows $23. Plush, 743-1845 at 7:30 PM and the dynamic bassist, Gerald Veasley performs at 6 pm. The jazz/R&B group, the Robert Harris Group will open the concert at 5 pm. Admission is free and open to the public. Bring your blanket august music events Kill Hannah / The Medic Droid The 2008 Hope for the Hopeless Tour will bring both Kill or lawn chair and cool down from the summer heat with the cool sounds of these hot performers. Food Hannah and the Medic Droid to Jack Rabbits. Kill Hannah has been around since 94 but and beverages are available for purchase. Sea Walk Pavilion, 11 N. 3rd St., Jacksonville Beach. Info: (904) broke out with their 2003 cult hit “Kennedy.” They’re making the rounds in support of their 247-6268 latest record, Hope for the Hopeless. The Medic Droid, on the other hand, came out of the gate swinging. Their ﬁ rst album What’s Your Medium hit stores in June and debuted at #19 The Hush Sound Two months after forming in January of 2005, the Chicago band The Hush Sound signed on iTunes. See them both at Jack Rabbits on the 6th. Friends Inner Party System and White to Pete Wentz’s Decaydance label. It just goes to show you that if you’ve got the talent “paying your dues” Tie Affair will also perform. Tickets: $13/advance, $15/day of show. Jack Rabbits, 398- is a mere formality. The band has put out three albums since their discovery, each one getting more praise 7496

Wilco AUGUST 6 Wilco Easily one of the most acclaimed and innovative bands of the last battle for planetfest decade, Wilco has overcome a number of obstacles to snatch their success. In- Planetfest 2008 is right around fi ghting, thousands of dollars lost in royal- the corner and, as always, ties and being dropped from their label for Jacksonville bands are duking it not being “commercial enough” are just out for a chance to play during some of the things the band has had to one of the city’s largest annual endure since forming in 1994. Yet some- concerts. If you’ve ever wanted how it still works. Over the years the band to support the local scene, Jack has won two Grammy Awards and gar- Rabbits’ Battle for Planetfest is nered yet another nomination last year for your opportunity. Throughout their latest album . Wilco will Sky Blue Sky August the venue will have fi ve perform at the Florida Theatre on August concerts, each featuring six 6th and will share the stage with Bon Iver. Tickets: $30. Florida Theatre, 355-5661 different local acts vying for a spot on the Planetfest roster. AUGUST 10 Seven Mary Three Seven The Battle continues in September and the best band from all the shows will get to play in the Mary Three burst onto the scene in 1996 with their platinum selling album American Stan- November festival. Here’s the line-up so far: dard. Their song “Cumbersome” was on heavy rotation for several years after that and can still be heard daily on most modern rock radio stations including our very own Planet Radio 10 West / Trains Followed Us / Tokyo Crisis Control 107.3. The band has continued to make records and maybe it’s time for you to hear the AUGUST 6: music their making now. The guys will be at the Pit this month, giving you a chance to do AUGUST 7: Sanguinary / Bonehead Sally / Shake the Stratosphere / Mortar just that. Secret State, Swerv and Out of Style will also take to the stage. Tickets: $15/ad- AUGUST 14: None Like Us / Diveplane / Name: Bran / The Merks vance, $20/day of show. The Pit, 223-9850 AUGUST 21: His Name Was Iron / Locust Grove / Echoes Through Chaos / Chasis Penny for Your Thought / Dirty Shannon / Mystic Dino / Swerv AUGUST 14 Drop Sonic Riffster rock & roll/blues band Drop Sonic wrangles into the River AUGUST 28: City from Atlanta to blow the big metal doors off of The Burrito Gallery’s Urb Garden downtown. Expect them to be fl anked by one of Jacksonville’s hottest local bands. Rumors say it Tickets to each show are $10, a small price to pay for a rather large snapshot of what could be the post-rock trio Kuwait or the Radiohead-esque Sunbears! You’ll have to be at 21 Jacksonville’s music scene has to offer. Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 E. Adams Street at 10:30 pm to fi nd out. Burrito Gallery, 598-2922Go to eujacksonville.com and register to win.

26 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | music artwork by Shaun Thurston elvis lives! will be displayed at Club TSI’s Art Shortly after midnight on August 16, & Music Variety 1977, Elvis returned to Graceland from a late- Mixer II night visit to the dentist. Through the early morning of the 16th he took care of last minute tour details and relaxed with family and staff. He was to fl y to Portland, Maine that night and do a show there on the 17th, then continue the scheduled tour. He retired to his master suite at Graceland around 7 am to rest for his evening fl ight. By late morning, Elvis Presley was dead of heart failure. It was announced by mid-afternoon. In a matter of hours the shock registered around the world. The adoration of Elvis in Jacksonville has some very deep roots. His very fi rst performance was at the Wolfson Baseball Park in than the last. Their most recent effort, March’s Goodbye Blues, was named one of the Most Anticipated 1955, but none more chronicled than his fi rst Albums of 2008 by Alternative Press and debuted at #75 on the Billboard 200. See them live on August ever indoor stage appearance at the Florida 17th with The Cab, Steel Train and The Morning Light. Tickets: $12/advance, $15/day of show. Jack Rab- Theatre on August 10th and 11th, 1956 a show bits, 398-7496 that proved tame thanks to the watchful eye of an overzealous judge who threatened to shut things down if “Elvis the Pelvis” got out of hand. Juvenile Court Judge, Marion Gooding called Elvis into AUGUST 22 The Legendary JCs The Legendary JC’s started fl ooring Central Florida crowds with their brand of soulful rocking blues in 2000. Since that point, the members of this Orlando-based six-piece have chambers after his fi rst of three shows and told Presley “he had to tone it down”. In response to the ridden a wave of press accolades and fl ocks of sweaty fans to a point where they are ready for lift-off. See judge’s ridiculous demands, during the following performances Elvis would wiggle a fi nger to imitate them live at Mojo Blues Bar on August 22nd. Tickets: $10 Mojo Blues Bar, Jacksonville Beach, 247-6636 his usual hip gyrations. And the crowd went wild! Elvis performed on Jacksonville stages a total of eight different times until his fi nal appearance here on May 30, 1977. Boston If you had a hunch that Boston would be coming to the First Coast this summer that was defi nitely In honor of the 40th anniversary of Elvis Presley’s death there are events taking place in Jack- “More than a Feeling.” The ever-enduring classic rock staples are considered one of the world’s best-sell- sonville paying tribute to his life and his work. Eric Fury and the King Rockers will do two shows hon- ing musical acts, giving them a whole lot of “Peace of Mind” about making a comeback. Their live perfor- oring Presley. The fi rst will be at Café 331(354-1999) on Friday, August 15th and the second will be mance will leave “Amanda” and pretty much everyone else in attendance “Feelin’ Satisfi ed.” Check them at the Ocean Club (242-8884) on Saturday, August 16th. Check out these special events to pay your out on August 22nd. Tickets: $43-$73. St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 461-0825 respects to the man who helped shape rock and roll.

