JACKSONVILLE

fall (visual) art preview moon river pizza | tnt dance troupe at cafe eleven | keep a breast | steel magnolias at alhambra

free weekly guide to entertainment and more | september 13-19, 2007 | www.eujacksonville.com 2 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper table of contents cover art by mark george feature Fall Visual Arts Preview ...... PAGES 16-21 Artist Interviews ...... PAGES 16-20 Cummer Openings ...... PAGE 18 MOCA Openings ...... PAGE 19 Other Art Openings ...... PAGES 18-20 Gallery Listings ...... PAGE 21 movies Movies in Theaters this Week ...... PAGES 6-10 The Brave One (movie review) ...... PAGE 6 Mr. Woodcock (movie review) ...... PAGE 7 Brothers Solomon (movie review) ...... PAGE 8 3:10 to Yuma (movie review) ...... PAGE 9 King of Kong (movie review) ...... PAGE 9 Boss of It All (movie review) ...... PAGE 10 at home Burn Notice (TV review) ...... PAGE 12 Video Games ...... PAGE 13 dish Moon River Pizza (restaurant review) ...... PAGES 14-15 Caring Chefs Profi le (Roys) ...... PAGE 15 music Music Calendar ...... PAGES 22-26 Cliff Worrell & the Restless Kind (River City Brewing) ...... PAGE 22 Lennon () ...... PAGE 23 New Life Coffeehouse ...... PAGE 24 Dance Off at Cafe Eleven ...... PAGE 25 arts / theatre / on stage Breast Defense (St. Augustine art show) ...... PAGE 26 Steel Magnolias (Alhambra Dinner Theatre) ...... PAGE 27 Criminal Hearts (Limelight Theatre) ...... PAGE 28 Cinderella (Orange Park Community Theatre) ...... PAGE 28 Typewriter (JU Theatre) ...... PAGE 29 columns and stuff Native Foreigner ...... PAGE 30 The Jock ...... PAGE 30 NASCAR News & Notes ...... PAGE 31

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 3 thisweek John Vanderslice Celebrity Chef Series thursday SEPTEMBER 13 Mory Thomas has been a recipe developer for Martha Stewart RobinElla Living, Food & Wine and most RobinElla was born and lives in the foothills of the Great Smoky recently the Food Network. He Mountains. She founded ‘RobinElla and the CC String Band’ in brings his philosophy that food 1999 with husband and musician Cruz Contreras. Together they is one of life’s most rewarding fused their broad tastes in music to create a sound that was, and and communal experiences to still is, offi cially indefi nable. RobinElla will bring her unique blend Publix Apron’s Cooking School of bluegrass, pop, jazz and blues to the European Street Listening this Friday. Tickets: $50 Publix, Room this Thursday. Tell your friends. European Street Café 10500 San Jose Blvd- 6:30 pm Listening Room- 8:30 pm Info: (904) 399-1740 Info: (904) 262-4187

MOCA Jacksonville Members’ Exhibition Preview X Benefi t and Reception The X Benefi t will feature an Jacksonville’s Museum of Contemporary Art will be previewing eXciting evening at MOSH’s fi ve new exhibitions in a variety of mediums. As our resident art Prehistoric Casino! What is a Prehistoric Casino, you ask? It’s expert, Donald Dusinberre, says in his story on page 18, it is not a good idea to try to see all of these different types of art at one time. a gaming area within MOSH’s However, you should still come to the party to take a peek, and blockbuster eXhibition, Dinosaurs then come back at another time for a more in-depth study of these & Ice Age Mammals, of course! artists’ work. Admission: Free/members, $30/non-members (may Guests will travel back in time to “Viva MOSH Vegas” to try SEPTEMBER 14 - 16 be applied toward membership) MOCA Jacksonville- 6-10 pm their luck at the Sabertooth Slots, Jurassic Blackjack, and T. Info: (904) 366-6911 Rex Texas Hold ‘Em. Relic (turtle) Races and a Spear Toss 3rd Annual Southern Monster Truck Showdown contest will also be part of this gaming gala! Tickets: $70 to There’s nothing like a good old fashioned Monster Truck SEPTEMBER 13 - 15 $250 Museum of Science and History- 7 pm Info: (904) Showdown! Head to the Clay County Fairgrounds this weekend 396-7062, ext 223 or themosh.org to see 8 professional TV monster trucks, plus local-entry mud Trunk Show with Third and Wall Art Group bogging, the return of the Racing Lawnmowers, Monster Truck Fogle Fine Art & Accessories will present a trunk show September Rides, huge Truck Show ‘n Shine contest and much more!! David Lee Murphy Tickets: $10/advance, $12/at the gate, Free/3 and under 13-15 featuring the art of Third and Wall Art Group of Seattle, 99.9 Gator Country FREE Fall Concert Series at the Jacksonville Clay County Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs Washington. Come out to view contemporary canvas original pieces Landing features David Lee Murphy and Whiskey Falls this Info: (352) 484-3413 or southernmonstertruckshowdown.com by artists Liz Jardine, Sara Stockstill, Simon Addyman, William Friday. Singer/Songwriter, David Lee Murphy will be bringing a Kuttner and others. Fogle Fine Art & Accessories, 3312 Beach fi ddle and player from his regular band for a jammin’ Blvd, Jacksonville good time. Show starts at 8 pm. Arrive early for the best view of the show. Listen to 99.9 FM Gator Country for your chance SEPTEMBER 13 - 16 to win VIP passes. saturday SEPTEMBER 15 Shout! The Mod Musical Shout! The Mod Musical fl ips through the years like a musical 2007 Heart Walk magazine and takes you back to the music, the fashion and the More than 8,000 First Coast residents will take giant steps for freedom of the 60s! This smashing revue tracks fi ve groovy gals as their heart health this Saturday at Met Park in the American Heart they come of age during those liberating days that made England Association’s annual Start! Heart Walk. The non-competitive, three- swing! Join this non-stop journey with terrifi c new arrangements mile walk raises funds to support heart disease and stroke research of such chart-topping hits as ‘To Sir with Love,’ ‘Downtown,’ ‘You and educational programs in the First Coast community. Teams are Don’t Have to Say You Love Me,’ ‘Son of a Preacher Man,’ and made up of employees from local companies, along with friends ‘Goldfi nger.’ Be sure to check out this unique musical experience and family members of all ages. - 8 am running through Sunday! Tickets: $35-$40 Wilson Center for the Info: (904) 739-0197 Arts, FCCJ South Info: (904) 632-3373 or artistseries.fccj.org

Subhumans UK Typewriter, Altered Dance & Music Jacksonville University is proud to present Typewriter, an evening of original dance and music by Altered Dance and Music. The friday SEPTEMBER 14 Subhumans UK concert will use the development of the typewriter in the 20th Subhumans were one of the most prolifi c and original bands century to explore the psychology of a woman’s place in home of the evolving UK punk scene. After seven years of changing and society. The original work includes choreography by Cari Brew at the Zoo the face of punk rock, Subhumans split up in 1987 to form Join the Zoo’s Wild Things young professionals committee for an Coble, professor of dance, and music by Tony Steve, assistant other bands. The godfathers of anachro-punk reformed almost evening of entertainment, South American food, beers and wines professor of contemporary/world music and percussion, along a decade ago and are still going strong, recording and touring from around the world, animal encounters, behind-the-scene tours with videography by Jacksonville artist and printmaking teacher at the US and the UK. They’re back on our side of the pond this and more. Attendees will be invited to join the committee to provide DASOTA, Barry Wilson. Read the story on page 29. Tickets: $10/ month and will make a stop at Fuel to remind kids that punk is , advocacy and volunteer support for the Zoo. Tickets: adults, $7/seniors, $5/students and military, Free/JU students with not dead. Tickets: $12 Fuel Coffeehouse- 7 pm $25/advance, $30/day of event Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens- 6 ID Jacksonville University, Swisher Theatre- 7:30 pm Info: (904) Info: (904) 425-FUEL pm to 10 pm Info: (904) 757-4463 256-7345

4 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper The Bridges The Bridges were born July, 2002 with a disposition to blend lyric and harmony with haunting melodies and the poetry of reality. With an acoustic style reminiscent of the sixties and seventies, the band perfectly mixes pop, folk and indie rock to carry the listener through a wonderful range of sound and emotion. The Bridges will perform with Among Your Brothers, Spoken Groove and A Slight Breeze. Tickets: $8 Murray Hill Theatre- 8 pm Info: (904) 388-7807

Dropsonic Our own Christina Wagner says: “It’s hard to imagine such a full sound protruding from only three members, but this rock outfi t hailing from Atlanta pulls it off nicely. Prepare to have your face melted off with their unique blend of traditional and indie rock paired with some impressive lyricism and enchanting vocals.” Read the interview at eujacksonville. com. Check them out this weekend with Lackawanna Dropsonic Carriage Works. Tickets: $6 Jack Rabbits- 8 pm Info: (904) 398-7496 Valencia The Alternative Pop-Punk band from Philadelphia got their name from Valencia, Spain because it is known for its progress and evolution. Valencia felt the same way about their music. From looking at their MySpace it appears they are very popular with the middle school set – hope they don’t take the name of the current tour too seriously: “School’s for Fools” Tour, which will be at Fuel Coffeehouse w/ Just Surrender, We the Kings, and Metro Station. Valencia sunday SEPTEMBER 16 Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Atlanta Falcons Last weekend’s narrow defeat won’t keep us down! Our Jacksonville Jaguars will take on the Atlanta Falcons this Sunday in the second home game of the season. Tickets: $42-$95/single game, $360- $930/season passes (includes 10 games) Jacksonville Municipal Stadium- 1 pm Info: (904) 633-2000 or jaguars.com

Uncle John’s Band This group of talented musicians who love to play the music of the Grateful Dead formed in 1990 in Clearwater, Florida with the purpose of recreating the atmosphere and musical adventure of a live Dead show. Truck on down to Freebird Live and join the adventure. Info: 246-2473 tuesday SEPTEMBER 18 John Vanderslice and the Café Eleven 5th Anniversary Dance Party It’s a concert, it’s a dance off, it’s an anniversary celebration and it’s quite possibly the most fun you will ever have on a Tuesday night. Celebrate Café Eleven’s 5th birthday with what is sure to be a heck of a party! Singer/songwriter John Vanderslice will judge this unique dance party where TNT Dance will face off against other dance troupes to fi nd out whose the best in the world… or at least in the North Florida area. Read the story on page 25. Tickets: $10 Café Eleven, St. Augustine Beach 8:30 pm Info: (904) 469-9311 wednesday SEPTEMBER 19 Helios Eye Birthday Party Show A glorious combination of acoustic guitars, stripped-down vocals and thought-provoking lyrics, Helios Eye in one of Jacksonville’s most promising and unique local bands. Check ‘em out live next Wednesday with Grabbag and be sure to wish Kevin, the Eye’s frontman, a very happy birthday. Stick around after the show for a screening of Stop Making Sense, the critically acclaimed fi lm by Jonathan Demme and Talking Heads. Yesterdays Social Club- 8 pm Info: (904) 387-0502

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 5 seriously injured, physically and mentally. MOVIES OPENING Jodie Foster characterizes Erica with a combi- nation of her trademark post-traumatic stress rigid- 11TH HOUR The documentary fi lm explores ity, similar to the rape victim she portrayed in The how we’ve arrived at this moment- how we Accused, and a vigilante justice-turned-to-bloodlust live, impact the earth’s ecosystems, and what that is unique to Erica. Once she kills, she can never we can do to change. Featuring dialogues of go back to the person she was before the incident. experts. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Something inside her snapped and now she is a dangerous loose cannon. DRAGON WARS A beautiful young woman pos- sesses the power to transform a legendary giant serpent into an almighty dragon who can only ascend into heaven with the woman’s ultimate sacrifi ce. Rated PG-13

GOYA’S GHOSTS A sweeping historical epic told through the eyes of celebrated Spanish painter Francisco Goya (Stellan Skarsgard). Set against the backdrop of political turmoil at the end of the Spanish Inquisition and the start of the invasion of Spain by Napoleon’s army, the fi lm captures the essence and beauty of Goya’s the accused meets death wish work. Javier Bardem is Brother Lorenzo, an enigmatic, cunning member of the Inquisition’s inner circle who becomes infatuated with The Brave One Goya’s teenage muse, Ines (Natalie Portman), when she is falsely accused of heresy and sent BY RICK GRANT [email protected] Erica continues her talk show, keeping her to prison. Rated R A- Rated R 122 min violence. vigilante acts secret, and callers pose the ques- In Death Wish, Bronson played architect Paul tion: Is the killer a vigilante, a hero, or a villain? Is it KING OF KONG: FISTFUL OF QUARTERS A In the spirit of vigilante justice, as portrayed Kersey, who lost his wife when thugs murdered her. justice or revenge? She forms a shaky relationship middle-school science teacher and a hot sauce by Charles Bronson in the 1974 fi lm Death Wish, In The Brave One, Jodie Foster plays Erica, a talk with the cynical detective, Sean Mercer (Terrence mogul vie for the Guinness World Record on the fi lmmaker Neil Jordan went beyond an eye-for-an- show host who is similarly traumatized when she Howard), over David’s murder. Mercer also happens arcade classic, Donkey Kong. Rated PG-13 eye sensibility, into the dark, paranoid, post-9/11 and her fi ancé David (Naveen Andrews) are attacked to be investigating Erica’s vigilante episode. This odd consciousness. He framed his mosaic in dark tones in Central Park by a trio of punks. They are viciously relationship is brilliantly acted by Foster and Howard. THE BRAVE ONE Jodie Foster stars as a happy as his protagonist was forever changed by senseless beaten and terrorized, leaving David dead and Erica On one hand, they’re kindred spirits, but in the harsh woman whose life changes irrevocably after reality of Mercer’s world, they are on opposite sides a brutal assault leaves her partner (Naveen of the law. Ultimately, Mercer must make a fateful Andrews) dead. Feeling that the police investi- decision. gation will be unable to catch the perpetrators, Like Bronson’s Paul Kersey, Erica goes look- she begins to live in constant fear. This outlook ing for trouble. Foster portrays Erica’s bloodlust like results in her eventually dispatching vigilante a twisted sexual libido. Her low raspy on-air voice justice. Terrence Howard co-stars as the offi cer sends shivers down viewers’ spines as she revels in in charge of the investigation. Rated R her new power. She would never again be a victim. She would go on a preemptive strike against the MR. WOODCOCK John Farley, author of a best- punks with black hearts. But where would it end? selling self-help book, returns to his hometown She couldn’t possibly kill all the lowlifes who needed to receive the community’s highest honor. While killing. She was on a one-way mission to hell’s there, John learns that his widowed mother, battlefi eld. Beverly, is engaged to Mr. Woodcock, the gym Despite Erica’s trip into insanity, Foster’s subtle teacher whose sadistic exploits were the bane acting doesn’t alienate the viewers who still identify of John’s youth. Starring: Billy Bob Thornton, with her rage and need for vigilante justice. As the Seann William Scott, Susan Sarandon, Kurt subway vigilante Bernard Getz found out, there is Fuller, and Amy Poehler. Rated PG-13 a price to pay for placing yourself in a vulnerable position and luring the bad guys to your violent form NO END IN SIGHT The fi rst fi lm of its kind to of justice. Once the vigilante starts shooting, bullets chronicle the reasons behind Iraq’s descent fi nd the innocent as well as the guilty. In this instant, into guerilla war, warlord rule, criminality and mistakes are made and the vigilante is no different anarchy, ‘No End in Sight’ is a jaw-dropping, than any other murderer. insider’s tale of wholesale incompetence, reck- Neil Jordan’s direction and Roderick Taylor’s lessness and venality. script ask what you would do? Is vigilante justice ever justifi ed? Foster never loses the viewer’s vi- NOW SHOWING carious identifi cation. You will sympathize with her throughout the movie and feel her new power. Foster 3:10 TO YUMA A rancher struggles to support shows us how extreme trauma can cause a person his ranch and family during a long drought. He to take the law into their own hands, but she also takes an assignment to transport a notorious shows us the cost to her mental well-being. There is felon in the hands of authorities to Yuma for im- a fi ne line between justice and revenge, and this fi lm prisonment. But, once the two meet, the crimi- leaves Erica’s judgment to you. nal tries to tempt him with cash in exchange for Although this vigilante genre has all but ex- hausted its ability to surprise us, it’s still a potent  dramatic platform to display a range of human emo- tions. The horror of what Erica went through could never be erased by her vigilante campaign. In fact, she was becoming more like the thugs who beat her. Her rage was tuning into evil. Yet, Foster made Erica a hero to the frustrated victims of crime who couldn’t strike back. It’s better to let Jodie Foster take us on that vengeful trip than to attempt it in the real world.

