JACKSONVILLE ning! ope change your life in 2007 new years resolutions inside freedom writers another oscar for swank? entertaining u newspaper free weekly guide to entertainment and more | january 4-10, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents feature New Year’s Resolutions...... PAGES 16-19 Keep Kids Active In 2007...... PAGE 20 movies Freedom Writers (movie review)...... PAGE 6 Movies In Theatres This Week...... PAGES 6-10 Perfume: Story Of A Murderer (movie review)...... PAGE 7 Seen, Heard, Noted & Quoted...... PAGE 7 Happily Never After (movie review)...... PAGE 8 The Reel Tim Massett...... PAGE 9 Children Of Men (movie review)...... PAGE 10 at home The Factotum (DVD review)...... PAGE 12 Dirt (TV Review)...... PAGE 13 Video Games...... PAGE 14 Next (book review)...... PAGE 14 food Cilantro (restaurant review)...... PAGE 15 music Shantytown Pub...... PAGE 21 Music Calendar...... PAGES 22-26 Internet Radio...... PAGE 22 Al Maniscalo (The Brick)...... PAGE 23 The AB’s and Swordz (Jack Rabbits)...... PAGE 24 Fed Up (Landshark Cafe)...... PAGE 25 Carey Ott (album review)...... PAGE 25 arts / theatre / on stage Defending The Caveman (FCCJ Artists)...... PAGE 26 I Can’t Stop Loving You (UNF Fine Arts)...... PAGE 26 One Thousand and One Nights (FCCJ Artist)...... PAGE 27 Arts Calendar...... PAGES 27-28 New Year’s Eve At The Pelican Club (PBTS)...... PAGE 28 Visions Of Florida (photo exhibit)...... PAGE 29 columns and stuff The Jock...... PAGE 29 NASCAR news & notes...... PAGE 30

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 3 don’t miss Donna the buffalo thisweek thursday at cafe eleven. “Rumors,” at the Orange Park january 4 thursday Community Theatre In this hysterical comedy by Neil Simon, four couples Donna The Buffalo are invited to attend a 10th The socially and politically charged eclectic grassroots blend of wedding anniversary party Donna the Buffalo catches the ear and takes the listener through for a New York deputy mayor. Cajun stylings, reggae-rock, folk, zydeco and country with a However, the party never distinctive sound that is hard to characterize but easy to listen to. begins because the host has Cafe Eleven - 8:30 PM, Cost: $18 Info: 469-9311 shot himself (barely) and his wife is missing. The cover-up wilson empire grows progressively harder to sustain as more guests arrive and nobody can remember who has been told what. As the situation becomes more crazed, the partygoers become more confused. Shows through Jan 27 at the Orange Park Community Theatre, 2900 Moody Road, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 8:00 PM, and Sunday performances are at 3:00 PM Info: 276-2599 or visit www.OPCT.org sunday january 7 Wilson Empire w/ Nolan Neal, the Gay Cowboys and Alexis Cone EMMA Concert Series The Threepenny Symphony Presents Pop Go The Classics Wilson Empire, the Rock / Pop group from Atlanta bill themselves as saturday january 6 which showcases celebrated pianist and arranger Mac Frampton, “Characters of Real Life.” Experiential, spiritual, moving, thought- accompanied by The ThreePenny Symphony, in a production that provoking music is what defines Wilson Empire. The captivating Miles Jaye the Music, the Passion, the Love merges his conservatory training with his mastery of pop and vocals of Jeremy Ezell, passionate guitars of Josh Lowe, Shaun featuring: Alyson Williams jazz. They bring to the stage fresh and original interpretations of Hoppers tasteful bass playing, and Ryan Grahams solid drumming Alyson Williams is the daughter of bandleader / trumpeteer revered classical works with a sound “as powerful as fireworks present a musical ensemble reminiscent of the early days of Rock ‘n Bobby Booker and native New Yorker. Always inventive and and as soothing as a sunset.” Experience Johann Sebastian Bach Roll. Jack Rabbits 8:00PM Info: 398-7496 a real go-getter, Alyson is also considering a show entitled performed as if he were alive and well and living in Greenwich ‘Friends On Broadway’ for all the many singers in musical Village; Chopin from the setting of a cool jazz club; and, of course, january 4 - 6 theater. ‘It will be an ‘East Coast Meets West Coast’ kind of George Gershwin. It’s the classical music we all know - with a twist Beethoven’s Emperor by the Jacksonville thing because I know a lot of people who sing their face off! of pop. Flagler College Auditorium, 14 Granada St., St. Augustine Yup, ‘Friends On Broadway’ is the kind of show that would - 2:00 pm Info: 797-2800 Symphony Orchestra shut down ‘American Idol’!” Alyson laughs. Indeed, singing A cowboy travels to the city and sees the opera Faust, then tells her face off is just what Alyson Williams herself does and look his friend about it with a wonderful Argentinean flare. Although no further than ‘It’s About Time,’ a welcome return for a truly Beethoven would have disliked this label, it certainly fits this mag- soulful-singin’ sister! nificent and powerful concerto, performed by a Van Cliburn winner. Ritz Theatre – 7:00 pm monday january 8 Maximiano Valdes, conductor and Sa Chen, piano. Robert E. Jacoby Info: 632-5555 Tickets: 353-3309 Symphony Hall at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, petticoat, Thur. 7:30 pm, Fri./Sat. 8 pm. 354-5547 Petticoat, Petticoat with Helios petticoat SCOUT NIGHT with the Barracudas Eye, Scourge of the Sea, and as they face the Fayetteville FireAntz Nathaniel Carroll Pre-Register your Troop/Pack with the Barracudas An intimate lover’s tease fostered the catchy friday january 5 office and for only $9 per person receive: Lower indie jangles that made a name for Petticoat, Bowl Ticket, Block Seating, PA Announcement Petticoat. Lyrically, many of the songs are recognizing your Pack/Troop, A Complimentary love letters between long time sweethearts Cori Yarckin along with Nimble Jim, John Frank Barracudas Scout Uniform Patch, and a pre-game Dickie Haydon and Kristin Messina. Working and Effed March on the Ice. The night of the game everyone as a collective, Haydon and Messina, with Orlando native Cori Yarckin propulsive songcraft blends confessional wearing a Scout Uniform can get the help of close friends, enjoy collaborating lyrics with modern rock attitude and sharp pop melodies, offering General Admission $13 tickets, for only $7 each on anything from ideas on a whim to a radio-ready sound that is often compared to a modern day Pat (Max. 4) finished products. TSI, 333 E. Bay St. Info: Benatar. The French Quarter, 5800 Philips Hwy - 9 pm Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena - 7:05 pm 424.3531

4 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper THE ALMOST with Forgive the almost Durden and Classic Case The Almost is a band lead by Aaron Gillespie who is also in Underoath. Aaron and his friends; Jay, Nick, Alex and Ken, will be touring all year whenever Underoath is not on the road. The Almost will release their debut CD, recorded earlier this year, sometime in the spring of 2007. Jack Rabbit’s – 7 pm, Price: $10 Info: 398-7496

wednesday january 10

Agent Orange

Agent Orange, Quick Six, Wounded Knee, Walton Heist The Original Southern California punk/surf power trio, Agent Orange, has been around since forever. Never bought in, never sold out. They blazed a musical trail so wide that imitators had no trouble driving right up the middle of it in an armored truck full of major label ca$h. Still flying under the radar after all these years, with a loyal following that’s always one step ahead. 100% guaranteed to make your ears ring. Expose yourself to Agent Orange’s Fullblown-Supercharged-Punk-Surf-Grind, and you’ll never be the same. They invite you to c’mon down front! Jack Rabbits – 8 pm next thursday january 11 State Ballet of Russia: One Thousand & One Nights The State Ballet Theatre of Russia’s 54 dancers are many distinguished Russian artists and winners of many international ballet competitions. Principal dancers in One Thousand and One Nights include Ekaterina Liubih (as Nurida), People’s Artist of Russia Tatiana Frolova (Scheherazade) and Vladislav Ivanov (Shakhriar). A full symphony orchestra, intricate sets and beautiful costumes complete the performance. Presented by the FCCJ Artists Series. Read more on page 27. Times Union Ctr Perf Arts Moran Theater - 7:30 pm. Tickets: $27.50 to $47.50. Info and tickets: 632-3373 or online at www.artistseries.fccj.org.

Doug E Fresh & The Get Fresh Crew The first human beatbox in the rap world, and still the best of all time, Doug E. Fresh amazed audiences with his note-perfect imitations of drum machines, effects, and often large samples of hip-hop classics. By 1985, Fresh was one of the biggest names in rap music, and his first single for Reality, ‘The Show/La Di Da Di,’ became a hip-hop classic. It was recorded with his Get Fresh Crew, including MC Ricky D (only later to gain fame as Slick Rick), along with Barry Bee and Chill Will. Plush Info: 743-1845

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 5 opening this week

FREEDOM WRITERS Hilary Swank stars as a new teacher in a tough urban school that has all but given a little caring can mean a lot up on these ghetto kids. Swank’s character finds new This story underscores the adage that no child and innovative ways to motivate her students. This scenario is based on a true story of a remarkable Freedom Writers movie review should be left behind. Of course, the secret is to teacher. Rated PG-13 motivate them to learn. When their lives are falling by Rick grant [email protected] apart, that is a difficult task. However, Gruwell used real life examples to motivate her students. They were deeply moved by the Holocaust Museum. Then Gruwell made arrangements to get a Holocaust survivor to come to the school and talk to the kids, which was a special moment in their lives. They could identify with the Jewish struggle during WWII and were hungry for more knowledge on the subject. Gruwell’s most significant move was to provide them notebooks in which to write their diaries. She had a locked cabinet in which they could place their HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER This animated feature stars notebooks if they wanted her to read them. If not, a wizard who is in charge of Fairy Tale World. When that was okay. The point was, she got them writing he goes on holiday, Cinderella’s wicked stepmother and thinking about their lives and how it related to takes over the land and all hell breaks loose. From the what they were studying. The first step was to get creators of Shrek. Rated PG the kids over their own post traumatic stress syn- drome, and writing about it was healing therapy. CHILDREN OF MEN In this riveting film written and Writer /director, Richard LaGravenese avoided directed by Alfonso Cuaron, Clive Owen stars as a any overly sentimental scenes. He adapted his disillusioned activist, Theodore Faron. The story is set screenplay from Gruwell’s book The Freedom Writ- in 2027 in Great Britain–a violent time when, for some ers Diary, which is a compilation of the real students inexplicable reason, it has been nineteen years since writings. Gruwell’s extraordinary accomplishment any women on earth could give birth. Theodore agrees to help transport a woman, who is miraculously led to a “Freedom Writers” movement and a new pregnant, to a sanctuary on an island at sea. England approach to teaching project kids. is in a state of anarchy with various activist groups The school’s administration had given up on fighting each other. Through this tumultuous backdrop, these kids, but Gruwell saw an opportunity to make he and the woman go through many life-threatening situations to get her to safety. Rated R B+ Rated PG-13 123 min

For two time Oscar winner Hilary Swank, find- ing a worthwhile project for her own production company had been difficult. However, this inspiring and powerful true story of a remarkable teacher Erin Gruwell, adapted from The Freedom Writers Diary, was something she had to produce. Swank stars as Gruwell set in the turbulent early 1990s in an inner- city high school that had all but given up on teaching these racially divided project kids. As a first time teacher, Gruwell approached her teaching assignment of the freshmen class with an open mind. She was in for a rude awakening. However, once she learned of the student’s problems CODE NAME: THE CLEANER Cedric the Entertainer and the fear and strife they lived under everyday, she plays Jake, a regular guy who is hit on the head by developed a special curriculum to motivate these mysterious assailants. When he wakes up he suffers potential dropouts into becoming honor roll students. from amnesia. Suddenly, he finds himself involved in The hook of the premise is: Gruwell never gave a government conspiracy. His pursuers are convinced up on these problem kids, and she was determined he is an undercover agent. Comedy situations ensue. to help them in their lives and their school work. Ah, Rated PG-13 but she was up against a cynical administration who had weeded out the bright kids and just warehoused the trouble makers, hoping they would quit. Gruwell believed that, with the right approach, she could make them see how their lives were connected with historical icons like Anne Frank and the Holocaust. Gruwell worked two other part time jobs to afford to buy the kids books and take them on field trips to museums. Her dedication to the students eventually ended her marriage. Her husband just couldn’t cope with her drive and he felt neglected. Despite this setback, Gruwell persevered taking the One of Gruwell’s problems was her status as a difference and prove that these kids could learn kids to the Holocaust Museum and buying them cop- a new teacher. This meant that she could not teach and advance with the right teaching methods. But it PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER Jean- ies of Anne Frank’s autobiography. them in their junior or senior year, which by then, took total dedication on her part and cost her mar- Baptiste Grenouille was born into poverty, but Each of Gruwell’s students had traumatic the students wanted her to follow them through high riage. Not all teachers are that dedicated. as he grows up being abused by various people, events happen in their lives. Many of them lost school. Gruwell moved heaven and earth to at least The bottom line: The schools in these neigh- he discovers he has a superior olfactory sense. friends to drive-by shootings. Some kids had abu- teach them for their junior year. However, she faced borhoods have got to change their curriculums to Eventually, he becomes an apprentice to a famous sive parents, and some had been raped and beaten stiff opposition from the junior English teacher who accommodate kids that come from projects, which French Perfumer, making the has-been Perfumer rich by rival gang members. So, Gruwell faced an uphill had all the bright students. Gruwell’s charm and are war zones. If they don’t, the cycle will continue with his talent. His quest for the ultimate scent, leads struggle to overcome her students’ troubled pasts. sincerity proved too much for the school board who with most of the high school students dropping out him down a dark path. He seeks the perfect scent of a At every turn, Gruwell faced opposition from the made an exception to the rules and gave her the and ending up in jail or dead. Gruwell showed us the woman. Starring Ben Whishaw, Dustin Hoffman, Alan administration, and only when she got her student’s chance to teach her class in their junior and senior way to teach these kids. Now it’s up to the various continued pg 8 grades up did she catch a break. years. schools to adopt her methods.

6 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper seen. heard. noted. and quoted.

Could “Asleep” be a Euphemism for Passed Out? Britney Spears’ manager denied reports that the pop princess fainted and had to be carried out of a Las Vegas nightclub on New Year’s Eve, claiming that Spears simply fell “asleep” shortly after leading the New Year’s countdown and was escorted out by her own security. Get a life, Britney! No Marriage, No Cry Kate Moss’ rep denied that she exchanged vows with Pete Doherty in Phuket, Thailand on New Year’s Day, contradicting numerous published reports. “Contrary to various entirely false media reports today, there has not been any kind of marriage ceremony in Thai- land. She is on holiday,” Moss’s rep said in a state- ment. Yeah, Moss’s being cagey or lying. Indiana Mounts Up Again “After a decade in development, the fourth Indiana Jones film is finally due to begin shooting this year,” George Lucas said Friday. Despite a 19-year gap since the last movie in the franchise, Harrison Ford is feeling fit to reprise his role as the well-traveled scent of women archeologist with a flair for adventure. “I don’t know if the pants still fit, but I know the hat will,” Ford said in a statement. Get the whip and hat–head ‘em up move ‘em out. Perfume: Story of a Murderer James Brown Booked for One Last Gig More than 8,500 James Brown fans packed a stadium in Augusta, Georgia Saturday to pay their final by Rick grant [email protected] respects to the late musical legend in a public ceremony that included a tearful eulogy from Michael Jackson, who called Brown his “greatest inspiration.” Brown was buried in a private ceremony later in B+ Rated R 147 min fumes. He sees beautiful women and he is entranced the day. by their natural odor. His idea is to obtain their es- Could a perfume be created that is so powerful sence from their skin and hair by smearing animal Roots Touched Oprah in its olfactory perfection that it would cause people fat on their hair and body, then scrapping it off Oprah Winfrey opened her $40 million school for dis- to become intoxicated by its essence of spiritual -- brewing the mixture with added ingredients of his advantaged girls in South Africa Tuesday, giving 152 love? This was the question Patrick Suskind’s pro- invention. The only problem was: He can’t find any- students a chance for a better life. The 28-building tagonist, Jean-Batiste Grenouille asked himself in one willing to go through this disgusting procedure, campus features computer and science labs, a library, Suskind’s epic novel. Writer/director, Tom Tykwer even prostitutes. So, when he accidentally kills a a theater and a wellness center. “If you are surround- masterfully adapted Suskind’s novel into a shocking beautiful woman, it starts his serial killing spree to ed by beautiful things and wonderful teachers who screen scenario. gain enough essence of female beauty to create his inspire you, that beauty brings out the beauty in you,” Set in France, circa 1800s, the story chroni- crowing glory. Winfrey said of her reasoning for making the school cles Jean-Baptiste’s (Ben Whishaw) bizarre journey In his search for the most beautiful woman in so lavish. Oprah didn’t have to go all the way to Africa to create the holy grail of perfumes, which contained the world, Jean-Baptiste he meets his muse, Laura to start a school. There is plenty of need right here in the very essence of ethereal beauty. To smell it (Rachel Hurd-Wood) the stunning daughter of a the U.S. And, what’s with her affected African accent? would be like crossing over into heaven and feeling prominent townsman, Antoine Richis (Alan Rick- Has Oprah gone native? the love of God. man). Richis is trying to get people to realize there Jean-Baptiste was born to a fish seller in the is a serial killer in their midst. He is scared for his Laurie Receives Less of an Honor filth of her workplace. His mother left the baby to die, daughter, and rightly so–Jean-Baptiste has been Rod Stewart, director Peter Greenaway and TV star Penelope Keith were named Commanders of the but, despite all odds, he breathed and lived. Conse- stalking her. So he takes extraordinary security mea- Order of the British Empire in the Queen’s New Year’s Honors list Monday. Hugh Laurie received the quently, she was arrested and immediately hanged. sures and secrets Laura away in a remote country slightly less exalted accolade of Officer of the Order of the British Empire. Rod Stewart a Commander The newborn was sent to a hellish, overcrowded or- castle. Ah, but Jean-Baptiste uses his nose to find and Laurie only an Officer? It’s a scandal. phanage where he was abused. The child grew up as her scent–like a bloodhound. She is his last ingredi- a slave and was sold to a cruel task-master at a tan- ent of his peace de resistance of perfumes. To Boldly go to Space Camp nery. There he labored 18 hours a day for room and Tykwer goes to extremes to portray the miser- William Shatner agreed to serve as master of ceremonies at the Space Camp Hall of Fame induction board. One day, he is sent to Paris with the tannery’s able conditions of Paris and Grasse during that time, banquet in June, marking the U.S. Space Camp’s 25th anniversary. Apparently, he’s got some free time goods. This was the turning point for Jean-Baptiste. with dirt and horse feces everywhere. The people on his hands, now that Show Me the Money is no more and his Price line contract expired. How long During Jean-Baptiste’s childhood, he discov- rarely bathed and had rotten teeth. In this cacophony before he’s appearing at a Trekkie Convention telling the Trek nerds to “get a life”? ered his extraordinary olfactory ability. In his mind, of detritus, Jean-Baptiste’s genius created something he had catalogued his environment into a broad of such delicate beauty no one could resist its spell. It’s Finally Over spectrum of scents. His olfactory genius was to Yet, his killing spree was escalating, as the naked NBA great Michael Jordan and wife Anita “mutually and amicably” filing for divorce after 17 years of making perfume, as Einstein was to mathematics bodies of his victims were found in the open, posed. marriage. “A judgment for dissolution of their marriage was entered today. There will be no further state- and physics. Eventually, Jean-Baptiste escaped His loveless childhood created a sociopath with no ments,” their lawyers stated Friday. Juanita once tried to end things in 2002, but withdrew her petition his brutal master and traveled to Grasse, France’s emotional feeling. His quest for the ultimate perfume and said the pair were trying to reconcile. Will Michael now try to beat Wilt Chamberlain’s tryst record? perfume capital. He seeks out France’s most famous consumed his time, until he created it. Then he still It’s the only record left for him to beat. perfumer, Giueseppe Balding (Dustin Hoffman). At couldn’t feel the emotions that others felt. He could first, Guieseppe refused to take Jean-Baptiste as an control people by releasing the scent–they kneeled It’s Not Over Until the Assets are Divided apprentice. However, Jean-Baptiste amazed Giuese- at his feet and called him an angel. But he couldn’t Nick Lachey and Jessica Simpson wrapped up the division of their assets, according to legal docs ppe with his ability to create perfumes from memory achieve what he longed for the most–a soul. The obtained by People magazine. The ex-Newlyweds duo’s split was finalized in June, leaving them free to without using formulas. quest for creating his God-like perfume was more wed others. So far, neither has exercised that option. After a short apprenticeship with Guieseppe, gratifying than its completion. The irony was: He had Jean-Baptiste strikes out on his own. He becomes captured the elixir of human love in a bottle, but he obsessed with creating the magnum opus of per- couldn’t feel its effect.