AUGUST 23 Candlebox Back in the early 90s Candlebox was seemingly unstoppable, amassing 6 hit singles with their ﬁ rst two albums and winning legions of fans. Things have quieted down somewhat for the Seattle-based grunge four-piece but not for long. Excited about their new record, Into the Sun, Candle- box is hitting the road and making a beeline for Jax. The band will perform at the Freebird on August 23rd with Small Town Sleeper and The Kings Royal. Tickets: $23/advance, $25/day of show. Freebird Live, 246- BIRD

Dennis De Young Attention Styx fans, have we got a show for you! Their former frontman Dennis DeYoung is making his way to Jacksonville this month to share some of his solo work and, no doubt, some old Styx favorites. Best of all, the concert the last in the Landing’s “Summer Celebration Concert Series” which means you get to see this rock legend for Kenny Chesney free. Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188

AUGUST 25 An Evening of 20th Century Music In its 24th year, this celebration of contemporary music featuring percussion is a staple event in the music department and serves as an important fundraiser for music scholarships. Join Charlotte Mabrey and friends for an evening of diverse and exciting music. Tickets: $10. Lazzara Performance Hall, 620-2878

AUGUST 30 Kenny Chesney Winner of four consecutive Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year awards, not to mention ﬁ ve multi-platinum albums and countless chart-topping singles, Kenny Chesney is something of a musical golden child. He’s making his way to the River City on August 30th but because his 2007 Flip-Flop Summer Tour was the highest-grossing country tour of the year it may be wise to get your tickets now. Also performing, Leann Rimes. Tickets: $36.50-$69.50. Jacksonville Veterans Memo- rial Arena, 630-3900

music | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 27 AUGUST 1 “Soundtrack of Your Summer Tour”: Boys Like Girls / Metro Station / Good Charlotte / The Maine St. Augustine Amphitheater, 461-0825 Valient Thorr / Early Man / Skeleton Witch Landshark Café, 246-6024 Mute Issue / Suckerpunch / Backer Act Doozer’s Pub, 738- 8922 The Codetalkers / Bobby Lee Rodgers / Yancy Clegg Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Bobby Lee Rodgers John Langford Café Eleven, 460- 9311 Uncommon Music...for a Common Cause Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Sugar Bear Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Wicked Nick / Two Minute Wish 9th & Main, 353-6002

AUGUST 2 Gordo / Joshua Binczak / Kinesis Blue Room at Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 Trasher / Talk Sick Earth / Spewtilator / ManBearPig Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Story Side B / Man Apart / We Still Dream Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 My Own Sin Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Seven Mary Three Papercutt Ocean Club, 242-8884 The Popheads / John Carver Band Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Thick As Blood / Nasty Crew / Ghost Story Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Brian Turner and Riptide Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Lisa and the Mad Hatters Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 A Pit Festival: Look Alive / Beneath a Burning Sky / I Am the Unicorn / many more The AUGUST 4 Pit, 223-9850 Union Pulse Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery, 997-1999 WAPE Battle of the Bands Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 The Mile After / Mercy Mercedes / Go Crash Audio Jack Rabbits, 398-7496

AUGUST 3 AUGUST 5

august music events Pelvic Fury / Circadian Rising / Maruta Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Coheed & Cambria / Secret Machines / Russian Circles Plush, 743-1845 Red Letter Bullet / Down Theory / Future Pilot / Formatta / If The Accident Will Jack Kill Hannah / Medic Droid / Inner Party System / White Tie Affair Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Rabbits, 398-7496 Silence at Daybreak / The Years to Come / Through Thick and Thin The Pit, 223-9850 AUGUST 6 Friday Night Gun Fight / The Rise of Science / Ocean is Theory / Red Letter Bullet Fuel Jan Crawford & Gold Members St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 Days of War The Pit, 223-9850 Wilco / Bon Iver Florida Theatre, 355-5661 Catch-22 / Supervillians / Patent Pending / What About Me Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Battle For Planetfest: 10 West / Trains Followed Us / Tokyo Crisis Control Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Days of War / Regain the Heart Condemned / Harvest the Deceased The Pit, 223-9850 Teddy Washington Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188

AUGUST 7 Power Play Plaza de la Constitución, St. Augustine, 825-1004 Decemberadio Omni Jacksonville Hotel, 355-6664 Battle For Planetfest: Sanguinary / Bonehead Sally / Shake The Stratosphere / Mortar Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 The Vision / Endless Vertigo / Call for Fire The Pit, 223-9850 Ghostwich 9th & Main, 353-6002

AUGUST 8 Fee Omni Jacksonville Hotel, 355-6664 Aaron Bing Times-Union Center, 633-6110 With New Eyes / KTP Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 The Dear Hunter / Lydia / You Me and Everyone We Know / Eye Alaska Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Another Reason to Breathe / Attempt / Parker Roberts / Skypilot / Operatio Murray Hill Theatre, 388- 3179 Formatta / Coming This Fall 9th & Main, 353-6002 Section 8 Party Shanty Town Pub, 554-1135

AUGUST 9 Reign Supreme Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Casualty The Pit, 223-9850 Nigel Richards / DJ Dan D’Mantra / DJ Danny Waddell Blue Room at Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 Jacksonville Children’s Choir and Maryland State Boychoir First United Methodist Church, 225 E. Duval Street, 346-1636 SPP / Helios Eye / Memphibians / Dead Mans Waltz / Zeke / After the Bomb Baby Doozer’s Pub, 738- 8922 Cue Estey Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Casualty / Down Jr. / 10 West The Pit, 223-9850 Kids Like Us / The Mongoloids / Reign Supreme / The Carrier / Foundation / Forfeit Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Randall Bramblett Band Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Str8up Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188

28 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | music AUGUST 16 The Hush Sound Allele Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Totimoshi / Nebula Landshark Café, 246-6024 Colette Blue Room at Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 Summertime in the City Springﬁ eld, summertimeinthecity.com Inner Demons / Black as Day / Sinister Moustache / Mourn to More / Ten Ton Wrecking Ball Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Lani Misalucha / The New Diva of Las Vegas / Kris Lawrence Florida Theatre, 355-5661 The Sleeping / Envy on the Coast / The Secret Lives of the Free Masons / Emarosa / The Gay Blades Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Absence of Concern The Pit, 223-9850 The Secret Handshake / Breathe Carolina / The Morning Of Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Murray Hill Theatre 13th Anniversary Show: The Sophomore Attempt / Second Thief / many more Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Sean Chambers Mojo Blues Bar, Jacksonville Beach, 247-6636 Fat Lewis Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Rock-a-Billy Elvis Tribute Show: Eric Fury and the King Rockers Ocean Club, 242-8884

