Thursday, March 5, 2020

‘Josh Groban’ announces special Florida shows for March 2020


Global superstar Josh Groban announces a handful of special shows in Florida early 2020 kicking off on March 8th in Fort Meyers at the Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Hall, including a stop at the Times-Union Center For The Performing Arts on March 13, before wrapping up on March 16th at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.  Groban was unable to schedule stops in Florida on his last sold-out Bridges tour, so he wanted to make it up to his fans by booking several intimate shows in early 2020.

Groban has once again partnered with CID Entertainment to offer VIP ticket packages for select shows, which bundle a premium concert ticket with exclusive merchandise and pre-show access to a lounge for food and drink amongst fellow fans.  A limited number of packages also include a Meet & Greet with Josh.  For details, visit his website.

Madison Square Garden Company (MSG) announced Groban’s one-of-a-kind residency at New York’s iconic Radio City Music Hall that began in 2020.  The series will kicked off on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2020, continue on April 18, 2020 with a third date added for June 20, 2020, due to overwhelming demand.

About Josh Groban: Possessing one of the most outstanding and instantly recognizable voices in music, GRAMMY Award-nominated singer, songwriter, and actor Josh Groban has entertained fans across the globe with his multi-platinum albums and DVDs (over 35 million sold worldwide), electrifying live performances, and comedic film and television appearances. The 37-year-old Los Angeles native stands out as “the only artist who has had two albums appear on the Top 20 Best-Selling Albums list of the past decade,” according to Billboard.  He has appeared feature films such as Crazy, Stupid, Love, The Hollars, Coffee Town, and Muppets Most Wanted, as well as on NBC’s The Office, FX’s It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and CBS’ The Crazy Ones.  His discography encompasses eight studio albums, including his 2001 self-titled 5x-platinum debut, 2003’s 6x-platinum Closer, 2006’s double-platinum Awake, 2007’s 6x platinum Grammy-nominated Noel, 2010’s gold-certified Illuminations, 2013’s gold-certified All That Echoes, 2015’s worldwide million selling Stages, and most recently 2018’s Bridges.  In 2017, he concluded his Broadway run in Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812, which Time Out New York called, “one of the best musicals of the decade”.  He also released his first coffee table book, Stage to Stage: My Journey to Broadway, chronicling the past two years of his life on Broadway.

2018 marked yet another watershed year for Groban extending his influence across music, film, television, and Broadway yet again.  He co-hosted the Tony Awards to widespread enthusiasm worldwide after garnering his first nomination in 2017.  He starred in the NETFLIX series, The Good Cop, that made its debut on the streaming platform September 21.  On the same day, he unveiled his eighth full-length studio offering, Bridges [Reprise Records].  In addition to duets with Andrea Bocelli, Sarah McLachlan, and Jennifer Nettles, it boasts nine tracks co-written by the superstar.  He launched his North American Bridges headline tour in support of the album during the fall of 2018 and continued into the summer of 2019.  He maintains his position as the consummate American showman in 2019 and beyond.  Groban remains an active arts education philanthropist and advocate as a member of Americans for the Arts Artists Committee and Groban’s Find Your Light Foundation helps enrich the lives of young people through arts, education, and cultural awareness.
JoshGroban.com | Facebook.com/JoshGroban | Twitter:@JoshGroban | Instagram:@JoshGroban

Josh Groban
ยบBridges Tour

DATE
: Friday, March 13, 2020

TIME: 7 p.m.

TICKETS:
Buy tickets from the Times Union box office, or Ticketmaster online.  Prices range from $126 – $247.

LOCATION:Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena may win prestigeous award

The Academy of Country Music has announced the nominations for the 55th Academy Of Country Music Awards™.  Among the nominees is Jacksonville’s VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, nominated for Arena of the Year.  Other nominees in this category include: Madison Square Garden in New York City, The Staples Center in Los Angeles, Infinite Energy Center in Duluth, GA and Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids, MI.