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 7 Land. As it is, not so much. Perhaps this was a clever Rickman, Rachel Hurd-Wood, and Corinna Harfouch. allusion to the political state of the US: the castle be- Rated R ing the White House, the wolves being Republicans, THR3E Innocent lives hang on the whim of an elusive the evil being conducted behind closed doors instead psychopath whose strange riddles and impossible time of in your face, etc. Maybe not. Either way, I was un- lines force three people to end the game before all of impressed with the dilemma the good guys faced and them die. Rated PG-13. honestly didn’t care if they saved the day or not. Nothing seemed to fit or flow together. It’s as if they threw a bunch of scenes in a hat and pulled them out at random to create the finished product. The pac- ing seemed off from beginning to end. At the height of now showing the action (if you can call it that) a boring, lovey-dovey music video interrupts the story. It was a pointless APOCALYPTO Forget The Passion of The Christ, addition in relation to where the story was at the time this is Mel Gibson’s Braveheart-like portrayal of the and any momentum that was built up went crashing downfall of the Mayan kingdom. During the Mayan’s decline, the ruthless king decided that to make things right into the ground as the first notes played. better and appease the gods, he would engage in There are some good points about Happily massive human sacrifices. Jaguar Paw (Rudy Young N’Ever After. The casting was terrific, particularly blood) is a young man chosen for sacrifice. Ah, but Sigourney Weaver, whose voice is extremely effec- he has other ideas and flees the kingdom to organize tive in this role. Freddie Prinze, Jr.’s performance is a rebel army to defeat the demented king. Bloody also noteworthy, as his narration drives the plot and violence ensues. Rated R provides a couple of chuckles. I was also quite tickled with the character Rumpelstiltskin (Michael Mc- BLACK CHRISTMAS Bad taste or not, horror stalks Shane). Thanks to Frieda’s meddling, the dwarf ends Yuletide. A sorority house is terrorized by a serial killer happily never after up getting his hands on a baby, who he becomes who makes frightening phone calls and then murders very protective of and frequently pauses his maniacal the sorority sisters one by one during Christmas. laughter in order to calm the child. It’s goofy but it (Opens Christmas Day) movie review was just weird enough to evoke a laugh out of me. I dug the concept behind Happily N’Ever After. BLOOD DIAMOND A large priceless diamond I love twists on fairy tales and I’m always up for see- becomes the center of a struggle between a farmer, a by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] ing the bad guy get the upper hand, for at least a little smuggler, and a syndicate of businessmen trying to C- Rated PG 87 min. and ogres, but the kingdom itself never really seemed while. But, without a solid script and proper editing, lay their hands on it. Leonardo DiCaprio co-stars with to be in any danger. Maybe if Frieda had caused the the film is dead in the water. I strongly recommend Daimon Hounsou with Jennifer Connelly in this action I love fairy tales. I’m a girl, it’s part of my DNA. land to go into eternal darkness or something, I would waiting for the DVD release rather than seeing this film adventure story. Rated R Happily N’Ever After takes what we know about clas- have cared more about what happened to Fairy Tale in theaters.

sic fairy tales and lets us see what they would be like BORAT Shot as a mockumentary, Sacha Baron Cohen if the bad guys actually won for a change. It’s a great assumes the character of a journalist from Kazakhstan idea… too bad the film fails to deliver. who is dispatched to the United states to report on the greatest country in the world. Halfway into his All’s quiet in Fairy Tale Land. The heroes are travels, Borat becomes more interested in locating and saving damsels in distress. The heroines are meeting marrying Pamela Anderson. He even does interviews princes and becoming princesses. The evil doers are in character–a ploy that real journalists hate. Rated R getting what’s coming to them. But, when the wise old Wizard (George Carlin) who runs things decides CASINO ROYALE There’s a new Bond in town, and to leave his two assistants Munk (Wallace Shawn) he’s rough, tough, and macho–Daniel Craig. Yes, and Mambo (Andy Dick), in charge while he goes filmmaker Martin Campbell began this new Bond on vacation, all heck breaks loose. A certain wicked picture like the last 20 movies had never been made. stepmother named Frieda (Sigourney Weaver) gets He set out to reinvent the franchise. It worked! Craig her hands on the Wizard’s magical staff and decides is the best Bond yet–chiseled, powerful, and sexy. He to let the bad guys win for a change. Meanwhile, kills without hesitation, teams with the beautiful Vesper Cinderella (Sarah Michelle Gellar) teams up with her Lynd (Eva Green) and wears today’s fashions. In this best friend and Prince Charming’s (Patrick Warburton) scenario, Bond is tasked with his first mission from snarky servant Rick (Freddie Prinze Jr.) to put an end Q (Judi Dench). He must stop a financial backer of to Frieda’s scheming. The duo end up discovering that terrorism from winning a high stakes poker game in their happy ending isn’t quite what anyone (other than the Bahamas. Rated PG-13 audience members over the age of 5) expected. Many times when I’m sitting in a theater watch- CHARLOTTE’S WEB Wilbur the pig dreads the end of ing a children’s movie, I use my own kids as barom- the season because he knows that pigs go to heaven eters. If I’m not laughing but they are, I tend to cut the and end up on the dinner table. So he hatches a plan movie some slack since it’s clear I’m not the target with a spider that lives in his pen to prevent his demise audience. This happened with Happily N’Ever After. I from happening. Starring Dakota Fanning as Fern and sat there and maybe cracked two or three smiles dur- Julia Roberts as the voice of Charlotte. Rated G ing the first half of the film and wondered if it was me. DREAMGIRLS This fabulous film adaptation of the Maybe I just wasn’t getting it. As I paid closer atten- Broadway musical is based on Tom Eyen’s book–a tion to the reactions of the crowd and my own chil- thinly veiled biography of the rise of the Supremes as dren, it was clear that it wasn’t me. The film is just not the first black/white crossover singing group in the that funny, even when it tries to be. My kids laughed : 1960s. It’s the best adaptation of a Broadway musical out loud twice which says a lot for the comedy here. CODEODE NNAAMEME to film ever. Ex-American Idol reject, Jennifer Hudson There is quite a bit of adult humor that flies right over steals the movie as the Dreams original lead singer the heads of children, but also fall flat with those that Effie White who is dumped in favor of Deena (Beyonce’ the gags are aimed at. Rick, for example, harbors a Knowles) who represents Diana Ross. This movie huge crush on Cinderella and bags on the prince from TTHHECE CLEALEANENER could dominate the Academy Awards. Hudson is a the very start. This prompts a supporting character to w shoe-in for a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. quip that the young man suffers from “Prince envy.” SEXUAL CONTENT, CRUDE HUMOR AND SOME VIOLENCE www.thecleanermovie.com ©MMVI NEW LINE PRODUCTIONS, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Rated PG-13 (Opens Christmas Day) Hardy-har-har. AMC AMC The story itself was handled clumsily. I realize ORANGE PARK 24 REGENCY SQUARE 24 ERAGON A farm boy in his homeland of Alagasia Blanding Blvd. & Wells Rd. Outside Regency Mall this is a children’s movie, but the evil doers were NOW PLAYING! 264-3888 264-3888 finds a dragon egg that leads him on a predestined more silly than sinister much of the time, making the REGAL CINEMAS REGAL CINEMAS CINEMARK HOLLYWOOD THEATERS journey. Eventually, he finds out he is the one person AVENUES CINEMA 20 BEACH BLVD. 18 TINSELTOWN RIVER CITY MARKETPLACE 14 PLAYTIME D.I. heroes quest seem less important than it’s supposed Phillips Hwy., N. of I-95, Exit 98 14051 Beach Blvd. Southside Blvd. & Gate Pkwy. I-95 to Duval Rd. East Exit 6300 Blanding Blvd. (continuedcontinued on pg 9) 8 to be. Sure, the castle was filled with big bad wolves 800-FANDANGO #680 800-FANDANGO #188 998-2020 757-9880 771-2300

8 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper who can defend his homeland against an evil king by learning to ride a fire breathing dragon. This fantasy the reel tim massett redefines “air power,” as the dragon is used as a tactical weapon. Rated PG-13

HAPPY FEET In the close-knit world of Emperor getting with the programming Penguins, they find their mates through singing. But a penguin is born who can’t sing a note. So, the misfit Mumbles takes up tap dancing, and soon is banished by jon bosworth [email protected] for their community. He meets a posse of outcasts Tim Massett is not happy with me. In the late and soon the whole penguin nation is dancing to the greatest thing, I think, is for people to overcome the oldies. The animated film is voiced by Robin Williams, 90s I was determined to open my own art theatre notion that these smaller films are somehow not for and draft house. At the time I was working at the San Hugh Jackman, Elijah Wood, Nicole Kidman, and them because they aren’t driven by the Hollywood Brittany Murphy. Rated PG Marco Theatre and because I was a Woody Allen fan, marketing machine. The films we include in the festi- rented Bergman and Fellini films, and sawThe Crying val may not be for everyone, but everyone will come THE HOLIDAY Two women, played by Cameron Diaz Game at the Multiplex, I thought I was Jacksonville’s away with at least one enriching cinematic experience, and Kate Winslet who suffer from romantic difficulties, movie afficianado. Then Massett came to town and which will change their relationship to filmmaking. One swap homes in each other’s countries. There, each I lost my crown to someone that had a far better un- thing I also want to make clear, there is a time and a woman meets the man of their dreams. Co-starring derstanding of the art film scene and who had already place for Blockbuster films. I just wish they were all in Jude Law and Jack Black as the women’s love been part of an art theater and draft house in Texas. 3D. Did you see Superman in 3D? It was fantastic. interests. Typical holiday fare Rated PG-13 At first I was jealous, and later I came to appreciate him. EU: I’ve heard that you are in the beginning of ne- NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM A hapless security guard, Last week in my article, Cinematic for the gotiations with some big directors to come and host Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) accidently invokes an ancient Advanced Ticketing at amctheatres.com or (904) 264-3888 People (Issue 213), I told the story of Massetts arrival TALKIES, who are they? curse that causes the animals and insects on display in the River City the way I remembered it. That mem- A.M.Cinema - All seats $5 before noon to come to life. Rated PG TM: Richard Linklater, David Lynch, Kevin Smith, Wer- on Fri., Sat., Sun., & holidays - denoted by ( ) ory was not entirely accurate, so forgive any facts ner Herzog, and the list keeps growing. that may have been misrepresented, but as I always AMC Select- Special films for select tastes. PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS Will Smith stars in this say, I am not a journalist, I am a writer. Tim Massett EU: Is this series a trend that will gain national ORANGE PARK 24 true story of a precocious child and his father, who had absolutely no part in that article, so I am solely to steam? Couldn’t you book a “speaking tour” for Wells Road and Blanding through circumstances beyond his control, drfits into a blame for anything that was said in it. these directors in theatres nationwide to bring The FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13)  (11:00 @ $5), 1:45, 4:45, 7:45, downward spiral and ends up homeless but working in 10:45 a Dean Witter internship. Later he becomes a top Wall When Massett came back to town, he righ- TALKIES to a larger audience?  CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG13) (11:50 @ $5), 2:25, Street broker. Smith’s real life son Jaden Smith plays teously fumed over my article, reluctantly accepted TM: It is already gaining national recognition, and it 5:00, 7:30, 10:00 HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG)  (11:55 @ $5), 2:30, 5:15, his son in this engrossing docudrama. Rated PG-13 my flattering words, then answered these questions in will gain even more, but why take it elsewhere? Creat- 7:45, 10:10 earnest. ing a series unique to Jacksonville for Jacksonville BLACK CHRISTMAS (R)  (11:10 @ $5), 1:40, 4:20, 7:00, 9:40 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) (11:30 @ $5), 3:15, 7:00, 10:40 ROCKY BALBOA If Sylvester Stallone lives to a only. That’s money in the bank! Folks will eventually NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:00, 11:35 @ $5), 1:45, 3:20, EU: Was the concept of “The TALKIES” your idea? 4:30, 7:15, 10:00, 10:35 hundred, he could make Rocky in a walker. Stallone be coming in from out of town to Jacksonville to see WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) 12:40, 4:00, 7:05, 10:15 as Rocky is now 60, but he feels like he can fight one TM: Yes...I like the idea of cinema striking back and something that isn’t done elsewhere. I think it’s fan- ROCKY BALBOA (PG) (11:20 @ $5), 2:05, 4:50, 7:25, 8:00, 9:55, taking something that the inferior DVD experience 10:45 more time. Rated PG tastic to create something this fun in a town that no CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:15 @ $5), 12:00, 1:50, 2:30, 4:20, offers (the alternate commentary track) and making 5:25, 8:00, 10:35 one has heard of unless they watch football. THE GOOD SHEPHERD Matt Damon stars as Edward it much better in the cinema. First you get to see the ERAGON (PG) 12:15, 3:00, 3:45, 5:40, 8:15, 9:15, 10:40 THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:05 @ $5), 12:45, Wilson, one of the creators of the CIA back in 1945. film the way it was intended to be seen, in 35mm, 2:00, 4:45, 6:15, 7:55, 10:45 EU: What would it take to get the JFF to transcend APOCALYPTO (R) 7:15, 10:25 The film chronicles how Wilson’s contacts at Yale’s and then the next night not only bring in the filmmaker, the local community and become a film festival of BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 12:30, 4:00, 7:20, 10:30 secret society called the Skull & Bones helped him but have him skip on down memory lane without an THE HOLIDAY (PG13) (11:40 @ $5), 3:30, 6:45, 9:50 the stature of the Slamdance Film Festival in Utah UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (PG) (11:35 @ $5), 2:05, 4:45 build a power base as a stern, patriotic, and driven annoying nerd prompting the questions. Allowing or the Toronto Film Festival? DEJA VU (PG13) 10:20 PM workaholic. Directed by Robert De Niro with an all-star the filmmaker to travel to the past in-person with the CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 7:10, 10:25 TM: Even though I find this question irritating, I am HAPPY FEET (PG) (11:25 @ $5), 2:15, 4:55, 7:40 cast. Rated R audience. You can only have this experience in the glad you asked it. Who wants to be Toronto, Slam- ————$AMC SELECT%———— cinema. DREAMGIRLS (PG13)  (11:55 @ $5), 12:45, 3:10, 4:05, 6:20, dance or Sundance? I want to be a part of a festival 7:10, 9:30, 10:20 THE NATIVITY STORY This docudrama, directed by PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER (R)  Catherine Hardwicke, focuses on the life of Mary and that finds its own identity. This town needs a jolt of (11:50 @ $5), 3:30, 7:00, 10:30 EU: How do you get the attention of national film- self-esteem. All the filmmakers that come have a great THR3E (PG13) (11:10 @ $5), 1:50, 4:30, 7:20, 10:05 Joseph before the birth of Christ. The screenwriter makers such as John Waters and David Lynch? THE CHILDREN OF MEN (R)  (11:25 @ $5), 2:10, 4:50, 7:35, endeavored to be Biblically correct, with fictionalized time because they are treated better than “bigger” fes- 10:15 TM: Well, I have yet to hear from Lynch’s assistant, tivals treat them and they get to share their work with THE NATIVITY STORY (PG) (11:45 @ $5), 2:20, 4:55 dialogue. The couple eventually journeys to Bethlehem but these things take time. With Waters it was quick. a population that most likely would never see their under difficult circumstances where Mary gives birth. After bringing in Herschell Gordon Lewis for the first work. And folks that attend our festival really want to REGENCY 24 Rated PG Behind Regency Square Mall TALKIES, the next logical invite had to be Waters. see the work. The biggest hurdle our festival has to FREEDOM WRITERS (PG13)  (11:00 @ $5), 1:40, 4:25, 7:10, UNACCOMPANIED MINORS A gaggle of Waters has been a huge fan of Lewis since before his overcome is convincing folks that it’s a worthy place 10:05 unaccompanied minors are snowed in at Chicago’s filmmakin’ days and was influenced by him. I recalled to screen, because that’s the only reason they would CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG13)  (11:55 @ $5), 2:15, 4:45, 7:05, 9:30 Airport during the holiday season. To amuse that a filmmaker I brought to town for the Film Festival include their film. They aren’t going to meet anyone HAPPILY N’EVER AFTER (PG)  (11:15 @ $5), 1:25, 3:35, had used Waters for some voiceover work on his film 5:45, 7:55, 10:05 themselves, they create a makeshift holiday. Rated PG in the “industry”. There is a time and place for the BLACK CHRISTMAS (R)  (11:20 @ $5), 1:25, 3:50, 6:10, 8:25, Plagues and Pleasures of the Salton Sea and Chris “industry,” but it’s not at our festival. Out of all the fes- 10:40 Metzler was happy to hand over the assistant’s email THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) (11:10 @ $5), 2:35, 7:00, 10:35 WE ARE MARSHALL A tragic plane crash claims the tivals, and there hundreds, I would like to aspire to be NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) (11:05 @ $5), 12:15, 1:45, 3:00, lives of the Marshall Football team, some fans, and its address. I outlined the idea and they responded much similar to Telluride. They are in the middle of nowhere 4:30, 5:40, 7:15, 8:20, 10:05, 10:50 more quickly than I was prepared for. In addition to WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) (11:05 @ $5), 1:55, 4:50, 7:45, 10:40 coach. Matthew McConaughey plays Jack Lengyel, a and it’s hard to breathe there, but damn if they don’t ROCKY BALBOA (PG) (11:15 @ $5), 12:40, 1:50, 3:05, 5:35, 7:20, charismatic coach who rebuilds the Marshall football having Waters here to skip down Polyester memories, 8:10, 10:35 provide some of the best programming in the world. CHARLOTTE’S WEB (G) (11:55 @ $5), 2:40, 5:15, 7:45, 10:10 team so the kids and parents can move beyond the I also got my hands on enough “Odorama Cards” for ERAGON (PG) (11:25 @ $5), 2:10, 5:05, 7:35, 10:10 grief of the tragedy. Rated R everyone to smell along with the film too! THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG13) (11:10 @ $5), 1:10, EU: What midnight movies are coming up? 2:00, 3:55, 7:00, 8:00, 9:55 TM: Night of the Living Dead. El Topo and Holy Moun- APOCALYPTO (R) 7:25, 10:25 EU: Has the JFF provided any exemplary opportuni- BLOOD DIAMOND (R) 1:05, 4:15, 7:25, 10:30 tain (they have finally released new prints. The com- THE HOLIDAY (PG13) 1:30, 4:35, 7:40, 10:40 ties for you? pany that held the rights had not allowed screenings UNACCOMPANIED MINORS (PG) (11:45 @ $5), 2:10, 4:35 TM: Sure they have. I get to program some of the best DEJA VU (PG13) 4:20, 10:00 in North America for 20 years or so, but now they CASINO ROYALE (PG13) 4:40, 10:35 work I can get my hands on, and because we have have unleashed these hallucinogenic Mexican master- HAPPY FEET (PG) (11:00 @ $5), 12:55, 3:25, 5:55, 8:25 2007 enough great sponsors, we can market this event and BORAT (R) 7:05 6, Special Showings pieces). Last House on the Left. SAW III (R) 10:45 PM it translates to people in seats watching something ————$AMC SELECT%————