AUGUST 17 Marion Meadows Sea Walk Pavilion The Hush Sound / The Cab / Steel Train / The Morning Light Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Brian Turner and Riptide Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra perform Brahms and Szewczyk Craig AUGUST 10 Hall, Church of the Good Shepherd, 387-5691 The Carry-Ons / Five Across the Eyes / Never Alone Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Hopesick / Whaleface / F*ckin’ Gnarly / Looks To Make History Ocean Club, AUGUST 18 242-8884 Broland / Dawn of Plague / Free From Byrden / Hearts Fall For Danny Acalasia Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Tanner The Pit, 223-9850 Seven Mary Three / Secret State / Swerve / Out of Style The Pit, 223-9850 Alexander / Caillou Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Brian Turner and Riptide Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 AUGUST 19 AUGUST 11 Shai Hulud / Full Blown Chaos / Elysia / A Girl A Gun A Ghost Jack Rabbits, The Allens Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 398-7496 The Tora Tora Tourettes / Free From Burden / Moscow’s on Fire / Dawn of Creature Feature / Tubring Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Plague The Pit, 223-9850 AUGUST 20 AUGUST 12 ET Swing Band St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 RA / Rain / Downstait Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Wednesday13 / Bloodline Alibi / Hank El Diablo Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Legeia / I Wrestled a Bear Once / Wings of Victory / DWAV / Rapture Indeed Xaphan / Gigan The Pit, 223-9850 / X.T.T.TX Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Terror / The Warriors / Death Before Dishonor / CDC / Trapped Under Ice Thirteen Yards to Victory / Drive like Carson / This Very Moment The Pit, Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 223-9850 AUGUST 21 AUGUST 13 Funk Shui Plaza de la Constitución, St. Augustine, 825-1004 MurphyMurphy St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 Beres Hammond Plush, 743-1845 Like a Movie / So Called Tragedy / To Write Her a Letter Jack Rabbits, 398- Battle! / Watchfi re / The Bonus Army The Pit, 223-9850 7496 Battle For Planetfest: His Name Was Iron / Locust Grove / Echoes Through My Heart to Joy at the Same Tone / Pianos Become the Teeth / The Caution Chaos / Chasis Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Children Shanty Town Pub, 798-8222 Hours Eastly / Master Radical / Moodhosa Ocean Club, 242-8884 The Protomen Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 Carlos Bertonatti Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 (continued on page 30) AUGUST 14 Skin & Bonz & The Big Hungry Boys Plaza de la Constitución, St. Augustine, 825-1004 shows for a good cause Rick Marino: Tribute to Elvis Tree Steak House, Mandarin, 262-0006 The KGBeast / At Will Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 If you’re looking for a way to have a great time and give to a good cause Andrea Gayle / Look Alive / Hollywood Petey / Fancy Me Dead / Amber Rose there are three benefi t concerts this month you should know about. On The Pit, 223-9850 August 1st the Florida Theatre’s second annual show Uncommon Music... Battle For Planetfest: None Like Us / Diveplane / Name Bran / The Merks for a Common Cause will take place with music from Jessica Pounds, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Patrick Bass and Peter Dearing and spoken word poetry from Matthew Dead Hearts / Energy / Know the Score Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 “Cuban” Hernandez. Proceeds from this special concert will benefi t Body Palmetto Cats Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 & Soul-The Art of Healing, a non-profi t organization designed to blend the Drop Sonic Burrito Gallery, 598-2922 numerous resources of Jacksonville’s Arts community into an extensive offering for healthcare institutions. For tickets and info call 355-5661. AUGUST 15 The next night (August 2nd) the Murray Hill Theatre (388-3179) will host Naughty Pines Band 9th & Main, 353-6002 a concert for SafeHouse of Jacksonville, an outreach ministry committed Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band Jacksonville Veterans Memorial to giving food, clothing, direction and support to those who need it. Arena, 630-3900 StorySide: B, Man Apart and We Still Dream will all perform. Tickets are Club TSI’s Art & Music Variety Mixer II TSI, 424-3531 $12 but attendees will receive a $2 discount if they bring 3 non-perishable Hours / Hallelujah / Starring Daggers / Infected Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 food items. Finally, on August 31st Fuel Coffeehouse (425-3835) will put Meg & Dia / Jonezetta / Dropping Daylight Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 on a benefi t concert for NFAN, North Florida AIDS Network, a non-profi t Pawn Takes King / Hank El Diablo / The Corporate Whores Ocean Club, 242- that provides comprehensive HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and advocacy 8884 services and programs to communities in northeast Florida. The line-up Hipp Street Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 has yet to be announced but it’s sure to include some of the best bands Rock-a-Billy Elvis Tribute Show: Eric Fury and the King Rockers Café 331, in Jax. 354-1999

music | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 29 AUGUST 22 Black Kids Boston St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 461-0825 6-2-9 Band Studio 80 at Bourbon Street Station, 641-8777 Canon Law / Bolth / 69 Fingers Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 The Devil Makes Three / Shitthieves Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Versa Emerge / Drive By The Pit, 223-9850 Mint Julep Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 The Legendary JCs Mojo Blues Bar, Jacksonville Beach, 247-6636 Residual / Splintered Soul 9th & Main, 353-6002

AUGUST 23 Charlotte Mabrey & Friends Lazzara Hall, 620-2878 Dennis De Young Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Liberty Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Charlie Hall / Jonathan Scott Band Murray Hill Theatre, 388-3179 Candlebox / Small Town Sleeper / The Kings Royal Freebird Live, 246-BIRD The Dane Varese Band / Element Unseen Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835

AUGUST 24 G. Love & Special Sauce / John Butler Trio St. Augustine Amphitheater, 461-0825 Brian Turner and Riptide Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188

AUGUST 25 Oh, Sleeper / War of Ages / A Kiss for Jersey / Agraceful / Wings of Victory Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 An Evening of 20th Century Music Lazzara Performance Hall, 620-2878 The Mystic Orchestra: Flashback the Classic Rock Experience September 1, Jacksonville Arena, AUGUST 26 630-3900 Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Killing the Dream September 7, Freebird, 246-BIRD Dubconscious AUGUST 27 Ded Ringers September 12, Mojo Blues Bar, 247- 6636 Elizabeth Roth Band St. Augustine Beach Pier and Pavilion, 347-8007 E.G. Kight September 13, Mojo Blues Bar, 247- 6636 Rose Funeral / Once Nothing / Woe of Tyrants / Years Spent Cold / Red I Flight The Pit, Tracy Grammer September 18, Cafe Eleven, 460-9311 223-9850 Black Kids September 19, Freebird, 246-BIRD Professional Bull Riders September 19, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900

august music events AUGUST 28 September 20, Freebird, 246-BIRD Gatorbone Plaza de la Constitución, St. Augustine, 825-1004 Zac Brown Band Battle For Planetfest: Penny For Your Thoughts / Dirty Shannon / Mystic Dino / Swerve Sara Evans September 20, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 New Riders Of The Purple Sage September 24, Freebird, 246-BIRD Lisa Williams September 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 AUGUST 29 James Cotton September 26, Mojo Kitchen, 247- 6636 Yankee Slickers Mojo Blues Bar, Jacksonville Beach, 247-6636 September 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Up For Nothing / Step Aside Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Margaret Cho Scrapomatic Freebird Live, 246-BIRD The High Kings October 1, Times Union Center, 632-3228 Sophomore Attempt / Stages and Stereos Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Lisa Lampanelli October 3, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 Freeze Frame Randy Owen October 4, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Words in Red / Steel Breaks Wave The Pit, 223-9850 David Allen Coe October 10, Crazy Horse Saloon, 641-8777 November 9th & Main, 353-6002 Yankee Slickers Mojo Blues Bar, 247-6636 Buju Banton October 12, Plush Nightclub, 743-1845 Orlando Magic vs Miami Heat: NBA Preseason October 18, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 AUGUST 30 Bob Margolin September 19, Mojo Blues Bar, 247- 6636 Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 Kenny Chesney Joe Satriani with Mountain October 28, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The Black Water Sol Revue: JJ Grey Mofro / Toots & The Maytals / Lee Boys / Hill County Reverend Horton Heat October 29, Freebird, 246-BIRD Revue / Nervous Turkey St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 461-0825 October 30, Jacksonville Arena, 630-3900 Pig Pen / From F*cking Nowhere Doozer’s Pub, 738-8922 Neil Diamond Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Corey Smith October 31, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Allele / As Daylight Burns upcoming shows Dude Where’s My Corpse / Wings of Victory / Dimes on Dead Eyes / Dawn of Plague The Badﬁ sh November 4, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Pit, 223-9850 Majic Slim & the Teardrops November 8, Mojo Kitchen, 247- 6636 Lee Boys Café Eleven, 460-9311 Styx November 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Little Green Men Jacksonville Landing, 353-1188 November 14, The St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 471-1965 Amelia Island Songwriter Festival featuring Jim Bickman Amelia Island Chapel, 261-3300 Black Crowes Magic Slim and the Teardrops November 8, Mojo Blues Bar, 247- 6636 AUGUST 31 Vince Gill November 19, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 St. Augustine Amphitheater, 461-0825 Pepper / Slightly Stoopid / Sly & Robbie Johnny Winter November 20, Freebird, 246-BIRD NFAN Beneﬁ t Concert Fuel Coffeehouse, 425-3835 John Prine November 22, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 ZoSo November 26, Freebird, 246-BIRD be the next AMERICAN IDOL Carlos Mencia November 29, Times-Union Center, 633-6110 Auditions for the eighth season of AMERICAN IDOL continue Wednesday, August A Morning with Men & Women of Courage featuring Stedman Graham December 12, Florida 13, at Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville. Wristbands will be distributed from ap- Theatre, 355-2787 proximately 8AM on Monday, August 11 until 8AM on Wednesday, August 13. Auditioners Last Comic Standing Live Tour December 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 will not be permitted to camp out; therefore, once they obtain their wristbands, they will be Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi December 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 asked to return to the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Wednesday, August 13. January 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Eligible participants must be men and women 16-28 years old as of July 15, 2008, Classic Albums Live: the Eagles: Hotel California who are eligible to work in the U.S., and not have any contractual agreements that would Leo Kottke January 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 prohibit you from fully participating in the show. For complete eligibility requirements visit Classic Albums Live: the Who: Who’s Next Feb. 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 americanidol.com. Classic Albums Live: the Beatles: Abbey Road March 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Okay, so that’s it. You are on your way to becoming the next AMERICAN IDOL. Good Classic Albums Live: the Doors: the Doors April 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 luck.