6 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper At one point in the movie, Farley accidentally gets a small portion of his head shaved, so he’s got allowing him to escape- an offer of much more a bald patch in the back. He looks perfectly normal money than the rancher ever expected. Starring: from the side, front and most angles. Just when Russell Crowe, Christian Bale, Alan Tudyk, Peter you’ve forgotten about it—BAM—they show a shot Fonda, Gretchen Mol. Rating: R of him from behind. They milk the joke until the cow runs dry, and it’s timed perfectly so the joke never BALLS OF FURY In the unsanctioned, under- quite wears out (though I’m sure that cow was in ground, and unhinged world of extreme Ping- pain towards the end) and it’s freshly funny. Pong, the competition is brutal and the stakes are deadly. Starring: Dan Fogler, Christopher Walken, George Lopez, Maggie Q, Thomas Lennon. Rating: PG-13

BECOMING JANE It’s 1795 and young Jane Aus- ten is a feisty 20-year old emerging writer who already sees a world beyond pride and prejudice. Sparks soon fl y when Jane meets the roguish and decidedly non-aristocratic Tom Lefroy. Starring: Anne Hathaway, Julie Walters, James McAvoy, Maggie Smith, Jessica Ashworth. Rating: PG

DEATH AT A FUNERAL ‘Death at a Funeral’ fol- lows the comic twists and turns of a dysfunctional British family as they gather to mourn the passing crotch shot of their patriarch. Rated R DADDY DAY CAMP Dads Charlie Hinton and Phil Ryerson take over running a summer day camp. There’s a well timed bit of dialogue in the fl ick Armed with no knowledge of the great outdoors, Mr. Woodcock that should be called “50 ways to screw your moth- a dilapidated facility and a motley group of camp- er,” in which Farley’s friends at the pizza parlor fi nd ers, it doesn’t take long before things get out BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] new and exciting ways to say “Dude! Woodcock’s of control. Starring: Cuba Gooding Jr., Lochlyn doing your mother!” Munro, Paul Rae, Richard Gant, Spencir Bridges. C+ 87 min PG-13 to receive a remarkably phallic key to the city, only Rating: PG to discover that his mom, Beverly Farley, played by Have I mentioned that this isn’t a family fi lm? It The name of the movie is and the ever-hot Susan Sarandon, is now boinking, er, somehow received a PG-13 rating, because no one Mr. Woodcock DEATH SENTENCE Nick Hume is a mild-man- the poster depicts a gym coach holding a pair of dating the cruel Mr. Woodcock (Billy Bob Thornton). actually says the dreaded F-Word and Susan Saran- don never fl ashes her tits. nered executive with a perfect life, until one night basketballs in front of his crotch. Would it be a sur- If you’ve been following Thornton’s career, it won’t he witnesses something that changes him forever. prise if I said that the movie was rife with ball and come as a surprise that he’s revisiting the role of a Did I say tits? Boobies, I meant. This movie was a bad infl uence on me. Transformed by grief, Hume eventually comes stick jokes? And, of course, what comedy would stoically sadistic dick, hence the name Mr. Wood- to the disturbing conclusion that no length is too be complete without the requisite whack to the co- cock. great when protecting his family. Starring: Kevin jones? Not this one certainly. Speaking of dicks, the movie seems to be one Bacon, Aisha Tyler, Kelly Preston, Stuart Lafferty I’ll say one thing about the movie (ok, two giant phallic symbol. Just counting the penis refer- and John Goodman. Rated R things), it is precisely what it’s advertised to be, ences will leave you dizzy, if you, like me, have a and not all of the funny parts were mercilessly laid suffi ciently dirty mind to catch them. HALLOWEEN Under the direction of Rob Zom- bare in the previews. The plot is so predictable that John Farley (Seann William Scott) even has an bie, there is a new take on the legend and a new I could have spent the entire movie playing Tetris almost Freudian attachment to his mother. He and chapter in the Michael Myers “Halloween” saga. on my cell phone, and I still would have been able Mr. Woodcock get into what is essentially a giant Starring: Daeg Faerch, Danielle Harris, Malcolm to cobble together a review. (A little etiquette tip- al- pissing contest, ending with John Farley doing a kind McDowell, Danny Trejo, and Sheri Moon. Rated R ways turn the volume off when playing Tetris during of baboon victory dance. The humor does work, a movie). But, as with many comedies, it’s not the mostly, but there are scenes that are excruciatingly HAIRSPRAY A plump but vivacious teenager plot points that make it great, but the one-liners and painful to watch. joins a popular teen-scene TV show in the early the physical comedy. People won’t be talking about Farley’s agent, Maggie (Amy Poehler), was 60s and teaches the show about integration by the plot; they’ll be talking about what’s funny. perhaps my favorite part of the movie. Unfortunately, bringing back “negro day.” He-Mom, Edna (John But heck, if you’re reading this review you’re I’ve heard most of her best lines in the preview trail- Travolta), who takes in laundry to supplement her probably in it for the plot synopsis right? Ok. Chubby ers, which ran for an insane amount of time because husband’s meager income from a joke store, joins kid John Farley gets tormented by his mean, mean the release date got pushed back. Her lines have in the movement to restore “negro day.” Rated PG gym teacher Mr. Woodcock, leading him to lose great pizzazz in delivery, but, like most chewing weight as an adult and write a runaway bestselling gums, they tend to lose their fl avor when over- HARRY POTTER AND THE ORDER OF THE PHOE- self-help book. He comes back to his small town chewed. NIX Rumors of Lord Voldmort’s return have been dismissed. Harry and Dumbledore are targeted by the Wizard Authorities. And, an authoritarian bu- reaucrat gradually seizes power at Hogwarts. It’s a jungle of wizards out there with special effects galore. Rated PG-13

I NOW PRONOUNCE YOU CHUCK AND LARRY Two single Brooklyn fi refi ghters, Chuck (Adam Sandler) and Larry (Kevin James) are best friends. Larry saves Chuck’s life and he is willing to do anything to even the score, even masquerading as a gay couple to receive benefi ts for Larry’s kids. Rated PG-13

MR. BEAN’S HOLIDAY In his latest misadven- ture, Mr. Bean- the nearly wordless misfi t who seems to be followed by a trail of pratfalls and hijinks- goes on holiday to the French Riviera and 

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 7 take calls, didn’t even need to turn off my ringtone, becomes ensnared in a European adventure of and I could talk as loud as I wanted to. But why, cinematic proportions. Starring: Rowan Atkinson, you might ask? Well, it was a Monday matinee Willem Dafoe, Emma De Caunes, Jean Rochefort, viewing of the new movie The Brothers Solomon. Karel Roden. Rating: G Not that I expected many people to show up, but I at least expected a few. ONCE ‘Once’ is just a simple love story about a I was already a little wary coming to Guy with a guitar, a Girl with a borrowed , this movie. A movie about two socially and and the music they make together...and it’s one of romantically deluded brothers (Will Arnett and Will the most heartbreakingly perfect fi lms you’ll see Forte) who wanted to have a baby to save their this year. Starring: Glen Hansard, Markéta Irglová, comatose father (Lee Majors)? Kind of a stretch Bill Hodnett, Danuse Ktrestova. Rating: R into the world of weird, but I was up for it. The empty theater started to raise some questions RUSH HOUR 3 The unlikely duo is headed to the though. Was there a reason for the lackluster City of Lights to stop a global criminal conspiracy crowd? and save the life of an old friend, Ambassador Turns out, there really could be no good Han’s now-grown daughter, Soo Yung. Starring: reason for someone to miss this movie. That Jackie Chan, Chris Tucker, Max von Sydow, No- is, unless you’re under the age of seventeen or emie Lenoir, Hiroyuki Sanada. Rating: PG-13 don’t have a stomach for graphic sexual humor. This movie had me laughing so loud, all by my SHOOT ‘EM UP Clive Owen stars as Mr. Smith, lonesome, that I was the one distracting myself. a gun-toting badass with a hair trigger and an “Was that really that funny?” I would think after unknown past. He discovers a woman delivering a bout of giggles brought on by the clever humor a baby right in the middle of a gunfi ght and enters that always bordered on awkward or inappropriate. the fray to save her. The woman expires and he is an unexpected hit Yep, it really was that funny. the one left in care of the orphaned child. Smith There was never a dull moment. Stemming takes the child to a sultry prostitute known as from the same line of humor as The Forty Year Dairy Queen, played by Monica Bellucci. Rated R Brothers Solomon Old Virgin, sexuality, or the lack thereof, was at the core of this film, which was directed by Mr. STARDUST A young man named Tristan (Charlie Show’s Bob Odenkirk and written by SNL’s Will Cox) tries to win the heart of Victoria (Sienna BY HILARY JOHNSON [email protected] Forte. However, it pushed past the coarse humor Miller), the beautiful but cold object of his desire, B+ 91 min. R You know, that one seat in the very dead center of of Virgin and into something even more potentially by going on a quest to retrieve a fallen star. His the theatre, with no one blocking my view and no depraved. Two adult brothers living alone with their journey takes him to a mysterious and forbidden It’s not often, when going to the movies, that close elbows to fight with for the arm rest. I could comatose father, openly discussing their sex life on land beyond the walls of his village. On his odys- I find myself sitting in the best seat in the house. have even laid down had I wanted to. I could also a regular basis? A naked shower scene that ends sey, Tristan fi nds the star, which has transformed in a hug exemplifies the inappropriate ambiguity of into a striking girl named Yvaine (Claire Danes). the brother’s close relationship. They sleep next to Also starring Peter O’Toole, Michelle Pfeiffer, Rob- one another in sleeping bags, and even discuss the ert De Niro and Ricky Gervais. Rating: PG-13 content of their dreams…moist as they may be. The theme song of the movie is John Parr’s SUPERBAD Two co-dependent high school guys ‘St. Elmo’s Fire.’ Throughout the film, the song want to hook up with girls before they graduate is rendered to fit the mood of the scene, be it the and go off to different colleges. Starring: Seth enthusiastic original to match the cheesy grins Rogen, Jonah Hill, Michael Cera, Christopher and goofy dances of the optimistic brothers, or a Mintz-Plasse, and Bill Hader. Rated R downtrodden instrumental to enhance their trials and tribulations. The pop-tastic song is the perfect THE BOURNE ULTIMATUM Jason Bourne is compliment to the tone of the movie, which is hunted by the people who made him what he is-a light, airy and ridiculous, but oh-so-endearing. The legendary assassin. Having lost his memory and kind of thing you just can’t get out of your head. the one person he loved, he is undeterred by the An unexpected hit. barrage of bullets and a new generation of highly- From the baby-proofing of the house (think trained killers. Starring: Matt Damon, Joan Allen, blow up bounce machine as the living room floor) Julia Stiles, David Strathairn, Paddy Considine. to the endless chase for any girl’s attention (and Rated PG-13 the sly advances that make any girl cringe), this movie has enough juice to keep you cracking the THE BROTHERS SOLOMON Good-hearted and whole time. It never takes it all the way to weird, well-meaning but socially inept and clueless about but it stays right on the edge throughout the film. It the ways of women, the brothers Solomon would leaves you laughing and allows you to really troop like to grant their dad his dying wish and provide behind the characters. Instead of being freaked him with a grandchild. Starring Saturday Night out, you find them affable and root for them the Live actors Will Forte and Will Arnett. Rating: R entire way. The tongue-in-cheek grins that epitomized THE LAST LEGION As the Roman empire the naivety of the two main characters, John and crumbles, a young emperor embarks on a peril- Dean Solomon, allowed the movie to border on ous voyage to track down the one legion still loyal the absurd, almost the uncomfortable, but never to Rome and the origins of the famed Excalibur crossed that line. Just when you thought their unfold. Starring: Colin Firth, Ben Kingsley, Aish- awkward humor had gone too far, suddenly they warya Rai, Thomas Sangster, Peter Mullan. Rated would throw out some normal dialogue, setting PG-13 the movie back on track. There are moments of surreal intelligence that seem impossible coming THE INVASION The mysterious crash of the from these bumbling brothers, but they’re real. space shuttle leads to the terrifying discovery Although not for the faint, this movie is rounded that there is something alien within the wreckage. out, impossibly funny, and easy to get behind, Those who come in contact with it are changing figuratively speaking. in ominous and inexplicable ways. Starring: Ni- Next time around, I am positive the theater cole Kidman, Daniel Craig, Jeremy Northam, Jef- will be packed with eager viewers. The laughter frey Wright, and Jackson Bond. Rated PG-13 will fill the theatre instead of echoing off the walls the way mine had. If this is your thing, go in with  good expectations. You will not be disappointed.

8 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper gamers get screen King of Kong - A Fistful of Quarters movie review BY NORM STOVALL [email protected] As a fan of modern-day competitive video though he strives for the high score, his family the wild west rides again gaming, I was pretty anxious to see this movie. seems to keep him grounded. When discussing With its limited showings in cities around the the Guinness Book of World Records and the country, I had feared that I would either have to importance of gaming scores, a little girl, who I’m 3:10 to Yuma wait for it to come to DVD or just read about it sure was Wiebe’s daughter, made a good point. and miss out on it altogether. On many gaming While Wiebe noted that some people take them websites there has already been lots of hype and very seriously, she responded back: “Yeah, but BY RICK GRANT [email protected] hoopla over the fi lm, ranging from wild and exag- some people ruin their lives with that stuff.” gerated praises to irate gaming fans who feel that The ups and downs of Steve Wiebe’s ad- A Rated R 117 min Although Wade is the prisoner wearing the fi lm’s antagonist was portrayed in an unfair ventures are well documented and edited in a This is filmmaker James Mangold’s exciting handcuffs, he wields the power over the men. The way. Well, whatever. I had to see it for myself to dramatic way that stays interesting throughout remake of a 1957 film based on an Elmore Leonard Pinkerton guards give him space and his above-av- form an opinion, and lucky for the movie. Along the way short story. The original starred Glenn Ford as Ben erage intelligence and leadership ability rules their Jacksonville, we can now see you meet plenty of colorful, Wade and Van Heflin as Dan Evans. The complex wills. In this ad hoc platoon, Evans is second in King of Kong in theatres start- real-life people who really paradigm shifts in morality between the outlaw command. Thus, the trip to the train station to put ing this Friday. show some personality, such Ben Wade (Russell Crowe) and Rancher Dan Evans Wade on the 3:10 to Yuma is a clash of wills, with King of Kong is a docu- as the Twin Galaxies arcade (Christian Bale) is what makes this western really Wade winning out. When they are attacked by Indi- mentary fi lm that follows the referee who also happens to special. ans, Wade takes command and helps them defend casual but dedicated gamer be a musician and something An underlying subplot involves the advancing the group with a gun. Of course, this exemplifies Steve Wiebe (pronounced of a hippie, if you go by his railroad across rancher Dan Evans’ land. Heavily the old adage that “the enemy of my enemy is my “Wee-Bee”) on his mission to appearance in the fi lm. And in debt, Evans is in danger of losing his ranch to friend.” get the top score in the age-old I can’t leave out a mention a ruthless land speculator who lent Evans money. The prisoner contingent pull off a successful classic game known as Donkey of mustachioed men who Motivated by a large payday, Evans agrees to ruse by sending a fake Wade off in a stage coach, Kong. Steve, who judging by wear specialty gaming gloves help guard Wade on a trip to catch a prison train knowing Wade’s gang would attack it, thus buy- the movie, seems to be a pretty molded from weightlifting to Yuma. The thing is–Wade’s gang of killers is ing them time in the process. But, when the gang regular guy aside from the fact gear, or the greasy hair and shadowing the group and plans to attack them to realized they’ve been had, they quickly regroup and that he plays so much Donkey awkward clothing that seems free their boss. Wade has committed numerous head back to the train station, which is the scene of Kong, really goes the distance to have come from an 80s stagecoach heists, murders and bank robberies, so the inevitable showdown. to show his worth. As the fi lm movie. Yes, there are nerds he has a date with the hangman in Yuma. There are many times during the fateful trip to starts, you fi nd that Wiebe had aplenty, but not only are they At first meeting, Wade takes a liking to Evans the train station when Wade and Evans join forces. recently achieved the accom- real and authentic, they also because he sees part of himself in Evans’ morality. By now, they could be allies, but Evans’ strong plishment of getting the world wear the clothing that nerds But Wade has long ago strayed from conventional sense of morality is his anchor. His integrity and record high score in not only Donkey Kong, but from the era of their favorite game would have morality by his murderous deeds and criminal moral compass guide him in his decisions. When also the sequel to the game, Donkey Kong Jr. In worn. I’m talking golden Phil Donahue eyeglasses, ways. Similarly, Evans sees the good in Wade but Wade offers him a thousand dollars (like a hundred doing so, he knocked out video game legend and greasy hair and fanny packs, a look only upgraded needs the money for helping to bring Wade to jus- grand in today’s world) to let him go, Evans knows hot sauce mogul Billy Mitchell, who eventually with cell phone holsters on the hip. Terrifi c! tice. The two have a grudging mutual respect for that he could not explain the windfall and people becomes the antagonist of the fi lm. Overall, I feel that the movie in itself is worth one another, blurring the lines between good and would know he betrayed the rule of law. Billy Mitchell plays a good bad guy in the the ticket price, if not more. Like most docu- evil. In other words, Wade is not all bad, Evans is The truth is, Evans only took this job to help fi lm, and he is probably the most quotable guy in mentaries, much of the subject matter has been not all good and both men are smart and cunning, pull himself out of debt. He has a pretty wife and the history of all champions, with the exception of edited for dramatic effect and certain nuances so they meet each other on a common ground be- younger boy at home. Evans is satisfied with mak- Muhammad Ali. Take this little gem, for example: are left out that may give some insight into the tween good and evil. ing an honest living and providing for his family. “No matter what I say, it draws controversy. It’s relationship between Steve Wiebe and his rival Wisely, Mangold did not tamper with the On the other hand, Wade is ruled by greed and sort of like the abortion issue. If you’re for it, Billy Mitchell, but as it is, it’s a great watch. If well-written script, but updated the special effects, murders people who get in his way. Yet, the story you’re a son of a gun. If you’re against it, you’re a you want to read up on the current high scores stunts, and gun gags to be much more realistic. suggests that Wade still has a spark of morality in son of a gun.” (Note: Mitchell never ever curses) and see opinions from fans of the players and Mangold’s western mosaic is properly gritty and his soul that allows him to admire Evans. Wiebe, on the other hand, seems to be the from some top players themselves, you can read dusty, as grungy, gun-toting men live by the frontier When the dust clears, the two men are still polar opposite. Calm and friendly, all he wants to all about that and more at billyvssteve.com. But justice of the Colt six-shooter and shotgun. Logan on opposite sides of the law, but they are willing do is play some Donkey Kong in head-to-head even if you aren’t THAT interested in the subject Lerman portrays Evan’s fourteen year-old son with to live and let live without killing each other. But fashion with Billy Mitchell in a friendly match. He matter of this fi lm, it’s a great watch nonetheless, scene-stealing verve. The boy has had to grow up circumstances change when the gang arrives at the comes across as the nicest guy ever and doesn’t because it’s not just geared toward video heads fast, and against his father’s wishes, he shadows train station. All hell breaks loose, and all the men’s seem boastful or rude to anyone in any way, and from the 80s. the group as it moves closer to trouble. loyalties to job, God, and family are severely tested.

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 9 THE NANNY DIARIES A 21-year old New York University student becomes a nanny to a family on slaying faceless corporate windmills the Upper East Side who turns out to be the fam- ily from hell. Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Laura Linney, Paul Giamatti, Chris Evans, Donna Murphy. The Boss of It All Rating: PG-13 BY JON BOSWORTH [email protected] THE SIMPSONS MOVIE The Simpsons fi nally make it to the big screen. In this adventure, Homer A 99 min. emails as Svend. The actor only learns of these emails mistakenly pollutes Lake Springfi eld and sets into as he encounters the employees affected by them. In a world of giant, board-directed corporations, motion a government plot to destroy their city. From strange sexual advances that Svend ap- it is all too often that you never know the person you D’oh! He must somehow manage to save Spring- parently solicited from several of the employees to are working for, and it is even more frequent that the fi eld and restore his family’s faith in him. Rated marriage proposals to bizarre insults, he is walking offi ce has an overriding policy of passive aggressiv- PG-13 into a hostile environment. In fact, during his fi rst staff ism (which I think they also call “professionalism”). In meeting he is punched in the mouth. What follows is a fact it is exactly these attributes of the modern work- The earth is caught in the comedy of errors as the actor tries to perfect his craft TRANSFORMERS place that has lead to the success of satires such as middle of an intergalactic war between two races through improvisation. He is an idiot and he knows The Offi ce, fi rst on BBC and now on American televi- of robots– the heroic Autobots and the evil Decep- it, so he explains the scenario to his ex-wife, the only sion. If you dig the awkward comedy of The Offi ce, ticons. Both are able to change into a variety of person he can be honest with, other than Ravn who is a fi lm that is right up your cubicle. objects, including cars, trucks, planes, and other The Boss of It All is enjoying his reprieve from being the secret boss This Danish fi lm was brought to international machines. Rated PG-13 while waiting to sell the company. As it turns out, the theatres by Lars von Trier, the same writer/director actor’s ex-wife is also the Icelandic buyer’s attorney that made the heart-wrenching musical Dancer in the A bumbling watchdog gets exposed and she is a master of drawing up contracts. UNDERDOG Dark, starring Icelandic singer/songwriter Bjork. to a substance that gives him the powers of a The In the course of playing the boss of it all, the is Trier’s foray into comedy, and this fi lm superhero. Starring: Alex Neuberger, Jason Lee, Boss of It All actor comes to like many of the people around the nails the laughs. Diz White (II), Peter Dinklage, James Belushi. offi ce. So when Svend learns that Ravn is going to Ravn (Peter Gantzler) runs a moderately suc- Rated PG sell the company and all of those employees will be cessful IT company, but his employees don’t know it. fi red, he takes it upon himself to act as though he Ravn’s eccentrically passive/aggressive nature leads An infamous assassin named Rogue sets really were the boss of it all and this hilarious premise WAR him to tell his employees that he is, in fact, an associ- off a crime war between rival Asian mobs. An FBI unfolds into a series of hysterical outcomes. ate or partner and that there is a “boss of it all” who agent is determined to bring down the killer after The humor of this fi lm is dry and uncomfortable, currently lives in America. But now that he wants to his partner is murdered. Starring: Jet Li, Jason but wrought with smart wit and clever subplots that sell the company, he must produce this mythological Statham, Devon Aoki, Nicholas Elia, Luis Guzman. lead to hearty laughs and scenarios that are just too boss in order to negotiate the deal with some eccen- Rating: R true in any culture. tric Icelandic businessman who refuses to deal with This fi lm is being brought to the San Marco the cowardly Danish Ravn. Theatre by the Friends of the Fest, a year-round exten- SPECIAL SHOWINGS So Ravn hires an actor (Jens Albinus) to play the sion of the Jacksonville Film Festival that used to be Night Owl Cinema Series mysterious “boss of it all,” Svend, at the table dur- known as Reel People. A foreign fi lm of this caliber The St. Augustine Amphitheatre will be hosting a ing the sale of the company. The actor is not able to would likely never come to Jacksonville if it were not Night Owl Cinema Series Friday, Sept. 14th. See adequately portray a knowing businessman, so Ravn for the good people who program our fi lm festival and E.T. THE EXTRA TERRESTRIAL, Rated PG. Food brings him to the offi ce to spend a week getting into the connections that they foster the rest of the year. will be provided by various local restaurants, so character. Of course, none of the employees know So if you spend the Film Festival off-season wishing come early and hungry. Doors open at 6:30 pm that he is a fake and many have been eagerly wait- movies like that came through on a regular basis, this and the movie starts 8 pm. The Amphitheatre is ing to meet him for years. This is because Ravn has is your chance. See this fi lm on September 16th at located 1340 A1A South in St. Augustine. Info: been sending all of the primary people in the company 1pm in the historic San Marco Theatre. 904-471-1965 or staugamphitheatre.com.