DREAMGIRLS (PG13)  (11:00 @ $5), 12:30, 2:00, 3:30, 4:55, January THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT The story of The they would never get a chance to see on the big , 6:30, 7:50, 9:40, 10:45 Last House on the Left closely follows that of Ingmar screen in this market. This, in turn, helps what I am PERFUME: THE STORY OF A MURDERER (R)  day See the complete (11:50 @ $5), 3:20, 7:20, 10:40 Bergman’s classic film The Virgin Spring (1960),

doing year-round when I program smaller titles such Satur THR3E (PG13) (11:40 @ $5), 2:20, 4:50, 7:30, 10:15 an Oscar winner for best foreign language film. The as Shortbus, Half Nelson, or Who Is Bozo Texino?. interview online at THE CHILDREN OF MEN (R)  (11:35 @ $5), 2:30, 5:10, 7:50, for 10:30 Craven film was controversial for its graphic depiction It takes time to build a film-going community, I have THE NATIVITY STORY (PG) (11:50 @ $5), 2:25, 5:00 Times continued pg 10 been working earnestly for six years on it, and the eujacksonville.com. -SPECIAL ENGAGEMENT No passes or discount coupons

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 9 of violence, and also for the manner in which the Now that Theo is committed to this mission, he villains imposed their psychopathic and sadistic will and Kee must deal with radically changing life and upon the victims. Craven was highly influenced by news footage from the Vietnam War and wanted to death situations. Gradually, Theo gains back his self convey that sense of violence he saw in that footage. respect. Suddenly, he’s having to make critical deci- The film carried the tagline “It’s only a movie” in sions, but his dedication to saving the miracle baby its advertising. ”The film split opinion with critics, and Kee never wavers. This baby represents hope for unsure whether the film is a bold artistic statement or all humankind. In this respect, the girl baby is a new exploitative trash, or some combination of the two. Messiah. Audiences, however, flocked to see the film and, along with films such as The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, it is credited with bringing a new sense of realistic violence to the modern horror film.Wes Craven has since Location is Everything directed many popular horror films including The Hills Have Eyes, A Nightmare on Elm Street, and Scream. The gloom and rain of the U.K. usually Producer Sean S. Cunningham, meanwhile, went on to frustrates filmmakers, but in the case ofChildren initiate one of the biggest horror film franchises in the of Men, set in a bleak future, it proved to be 1980s with Friday the 13th.. San Marco Theatre, Jan. 4 an advantage. That’s not to say there weren’t & 5 at midnight. Info: 396-4845. challenges in setting up locations. It took quite a bit of scheduling to get access to some of the BELLINI’S “I PURITANI” The Tinsletown Theatre more recognizable locales like Trafalgar Square will be showing a live simulcast in HD of Bellini’s and St. James’ Park, which are both subject “I Puritani” opera from the Metropolitan Opera to heavy tourist traffic. Locations department on Saturday, Jan. 6 at 1:30 pm. This is a unique head Michael Sharp explains the process in the opportunity to experience opera at the Met without simplest of terms when he says, “We started by going to New York. Call 998-2020 for more breaking down all the sequences that we needed information. to get within our small window of time and then worked our way though each stage. Alfonso was HUMIDITY True Southern Skateboarding in a video children of men determined from day one to have Admiralty Arch by Jim Grosser. Featuring the skateboarding of Mike and the Household Cavalry [literally the Queen’s Murphy, Scott Dorris, Joey Corey, Joe Marrara, Matt horsemen] in his movie, which meant a long Fink, Mike Peterson, and Tim Johnson. A $$ game movie review license process…and lots of veterinary tests to of skate hosted by SCU TV and live music by Danka. Cost: free. Saturday January 6th at The Breaks , get through!” 2493 Mayport Road, Atlantic Beach, 242-8888, Film by Rick grant [email protected] In most cases, the production had to work its way around location availability, specifically premiers at 7:00 pm and shows again at 10:00 pm. A- Rated R 109 min across country, they meet another militia which with Trafalgar Square and Admiralty Arch (located In this grim vision of the future, filmmaker clashes with Julian’s group. Tragedy strikes the across the street from the Square and the en- HALF NELSON The San Marco Theatre will be Alfonso Cuaron’s film adaptation of P.D. James’ travelers, and they take refuge at one of Theo’s close trance to the Mall, the road through St. James’s showing a film that has swept critics awards across novel has interesting parallels with today’s embattled friends’ hideout. He is an old long haired hippie Park leading to Buckingham Palace). Locations the country for 5 days only. High school teacher Dan world. Set in England in 2027, the world looks a lot named Jasper Palmer (Michael Caine) who lives on supervisor Sharp says, “That location was par- (Ryan Gosling) and quiet teenager Drey (Shareeka like today-- a series of endless wars and conflicts a high security compound where he grows pot and ticularly tricky to secure and available for literally Epps) are two lonely souls who wander the planet with one major difference. For some inexplicable takes care of his wife who has Alzheimer’s. looking to attach some semblance of meaning to one day between the start of preproduction in reason, women stopped having babies in 2009. The Caine’s eccentric and funny sequences as the their chaotic lives. Dan teaches Drey in a dilapidated 2005 and the second week in February 2006. human species is in decline. Fear, desolation, and fatalistic pot-head Jasper are bright spots in the oth- school in Brooklyn, New York. Their relationship is So we had to make it work! It’s also a crazy time anarchy grip the earth. Governments are nothing erwise dark mood of the scenario. When Theo and unremarkable until Drey discovers Dan collapsed of the year, due to all the events that take place more than police states fighting various militias and Kee set out, she was almost due, but in a particularly and clutching a crack pipe in a grimy toilet cubicle in for the Trafalgar and Second World War celebra- protest groups with their own agendas. dangerous part of their escape, her water breaks the high school gym. It is from this pivotal moment tions.” Once an activist, Theo Faron (Clive Owen) has and she goes into labor. A crazy old lady gives them that director Ryan Fleck builds a tentative friendship Inherent in location filming is the mountain- settled in at a boring bureaucratic job. His child died shelter in an old building where she gives birth. Now, between these two unlikely allies, creating one of ous paperwork that needs to be executed to in a serious flu pandemic that swept Britain. His ex- she has the most important human, a girl, ever born 2006’s most arresting films in the process. San Marco secure shooting privileges—and it doesn’t come wife, Julian Taylor (Julienne Moore) leads a group of in her charge, and her trip to safety is in great jeop- Theatre, beginning Jan. 7 at 9:30 pm through Jan. 11. any tougher than attempting to maneuver through revolutionaries fighting the government over its cruel ardy. In fact, they try to escape through a ferocious For more info call 396-4845. the complex democratic system of interlocking immigration policy that is systematically deporting firefight between British soldiers, armed with tanks permissions with differing authorities to film in all foreigners, regardless of how long they’ve been in and other heavy ordnance, and the battle hardened Admiralty Arch and Trafalgar Square. Producer England. Marshall law rules. Like today in Iraq, large insurgents. Getting out of this jam will be a miracle. Iain Smith says, “When you see something numbers of people are dying for no reason other Owen portrays Theo with skillful subtlety and onscreen that could take three seconds, it has, than getting caught in the crossfire. an exterior coldness masking his inner-conflicts. in fact, taken several months of work to put to- After 18 years of no new babies being born, Clearly, he’s disheartened by years of grief, his di- gether.” the human race faces extinction. Yet, there is one vorce from Julian, and the terrible disintegration of woman who is pregnant, Kee (Claire-Hope Ashley) the British culture that he sees every day on his way and she carries the hope of humankind in her belly. to work. He has lost his will to fight, and has taken a Julian’s band of fighters are protecting her so she middle road just to be comfortable in his depression. can make it to a ship called The Tomorrow that will He carries a bottle of whiskey as his only friend. Tak- take her to an island where genetic experiments are ing this job as Kee’s protector is the most righteous being conducted to save humankind. It is called the thing he has ever done in his life. Human Project. Wisely, Julian only trusts Theo, her ex, and she The “Leave ‘em Laughing Tent,” the local chapter commissions him to take the job to be Kee’s body- of The International Laurel & Hardy Appreciation guard to get her through the various checkpoints Society (a/k/a Sons of the Desert) will be holding a with forged papers. Of course, it’s a dangerous mis- meeting on Mon., Jan. 8. at 6:00 to 7:45 p.m. Free to all ages. Pablo Creek Branch Library, 13295 Beach sion and Theo is no hero. So he offers to do it for Blvd. (between Kernan and Hodges Blvds.) Theme of money–5,000 pounds. meeting: “Happy Birthday, Oliver Hardy” - celebrating The hook of the premise is Theo’s and Kee’s Hardy’s 115th birthday (Jan. 18). Laurel & Hardy dangerous journey through the battlegrounds of movies to be screened: the silent short “Should England, dodging the British military and the various Married Men Go Home?” (1928), and the sound shorts insurgents they are fighting. In many ways, their trek “Be Big,” “Chickens Come Home” (both 1930), and is symbolic of Jesus’ birth, as they face many ob- “Their First Mistake” (1932) For more info call Steve stacles to delivering Kee to the safety of the Human Bailey, 246-0312 or visit the Tent’s website at www. Experiment. leaveemlaughing.com. (continued on pg 11) As the two unlikely allies make their way

10 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper STARTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 Regal Cinemas AVENUES AMC ORANGE PARK 24 Hollywood Theaters Cinemark STADIUM 20 Phillips Hwy N off Blanding Blvd & Wells Rd RIVER CITY TINSELTOWN I-95 800/FANDANGO #680 DIGITAL 904/264-3888 MARKETPLACE 14 Southside Blvd I-95 to Duval Rd East Exit & Gate Pkwy Regal Cinemas BEACH AMC REGENCY SQUARE 24 BOULEVARD 18 904/757-9880 DIGITAL 904/998-2020 14051 Beach Outside Regency Mall CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT THR3E (PG-13) DIG (130) 405 730 1015 Blvd 800/FANDANGO #188 DIGITAL 904/264-3888 AND SHOWTIMES TICKETS ACCEPTED FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) DIG (1215) 340 715 1005 MOBILE USERS: For Showtimes - Text FREEDOMWRITERS with your ZIP CODE to 43KIX (43549)! HAPPILY N'VER AFTER (PG) DIG (1200 215) 505 725 935 1140 CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG-13) DIG (115) 400 710 930 1145 CHILDRENOFMEN (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1210) 325 700 935 1205 DREAMGIRLS (PG-13) DIG (1200 100) 330 430 700 735 1010 1030 BLACK CHRISTMAS (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 355 940 1155 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1205) 335 705 1035 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG (1245 200) 350 500 720 800 1000 1030 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) DIG (145) 445 745 1035 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) DIG (1250) 335 650 925 1150 ERAGON (PG) DIG (225) 510 740 1015 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (105) 410 645 910 1155 PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG (135) 435 515 740 1020 1130 THE HOLIDAY (PG-13) DIG (1215) 330 645 955 APOCALYPTO (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1210) 640 BLOOD DIAMOND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (200 500) 800 1130 CASINO ROYALE (PG-13) DIG (155) 810 HAPPY FEET (PG) DIG (110) 415 655 930 1205

FREEDOM WRITERS (PG-13) DIG (1225 310) 720 1000 HAPPILY N'VER AFTER (PG) DIG (1215 225 435) 735 945 CODE NAME: THE CLEANER (PG-13) DIG (1220) 445 725 950 CHILDRENOFMEN (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (105) 440 750 1020 BLACK CHRISTMAS (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1230) 315 650 920 THE GOOD SHEPHERD (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1200) 330 700 1025 NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM (PG) DIG (1205 1235 240 510) 310 705 740 940 1010 WE ARE MARSHALL (PG) DIG (110) 410 730 1015 OC: ROCKY BALBOA (PG) DIG 325 ROCKY BALBOA (PG) DIG (1255) 640 935 ERAGON (PG) DIG (1235) 355 755 1010 CHARLOTTE'S WEB (G) DIG (1210 230) 505 800 1030 PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS (PG-13) DIG (100 130 340) 430 715 745 955 1020 NOW PLAYING THE HOLIDAY (PG-13) DIG (120) 420 710 1005 Regal Cinemas AVENUES AMC ORANGE PARK 24 AMC REGENCY SQUARE 24 Cinemark TINSELTOWN APOCALYPTO (R) - ID REQ'D DIG 1035 STADIUM 20 Phillips Hwy N off I-95 Blanding Blvd & Wells Road Outside Regency Mall Southside Blvd & Gate Pkwy BLOOD DIAMOND (R) - ID REQ'D DIG (1240) 345 645 1035 800/FANDANGO #680 DIGITAL 904/264-3888 904/264-3888 904/998-2020 CASINO ROYALE (PG-13) DIG (1205) 335 655 1025 CHECK THEATRE DIRECTORIES OR CALL FOR SOUND INFORMATION AND SHOWTIMES SPECIAL ENGAGEMENTS NO PASSES OR DISCOUNT TICKETS ACCEPTED HAPPY FEET (PG) DIG (115 405) 805 FOR GROUP TICKET SALES INFORMATION CALL: 1-877-PAR-GRP5 Times For 1/6/07 ©2007

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 11 new on dvd factotum Beer League (86 min.) Artie (Artie Lange) is an unemployed and un- motivated drunk that plays for a losing softball team and is predictably still living with his mother. dvd review When love enters his life, it unexpectedly alters Artie’s low self-esteem and he discovers that his by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] teammates are turning everything around. Rated The Factotum DVD only has one true bonus R for non-stop language including strong sexual feature: a 30 minute documentary on Bent Hamer’s references, sexuality, nudity and drug use. work and the making of the film itself. This featurette was made for Norwegian TV and is subtitled in Breakfast at Tiffany’s- Anniversary Edition English. The documentary covers Hamer’s earlier (115 min.) films Eggs, Water Easy Reach and Kitchen Stories. Breakfast at Tiffany’s is one of the most iconic Highlights include a charming interview with Marisa films ever made as evidenced by its nine DVD Tomei and hearing Hamer say “thank you” instead releases in as many years. This time around, fans of “cut” at the end of each scene. Beyond this nice get a handful of bonus features including audio supplement, there is also a promo for the film’s commentary with producer Richard Shepherd, soundtrack and the theatrical trailer. making-of featurettes and a letter written by Au- The acting in Factotum is probably some of the drey Hepburn to Tiffany. This film is not rated. best I’ve ever seen from Matt Dillion. He looks ter- Henry Chinaski (Matt Dillon) has an undeni- rible as Chinaski: bloated, red in the face, unkempt. able urge to write. It’s a force that causes him to His deadpan performance is at times hilarious and The Covenant (97 min.) cast everything and everyone else aside. Henry is at other times frustrating. In other words, he was Four teenagers who belong to a supernatural determined to get his work published and when he perfect for this character. I can’t think of a single legacy have their powers tested when a new guy finishes a short story he immediately mails it off to person who would have done better. Marisa Tomei people who would much rather watch a film with a comes to town possessing similar abilities. With Black Sparrow Press for consideration. When the also turns in a terrific performance which turned out clear message. Factotum is simply not the movie for their rugged good looks, wooden mannerisms urge to write has passed, Henry spends his time to be unlike any I’ve seen from her. them. and occasional one-liners, these magical hotties drinking too much booze, bouncing from one menial Aside from the fantastic casting, Factotum is I strongly recommend this film to people who go head to head to prove just how bad a movie job to another in order to pay the rent and having sex a difficult film to nail down. None of the characters enjoy films that force you to look beyond the sur- can be. Rated PG-13 for intense sequences of with women as down on their luck as he is. Once are very likable and their actions are even more face. This is a movie that will grow on you. You may violence and action, some disturbing images, he’s been thoroughly sidetracked, he goes back to despicable than they are. The film sort of meanders not like it at first. You may not even want to finish it. sexual content, partial nudity and language. writing and so on. While drowning his sorrows in a along, taking the viewer deeper and deeper into the You most likely won’t want to watch it again. But it local bar, Henry meets the love of his miserable life, anti-hero’s ever spiraling life of excess and bad will stick with you and it may end up teaching you The Darkroom (84 min.) something about yourself and the way you see the Having lost his memory after a case of severe world. Factotum is a unique film that deserves to be amnesia, a man (Reed Diamond) escapes from watched by those who will be willing to give it a solid a mental institution, plagued with visions of chance. violence and in search of answers. The man befriends a teenage boy (Shawn Pyform) who agrees to help him recover his memory. In ex- change, the boy wants the man to help him in- vestigate his abusive stepfather (Greg Grunberg). This film is not rated.

Martin- The Complete First Season In this hit series from the 90s, Martin Lawrence stars as Martin Payne, a radio personality who spends his spare time annoying his girlfriend Gina (Tisha Campbell), hanging with his “partners” Tommy (Thomas Mikal Ford) and Cole (Carl An- thony Payne II) and being pursued by his ghetto neighbor Sheneneh (also played by Lawrence). This box set is not rated and features supple- ments like hilarious bloopers and audio commen- tary by Martin Lawrence.