30 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | music g. love spreads the funk to st. augustine

by eric staniford, [email protected]

A groovy sound came out of Philadelphia in 1993, eventually turning into the music of G. Love and Special Sauce. As they played, putting on energetic live shows with freestyle lyrical ﬂ ows over jamming blues instrumentals, the music of hip hop blues was born. Ten albums and 15 years later, G. Love is still pushing the realms of his musically cohesive sound. Consistently upbeat and smooth, the new album Super- hero Brother continues to deliver. G. starts touring with the Australian roots rock band The John Butler Trio, with opening act Tristan Prettyman. The tour stops at the St. Augustine Amphitheatre on August 24th. EU was privileged to talk to G. Love before the tour started.

EU: Are you still having fun? G: Yeah man, I have fun every night! (laughs) Deﬁ nitely! I love it. I wouldn’t want to do anything else.

EU: You’re known for doing a lot of really great collaborations and jams with other musicians. Are there any musicians you haven’t gotten a chance to play with that you want to? G: Something I’m real interested in right now is maybe doing a blues record, after I fi nish touring on Super- hero Brother- do a blues record and go around and fi lm it...[I’ll] fi nd a lot of the old unsung blues heroes and some of the more famous ones and try to get some recordings with them.

EU: A lot of your fans know of your infl uences by John Hammond, Bob Dylan, Run DMC and groups like that. What musical infl uences do you have that fans might not expect you to listen to? G: I’m a father now, my kid’s seven this month, and the year before when we were driving around, we got a lot of Radio Disney so I defi nitely got my share of Hannah Montana, and stuff like that. There are some great singers in that kind of “Pop” pool. I mean, we’re kind of tempted to write it off because it’s pop. But there are some really talented people that do write great hit songs and are amazing singers.

EU: I deﬁ nitely didn’t expect that. G: Yeah, that’s what I’m saying. It’s like once you hear it, it’s really catchy and, like wow, it’s a really good song. But then “cooler” inﬂ uences that people might want to hear more about, like I’m really a fan of Jack White and both of The White Stripes.

EU: What about non-music inspiration, like art or fi lm? G: Well I think my biggest non-music inspiration comes from reading. Some of my favorite authors are Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Toni Morrison… their writing, to me, is very musical. The imagery that they put into their words, I’m able to fi nd a lot. When I read their books, I use a pen so I can underline stuff. They have great lines in these books and often times I read a book like that and a line from a book will inspire a song, you know? That’s probably my biggest non-musical related infl uence.

EU: You’re getting ready to start this tour with John Butler Trio. How did you ﬁ rst hear about those guys? G: They are an amazing band, and I’ve been hip to them for years because we’ve been playing in Australia for a long time. They’ve been HUGE in Australia. He is one of the biggest rock stars in Australia. There’s this whole roots rock n’ roll movement that he’s kind of the forefront of. He’s really breaking here in the States right now as well. We asked him to tour. We talked about me going over and opening for him in Australia for years. We got this tour together and he was my ﬁ rst choice as someone we wanted to tour with, and we were lucky enough to get him. It’s going to be an amazing show, and then Tristan Prettyman rounds out the bill. That last one we were at was with Slightly Stoopid. That was a great tour and that was almost like a party, you know? I liked the last one for sure but I think this tour will be more musically inspired just by the caliber of musicians we have opening up.

EU: You guys have a special thing with iTunes and this tour right? G: That’s right. We are going to be recording the shows every night and at the end of the tour we’re going to pick a couple songs and put them out on an EP that will be for sale on iTunes. One of them will be a collaboration that John and I do.

To read our complete interview with G. Love, visit eujacksonville.com.

music | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 31 Limelight’s “Perfect Wedding” auditions You’ll notice a limited number of shows for the month of August. The theatre groups of Jacksonville are busy preparing for the upcoming 2007-2008 theatre season. Now’s the perfect time to get involved in local theatre since most groups will be holding auditions this month for future shows. Take a look at the following list of auditions and see where you will ﬁ t in best. Get out there and have fun this fall performing onstage or help- ing out backstage.

August 2 & 3 Auditions for “Rear End” ABET, Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 2-5 pm. Runs October 17-25. Info: 249-7177.

August 4 Al- Through August 31 Seymour Krelbourn is a poor Auditions for “Moon Over Buffalo” LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS hambra Dinner Theatre, 1-5 pm. 1st rehearsal: Au- young man working at a run-down ﬂ ower shop on skid row when he encounters an gust 25. Runs September 3 - October 5, 2008. Info: alien plant that feeds on human blood. Seymour and the plant make a deal that if the (904)642-9307 plant brings Seymour positive attention, he will in turn continue to feed the plant human bodies. Alhambra Dinner Theatre, 12000 Beach Blvd, Info: (904) 641-1212 August 3 Auditions for “You Can’t Take It With You” Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine August 2 Players By The Sea, 7 pm, Info: (904) 246-4386 Annual Pelican Awards at 6 pm with callbacks on August 4th at 6 pm. Runs September 18 – October 12. Info: (904) 825-1164 or August 2 The Florida Ballet’s professional Florida Ballet Summer Scorchers Limelight-Theatre.org company will present a program from the repertoire of Russia’s Bolshoi Ballet to the Broadway stage. Tickets $5. Info: (904) 355-2787 or 353-7518. August 11 Auditions for “All Shook Up” presented by the Alhambra Dinner Theatre. Auditions will take place August 15 The Tale Tale Tellers to Perform St. Francis House Storytelling Beneﬁ t at the Nathan H. Wilson Center - FCCJ South Campus, Tellers of St. Augustine present their fourteenth annual fund raiser for St. Augustine’s 11901 Beach Blvd., 1- 4 pm. 1st rehearsal: September food kitchen and homeless shelter. This popular evening of heartwarming and humor- 29. Runs October 8 - November 30. Info: (904)642- ous storytelling will begin at 7 pm, at First United Methodist Church Community Hall in 9307 downtown St. Augustine. Donation: $8 per person. Info: (904) 829-8711. August 11 pre- August 15 Theatre Jacksonville, Auditions For “West Side Story’ Annual Meeting and Celebration of Volunteers sented by the Alhambra Dinner Theatre with the 7pm. Info: (904) 396-4425 august theatre events Jacksonville Symphony. Auditions will be held at the Nathan H. Wilson Center - FCCJ South Campus, 11901 August 15-23 3 One Act Plays By Local Playwrights, HOME ON THE DERANGED Beach Blvd. from 5 to 9 pm. Runs Sept. 19 – 21. Info: Jeff Grove And Chris Sheppard. Players By (904)642-9307 The Sea, Info: (904) 246-4386