ASM Global manages The VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena along with six other entertainment and sporting venues in Jacksonville.  “The City of Jacksonville is honored to be in partnership with ASM Global and to continue to bring elite events and outstanding entertainment to our city,” said Lenny Curry, Mayor of Jacksonville.

“We are proud to manage so many fine venues, including the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, on behalf of the City of Jacksonville.  I am proud of the work by our ASM Global booking team, led locally by Zane Collings.  Huge thank you to Live Nation, AEG Presents, Messina Touring Group, Outback Presents and all the country artists and agents who make Jacksonville a must-play city,” says Bill McConnell, General Manager of ASM Global – Jacksonville.

The 55th Annual ACM Awards will be broadcast live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Sunday, April 5, 2020 on CBS.  For more information about upcoming events, visit www.jaxevents.com.



For more information on VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, follow them on social media at: Facebook: @VyStarVeteransArena and @jaxevents; Instagram: @jaxevents & Twitter: @jaxevents

About ASM Global: ASM Global-Jacksonville manages seven sports, entertainment, and convention venues on behalf of the City of Jacksonville. Our beautiful venues include:
TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida-Georgia, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and Monster Jam.
Daily’s Place, a 5,500-seat amphitheater with concert programming year-round and an indoor practice facility for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett and home to the Arena Bowl Champions Jacksonville Sharks, the ABA Jacksonville Giants and the Jacksonville IceMen.
121 Financial Ballpark, home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Florida vs FSU Baseball
The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, stage to Broadway and music elite like Wicked, James Taylor and Diana Ross; and home of the FSCJ Artist Series and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a historic renovated train station providing a unique venue for meetings, social events and conventions.
The Ritz Theatre and Museum, located in Jacksonville’s historic African American community of LaVilla, celebrating the artistic culture of African American life in Northeast Florida and the African Diaspora with museum exhibits, concerts, films, lectures, dance and dramatic arts.
Committed to the Jacksonville community, the guests that enjoy our venues and the clients that utilize them, ASM Global-Jacksonville provides the ultimate event experience in Northeast Florida.

ASM Global was formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities, the global innovator in live entertainment venues, and SMG, the gold standard in event management.  ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues.  As the world’s most trusted venue manager, ASM Global provides venue strategy and management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services. Among the venues in our portfolio are landmark facilities such as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Conference Centre in Shenzhen, China. ASM Global also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies.

‘Two Trains Running’ coming to the beaches at PBTS


Douglas Anderson junior, Marlee Feacher, will take the stage for her first non-school production at Players by the Sea for “Two Trains Running”.  She is joining an experienced cast of all men for a play that contributes to August Wilson’s groundbreaking American century cycle.  The character, Risa, almost never exits the stage.  Feacher says this has been a challenge. “She is constantly working while customers in the shop carry on with their lives.  It has been easy for me to zone out or lose track of time, but I have learned to work past this by watching my cast mates react and stay present and continuously reminding myself to do the same.”

Feacher plays Risa, a waitress at the local diner, who has been abused by many men and has chosen to regain control of her body by scaring her own legs to keep them away.  Even though she’s been mistreated time and time again, she has no problem voicing her opinions and being the only woman in the room.  Feacher says, “I’d like to believe I’m the same way, that I have a presence around me that speaks to my strength, that I can fit into any room regardless of my gender.”

The theatre saw strong local talent during auditions earlier this month and has officially cast the production. This cast introduces new actors to the Jacksonville scene as well as youth. But it also invites several veterans back to the PBTS stage.  The cast is as follows: Eugene Lindsey, Jr. - Memphis; Cedarian Crawford - Wolf; Marlee Feacher - Risa; James Webb - Holloway; William Sivad - Sterling; Clayton Riddley - Hambone & Gregory P. Hughes - West.

In Two Trains Running, history unfolds around everyday lives against the backdrop of the civil rights movement.  Long-time regulars gather at the local diner in Pittsburgh’s Hill District to gossip, flirt and play the numbers.  Now the owner must decide whether to let the city take over his building or sell it to a shrewd, local businessman.  Two Trains paints a compassionate and unforgettable portrait of ordinary people in the midst of transformation.