Snakes on a Plane (105 min.) On a flight from Hawaii to LA, an assassin’s plot to kill a witness (Nathan Phillips) leads to ter- the equally self-destructive Jan (Lili Taylor). The two decisions. It’s not pretty. Sometimes it’s downright ror in the air as thousands of poisonous snakes hit all-time-lows together and split, sending Henry depressing. It doesn’t seem to go anywhere, Henry’s are unleashed on the unsuspecting passengers. into the arms of Laura (Marisa Tomei), a trampy life never really changes; his actions never really Neville Flynn (Samuel L. Jackson), an FBI agent bar-hopper who mooches off of a rich old man along lead him anywhere new. In many ways, Factotum is assigned to protect the witness, is forced to step with a pair of hookers. Henry is a loser and everyone pointless. The ambiguity of this story is the film’s up, take charge and get rid of the motherf*@%in’ in his life knows it, himself included. But, he’s able blessing and its curse. Viewers are able to take from snakes on the motherf*@%in’ plane! Rated R for to justify his lack of a “real” life with his passion for the story whatever they want. To me, Henry’s tale is language, a scene of sexuality and drug use, and writing, stating that “if you’re going to try, go all the about passion. He loves writing; it’s the only thing intense sequences of terror and violence. way… otherwise don’t even start.” he knows how to stick with and it’s what keeps him Factotum was directed by Norwegian filmmaker from being a total nobody. His romance with Jan, Sparkle (98 min.) Bent Hamer and was adapted from the novel by his brief foray into gambling, his love for alcohol: it Irene Cara, Lonette McKee, and Dwan Smith star Charles Bukowski. The character of Henry Chinaski is all giving him material for his great masterpiece. as singing sisters from Harlem who hit it big as a is Bukowski’s alter-ego and has been the protago- Like he says in his final monologue: “if you’re going pop trio in the first movie loosely inspired by the nist of five of his novels. Factotum was made in 24 to try, go all the way.” Of course, my synopsis could story of Diana Ross and the Supremes. As one days in locations all over Minnesota. The low budget be totally different from someone else’s. My story sister’s life spirals out of control, another ends up indie flick has been making the rounds at European of passion may be your cautionary tale. That’s the getting her big break. This film is rated PG. film festivals for the past year and a half and is now cool thing about films like this. No one point of view available on DVD for American audiences to enjoy. is right or wrong. By the same token, I know many

12 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper dirt premiered on fx courtney cox Courtney Cox’s hot new series by Rick grant [email protected] In 2003, Courtney Cox and her husband, David jon stewart Arquette formed their own production company called Coquette to produce original works. Coquette has produced WE’s interior design series Mix It Up and TBS’s comedy Daisy Does America. David directed and co-wrote a horror filmThe Tripper, and there are other projects in development. But this new series Dirt is the power couple’s biggest investment in time, money, and energy. Courtney’s experiences with the tabloid press and her run-ins with the paparazzi gave her the idea for this new series. One day, much to the astonish- ment of her paparazzo stalker, Courtney asked him to let her ride along with him and introduce her to his bosses in the tabloid world as research for a series

laura allen

rick fox

delving deeply into his world. What she learned both surprised and fascinated they publish only verifiable factual content not unsub- People-like magazine, Now. her, and she asked her husband David to work with stantiated gossip. This series showcases Cox’s considerable act- her on developing a series called Dirt. The idea for the During her research, Courtney learned that ing chops. She lights up the screen with her complex title came from an incident in which she and David celebrities have a love-hate relationship with the tab- and nuanced characterization of Lucy. Friends didn’t were in a hot tub on their honeymoon. Suddenly, they loids that keep their faces in front of the public. It’s a do Cox justice. This series gives her a chance to spotted a paparazzo laying in the dirt taking shots of symbiotic relationship, that feeds the public’s and the stretch her acting skill in an Emmy award worthy them. He was down in the dirt, literally and figura- celebrities’ hunger for salacious content. Yes, celebri- performance. She is riveting as Lucy. tively! the show has generated a loud buzz. ties continually bitch about the paparazzi, but secretly, The supporting cast of A-listers, who serve as “When I was pregnant I observed a whole The opening episode, Tues. Jan. 2nd, established they want the attention. Savvy celebrities realize that Lucy’s colleagues and her targets, are experienced new breed of renegade paparazzi who were lawless. the characters, focusing on Cox’s insightful portrayal they need the tabloid press to perpetuate their celeb- actors, giving the series it’s edgy tension. For Lucy, They’d corner me and chase me in their cars, and of Lucy, hard driven editor of Drrt, (two rs) who lives rity. As the cliché says, “It’s the price of fame.” In nothing is out of bounds, and when she’s criticized for I’d get really frustrated and try to outrun them. Then and breathes her job–getting scoops and compas- fact, being stalked by paparazzi is a hallmark of A-list her no-holds-barred approach, she counters that if the one day, I suddenly saw the potential in doing a show sionately managing her functioning schizophrenic stardom. celebrities don’t want to be photographed in compro- about the bold new tabloid world of today,” Courtney photographer, Don Konkey, played with scene stealing Jon Stewart plays Holt McLaren–a brooding un- mising situations then they should find another occu- said in an EW interview. verve by Ian Hart. In episode one, Don goes off his employed actor. Lucy has her hook in him as her big- pation or stay home. Her targets love to hate her, but As the idea grew in her head, she put together medication and flips out. His beloved cat has cancer gest fish–a misbehaving movie star and confidential deep down, want her to feature them. Like Nip/Tuck, a treatment and pitched the idea to FX because it is and he hears voices. Lucy gets him to the doctor to source. “You didn’t want to be an actor, you wanted FX gave Courtney carte blanch on uncensored con- known for giving producers freedom of expression. Of refill his meds. Hunkered down in a tree, Don gets to be famous,” she tells him, implying that he now tent. Consequently, this show rivals FX’s other contro- course, FX loved the idea and they inked a deal with some juicy shots of a reputed family man NBA star must live with that decision. Veteran actor, Timothy versial hits, Rescue Me, The Shield, and Nip/Tuck. Courtney and David’s company Coquette Productions. player in a torrid sexual affair with a floozy in a hot Bottoms portrays Gibson Horne, Drrt’s publisher who Dirt moved into the Nip/Tuck’s time slot Tuesday With a full order of 13 hour-long episodes wrapped, tub involving a “strap on.” Lucy reminds her staff that locks horns with Lucy, who also runs the Company’s nights at 10:00 pm ET.

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 13 it’s all about the freaks Crichton’s novel Next by Erin thursby [email protected] Next is hardly Crichton’s greatest work, it’s more pedantic than intriguing. Jurassic Park covered the same sort of “big ideas” Next does, but JP just had more impact because the characters seemed more sympathetic. Jurassic Park may have had the same sort of loosely configured cast, but they all came together to form something cohesive, something I feel this book doesn’t do, at least not as a novel. The plots in Next don’t converge completely until late in the book and the plots could almost be pulled from their scattered chapters to make a series of interrelated short stories. For me, the tie in came too late to save the book as a novel. Plotlines are tossed out, fast and furious as readers attempt to make sense of it all. Even the smartest reader will have trouble slogging through Crichton’s twists and turns, starting with a prologue playing well with others that gives a us a taste of how left-in-the-dark we’re going to feel for the rest of the book. I couldn’t tell you what the main plot of the book is, because there just isn’t one. There’s a by Norm stovall [email protected] reason why all of the publisher’s plot summaries of Next are a series of bullet points about ideas rather Video games can encourage all kinds of social activity, even if they are mostly associated anti- than characters. My compliant about Crichton in social crowd. Lately, it seems, game developers have been doing their best to move away from the this book is that he writes like a philosopher, not a hardcore-gamers-only market, expanding the reach of video games and making them accessible to novelist. It doesn’t feel like he’s interested in telling a everyone, from your 4-year-old niece to your 80 year-old grandmas. Is it a good idea? Sure it is! I story; he seems more interested in using the story to mean, games like The Legend of Zelda have taught us that games can be a great experience for the advance his notions on a certain subject. Ideas about patenting genes, about near-human individual, but there are countless multiplayer games available now that are great for creating memo- The subject, genetic engineering, is at lab created animals and other horrors of genetic rable entertainment and bonding experiences. Whether you are swinging your Wii remote with your 4 least relevant. The author draws as much on the manipulation, make this book an attention-grabbing best friends, or your are raiding dark caves as a group over the Internet in World of WarCraft online, sensationalistic aspects of genetic engineering as read. Of course, anyone who’s been paying a little playing games with others is a great way to build social skills. (Especially if you don’t have any to possible, but Crichton’s version of this brave new attention to the impact of genetics on law will find begin with.) world is frighteningly similar to the world we live in that the material is hardly new and hardly earth right now. The novel, with its near-human transgenic shattering. Nintendo Wii and Party Video Games apes and parrots, speaks to our fears of what The Nintendo Wii may be the saving grace for the video game community. Why? Because it genetic testing will mean. The truth is, we barely is FUN! Even my grandmother loves Wii Sports. Some people may be initially put off by the family know what we’re doing, but we’re experimenting friendly selection of games and the seemingly gimmicky controllers, but when you get past that, the anyway. Nintendo Wii is a breath of fresh air. Games like Wii Sports involve physically swinging and maneu- Most of the characters in Next are briefly vering the controller to interact with the game. 4-player tennis matches have never been more fun, sketched, unlikable and barely filled in. Perhaps and playing Wii Sports will keep you on your feet and as active as ever. If are lucky enough to get purposely, Crichton’s transgenic characters are the your hands on a Wii console, go ahead and invite all your friends and family members over to play. most relatable and lovable. Gerard, the transgenic Other great multiplayer titles include Super Monkey Ball: Banana Blitz, Rayman: Raving Rabbids, parrot was my favorite character of the novel. and Tony Hawk’s Downhill Jam. , (Crichton gives him all the funniest dialogue). Your sympathies will be with the cursing orangutan and Online Video Gaming the humanezee Dave, because most of the humans There are many aspects to online gaming, and many types of sub-cultures surrounding it. You in this book are downright corrupt and inhuman. have your geeky socialites playing Second Life (Mac OSX, Windows XP), you have your online RPG Next appeals to our horror of genetic players in World of WarCraft, (Mac OSX, Windows XP), and you have your shooter crowd, consist- engineering. What Crichton drives home isn’t that ing of console and PC gamers playing everything from Unreal Tournament to Halo 2 and Gears of a half chimp, half human is possible, but that it is War. So, which online genre is right for you? If you love fantasy games, you can’t go wrong with happening somewhere, right now. The world of online RPGs for the PC such as World of WarCraft and Final Fantasy XI. If shooting people and genetics simply moves so fast that the slow and stealing their flag is more your thing, you can either power up your PC, or pick up an Xbox 360 for ponderous world of law struggles to keep up. In one a whole slew of great shooter games. Of course, there is more to online gaming than Shooters and plotline, a teenage daughter is shooting up fertility Role-Players. If you are interested in casual arcade-style gaming online, Xbox Live arcade is loaded drugs in order to sell her eggs for thousands, and with choices that are amazingly accessible to everyone. her parents have no right to stop her under the law. In a one page follow up chapter, two senators The Halo 2 Crowd and Competitive gaming discuss the problem, concluding “Their bodies, their Professional video gaming? Yes, it does exist. One of the most popular games associated with Who is Michael Crichton? eggs…Anyway the boat’s sailed…Quite a while Much of Crichton’s fiction has a basis in the video game competition is Halo 2, Microsoft’s flagship title for Xbox and Xbox 360. With a little prac- ago.” You’ll read a lot of stranger-than-fiction facts myriad what-ifs of science and technology. He is tice, (ok, a ton of practice and a bunch of talent, too) you can be climbing the ranks in tournaments in this book that are scarier than fiction. Besides best known for his novel Jurassic Park, which was all over the world. So what types of games do people play professionally? Mostly Shooters. Games the side-show weirdness that permeates the book, later made into a blockbuster movie. What you might like Halo, Unreal, and Counter Strike all come to mind. There are, however, many other organizations it’s this blurring of fact and fiction that will keep you not know about him is that graduated from Harvard for sports games like Golden Tee (a local bar favorite) and John Madden Football, Fighting games like reading. Some of the sensationalistic news item Medical School and that he ran a software company Street Fighter 3 and Super Smash Brothers, and Classic games such as Pac-Man of all things. How excerpts scattered throughout the book are actually in the ‘80’s. His expertise in the medical field is what do you get involved? Get yourself to an online message board, for starters, and check out these fol- pulled straight from the legitimate media. The BBC may have led him to create the hit TV show ER. He’s lowing sites: www.mlgpro.com (Major League Gaming), www.smashboards.com (a Smash Brothers really did run a story in 2002 about the possible worked as a writer and director in the film industry Specific site), and www.shoryken.com/forums (a fighting game specific site forum). extinction of blondes, and there really is a cactus and has served as a producer on projects like 13th that is growing hair. Human hair. Warrior, Twister and Sphere.

14 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The food at Cilantro has been consistent in quality when I’ve gone, something that most Indian res- taurants don’t always manage to do. Co-owner Jay Chaudhary took the time to tell me a little bit about why Cilantro has caused such buzz since it opened less than a year ago. “There are a lot of Indian restaurants run by family…but they are not professional in the food…sometimes it’s really good and sometimes it’s hor- rible.” said Chaudhary. Each time I went I had an old favorite to drink: the mango lassi. I recommended it to my spice-shy friend, because it tends to take the heat off between bites. It’s also quite delicious. The creamy, dreamy drink has a yogurt and mango base. Even if you believe you don’t like yogurt, you’re bound to like this drink, which is a little thinner in texture than a milk shake. Other drink selections include Taj Indian Beer, plus the standard beer and wine selections you can find in most restaurants. Most of the appetizers appeal to spice seekers, but the samosa (a kind of flaky bread filled with green peas and mild spices) is the best option for those who can’t handle the heat. I’m not spice-shy myself; I’m a spice seeker, which lead me to select the Shrimp Vindaloo Curry when I tried their takeout. If you’ve also got a lust for heat, the chile paneer appetizer should also be at the top of your list. Any of the Vindaloo Curries would be a great choice. I wasn’t much for the goat rogan josh that I tried, mostly because the meat was especially chewy, and it included bones, which kept showing up unexpectedly. The sauce, like all of Cilantro’s sauces, was excel- lent. The goat isn’t the norm for quality, so my advice is to skip the goat and go for the lamb, chicken or the shrimp. I ordered a Lamb Dosa on my first visit to Cilantro’s, mostly because I’d stuck to curries and tandoori’s at other Indian restaurants in the past and I wanted to try something different. They brought out a massive, paper-thin Indian crepe, rolled up and stuffed with spiced lamb. The dosa was over a foot in length. Having never ordered one before, I was baffled by its size. Finally, I opted to cut the dosa in half and started from there. My husband was impressed by the dosa and made it his selection on our next visit. Dosas are more indicative of South Indian cooking, something that you don’t often see, since most restaurants stick to the Northern or Pakistani style. indian cuisine in mandarin Cilantro by Erin thursby [email protected]

The patrons of Cilantro shift from hour to hour, varying from natives of Indian sauces from Cilantro to tables of Mandarin yuppies sipping their wine as they mispronounce menu items. The booths feel cozy and private, each with their own arches and walls. A small, well stocked bar of beer and wine is on the left side as you step in. Up above on TV sets, Indian rap and pop videos softly play on the Indian version of MTV. My husband I couldn’t quite pronounce either dessert I tried, but was glad that my waiter gently helped me with the spent most of our first evening there gaz- pronunciation, as I’m sure I mangled it quite soundly. Of the two exotic desserts that I tried, the Gulab Famun ing up at the sets because it was different is the most likely to appeal to American palates. They look rather like doughnut holes presented in a martini than anything he had seen. On certain glass full of thin cardamom syrup. I’ve had them in a cream in other restaurants, but I enjoyed this prepara- nights before 9 ‘o clock, if you sit on the tion. Their rich flavor comes from a sweet Indian homemade cottage cheese. The other dessert I sampled, right side of the restaurant, you can hear Rasmalia, is just too different in texture for most Americans to appreciate, although I did like the lovely saffron the children in the karate studio next door cream it was doused in. Indian ice creams are also a safe bet, with flavors like rose and mango to choose yelling “HAH” as they run through their from. moves. This feature is more charming than annoying, but it is something to keep in mind. Like every good Indian place in America, Cilantro has a lunch buffet. Everyone in that area of San Jose Boulevard seems to know about it, and they keep it in mind for the lunch hour, when they get tired of barbe- cue and fast food. They don’t deliver, but I’ve employed Cilantro for takeout, and found the takeout service to information be fast and efficient. 9825-6 San Jose Blvd. (262-9577) Highly spiced items are denoted by little peppers beside the selection. Those items are also printed in red on the regular menu, so you can avoid them, or pick them out, whatever the case may be. On one of my visits, I brought a friend who is among the spice-shy. Items that I find a tad spicy, instantly have her reaching Ratings (1-5) Cost Guide for water as her nose runs. She was a bit nervous about eating Indian food because of the last Indian restau- rant she visited. Even though she had ordered her curry at mild, she had found it to be far too spicy and had Atmosphere 4 $ = under ten dollars for a single person trouble telling the difference in heat between her “mild” selection and her friend’s “extra spicy” selection. She Service 3 $$ = over ten to twenty for a single person had no such problems at Cilantro as the staff is very helpful with menu selection. She settled on their savory $$$ = over twenty to thirty-five for a single person tandoori chicken and was absolutely satisfied. I sampled a bit of the tandoori, instantly falling in love. I can Food 4 $$$$ = thirty-five and up for a single person honestly say, it’s the best tandoori chicken I’ve ever had, flavorful without being spicy, cooked skin-on for a Cost $$ moist, incredible flavor.

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 15 righteous resolutions How to Make Them, How to Keep Them by erin thursby

As we merrily, or regretfully toss our ’06 calendars into the trash, we start new and charge into the New Money Matters Year awash with resolution. As long as we’ve had the concept of seasons, If your New Year’s resolution has to do with a financial we’ve had the concept of a fresh start. goal, it doesn’t pay to be vague. Generalized resolutions The Road to Resolution: Different cultures have placed the like “This year I’ll save more money” don’t tend to pan out. neighbor, resolving a family dispute and so forth. Assess! beginning of the cycle of seasons at Instead, you’ll need to get specific, setting small weekly and The most common resolutions have stayed other dates (the Babylonian New year monthly goals. One of the best ways to save money is to pretty much the same for the last few decades. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking started on our March 23rd) but the forget you have it. Once you figure out how much you can Heath-related goals top the list, as well as financial to kick the smoking habit, drop pounds notion of clearing away the old has set aside, you can have part of your paycheck deposited resolutions such as paying down debt or saving or save money, the first thing you’ll want held through the millennium. into savings. That way, when you look at your available more. to do is figure out how bad it really is. These days we make resolutions checking balance you won’t plan on spending money you Look back at your bad habit and perhaps to spend more time on the treadmill, have earmarked for savings. Kick the Habit. Smoking’s document how many times a day you’re less time smoking, and more time doing it. Financially, you’ll need to take a with loved ones. But all of these Bad, um-Kay long hard look at where your money goes resolution ideas are fairly modern. Whatever your reasons for smoking, there and what your spending habits are. If What sort of resolutions did people make a hundred years ago? Four thousand years ago? In times gone comes a time when you’ll want to quit. These days, you aren’t aware of what you’re doing, it by, resolutions had to do with putting an end to something that had dragged on—forgiving a debt from a quitting is easier than ever, with far more resources makes it harder to set small goals. available than there were 10-20 years ago. There are Assessment shouldn’t stop when you a myriad of free resources you can lean on, if you first try to break the habit. While you’re need to. On-line support groups abound, go to www. trying to break the habit or develop better about.com and put “quit smoking” in the search box. habits, make sure you keep a record. A Here are a few major quit smoking tips: record holds you accountable and helps you to continue to set goals, even when Money as a Motivator you backslide. If you calculate how much money you spend on smokes, it might be a start on motivating you to quit. Keep a jar in your house and fill it with the money you would have spent on the packs of smokes you aren’t buying. Depending on how much you smoked, you’ll be able to afford a vacation at the end of a year or at the end of a month. If that’s too long to wait for a reward, buy small things each week with your smoke money.

Replace a bad habit with a good one Start carrying a water bottle with you everywhere you go. Each time you get the urge, take a sip. It will help you detox faster as well. An artist friend of mine started carrying a sketch pad to draw during her breaks instead of smoking. Other people learn how to knit. You can also start exercising each time you have the urge.

Remember WHY you’re quitting Maybe it’s the big C, a hacking smoker’s cough, dulled taste buds or to spare your kids the second-hand smoke. Whatever your reasons for quitting, it’s hard to remember those reasons when the urge hits. Write your reasons down on an index card. Keep it with you so you can stay motivated.