August 16 Through August 17 Auditions for the Jacksonville Symphony PERFECT WED- The Jacksonville Symphony Chorus is enlist- This comedy by Robin Hawdon is Chorus DING ing new singers of all ranges for the upcoming 2008- an all Flagler College associated cast and 2009 season. They are especially looking for large, crew. On the morning of his wedding, the operatic voices for next season’s production of Pucci- groom wakes up in the bridal suite to ﬁ nd ni’s Turandot. The chorus also joins the Jacksonville a strange woman lying next to him and he Symphony Orchestra in various performances such as doesn’t remember how she got there or Handel’s Messiah, Holiday Pops and the music of Elton what they did – all leading up to anything John. Auditions will be held at Jacksonville University, but the perfect wedding day. Limelight Phillips Fine Arts Building beginning at 9:00 am. Sing- Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave. Info: (904) ers interested in auditioning should phone (904) 354- 825-1164 or Limelight-Theatre.org. 5479, ext. 221. Info: jaxsymphonychorus.org. August 17 Mystery Dinner Theatre - A August 17 The- An interactive com- Auditions for “Anatomy of Gray” VOTE FOR MURDER atre Jacksonville at 6 pm. Runs October 31 - Novem- edy where the audience gets into the act. ber 15. Info: 396-4425. Prizes are awarded to those who solve the crime. Three political candidates gather for August 20 a friendly debate, but one of them is mur- Auditions for Florida Community College Florida Community dered before the night is through. Dave and Repertory and Ensemble Dance College South Campus, Nathan H. Wilson Center, Bldg. Buster’s Restaurant, 7025 Salisbury Road M, Room 2110 at 6 pm. Intermediate dance skill level at 6:00 PM. $34.95 includes dinner and a required. Info: (904) 646-2361 show. Reservations: (904) 296-1525 August 24 & 25 Orange August 23 Auditions For “Sly Fox” Maxie Coleman’s THE FIGHT Park Community Theatre, Sat. at 2 pm and Sun. at Presented by TMCOR and OF HER LIFE 7pm. Info: (904) 276-2599 Maximum Theatre Group, it’s a story about a woman who struggled to make it as a August 30 Background Entertain- preacher in the American Church. Florida Open Casting Call ment along with Sprectrum Entertainment Group are Theatre - 8 pm, Ticket Price(s): $33.50, hosting a casting call searching for potential talent for $28.50. Info: (904) 355-2787 TV, print and ﬁ lm on August 30, from 12 noon – 2pm. Guest speaker Melanie Moreno will provide profes- August 24 Sassy ABET Extravaganza! sional information and answer questions about the Tappers, “Jukebox Memories” Show, Mu- industry. Cost: $25. Call 636-8737 to get complete sical numbers from Nunsense (Season details including wardrobe and proper ID. Opener), Food, Wine and Silent Auction. Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Send info for upcoming performances and auditions Blvd., 7 pm. Info: (904) 249-7177 to [email protected] 30 days prior to event.

32 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | theatre & culture August 1 Jon Langford medical illustrator. Catered lunch included. Members $70, Non-Members $85, Active Docents $55. This “Nashville Radio” Art Exhibit Jon will also be Arts and Medicine Family Day at the Cummer from 10 am to 5 pm with live music, medical Langford (Founder of the Mekons) illustration, drawing demonstrations and science inspired activities for kids of all ages. Free admission. The will be showing his art at the Cummer also offers Lectures, Classes & Programs for Adults. The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Gallery at Screen Arts. Langford’s Info: 355-0630. paintings- acrylic paint, pencil and marker on plywood- depict Art for Art’s Sake 8 week classes in Ceramics, Glass Art and Photography will be offered at Jacksonville images of country music icons University for Fall 2008. Please call 256-7677 for further information. and imagery. The exhibit opening is August 1, 6 pm-9 pm. Live Through August 16 Comics & Classics Youth Art Classes Youth art classes, Noon to 1pm will focus DJs will be spinning music for on comic and manga styles and techniques. Comics & Classics, 1722 Third Street North. Info: (904) 242- the duration and refreshments 2632 or comicsandclassics.com. will be served. The show will run thru September 30. The Gallery at If you have an art event you would like to have listed in EU Jacksonville, please send information to: Screen Arts, 228 W. King Street, [email protected] 30 days prior to event. St. Augustine. Info: 829-2838 or (800) 826-4649.

August 1 St. Augustine Art Jon Langford Walk First Friday of every month beauty in a pancreas from 5 pm-9 pm. Tours begin at Rembrandtz Fine Gifts for Fun People, 131 King Street, St. Augustine. Info: 829-0065 or staugustinegalleries.com Scalpel to Sketch by erin thursby August 1 Sights and Sounds Of The Dog & Pony Show Prints Open Reception at the Art Institute of Jacksonville from 5 pm-8 pm. The Art Institute, 8775 Baypine Road. Info: dogandponyshowprints.wordpress.com “Medical illustrators draw what cannot be seen, watch what August 1 Wood Cuts “Recent Works: New Years in Africa” Art reception for Annelies has never been done and tell Dykgraaf at Karpeles from 6 pm-8 pm. Enjoy the inspirational images and stories through the colorful paintings and detailed symbolic woodcuts of Nigeria, West Africa. Ryan Sinclair will thousands about it without say- be drumming. On exhibit August 1 to August 27. Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. Info: ing a word.” -- Gramley, Pointer 356-2992 and Winn, Association of Medical

August 2 Icons: Interpretations of Comic & Gaming Pop Culture Exhibit opens August Illustrators 2nd, with a reception from 7 pm-9 pm. This group show displays the talent of local artists and runs through August. Comics & Classics, 1722 Third Street N. Info: 242-2632 or I’ve never looked for beauty in a pan- comicsandclassics.com. creas before, but I may have found it at the Scalpel to Sketch exhibition currently at the Cummer Museum. August 6 First Wednesday Art Walk in Downtown Jacksonville, 5 pm-9 Downtown Art Walk The exhibition is a partnership be- pm. Info: downtownjacksonville.org or call 634-0303 ext. 230

august visual art events tween Mayo Clinic and the Cummer. The majority of the works on display come August 6 Second Annual Jax Monster Show Taking place during August Art Walk, the Second from the medical illustration archive of the Annual Jax Monster Show features a wide variety of monsters as art by a number of local Mayo Clinic. Mayo has plenty to choose artists. Located in the basement of the Hayden Burns Library. Info: jaxmonstershow.com from since they’ve kept works from the majority of their medical illustrators over August 6 America I AM Exhibition Mobile Experience “America I AM Across America,” their hundred year history. a traveling exhibition preview leading to the “America I AM: The African American Imprint” Hope McMath, Director of Education for the Cummer Museum, expects that the exhibit will museum exhibition, will visit Jacksonville on its nationwide tour this month. The traveling attract those who don’t ordinarily come to art openings and will “challenge what we believe art is.” microcosm of the exhibition is a multi-sensory experience complete with artifacts, text, video, First in the gallery is a brief history of the earliest artists who drew cadavers and their organs. music and a unique visitor interactive opportunity. Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum, 1 pm-7 You’ll observe the strangely intricate backgrounds common during DaVinci’s time. Musculature and pm. Free Admission. Info: AmericaIam.org organs are laid bare amid ironically pretty garden scenes which Robert Morreale, Creative Services Director of the Mayo Clinic Medical Illustration Unit in Rochester, says was something the artists of August 12 Beaches Art Walk Second Tuesday of each month from 5 pm-8 pm, varied the day did to “soften the gory subject matter.” venues. Info: jaxbeachesartwalk.org From these earliest works, we jump to the dawn of medical illustration as an organized profes- sion and Mayo’s involvement in the burgeoning fi eld. Mayo began their program in 1907. At the time, new surgical procedures were being tested and discovered. Crowded operating theatres meant that August 21 North Beaches Art Walk Every third Thursday of each month, 5 pm-9 pm, Atlantic/ Neptune Beach area. Info: 249-2222 or [email protected] illustrators were in demand as these new techniques had to be taught to medical interns. The illustrators had to meet the challenges of condensing a four hour surgery into a six point illustration. But medical illustration isn’t just for doctor’s textbooks. At Mayo it informs the public, accom- Through September 26 Through Our Eyes 2008: Everything Must Change The annual exhibit of new work by African-American artists staged by the Ritz Theatre & LaVilla Museum. Info: panies surgeon-published works and sometimes even serves as a blueprint for surgery, as in the 632-5555. case of a groundbreaking surgery to separate conjoined twins. What’s interesting are the different techniques used to capture the inner workings of the human body—from the luminescent carbon dust treatments to simple line work to computer renderings. Through August MOCA. Info: 366-6911 or Paper Cuts: Contemporary Drawing At MOCA Stylistically you can mark the era a piece was created. Walk around the gallery long enough and mocajacksonville.org. you’ll be able to pick out both particular artists and periods. New technology means that medical illustrators can now use computers to digitally manipulate their drawings. Through September 28 Scalpel to Sketch: the science and beauty of medical illustration at These illustrators were and are primarliy trained artists given a science background. That’s why See article at left for details. Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Info: 355-0630. Mayo Clinic their shading methods recall the art of their era and refl ect a papable artistic talent. “The subject matter is unique, but the technique is the same as what conventional artists use,” Through September Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Precious Gifts of Asian Art remarks Morreale. Although cameras can capture some of the images that medical illustration covers, the human August 5 - November 2008 For the past ten Women of Vision: Ten Years of Art Beyond Sight body is so complex that it helps to have an illustrator who can choose to focus on one aspect of the years, a group of women who are low vision or blind has entered the doors of The Cummer human body. to fi nd fulfi llment through the communicative power of the visual and literary arts. This fall, “We don’t intend to compete with the camera,” says Morreale. an exhibition of the art and writing created as part of the Women of Vision program will be on Judging from the images I saw at the exhibit, cameras can’t hope to compete with the artistry display in the museum’s galleries. Info: 355-0630 and precision these artists demonstrate. Scalpel to Sketch will be at the Cummer Museum through September 28th. Medical Illustration Workshop August 30, from 10 am to 3 pm the Cummer will host a day of specialized instruction and a peek into a little-known career track. Taught by Mayo Clinic