Midnight Movie The San Marco Theatre will be screening THIS IS SPINAL TAP on Sept. 14th and 15th. Before the feature, San Marco Theatre will host their fi rst Guitar Hero 2 Competition. Info: 396-4845 or san- marcotheatre.com. On Sept. 28th and 29th BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Sing-a-Long!

Friends of the Fest (Formerly Reel People) Jacksonville Film Events’ new year-round series “Friends of the Fest” presents THE BOSS OF IT ALL on Sept. 16th at 1 pm at the San Marco Theatre. Info: 396-4845 jacksonvillefi lmevents. com/events_reel.htm. NEW ON DVD BURY MY HEART AT WOUNDED KNEE AWAY FROM HER BLUE SMOKE CAROLINA MOON SNOW CAKE GRIFFIN & PHEONIX

10 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 11 burn notice USA’s clever spy dramedy BY RICK GRANT [email protected] Reviving the witty repartee between male and female leads ala the old Moonlighting series was Matt Nix’s concept when he pitched Burn Notice to the USA decision makers. But his protagonist was an ex-CIA agent, Michael Westen (Jeffrey Donovan) who was “burned,” which in spy jargon means fi red. He was stripped of his security clearance, his bank account was frozen, and he was stranded in Miami with no fi nancial resources. As Michael struggles to scrape-up private investigative work, his ex-girlfriend Fiona (Gabrille Anwar) surfaces. She was an ex-IRA operative who helped Michael in his fi eld work. Feisty Fiona has special spy skills but is a pain in Michael’s neck. Together, they have a shaky personal relationship but work well together professionally. Michael’s only seething with shady characters who need his ser- friend is Sam, a washed-up military intelligence con- vices for cash money up front. Avoiding the FBI is tact who is informing on Michael to the FBI. easy, it’s the Armenian mob that is a problem. These Against the backdrop of bikini-clad babes and gangsters make Mafi a goons look like boy scouts. colorful art-deco South Beach locations, Michael Fiona is stunningly beautiful but deadly. She is trig- takes PI jobs under the police’s radar to make ends ger happy and a problem for Michael. But her fi ery meet. Michael’s brash, chain-smoking mother, Mad- personality complements Michael’s need for a con- eline (Sharon Gless), lives in Miami. She continually tinuous adrenaline high. They make a volatile team, pisses-off Michael with her raunchy social life and but get the job done. her incessant criticism of Michael’s free-wheeling A former Navy Seal and military intelligence lifestyle. offi cer, Sam looks good in either a suit or in Bermuda Meanwhile, Michael is looking for the CIA suit shorts with a Hawaiian shirt holding a drink in his that burned him and had him blacklisted, limiting his hand. He plays various roles for Michael’s complex options. The hook of the premise is Michael’s use of stings. Michael can always fi nd Sam at his favorite his spy craft to deal with some dangerous bad guys hotel bar next to the swimming pool sipping cock- and relying on Fiona and Sam to help him pull off his tails while trying to pick up chicks. cons and stings. He has even made deals with the Michael’s cantankerous mom is widowed and Armenian Mafi a to help him complete his missions. looking for a new man. Michael would rather she Amid the foot chases and gun gags, Michael move to a foreign country, but since she’s living in and Fiona bicker and utter witty barbs at one another. the same city, he humors her. She’s good for a place This sexual tension culminates in Michael and Fiona to stay and a small loan when things get tough. resuming their sex life. Michael thinks it’s a mistake, Jeffrey Donovan, who is a familiar face from yet, he needs Fiona. She can go places that he can’t innumerable television shows and movies, has cre- and use her femme fatale charms to gain access to ated a likeable character that looks sharp in a light high security sites. Although Sam is informing on blazer while he kicks butt. His suave witty persona Michael, he also helps him on certain operations. endears him to TV viewers like James Garner did in In this shadowy world of ex-secret agents, trust no The Rockford Files. His advanced spy craft comes one. in handy when dealing with a legion of bad guys and When Michael was working for the CIA, his giving the FBI the slip. career took him to Eastern Europe and the OPEC The show is a certifi ed hit and has already countries as a covert operative. Now, he faces a been renewed for next season. It runs on Thursdays new reality in Miami. On the positive side, Miami is on USA at 10 pm ET

12 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper video games BY NORM STOVALL [email protected] The month of September is well underway, which means video game release season is upon us. There are a number of high-profi le games to be released this month, including Sony’s often ill-reviewed Lair, Nintendo’s Metroid Prime 3, Sony’s Warhawk and Bungie’s highly anticipated Halo 3. To most people familiar with gaming, these titles are well known, so I won’t spend too much time with you telling you how Lair is impossible to play and frustrating, that Metroid Prime 3 is surprisingly great, or that you are probably going to have to buy Halo 3, no matter what. Instead, I’d rather talk about the great games that you would probably enjoy, but may have overlooked. Skate For PS3 and Xbox 360 I’ll have a full-sized review of this next week, as it got delayed till Friday (The PS3 version comes later this month or possibly early next month). The demo, however, is currently available on Xbox live. It is wildly addictive and has garnered nothing but respect from skateboard enthusiasts. If you can, download the demo on Xbox Live to see for yourself. If you love skateboarding, I’d say head down to the game shop and buy it right away.

Dynasty Wars Gundam PS3, Xbox 360 If you are not familiar with the Dynasty Warriors series, basically the games center around former military leaders from China and Japan, who will hack and slash their way through armies of millions of soldiers on their way to greatness. Basically, playing a Dynasty Warriors game is like watching one of those Greek/Roman war movies where you have a few guys going against an army of thousands. So what is new with this Gundam version of Dynasty Warriors? Well, take out the Asian military guys, and replace them with Giant Robots of Japanese origin. Replace the bad guy armies with Gundam bad guys, and there you have it. Dynasty Warriors Gundam is a great way to kill time, and though the action can be repetitive, the game does wonders for relieving stress. And fi ghting robots are always awesome. Fans of the Gundam series will be impressed, especially after playing the last Next Gen Gundam game.

John Woo’s Stranglehold For PS3, Xbox 360

Well, maybe you do already know about this game. It isn’t exactly underground, but I think it is a fun game nonetheless. If you are familiar with the movie Hard Boiled, you should recognize the characters in this story, which functions as a sequel to that movie. Using gameplay mechanics much like those found in games like Max Payne, you will duck, shoot, slide across tables and dive through the air in slow motion while shooting bad guys. With fully destructible environments and a high dosage of action, Stranglehold is a great example of Hong Kong action translated into video game form. As far as movie games are concerned, this one is one of the best, up there with Chronicles of Riddick. (Although I thought the movie that was based on it was kinda whatever.)

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 13 dish. where to eat, drink and be merry.

punks, pizza and art Moon River Pizza BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected]

For gourmet, punk-art pizza, take a trip to Moon River Pizza. If you’re lucky enough to live near the Mur- ray Hill locale, it’s likely you know this pizza joint well. If not, you’re missing out on some of the best slices in town. Around dinner on any given evening, the place is generally slammed with customers, and for good rea- son. Plenty of folks get take-out, but eating-in is an enjoyable experience as well. Start by waiting in line to order your pizza. If you’re there with friends, get them to stake out a table while you order. Once you place your order, you’ll get a plastic display picture. This tells the servers where the specifi c orders will go and is a much more fun way than the traditional number system. Customers look forward to getting the Beatles, Elvis or other pop-art icons as their table markers. I know I do. Last time I went, I got a Cheech & Chong postcard-size movie poster. You can also get an old black and white picture of Godzilla (or T-Rex), an old picture of a pin-up girl or a postcard of a classic movie poster. Hung on the walls at Moon River is a rotating gallery of artists. The works can range from funky pop art and abstracts to more traditional oils. Most of the art, though, leans towards the funky. Grant Thornton has a few pieces of colorful art, like a strange bumble bee piece and one of multiple hot-air balloons with a brick background. Other artists up on the walls include Eric Gillyard and Ryan Jon Adams. Often the art on these walls includes some of the best in the area that rarely shows anywhere else in town. Eric Gillyard’s work is a perfect example. This Douglas Anderson graduate recently returned to Jacksonville from Atlanta, so Moon

Tomato goat cheese and pesto Napoleon served with organic olive oil and balsamic from The Row.

page 14 - 15 moon river pizza restautrant review page 15 caring chef profi le: chris faurie Grant Thornton

14 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper River is the fi rst place his art has been viewable in town since his return. If you want something to nibble on while waiting for your pizza, a salad is the way to go. They come out fairly quickly. There are just three salad selections at Moon River: the house, Greek and gorgonzola salad. Many great pizza joints will skimp on their salads, offering a sub-standard iceberg lettuce salad with sad caring chefs profi le tomatoes and a solitary olive. Not so at Moon River. Each salad is made from Romaine lettuce and features fresh ingredients. My favorite happens to be the gorgonzola. Chris Faurie from Roy’s by erin thursby

WHAT: Caring Chefs WHEN: Sunday, Oct. 21st @ 7-9:30 pm WHERE: The Avenues Mall

Caring Chefs is certainly the premier food event of the year here in Jacksonville. All proceeds go to the Children’s Home Society, so ticket holders can have both the satisfaction of helping those less fortu- nate and of being able to sample food from some of the First Coast’s fi nest restaurants. For the next few weeks we’ll be profi ling some of the chefs involved. This week, we’re profi ling Chris Faurie of Roy’s at Jacksonville Beach.

Why do you participate in Caring Chefs? How many years have you done the event? Caring Chefs is for a great cause. It is by far one of our biggest charity events of the year that gets Roy’s a ton of coverage with the amount of people that attend this event. Plus, it is one of the most fun events to participate in. The busy workers behind the counter can be seen bustling about, preparing food, tossing dough and getting pizzas out of the oven. The crust is a delicious hand-tossed, freshly mixed bread that cooks up soft and perfectly compliments everything they put on top. These slices come out foldable and scrumptious. What are the three ingredients you can’t live without? Besides a lovely crust and stellar pizza sauces, Moon River gives their customers a myriad of options Andouille Sausage, Crystal Hot Sauce and Hawaiian Ahi Tuna when it comes to building their pie. The same is true of their calzones, which can be stuffed with any of the topping items available for their pizza. Looking at the topping options, you can, as they say “enjoy the exquisite misery of choice.” Besides the usual toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, ham, olives, etc.) you’ll Appetizer, entree or dessert? Why? also fi nd options of breaded eggplant, broccoli, various cheeses (such as feta, gorgonzola, mozzarella, and Appetizer—Roy’s blackened Ahi dish is one that is craved by many people worldwide cheddar), spinach and artichokes, as well as many other things. If you like pizza but you can’t handle tomato sauce, you can always go with their pesto sauce or their white pizza, which uses an olive oil and garlic sauce instead. What’s the strangest dish you’ve ever prepared? While building your own weird pie can Saimen Noodle dish with fi sh cake and salted duck egg. be a fun adventure, there are about six pizza specials with pre-selected toppings that you What’s your favorite dish to eat? Prepare? can order. Each has their own avid fans, and for good reason. There’s “The Special,” a Andouille Crusted Red Snapper served with Crystal Hot Sauce Beurre Blanc. classic everything pie, which contains all the classic toppings: pepperoni, Italian sausage, Can you let us in on what you’ll be serving at the event? sliced meatballs, fresh mushrooms. onions, Roy’s Blackened Ahi—It speaks for itself. Every year we do this dish and every year we bring green peppers, black olives and extra cheese. They’ve also got a vegetarian pie, which, more and seem to run out quicker and quicker. among other things, is loaded with fresh, Roma tomatoes. Their white pie, a favorite of mine, Tickets for the event are $60, but it’s best to buy them in advance, since they are generally comes with three different cheeses (mozza- sold out by the night of the event. Go to chsfl .org/buckner to register for tickets or call (904) rella, feta and parmesan), extra virgin olive oil, 493-7739 for more info. oregano, black pepper and fresh garlic. Meat lovers will want to sink those canines into a slice of their T-Rex, which is topped with all the meats and an extra helping of cheese. I’m partial to their “The Pizza” topped with spinach, delectable fresh mushrooms, white cheddar and fresh garlic. I’m also in love with their Maui Wowee pie with ham, pineapple (well-drained and fi rm, not soggy) and ched- dar cheese. You also get your choice of sliced jalapeño peppers or banana peppers. As you can probably tell, it’s diffi cult for me to decide on which pie I’m going to get, since several of their specialty pies are special to me. I’ve noticed that the more you try at Moon River, the harder it gets to decide what to order.

Moon River Pizza locales: 925 S 14th St Fernandina Beach, FL (904) 321-3400 & 1176 Edgewood Ave S, Murray Hill Area (904) 389-4442

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 15 like that, you may still appreciate this feature as a social experiment. You can compare and contrast the responses to learn who seems genuine and who shovels the manure. I sent an email to eleven artists in the Jacksonville area who together might represent an approximate cross-section of our local art scene. Many of them are painters, some fall (visual) photographers. Many of them abstract their work signifi cantly, but some don’t. You get the idea. I gave no indication as to who the other participants might be. I simply stated that I had chosen a few artists to be a part of this feature and they were included. Attached to each email was a questionnaire consisting of fi ve questions, along with a request for images art preview of their work to be printed alongside their responses. Each artist was asked the same fi ve questions, and I asked those questions in the voice of an aspiring art appreciator. Five of the eleven artists responded, which speaks volumes all by itself. Compare the responses yourself and feel free to let me know what you think. brittni wood Brittni Wood is an emerging contemporary artist who is very involved with the young Jacksonville art scene. You can catch Brittni Wood’s work at her solo show at the Jane Gray Gallery. The opening reception will be on Friday, November 2nd. Learn more at janegraygallery.com. She is also currently showing her work in a group show at Pedestrian Projects in San Marco.

EU: Why do you make art? In other words, what is your inspiration or most prominent subject? Wood: I imagine this answer would be the same for most any artist. I create because it is where my interest lies; because there is nothing else I would rather do. Inspired by artists from the past and present, such as Eva Hesse and Ellen Gallagher, my work is heavily infl uenced by social issues of today, with an emphasis on ideas of fame, fortune, religion, sexuality, and gender roles.

EU: What is it about your chosen mode of artistic expression that conveys your ideas better than, say, writing or music? comparing the words Wood: I suppose I am able to convey ideas visually better than I would be able to through music or writing simply because I am not a writer, nor a musician. I am a visual thinker. That’s what makes sense to me.

EU: Do you have a specifi c audience in mind when you create? of the artists Wood: I wouldn’t say that I necessarily have a specifi c audience in mind when I am painting. I’d like to think that my work has no boundaries of that sort. However, I suppose if I had to choose, I would say my work is most relatable to a younger generation of twenty and thirty-somethings. who’s on their high horse and who’s EU: What do you hope viewers will see when looking at your work? Wood: I use a lot of symbols. My hope is that anyone viewing my work would be able to pick up on that, and behind one? by donald dusinberre relate it to his/ her own life, good or bad.

Initially, I had a hard time convincing myself that our average reader might be interested EU: What do you think would further improve the art scene in Jacksonville? in so much art-related content. Being an artist and working in the art world, I automatically Wood: I have spoken in depth with several artists in the community about the arts and its role in Jacksonville, assume that people aren’t that interested. But, after I thought about it, I decided that the best and they are all on the same page in regards to this. This kind of thing has happened in Jacksonville before. A buzz starts because a couple of galleries open up and things seem like they are starting to happen. approach to this week’s issue would be to assume that some EU readers aren’t experts but Eventually, it fades away, and Jacksonville looses the momentum that started building. want to know more about art and the artists who proliferate it. Even if you’re not someone In knowing this, my suggestion would be to just keep going– pushing forward until we all get what we

16 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper want. Big steps are being made, with more to come; and I hope that Jacksonville doesn’t lose steam on this again. Galleries seem to be popping up more frequently over this last year (Opaq, Bogda, and Pedestrian Projects to name a few), all with visions of supporting young artists in hopes of bettering the community. Magazines and blogs promoting arts in Jacksonville are plentiful now, with new ones entering the picture each week. More choices mean more opportunities for artists in Jacksonville. The next step is working towards building a stronger sense of community within the arts, not just for artists, but for everyone. Artists need to engage the general population through community-building events, such as outreach programs, free workshops, artist and curator lectures, etc. Now is the time.

ian chase One of the more innovative visual artists in the Jacksonville art scene, Ian Chase has achieved critical success where most artists only achieve simple mention. His work has been shown all over, including the Jane Gray Gallery and MOCA Jacksonville. He is capable of producing a wide array of artwork, such as paintings and assemblages. Before his foray into visual art, Ian was known for being an accomplished musician and later a successful entrepreneur, so when he took the art scene by storm it was a surprise, but his work has clearly proven that he is equally as talented at this endeavor. Look for Chase’s work to be on display in December at the Opaq Gallery at TSI with Eric Gillyard.

EU: Why do you make art? In other words, what is your inspiration or most prominent subject? Chase: One of the reasons that keeps me producing art is a desire to understand myself and, in the process, it helps to keep my mind clear and moving. It makes me happy when someone enjoys the work, but is not the reason I created the piece.

EU: What is it about your chosen mode of artistic expression that conveys your ideas better than, say, writing or music? Chase: I’m not necessarily trying to convey my ideas, but rather to understand myself and develop new techniques for future work.

