Tuesday, April 2, 2019

Events at the Cummer for the month of April 2019

It’s Springtime, but it still may feel like Autumn (not cold enough to call it Winter, nonetheless, you will be comfortable as the guest in or outside of the Cummer Museum this month.  There is so much going on and you and your family will have a lot to do.  Get your calendar and list the activities that interest you.

Florida Blue Free Tuesday - Each Tuesday Evening from 4 to 9 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Every Tuesday, enjoy free admission to the Cummer Museum and its historic gardens, thanks to the generous support of Florida Blue.  Guests can enjoy free admission to the galleries. Each Tuesday evening, the Cummer Café is also open for Tapas Tuesday sponsored by Vystar Credit Union.

Tapas Tuesday - Each Tues. Evening from 5 to 8 p.m. | The Cummer Café | Reservations recommended. 
Take in the sunset while listening to local musicians with beer, wine, or artfully inspired tapas for sale at the Café. Reserve your table by calling 904.899.6022.

The Harlem Renaissance: Lecture & Book Signing with Wil Haygood -
Tues., Apr 2 | 6:30 to 8 p.m. | Members $30, Non-Members $40 | Registration required.
Schedule of evening:
6:30 to 7:30 p.m. - Lecture and Q&A
7:30 to 8 p.m. - Book Signing

Weaver First Saturday Free For All - Sat., Apr. 6 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  The first Saturday of each month at the Cummer Museum is FREE FOR ALL, thanks to the generous support of J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver. Guests can enjoy free admission, as well as art-making activities for all ages in the Cummer Gardens, live music, and a Docent-led tour at 2 p.m.  For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman Closing Celebration - Sat, Apr 6 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required (with the exception of lectures).  Join the museum for a free, family-friendly, closing celebration for Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman with live music, a lecture and book signing with New York Times bestselling Author Vashti Harrison, with an original spoken word performance directed by Yvette Angelique Hyater-Adams. Dr. Jeffreen Hayes, the Curator of Augusta Savage: Renaissance Woman, will be at the Museum during the closing celebration for one last look before the exhibition leaves for its next venue.  For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Little Leaders: Bold Women In Black History - A Lecture And Book Signing With Vashti Harrison - Sat., Apr. 6 | 11 a.m. to Noon OR 2 to 3 p.m. | Free | Registration required.  Vashti Harrison will host a free lecture and book signing for her “New York Times” bestselling children’s book “Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History”.  Based on her popular Instagram posts from Black History Month 2017, the book features 40 biographies of African-American women who helped shape history, including Augusta Savage.  A collection of Harrison’s illustrations from the book are currently on display in the Bank of America Concourse at the Museum.  The lecture will be held in the Hixon Auditorium, followed by the book signing in the Cummer Museum Lobby.  Books are available for purchase from the Cummer Shop.  For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us - Sun., Apr. 7 | Noon to 4 p.m. | Free to Cardholders | No registration required.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers free admission on the first Sunday of the first full weekend of the month to all Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholders through the Museums on Us program.  Each cardholder receives one free general admission to the Museum. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Free Tuesday: Experience The Crime Of Art - Tues., Apr. 9 | 4 to 9 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Enjoy themed items in the Café and visit the Cummer Shop to find gifts for your favorite partner in crime.
6 p.m. - Take a family-friendly interactive tour of Kota Ezawa: The Crime of Art through fun activities that incorporate close observation and group conversation.  The tour will start at the entrance of the exhibition.
7 p.m. – Our evening guided tour will be on Kota Ezawa: The Crime of Art. The tour will start at the entrance of the exhibition.

Family Tour - Kota Ezawa: The Crime Of Art - Tues., Apr. 9 | 6 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Since crime does not pay, we are hosting a Night of Crime Evening on our Free Tuesday!  Enjoy themed items in the Café and visit the Cummer Shop to find gifts for your favorite partner in crime.  At 6 p.m., take a family-friendly interactive tour of Kota Ezawa: The Crime of Art through fun activities that incorporate close observation and group conversation. The tour will start at the entrance of the exhibition.