visual art | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 33 the story still makes the ﬁ lm digital evolution is changing your movie going experience by jon bosworth

Although a good fi lm is nothing without a good story, the recent closing of the Playtime Twin Drive-in Theatre makes it increasingly apparent that the dynamic of cinema presentation is entering a new era. In the same way that the Internet has jeopardized so much of the old economy through fi le sharing technology and the free international exchange of ideas, products and programs, it has also impacted the fi lm industry. Even through the Great Depression, Hollywood has been a safe bet. People are not willing to give up their escape into the fantasy world of fi lm, and in this technophile era those fantasies are more vivid than ever before. But we don’t need the celluloid to get to these stories anymore. If you know the right website, you can catch the newest blockbuster from the comfort of your computer desk, sometimes even before the theatrical release. So how does Hollywood compete with that convenience? First they tried to make us feel bad about steeling from the likes of Ben Affl eck and Jim Carrey, but when that strategy failed (for obvious reasons), they turned toward improving the theatrical experience in ways that cannot be duplicated on your laptop. Thus enters stadium seating, digital surround sound, cup holders and loveseats as a ground fl oor standard for megaplex movie theaters. Following suit, the fi lm companies that have distributed celluloid reels of fi lm to theaters nationwide for more than 100 years are now converting to digital delivery and presentation. Getting the production to the theatres that are equipped for digital projection is far cheaper, easier to track, and prevents expensive costs of fi lms that get damaged during the presentation of the fi lm. It also reduces manpower because theaters don’t need a projectionist to build each fi lm from several reels onto a platter and break it down any time it moves or needs to be shipped on to its next showing. Special effects and presentation-enhancing technologies can enhance a fi lm, but they cannot make up for the lack of a story. Case in point is Brendan Fraser’s latest vehicle Journey to the Center

34 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | movies of the Earth presented in 3-D. On the production end of the fi lm, the images were generated from the beginning to be presented in digital 3-D (also known as RealD) and several scenes were interjected just for the 3-D thrill of hurling boulders at the audience, or having Jules Verne’s translucent birds fl y into the face of the viewer. However, no amount of visual spectacles can compensate for a poorly adapted and lacklusterly acted fi lm. The good news is that no one will be downloading the fi lm; the bad news is that the 3-D presentation offers perhaps the only redeeming qualities to the movie, depending on what you expect for your entertainment dollar.

Because Netfl ix, Blu-Ray and Bit Torrent technology have made watching movies at home more convenient than ever, and more and more people are investing in home theaters with fl at screen televisions and surround sound systems, exhibitors can’t just settle for cheap tricks to make the theatrical experience more thrilling, they have to invest in new presentation methods that are worth the rising cost of movie going for the viewer. That investment, however, cannot come at the expense of a great fi lm. Many megaplexes have now installed 70 mm projectors into their complexes, you know, these enormous fi lms that are presented on six story screens as IMAX. A perfect example of the combination of a fantastic story utilizing a presentation-enhancing technology is Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight. Like Journey, The Dark Knight has scenes that were shot specifi cally for its high-tech presentation, but rather than something as hokey as 3-D, Knight crafted scenes for the larger-than-life IMAX presentation. The 70 mm fi lm runs horizontally through the projector, unlike the traditional 35 mm that runs vertically through the projector, and the image has resolution that is equal to 35 mm only twice the size and projected onto a six-story screen. This enormous image can at times be hard to see all of it at once, but during the grand moments of Batman’s mission in Hong Kong, fl ying between skyscrapers, exploding the sides off of buildings and landing in picturesque comic book style on the roof of a car, the IMAX presentation at St. Augustine’s World Golf Village puts you into the scene. Its action surrounds the viewer and when Heath Ledger’s diabolical Joker gets in your face, he’s really in your face. For Jacksonvillians a drive to St. Augustine may be an investment, especially given today’s gas prices, but for a fi lm that is certain to be a grand spectacle, a fi lm such as The Dark Knight, it is worth the trip. It is an experience that you can’t duplicate at home or in any other theatrical format. If you are intent on staying in town, digital cinema is currently available in select theaters at every major AMC, Regal and Cinemark megaplex. These theaters are able to deliver a simulcast of a live opera in New York or a Hannah Montana concert experience, not to mention the fi lms that offer a 3-D viewing alternative to the fl at presentation. Check them both out to see if you can tell the difference between the classic presentation and the digital experience. North Florida has most of the options available anywhere else in the country, but what’s better is that we have also held onto many of the classic options, including our oldest movie theatres, the Florida Theatre and the San Marco Theatre. Which brings me to one other method for enhancing your fi lm- the end-user’s own chemical enhancement. Rather than putting on a pair of 3-D glasses, you can always catch a fi lm at the San Marco and put on your beer goggles. Although seeing The Dark Knight at the San Marco wasn’t as visually dramatic as the IMAX presentation, it was far closer to home, and watching it with a cold beer and a hot pizza enhances a fi lm in its own way. Whatever your preference for viewing, take advantage of the old school cinema houses available in town so they don’t go the way of the Playtime Twin Drive-in. No matter how high-tech a fi lm is, it isn’t worth a dime without a good story. Give me To Catch a Thief at the historic Florida Theatre presented on an old Super Simplex 35 mm projector any day.

movies | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 35 NOW SHOWING SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS 2

THE STEP BROTHERS Brennan Huff, a sporadically employed thirty-nine-year-old, lives with his mother, Nancy. Dale Doback, a terminally unemployed forty-year-old lives with his father, Robert. When Robert and Nancy marry and move in together, Brennan and Dale are forced to live with each other as step brothers. As their narcissism and down- right aggressive laziness threaten to tear the family apart, these two middle-aged, im- mature, overgrown boys will orchestrate an insane, elaborate plan to bring their parents back together. To pull it off, they must form an unlikely bond that maybe, just maybe, will ﬁ nally get them out of the house. Starring: Will Ferrell, John C. Reilly, Adam Scott, Mary Steenburgen and Kathryn Hahn. Rated R, sonypictures.com/movies/stepbrothers