EU: Do you have a specifi c audience in mind when you create? Chase: I don’t have a specifi c audience, but I realize that the “art world” itself is a specifi c audience.

EU: What do you hope viewers will see when looking at your work? Chase: Hopefully the viewer can fi nd something in the work that they can relate to.

EU: What do you think would further improve the art scene in Jacksonville? Chase: The art scene in Jax seems to be continually evolving and taking shape with more artists, galleries, art walks, education programs and press coverage. Jacksonville is a great place to produce work, it’s affordable and medium-paced. Everyone has, or should have, a different set of values and expectations in regards to their work. It is important to have independent thoughts and ideas from which to draw, these things are solemn and personal. Showing work at a gallery or museum involves many people, so understanding on both sides is needed. Some galleries give you their space and say, “go nuts,” while others have a specifi c vision for their gallery. Sometimes the “go nuts” artists are frustrated by the “specifi c vision” curator; sometimes the other way around. So I think understanding is needed. I was blown away earlier this year when George Kinghorn, the curator at MOCA, took such a beating on several blog sites over his/the museum’s lack of involvement/interest in the “local art scene,” when George has worked hard to support “local artists.” Creating the work is personal and independent, showing and selling art is business, not evil, greedy and corrupt, but just plain ol’ “let’s communicate and have a shared vision” kind of business, and that is hard to do. Perhaps this is where art education has fallen short. Instead of teaching how to draw a circle or an 

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 17  eyeball, maybe teach a little marketing and business, both will serve the artist no matter what the individual expectations are. There are no magic bullets in the art world. Art school, moving out of town or spending a lot of time checking the barometer of the art scene can be counter-productive, I think time can be better spent in art exhibits the studio making art. compiled by donald dusinberre and erin thursby

cummer from multiple disciplines, through exhibition, education and providing venue.” Art Beyond Sight (October 1 through November 25, Currently on display is “The 2007) At the Art Connections Gallery. Art Beyond Sight Portent, I Said Portent! allows the blind to don thin gloves and feel their way title of the exhibit suggests a positive sign of things to around 3-D art and sculpture. It allows them to experience come for the visual arts in Jacksonville. The unique work rare artwork in a way that’s accessible. For more informa- on display foreshadows a new, contemporary direction for tion, call (904) 355-0630 the local cultural scene, indicating we are on the cusp of something exciting and progressive.” The show includes the art of Byron King, James Greene, Brittni Wood, Mark Joseph Jeffers Dodge: A Passion for Art (October 9, Creegan, and Kurt Polkey. 2007 to February 2008) Joseph Jeffers (“Jerry”) Dodge (1917-1997) was an important fi gure in the history of art Located at 1535 San Marco Boulevard in Jacksonville, and culture in Jacksonville. His legacies within and outside Pedestrian Projects Gallery is a newly reopened gallery. For the community are multi-faceted. As Director of The Cum- more information, call (904) 859-8281. mer from 1962 to 1972, he made signifi cant acquisitions for the museum’s collection, instituted a vibrant exhibition cultural center at ponte program and established the institution as an educa- vedra beach tional resource. This special exhibition drawn from the museum’s collection focuses upon his achievement as a Hidden in southern Ponte Vedra lies the Cultural painter. This exhibition will provide insights about Dodge’s Center at Ponte Vedra Beach. An excellent resource for art development as a painter and the passion that inspired and art education, they offer classes and events as well as him – jazz (particularly the music of Duke Ellington and his display the work of many quality artists in their gallery. orchestra), the female fi gure, still life, landscape and travel. Currently on display are the Sculptures of David Ponsler: Bronze, Steel, Copper and Iron. His magnifi cent work will be on display through October 14th. Coming in In Stabiano: Exploring the Ancient Seaside Villas of the October is Roman Elite (November 7, 2007 through February 3, Citi Smith Barney & Citi present Arts Alive 2007. That event will take place on Saturday, October 6 at 7 pm. 2008) On a bluff overlooking the Bay of Naples and the modern city of Castellamare di Stabia, approximately 3 The Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra Beach is located miles southeast of Pompeii, are the remains of the ancient at 50 Executive Way in Ponte Vedra Beach. Contact them site of Stabia. For the fi rst time in the , this at (904) 280-0614, or check their website at ccpvb.org for exhibition brings to light art objects and archaeological more information on upcoming events and exhibitions. artifacts found in four ancient Roman villas built on that mark george university gallery at unf bluff. Wealthy Romans built luxury summer resort villas Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve no doubt seen the work of Mark George somewhere. His here. For a short time, these villas of extraordinary propor- work is a premier example of Pop Art – a colorful and simple display. His work has been exhibited at tions, innovative design and luxurious decoration were Although parking will always present a challenge at UNF, it’s still worth the trouble to visit the University Gallery countless galleries and is always hanging in the popular Avondale Breakfast joint, the Fox Restaurant. It can a center of political power, wealth, culture and intrigue be easily distinguished by its middle-century, Kandinsky-esque, cartoon-like characters. Unlike Kandinsky, during the hot summer months. This thriving microcosm at UNF. They often showcase the work of professors, instructors and students. Currently on display is the work of his paintings appear strokeless, as though they were printed onto the corrugated poly-vinyl. in a strokeless of privilege suffered destruction on August 24, 79 A.D., fashion that looks more like printing onto a corrugated plastic roofi ng material. When you see a Mark George, buried in ash by the same eruption that destroyed Pompeii. one of their (and my former) professors, Louise Freshman th you know it. No one else has work quite like his. This stunning exhibition in the Raymond K. and Minerva Brown. Her work will be on display until October 5 . Mason Gallery will be the last stop on an exclusive tour of The University of North Florida is located at 1 UNF Drive, off St. Johns Bluff Road in Jacksonville. Call (904) EU: Why do you make art? In other words, what is your inspiration or most prominent subject? six American museums 620-2534 for more information or visit the UNF website at George: Art is a great form of release. It’s also my contribution to society, a responsibility of sorts. In the pop unf.edu. genre I work with, it’s a refl ection of a very temporary society based around shallow issues like vanity and A Kiowa’s Odyssey: A Sketchbook from Ft. Marion greed, while at the same time addressing more primal urges like love, anguish and pain. (January 19, 2008 through March 9, 2008) This sketch- book from the 1870s, chronicles the journey of a Kiowa thrasher-horne center for EU: What is it about your chosen mode of artistic expression that conveys your ideas better than, say, prisoner, a Native American named Etahdleuh, who was the arts writing or music? removed to Fort Marion in St.Augustine. He attended the George: There is no hidden meaning behind my work, it’s presented at face value and is all fairly specifi c Carlisle Indian School and kept this sketch book, now According to their website, thcenter.org, “The Thrasher-Horne Center for the Arts is dedicated to about their topics, usually centered around human emotions. The viewer will always have their own take on valued ofr its historical signifi gance. For more info, call what the painting means to them, however, the work should be pleasantly easy to grasp. (904) 356-6857. developing and nurturing the artistic potential and growth of the students, residents and visitors of the community by offering the very best of professional theater, dance, and EU: Do you have a specifi c audience in mind when you create? Ernest Hemingway and Walker Evans: Three Weeks music performances and visual art exhibits.” George: At this point, I would love to be viewed by all audiences, publicly. I love the idea of presenting an in Cuba, 1933 (March 8, 2008 through June 1, 2008) Located at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, the THC unconventional format to people who are not even familiar with art or have no appreciation for it at all. That Gain new insight into Hemmingway, though newly re- way, you really tap into the human psyche with work that focuses on factors of everyday life, by people who covered photos and letters, particularly pertaining to the will be hosting two new exhibitions, opening on September th are not jaded to an acceptance of what art is supposed to be or look like. friendship he formed in with Walker Evans, an American 17 . The fi rst is called My Florida: John Wilton Exhibit. “Dr. photographer that Hemingway spent 3 weeks with in John Wilton is an educator and artist who has taught visual EU: What do you hope viewers will see when looking at your work? Cuba. Letters and photos belonging to Evans points to the art at Daytona Beach Community College for over 20 years, along with stints at Stetson University and Embry-Riddle George: Themselves. It’s the beautiful simple things in life we all take for granted and often forget all about profound impact both men had on each other’s lives. For in hot pursuit of instant gratifi cation– fast food, disposable razors, temporary jobs, apartments for rent and more info, call (904) 356-6857. Aeronautical University. His own artwork draws heavily from Pop Art roots.” one-night stands. Human emotion will be the last thing we will always have. After all is said and done and the earth takes back what is rightfully hers, we will once again be faced with the fact that love and compassion pedestrian projects The second exhibition is Our World: Photographs by John Reed, on display until September 30th. “In this unique really is the most important part of our existence. exhibit, photographer John Reed examines the beauty From the press release for their Portent, I Said Portent! EU: What do you think would further improve the art scene in Jacksonville? exhibition: “Pedestrian Projects was formed by a group of and wonder that surrounds us each and every day in all George: Breaking down walls that hold stifl ed ideas of what a preconceived notion of art is supposed to artists with a common belief that the act of producing and subjects, from the most ordinary to most intricate or fl eeting moments.” be. Why do we continue to want the same thing over and over again? Artists who appeal to the masses exhibiting contemporary art is vital to the intellectual and regurgitate congested boringness for shallow people who are trapped in their own confl ictions of keeping creative nourishment of a sophisticated citizenry. It is this (continued on page 20) up with the Joneses. Mail-order catalogs that are considered to be art periodicals refl ect this dull nature that group’s interest to foster the development of talented artists  hangs over Jacksonville like a dark cloud and keeps the beautifully refreshing light of newness out.

18 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper joanelle mulrain moca jacksonville by donald dusinberre

EU: Why do you make art? In other words, what is your inspiration Every few months, MOCA unleashes a barrage of new exhibitions and if you’re reckless about seeing or most prominent subject? them, you can check them all out in one visit. Although it’s tempting, try to restrain yourself from doing Mulrain: I enjoy expressing myself as an artist and author. I have that. Your eyes will get overloaded but your brain will starve. been blessed to be able to take a brush once again in hand and Think of it as a buffet. You can see everything right in front of you, but you can only fi t so much onto put onto canvas some of the beautiful natural beauty of Northeast your plate. If you try to put some of everything onto that tiny plate, you won’t really enjoy anything. In fact, Florida and, on watercolor paper, some of my photographs, which you’ll only come to realize that cantaloupe and Salisbury steak don’t mix too well in the stomach. inspire my paintings. I choose cattails for a number of reasons. One, At MOCA, You have to make a choice to see one or two exhibits and save the rest for later. Trust me, it could become somewhat of a signature for me, an iconographic it’s the best way. Installation art and photography don’t mix well in the brain. image. Two, cattails are beautiful, willowy, wispy, and in many There are fi ve new exhibitions opening on September 14th and running through January 6, 2008. To help places throughout the world. They are used for many things, you decide which exhibitions you’ll want to see fi rst, I’ve raided artists’ websites and MOCA’s press including food and weaving material for baskets. Third, nature is releases to give you a straight-up idea of what you may encounter. the ultimate inspiration for us all- its symmetry, colors, and smells are a connection to the earth and sky above us. It is something to coherent structures: recent silverpoint paintings by carol celebrate, preserve and protect. Light, air and water are the primary elements, and we must be more responsible for ourselves and prusa our environment. It is an ultimate expression of my concern of what we are doing to our land, our water and our (From MOCA Jacksonville’s press release) Carol Prusa’s paintings are inspired by her ongoing air- we must come together so we can give our children part of what we have enjoyed during our lifetime. fascination with science, alchemy, organizational systems, and botany. Highly fi nished elliptical and round wooded panels serve as supports for an ethereal arena where Prusa’s depictions of ambiguous microscopic cellular structures, fl ora and cosmological symbols take on monumental presence. The works EU: What is it about your chosen mode of artistic expression that conveys your ideas better than, say, are meditative in the repetitive and meticulously drawn organic forms that hover weightless amidst the writing or music? fl uidity of the artist’s layered washes of suspended pigment. Prusa’s obsessively rendered drawings are Mulrain: I write. I can read music, play the piano and guitar. I do not write music, but perhaps one day I will. I have chosen acrylic to paint my canvases. I often use large canvases, 3’x6’ or larger. I guess I see the world created in silverpoint, a medium that was utilized by Renaissance masters Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, with a large perspective. It gives me a larger voice, perhaps. I want my work to “stop” people and make them and Albrecht Durer. The artist’s skillful blending of materials ranging from powdered sulfur, titanium think about the images they see. I want them to respond to the vibrancy of the colors I choose and the scenes I white, graphite and acrylic media, produce works that are subtle and complex in the same instance. The paint. I like to use large brushes and large brushstrokes to show meaning and give clarity to my subjects. I hope silverpoint drawing that is later heightened with titanium is somewhat faint and partially obscured by the to please the eye and open eyes wide to my world. I want to engage the viewer and start a conversation. I want transparent graphite veils. This exhibition features more than twenty works including a new installation to receive a smile from the viewer and smile back, knowing they “get” what I’m trying to say. I speak on multiple that consists of more than a dozen various sized circular disks that are arranged on the gallery walls in a levels- color and space- with hidden meanings through images only I know are within the lines, and vibrancy to constellation-like confi guration. open eyes wide. essence and materials: sculptures by minoru ohira EU: Do you have a specifi c audience in mind when you create? (From MOCA Jacksonville’s press release) Minoru Ohira’s simplistic and elegant sculptures are Mulrain: I have the family in mind. The individual. The corporation. The neighbor. I create for those who inspired by forms observed in nature. The artist transforms raw materials, primarily wood salvaged from would like to come along with me on this particular journey in my life. I painted decades ago, and I have just construction sites and roadside discards, into a dynamic assortment of meticulously crafted seductive reconnected with what I loved to do before I took the corporate train and worked hard to make it possible for me forms. The rounded and curvilinear sculptural forms, some over eight feet in length, exhibit a range of to have this time to do my creative work. It takes me to many places. When I paint, I have no minutes or time, highly polished to jagged, scale-like textured surfaces. Central to the understanding of these works is the no night or day. Sometimes I paint for a dozen hours or so, or even through the night. I go with the paint and into artist’s steadfast commitment to traditional woodworking techniques and a deep respect for the inherent the levels of the work. It has been a great healer and a place I can share with others. If I have a specifi c audience nature of materials. Many of Minoru’s sculptures are created not by the use of power tools, but by his in mind, it is a commission that is specifi c to a subject matter. People buy my work because they connect painstaking use of handsaws and hatchets. This exhibition features over a dozen large-scale sculptures that directly with the image and/or with me on the level I bring them to visually. survey the varied artistic approaches of this important Japanese born sculptor.

EU: What do you hope viewers will see when looking at your work? Mulrain: I hope they will see me as I am today, not as I was in the past, but as an artist. I am working hard and sculptures by duncan johnson setting new goals. I have enjoyed reconnecting with old friends and meeting new ones who enjoy my work. First, (From marciawoodgallery.com) Jerry Cullum states in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, March I paint for me. Then I paint for those who fi nd my work interesting and hope they fi nd a connection to it, so that 2001, “The uneven, stairstep effect of many of the pieces is a little reminiscent of parallel contour lines on they want to own a piece and be a patron. I balance my home fi rst, then my consulting work, then my art. It’s topographical maps, but even that is a misleading comparison. These are, quite simply, abstract forms with a balance; all of life is a balance. If someone enjoys and sees what I see in my photography or paintings, then their own internal logic, and they give pleasure for that very reason.” great. It’s all about the experience of art. Catherine Fox writes in the Atlanta Journal Constitution, 1997, “This ambiguity of scale infuses the work with a cosmic quality. It’s hard to decide which to admire fi rst - that almost spiritual aura or the physical beauty of the surface patterns created by these little wood pieces and their tree rings and grains.” EU: What do you think would further improve the art scene in Jacksonville? Mulrain: Conversation. It’s all about networking and connecting the different parts of the community- museums, sponsors (banks, etc.), corporations, non-profi ts, galleries, Downtown Vision, Jax Beach Art Walk, raddle cross & dowsing: installations by martha whittington cultural councils and cultural centers- with the artists. It’s about making sure that when someone asks for (From creativeloafi ng.com) Martha Whittington’s “Raddle Cross” is like a persistent toddler lugging an artist to “donate” a work, they understand that we cannot take off the retail price of the painting on our IRS on your shirtsleeves to get your attention. The piece puts out a sound like ping-pong paddles sending a ball statements- we can only take off the canvas, the brush, and the paint - not our time or the retail value thereof! across a table that resonates through the gallery space. Wooden circles of varying sizes are suspended There needs to be more understanding regarding the role of the artist in a vital community. When a signifi cant from the gallery ceiling on long strands of yarn and hooked to metal gears that send the discs pinging off piece is given for a cause, the artist should be thanked and made part of the event, not just given a letter in the concrete fl oors at metronomic intervals. This quirky piece, both addled and soothing, comments on the mail thanking him or her for a major piece. Sometimes the value of the piece of art is higher than the cost the repetitive labors of weaving, though here the gestures are the opposite of productive, the necessary of a VIP ticket, or even more than what most donors even give to the organization in a year. The artist IS a intersections between the threads never occurring. donor. Non-profi ts should understand that we are asked dozens and dozens of times to “give” and many of us do give, and give, and give thousands of dollars every year. We must work together, not separately, in order for us to reach a threshold in the community where artists are respected for their work and dedication to their valuistics: the making of an installation by james greene (From ewing-gallery.org) This printed installation is both a display of James Greene’s valuistics as well craft. We depend on our patrons, and our patrons depend on us. It’s symbiotic, and it takes balance and mutual as a printed history of the word itself. With “The Making Of,” Greene - a former grocery store clerk and understanding. You have to work hard to make this relationship work in a community. Museums should have a retail employee - reveals his own consumer politics (contradictions and all) by symbolizing and accounting special “artist” level of membership- just show your business license, and become part of the artists supporting for each of his consumer decisions. The installation is a scale re-creation of Greene’s home, family, and our museums. If a museum is an art museum, then talk to, have a conversation with, plan with, and be sure to friends printed on pink insulation board. 