Captivating Caper: A Mystery Dinner Party - Thurs., Apr. 11 | 6 to 9 p.m. | Registration required.
Single Dinner:
VIP | $250
General | Members $150, Non-Members $175
Young Professionals (40 and under) | Members $100, Non-Members $125
Captivating Caper/Soirée Bohème Bundle:
VIP | $450
General | Members $275, Non-Members $325
Young Professionals (40 and under) | Members $185, Non-Members $235

Take a step into a world of intrigue while experiencing Kota Ezawa: The Crime of Art.  Whether you come dressed as a dapper detective or a busy burglar, this festive fête is sure to delight.  There will be thrilling melodies and eats, and a tantalizing case to solve. Hats, monocles, and (non-smoking!) pipes encouraged.  An evening filled with so much fun it’s almost criminal!  For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6038.

Art Fundamentals: Acrylic Painting - Wed., Apr. 17 through May 29 (except May 1) | 1 to 4:30 p.m. | Members $180, Non-Members $210 | Registration required.  Ages 18 and up.  Instructor Allison Watson introduces painting to beginning students and strengthens the skills of intermediate painters. Learn composition for landscape and still life, color theory, and techniques in acrylic.  Participants may sign up for multiple sessions.  Supplies are not included.  For further information, please
email or call 904.355.0630.

Talks & Tea: Permanent Collection - Wed., Apr. 17 | 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required.  You are invited to the Museum to enjoy an insightful talk on works of art from our permanent collection over a cup of tea and a sweet treat.  For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6038.

Art Adventures: Printmaking - Sat., Apr. 20 | 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Members $10, Non-Members $15 | Registration required.  Ages 6 through 12.  Join the museum on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes.  In this class students will explore the art of printmaking and how it can be utilized to create multiple, identical works of art.  Students will view diverse examples in the galleries and employ printmaking techniques in the studio.  Class size is limited.  For further information, please
email or call 904.355.0630.

Family Open Studio: Spring Has Sprung - Sun., Apr. 21 | 1 to 3 p.m. | Free with admission | No registration required.  Free art-making activity in the Art Connections studios for all ages!  Visitors will create cards inspired by spring using a variety of different mediums.  For further information, please
email or call 904.355.0630.

Art For Tots: Spring In The Garden - Sat., Apr. 27 | 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Members $10 per pair, Non-Members $15 per pair | Registration required.  Ages 2 & 3 with an adult.  Join the Cummer for this monthly program that helps develop a child’s sensory and motor skills through art, movement, music, and storytelling.  In this class children will explore the gardens and look at the different shapes and colors in the natural world. In the studio, children will use nature to create unique pictures.  Entry is through Art Connections.  Class size is limited.  For further information, please
email or call 904.355.0630.


Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   
829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857

   
Hours of Operation & Admission

Cummer Museum receives $1.5 Million to endow a Garden Curator position

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has received an $800,000 gift to name and endow the position of Garden Curator, thanks to the generosity of the Lorena “Lory” Doolittle and her family.  The gift allows the Museum to create The Doolittle Family Garden Curator position, which will work with the Museum team to create meaningful, impactful, and artful opportunities that share the Museum’s historic Gardens with visitors in engaging and inspiring ways.

“With this gift, Lory Doolittle and her family help assure that the treasures of landscape architecture here at the Cummer Museum will be stewarded into the future,” states Adam Levine, Ph.D., the Museum’s George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director & Chief Executive Officer.  
“The Cummer Museum houses masterpieces in its galleries by Rubens, Turner, and Degas, but those are equaled if not exceeded by our outdoor masterpieces by Meehan, Olmstead, and Shipman.  Ms. Doolittle has embraced this view and through this gift helps provide the care that will make these gardens available to the Jacksonville community for generations to come.”

Lory Doolittle has been actively involved with the Museum since moving to Jacksonville in 2004 from Connecticut.  She has worked as a volunteer with the Museum’s Docents since 2013, providing tours of the galleries and gardens for schools, private groups, and the general public.  She has also been actively involved with the Cummer Beaches affinity group.  Mrs. Doolittle has been a long-time supporter of the Museum’s mission and vision, through financial and volunteer support, including service on the Museum’s Education Committee.

“The Cummer Gardens were created by Ninah Cummer with care and devotion,” says Lory Doolittle.  “With the help of a garden curator, Mrs. Cummer’s garden legacy will continue to enhance the Cummer Museum and educate the public.”

The Doolittle gift fully funds the $1.5 million endowment for the position, the proceeds of which will be used to support the compensation and expenses related to maintaining a garden curator.  The Garden Curator will establish a strategy to create greater permeability and crossover between the Museum’s gardens and gallery spaces, develop garden-related programming, and create partnerships that will promote the visibility of the gardens in Jacksonville and beyond.


Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   
829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857

   
Hours of Operation & Admission

‘World of Musicals’ was NOT a show to miss

When you want to talk about exquisite music,World of Musicals is onboard with their ten talented singers.  This European troupe of five women and 5 men from Ireland, Scotland and England, recently gave a grand performance to the sold-out audience at the Times Union Center (Terry Theater) in Jacksonville Florida, with tunes from some of Broadway’s greatest hits.  Direct from their Australian and European tours, this select cast of highly talented and accomplished West End performers have been featured in worldwide smash hits on London’s West End.  And they will be continuing their visit to the USA until the middle of April.


The costumes were quickly changed as the audience enjoyed one number while being entertained for the next song.  And not only did they sing, but they also performed all types of dance.  We enjoyed music from this era and some older (but not forgotten) time periods.  Some of the familiar tunes were from: “The Lion King,” “Fiddler on the Roof,” “MaMa Mia,” “Wicked,” “Elvita,” “West Side Story,” “Pirate King,” “Three Little Maids,” “Phantom of the Opera,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “The Greatest Showman,” “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma,” “Singing in the Rain,” “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “CATS,” “Jersey Boys,” “Hairspray,” “Beauty & the Beast,” “Les Miserables,” and ending with a finale from “The Blues Brothers.”  Entire songs were sung and the evening only had one 15-minute intermission.

Due to a lot of smoke coming from the smoke machines, we were not asked to evacuate the building, but for safety’s sake, the Jacoby Hall, on the second floor was asked to leave the building; nevertheless, the Times Union had everything under control and the shows continued to the end.

The only thing that was missing from "World of Musicals" may have been some music from Motown the Musical, but that show already exists and maybe additional showtunes from Detroit may be added to their repertoire.

‘Big’ shows up and shows out at the Alhambra

Why don’t you experience how BIG that thisBIG the musical can be at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, while tickets are still available?  They say that children and animals can steal a show, well, the critics are correct.  The young people in the ensemble and the youngsters who play Billy and Josh, in the Alhambra production, steal the show and our hearts with their songs, dancing and memory of all their lines.

Allow me to focus on the character of Billy played by Jon Ashton Reid.  Jon had some great harmony with Young Josh (Ari Walz) when they sang “You’re a Big Boy Now”.  Jon is the son of Dr. Carolyn and Mr. Gerald Reid, and young Jon attends
Jacksonville Country Day School where he hones his musical talents.  Ari had two songs by himself (“I Want To Go Home & Big”) that he phenomenally sang.

The entire adult Ensemble stepped-it-up in the production, and carried great tunes from the direction of choreographer Parker Slaybaugh* and the musical direction of Cathy Murphy.  The adults hold their own with upbeat songs throughout the presentation especially “MacMillan Toys” and “Coffee, Black”.  Well done troupe!!!

As in years past, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining has been an excellent venue for Birthdays, Anniversaries and for Prom celebrations.  Where else can you get dinner, a great show, a chance to get dressed up and have a great memorable evening all at one event?  Well,
Valdosta Open Bible Christian School once again chose the Alhambra to have their “2019 senior prom”.  Take a look at the fun that the school had a few years ago when that group attended another play, for their 2017 prom.

Even if you’ve
never seen the motion picture, you will appreciate the storyline that producer/director Tod Booth* has done with the local run of “BIG, the musical” in JAX.  The meal, as always, is fabulous.  If you like Corned Beef, then you’ll enjoy the Brown Sugar-Crusted Corned Beef dinner created by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy.  This writer chose Aunt Mae’s Fried Chicken and was not disappointed - very crisp & tasty.  The Potato & Bacon Chowder was the best and the Spring Salad was top notch.  The Banana Cream pie was a winner for the finale of my meal.  You cannot go wrong with any selection, and you will be full when you leave.

If you’d like to meet ‘ZOLTAR’, on and off stage (courtesy of Ian Black & Dave Dionne), then you’ll want to come to “BIG the Musical” asap.  The Walking or Big Piano is literally on stage.
(*denoted Actors’ Equity Association)

  ‟BIG
 The Musical


DATES:
March 27 — April 20, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 8 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner is served until 7:30 p.m. 
Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch served until 12:50 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 2 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $66.  Ticket prices include: a plated three-course meal that changes for each show, and is served directly to your table; a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Tickets may be purchases on line, or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **Prices do NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       
12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212