THE X-FILES: I WANT TO BELIEVE In grand “X-Files” manner, the ﬁ lm’s storyline is being kept under wraps. This much can be revealed: It is a stand-alone story in the tradition of some of the show’s most acclaimed and beloved episodes, and takes the complicated relationship between Fox Mulder and Dana Scully in unexpected directions. Mulder continues his unshakable quest for the truth, and Scully, the passionate, ferociously intelligent physician, remains inextricably tied to Mulder’s pursuits. Starring: vote. Kelsey Grammar stars as Republican incumbent President Andrew Boone while his opponent David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Xzibit , Amanda Peet and Billy Connolly. Rated PG13, is Democrat candidate Donald Greenleaf played by Dennis Hopper. Nathan Lane joins Stanley Tucci, xﬁ les.com Paula Patton and George Lopez in this timely comedy romp. Rated PG13, swingvote.movies.go.com august movies AUGUST 1 AUGUST 8

THE MUMMY: TOMB OF THE DRAGON EMPEROR Brendan Frazier returns as explorer SISTERHOOD OF THE TRAVELING PANTS Rick O’Connell this time to combat the resurrected Han Emperor in an epic that races 2 They’re back… Carmen, Tibby, Bridget from the catacombs of ancient China high into the frigid Himalayas. Rick is joined in and Lena return following their fi rst year of this all-new adventure by son Alex, wife Evelyn and her brother, Jonathan. And this college. Having been apart all year they’re time, the O’Connells must stop a mummy awoken from a 2,000-year-old curse. Once ready to rekindle their close friendships and doomed by a double-crossing sorceress to spend eternity in suspended animation, share another wonderful summer together. China’s ruthless Dragon Emperor and his 10,000 warriors have laid forgotten for eons, But their plans for the summer take them entombed in clay as a vast, silent terra cotta army. But when young Alex O’Connell is along separate paths as they experience the tricked and awakens the rag wad from eternal slumber, the reckless young archaeolo- freedom, love, choices and challenging life gist must seek the help of the only people who know about taking down the undead: lessons that mark their individual journeys his parents. As the vengeful monarch roars back to life his quest for world domination toward adulthood. As they strive to stay has only intensifi ed over the millennia. Look out. Even the Mummy’s mommy would be in touch and share their new experiences scared of this pissed dude. Starring: Brendan Fraser, Jet Li, Michelle Yeoh, Maria Bello with heart and humor, they will come to and Luke Ford. Rated PG13, themummy.com value more than ever the immeasurable power of their friendship. This is the second fi lm based on Ann Brashares’ best-selling SWING VOTE series of novels about four young women who share an unbreakable bond through one pair of road worn blue jeans. Starring: Amber Tamblyn, America Ferrera, Blake Lively, Alexis Bledel, Rachel Nichols, Rachel Ticotin, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Blythe Danner. Rated PG13, sisterhoodofthetravel- FLY ME TO THE MOON ingpants2.warnerbros.com

FLY ME TO THE MOON If you have little ones who won’t get totally freaked, this 3-D animated adventure combines the Apollo 11 mission with a whimsical tale of three stowaway house ﬂ ies who hitch

SWING VOTE Kevin Costner is back in a another once loser/now winner role much like Roy McAvoy in Tin Cup. This time he plays Bud Johnson, an apathetic, beer-slinging, lovable loser who is coasting through a life that has passed him by. The one bright spot is his precocious, over-achieving twelve year-old daughter Molly (Madeline Carroll). Somehow, while casting his Presidential election vote, Bud’s ballot was rejected in error starting a maelstrom of political bantering, badgering and bribing to win his delayed

36 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | movies a ride to the moon. The wayward tagalongs cause mayhem and mischief as America’s historic moment in 1969 unfolds live before a world-wide audience. Featuring the voice tal- ents of Kellie Rippa (what no Regis?), Edwin E. Aldrin Jr, Christopher Lloyd, Robert Patrick, Nicollette Sheridan and Dr. Frankenfurter himself, Tim Curry. Rated G, ﬂ ymetothe- moonthemovie.com

THE PINEAPPLE EXPRESS Get ready for the 21st Century version of Up In Smoke as lazy stoner Dale Denton has only one reason to visit his equally lazy dealer Saul Silver: to purchase weed. Saul has a stash of a rare new strain called Pineapple Express. But when Dale becomes the only witness to a murder by a crooked cop and the city’s most dangerous drug lord, he panics and drops his joint of Pine- apple Express at the scene. Dale now has another reason to visit Saul: to fi nd out if the weed is so rare that it can be traced back to him. Guess what? It is. As Dale and Saul run for their lives as the bad guys are hot on their trail and trying to fi gure out the fastest way to kill them both. All aboard the Pineapple Express…rolling a fat one outbound on track august movies 11. Starring: James Franco, Seth Rogen, Craig Robinson, James Remar and Joe Lo Truglio. Rated R, ridetheexpress. com THE PINEAPPLE EXPRESS AUGUST 15 STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS The George Lucas adventure franchise Star Wars TROPIC THUNDER Written, directed by Ben Stiller who is joined by Jack Black and Robert Downey, takes on a dazzling new look in the fi rst-ever animated feature from Lucasfi lm Anima- Jr. as a stellar laugh trio complete with automatic weapons and explosions galore. Comedy fans tion. The galaxy is consumed by the Clone Wars, a massive civil war that has pitted the can start drooling immediately at the thought of these three funnymen joining forces. A group of evil Separatists and their droid armies against the Republic and its Jedi protectors. To self-absorbed actors set out to make the most expensive war fi lm. But after ballooning costs force gain an advantage in the ever-escalating confl ict, Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and his the studio to cancel the movie, the frustrated director refuses to stop shooting, leading his cast into the jungles of Southeast Asia, where they encounter real bad guys. The men star as a trio of actors (continued on page 38) whose fi lming experience in southeast Asia gets a little too real as they must become as tough as the characters they play to get out of a crisis. Starring: Ben Stiller, Jack Black, Robert Downey Jr., Jay Baruchel and Nick Nolte. Rated R, tropicthunder.com

MIRRORS

MIRRORS In this reimagining of a Japanese horror fi lm, Kiefer Sutherland plays an ex-cop whose home is invaded by spirits via its mirrors. A man is head of security at a department store plagued by unexplained deaths. The store is also the target of demonstrators wanting compensation for an earlier staff fi re tragedy. The man becomes intrigued by a disturbed woman. She claims her sister, who died in the fi re, is exacting revenge, using mirrors as a gateway back into the living world. Star- ring: Kiefer Sutherland, Paula Patton, Ezra Buzzington, Erica Gluck and Cameron Boyce. Rated R

movies | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 37 nine years. She is Hef’s favorite and acts like a den mother to the other girls. On her birthday, she is unceremoniously evicted from Hef’s pad for ‘being too old.’ Homeless and without essential skills, Shelley wanders around L.A. until she ﬁ nds a new job--the housemother at the most unpopu- lar sorority on campus the sorority girls from Zeta Alpha Zeta. Unless they can sign a new pledge class, the seven socially clueless women will lose their house to the schem- ing girls of Phi Iota Mu. In order to accomplish their goal, they need Shelley to teach them the ways of makeup and men; at the same time, Shelley needs some of what the Zetas have – a sense of individuality. The combination leads all the girls to learn how to stop pretending and start being themselves. Starring: Anna Faris, Emma Stone, Rumer Willis, Kat Dennings and Katherine McPhee. Rated PG13, thehousebunny.com

DEATH RACE Terminal Island, New York: 2020. Overcrowd- ing in the U.S. penal system has reached a breaking point.