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 19   connect with regional artists for a variety of purposes, including education. An art museum can only benefi t from To learn more about The Thrasher-Horne Center for Mikhail Baryshnikov Exhibit (September 15 – November a direct connection with the artists in its region. It’s all interconnected. How art is positioned in a community the Arts, visit their website at thcenter.org or call (904) 276- 2) J. Johnson Gallery, 177 4th Avenue North, Jacksonville is a barometer for values and quality of life. It’s hard to fi nd a single seed of listing for art happenings- they are 6815. Beach exploding, like in the 70s. We have so many outlets, including YouTube.com, for getting our work “out there,” and artists have made a valuable impact downtown by building up Art Walk to where it is today. They should be alexander brest museum current and ongoing shows thanked for creating synergy in buildings for lease, because otherwise, nothing would be there. Now, nearly 4k people are expected for September Art Walk. Artists are part of the fabric of a city, part of its voice, and that’s Although I have not yet been, the Brest Gallery at JU For the Glory of Hymn (Mixed media on Display through why it’s important to connect with the art community and listen to their needs and work together, all adding to works in a similar capacity to the University Gallery at UNF. September 16) Bethel Gallery, Ponte Vedra Presbyterian our quality of life. Currently on display are two related exhibitions revolving Church At the end of the day, it’s about telling the truth. Telling the truth about what our city and our people want around the work of Brad Silverstein. Both exhibitions will (904) 285-8225 from artists, and what the artists want and expect from our city and its people with regard to support and be concluding on September 26th. One show is the work of patronage. We should celebrate those who have worked so hard for so many years, from teachers in all areas Allison Steadman & Brad Silverstein, while the other show is Lost & Found (Through September 17) Women’s Center of education to professional artists who depend on patrons to make a living. Artists are CEOs of their own a tribute to the art of Silverstein. of Jacksonville, 5644 Colcord Avenue, Arlington 11 am - 3 business, and they should duly be given the respect owed of such a position. There’s not a new building going The Alexander Brest Museum and Gallery is located pm, Monday - Friday up that does not call an artist directly or work through one of Jacksonville’s many fi ne galleries to fi ll a wall. Our at 2800 University Boulevard North, in Jacksonville. Gallery work is a company’s or individual’s visual signature. hours are Monday – Friday, 9 am – 4 pm. Contact them at Art at the Airport: Beginnings: Work by David and Kay People can learn more about the basics of art by becoming a member of our cultural institutions. Artists (904) 256-7374. Olson who want a voice should become members of our cultural institutions. It’s all about conversation- learning from (Through September 28) Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville one another and building interpersonal relationships. open gallery International Airport, 2400 Yankee Clipper Drive (904) 741-3546 jiaarts.org The October 3rd ArtWalk will feature Shea Slemmer and Anna Mambrino. Jacksonville artist Shea A. Slemmer Southern Sunday Arts Revival Featuring Atlanta artists paints contemporary works in oils on large canvases. She George Long, Jesse Cregar, Mario Schambon, Scott Pethia highlights the similarities between various shapes and and Tindel-Michi (Through September 30) The Gallery At structures. The portraits that develop attempt to combine Screen Arts, 228 W. King Street, St. Augustine (904) 829- the fl owing curves and poetic form we have come to know 2838 or (800) 826-4649 or screenartsfl orida.com as the female form with the symmetry found in nature: a teetering balance of responsibility and yearning. Anna Elemental Atmospheres: Paintings by Princess Simpson Membrino is an art student at the University of North Florida. Rashid (Through September 30) The Museum of Science Anna works from old black and white photographs to create & History (904) 396-7062 large scale, colorful acrylic paintings. She is intrigued by the styles and motifs of mid century and looks to explore these Bogda September Show (Through September 30) times through portraiture of relatives who experienced them. Bogda, 1253 McDuff Avenue South, Riverside (904) 387- The artwork will be accompanied by a musical performance 0852 by the Badlands Trio. The Haydon Burns Building is located at 122 N Ocean Street. David Ponsler Sculpture: Bronze, Steel, Copper and Iron (Runs through October 14) Cultural Center at Ponte Vedra other openings Beach, 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach (904) 280- 0614 Trunk Show with Third and Wall Art Group (September 13 – September 15) Original works by Liz Jardine, Sara Fabulous Fiber (September 4 – October 14) Barbara Stockstill, Simon Addyman, William Kuttner and others Wroten, Pat Livesay, Cheryl Wencel, Nancy Devereux, Leni Fogle Fine Art & Accessories, 3312 Beach Boulevard, St. Mittelacher, Betty Francis, Sara Barnhill, Diane Hamburg, Nicholas (904) 296-1310 or foglefi neart.com Melinda Bradshaw, Margot Miller , Katie Schwartz, Lynette Holmes and Caroline Daley - First Street Gallery, 216 First An Exploration of the Nature of Place by Sarah Crooks Street, Neptune Beach 904-241-6928 Flaire (September 13 – October 6) Opening Reception Thursday, September 13th, 6 pm- 8 pm Douglas Anderson The Works of Mary St. Germain & Joyce Gabiou School of the Arts, 2445 San Diego Road, Jacksonville (Through October 31) Reddi Arts Gallery, 1037 Hendricks 904-346-5620 Avenue, San Marco (904) 398-3161 stephanie shieldhouse Kathy Stark (September 13) Regions Bank, 4297 Fogle Fine Art Gallery Presents: Regions Bank Artist Roosevelt Boulevard, Jacksonville (904) 281-2660 Celebration of Jeanne Pelligreno (Through November Stephanie Shieldhouse is a local artist and part-time drawing instructor at the University of North Florida. Her 2007) work is continuously on display at the Butterfi eld Garage Gallery in St. Augustine. Our World: Photographs by John Reed (September 17 Regions Bank, 1461 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park - 30) Thrasher-Horne Center, 283 College Drive, Orange EU: Why do you make art? In other words, what is your inspiration or most prominent subject? Park (904) 276-6815 Jim Draper: Produce Stellers Gallery Annex, 200 1st Street, Shieldhouse: I have an idea that can only take shape on canvas. The idea rises to the surface, grows and Neptune Beach (904) 247-7200 changes as the painting develops. It becomes a conversation, back and forth, between me and the canvas Allison Steadman & Brad Silverstein (September 14 – 26 and the demands and rejections of my inner critic. Opening Reception: September 14, 5 – 7 pm) JU Brest Horizons (On display indefi nitely) Jewish Community Gallery (904) 256-7371 Alliance and Vandroff Gallery, 8505 San Jose Boulevard, EU: What is it about your chosen mode of artistic expression that conveys your ideas better than, say, Mandarin writing or music? Ron Burns: The Road to Recovery Benefi ting the Shieldhouse: I’m unable to express my ideas in music or writing. I’m most comfortable with visual language. Jacksonville Humane Society and their rebuilding efforts Audrey M. Stultz: I’m Alive Energy Lab Art Gallery, 137 (September 14 – 30 Meet the artist at the reception, King Street, St. Augustine (904) 808-8455 EU: Do you have a specifi c audience in mind when you create? September 14, 6 – 9 pm. Attend a book signing by the Shieldhouse: I struggle – like most artists - between creating art as a personal exploration and creating art artist on Saturday, September 15, 1 – 4 pm) R. Roberts Michael Baum: Olive Forever Ocean 60 Restaurant & that will match somebody’s Rooms to Go sofa. Right now, I’m following my own siren call. Gallery, 3606 St. Johns Avenue, Avondale (904) 388-1188 Martini Room, 60 Ocean Boulevard, Atlantic Beach (904) 247-0060 EU: What do you hope viewers will see when looking at your work? Minoru Ohira Sculpture Exhibit (September 14 – January Shieldhouse: I suppose I really have no expectations– and that may be a defense mechanism. But when I sell 6) MOCA Jacksonville, 333 North , Downtown Kyle Cannon Where Ya Bean Coffee Shop, 235 8th Avenue a canvas, I’m surprised and gratifi ed that someone responds to my vision– because often their interpretation (904) 366-6911 x210 or mocajacksonville.org South, Beaches of my work is unexpected.

EU: What do you think would further improve the art scene in Jacksonville? look for our fall performing arts preview on Shieldhouse: Well…I have a complaint about the Art Walk. It has become a venue for radio stations, real estate agents, sandwich shops, etc. to peddle their wares. The art is there only in the service of these other september 27th. enterprises. The Art Walk should be dedicated the art and artists in our city.

20 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper is known for his photographic works on an international all walks of life, from internationally known artists to level. The duo has partnered in this venture with Daryl important emerging local artists and everything in Bunn, who has helped to build support for the artistic between. Bronzes, oils, acrylic, mixed media and limited community in Jacksonville. Their main focus is to bring edition prints are just some of the things you’ll fi nd there. fi ne, sophisticated art to Jacksonville—and so they have. Much of their art features locals, but they also bring San Marco Gallery 78B San Marco Avenue, St. National and International artists to the gallery. Augustine (904) 826-4434 Shell art, homemade soaps, galleries lotions, handmade jewelry, oils and acrylics by local

J. Johnson Gallery 117 Fourth Avenue North, artists are all part of this gallery with a craft spin. Ocean Showing work by compiled by erin thursby Jacksonville Beach (904) 435-3200 birds, the occasional abstract, historical buildings, renowned masters of sculpture, oils, printmaking and landscapes and pet portraits are all part of the art mix. photography, this gallery often changes their exhibitions. To support the connoisseurship of new young talent, the They mostly feature art by the young 130 King Street Fine Art & World Treasures 130 King (904) 377-3198 Gallery also hosts experimental works and project pieces San Sebastian River Artists Studio & Holborn Gallery Original art from and hip, pulling a lot of artists from the of pool of Flagler Street, St. Augustine (904) 829-8280 by artists in varying mediums, in addition to its quarterly 134 Riberia Street suites 4&5, St. Augustine (904) 827- locals and different types of glass and woodwork from students. The collection can only be described as There’s a print making studio at the Holborn, so exhibits. The renowned sculptor Javier Marin is just one 9355 all over the world can be found at this gallery. They also esoteric. They’ve done shows on graphic art, graffi ti art, artists can come in and get giclées of their work done. of the artists they’ve featured. carry architectural stained glass from local and not-so- screen art, comic style as well as realism and traditional Fourteen area artists are featured in the San Sebastian local artists. landscapes. next door, specializing in local scenes and color. They

Opaq Gallery 333 East Bay Street, Downtown (904) also feature a number of nationally known artists. 305-1525 This tiny gallery is located in Downtown

Art Center Gallery 31 West Adams Street (904) 614- Crooked Palm Gallery 75 King Street, St. Augustine Jacksonville, upstairs from the club TSI. They revel in The Art Center is one of the newer focal points of This collection of international art 5986 (904) 825-0010 doing contemporary, innovative shows, sometimes using Simple Gestures 4 White Street, East St. Augustine the Jacksonville ArtWalk. Those artists who belong to features Koi fi sh, tropical seascapes, and women in It’s a gift shop and art gallery in one, multimedia. They’re one of the latest galleries to spice up (904) 827-9997 the co-op can display their work in the spacious gallery. sensual poses as well as 3-D art, such as their bronzes with the work of 40 local and international artists on the scene here in J-ville. There’s also art upstairs, so make sure you ask to see and glass from Italy. display. Besides lots of jewelry, art lamps and books, the upstairs studio. Art work on the walls varies widely in P.A.St.A. Fine Arts Gallery 214 Charlotte Street, St. you’ll be able to buy some funky, colorful art for your style and medium. Most of the art work there is 2-D, but Eclectic Galleries 2405 Third Street South, Jacksonville Augustine (904) 824-0251 walls and metal/wood found object sculptures for your the occasional sculpture fi nds its way into the gallery. Beach (904) 247-3750 This gallery is one of the area’s Those who run across this gallery don’t soon forget its shelves. best sources for 3-D art, be it ceramic, metal, glass or quirky name, which stands for Professional Artists of St. Aviles Street Gallery 11 C Aviles Street, St. Augustine wood. They’ve also got some interesting textile art. Work Augustine. The gallery displays works from more than a Stellers Gallery 115 Bartram Oaks Walk, Suite 101 (904) 823-8608 Featuring local artists, they only hang from more than 180 different artist is available, so there’s dozen St. Augustine artists. Even though they are local, Julington Creek (904) 230-4700, 1409 Atlantic originals. Mediums include pottery, photography, colored a style for everybody. many of artists are nationally and internationally known. Boulevard, San Marco (904) 396-9492, 200 1st pencil, acrylic, oils and water colors. Make sure you They specialize in paintings and pottery. All artwork Street, Neptune Beach (904) 247-7200, 240 A1A check out the African masks made from silver. There’s The Energy Lab 137 King Street, St. Augustine (904) hanging on the walls are originals, though prints are North Ponte Vedra (904) 273-6065 You’ll fi nd a Stellers also a limited art supply for artists looking to stock up. 808-8455 This artist’s co-op gives the viewer a little available on request. scattered across the area. The galleries house a variety bit of everything: mixed media, watercolor, acrylic, oil, of styles ranging from conservative and traditional, to Avondale Gallery 3545 St. Johns Avenue (904) 389- abstracts and everything from landscapes pop art, fi ne R. Roberts Gallery 3606 St. Johns Avenue, Avondale expressionist, abstract and whimsical. If you belong to 6712 Fine art and custom frames can be found at his art to traditional art. They also stock jewelry. (904) 388-1188 Located in the historic shops of private club, it’s very likely that the art on the walls came gallery. All the work is original, done in impressionist Avondale, this gallery is known for their free in-home from a Stellers. The galleries have certainly left their and modern styles of art. It’s a mix of local and national First Street Gallery 216-B First Street, Neptune Beach and offi ce art consultation. They represent artists from stamp on plenty of local places, both public and private. artists. You’ll fi nd landscapes, still life and abstract. They (904) 241-6928 Although you’ll fi nd tons of beach, sea also specialize in portraiture, representing three regional turtle and fi sh themed art in this gallery, you’ll fi nd even portrait artists. more if you look, from clay art and metal sculpture to fi ber and mixed media art. It’s also a terrifi c place to pick Beaches Art & Frame Gallerie 1834 Third Street up jewelry art for the woman who has everything. South, Jacksonville Beach (904) 247-0596 They might specialize in conservation framing, but they often show Fogle Fine Art & Accessories 3312 Beach Boulevard, work from local artists, especially of vivacious, local Jacksonville (904) 296-1414 Looking for a special piece nature scenes. to really make your décor pop? Fogle is the place to go for art work that can serve as a focal point for your Bungalow Artworks 2782 Park Street (904) 981-9493 design. Abstracts, landscapes, fl oral art and dramatic This Riverside gallery features an eclectic collection of photography are just part of this gallery. You can also fi nd fi ne art and fi ne crafts from local and regional artists. the perfect frame, or a pottery piece. Jewelry, sculpture, oil paintings and interesting crafts can all be found at this gallery. Make sure you visit the large Gallery 1037 at Reddi Arts 1037 Hendricks Avenue courtyard in the back, which is fi lled with garden statuary (904) 398-3161 While the Reddi Arts gallery is a small and outdoor sculpture. one; it’s notable because nearly every artist, at one point or another, will go there for art supplies they can’t get Bogda 1253 McDuff Avenue South (904) 387-0852 anywhere else. They change the art regularly and you Jacksonville art with a punk edge is the main component never know what style or medium you’re going to see. of the Bogda and they sell some really fantastic pieces at a reasonable rate. If you’re looking for art and you Hampton Gallery 2411 Third Street South, Jacksonville haven’t got a mint to spend, this gallery is the place to Beach (904) 247-1050 Shows rotate monthly and go. Exhibits change every month and they often feature they sell art ranging from original oils to open edition up-and-coming artists that you won’t fi nd anywhere else. decorative prints. They also provide a full service custom framing department to ensure that your valuable art is Butterfi eld Garage Art Gallery 137 King Street, St. well cared for by professionals. Augustine (904) 825-4577 It’s a contemporary art co- op. They mostly feature landscapes with plenty of local James Coleman Gallery 65 King Street, St. Augustine. fl avor and sunsets. Those starved for the Big Apple can (904) 829-1925 Sea scenes, woodlands, the tropics also stock up on New York City scenes. All twelve of the and lush gardens all make their way to canvas at this artists featured are locals. landscape oriented gallery. You’ll also fi nd glass, bronze and other sculpture work. Located inside the Casa Chao Framing 1514 Third Street North, Jacksonville Monica Hotel. Beach (904) 249-4053 Custom framing and fi ne art often go hand in hand, as in the case of Chao Framing. Jane Gray Gallery at Daryl Bunn Studios 643 Edison This gallery and framing studio is featured as part of the Avenue (904) 338-5790 The principals of the gallery are Beaches Gallery Tour. Missy and Thomas Hager, both of which have a stolid pedigree in the art world. Missy is known on a local Classic Blends 201 West King Street, St. Augustine level as the director of the House Gallery, and Thomas

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 21 The group came together from various popular bands, including Southbound, Matanzas, Divorce live music This, Fully Loaded, Lisa Lisa & the Toy Boys, and even the Southeast Georgia Symphony Orchestra. Individually, Restless Kind is comprised of well shows calendar known regional musicians including Doug Dennis on guitar and vocals, Lisa Mack on keyboards and THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13 vocals, the legendary Phil Jones on pedal steel and guitar, Doug Kohl on bass, Robert Zielinski on fi ddle Pianist Tim Nold Seawalk Hotel, Jax Beach (249-9981) and mandoline, Kim Zielinski on fi ddle and vocals and Open Mic w/Colleen Murphy Trade Winds Lounge, Lisa Locke on drums. Together, this band kicks butt St. Augustine (829-8646) with a tight country groove. Having two fi ddles and pedal steel gives the group top-tier credentials as a Gutterboy Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) country band. However, the group can rock out if the Chuck Nash My Place, Jax (737-5299) situation presents itself. Big Engine Box Seats, Jax (908-7328) The packed deck of enthusiastic fans were dancing and shouting their approval as Restless Kind Open Mic w/Krank Shaft Overtime Sports Bar, Jax (786-5466) plowed through a repertoire of mostly crowd-pleasing Mike Sweet & Friends Kingshead Pub, St. Augustine songs and a few originals. The band is slowly inte- grating its well-written originals into the cover mix as Lift Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) it gets more exposure in the country venues around Park Street Band Ragusa, Jax (443-7888) the Southeast. Frankly, it’s fun to hear the good old Sweet Little Ditty Spare Time, Jax Beach (246-8099) country songs like Before He Cheats, Boot Scootin’ Boogie, Brick House, Brokenheartsville, Foggy Moun- Mariachi Guadalajara Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) tain Breakdown, Folsom Prison Blues, Good Hearted Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) Woman, et al. And yes, Restless Kind throws in some Skynyrd tunes for good measure and to appease to David Milam Shannon’s Irish Pub, Green Cove Springs (230-9670) locals, which illustrates the deep Skynyrd roots that bred the countrifi ed southern rock sound. Cloud 9 Twisted Martini, Ponte Vedra I especially enjoyed Restless Kind’s Johnny Wes Cobb Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Cash tribute and the two fi ddle players–those wild and crazy Zielinskis. And yes, I love the pedal steel Rookie of the Year Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) too because it cuts through the mix with penetrating L.E.G.A.C.Y TSI, Jax (635-3024) authority. Phil Jones is a legend on the instrument Cornerstone The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) and he also plays a mean lead guitar. Clearly, the members of Restless Kind love interacting with their Ron Rodriguez Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) audience. Cliff hops off the stage and wanders into 3 Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach (241-3138) the crowd to sing to each person present. Little Green Men West Inn Cantina, Jax (389-1131) Undeniably, Restless Kind is a show band of high-ranking, fl awless, uncompromising musician- Freeze Frame Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) ship. Since four of the band members are related, and Mr. Natural Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) fi ddlin’ around it produces such a taut sound, this could verify the genetic inheritance theory of musical excellence. Flashback Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) In today’s economic crunch, staging a seven- Crematorium Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Restless Kind wins Gator Country’s Battle of the Bands piece band is a challenge, but the group stays busy Those Guys The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) playing festivals, fairs and places like the Jax Land- ing. They even bite the fi nancial bullet and play some Von Barlow’s Jazz Journey Springfi eld Station, Jax BY RICK GRANT [email protected] smaller clubs for exposure. Jimmy Parrish & Ocean Waves Ragtime Tavern, Restless Kind has much to offer in terms of its Neptune Beach (241-7877) The River City Brewing Company’s covered out- Battle of the Bands semifi nals last Saturday night. On “bold as love” sound that draws the audience into Stu Weaver Coffee Roasters, Jax door deck was the scene of 99.9 FM Gator Country’s stage was the St. Augustine band Cliff Worrell and the their groove and inspires people to dance and have Restless Kind. This group is an assemblage of seven fun. The secret is–since the band is having fun, they Matt Still Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) veteran professional musicians who got together pass that on to the audience through osmosis. And, De Lions of Jah Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) because they all love and enjoy the everyone goes home happy. Crank it up! compatible chemistry in the group. You can see Cliff Worrell & The Restless Kind Deron Baker Trio Kingfi sh Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) The seven piece group presents a big bold on September 21 at the opening sound with fi ddle, guitar, pedal steel, keyboards, for Crossin Dixon and Chris Cagle as part of the Ga- FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 14 bass, drums and Cliff Worrell singing lead vocals. tor Country Concert Series. Nate Holley Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Gator Country Concert-David Lee Murphy The Landing, Jax Anybody’s Fault Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) Rodageezer Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) Oscar Barnett Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) Mike Gottuso Seven Bridges, Jax (997-1999) Fidelity Crisis Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Southern Lights Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Freeze Frame Aroma’s, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Handgun Honeybun Country Club Lounge, Macclenny McKenna Michelle’s, Jax (353-0002) Wes Cobb Band Twisted Sisters, Jax Beach (241-6453) Subhumans UK Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Dial 9 Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499)