16 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Furthermore, don’t kill yourself! Start slow and don’t debilitate yourself by using too much weight and causing injury. The best recommendation I can make to those who are new to exercise and healthy eating is to seek guidance from someone in that profession (not the best friend who did Atkins or the cousin’s mother-in-law’s ex-husband’s best friend who lost 40 lbs on a diet of watermelon and crackers). If you get the right information the first time, you will save yourself the trouble and headache of doing the wrong thing and prolonging your success. Get it right the first time and enjoy your new body that much sooner! Aerobic Belly Dancing, A Unique 6) Journal your exercise and food Way to Dance Away the Pounds everyday Be accountable to yourself by For a fun and exotic way of melting those pounds documenting what you are doing. This away, you might want to check out Simone Belly way, you can compare your goals to your Dancing. Simone holds group classes on Tuesdays, daily activities on a regular basis and see throughout the day, but most of her students are taught how things are adding up. Count your privately at her studio. Simone has taught classes in photo provided by Bailey’s Powerhouse Gym calories and monitor your food intake so the art of belly dancing at FCCJ and has portrayed the that you consume a balanced diet, not one Mata Hari for a Discovery Channel Documentary. She Health & Exercise tips for the New Year from Bailey’s that relies heavily on any one particular entertains at the Casbah, and her troupe of dancers often thing. And when I say “journal,” I mean entertains at parties in Jacksonville. Powerhouse Gym every beverage (including diet), piece of Here are some tips and tricks from Roni J. Adams, Director of Fitness Education at Bailey’s If you’re specifically looking to lose weight, Simone candy, anything, and everything you do! Powerhouse Gym. The locally owned gym has locations all over Jacksonville. Check them out at http:// offers an aerobic belly dancing class that focuses on www.baileysgym.com dropping pounds. Other options are the club style belly 7) If you fall off of the horse, brush dancing classes and sensual belly dancing classes. All yourself off and get right back on. 1) Set realistic goals of these are a workout, but Simone recommends the If you fall short of your daily goals, Although I think it is important for people to strive towards their personal best, I think it is paramount for aerobic class to drop weight. Call 645-9500 for more don’t just quit. An occasional mistake or everyone to maintain a realistic idea of the results he or she can attain. When setting goals, men and women info. missed day doesn’t mean that everything have a tendency to compare themselves to what they see in health and fitness magazines. On more than one you’ve done up to this point is in vain. occasion, I have had clients bring in pictures from popular publications and state that they want to look just Just pick up where you would have left like this particular person. As a society, what I think we all need to remember is that these people are fitness off and move on. So what if you eat a brownie? Life is too short to completely avoid everything that’s good. models for a reason. Some may be genetically gifted, while others may be willing to give up some of the Enjoy life to the fullest, just make sure you save your “enjoyment” for special occasions and/or the weekly best parts of life, such as children or the occasional dessert, in order to maintain that look. And no matter cheat meal. how hard these people work, at the end of the day, there is someone in a photography studio somewhere airbrushing deeper abs or removing dimples of cellulite. Good lighting and airbrushing can go a long way in these pictures! Resolution Solutions 5 Suggested Resolutions for My solution to the whole resolution thing 2) Write your goals down and post them everywhere – EVERYWHERE! Celebs is to make resolutions I can keep. For instance, Write down what you want to accomplish, make copies, and post them in your pantry, the inside of your I make a resolution like “I will wake up every fridge, the outside of your fridge, your desktop on your computer, and in your car. Constantly reminding I’ve noticed that more than one celebrity day in the next year.” This is a terrific resolution yourself in writing (with YOUR handwriting) or what you want to do with your body can quickly squash the has interesting habits that could be combated by because each day I can wake up with an immense urge to cheat (or at least make you feel guilty enough about it to keep it to a minimum). simple resolutions. With that in mind, here are sense of satisfaction, feeling slightly superior to my five suggested resolutions for the paparazzi everyone else. Sure, nearly everyone else woke 3) Take inventory of your pantry and get the bad stuff out hounded celebrity… up today (barring coma victims and those who This can sometimes be the hardest thing. About 85% of the results you see from exercise come directly 1. Wear Underwear. Unless you’re in the shower. have watched that “depression hurts” ad one from what you eat. Make it very difficult to eat junk by completely eliminating it from your available choices; too many times) but I am keeping a promise I rid your pantry of the goods. 2. Gain weight. America is counting on you. made to myself. 3. Refrain from racial outbursts, especially when Also, I don’t just make one super-simple 4) Clean up your children’s diet, too (and stop eating their leftovers). you might be on camera. resolution. I make as many as I possibly can, As a fitness professional, it has been my experience that parents will cut the crust off of their children’s like: I will eat chocolate once a week, I will put sandwiches, only to find it in their own mouths. As a society, most of us are programmed to create a “happy 4. Don’t get married. It won’t last. music I love in my car CD player, I will make my plate,” one that is empty. So, when we see leftovers on our children’s plates, it is our job to make that plate 5. Take care of a dog for a year before having cat happy and I will get a haircut this year. I write smile – WRONG! If your kids don’t finish their dinners, don’t be a human garbage disposal and finish it for kids. If you have to give away the dog because down as many as I can and spend the rest of the them. And if your kids aren’t hungry, don’t make them finish their dinners. Preprogramming the “Happy Plate you can’t take care of it, stay on birth control. year being pretty happy. There’s another one: I Syndrome” into your kids can possibly contribute to a weight problem in later years. If your kids are eating Please. will spend the rest of the year being pretty happy. Little Debbie cakes and M&Ms on a regular basis (more than twice a week), then now is a good time to clean Let me know if I backslide. up their diets, too. Blaming the children for poor eating habits is common, but not a valid excuse.

5) Exercise first thing in the morning (and start slow) Your Resolution! We Want to Know! This is something that I practice myself. If I procrastinate on working out, it simply won’t happen. So at The majority of resolutions aren’t made between December 28th- New Year’s Day. Most are made night, when I get home after work, I pack everything I need for the next day and set it by the door, program sometime in the month of January or as late as May. What’s your resolution? EU wants to know! Send a my coffee pot to brew at 5:00AM, and I get up to make that journey to the gym. Do I enjoy getting up early? postcard with news of your resolution to Resolutions c/o EU Jacksonville, 5121 Bowden Rd, Suite 311, Nope, but my training is done and I can’t blow it off later in the day. I think that by training first thing, you Jacksonville, FL 32216 or you may send us an email to [email protected]. Just drop us a give yourself no room to weasel out of it later – it’s done. No excuses, only results. creative line to announce your resolution or the success and/or tribulations of your resolution. ( 4 continues on pages 18 and 19 4 ) eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 17 2007 is the Year of the Golden Pig! 2007 marks the year of the Pig in the Chinese Zodiac. According to the Chinese calendar, their year doesn’t start until the end of February, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start celebrating now! Those born under the sign of the Pig are said to be thoughtful, honest and passionate, putting their whole energy into all that they do. A seemingly lazy Pig might bide their time in starting a project, but once they do, they are said to be unstoppable. The Pig is the last sign of 12 in the Chinese Zodiac calendar. Fire is this year’s elemental sign, making this the year of the Fire Pig or the Red Pig, which means prosperity for business. Pig years cycle around every 12 years, and the luckiest pig year is the Red Pig, which comes around every 60. This year is said to be even more unique, because it is also said to be the year of the Golden Pig, something that comes around every 600 years. The birth rate in China and Korea is projected to be 10% above average because the population believes that children born in this year will be financially lucky.

Years of the Pig are 1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019

Pigs are most compatible with: Rabbit, Sheep

Famous people born in the Year of the Pig: Lucille Ball, Humphrey Bogart, Thomas Jefferson, Ernest Hemingway, Alfred Hitchcock, Mahalia Jackson, David Letterman, Arnold Schwarzenegger

To usher in the year of the pig, here are a few wacky suggestions:

∙ Check out the utterly strange YouTube video entitled “pigs are like men.” A translation from the Spanish is at the bottom of the page. It seems to chronicle an existential relationship between a plastic pig and Elmo.

∙ Make origami pigs with your kids. The web address with instructions is at http://www.activityvillage. co.uk/origami_pig.htm

∙ Throw a pig party! Cook up some pork, decorate in a pig theme and pass out the piggy noses!

Auld Lang Syne, we sing it ‘cause it sounds good when we’re drunk

Each year the band strikes up “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of midnight on New Year’s Eve, but most of us have no idea what it means. The song itself came from an old Scottish ballad (circa late 1600’s), which the Scottish poet Robert Burns adapted and printed. The words auld lang syne seem to have meant “old long since,” a phrase that was used like “the good old days” is today. It wasn’t primarily a song for New Year’s Eve, but a song for very drunk old Scottish men to sing when they were in their cups and feeling highly sentimental about the old days. Because of that, it’s a song that sounds right even when warbled horribly out of tune. It was Guy Lombardo who supposedly turned the song into a New Year’s Eve tradition. Re-printed here is the short version we generally sing today.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne? For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne, we’ll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot and never brought to mind? Should auld acquaintance be forgot and days of auld lang syne? And here’s a hand, my trusty friend And gie’s a hand o’ thine We’ll tak’ a cup o’ kindness yet For auld lang syne

18 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper In Shape Charity Event What: inShape/St.Jude Charity Event When: January 6th from 8AM-4PM Where: inShape Ladies Fitness 5230 Baymeadows Road (904) 367-5003

“January 6th is our one year anniversary and we just wanted to do something to commemorate,” says Sandra Salem, VP of inShape. Salem says that they chose to do a charity event with St. Jude’s because St. Jude’s has such a great reputation when it comes to helping sick children. The inShape/St. Jude’s charity event a way to start on two resolutions at once, first you can start on losing that holiday weight by checking out the all-ladies gym space and secondly, you can also start on the road to being a more socially minded by contributing to a worthy charity. Working out on the stair equipment and treadmills isn’t the only way you can work up a sweat: you can also step into their on-site sauna. For a little luxury without breaking a sweat, get a free hand massage or a free facial. Nosh on the food provided by the restaurant Tidbits, Publix and other area food providers. Door prizes from Michelle Salon will also be available. inShape has the distinction of being the only locally owned gym opened for women, by women. With its convenient location on Baymeadows, it has attracted women who work and live in that area. The charity event is an opportunity to check out their equipment without any obligation. Monthly fees can be as low as $35 a month, depending on which plan you go with. The gym has special mother/daughter rates you might want to check out, if you and mom have made the same resolution. The gym also holds a yoga class every Saturday at 8AM and they have a book club called “Sound Mind, Sound Body” which meets each month. St. Jude’s treats terminal or catastrophic illnesses (primarily cancer) in children. While they accept insurance, they never accept payment from the families of the children, relying on charitable donations to cover the costs of research and treatment. 100% of the proceeds from the event will go to St. Jude Children Hospital. Suggested donation is $5 and up.

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 19 get moving in 2007 make encouraging active play a priority this year by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected]

I have plenty of New Year’s resolutions: I want to eat better, I want to read more, I want to take more time for myself, and I want to do more for others in our community. To put it simply, resolutions are about making lives better and, as a mom of two small children, I want to do everything I can to make theirs the best they can possibly be. That’s why I’ve also resolved to get both of my children off the couch and active as much as possible this year. According to the Institute of Medicine, over the past three decades childhood obesity in pre- schoolers has more than doubled and it has more Pump It Up than tripled in kids ages 6 to 11. Obesity can lead to diabetes, hypertension, asthma, sleep apnea and players to actually use their body to play games Highway. There the whole family can learn how to orthopedic complications. Being overweight during such as ping pong, tennis, baseball and soccer. play hockey or figure skate. childhood and particularly adolescence is related to You can also try your hand at being a musician or a increased morbidity and mortality in later life. Scary Active in your own living room super spy. Besides the game disc that comes with statistics aside, spending a couple hours outside the hardware, you can purchase other physically An inexpensive way to feel the burn is to turn Some Tips from the YMCA jumping rope is far more fun for a kid than spending challenging games such as Kinetic (a nifty work-out on some tunes and dance the day away. Find an the same amount of time in front of the TV, no matter game complete with personal trainer) and Groove (a upbeat song and show off your silliest dance moves. - Spend 30 minutes outside playing with your kids— what happens to be on. dance game that requires you to use your arms and Young kids won’t be able to resist joining in. Warn- regardless of the weather. legs). ing: teens may wish to crawl under a - Find a place that provides opportunities for the rock somewhere at the sight of their entire family to be physically active together. parents dancing. This is a normal - Add physical activity or play time to the calendar. reaction and nothing to be concerned Schedule an evening walk, YMCA class, soccer about. games for kids with the same commitment as other Kids younger than 8 spend an important meetings. average of 2.5 hours watching TV or - Pick a fun run/walk or 5K a few months away. Sign playing video games, and kids 8 and up in advance, train as a family and participate in it up spend 4.5 hours plopped in front of together. the TV or wriggling a joystick. Can’t get - Make active play a habit for you and your kids. your kids to turn off the PlayStation? - Be mindful of choosing an activity that is fun for the Make the gaming system your partner whole family and allows you to engage with others. in crime with video games like Dance Dance Revolution (available for PS2, Xbox and GameCube) or Pump it Up Active in your own front yard (available for PS2 and Xbox). These ex- tremely entertaining dance games are There are plenty of fun games you and your highly addictive with cool songs and kids can play at home that will promote a more ac- different levels of difficulty so everyone tive lifestyle. Thanks to the Disney Channel’s new can get in on the act. If dancing isn’t original movie “Jump In!” (which is scheduled to what they are into, try some of the Eye Toy games air on January 12th), your kids may soon develop a Active around town for PlayStation 2. The little USB camera requires new-found interest in double-dutch. In addition to JACKSONVILLE being a fun activity for kids of all ages, double-dutch There are a number of great places is a strenuous aerobic exercise, meaning it will Eye Toy around town that offer kids a chance increase the heart rate, effectively burning fats and to work out without them even realizing glucose. it. For the younger kids there’s Pump It Kickball is a terrific way to have fun and get Up, a Southside facility that allows kids help wanted. active with your family, particularly if you have a and their parents to jump, bounce, slide we are seeking a professional, enthusiastic person large family. Because of the competitive nature of the and climb in and on giant inflatables. to represent the area’s leading weekly entertainment game, even the biggest couch-potato will find this For the more competitive, activities like publication. this is an exciting oppurtunity to deal mixture of soccer and baseball fun. It may not seem basketball, boxing, obstacle course races directly with leading entertainment venues like a lot of physical activity, but trust me; you will and jousting can also be played in the and businesses and to promote exciting feel this one in the morning. massive arena. For more information visit new movie premiers. Since you’ll already be out there playing kick- www.pumpitupparty.com. ball, you might as well teach your kids the games Skate Station in Mandarin is a great sales experience is preferred, of your youth. Red Rover, Red Light/Green Light, place to head if you’ve got pre-teens. Capture the Flag, Hide and Seek, Manhunt and Hop- There kids can roller skate (naturally) or enthusiasm necessary. scotch are all terrific ways to promote a more active sign up to play roller hockey. If winter lifestyle and bring back some fond memories of your sports are more your speed, there’s (904) 730-3003 · own childhood. always Skate World Ice Arena on Philips a locally and family owned business for over 25 years.

20 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper not too shanty bartenders tex and dylan Shanty Town Pub opens in Springfield by jon bosworth [email protected]

What does it take to make “Florida’s biggest small town” look Ian Ranne less like the paragon of urban sprawl and more like a serious city? Having an impressive murder rate might be a start, and certainly making national headlines for sexual predators once per quarter makes “big city” impres- sions, but at EU, we were hoping for something a little more entertaining to cover. There are all sorts of ven- ues in town trying to give local hicks a feeling of being in a happening city. Club Paris is currently in its hay day, and I suppose that is a start for the people that wanted something Queens, but when photographs are taken of the work cheesier than The Pearl without up-close, you can see the intense artistry involved in resorting to Arlington, but the big these pieces. And because graffiti art is undervalued clubs don’t really make anyone (and Ian is an old friend to the graffiti scene) he gets think of larger cities. In fact, if anything, the larger capacities, so they certainly understand the basics work by Shaun Thurston, Oxygen, and others per- the club, the more aware you become of how few of operating a pub, but to go into business for your- manently displayed on his walls. But the graffiti art people there are in it. Face it, Jacksonville is the kind self is a risky leap. Especially in this fickle city with isn’t the only art, and don’t get the impression that of town where people prefer house parties. Drinking city officials that rarely to try to help the small local Shanty Town is street or urban. at home is cheaper and you get to be the DJ. entrepreneur. Bartenders Tex and Dylan are local punks and In addition to those arguments, when you really Shanty Town isn’t exactly what you would familiar faces, and the art on the walls is fantastic visit larger cities, it isn’t the Viper Rooms and CBGBs expect from one of Jacksonville’s hip-hop innova- pop art by locals such as Jason Wright and Jimmy that impress you with the culture of the big city, it’s tors, but when you really think about how Hip Hop Pines. Other adornments on the walls include a those little dives you stumble upon. A nook shoved Hell has made hip-hop in Jacksonville more about singing deer head and bathroom walls wallpapered up between two law firms, or buried in the bad creativity and artistic integrity than racial boundaries, with humorous, captivating, and sometimes racy neighborhood, but once you’re inside of that tight, it makes sense that he and Marianne would create magazine pictures. If the $2 Guinness wasn’t enough hot room, you realize you feel right at home. The guy a place so inviting to all. Shanty Town Pub doesn’t to keep me visiting the bathroom, the adventures at the bar doesn’t look at you funny when you com- have a lot of space, but the space they have they portrayed in the montages in the bathroom were. ment on the weather and the bartender is happy to make the most of. With tables that hinge on the To get to Shanty Town, go up Main Street, as strike up a conversation. walls, they can be folded up to clear a floor space for though you were traveling from The Pearl (1st Street) I find places like these in New York, Atlanta, a small show. Even the stage has hinged tabletops to 9th and Main. When you get to 6th Street, turn and Los Angeles all the time, but it never dawned on that can accommodate DJs with turntables, or be left and Shanty Town is on your left. Don’t blink, me that the coolest part of a big city is finding that flipped up to make room for a full electric band. But because you’ll pass it, but when you do, look at the little watering hole where “everybody knows your the best space in the Shanty Town Pub isn’t even in mural on the side of the building. Shaun Thurston’s name.” But when I walked into Shanty Town Pub in the Shanty Town Pub, it’s in the backyard. baboon may scare or excite you. When you go in- Springfield, I found just such a place. Featuring large fire enclosure, several picnic side, don’t ask for a domestic (although they secretly When EU talked to Ian Ranne a couple of tables, and enough seats to accommodate an Ariel carry Sam Adams) because they pride themselves Stout. You name it, if they don’t have it, they’ll have months ago about the expansion of his Hip Hop Hell Tribe show, the spacious backyard is hedged in on carrying a terrific selection of imported beers. something comparable. nights around town, he teased us with the idea that by fences and features some of the best graffiti From great prices on Guinness to prices that make Look for live acts, standup comedy nights, and he was going to open a pub in Springfield with his art in town. At first glance, this artwork appears it worthwhile to try something new, you can get an other special events in the coming months as Shanty partner Marianne. The two both used to work at Lon- to be graffiti of the sort that might be gang-related Optimator on draft (be careful, the alcohol content Town becomes the most spoken about small bar in don Bridge in bartender, booking, and management if showcased on the side of a tenement home in on these is high) or a bottle of Sam Smith’s Oatmeal our “big city.”