august movies Prisons have been turned over to a monolithic Weyland Corporation, which sees jails full of thugs as an opportunity for televised sport. Adrenalized inmates, a global audience hungry for violence and a spectacular, enclosed arena come THE HOUSE BUNNY together to form the ‘Death Race’, the world’s biggest, most brutal sporting event. Five-time NASCAR champion Jensen Padawan learner Ahsoka Tano are sent on a mission with far-reaching consequences, Ames is a man who has become an expert at survival. After eight years of hard time, he has only six one that brings them face-to-face with notorious crime lord Jabba the Hutt. Compound- weeks before reuniting with his family. But when Weyland demands a driver to headline the big game, ing the dangers that await them on Tatooine, Anakin and Ahsoka are pursued by Count Ames is forced to submit. Donning the costume of mythical rider Frankenstein, the racer becomes an Dooku and his sinister agents - including the mysterious Asajj Ventress - who will stop instant crowd favorite, an unequaled sporting superstar. Driving a monster car outﬁ tted with machine at nothing to ensure that the Jedi are defeated. Meanwhile, on the front lines, Obi-Wan guns, ﬂ amethrowers and grenade launchers, Ames must now kill or be killed to win the most treach- Kenobi and Master Yoda lead the clone forces in a valiant effort to resist the forces of the dark side. Stakes are high, and the fate of the Star Wars universe rests in the hands of the daring Jedi Knights. Their exploits lead to the action-packed battles and astonish- DEATH RACE ing new revelations. Rated PG

STAR WARS: THE CLONE WARS

AUGUST 20

THE ROCKER Rainn Wilson, the guy who most people recognize as Dwight Schrute, the obnoxious sales rep with a superiority complex from The Offi ce, stars as Robert “Fish” Fishman. Once he was the explosive drummer for the eighties hair band Vesuvius. Fish was living the rock n’ roll dream until he is booted from the band. Twenty years after his rock star fantasies were destroyed Fish sees a hazy ray of hope when he hears that his nephew’s high school rock band A.D.D. is looking for a new drummer. They reluctantly make him the newest member of the band, giving him a chance to reclaim the rock God erous spectator sport on Earth: ‘Death Race.’ Rated R throne he’s always thought he deserved, and taking the young band along for the rock AUGUST 29 ride of their lives. Starring: Christina Applegate, Jane Lynch and Josh Gad Rated PG13, rockermovie.com BABYLON A.D. A mercenary charged with delivering a young woman from Russia to Canada learns that she has been manipulated by a synthetic virus and what lies inside her could doom the human AUGUST 22 race. Vin Diesel muscles his way from Eastern Europe to New York City in this post-apocalyptic thriller. French director Mathieu Kassovitz (LA HAINE, GOTHIKA) helms this fi lm based on the novel THE HOUSE BUNNY Shelley Darlington has lived at the Playboy mansion for the last BABYLON BABIES by Maurice G. Dantec. Tarring: Vincent Cassel, Vin Diesel, Michelle Yeoh, Melanie Thierry and Gerard Depardieu. Rated PG13, babylonadmovie.com 38 AUGUST 2008 | eu jacksonville monthly | movies special showings August 22&23- wreak revengeuponhiskillers. less soulbackfromthedeadandhesetsoutto violence andarson.AcrowbringsDraven’srest- Top Dollartraditionallyindulgeinwantonactsof Night, anightwhenthehenchmenofcrime-boss and hisfi murderedonDevil’s ancée arebrutally August 11&12- Summer camphijinks,setin1981. Rock. (2001), HighTimes.HardBodies.Soft August 1&2- SAN MARCOTHEATRE MIDNIGHT MOVIESAT THE 29 &30- Mother ofTears fromdestroyingRome. abilities of herown,mustpreventthe seems tohavesupernatural studentSarahMandy, ofpsychosanddemons,art who army August 8&9- any otherprograminAmericanhistory. intomorepropertheatersthan animated shorts TheShow’s annualgoalistobring Hertzfeldt. grammed byco-producersMikeJudgeandDon fiof theworld’sbestanimatedshort lms, pro- collection The AnimationShowisaninternational 3, Enjoy freeshowingsofBoomers’favoritefi lms onthe2ndand4th NOT JUSTFORBABY BOOMERSFILMSERIES DAY OFF gust 5- LauraSt.FreeLibrary/Teen Popcorn included!Au- Dept.,303North so comeenjoyamovieonTuesday at2pmMain afternoons Teens haveafewmoreweeksoffreedombeforeschoolstarts SUMMER MOVIEMATINEE FORTEENS Card (Ten Admissions).Tickets:355-2787orticketmaster. THE SEARCHERS Jacksonville’s ownclassics. inthebeautifulsettingofone selections fromcinematichistory ida Theatre.EachSundaythroughAugust31,at2pmenjoygreat This willbethefi nal monthofsummermovieclassicsattheFlor- SUMMER MOVIECLASSICS 396-4845 dead carcassoftheChickens?SanMarcoTheatre,11:55pm,Info: will ArbiedowhenthemutatedtoxicspiritsofIndiansenter built onanAncientIndianBurialGroundandToxic Waste. What she alwaysprotests.Onething,theAmericanChickenBunkerwas go tocollegebutworkattheAmericanChickenBunkerwhere outtobealesbian,he decidesnotto When Arbie’sgirlfriendturns EAST OFEDEN THE INCREDIBLES . Info:630-0673orjpl.coj.net. POULTRYGEIST: NIGHTOFTHECHICKENDEAD THE ANIMATION SHOW4 WET HOTAMERICANSUMMER onAugust24.$6SingleAdmission,$40Movie onAugust10, MOTHER OFTEARS THE CROW

and August12- SPARTACUS (1994)EricDraven FUNNY FACE (2007),Aloneagainstan (2008), will beshownonAugust FERRIS BUELLER’S

on August17and

(2006), St., AtlanticBeach.Info:630-4100or247-5851. joy anicefamilymovieunderthestars.DonnerPark, 2072George at dusk.Bringyoupicnicbaskets,lawnchairs,andblanketsen- Park onSaturday, August9,withashowingof JaxParks &AtlanticBeachpresentsMoviesinthePark atDonner Movies inthePark River atRisk ing attheIMAX, DARK KNIGHT The World GolfHallofFame IMAX®Theaterisnowshowing The DarkKnightinIMAX Marlon Brando,andKimHunter. 1951.Info:630-1741 .“EliaKazandirectedVivienLeigh, tell whatoughttobetruth. I to givethatpeople.Idomisrepresentthings.don’ttelltruths. DESIRE 1964. 85minutes.Rated G.August28- thelads’charismastillthrills. ataconcert, new song,orperforming shrieking girls,dashingthroughthestreetsofLondon,recordinga incredible energyandhumorarecontagious.Whetherescaping Paul, George,andRingointhefi rst yearsofBeatlemania.Their ditorium. August14- HicksAu- Thursdays eachmonthat5:45pmintheMainLibrary’s as TheJoker. knowntotheterrifirising criminalmastermind ed citizensofGotham they soonfi nd themselvespreytoareignofchaosunleashedby provestobeeffective,but plague thecitystreets.Thepartnership man setsouttodismantletheremainingcriminalorganizationsthat Dent,Bat- Harvey of LieutenantJimGordonandDistrictAttorney fi lm, Batmanraisesthestakesinhiswaroncrime.Withhelp -“Idon’twantrealism.Imagic!Yes, yes,magic.Itry . Info:wgv.com or940-IMAX. The DarkKnight , thesequelto2005 Antarctica, Dolphins,Everest A HARDDAY’S NIGHT - runs through August24.Alsoplay- -runs WET HOTAMERICANSUMMER Batman Begins A STREETCARNAMED , LiveadaywithJohn, , and CARS Grand Canyon: . Movie starts . Moviestarts . Inthenew movies THE | eujacksonville.com | AUGUST 2008 39