22 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Charlie Hall Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Silver Lake Drive Kingfi sh Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) a nu-metal LeMonde Ocean 60, Jax Beach (247-0060) Jenna Metro Backstreets, St. Augustine (827-0990) Kenhe The Homestead, Jax Beach Little Green Men Brewsters Pub, Jax (223-9850) Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine goddess (824-9317) Jager Dave On the Rocks, Jax (685-5268) Retro Kats Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach Lennon concert review (249-9595) Blue Collar Addict Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) BY KELLIE ABRAHAMSON [email protected] Crystal Bessels Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) At 9:15 last Friday night I was speeding down melodic hard rock which would, JTB trying to make it to the Freebird and praying that under normal circumstances, be Matt Collins Pauly’s Pizza, Jax (727-9101) none of Jacksonville’s Finest were sneakily hiding a perfect match for Lennon. Will Pearsall A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) in the bushes ready to issue me ticketus maximus. This particular evening, Yancy Clegg Sneakers, Jax After an already ridiculously long, terrible day, I had though, she was without her ushered my two kids out the door an hour later than band, so audience members, Phathom, Ampleforth Yesterdays, Jax (387-0502) I’d planned (mostly due to two missing shoes, a many of whom had no idea Brian Turner & Rip Tide Cliff’s, Atlantic Beach (249-2777) “she hit me!!!” and a potty emergency that ended who Lennon even was, were Sidewalk 65 Tom & Betty’s, Jax (387-3311) in disaster) and it was one of those days where surprised to see a pretty 20- all I really wanted to do was crawl into bed and something get on stage and sleep until Sunday. Instead, I had to cover nu-metal sing accompanied only by her FRIDAY-SATURDAY, SEPT. 14-15 songstress Lennon’s concert; hence my mad dash keyboard a la Tori Amos after all down JTB. the metal acts. Lennon informed Cheshire Cats Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-9336) I hate being late to anything, but given the day the audience that she writes all I’d had, I was almost relieved. My assignment was of her songs on piano fi rst and A1A The Roadhouse, Orange Park (264-0611) to cover Lennon’s performance, not the opening then gets together with the band Pili Pili Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) acts, so I thought my tardiness would spare me one to transform the tunes into the or two bands and then I would be that much closer heavier stuff you hear on her records. Those familiar against the heckling oglers, throwing out comical Something Distant Scarlett’s, St. Augustine (824-6535) to Lennon and subsequently my bed. Once I fi nally with her work (all 6 in attendance) got to hear her retorts, calling them out on their immaturity and even Dueling Dick’s Wings/Tinseltown, Jax arrived at Freebird Live, my hopes for a relatively songs in a whole new way, while those who were demanding that they buy her drinks. By the end of The Outcasts The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) early night were dashed- the fi rst band was just not had to just trust that the soulful piano ballads her set she had 18 bottled waters and 5 six packs of about to begin their set. At the time, I kicked myself sound completely different on her CDs and when the Newcastle on stage waiting for her. Blistur Mercury Moon, Orange Park (215-8999) for being in such a rush, but it actually ended up band’s around. Even though most of the audience were Mr. Natural Tailgaters, Green Cove Springs (529-1976) being a good thing because these opening acts With only about 50 people in the club during there to see someone else and ended up hearing explained a lot about the audience and what was to her set, Lennon seemed to just have fun with her Lennon’s songs at their most basic level, by the Boxrockers Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) come. time on stage. She spoke with her fans and manager end of her hour-long set the songstress had won Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina You see, Lennon is Lennon Murphy, a singer/ freely between songs, taking requests and joking over the crowd and many new fans lined up with Livid Overtime Bar, Jax songwriter from Tennessee who is also an alt pinup about her anonymity in the River City. Lennon also existing fans at the merch table to snag a CD and an model on SuicideGirls.com. At 19, she released her told stories about the tunes she played, explaining autograph, including the rude drunken frat boy. As Lisa & the Madhatters Cheers, Mandarin (262-4337) fi rst album, 5:30 Saturday Morning, and has since the origins of certain songs and why they’re for me, I fi nally hit my pillow at 2:30 in the morning Dot Wilder Jazz Casablanca Inn, St. Augustine come out with four more records and two DVDs, important to her life and career. At one point she but I didn’t really mind. At some point during one of John Michael Rose Wicked Davey’s, Fernandina all on John Galt Entertainment, the label she co- nervously performed a song she had written the Lennon’s spellbinding songs, my ridiculously long, founded. She’s headed back to the studio in a couple words to earlier that day, having a public moment of terrible day turned into a ridiculously long, alright Ron Perry Ragtime Tavern, Neptune Beach (241-7877) of weeks to make yet another record, promising this insecurity before diving into a beautiful song with a night. What a difference a good show makes! Big Al & the Kaholics Monkey’s Uncle, Mandarin one will be her heaviest yet. complex piano arrangement. (260-1349) After touring with the and Given her SuicideGirls fame, I expected pervy Those Guys A1A Aleworks, St. Augustine (829-2977) opening for Aerosmith and Mötley Crüe, Lennon has guys and catcalls, and there were a few. In fact, the developed a sizable following. Apparently no one has fi rst reaction to Lennon’s presence on stage was Yankee Slickers Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park sent Jacksonville that memo. Most of the people that “You’re hot!” yelled by a drunken frat boy. Members (269-4198) were at the show on Friday were there for Manna of the male persuasion spent the fi rst half of the Boogie Freaks Square One, Jax (306-9004) Zen, AWOL or Mindslip, the local bands opening for show on the second fl oor of the building, presumably the nu-metal goddess. If you’re familiar with these so they could get a clear view of Lennon’s cleavage. Ryan Hamner The Grape, Jax (642-7111) bands, you know that they’re, generally speaking, Still, the veteran singer/songwriter held her own SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15 Robby Schenck Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) Magnolia Possums Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) Lauren Fincham Frisky Mermaid, Fernandina (261-3300) Chelsea Saddler European Street/Beach, Jax (725-3929) JW Gilmore Blues Pizza Garden, St. Augustine (471-9455) 7 Tides of Royal Blood Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Don’t Tell Anne Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) The Bridges, Spoken Groove Murray Hill Theatre, Jax (388-7807) Bush Doctors Kingfi sh Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) Brian Turner w/Rip Tide Conch House, St. Augustine (829-8646)

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 23 Grabbag, Poncho Villa Doozer’s Pub, Jax Falling At Will Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) a christian music Spacebar Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) Strings of Fire Jimadores, Jax (739-5828) Louder Than Eleven Brewsters, Jax (223-9850) gathering Mike Sweet & Friends Mi Casa Café, St. Augustine (824-9317) Payton Page Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Nightfi re Freebird Live, Jax Beach (246-2473) New Life Coffeehouse Sonoma Fuel, Jax (425-3835) Tony Steve JU Swisher Theatre, Jax BY BRENTON CROZIER NH3 Band GQ’s, Jax WHAT: New Life Coffeehouse that regularly appear there to play at the New Battle of the Bands River City Brewing Company, WHERE: Park Street Church (West Side) Life Coffeehouse. There Jax (398-2299) WHEN: Every Saturday at 6:30 p.m. EXPLANATION: Coffeehouse with Contemporary is even a hope that Jackal & Hyde Endo Exo, Jax (396-7733) Christian Performers Representing All Genres and Christian comedy and E Down Club 2000, Jax Free Coffee and Snacks more hip-hop acts will be part of the mix. Madison Fadeout Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) The New Life Coffeehouse takes place every The coffeehouse Stu Weaver Harry’s, Jax Beach (247-8855) Saturday night at 6:30 in the recreation hall of the takes place inside of for 12 of us tonight, TB1 has had the opportunity to Derick House of Jam, Mandarin (262-3377) Park Street Church. George Arvin, a musician in the Park Street Church to limit the amount of overhead. perform at the TD Jakes MegaFest, open for Vickie praise band at the church, started the coffeehouse in You won’t fi nd any dilapidated sofas, weather-worn Winans, perform at the Convoy of Hope during the Open Mic w/Larry Broussard St. Johns Pizza Grill, June to give other Christian artists a venue to per- books, bins of sweet-smelling coffee beans, or Super Bowl, and open for Bow Wow. His new album Jax (287-9900) form. even an espresso machine surrounded with clouds was released in August and he is performing as Nimencia Yesterday’s, Jax (387-0502) The concept of the coffeehouse was spurred of steam, but rather a corner of your grandparent’s much as he can to promote it. George told me that from George’s childhood experience of being thrown living room, large white tables with slightly uncom- TB1 is exactly the type of act he has been hoping to out of church for playing rock-n-roll. He explained fortable chairs, and a single coffee maker. Despite bring to the New Life Coffeehouse. SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 16 to me that things have really come a long way since the unconventional touches that makes it scream George takes video of all the performers that Those Guys Sunset Grill, St. Augustine (471-5555) then and that Christians should be a powerful arm of “church,” the atmosphere is relaxed and laid back. have played at the coffeehouse and posts it on the the popular culture. There is low lighting, a decent sound system, and coffeehouse’s MySpace account at myspace.com/ Dan Shepherd Harpoon Louie’s, Jax (389-5631) “Christian music is continually growing and plenty of room for musicians to perform. newlifecoffeehouse. His long term vision for the cof- Normal Town Ragtime Tavern, Atlantic Beach adopting all genres of popular music, it is a great I wouldn’t say that the ambiance is what it feehouse is to provide all of Jacksonville’s rich pool Isaac Byrd Jr. De Real Ting Café, Jax medium to spread to word of God,” George said. should be, but it is another part of the progression of diverse Christian musicians a place to play. Ad- Crowd and performer turnout has been unpre- that New Life is hoping for. Like many other aspects ditionally, he would like to be able to build a pool of Michael Funge Culhane’s Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach dictable in both numbers and styles. The assortment of the coffeehouse, it will be formed by the people talent to be able to send artists as guest musicians (249-9595) of artists is part of the event’s charm. Despite a lack who participate in it. There is nothing particularly to area churches on a donation basis. He explained JW Gilmore Blues Gypsy Cab Company, St. Augustine of continuity in atmosphere, artists, and even audi- hip about the coffeehouse’s presentation or overall that a lot of churches don’t have the funds to bring Tarik Hassan Sahara Café, Jax ence members, the coffeehouse works. I attended aim, but upon talking to those who participated and musicians in, and he wants to be able to provide this past Saturday and quickly realized that it wasn’t simply were spectators, it makes you kind of glad the service while fulfi lling performer’s wishes for a David Milam Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) about creating a scene, but instead providing a wel- that they don’t care. The crowd embraced all of the venue to get their inspired music out. Pili Pili Ocean Club, Jax Beach (242-8884) coming spot for artists of all stripes to perform and performers, but they especially enjoyed TB1 (the- Next Saturday (September 15th), Brian Jones enjoy fellowship. blessed1.com), The Blessed 1. In so many words, from Tampa, who has opened for Sonic Flood, will Jimmy Parrish Carib Key, Jax Beach (270-8940) “It’s open to everyone, but I’m mainly target- it was a rather white bread audience, but they got be performing and the following Saturday (Sep- Eyes Set To Kill Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) ing an age group of 18 and older with contemporary down from the start and waved their hands in the air, tember 22nd) local band Terrill and Company will be Double Down Band Michelle’s, Jax (353-0002) Christian music that touches all genres,” George waved them like they just didn’t care. kicking off their nationwide tour at New Life. Stop told me. He is not trying to compete with Murray Hill TB1 and his hype man Steve read about New by for these great acts and to enjoy free coffee, tea, Nervous Breakdown Brewsters Pit, Jax (223-9850) Theater, although he is hoping for some of the acts Life Coffeehouse online. They performed with prere- lemonade, cookies and muffi ns. There are no cover Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) corded tracks, and were able to involve the audience charges and all food is free, but donations are never and make it work. I wouldn’t say the crowd partici- turned down. Battle for Planetfest Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) pated charismatically, but there were a number of There is no trap, you won’t leave with tacky Don David Trio Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine positive verbal responses to TB1’s songs. TB1 (Ste- tracts, and it is not a ploy for money for the church. (829-6113) phen) has been at the Christian rap game for more If you’re interested in contemporary Christian music Soulo Kingfi sh Grill, St. Augustine (824-2111) than 7 years. He has spent 4 years on Jackson- and culture, you can be a part of cultivating it in ville-based Christian label No Compromise records Jacksonville by participating in New Life Coffee- Spade McQuade Fionn Maccool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) (nocompromiserecords.com). Although only playing house. Big Engine Whitey’s Fish Camp, Orange Park (269-4198) 3rd Bass The Casbah, Jax (981-9966) El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) Jan Crawford & Friends Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775)

MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 Joey Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Charlie Walker Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) Sam Pacetti The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) Lary Smith Harmonious Monks, Jax (886-3040) Steve Wheeler Band Tastings, Jax Band of Destiny Square One, Jax (306-9004) Nolan Neal Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Chris C-4 Mann The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424)

24 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper TNT Dance Team come from? And are there other troupes like this?” Willie Heath Neal Jack Rabbits, Jax (398-7496) It seems there are, and that people are willing to pull Stu Weaver Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) together the ranks at the opportunity to show some personal creativity and have a ton of fun. TNT Dance Team, a troupe that formed over a TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18 bottle of tequila and made their debut on Halloween Billy & Vinnie Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune a year ago, were the fi rst team to sign on. Originally Beach (241-8221) thought to be a simple invitation to dance at the An- niversary party, Dettra soon posted an open casting Matanzas Trade Winds Lounge, St. Augustine (829-8646) call to any and all who wanted to take on TNT Dance Christina Wagner & Friends Mark’s Downtown, Jax in an all out Dance Off. Suddenly, what would have (355-5099) been just another fun night for the troupe to show Will Pearsall The Mill Top, St. Augustine (829-2329) their skills became a bid to combat. “We had to amp up the practice shed, nail the Dave Massey Kickback’s, Jax (388-9551) song, and get a costume designer that goes beyond Those Guys Hurricane Patty’s, St. Augustine (827-1822) the sequined headband and wristbands,” says Jenai Shawn Lightfoot London Bridge, Jax (359-0001) Master, TNT’s troupe leader. “It’s getting really seri- ous lately. People are getting nervous.” Master said Scenic Void Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) the song selection became their secret weapon this Ron Perry Fionn MacCool’s, Jax Beach (242-9499) year, a tough decision that had to pull in the crowd one hundred percent, as well as bridge the age gap Matt Still Caribbee Key, Neptune Beach (270-8940) between the various judges. The judges range from John Waters The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Ed George, the mayor of St. Augustine Beach, to Out of Hand Palace Saloon, Fernandina Beach Vanderslice himself. Secrecy has run rampant amongst the compet- Café 11 Anniversary-John Vanderslice Café Eleven, ing teams. Fire Hazard’s troupe leader, Justin Krol, St. Augustine (460-9311) you can dance if you didn’t even want the other troupes to know about his Bill Rice Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) extensive, world-renowned background in profes- Mystic Dino Lynch’s, Jax Beach (249-5181) sional dancing, not wanting to add any more fuel to the fi re. And when asked how Fire Hazard planned to Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax want to bring it to the competition he responded by saying, Blues w/Jim Brady Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine “I’m not at liberty to reveal too much information...” (829-6113) What we can expect is an original and obscure song Jimmy Solari My Place, Jax (737-5299) Café Eleven’s Anniversary Dance Off selection with attitude and costumes as fi ery as their team name. Seth Ramsdill Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach BY HILARY JOHNSON [email protected] Anyone was allowed to enter the competition (246-4293) and rumor has it that there might be a special solo Ron Perry Harry’s, St. Augustine (824-7765) WHAT: Café Eleven’s Anniversary Dance Off judges Dance Off. ribbon dance that includes a black spandex costume. El Toro Loco Square One, Jax (306-9004) WHERE: Café Eleven, St. Augustine Beach The only thing you really need to know is that At the end, the winner of the competition will receive WHEN: Tuesday, September 18, 8:30 pm this Dance Off is going to be amazing. It features a special trophy. Although this year’s event is the three dance troupes, the TNT Dance Team of eleven, fi rst of its kind, Café Eleven plans on making it a TUESDAY-WEDNESDAY, There is a tangible tang of excitement in the Fire Hazard with their four guys and four girls, and tradition, rotating the judges year to year. SEPTEMBER 18-19 air at Café Eleven, St. Augustine’s premier concert Sasparilla Sanchez bringing in the rear with three, the “I’ve been dreaming about this event for a long venue for independent artists. John Vanderslice and minimum number of team members allowed. Each time,” says Ryan Dettra. “Dancing is an art form. I Gene Nordan Mackenzie’s, Ponte Vedra (543-9143) Bishop Allen, two great musical treats, are coming troupe is set to “bring it” to the competition through love to see this kind of creativity.” to Florida’s historic town. But, as if their musical original choreography, fl amboyant costume and mu- Despite the heavy competitive nature of this WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 airwaves weren’t enough to stir some vibrations sical selection. dance off, all teams are agreed on one thing. The amongst St. Augustine’s residents, Café Eleven is “Last year TNT Dance performed at Marathon competition is strong, it’s bound to be a great show- Mr. Beam Casa Marina, Jax Beach (270-0025) pulling out all the stops on their 5th Anniversary cel- Dance on Halloween. I was blown away!” says Det- down and everyone is in it to have a good time. This Dave Massey My Place, Jax (737-5299) ebration with a full fl edged, no holds barred, coming tra, owner of Café Eleven and mastermind behind will be no ordinary, run-of-the-mill Dance Off. This Rip Tide w/Brian Turner Eddie Bahamas, Jax Beach right at you with balloons, champagne and celebrity the competition. “I thought, where did these people one is going to be fi erce. (241-3138) FunKtion Brix, Jax Beach Wes Cobb Band Square One, Jax (306-9004) Bob & Joline Creekside Dinery, St. Augustine (829-6113) Those Guys The Pier, St. Augustine Billy Bowers The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Eric Dawkins Mellow Mushroom, Jax (997-1955) War of Ages Thee Imperial, Jax (475-0488) Jesse & Leaa Cortesses, St. Augustine (825-6775) Jodies Fiasco Castillo de Mexico, Jax Billy Bowers The Oasis, St. Augustine (471-3424) Soulo Urban Flats, Ponte Vedra Beach (280-5515) The Mike Miller Band St. Nick’s Lounge, Jax (396-3396) El Toro Loco Aromas, Ponte Vedra (280-2525) Chuck Nash Sun Dog Steak & Seafood, Neptune Beach (241-8221) Sidewalk 65 Latitudes, Jax Beach (247-6606) Pili Pili Fly’s Tie Irish Pub, Atlantic Beach (246-4293) Dave Massey My Place Bar & Grill, Jax (737-5299)