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 21 live music internet radio killed the video star shows calendar the internet…it’s not just for porn anymore by john DOOLING

THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 As ludicrous as this proposition may sound to most of you, the Internet has come a long way from midget stripteases and barnyard orgies. Yes, the content has sped down the super highway to bigger and, Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, it’s easy to get lost in the music and listen for hours some may say, better things. I recently came across the wonders of Internet radio. Sex and music both St. Augustine (829-8646) at a time. reach into the deepest and most primitive portions of the human psyche, but you can only enjoy one while First things first; the website was started The Committee Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) sitting in your cubicle at work…I hope. by some nice folks who originally wanted to help Now I know there are a wide variety of Internet radio stations, probably more than I could even their friends find new music. The Genome Music Gutterboy Cecil’s, Jax (744-5132) research, and some of you will probably berate me for leaving your favorite one out of this story--for Project was born. This remarkable project consists Go Ask Alice Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) that I am truly sorry. I have logged on and tuned in with a host of stations; some just don’t have what of a group of musicians and computer technicians I’m looking for. There are three, however, that really turn me on, and because I have you captivated, I’m who listen to literally tens of thousands of songs Donna the Buffalo Café Eleven, St. Augustine (460-9311) going to tell you about them. Try them and be shocked and amazed at the gracious treats I, your humble and analyze the hundreds of attributes of each correspondent, have bestowed upon your, until now, fruitless life. Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) song, including the melody, harmony, rhythm, instrumentation, lyrics, and every other aspect The Gay Cowboys Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) of the music. These guys have compiled a vast SURFMUSIC.DE is www.radioio.com. There is a great selection of soundscape of musical prowess to make even Yancy Clegg Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) One URL I found is www.surfmusic.de. This music to choose from on this site, and depending on the shrewdest of indie rockers feel as though his site provides you with access to almost every radio Illdotlogic TSI, Jax (635-3024) the way you set up your account it is either free to collection of vinyl is wanting. station in the world, and you have the option to listen, or you can pay for special privileges. And who You may delve into this website with abandon Big Engine Coyote’s, Orange Park (269-6837) choose from a listing of countries or genres, so you doesn’t like to feel special? because their library consists of anything you could can go nuts picking what you want to hear. Keep in Off we go… when you log on, you can check want from Top 40 soul-suckers to obscure garage Sidewalk 65 Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune mind that these are actual radio stations, so there Beach (241-8221) out a list of genres and choose anything from the rockers and—that’s right—everything in between. are commercials, and if you are listening to a public lust of exotic 70s Disco to crying-in-your-beer Log onto the site and enter the name of any artist Boogie Freaks Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) station they occasionally have long winded speeches Country music. This station has something for or song you desire. A few seconds later it will start about donations. Be a sport and donate, but if you everyone and the music is played with exceptional playing your song or a song (or artist) that The Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) don’t and it bothers you to freeload, just switch to a CD quality. Genome Project has deemed closely resembles your privately owned station. Porcelain Black French Quarter, Jax (732-9550) But there is a catch. Remember the dinero I choice. Then a scrolling list of additional songs with For my trial run I chose Jazz and found an spoke of earlier? Yeah, that. similar attributes will play. Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) excellent public radio station out of the New York/ You can listen to all the music you want And that is the beauty of Pandora! It is a way New Jersey area. These guys don’t play any of Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) for free, but you have to endure commercials in to find new music. Sometimes you will like what that elevator and grocery store muzak either, this is exchange for your frugality. However, if you don’t they play and save the name in the old bean, and Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) some serious classic Jazz and had my big toe firmly mind forking over some cheese for your music, you sometimes you won’t. That’s life pal. I didn’t want planted at the top of my boot the entire time. I also can shake your moneymaker with no commercials. to get stuck wearing hand-me-down Bugle Boys One Eighty Coyote’s, Orange Park (269-6837) tried a channel from Sweden, because I needed a And shake you will, you earned it Mary. There are a until I was 14, but that’s how the chips fell. I assure reminder of how hard the language is, and finally, got Amanda Finch Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) couple of different packages available, so log on and you that by the end of your first day you will have at a little irie with some sweet reggae from Kingston, check them out. I can’t do all the research for you. least two new bands in your repertoire. Brag to your Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Jamaica. friends, turn them on, and you can all lip-sync your It is unbelievable how much there is to choose Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) PANDORA.COM favorites on your web cam later. from at this website. You can pick your favorite If you are more into picking your favorite artists Porn may never go away (because I have Jonas Sees in Color Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) genre, favorite country, or even choose from and songs or finding new music that you really like, subscriptions to most of the sites on the web), but random mp3s. Check it out and see what you think. then stretch those creamy hamstrings and stride on Internet radio stations are slipping and sliding on Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Everything is free unless you want to purchase some over to www.pandora.com. This is a great website, their heels trying to inch their way forward and make of the mp3s. De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) offering up free music from a variety of artists, and headway into the everyday search you, the devoted I actually spend the majority of my day surfing the browser, indulge in at your leisure. Why not put Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) RADIOIO.COM unlimited number of bands and songs they have down the joystick and pickup the headphones? It’s A Plea For Purging Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Another site that offers you a choice of genres available. There are no commercials on this site, so easier on the hands.

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

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

Steve Plays Too Loud London Bridge, Jax (359-0001)

Will Pearsall A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977)

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5

Dana Salmela Cross Creek Restaurant, Jax

Does It Matter Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473)

Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

Deaux Oh Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113)

Dick Blues Brothers The Norm, Jax (384-9928)

Colton McKenna Santa Maria, St. Augustine

Ryan Turk 9th & Main, Jax (353-2727)

Even Still Casa Monica, St. Augustine

McKenna Reefer’s Grill, Jax (737-6300)

The Blue Sonics Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina (261-3300)

22 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Brad Payne All-Stars Sports Bar, St. Augustine (827-9842) tenor tone as sweet as Johnny Flood Aromas, Jax (928-0515) Cliff Worrell & the Restless Kind Papagallos, St. Augustine by john DOOLING clover honey Feel the Love Duo River City Brewing Company, Jax (398-2299)

BayStreet West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131)

Al Maniscalco at The Brick My Own Sin Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Select Smart Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)

by Rick grant [email protected] Steve Beck Band The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

The Brick Restaurant in Avondale beats to the The Brick is a classy eatery that Unky-J Monkey’s Uncle, Jax Beach (246-1070) sound of jazz, adding a touch of musical class to draws more than a few jazz devotees. this popular eatery. I visited The Brick to catch sax The duo configuration may be too Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) king Al Maniscalco with Rick Revelo on upright bass laid back for the high noise level The Real Anastasia Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) performing their duo last Thursday night. It was the in this particular restaurant. Still, if sound of bare-bones saxophone and double bass one listens carefully one can hear Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) that brightened up the cool night air. As duos go, the consummate artistry coming Infocus Duo Copeland’s, Jax this is an unusual union, showcasing Al’s masterful through. Al’s melodic, stripped down improvising and sweet tone with only the bass as playing is the antithesis of some bozo rhythm. playing solo saxophone for tips at the Al is a graduate of UNF. In fact, I remember him Landing. a delicate balancing act of creative improvisation FRIDAY-SATURDAY, JANUARY 5-6 back in the early 90s, when Rich Matteson was still With Rick Revelo’s excellent bass playing and disciplined restating of the melody. That’s Big Al & the Kaholics Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin (2601349) alive, as a member the UNF Jazz Ensemble II. Later, providing the only rhythm section, the duo proves why I thought of Paul Desmond in comparison Al went on to get his master’s degree from Towson how much can be done with less. In other words, to Al’s playing. Desmond’s tone was sweet as Lisa & the Mad Hatters Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337) University. Shortly thereafter, he moved to Baltimore, it takes advanced layers to pull off such a minimal honey, and he carefully developed his spontaneous Big Engine Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) Maryland to set up shop as an in-demand star player presentation. compositions, which included the motif, cleverly with his quartet. Since attending UNF, Al has amassed a resumé woven into his solos. Yankee Slickers Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) Recently, Al moved back to Jacksonville to take to die for. He has performed with Branford Marsalis, When all is said and done, it’s a much more a full time job with Buffet Crampon USA selling high Tony Bennet, Valery Ponomarev, George Colligan, satisfying experience listening to players like Al Soulo A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) quality French-made instruments at the company’s Curtis Lundy, Billy Hart, and Chuck Mangione. Maniscalco or Paul Desmond. As an excellent Something Distant Lynch’s Irish Pub, Jax Beach (249-5181) Beach Boulevard store. Meanwhile, Al has been In 1992, Al was selected the winner for the Jazz example of Desmond’s genius, I would recommend playing gigs around the region with his quartet and Category in the Great South Florida Sound Search his solos on Dave Brubeck’s Jazz Impressions of Paul Lundgren Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) his special duo on Thursday nights at The Brick. sponsored by the Miami Herald. Japan. To sample Al Maniscalco’s brilliant playing, Boogie Freaks Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) Over the years, Al has built up a stellar Today, Al is expanding his fan base to include check out his CD, More in my Heart available on Al’s reputation as a saxophone avatar in Florida and the international audiences. His recent performances website almaniscalco.com. Livid Lemony Snickets, Jax Baltimore region. Al just released his third CD, titled in Hong Kong and Italy garnered many fans to his One Blessed Day, on his own label, Jalkoda Records. distinct sound and style. He plans to return to Europe Dueling Piano’s Dicks/Tinseltown, Jax Yes, this sax cat is prowling on the jazz circuits and Asia in the near future. Something Distant Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) playing outstanding music that transcends the jazz While listening to Al play, I was reminded background tag. of the late great Paul Desmond, in regard to Al’s Reggie Lark Chicago Pizza, St. Augustine In many situations, jazz tends to be reduced sweet tone and attention to the melody, which even 3 Way Street Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) to background music in venues that feature jazz in his most obscure improvisational excursions, ensembles. It’s an approachable sound that people he restates, so the theme stays with the listener. Roger That Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) can talk over. Al’s artistry skewers that mundane Jazz improvisation is misunderstood by the general concept, demanding that jazz aficionados listen. public. The best players restate the motif (basic Cloud 9 Champs, Ponte Vedra (285-7777) Of course, these hip jazz lovers are in the minority. theme) so it doesn’t drift into abstract chaos, losing The Flatwoods Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) However, there are a few in every crowd. the listener’s attention. Al’s showcase playing is Sax of Soul Bourbon Street, Jax (641-8777)

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

Tytus Hale Cliff’s, Jax (645-5162)

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6

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

Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828)

York Fuel, Jax (425-3835)

Harlot Augie Dog’s, St. Augustine

Adrianne AJ’s, Jax (805-9060)

LoriAnn Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822)

McKenna Jerry’s, Jax

½ Gilla Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113)

Heavenly Noise Ragland’s, Jax

Unky-J Cliff’s, Atlantic Beach

Christina Wagner, Dark Castle Shantytown, Jax

Dubwise Mango’s, Jax Beach

Miles Jaye & Friends Ritz Theatre, Jax

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 23 Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) (The ABs) and their pass-the-mic style is as fun as a Beastie Boys Scholar’s Word Santa Maria, St. Augustine show and almost as inspired as Danka Breaks Billiards, Mayport Wu-Tang. Rob Roy is artsy without Jager Dave Ragusa Pub, Jax (443-7055) losing his street qualities. His experimental trip-hop, sometimes Little Green Men Coyote’s, Orange Park (269-6837) R&B, is tightly slung and intelligent Kings of Prussia Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) under the pretentious façade of hip-hop’s arrogance. That arrogance Cain Was Able Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) is generally more Kartouche than XBishopX Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Triple H, but Rob Roy manages to maintain a down-to-earth The Druids Box Seats, Orange Park demeanor without compromising the machismo necessary for XBishopX Fuel, Jax (425-3835) success on the hip-hop stage. He’s Mike Shakelford The Homestead, Jax Beach (249-9660) always personally gracious without sacrificing hip. This character was Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) underlined tonight by his Russian The Sophomore Attempt Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) fur cap and Christmas sweater. As per usual, his off-beat beats and circular rhymes Nathan Holley Bukkets, Jax Beach (246-7701) rob roy’s last stand were a standout part of the night’s sets, but the best performance of the night, and it especially impacted Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, me since I hadn’t seen him before, was Astronautilis. Jax (287-9900) Swordz, The ABs, Astronautilus, & Rob Roy Live at Jack Rabbits This skinny white boy commanded the stage, in Broke Til Friday Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) front of a crowd full of true hip-hop artists and fans, by jon bosworth [email protected] with only his laptop, his charisma, and his unique This has been a common bill around the old artist always manages to escape my critique. Honky style. In addition to his “party trick” of freestyling SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 town lately as these Hip Hop Hell regulars have been as I may be, I am a big fan of hip-hop and have been about topics provided by the audience, and this feat is making the circuit. From TSI to Endo Exo, these hip- waiting a long time to add Swordz to my lexicon of truly remarkable, his set was intense and surprisingly Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) hoppers have been making some serious rounds local acts. Unfortunately, every time I have come out skilled, even without that part of the show. Sounding underlining their names to the community ever since to see him, I have missed his set for one reason or like part DMX and part Sticky Fingaz as he spat Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) the Grind 2 Shine documentary about the local rap another and this “12 Days of Christmas” performance out his rhymes, the rapping part of his songs was Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesse’s Flamingo, St. scene hit the big screen at the Florida Theatre. was no exception. exceptional, but then, to juxtapose those verses, he Augustine (825-6775) Now I know I am getting old when EU sends me Usually when Jack Rabbits says the show starts added a chorus that sounded like an Irish bar fight to a hip-hop show at Jack Rabbits, and I’m all decked at 9, it starts on the button, but on this night I arrived between Tom Waits and The Pogues, with dirge-like ‘3’ Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) out in my Wu-Wear and droopy drawers, but I get at the scheduled 9:30 start time and waited an hour melodies sung in a harsh rasp. David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) sucked into the muted episode of 30 Rock on the bar an a half for Swordz to start up the show. When my Astronautilis moved too fast for your eyes to television. Squinting to read the subtitles through a third beer started to taunt my empty stomach, I took catch up and his impassioned songs were gripping Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) haze of menthol cigarette smoke (Menthol as a style a quick run up the street to grab a bite and came back and compelling. Perhaps the most impressive aspect El Toro Loco Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) choice for hip-hoppers, not a racial statement.) In fact to the applause following his set. Maybe I’ll never see of his set was the tribute he gave to the others that most Rob Roy shows are pretty white-kid friendly, but him live. he was sharing the stage with that night. His talent The Flight Orchestra Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) one at Jack Rabbits is especially so. The ABs delivered that traditional hip-hop is outstanding, and his career is worth watching. In Jacksonville there is the glitzy side of hip-hop show that true fans of the form can appreciate. With This show marked Rob Roy’s farewell performance, Big Pineapple Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) (we’ll call that style Kartouche) and then there is the Jacksonville stalwarts, Therapy and Willie Evans Jr, so there was an unusually somber undertone to it. The Villians Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) artsy side (we’ll call that Triple H) and then there’s this group is bound to get their rhymes and beats Roy is going to Salt Lake City to get into a studio and Swordz. By incorporating rock music in his krunk right. As Asamov, this now five-piece group climbed start putting together his first full-length solo album. LeMonde Quintet Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) set, he pulls in that creative and live side of the Triple from being almost unknowns to being the locals Although he will be missed, Jacksonville is home to Sam Pacetti Mill Top Tavern, St. Augustine (829-2329) H crew, but with those flyers that are always bling with all of the buzz about major labels. After some Rob Roy and you can be certain that we will see him on black with Zs and Ys where other letters should struggles with the estate of Isaac Asimov, the band again. Athough this was his “official” last show, he John Kevin King Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) be, he also has his share of Kartouche. This elusive was forced to change their name to The Alias Brothers will appear a few more times in town.

The Real Anastasia Scarlett’s, St. Augustine (824-6535)

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

Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax

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

MONDAY, JANUARY 8

Boxrockers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955)

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

Yancy Clegg My Place, Jax (737-5299)

Dana Salmela, Cindy Davenport Mill Cove Country Club, Jax

Johnny Flood My Place, Jax (737-5299)

Sugar Bear Harmonious Monks, Mandarin (880-3040)

Helios Eye, The Scourge of the Sea TSI, Jax (635-3024)

The Almost Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293)

Maylen Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850)

24 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Goliath The Casbah, Jax five star failure Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) TUESDAY, JANUARY 9

On The Cutting Edge Of Modern Rock At Landshark Café Second String Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221)

by Rick grant [email protected] Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646)

Order by Chaos, Misery Head, Sentrpoint, they just chose to play a single set. They could have Wes Talton Dick’s Wings, St. Augustine All4Defiance, and Feeble Attempt. The FSF played longer. members include Vince Shepard on guitar, As alt-rock venues go, the Landshark Café is Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax (355-5099) Dusty DeWitt on vocals, Troy Kelly on drums, surprisingly upscale–clean and modern. They serve Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) Steve Kucinskas on bass, and Ryan Boyd on delicious food and feature live music on most nights. guitar. It’s relatively small, so the place fills up quickly. Silver Lake Drive Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) “This is the project I’ve been waiting for. They have a large outdoor deck where smoking is Boyce Avenue Po Boy’s, Jax Beach (246-4121) The band has years of experience driving it permitted. So, at any one time, the deck is buzzing forward...We are setting a new standard,” with activity. It’s located in the Publix Shopping Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) says FSF’s manager Joel “Slim” Butler of Center in Atlantic Beach. This mall also houses J.A.M. Management. Culhane’s Irish Pub and just down the street is the Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) The modern rock firm of Five Star Failure Atlantic Theaters complex and the Fly’s Tie Pub. Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) has stripped down the alt-rock model and Recently, I found out that Judy Van Zandt, thrown out the clichés to emerge as a owner of the Freebird has made a deal to take over Chris Camans The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) powerful force for creating hardcore songs part of the Atlantic Theater in March as the new Vagabond’s Dream Duo Copeland’s, Jax that have both melody and driving guitar Freebird Live. She is selling her present Freebird power-chord distortion–a benchmark of property to a Jaguar player who will put an upscale Ron Perry Fionn MaCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) modern rock. That combined with the gritty restaurant in that location. This will make that vocals complete the brain-as-an-egg-frying- Atlantic Beach mall quadrant a thriving music scene, Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) in-the-pan growly sound. This is your brain with the Freebird, Culhane’s Irish Pub, the Fly’s Tie El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) Two nights and two musical worlds in different on FSF– it’s fried but not fatal. Irish Pub, Cliff’s at The Beaches, (across the street) universes–a contrast so bizarre it would normally Funny, I was watching Sean White’s Olympic and the Landshark Café. Mum’z The Word Latitudes Café, Atlantic Beach (247-6606) blow the average person’s mind. Not me, I travel to Gold Medal winning snowboard performance on The former Misery Heads of Five Star Failure all corners of musical boundaries, seeking out the a flat screen monitor above the stage–muted–on have come up with a harder-edged take on the outer reaches, the middle ground, and the avant- the popular Fuel Network, and fittingly, FSF’s hard- modern rock sound with tightly orchestrated grooves TUESDAY-WED., JANUARY 9-10 garde. Thursday night I checked out Al Maniscalco as-nails sound fit Sean’s movements perfectly. It that get the adrenaline flowing and the heart racing. Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) at The Brick in Avondale. It was jazz steeped in was another strange juxtaposition of audio-visual It’s a hardcore sound that has taken rock in a bold the traditions of a bygone era, then I flew into a sync that gives me a drugless high. Yeah, “it’s only new direction, away from the mundane classic rock wormhole on the other side of the galaxy to catch rock’n’roll but I like it.” of the past. (Please no more Styx.) If the members Five Star Failure–a cutting edge modern rock band at The “Heads of Misery” devolution, now called of FSF can hold this project together long enough to WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 make inroads into the modern rock scene, then they the new alt-rock venue in Atlantic Beach called the FSF, got into my brain and cleaned out the cobwebs, The Hackers Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Landshark Café. as the lads cranked out their originals. Typically definitely have a leg up on the legions of other bands I’ve seen the light and it cries out in heavy in the alt-rock scene, it takes three bands to get trying to get noticed. It’s a jungle out there, but FSF The Cover Band Spare Time Grille, Jax Beach (246-8099) dark sounds of angst-driven new rock. Yes, Five through a nightly gig, since the bands have only has the hard rock machete to cut through the dense Yankee Slickers Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) Star Failure is an evolution of former members of fifty minutes of material, but FSF had more material, underbrush. Slash away, dudes. Agent Orange Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496)

Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299)

carey ott Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) the spirit of the performance. Those bits can be the On a whole, the album is a fairly cohesive album review most heartbreaking, or the most charming. This is blend of classic pop with a light country tinge— Steve Beck Duo Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) not to say that I love poorly executed pieces of mu- perfectly pleasant to listen to and sing along with. Lisa & the Mad Hatters Reni’s Rooster, Jax (880-1111) sic; my only proposition here is that along with skill, Which brings me back to the beginning of this little taste, and refinement, an artist most endears him discussion. The only issue I take with this album Crystal Stafford, Aerial Tribe Starlite Café, Jax (356-4444) or herself to an audience by revealing something of is the fact that it never quite grabs me viscerally. their struggle in producing a piece of work. The key to this lack of emotional impact seems Conrad Oberg London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) This brings me to Carey Ott’s new album, Lucid best summed up in the disparity between Ott’s Stu Weaver The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Dream. The album, released by Dualtone, a label words and his music. In his song ‘I Wouldn’t Do known for releasing classic pieces of Americana, That to You,’ Ott intones “I sing because I have Clyde Mannael Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) features a wealth of the skill, taste, and energy nec- to.” Meanwhile, the music is boisterous, happy, Rebecca Zapen The Casbah, Jax essary to any great American album. The production and lighthearted—undermining the effectiveness is clean and features an excellent mix of rousing pop of such a powerful statement. I never quite be- Seth Ramsdill Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach (241-7877) guitars and piano, solid, yet subdued drums, clas- lieve the pain implied by Ott’s lyrics, because he sic bass lines, and tasteful insertions of harmonica doesn’t seem willing to compromise the perfect Verde Burrito Gallery, Jax (598-2922) and organ. Ott’s voice itself is well suited for sing- pleasant-ness of his instrumentation. This is not Vagabond’s Dream River City Brewing Company, Artist: Carey Ott ing pop music, with a polished, clear tone much necessarily a bad thing for music listeners, just for Jax (398-2299) Title: Lucid Dream like that of Rufus Wainwright or Coldplay’s Chris the ones who, like me, look for the artist to be the Release Date: 08.08.2006 Martin. Ott seems to be at his best with infectious, epitome of emotional potency, someone who can The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) upbeat songs, such as ‘I Wouldn’t Do That to You,’ somehow musically represent the raw emotion we Label: Dualtone Music Group El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) featured on the ABC television show Kyle XY, and ourselves have a hard time expressing. If an art- So, I’ll admit it. I’m a bit of a music elitist. the enthusiastic, Beatles-y, ‘Shelf Life.’ Both songs ist is a sort of dreamer, full of unfiltered emotion Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune But not in the way you might think—I don’t look are composed of melodies and rhythms reminiscent and subconscious desires, Ott is, as the title of his Beach (241-8221) for the flawless performance. I love the imperfect. of the Beatles, mixed with slightly digital-sounding album suggests, a “lucid” dreamer. He never quite Ambertone Elixir, Orange Park (215-4400) I look for the places where emotion overpowers guitar and organ effects that echo the indie popster surrenders himself to the sometimes dangerous restraint, where boundless exuberance expands the band, Granddaddy. In other songs, a slightly more power of the uncontrollable, choosing instead to Livid Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) boundaries of good taste. To me, those places are acoustic, folky aesthetic takes over, resulting in a craft a meticulous collection of songs that hint at the most telling of an artist—they provide entry to pleasant melancholy akin to alt country bands like emotional depth, but never quite delve deep enough Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) the outsider, allowing the listener to connect with Uncle Tupelo or Wilco. to be convincing. - by Amy Moore Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299)

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 25 Comedian Rob Becker wrote Defending the Defending The Caveman is playing at the Terry Caveman over a three-year period during which he Theatre in the Times-Union Center for the Perform- upcoming shows made an informal study of anthropology, prehistory, ing Arts January 13 through January 28. Tickets are psychology, sociology and mythology. His light- Rev. Billy Wirtz, Gunga Din Jan. 13, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 $39.50 plus applicable services charges. Discounts hearted look at relationships had a wildly success- Rod Stewart Jan. 13, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arean, 630-3900 are available for groups of 12 or more by calling ful two-year run on Broadway. Caveman is full of (904)632-3228. Eric Johnson Jan. 13, Freebird Live, 246-2473 hilarious scenarios that celebrate the differences and To order by phone with Visa, MasterCard, Styx Jan. 14, 2007, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 similarities between men and women and how they American Express or Discover call the FCCJ Artist Galactic Jan. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 relate. Becker’s message: “if men and women would Series Box Office at (904) 632-3373 (toll-free out- spend as much time trying to understand each other Enter the Haggis Jan. 16, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 side of Jacksonville 1-888-860-BWAY.) as (we) do trying to change each other… (we) Golden Dragon Chinese Acrobats Jan. 17, Wilson Center, 646-2222 would get along a lot better and laugh a lot more.” Tickets are also available online with Instant Ringling Bros. And Barnum & Bailey Circus Jan. 17- 23, (The Courier-Journal) Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 Seat Selection by visiting the Michael Van Osch carries the Caveman torch FCCJ Artist Series’ website, Ricky Nelson Remembered by Matthew and Gunnar Nelson to Jacksonville. When not performing Defending Jan. 19, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 www.artistseries.fccj.org. The Caveman he lives in Manhattan. Van Osch has Saturday, Jan. 13 – 8:00 p.m. Cowboy Mouth Jan. 19, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD enjoyed successes on the stage and screen in many Pato Baton Jan. 20, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Defending the Caveman, the longest running independent movies, spots on soaps and commer- Sunday, Jan. 14 – 5:30 p.m. solo play in Broadway history, is now a worldwide, cials. He graduated from the University of Waterloo Blue October Jan. 21, Plush, 743-1845 Saturday, Jan. 20 – 8:00 p.m. Joshua Bell Jan. 22, Times Union Center , 354-5547 rock-solid tour-de-force. This blockbuster has won in Recreation and Leisure Studies and then did his the hearts of millions in over 30 countries in more MBA at Wilfrid Laurier and went on to pursue his Sunday, Jan. 21 – 5:30 p.m. Al Stewart Jan. 24, Café Eleven, 469-9311 than 15 different languages. Caveman opens at career in the U.S. Living in Atlanta, Georgia for many Indigo Girls Jan. 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 the Terry Theater in the Times-Union Center for six years as well as Europe, which led to work with The Saturday, Jan. 27 – 8:00 p.m. John Mayer Jan. 25, Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 performances only January 13-28. Tickets are on Olympic Games, The World Cup and other fun stuff. Sunday, Jan. 28 – 5:30 p.m. The Queers Jan 25, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 sale now. “Hysterically Funny! Couples who were seen The arguing before the show, stroll out into the night The FCCJ Artist Series is recognized by the Bill Gaither and Friends Jan. 26, Veterans Memorial Arena, 630-3900 Chicago Sun Times calls Defending the Caveman “outrageously funny and surprisingly holding hands.” – Variety State of Florida as a Major Sponsor/Presenter Cul- Corey Smith Jan 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 sweet exploration of the gender gap…” “A comic phenomenon!” – The New York Times tural Institution and is sponsored in part by the State Cigar Store Indians Jan. 26, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Defending the Caveman will have Jacksonville With hilarious insights on contemporary femi- of Florida, through the Florida Department of State, Dr. Dog Feb. .27, Café Eleven, 469-9311 audiences roaring with laughter and recognition as it nism, masculine sensitivity and the erogenous zone, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Coun- Murder By Death Jan. 28, Freebird Live, 246-2473 “probes the male mystique with a well-aimed spear” Defending the Caveman mines the common themes cil and the National Endowment for the Arts. The Lemonheads Jan 30, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 (The San Francisco Chronicle). in relationships that go straight to the funny bone. Jamie Foxx, A Night of Comedy & Music Times Union Center , Jan. 31, 633-6110 Los Lonely Boys Feb. 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Yo LA Tengo Feb. 2, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Hammell On Trial Feb. 2, Café Eleven, 469-9311 i can’t stop loving you Less than Jake Feb 2 & 3, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Willie Nelson Feb. 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Billy Joel Feb. 7, Veterans Memorial Arena, 353-3309. the music of ray charles comes to unf Yonder Mountain String Band Feb. 7, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Feb. 9, Plush, 743-1845 I Can’t Stop Loving You – A music and dance Joe Bonamassa Feb. 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 sensation featuring the genius of Ray Charles THE MATCHES Feb 12, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 comes to the UNF Fine Arts Center on Thursday, Dark Star Orchestra Feb. 14, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD January 25th. The UNF Fine Arts Center presents a show Old Crow Medicine Show Feb. 15, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 directly from London’s West End – I Can’t Stop MOFRO Feb. 16, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Loving You - The Music of Ray Charles is directed Taylor Hicks Feb. 21, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 and choreographed by Gary Lloyd, one of the most Boney James Feb. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 successful producers in London. Kris Kristofferson and Rosanne Cash Feb. 25, Florida The extremely talented cast is comprised of Theatre, 355-2787 former Motown artists, some of which performed Catie Curtis Feb. 25, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 with Ray Charles as well as performing and recording with artists such as Dr. Dre’, Smokey Dr. Dog Feb. 27, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Tony Bennett and Dizzy Michael Franks March 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Gillespie during their careers. The high energy Kathleen Madigan March 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 dance ensemble is accompanied by a live on- Jake Shimabukuro March 7, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 stage orchestra that will take the audience on a Larry the Cable Guy March 8, Jacksonville Veterans musical journey of Charles’ extraordinary career. Memorial Arena, 630-3900 Some hits featured in this music and dance Moe Marach 8, Freebird Live, 246-2473 tribute are ‘Georgia’, ‘Hit the Road Jack’, ‘Unchain My Heart’, ‘I Got a Woman and Makin’ Whoopie’. The New Orleans Jazz Orchestra March 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 This is truly a show for anyone who loved and John Gorka, Sam Pacett March 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 appreciated Ray Charles and his music. The Beach Boys March 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Their U.S. tour began in Philadelphia this Explosions in the Sky March 12, The Alcazar, 469-9311 fall to fantastic reviews drawing a crowd of over Pepper March 12, Freebird Live, 246-BIRD 13,000 people in its one week run. “The songs are rendered by phenomenal The Temptations and The Four Tops March 18, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 vocalists who bring a unique flavor to Charles’ unforgettable classics. A superb chorus of danc- Tom Rush March 22, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 ers, imaginatively choreographed by Gary Lloyd Anoushka Shankar March 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 added color and visual excitement to the show.” Leo Kottke March 29, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 “Dazzling and superb! A fitting tribute to a national Tom Jones April 9, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 treasure.” - said The Philadelphia Tribune. The Ellis Paul April 20, Café Eleven, 469-9311 London Times calls the show “Electrifying.” show are on sale now for $10- $52 at the UNF Box show activities for ticketholders are being planned The tickets to this “feel good, boogie woogie” for Thursday night January 25th at 7:30pm. Relient K May 12, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Office or on line at: www.unf.edu/fineartscenter. Pre-

26 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper culture & arts JANUARY 4 Paintings By Sean Mahan Burrito Gallery, Jax 4-5 Holiday Camps MOSH, Jax 4-6 Comedian Scotty K. Atlantic Theatres, Atlantic Beach 4-6 JSO “Beethovan’s Emperor” Performing Arts Center, Jax 4-7 Bloom: Paintings and Constructions by Luis Cruz Azaceta JMOMA, Jax 4-7 Holiday Planetarium Programs MOSH, Jax 4-7 “Greetings! Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine 4-14 “Christmas Presence” Shades of Grace Artists Presbyterian Church, Ponte Vedra 4-28 “Menopause the Musical” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax 4-29 FAB Fest: Future Artists of the Beaches Cummer Museum, Jax 4-MAR. 18 Temples and Tombs: Treasures of Egyptian Art Cummer Museum, jax 4-MAR. 30 “Bright Young Things” Art Show Jane Gray Gallery, Jax 5 Saturday Night Reunion Tour-Joe Piscopo, Victoria Jackson, Father Guido Sarducci Flagler Auditorim, Palm Coast 5 Stravinsky’s “A Soldier’s Tale” Friday Musicale, Jax 5 Mad Cowford Improv Theatre Boomtown, Jax one thousand and one nights 5 2 ½ Days in Genesis Featuring Suzzette Solano The Art Center, Jax 5-27 “Rumors” Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park 6 Jane Austin Society Meeting European Street, Jax russian ballet to perform 6 Sanctuary Tour/Nightime Feeding Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch, Jax 6 Story Time-Meet The Author “Ocean Commotion” Barnes & by kelliE abraHamSoN [email protected] Noble/San Jose, Jax nowned choreographer Nailya Nazirova and the set ronezh State Theatre of Opera and Ballet is Honored 6-7 Auditions: “First Baptist of Ivy Grove” 2pm Orange Park Every time I think of Arabian Nights, I always Community Theatre, Orange Park get that song from Disney’s Aladdin stuck in my and costume design are by Tugrul Narimanbekov. Artist of Russia Igor Nepomnyashchy. The repertoire head. Here’s hoping a night at the ballet will change The State Ballet Theatre of Russia is the touring of the theatre includes work by both classical and 6-7 Auditions: Durang 6 2pm Players by the Sea, Jax Beach all of that! On January 11th the FCCJ Artists Series name of the Voronezh State Theatre of Opera and modern Russian composers including Swan Lake, 7 The ThreePenny Symphony Flagler College, St. Augustine presents the State Theatre of Russia and Orchestra’s Ballet, established in 1961. The Director of the Vo- The Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, The Nutcracker, 8 UNF String Competition Winner in Recital UNF, Jax Don Quixote, The Stone Flower and The Fountain of performance of One Thousand and One Nights at the 8 Local Chapter Laurel & Hardy Appreciation Society Pablo Times-Union Center, Moran Theater. Bakhchisarai. Among the company’s 54 dancers Creek Library, Jax One Thousand and One Nights is based on are many distinguished Russian artists and winners 10 Seminar: How to Impress a Client in Any Capacity WJCT TV Studios, Jax the Middle Eastern literary epic of the same name. of many international ballet competitions. Principal The story has also been called Arabian Nights, The dancers in One Thousand and One Nights include 10-13 Comedian Tim Wilson Comedy Zone, Mandarin Nightly Entertainments and The Nights. In the book, Ekaterina Liubih (as Nurida), People’s Artist of Rus- 10-FEB. 4 “King Lear” Shakespeare Festival UCF, Orlando a Persian king named Shakhriar discovers that his sia Tatiana Frolova (Scheherazade) and Vladislav 11 FCCJ Artist Series-One Thousand and One Nights beautiful wife Nurida and her lover are plotting to kill Ivanov (Shakhriar) Performing Arts Center, Jax him, so he has the scheming pair executed. Unable A full symphony orchestra, intricate sets and 11 “Drive & Yield Project” Art Opening/Reception JU Brest Museum, Jax to trust another woman, yet unable to live without beautiful costumes complete the performance. This 12 An Evening of Musical Song & Dance Thrasher Horne them, the king orders his servant to get him a new enchanting ballet will recount magical legends from Center, Orange Park wife every night and have her executed at dawn the land of the Arabian Nights including the legend- 12 JSO “How Suite It Is!” Performing Arts Center, Jax the next morning. Some time later, a clever young ary character of Sinbad the Sailor, Aladdin and the woman named Scheherazade volunteers to be the Magic Lamp, the Slave Girl, Scheherazade and Ali 12 Ethel Merman’s Broadway Flagler Auditorium, Palm Coast king’s next bride, knowing that he plans to kill her Baba. 12 “Leading Ladies” Theatre Jacksonville, Jacksonville as he did all the others. After their wedding, the The whimsical fairy tale will be performed for 12 FCCJ Artist Series-“Turandot” Performing Arts Center, Jax woman begins telling Shakhriar tales of adventure one night only at the Times Union Center, Moran 12-13 Big Yard Sale Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch, Jax and romance, tragedy and comedy, legends and Theater on January 11th at 7:30 pm. Tickets range in poems and each morning at dawn the tales end in a price from $27.50 to $47.50 plus applicable service 12-13 “The Fan” First Coast Theatre, Jax cliffhanger. Over the course of Scheherazade’s time and facility charge. Charge by phone (904) 632- 12-27 “The Rainmaker” ABET, Atlantic Beach with the king, she tells him many stories including 3373 or order online at www.artistseries.fccj.org. 12-27 “Leading Ladies” Theatre Jacksonville, Jax Aladdin’s Lamp, Sindbad the Sailor, and the tale of 12-MAR. 11 Celebrating Black Hisotry Exhibit MOSH, Jax Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves. The king, so excited about hearing the end of the stories, postpones the 13 Auditions: Fat Pig 2pm ABET, Atlantic Beach execution. This goes on for one thousand and one 13 Auditions: Jacksonville Symphony Chorus 3:30pm JU Fine nights, when finally, the young bride reveals that Arts Building, Jax she has given birth to three of the king’s sons and 13 JSO with Seven Nations Performing Arts Center, Jax asks for a pardon. He grants her this, convinced that 13 Stars & Stones-Sci-Fi Book Club Mandarin Branch Library, Mandarin Scheherazade is indeed faithful to him, and the pair live happily ever after. 13 Science of the Circus MOSH, Jax Set to music by Fikret Amirov, the ballet 13 Art Adventures-Egyptian Art Cummer Museum, Jax One Thousand and One Nights was first staged at 13 Cartoons & Cartooning Graham Branch Library, Jax the Baku Theatre of Opera and Ballet in 1979. An 13-28 “Rob Becker’s Defending the Caveman FCCJ Artist outstanding Azerbaijani composer and one of the Series Performing Arts Center, Jax leading representatives of the country’s musical art, 13-FEB. 24 Classes For Children-Drawing & Painting MOCA, Jax Amirov contributed greatly to the development of its multinational culture. His music has been performed 14 Absolute Auction Catty Shack Wildlife Ranch, Jax often and successfully beyond his native Azerbaijan. 14 Auditions: “Pack of Lies” 6pm Theatre Jacksonville, Jax The choreography for this beautiful ballet is by re- 15 Auditions: Fat Pig 7pm ABET, Atlantic Beach