The play offers a dialogue that is relevant even today.  One about justice and freedom. “Every character is fighting for their own form of justice, and many of them have different ideas of what it actually means,” Feacher comments.  She says that August Wilson has created a safe place in Two Trains Running, for people to come, talk about their experiences and learn from one another.  Patrons will love Two Trains Running.  Feacher says, “Audience members will leave with information to be digested and analyzed as they can see the art mirrored in their everyday life. It is a tremendous education delivered in an entertaining, amusing, comedic way.”

Director Brian Niece, is excited to start the production process. “I have a rare opportunity to help tell this powerful story; a truthful black story; an American story that looks for beauty in brokenness. It is humbling to be able to serve August Wilson’s vision as a storyteller.”

Two Trains Running

DATES:     TIMES
Fri. Mar. 13, 2020  8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 14      8 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 19   8 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 20    8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 21    8 p.m.

Sun., Mar. 22    2 p.m.
Thurs., Mar. 26   8 p.m.
Fri., Mar. 27    8 p.m.
Sat., Mar. 28    8 p.m.
Sun., Mar. 29    2 p.m.

TICKETS: Two Trains Running will be shown in the Studio Theatre (more intimate “black-box” style space.  The Studio Theatre seats 80 and offers a more immersive experience for audience members).  Tickets are available online at or by calling (904)-249-0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250

      (904) 249-0289

“HTSIBWRT” is a Laugh-out-loud experience



The show How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will be in town until March 22, 2020, at the Alhambra Theater & Dining.  This is a musical/comedy that will keep you “Laughing-Out-Loud” all afternoon or evening.  The Alhambra’s adaptation of the original movie, and 1995 Broadway production will keep your interest especially under the direction of Tod Booth*, Choreography from Shain Stroff*, Musical direction led by Cathy Murphy Giddens & the wonderful set designs of Ian Black and David Dionne.

All the “HTSIBWRT” actors are very entertaining with their singing, acting, dancing and quirky mannerisms.  Ricky Cona* plays the wonderfully funny character Bud Frump, whose voice you will love to hear and gladly wait for his next line in the show.  Christopher Lewis stars as J. Piertrepont Finch, who delightfully freezes in place when the narrations from the book that he references often, comes to life.  Kudos also go out to Maddie Bryan who plays J.B.'s cutie-pie, ex-night-club cigarette girl Hedy La Rue.
*Actors’ Equity Association

The meal that Executive Chef DeJuan Roy prepared for this stage presentation will satisfy your appetite, so come ready for a great meal and show.

First Course (Both are very tasty, filling - Ms. “V”
Choice of One
Spinach Salad with chopped egg, red onions, shredded carrots, croutons, warm bacon vinaigrette *GF* without croutons.
Country Bean Soup with ham, kale and tomato.
Second Course (Pork Ribeye melts in your mouth & the Cornflake Crusted Mahi is uniquely delicious - Ms. “V”)
Choice of One
Chicken Alfredo with fettuccine, broccolini, garlic crustino.
Pork Ribeye with buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted heirloom carrots, rosemary and onion gravy *GF* without gravy.
Cornflake Crusted Mahi with coconut rice, sauteed zucchini and yellow squash, vanilla Beurre Blanc.
Whole Roasted Petite Cauliflower with Parmesan crust, roasted heirloom carrots, Swiss chard, roasted red peppers, vegan Hollandaise sauce, garlic crostino.
Third Course - Flourless Chocolate Cake reminds you of a delectable chocolate brownie - Ms. “V”
Choice of One
Flourless Chocolate Cake with cherries jubilee sauce, whipped cream, shaved chocolate.
Buttery Bread Pudding with caramel sauce. Menu subject to change.  (*GF*  - Gluten-Free and sugar-free desserts available upon request)

How to Succeed in Business
  Without Really Trying


DATES: February 20 — March 22, 2020

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Friday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 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 12:30 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:50 p.m.

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

TICKETS: Prices start at just $40 per person.  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, nor orders from the bar**

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