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 25 upcoming shows breast defense at screen arts Chris Cagle Sept. 21, Jacksonville Landing Bruce Bruce Sept. 21, , 355-2787 Queens of the Stone Age Sept. 21, Plush, 743-1845 interview with Rob DePiazza by donald dusinberre Culture Sept. 21, Freebird Live, 246-2473 The Courtneys Sept. 21, Club TSI WHAT: Keep a Breast Art Show Burning Brides Sept. 22, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 WHERE: Gallery at Screen Arts Sept. 23, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Do Make Say Think WHEN: October 5th Atreyu Sept. 28, Plush, 743-1845 Strung Out Sept. 29, Freebird Live, 246-2473 In case you haven’t heard, there’s a big Ken Andrews And Charlotte Martin Sept. 29, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 buzz about busts in St. Augustine, so EU decid- Unearth, Darkest Hour, August Burns Red Sept. 30, Freebird Live, ed to talk with Rob DePiazza, the guy in charge 246-2473 of the Gallery at Screen Arts, my favorite gal- Fusebox Funk Oct. 5, Freebird Live, 246-2473 lery in St. Augustine. He gave me the scoop on Angie Stone Oct. 6, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Breast Defense, a project developed to enhance Boys Like Girls Oct. 6, Freebird Live, 246-2473 breast cancer awareness. David Dondero Oct.7, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 In addition to a number of local artists Bonde Do Role Oct. 10, TSI, 424-3531 who will be participating, there are rumors of Sinbad October 12, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 many celebrity participants as well, including Thee Crucials Oct. 12, Club TSI, 424-3531 Kim Gordon (Sonic Youth), Derek Hess (album Clint Black October 13, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 cover artist for R.L. Burnside and hundreds of Michael Franti & Spearhead Oct. 13, Freebird Live, 246-2473 rock bands), and Mark Mothersbaugh (Devo, John Gorka October 13, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Rugrats). Moreover, I’ve gotten confi rmation that Gregg Allman Oct. 14, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 two of the Burlesque dancers involved are plan- Dennis DeYoung Oct. 19, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 ning to attend the opening. Medeski Martin & Wood Oct. 19, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Let’s all do our part for our favorite parts the exhibition’s opening? and head on down to St. Augustine on October 5th. The Burlesque Hall of Fame was very The Hives Oct. 19, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 DePiazza: eager to co-sponsor this event. As you know, Acoustic Alchemy Oct. 23, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 breasts are a big part of Burlesque, and maintain- The Samples Oct. 23, Freebird Live, 246-2473 EU: Who originally came up with the titillating idea for a Breast Defense exhibition? How did the Gal- ing their health is paramount to their profession. MagnoliaFest with Toots & The Maytals, Donna the Buffalo, Railroad lery at Screen Arts become involved? Unfortunately, I cannot confi rm if any of the dancers Earth, The Duhks, Bobby Lee Rodgers Band and more October 25–28, will be at the opening since many of them have other Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park, Live Oak, Florida, www.magmusic. DePiazza: I was approached by the Art Walk for com Breast Cancer people here in St. Augustine to pro- professions and live all across the country. duce the main event. Having been aware for a num- Sam Bush, Jerry Douglas and Edgar Meyer Oct. 25, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 ber of years of the Keep a Breast Foundation (KAB) EU: Will the exhibition be a family event? Corey Smith Oct. 26, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 and their involvement in the arts, I immediately DePiazza: Certainly. This is by no means an R-rated Nada Surf, Sea Wolf October 27, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 thought a KAB exhibition would be an ideal corner- event. Although the casts are made from real live Monotonix Oct. 28, Club TSI, 424-3531 stone for the Art Walk taking place in October. women they are not ‘detailed’ in any way. Besides, we were all nursed by our mothers and most likely Kings of Leon Oct. 30, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 have fond memories of their mammaries. Fall Out Boy, Gym Class Heroes, Plain White T’s, Cute Is What We Aim EU: There will be many notable artists decorating For Oct. 30, Jacksonville Arena, 353-3309 the beautiful burlesque busts. Which artists will be Dr. Dog, Delta Spirit, Emily Lacy October 30, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 attending the opening at Screen Arts? EU: Where and when will the busts be auctioned Ben Harper Nov. 1, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 DePiazza: We have not received confi rmation from off? Can anyone attempt to purchase one? I bet all of the artists at this time, however, I do know that Reverend Horton Heat/Hank Williams III Nov. 1, Freebird Live, 246-2473 they’d make great wedding gifts or stocking local artists Mark George, David Cutter, Ian Chase, D.L. Hughley Nov. 2, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 stuffers. Tonya Lee and Tony Rodrigues will be in attendance. The casts will be auctioned in June 2008. David Bazan Nov. 6, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 DePiazza: The auction will be conducted online and is open to Badfi sh Nov. 6, Freebird Live, 246-2473 EU: Were the burlesque dancers eager to partici- the public. Visit KAB’s website for details: keep-a- Classic Albums Live - Pink Floyd’s The Wall Nov. 7, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 pate in the project? Will any of them be present at breast.org/home.htm Tallyrand Music Festival W/Spoon, Keller Williams, The Bravery, Pepper, Against Me!, The Polyphonic Spress, Rooney and more Nov. 10, Metro Park Dan Zanes Nov. 10, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Nickel Creek Nov. 12, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Bob Weir and Ratdog Nov. 14, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Slightly Stoopid Nov. 15, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Spill Canvas Nov. 17, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Jucifer Nov. 23, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Zoso Nov. 24, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Lalah Hathaway Nov. 24, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 The Electric Six Nov. 24, Jack Rabbits, 398-7496 Wynonna Nov. 30, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 David Wilcox Dec. 8, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Rev. Billy Wirtz Dec. 9, Cafe Eleven, 469-9311 Jethro Tull Dec.11, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Johnny Winter Dec. 14, Freebird Live, 246-2473 Derek Trucks and Susan Tedeschi Dec. 27, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 Kathy Griffi n Jan. 17, Florida Theatre, 355-2787 JUST ANNOUNCED Evanescence Oct. 25, Jacksonville Arena, Tickets on Sale Fri.9/14, 353-3303

Widespread Panic November 4, Times Union Center, Tickets On Sale Fri.9/14, $38, 353-3309

Keith Urban December 7, Jacksonville Arena, Tickets On Sale Sat.9/15, $38.50-$58.50, 353-3309

26 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper takes in Annelle as a junior hairdresser, just when Annelle’s life is on the rocks. Clairee is dealing with her husband’s death and what to do afterwards. Emily Tello plays the spunky and cheerful Shel- by with verve and believability. Tello fi lls the role with a bighearted Southern sassiness. Those who are a fan of Emily’s, or those who frequent the Alhambra, will recognize her from her last major role as Sandy in Grease! With an every-mom sensibility, Lisa Valdini takes on the role of M’lynn. M’lynn has trouble ac- cepting her daughter’s decision to have a child. The relationship between M’lynn and Shelby is one that most women can relate to. The play opens with Truvy Jones, played by Patti Eyler, a local favorite on stage. Truvy is audi- tioning Annelle (Evelyn Gaynor) played with a brilliant nerdy idiocy in the fi rst few scenes. Annelle is a fa- vorite character of mine to watch when the dialogue is focusing on other characters, and Gaynor made it worth my while. Lisa Clarson plays Ousier with a cantankerous warmth, as befi ts the part. Mostly, Ousier complains about her neighbors, tourists and whatever else she tissue worthy can fi nd, but she’s a solid part of the group, fi rmly friends with all the other women. Steel Magnolias theatre review Candace Cooke takes on the role of Clairee, the widow of the mayor. She tosses off her best lines BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] with relish, and appears to enjoy her own life as well, WHAT: Steel Magnolias es, I generally have a favorite out of the six women even as she faces the reality of growing old without WHEN: September 5th- October 7th on the stage. This time, I couldn’t pick a favorite. her husband by her side. WHERE: Alhambra Dinner Theatre These ladies worked as a true ensemble. I thought Steel Magnolias will be running from Septem- they could have worked the humor aspect a little ber 5th- October 7th at the Alhambra. If you haven’t If a movie or stage production is the slightest more than they did, but I think they were still feeling been before, know that you should come hungry, as bit sad, I’m bound to cry big fat tears. I’ve seen Steel out how the comedy would play to an audience, and it’s an Equity Actor’s dinner theatre. Call 641-1212 Magnolias a number of different times, staged by dif- it will be tighter by their second night. It’s a diffi cult or 1-800-688-7469 for tickets. ferent theatres, so I really should’ve brought a supply line to tread, this “laughter through tears.” My advice to the ladies: don’t wear mascara of tissues. There’s no shame in sobbing at the heart- Steel Magnolias was written by Robert Harling, and bring tissues. wrenching parts, as long as you’re quiet about it. It who based it on his own life, and his sister’s death. wasn’t just me. At the next table, tears fl owed freely, He later adapted the play into the 1989 movie, star- and, when I managed to wipe away my tears so I ring Sally Fields and Julia Roberts. could see, most of the audience was in much the The plot, for the unfamiliar, centers around same state. M’lynn and her grown daughter Shelby. The action When I’ve gone to see this show on other stag- opens at Truvy Jones’ home beauty salon, where Shelby is getting her hair done for her wedding. We follow the lives of all the women over about two years, using the cathartic setting of the beauty salon to magnify the women’s relationships and lives. De- spite medical problems relating to diabetes, Shelby ultimately decides to have a child, even though it puts her own life in danger. Truvy, the hairdresser,

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 27 criminal hearts cinderella Limelight Theatre review

BY DICK KEREKES [email protected] Orange Park Community Theatre review St. Augustine’s Limelight Theatre’s motto for the 2007-2008 should be: BY DICK KEREKES [email protected] Double your pleasure, double your fun, we now have two theaters instead of just one. Orange Park Community Theatre opened plays the stepmother and Erin Gawera and Yolanda th Last weekend Limelight Theatre its 37 season last week with the Rodgers and Olmstead are the stepsisters. They all gave campy opened its Black Box Theatre, located in an Hammerstein musical Cinderella. This bright, family performances and were crowd favorites. th addition in the rear of their original building. entertainment will run through September 29 and is It was good to see Trish Stain back on stage. This new space will allow Artistic Director one you don’t want to miss. She makes the Fairy Godmother a very funny and Beth Lambert and General Manager Emma Cinderella is an unusual musical for several memorable character. She has been an outstanding reasons. It is the only musical that Rodgers and performer in more than 50 musicals in the North Lee Carpenter to offer a 2nd stage with cutting edge plays and other shows that Hammerstein wrote for television. It aired in 1957 Florida area. might not be fi t for the main stage. and starred Julie Andrews. It is a musical that has Joseph Walz is picture-perfect as the Prince. been very successful and popular but has never Walz, who just fi nished law school at Florida, has The choice of Criminal Hearts from the pen of the anonymous playwright Jane played on Broadway. been a solid musical theatre performer for the past Martin, who debuted all her scripts at the The story is universally known, but here is ten years. He has the ability to establish rapport with Humana Festival at the Actors Theatre of a short recap to refresh your memory. It is the audiences, and you can feel that mutual warmth fairytale of a slighted beauty who outshines her evil moving across the footlights. Joe is hoping for a Louisville, is excellent. Martin is known to North Florida audiences from her plays Keely and Du, Vital stepsisters at a royal ball, and then returns to her career in theatre and is heading to after he Signs and Talking With. The play debuted in l992, so are you wondering why it has not been done in this area? This little gem is a comedy/drama, with very earthy language and subject matter. The three black grim existence before the handsome prince fi nds her passes the bar exam. (Just sing your way through it box theaters we now have in North Florida (Players, Limelight and FCCJ), allow groups to choose plays again. Joe). that might not appeal to their main audience. In the past this was not the case. Under the guidance of Director Robert M. Erin Nicole Long is a Douglas Anderson School Limelight’s choice of Neptune Beach resident Barbara Evans as Director could not have been any Wilson and Musical Director Michelle Nugent of the Arts graduate, and currently a student at better. Give Ms. Evans some good actors and a challenging script, and she will create award-winning Munley, OPTC has topped itself once again. In June the University of Florida. She drove to and from this theater did the musical that had a cast Gainesville daily to do this role and I am glad she theatre magic every time. If you saw her Coyote on a Fence, Last Train to Nibroc or Six Dance Lessons State Fair of 34. has 39 cast members and is even did. Ms. Long certainly was the vocal equal to Julie in Six Weeks, just to name three, you know what I mean. Cinderella This is the story of criminal minds with criminal hearts, so there is a lot of larceny going on. Set in more elaborate than the very excellently produced Andrews, and with her good looks and charm, she Chicago, the play opens with female burglar, Bo, breaking into a darkened apartment to steal anything of State Fair. is just the most delightful Cinderella you have ever value, including furniture and appliances. Unfortunately for her, Ata’s estranged husband, who lives here, The costumes are gorgeous, plentiful and as seen anywhere. has stolen everything. All that is left is a mattress, empty Dr. Pepper cans, empty pizza boxes and a very attractive and well selected as any I have seen in Did I mention there are some wonderful songs unhappy wife. professional productions of this show. I especially in this show? ‘In My Own Corner,’ ‘l0 Minutes Ago’ Kristin Pidcock is absolutely marvelous as Ata, a true neurotic who refuses to leave the apartment liked Cinderella’s wedding gown (Thanks for the and ‘Do I Love You Because You’re Beautiful?’ have due to a fear of practically everything and everybody. Ms. Pidcock adds this performance to her loan, Alhambra Dinner Theatre) and I loved the become classics and you will leave the theatre color co-ordinated attire worn by the King (Scott humming them. impressive Limelight resume, which includes Claire in Proof, Effy in Spitfi re Grill and Mae in Cat on a Broughton) and Queen (Erin Barnes) at the Royal Choreographer Meme Broadfoot’s dance Hot Tin Roof. Amy Royster is Bo, an attractive professional liar. As the play develops, the chemistry between Bo Ball. These lovely creations would not have creations made the stage seem much larger than been possible without the funds provided by The it was. I especially liked the antics of the various and Ata reminded me of the movie Thelma and Louise. Ms. Royster is a recent theatre major graduate from Jacksonville University and I saw her in many memorable performances in dramatic and musical Community Foundation Inc and The Tom Nehl Fund. rodents who later became horses for the coach. theatre. Director Wilson also designed the set and with (Yes, this play has it all.) Bo’s sidekick and accomplice, Robbie, enters in the middle of act one, wondering what has a large staff of volunteers to build it and very capable Special kudos to Stage Managers Pat Gorman happened to his criminal partner. If you’ve ever seen George Carlin’s bit on the Hippy Dippy Weather stage crew to move it around, it was truly amazing. and Cecilia Emmert. Without your efforts in man, than you will recognize Ashley Carter as what I calling the Hippy Dippy Burglar. Robbie is a Revolving fl ats were used so that the front and back coordinating everything, the show would not have devoted Cubs fan and listens to the games on headphones as he steals. As played by Mr. Carter, Robbie could be used for different locations. There were been such a success and so smoothly run. Thanks bounced and bopped around like he had a colony of ants in his underwear. This guy is a very funny many scene changes and, at one point, Cinderella’s as well to Barbara Well, Production Manager, who dude. house reappears for only two minutes of lines. I was also created the program insert that includes a As the play developed, Bo, Robbie and Ata fi gured out a way to go to her husband’s residence and very impressed by the palace ballroom which was biography on every member of the cast. steal back what he had stolen. gorgeous. I urge you not to miss this show. OPTC has Enter the very angry, silver-tongued, estranged husband Wib. He is a lawyer with little regard for The four piece orchestra under Ms. Munley’s assembled an outstanding cast, with many fi ne his wife, who discovered he was carrying on six affairs at the same time (three of them each lunch hour; direction was located in the auditorium, taking up voices to this superbly produced production. It is a now that is what I call a power lunch). Award-winning actor Mark Lambert is excellent as Wib, who, in most of the right corner. They handled the entire fast paced show with lots of fun for young and old. true lawyer fashion, absolves himself of all responsibility or blame. I overheard one of the women in the musical very professionally and right on cue. There is a song in this musical entitled ‘Impossible.’ audience describe Mark as Robert Redford-handsome. I would go along with that assessment. In every production I have seen of this Orange Park does not know the meaning of the word. I will not reveal the unique ending, but if good acting turns you on, you can’t do better than show, Cinderella’s Stepmother and her stepsisters Call 276-2599 for reservations or visit their website provide many comic moments. Kirstin M. Jewell at opct.org. Criminal Hearts. Set Designer/Technical Director Scott Ashley has created the windows and doors necessary to make this play work in a simple but effective setting. I can’t wait to see what masterpiece he will come up with for Frankenstein on the main stage, which opens on October 5th. Limelight is conducting a naming campaign as part of a fundraiser, and almost every area of the theatre is for sale. I found a small broom closet that might fi t my bidding pocket book and, if I win, I will call it Dick’s Dungeon. Limelight Theatre has become a true success story in the world of local theatre. There are many reasons, but among them are having a great staff and an active President and Board of Directors. Limelight would also not be where it is today were it not for The Limelight Guild, which is 150 members who donate many volunteer hours throughout the year. Don’t miss Criminal Hearts. The theatre only seats 60, so reserve early. Performances are Thursday through Saturday at 7:30 pm, with matinees on Saturday and Sunday at 2 pm. All performances are at the Joukowsky Family Center for the Performing Arts, 11 Old Mission Avenue, St. Augustine. Call 825-1164 for reservations.