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 27 15 A Day in Ancient Egypt: One Day School Holiday Camp Cummer Museum, Jax 15 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day MOSH, Jax new year’s eve at the pelican club 15 Class: Traditional Oil Paintings with Sydney McKenna Cultural Center, Ponte Vedra 16 “Music of Our Time” UNF, Jax players by the sea theatre review 16 Mother/Daughter Book Club Main Library, Jax 17 Ritz Chamber Players Performing Arts Center, Jax by dick kerekes [email protected] 17 Gamer’s League Club Regency Branch Library, Jax 17 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Acrylic Painting MOCA, Jax To bring in the New Year, I attended the celebra- 17 FCCJ Artist Series-Golden Dragon Acrobats of China FCCJ tion at Player’s By the Sea, called New Year’s Eve at Wilson Center, Jax the Pelican Club. The annual awards for the actors 17-18 Especially For Seniors Talks & Tea-The Art of Ancient and technicians for Players are called the Pelican Egypt , Jax Cummer Museum Awards, thus the name for this event. 18 Pulp Fiction Theatre Boomtown, Jax This was the first year for this show, and I will 18 Art For Two-Egyptian Animal Symbols Cummer Museum, Jax go out on a limb and predict that it will become a 18 “The Motown Experience” JSO Performing Arts Center, Jax tradition and will eventually be sold out one or two months in advance. 18 Open Gallery Grand Opening San Marco, Jax I arrived at Players’ Theatre at 8:30, to find it 18 Egyptian Film Series-“Mummy” 9th & Main, Jax decorated for a typical New Year’s Eve party with 18 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax balloons all over the place and lots of glitter includ- 18 “Caring For Your Edible Landscape” Urban Garden Field, Jax ing fancy champagne glasses lined up on top of the piano. 18-20 “See How They Run” DASOTA, Jax Inside the theatre, the stage was set up like 19 “Einstein Alive!” Theatreworks FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax nightclub, with tables on each side on the stage and 19 Arbor Day Program Duval County Extension, Jax the piano featuring a large pelican on its side with 19-20 JSO “The Motwon Experience” Performing Arts Center, Jax drawn by artist Anne Roberts. The setting reminded me of the nightclubs I had seen in the movies about 19-20 “The Fan” , Jax First Coast Theatre the l930s and 40s. 19-20 Comedian James Gregory Comedy Zone, Mandarin Indeed, the music was a trip down memory 20 Lecture Series: Lives of Objects-Artists and Patrons in Ancient lane, and I mean way back on memory lane, with Egypt Main Library, Jax songs from the 20s and the 30s. The most modern 20 Books Alive! Film Festival Main Library, Jax number being “Satin Doll” (l953) sung by Josh 20 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax Waller. Waller also did soulful renditions of “My Funny Valentine” and “The Lady is a Tramp.” 21 JSO Family Series Performing Arts Center, Jax The songs were selected by Lee Hamby, who is 22 Beaches Fine Arts Series-Joshua Bell Performing Arts Center, Jax responsible for this show happening. He approached ence. Oh, you’re a bad bad girl Staci, but we loved it. Joey Chancey is back in town for the holidays, 22 Brahms String Quartet & Clarinet Quintet UNF, Jax Player’s General Manager, Joe Schwartz with the Kristin Jewell mesmerized the audience with and he led the marvelous four-piece band while 23 Clarinet Virtuoso Guy Yehuda Library, Ponte Vedra Beach idea to do a something at the theatre on New Year’s two offerings Duke Ellington’s “Solitude” and Ger- playing the piano. Chancey, who produced Tick Tick Eve that would appeal to theatre folks. Schwartz swin’s “Someone to Watch Over Me” and I truly felt I Boom last summer, will be producing The Rocky 23-28 “Sweet Charity” FCCJ Artist Series Performing Arts Center, Jax gave the go ahead, and told Lee he would arrange was back in the l930s. Horror Show in the summer of 2007. 24 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Acrylic Painting MOCA, Jax for the food and beverages and the details of the No musical program featuring singers would be New Year’s at the Pelican was a fundraiser 25 “Rip Van Winkle” Theatreworks Florida Theatre, Jax show were up to him. complete without Amy Allen, who sells a song like for Players by the Sea and an example of how local 25 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Drawing MOCA, Jax Lee Hamby is an actor/singer/director extraor- few singers can. I loved her “Embraceable You”, and theatres are using their theatre spaces creatively to dinaire and assembled a cast of singers that almost she and Hamby teamed up for a terrific “Slow Boat bring in income to avoid having to raise ticket prices. 25 “I Can’t Stop Loving You-The Music of Ray Charles” UNF guaranteed it to be a success. As soon as I saw who Fine Arts Center, Jax to China.” ABET recently staged Ian Maris in Santa Land was performing, I knew I was going, and I am the Miranda Lawson is finishing up a degree in Diaries for one night. Theatre Jacksonville has a th 25 Egyptian Film Series-“Cleopatra” 9 & Main, Jax type of guy to stay at home for New Year’s. musical theatre at Jacksonville University, but she number of events on stage besides their scheduled 25 JSO “Beethoven’s Fourth Symphony” Performing Arts Center, Jax The show featured 25 songs starting with a has appeared in many shows outside of JU with season. In February they will once again present 26-27 Comedian James Gregory Comedy Zone, Mandarin rousing “Ain’t Misbehavin” with the entire cast. Other Players, Theatre Jacksonville and The Alhambra.” their now traditional Valentine concert. St. Augus- 26-28 13th Annual Official Electric Football Super Bowl & Waller’s songs followed. Hamby, besides directing She was marvelous singing “That Old Black Magic” tine’s Limelight fits in events between shows. They Convention Embassy Suites, Jax the show, sang several songs and was very impres- and “Can’t Help Loving Dat Man.” are currently adding a black box theatre, which will sive playing Fats himself, in “Your Feets Too Big.” David Paul established himself as a serious allow them to offer even more and diverse plays to 26-APR. 8 Other Worlds: The Landscape in Contemporary Art Museum of Contemporary Art, Jax Staci Cobb, oozing with sex appeal, sang three actor when he first came to Jacksonville, but he their appreciative audiences. songs from the early 30s, that made we realize how soon moved to musicals. Now 30 pounds lighter Thanks Players for a great New Year’s Eve 26-APR. 8 Second Skins: Sculptural Soundsuits & Tondos by Nick Cave MOCA, Jax wide-open that era really was. “Squeeze Me”, “Love with several musicals under his belt, he reminds me Celebration. Thanks as well to Lee Hamby and let for Sale” and “Find Out What They Like”, certainly of Bobby Darin. He was perfect choice to sing Cole me applause you superior musical knowledge in a 27-28 Auditions: Shakespeare in Orange Park 2pm Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park had the undivided attention of the males in the audi- Porter’s “Just a Gigolo” wonderful evening of songs. 27 Book Signing-Dr. Hal Baumgarten “D-Day Survivor” Barnes & Noble, Mandarin 27 MOCA Studio Classes-Introduction To Silkscreen Printing MOCA, Jax 27 Story-book Theater with LaVilla Main Library, Jax 27 Art Adventures-Drawing From Life Cummer Museum, Jax 27-28 Auditions: “The Taming of the Shrew” 2pm Orange Park Community Theatre, Orange Park 28 Concert Music Series-Joan Kwuon-Violinist Friday Musicale, Jax 29 Crafty Kids Southeast Branch Library, Jax 30 FCCJ Artist Series-Rigoletto, Teatro Lirico D’Europa Performing Arts Center, Jax 30 “Music of Our Time” UNF, Jax 30-FEB. 3 FCCJ Artist Series-Jackie Mason FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax 31 Book Signing-Robert Drury “Halsey’s Typhoon” Barnes & Noble, Mandarin

28 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Obviously, there are areas the team needs to give consideration to, other than coaching person- nel. The Quaterback issue will rage throughout the off-season, with people now taking sides over what preserving florida to do with Byron Leftwich, David Garrard, and now, Quinn Gray. Who is the man? Who will BE the man? It’ll make for a great soap opera, for sure. clyde butcher waist deep THE There is also the question of what to do with the passing game and the corps of receivers now by jon bosworth [email protected] employed by the Jags. Are THEY the guys the Jags JOCK should keep to generate a better product? Should est for the color. It’s so green you they go find a free agent, or do they take an WR with can’t even see what’s happening. a draft pick? If you look at it as an environ- BY: TOM WEPPEL It should certainly make for a tasty few months mental thing, color distinguishes of decision-making. Del Rio and VP of Player Per- different aspects nature, but black sonnel James ‘Shack’ Harris have a lot of to do. and white makes it one. Nature is

different parts of one whole.” NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE COLLEGE FOOTBALL Toting his 60 pound, large- This weekend we have the beginning of the On Monday night, the Florida Gators will play format camera through the water- playoffs, which, to the NCAA, is such a UNIQUE way the Ohio State Buckeyes for the BCS National Cham- ways and deep into Florida’s nat- of determining who has the best team in football! pionship. Please note, this is not the NCAA Champi- ural landscapes is cumbersome, In the strong AFC, we’ll see the upstart Kansas onship, because there is no such thing. In this area, and since the camera takes six City Chiefs go to Indianapolis to play the Colts, and plenty of fans of the Gators are in a frenzy over this minutes to capture the image, the we’ll also watch the New York Jets head to Foxboro game, with the firm belief they have a solid chance process takes a sufficient amount to face their division-rival Patriots. at beating a dominant, undefeated Buckeye squad. of patience, not to mention the In the mediocre NFC, the reeling Dallas Cow- In his second season, Urban Meyer has pro- wherewithal to carry the camera boys travel to the Pacific Northwest to face the Se- duced great results in getting his team to this point. in a waterproof backpack on a attle Seahawks, while Tom Coughlin takes his Giants The Gator football program is at a peak level, and canoe and into muddy terrain. down the street to play their nemesis, the Philadel- will continue to stay at this level for what seems like But Butcher persists because he phia Eagles. quite a while. If Florida were to win this, then Meyer is not only a photographer, but a Going into these playoff games, each team will certainly be canonized. Those around the coun- conservationist, and by photo- has a different attitude and feel about them, and it’s try don’t believe the Gators have a chance. graphing the Everglades he has quite interesting to see how they will play, consider- ing certain circumstances. The Colts have had an Clyde Butcher lives on 13 acres in the middle been able to show politicians and locals alike that the atrocious time stopping opponents’ rushing offense, FINAL THOUGHT of the Everglades and has been taking pictures of Everglades are not just wasted swamplands, but a which is great for the Chiefs and their workhorse RB, On New Years Day earlier this week, Robert Florida Landscapes for more than 23 years. His work beautiful river of life. When asked how his photogra- Larry Johnson. It seems as if Indy will simply have Montgomery Knight, known as Bobby to most of is often compared to Ansel Adams, although he phy helps preserve the environment, Butcher chuck- to outscore Kansas City to win their game. you, broke the record for most wins for a head feels his photographs are more intimate portraits of les about the complexity of an accurate answer. The Jets and Pats contest seems to be more coach in college basketball history. The previous the grandeur of natural landscapes. His “Visions of “They just committed to building three more about the two head coaches, Bill Belichick, and record was held by Dean Smith from North Carolina. Florida” show is currently on display at the Thrasher- power plants that will cut down more trees and add his former assistant, Eric Mangini, than the actual The man certainly is one damn good coach. In Horne gallery at the St Johns River Community Col- to global warming. Will I stop that? I don’t think so.” players. Each team beat the other during the regular his forty-one years in the college ranks, he has only lege in Orange Park. The focus of his pictures is not But by displaying the beauty, Butcher hopes he season. This will be the ultimate chess match. posted TWO seasons with losing records, with one wildlife, but Florida’s natural landscape. can inspire more people to do their part to preserve Fans and media alike are wondering what has being last year. While there’s absolutely no question “When I first came to Florida, everyone was it. happened to the Cowboys. Their inconsistent play whatsoever that Bobby Knight has established a shooting birds and deer, but I thought there was In addition to his work in Florida, Butcher is has led to bad losses, and Bill Parcells is totally legacy that is unmatched, it is also fair to say that he more to Florida than birds and deer, there’s where currently working on a project that highlights natural befuddled. The Seahawks haven’t played as well has developed a personality and style that can easily they live.” landscapes around the country. The project is titled as they did last year, mainly due to injury, but seem grate on a lot of those who follow and love college Butcher has seen a direct decline in Florida’s “America the Beautiful” and will be on display at primed to take advantage of Dallas’ weaknesses. basketball as a sport. There are plenty of talented landscapes and natural habitats since he’s been Williams and Mary College. Included in that exhibit And then you have the struggling Giants, who kids who chose not to play for Knight during his photographing it. Places where he once captured are pictures of Yosemite, the Tetons, the Delaware wouldn’t be playing were it not for RB Tiki Barber. years at Indiana and now at Texas Tech. His limited beautiful images of indigenous vegetations and bod- Gap between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, the Common perception dictates that they will have no record of coaching players who went on to great- ies of water are now developments and retail stores. Badlands, and many more pieces that highlight the chance against an Eagle squad that has found a nice ness in the NBA is an item of note. “The decline of landscapes in Florida is tremen- variety of natural scenes in the various parts of our little groove, becoming the favorite to win the NFC. He has his critics, for sure. While his three Na- dous. It’s worse than the Amazon. Every Wal-Mart country. These games are always interesting, and we’ll tional Championships at Indiana are certainly note- or Home Depot is another 50 acres gone. We’re “The Redwoods in Northern California are see who comes out ready for the next round. worthy, he has not won one since 1987. Texas Tech constructing ourselves to death.” probably my favorite to photograph. I’ve been photo- is certainly not a high-profile program, and his term Butcher gave up photographing in color back graphing them since the 70s. It has a similar feeling JAGUARS there has been one of tempered success. Bobby in 1986 because color tends to separate water and to Big Cypress.” This week, head coach Jack Del Rio axed five Knight certainly will be respected and idolized for his trees, although in reality they are part of the same Learn more about Butcher’s work on his web- assistant coaches. Three were from his offensive track record of producing results. But he will also be environment. site, clydebutcher.com, or visit one of his many gal- staff, along with his two special teams guys. remembered for his nasty attitude and temper. “Color is too confusing. You can’t see the for- leries in the state. You would think, with these changes being made, that Del Rio could throw some of the blame Tom Weppel talks trash on Thursdays from 7-8 for the 8-8 season on these guys. Is that fair to say p.m. on WIOJ-AM 1010, and on SportsAvengers. they should assume some blame? com 24/7.

eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 29 Ricky, I know you will do your best because that is the type of driver you are and the fans are with you. A few months ago, Ward Burton made it known that he was wanting to get back into NASCAR but it nascar news & notes seemed that there was not going to be a place for him by RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected] even with the “Silly Season” in full swing. What do I read today, “Ward in a Ford” is that something or is that something? Ward Burton goes from no ride to a full time cup ride right on to being a “Buschwhacker” not what do ya think of that? He’s got the 36 races in Cup with a Chevrolet and will drive a Ford for 20 in the Busch Series (shortly to be changed to the “NASCAR Goodwrench Series or Cingular Series or AT&T Series or just maybe the Wally Mart Racing Series). I sure hope he don’t get mixed up while he is in victory lane and call his winning Ford a Chevy or vice versa, don’t you? Well the holidays are over, sure hope they were as good for you and yours as ours, and the racing season starts pretty soon, and none to soon for me, cause I’m about out of old tapes to watch. Why, I even went to Blockbusters the other night but when they said five bucks each for the rental fee I just said thanks but no thanks and left. I did buy a few blanks for taping this new season so I’m on R for ready to get this thing going at Speedweek. Oh yeah, by the way, I think there has been a small concession on the part of management at Entertaining U. If I give up just a couple things I’m asking for like medical insurance and reduce the rate I want them to put in my 401k and retirement plans then there’s a slight chance you Yes indeed there sure is a lot going on and very a super model is the big news right now. Along with all will be reading me for another season, don’t that little on the track. Oh sure, Kasey is in Australia or those happenings are the new NASCAR goodies start- make y’all happy? You know where I am and that’s rather was in Australia and my Mate Pete got himself ing to hit the market place and the new paint schemes [email protected] and back to normal, If it a bunch of autographs from him and I’m not too sure for the 2007 diecast cars. The Car of Tomorrow is ain’t NASCAR it ain’t s**t!! if I’m getting one either. Kahne went around with a few also getting big headlines not only on the track but in other American drivers and with some real good Aus- the dealer’s inventory and everybody is saving up to sie guys but came up short and got rained on. Pete buy their driver’s car, which won’t be cheap this year said, “Kahne drove real well and came in 3rd behind if Brian France and Bruton Smith have anything to say 2 “hardened” sprintcar pros but he sure showed that about it. I have got my orders in for all my guy’s cars he can dive one of those babies. He was very acces- and I sure hope they don’t come in all at once or my sible to all of us so that was great.” He went on to tell wife will be mad at me like usual. If they spread them me how friendly Kasey was and to be up close to him out just a tad and she sees one or two come in at a you wouldn’t think that this young fellow could drive a time it is a whole lot better for me. It’s when five or six sprint car much less a Nextel Cup ride. boxes hit the door and I get the call on my cell, “Your All in all to have a talent like Kahne and the CARS are here” I know what that means. other Americans racing with the local boys was real Oh what the heck, I don’t have a big boat to go thrilling for Pete and later on this month there will be fishing in or a lot of hunting rifles to hunt with and I a whole gang of drivers over there in his part of the finally kicked the gambling habit thanks to President world. Heck it’s only fair for them to go down under Busch. Why can’t I spend a few bucks on a diecast and I would like to see NASCAR develop a series car or six or eight, I mean ya gots to have them don’t there rather than China or Europe. Guess Mr. France ya? I do try to limit myself to just my three main guys doesn’t feel there is that big of a following as there is and then like next month I’ll buy a few other drivers in Hong Kong, OK? Australia does have sprint racing but only because they’ll be cheap. I won’t buy my along with several other types with the V8 Supercars usual 3 or 4 driver’s jackets next month, just one or being very popular and a few years back they had if I’m pushed two but then again, they’re a lot less their own version of NASCAR. The Australian NASCAR than during the season. You know, I say my wife gets Racing as I’m told it was called, raced on mainly two on to me about car buying but she’s really not that oval racks. One was a half mile and the other a full bad. There was this one time when this great big box mile track, Calder Park Motorsports better known as came in, I had told her to be on the look out for it and “Thunderdome Speedway” and not like a Mel Gibson what it was going to be. She didn’t think I had really movie. bought one and when it came in she called and said, I have learned over the past few years as the “RICHARD, YOUR TIRE IS HERE!!” she did ask just Aussies would say, “You Yanks ain’t got the market one thing, “where ya going to put it?” Now you know corned on racing” there has been a ton of it going on what I said don’t you? and is going on “In the Land Down Under”. I think it You know I have been seeing the headlines that would be a heck of a lot easier to spell Goodwrench read, “RYR brings Rudd out of retirement” or “Rudd or Home Depot on the side of a race car in Australia comes back from retirement” and things like that. Did than it would be in China. I know a Mate of mine Ricky really retire, I thought he said wasn’t, he was would sure like to see more of it over there and all so just stepping back or taking some time off. What ever a NHRA series of some kind there too. But like I say, the case is I am sure glad to see him back in a race NASCAR needs to get back to their roots here in the car and double happy it is at Robert Yates Racing. States before they venture into uncharted parts of the Now Robert, build your own motors and stop buying world so like I say, “who listens to me”? I will give all that stuff from Roush Racing and let’s get back to them one more year of my time and if things continue basics. OK? Who knows, perhaps Ernie can fill in for to turn me off on NASCAR I guess I’ll have to start Ricky every so often. With Rudd in the #88 or #28 following Roller Derby. or whatever, you will have a good season in 2007 or Now off the track, things like a new wife going to at the least some time to find a good rookie and that have a baby and drivers getting engaged and marrying might be hard with so few coming up these days. And

30 january 4-10, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | january 4-10, 2007 31