28 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper Tony Steve, assistant professor of contempo- rary/world music, wrote the score for the piece, put- ting together live music that he says is “sometimes a art events little sarcastic.” SEPTEMBER Cari Coble, the last of the trio, choreographed the dance, interpreting their vision through move- 13 Auditions: Amateur Night 5-6:15 Ritz Theatre, Jax ment. 13 Governor’s Luncheon To Benefi t United Negro College The jumping off point for their vision was Fund Omni Hotel, Jax two-fold: an article on the role and extinction of the 13-15 Exhibit: Jim Draper – “Produce” Stellers Gallery, type writer and a list called “The Good Wife’s Guide” Neptune Beach which has widely circulated the Internet. It’s pur- 13-16 “Shout! The Mod Musical” FCCJ Wilson Center, Jax ported to come from a article Ladies Home Journal 13-17 “Lost & Found” Exhibit , Jax or a home economics textbook from the 1950s, Women’s Center of Jacksonville but Snopes.com debunks it as a fraud. Even if the 13-21 Exhibit: “Made of Steel” Metalworker Photo Studies exact text never existed, the attitudes and sentiments FCCJ S. Campus, Jax within are certainly believable as part of 1950s 13-21 Exhibit-14 Artists-Printmaking, Tile, Photography The wifely ideals, if only because the ideas are found Art Advocate, St. Augustine throughout printed materials of that time. 13-23 “Criminal Hearts” Limelight Theatre, St. Augusitne Pieces of the text from this list are projected 13-25 Exhibit George Phillips Pitlak FCCJ Kent Campus, Jax as part of the videography, as the dancers act out parts of the text. At one point, when the projected 13-26 Brad Silverstein Art Exhibition JU Alexander Brest Library, Jax text says: “Minimize all noise. At the time of his [the 13-29 “Cinderella” Orange Park Community Theatre, husband’s] arrival, eliminate all noise of the washer, Orange Park dryer, or vacuum. Try to encourage the children to 13-30 Elemental Atmospheres Paintings By Princess Simpson be quiet.” In response, composer Tony Steve wrote a Rashid MOSH, Jax cacophony of sound, instead of a soothing piece. 13-30 Exhibit: William Newby New Works in Oil Energy Lab Typewriter is a multi-faceted production, de- Art Gallery, St. Augustine signed to do many things at once. It tells us where 13-OCT. 7 Steel Magnolia’s Alhambra Dinner Theatre, Jax we’ve been and how we’ve changed, how the idea 13-OCT. 14 381 Days: The Montgomery Bus Boycott Story of what a wife should be has changed and how all Ritz Theatre, Jax of that is tied to the history of a machine, inexorably linked to the women that once used it as a ticket to 13-OCT. 14 Dinosaurs & Ice Age Mammals MOSH, Jax independence. 13-OCT. 27 Mystery Dinner Theatre Dave & Buster’s, Jax women and the machine You can see Typewriter at Jacksonville 13-NOV. 4 The Cummer Is…Photographs By Ingrid Damiani University’s Swisher Theatre on Saturday, Septem- Cummer Museum, Jax ber 15th at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 13-FEB. 28 Oh Say Can You See: American Art Cummer Museum, Jax Typewriter by Altered Dance and Music for seniors, $5 for general students and free to JU students with the proper ID. For more info call (904) 14 Opening Reception: Coherent Structures by Carol Prusa MOCA, Jax BY ERIN THURSBY [email protected] 256-7374 or visit arts.ju.edu. 14 Dark of the Moon Tour St. Augustine Lighthouse, St. Augustine 14 Nightowl Cinema-E.T. The Amphitheatre, St. Augustine The title of the piece has a double meaning. What: Typewriter 14 X Benefi t MOSH, Jax When: September 15th @ 7:30 pm Typewriter can mean the actual machine, but in the Where: Jacksonville University’s Swisher Theatre earlier part of the 20th century, it was used to refer to 14 Brew at the Zoo-entertainment, Food, Beer Zoo, Jax the typists themselves, the type writers. 14-16 Southern Monster Truck Showdown Clay County For an evening of original dance, music and So the woman is, in effect, the typewriter and Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs art by Altered Dance and Music, come out to see so is the machine. At some point, women stopped 14-29 “Cabaret” Players by the Sea, Jax Beach held at Jacksonville University’s Swisher taking dictation, writing what they were told to write, Typewriter, 14-30 Exhibit-Artist Ron Burns To Benefi t Humane Society and they began using the power of words on their R. Theatre. Roberts Gallery, Jax The typewriter is much more than a dinosaur own. With the death of the manual typewriter and the 14-OCT. 6 “A Midnsummer Night’s Dream” , Jax of the printing era. It is a machine that had its place advent of the Internet, words have become freer and Theatre Jax in history, playing it admirably. For women of the the power of the printed word now belongs to ev- 15 Experimental Painting with Instructor Kim Barry MOCA, Jax late19th century through the 1970s, the typewriter erybody. As society changed, a woman’s accepted 15 American Heart Association Heart Walk Metro Park, Jax was one of the few means of independence. Three role changed. As technology changed, so too did 15 Typewriter – Altered Dance & Music JU, Jax professors at Jacksonville University—Barry Wilson, the typewriter. You might argue that it disappeared, Cari Coble and Tony Steve, began discussing the role but as I write this on a QWERTY keyboard, I can only 15 Barbie’s The Island Princess DVD Event The Zoo, Jax of women from the 1950s to today. After reading an think that it hasn’t died, it’s just evolved to survive. 15 Film Series “Boycott” Ritz Theatre, Jax article on the typewriter as a means of economic Barry Wilson, a Jacksonville artist who teaches 14-OCT. 6 A Midsummer Nights Dream Theatre Jax, Jax freedom in the early 20th century, they decided that printmaking at the school, had his own private col- both the typewriter and women needed to be repre- lection of antique typewriters. He provides the vid- 14-JAN. 6 Sculptor: Minoru Ohira Exhibit MOCA, Jax sented on stage. eography that plays behind the dancers. 16 Craig Hall – Brahms Church of the Good Shepherd, Jax 16 Intermezzo Concerts Main Library, Jax 16 Auditions: Moon Over the Brewery Theatre Jax, Jacksonville 16 Concert Series-Robert Breault, Tenor Cummer Museum, Jax 16 Music From the Movement/Charles Cobb Lecture Ritz Theatre, Jax 18 Tale Tellers Theatre of the Mind Limelight Theatre, St. Augustine 19 Go Figure: Drawing Live Models With Jonathan Lux MOCA, Jax 20 Taste of the NFL Touchdown Club, Jax 21 Comedian Ron White Stephen C. O’Connell Center, Gainesville 22 Miracles in the Moonlight Gala Benefi t Hyatt Regency, Jax 22 Open Casting Call-HBO’s “Recount” 8am-6pm Ed Ball Building, Jax 22 Dance Alive National Ballet “Cleopatra” Philips Center, Gainesville 22 Race Revolution: Jax During the Civil Rights Era Ritz Theatre, Jax 22 21st Annual Rollin on the River Car Show The Landing, Jax 24 Betty Griffi n House Annual Luncheon & Fashion Show Marriott Sawgrass, Ponte Vedra

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 29 THE JOCK by tom weppel

JAGUARS fi red! Michigan will play without their QB Chad Henne, After getting run over, around, and through by while the Irish will have Freshman Jimmy Clausen in the Titans last week, the Jaguars now try to gather the driver’s seat. their collective ego and get ready to host the Atlanta I don’t think the Auburn Tigers had any inkling Falcons, a team that lost in Minnesota last weekend. whatsoever that South Florida would come in and beat This past weekend, I was in Tallahassee with my family celebrating the induction of my uncle, Without question, the Jags’ defense was not happy them. Tiger fans are aghast this week! I’m sure that Gary Pajcic, into the Florida State University Athletics Hall of Fame. Almost everyone from my about the way they were manhandled by the Titans Georgia Bulldog fans are not happy, either, as Steve mom’s side of the family came together, from near or nearer or even far, to celebrate. We bought offense. Coming off last season, the Jaguars had Spurrier came into Athens and let his Gamecocks beat new dresses for the banquet. My mom, my sister and I all wore outfi ts of black and tan animal print established a tough reputation for shutting down their the ‘Dogs. in an accidental stand of unity. Uncles and aunts in their seventies came, as well as little toddlers opponents. Then Tennessee came in and made some Then we have the Seminoles, who are looking and even one baby still in the belly. We reserved clusters of hotel rooms and tickets to the game and nice plays, with RBs Chris Brown and LedDale White very pedestrian after their win against UAB last week. got my huge family of a thousand and one together in one place. and QB Vince Young gaining large chunks of real es- It seems Florida State is not a very good team, and Everyone of importance, besides my grandma who is too old to travel now, came out for the tate. we’ll know a little more on Saturday as they travel out event. Everyone, that is, but my uncle. Last year, in a tragic moment that changed the rest of our I’m sure Jack Del Rio was not happy with the West to take on Colorado. lives forever, my uncle was diagnosed with encephalitis and died within four days. A fi gurehead of way he and his boys were treated. I’m sure he’ll do The marquee match in this area, though, will be a few things THIS week to get the team back in line in Gainesville, as the Gators get their fi rst stern test my family, of Jacksonville, and of the state of Florida, his death reached so many that it left every- and ready to play a little better this weekend against when they host the Tennessee Volunteers. Florida is one who knew him with a hole inside of them that can never be fi lled. a Falcons team that is certainly not in the greatest a tad injured in some key areas and we’ll see if they It was a little over a year ago that my whole family was last gathered, to attend his funeral. condition. Most perceive Atlanta as a squad that is not have those players available. Obviously, the key will Newspapers all over the state remarked upon his death, all the news channels covered it for the very good without Michael Vick. be the play of QB Tim Tebow, who has shown some week surrounding his passing, and over a thousand people attended the funeral. But, despite know- While the Jaguars defense got beat up last strong play in his fi rst two starts. It should defi nitely ing his great contributions to his community, I will always remember him as the man who called week, the offense also wasn’t very effective, and it be an entertaining contest! himself my “second daddy,” who always had a bag of change saved up for my little sister every had nothing to do with David Garrard. The running time we saw him, who gave more hugs than anyone else I know, who cherished family and made game was essentially non-existent, with Fred Taylor NASCAR certain everyone else in our expanding family did as well. He held us together. only gaining 16 yards on six carries. And a lot of peo- And so the Chase is now on! It’s down to these I was excited for this weekend. I was excited to be able to celebrate his life with the people who ple didn’t know until after the fact that K Josh Scobee few drivers to race on for the Championship, led by had banged himself up during pre-game warm-ups Jimmie Johnson, who is on a nice roll after winning knew him best, to cherish what he was as a man, and to do it in his favorite kind of way, with his last week. We shall see if he is close to being in form his second straight race last weekend in Richmond. family, his good friends, football and some good food. this Sunday. Meanwhile, Dale Earnhardt, Jr. is out of the The weekend started with the induction banquet. My aunt, my late uncle’s wife who has been There are a lot of tickets available for this game, Chase and should maybe just pack his bags and given the enormous task of carrying on his name and his convictions, gracefully introduced him to since Atlanta is not the sexiest draw in the NFL. This move on, since he will be changing his status next the room and remembered him for all the amazing things he was. She even told one of his favorite game will most likely be blacked out, so if you want year anyway. If I were him, I’d start having some fun stories, because telling stories was one of the things my uncle did best. I cried, as did many others, to check it out, go downtown on Sunday, as seats are and tailgate on the track, slow others down, or pull all watching her stand before us, so strong and still so full of his presence. Sometimes it feels as if he available! sorts of antics, just to piss off Teresa Earnhardt, his hasn’t really left us, and I hope that’s because we are able to keep him alive in our hearts. stepmother. The next day was the game. This was the part he really would have enjoyed. We all walked THE OTHER THIRTY-ONE Anyway, I believe the Chase will come down to from the hotel to the stadium and started the celebration in his special parking space, the same one It seems the Patriots are loaded AGAIN this Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson, and Tony Stewart, with season! Tom Brady and Randy Moss are going to be Kevin Harvick and a few others getting into the race. It we tailgated in all through my college years, and my sisters before me, as long as I can remember. in heaven, as long as they both stay healthy. We’ll starts this weekend in New Hampshire. Everyone was there, just as it had been in years past. I kept expecting to turn my head and see him see what kind of test they get when San Diego travels standing with his best friend, Ron Sellers, or chowing into some of his famous homemade boiled to New England Sunday night. Meanwhile, the Colts LAST WORD peanuts. Florida State won the game, the family was together, and it was a beautiful warm summer have had plenty of time to relax and prepare to take Folks, we are witnessing two individual dynas- night. If he could have seen us, he would have been so proud. on the Titans in Nashville. That could get interesting. ties in sports in these times! Tiger Woods and Roger I moved away to California two weeks after my uncle passed. It was the hardest thing I have After lighting up the scoreboard for 45 points against Federer are unbelievable in their play at the pres- ever had to do. My family is my foundation, and that is something that I cherish and respect about the Giants, the Dallas Cowboys now head to Miami to ent time. Federer won his third Major this year last myself. It felt like a black cloud hung over all of our heads this past year as we tried to fi nd our way face a roughed-up Dolphins squad. weekend, taking the U.S. Open Championship. It was through. I know I am back where I belong. If there is one thing I learned from him, it’s to be proud We will know more about who is good in the his twelfth Major title, and he has many more years of who you are and where you’re from. Hold up your community and your community will hold you. NFL after three or four weeks. Until then, these games ahead of him. Then, Tiger will, for all intents, pick up are a chance for everyone to sort themselves out, so the FedEx playoff Championship in Atlanta on the PGA My uncle knew that, and used the word “community” loosely to defi ne anything and everything in to speak. Tour this weekend. He will then add the $10 million his life that meant something to him. top prize to the roughly $75 million he has already This weekend, my pride in my family, in my team (go Noles!), and in my home could not have COLLEGE FOOTBALL won in his career, at the age of 31. Without question, been stronger. I spent fi ve years trying to fi nd the place that could fi ll my heart, not knowing that After two solid weeks of games, we are see- both of these gentlemen are making history before our it was right where I had left it. It had been here waiting for me all along. And although I regret not ing that there is perhaps a bit of disparity in college very eyes. having spent more time with him in his fi nal days, I can still feel him with us. He has taught me so football. Things are atrocious in Michigan, where the much, and the lessons keep on coming. I miss his hugs, I miss his stories, I miss the man, but his Wolverines are 0-2. They will now take on the 0-2 Tom Weppel talks trash with Greg Larson, Lonnie spirit is still here. It’s inside us all. Notre Dame squad, and this should be an unbelievable Marts, Eugene Chung, Artis Gilmore, and Ron Duguay contest! Whoever ends up 0-3 might have their coach on SportsAvengers.com 24/7.

30 september 13-19, 2007 | entertaining u newspaper nascar news & notes BY RICHARD TEAGUE [email protected]

It’s that time again and, like I’ve done for the looking glass those people are under now would past few years, I’ll speak out about how I do not keep them from treating each other in a negative like the Chase format in NASCAR. I know there ain’t way. nothing me or you can do about it, and honestly Dale just had a weird season, and as I said, we’ll just have to live with it, but gee whiz, I hate he has done a great job with all the things pilling on it! Brian France likens it to the major sports such him. I saw in his interview after his motor blowed as MLB and the NFL, but how in the world can he (I know blew or blown would be a better word, but do that? The other sports play a FULL season and I like to write so that my friends can understand, then come the playoffs and a championship series. ya’ know?). Now he can do like Tony did last year Where is the relationship? This year NASCAR raised and win some races, since the pressure is off. I will the number of chasers to twelve, only because cer- make a prediction that Junior will win two out of the tain drivers who are popular didn’t make it in 2006, next ten, just out of spite, and of course a couple of so whatcha goin’ to do next year Brian? I know, bucks. I did wonder what Kevin Harvick was think- make it 15 spots in 2008, but I don’t think that ing when he saw Earnhardt running way up front. would help at all for you-know-who. He’s sitting there watching that stream of steam Now, I sat there Saturday night to watch shoot out from under the hood of #29. Also, when the Rock n Roll at Richmond, not because Junior Kurt Busch got damaged, was he thinking about his was trying to make the Chase but because I love spot slipping away? There’s that dang word again, Richmond at night with all the shiny racecars. It is and since it has to be used in every single blooming even better than Bristol. So what if it was the last article these days, I’ll say it once: drama. shot that some guys had to make the playoff, it’s Well it looks like Richard Childress’ “can’t we just a great race track with tons of NASCAR his- just get along” routine came up good for him and tory. Y’all probably know by now that I put tracks AT&T with the logo back on the #31 car. Man, I was into three groups, but Richmond is the odd man out excited to see that for Jeff Burton, Childress and when it comes to this grouping. Just to refresh your RCR, but it cost them all. The big world is back on memory, there are the big tracks that are 2 or more the hood for the next ten races, but for every good miles (and not all are super speedways either, I save thing there seems to be a bad thing that comes that elite classifi cation for only high bankers). In the along with it. NASCAR isn’t any exception. The way I second class are the milers, which are what I call understand it is that NASCAR and Sprint (since there “bathtub tracks,” an obvious naming. Then, in the ain’t no Nextel anymore) let the logo back with a third class of tracks are the toilet bowl tracks (an- condition that AT&T has to leave the Cup after 2008. other easily recognizable name), which are the two So Richard has got a reprieve and can fi nd a new smallest. sponsor for Jeff, which is SO LAME of Sprint and Richmond falls into a group by itself because Brian France, but count your blessings RCR, it could of its three-quarter mile length, which can give fans have been much worse. The real losers on this deal some of the best racing in NASCAR. Drivers get that are the lawyers that didn’t get the big bucks to go to little bit of extra front and back stretch so the pedal court! goes to the metal, even if only for a short time, to al- So General Motors wants to get Tony Stewart low those guys to make moves on other drivers that back in a Chevy just as soon as his contract is up you don’t get to see anywhere else. Not often does a with Joe Gibbs Racing. Just how do they intend driver who started way back in the fi eld move up to to do that? You thought this thing with Junior was the top ten to fi nish, unless he’s a big-time guy. On something, you just wait until a manufacturer tries Saturday, not one, but two non-coms managed to do to get a driver away from a team owner and signed it: Johnny Sauter and J.J. Yeley. to different team. Has GM absolutely lost their Sauter went from a 35th place start to a FIFTH marbles on this one, or are we seeing the future with place fi nish, while Yeley started one back further at contracts between drivers, owners and car makers? 36th and fi nished 10th. These two guys also did it in How about the France family having race teams on the Car of Tomorrow, which, by the way, I am begin- the track? Now, just where this will go is a tough ning to warm up to since I ain’t got no choice in the question that I don’t have an answer for...YET. I’m matter. Anyway, only at RIR will there be racing like still sick that Gibbs is going over, but I do hope they we were treated to Saturday, and since ISC owns will be happy and perform well enough so Toyota the track, I bet it’s race dates will never be moved will bump the ante to get other teams to do the or traded, just like Bristol’s won’t. When France can same. put a hundred and twelve thousand fans in one place What will be the acronym if Gillett Evernham selling out for so many races, it ain’t never cutting Motorsports and Petty Enterprises merge with the back. He is probably thinking how he can add anoth- #43 and #45 cars next year, or even this year? er 100,000 seats so the ISC coffers can get bigger. How about a couple of suggestions? Don’t be Last week, I said that Dale Earnhardt Jr. scared, email me a few y’all come up with. You need wouldn’t make the Chase, but that was pretty much to keep in mind that the G has to be fi rst since he is already known by all. It was just a hope and a prayer the one with the money. GEEP, GPEEM, or perhaps for some fans, and I really think that Junior knew GEME but I think this would be more apropos: it, too. It seems that fans are talking about how DEI GGSTTOREMARPEBHGTBB. Let me break that down has given the #8 car nothing but second rate stuff for y’all. George Gillett Subsidizing The Teams Of so that Junior would look bad, but I can’t see it that Ray Evernham Motorsports And Richard Petty Enter- way, and really, can anyone truly believe that? Hey prises Because He’s Got The Big Bucks. Rolls right people, s**t happens and motors blow, as you can off your tongue, don’t it? You talk about the end of see from Roush Racing some time back. Saying that an era? Well Bubbas and Bubba-ettes, you are look- DEI is the bad guy here is like saying Junior isn’t ing right at it. driving up to his ability, and that would be another That’s enough from me this week, so let me falsehood. Yes, the #8 team might be the black hear from y’all at [email protected], and you sheep (or short timers, as a better term), but the really should know, If it ain’t NSACAR, It ain’t s**t!!

eujacksonville.com | september 13-19, 2007 31