‘Marvelous Wonderettes’ kick off the 2018 Alhambra Theater and Dining season

The 2018 Alhambra Theatre & Dining season spectacular launches with “The Marvelous Wonderettes”.  This smashing off-Broadway hit takes place at the Springfield High School Prom in 1958 where the audience is introduced to the The Wonderettes, a four-girl tour-de-force with hopes, dreams and voices as big as their crinoline skirts.  The show follows their lives and loves from their prom night until they reunite on stage for their 10-year reunion.  Audiences in other cities have been found singing and dancing in the aisles as The Wonderettes sing classic hits from the 1950’s and 1960’s including: “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,” “Stupid Cupid” and “Lipstick on your Collar.”

The Alhambra is coming off of a record-setting 50th anniversary campaign, which brought more than 130,000 guests through the Alhambra’s festive doors in 2017; more than 30% of whom were first-time visitors.  Said Managing Partner, Craig Smith, “2017 was a whirlwind, and it certainly propelled the Alhambra into a new dimension with momentum coming into 2018 like we have never had.”  He continued, “Shows like The Addams Family certainly brought in a new generation of guests, and we are excited about that, but we also had a lot of folks who hadn’t been to the Alhambra in a while who wanted to see what the buzz was about. It was a great season and 2018 is already selling strong.  We’re excited to make 50 more years of memories.”

Alhambra tickets include a three-course meal (that changes for each show), a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Added Smith, “People have really started to understand what a great value the Alhambra is.  This is a real culinary experience, amazing theatrical productions and parking for around $50.  No where else in our area can someone find a great night out for such a price.”  Season Partnerships are also currently available for as little as $267 per ticket, per season, allowing guests to save even more money, lock in their seats for an entire season and receive early notification of special events such as concerts and new shows.

Get ready for a feast prepared by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy:
First Course (Choice of One): Arugula Salad with goat cheese, toasted almonds, strawberry vinaigrette*GF* OR, Minestrone Soup.
Second Course (Choice of One): Chicken Cacciatore with herb fettuccine, OR Seared Sirloin with garlic shrimp, boiled parsley potato, broccoli au gratin *GF*, OR Shake-and-Bake Center Cut Pork Chop with buttermilk mashed potatoes, lima beans, OR Lentil and Vegetable Lasagna *GF*.
Third Course (Choice of One): Apple Strudel with caramel drizzle, OR Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with raspberry, OR Gluten-Free and Sugar-Free desserts available upon request. *menus subject to change*

“The Marvelous Wonderettes”
DATES: January 3 — February 4, 2018

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

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday January 5, 2018) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.
    **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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

'Blue-Grey All-American Bowl' comes to JAX for the New Year

Seeking a gift for those football enthusiasts?  Don’t leave that sports fan from your Christmas list.  Something BIG is happening right here in Jacksonville, Florida.  For the third time in as many years, Jacksonville Jaguars’ EverBank Field will once again host the Blue-Grey All-American Bowl on Saturday, January 13, 2018. The action will be broadcast live via ESPN3 at 1:00 p.m. EST.

In its sixth year on the national level, this year’s Blue-Grey All-American Bowl will feature the country’s top recruits from the Class of 2018. The annual Blue-Grey All-American Bowl positions a team of high school standouts from traditional northern states against a team of exceptional athletes from traditional southern states. Blue-Grey Football was established in 1989 to help prep prospects from across the country receive national exposure and increase their chances to secure college scholarships.

In advance of the post-season game for elite level prep prospects, and in conjunction with SMG Jacksonville, Blue-Grey Football held its Jersey Presentation Tour on December 11, 2017 at EverBank Field.  NFL veteran and former Jaguars’ quarterback, Quinn Gray, was in attendance for the ceremony to recognize several local products, as well as multiple Florida natives.  This year’s participants are as follows:

Blue-Grey Jersey Presentation Tour Participants (confirmed, though subject to change)
LB Ryan Smenda (Fleming Island, FL) Wake Forest commit
LB Eriq Gilyard (Trinity Christian, FL) Central Florida commit
RB Charles Strong (Union County, FL) Florida State commit
RB Willie McKnight (Gainesville, FL) ACC target
QB Wyatt Rector (Leesburg, FL) ACC target
QB Riley Smith (Bartrum Trail) ACC target

Tickets are $20, inclusive of fees and will be available at the EverBank Field Box Office at the East Club Gate on gameday.  Parking for this event will be in Lots C & D, which will open at 10:30 am.  The parking fee is $5 per car (cash only).

Historical honor to be given to Clara White Mission founder

As a tribute to the life and legacy of Clara White Mission founder Dr. Eartha M.M. White; a historical walk from Forsyth to Ashley Street will be held in her honor.  Dr. White achieved much within her 97 years and those accomplishments will be detailed during the unveiling ceremony on Monday, December 18, 2017 at 9:30 a.m.  The walk will begin at the corner of Forsyth and Broad Street to corner of Ashley and Broad Street, ending at 613 West Ashley Street.

With the support of Mayor Lenny Curry and the Jacksonville City Council special legislation was passed to bestow this honor upon Dr. Eartha White in November of this year. The unveiling will occur upon conclusion of the walk.  Mark your calendars and make plans to celebrate a milestone.

Dr. Eartha Mary Magdalene White, born on November 8, 1876; displayed a lifelong commitment to helping others and serving humanity.  Known for her philanthropic and mission work, this Jacksonville native, tirelessly and passionately cared for the homeless community through her charitable work of providing meals, housing, hospital, nursing home and boy’s homes to those in need.

For 97 years, Dr. Eartha dedicated her life to the community as its first African American social workers, school teacher, first female realtor, a soprano with the first African American opera company in the United States, and first African America Census Taker in the state of Florida.  She developed the first African American Nursing Home in the state and was an extraordinary woman who championed economic development, education, organized the Clara White Mission, Inc. for more than half a century.  Clara White fed the poor and disadvantaged in two national depressions, in which the organization and services still exist today.

Dr. White was recognized nationally for her charitable work, before and after her death.  In 1970, at the age of ninety-four, she received national recognition as a recipient of the 1970 Lane Bryant Award for Volunteer Service and in 1971, she was appointed by President Richard Nixon to the President's National Center for Voluntary Action. She deserves the heroic recognition for her work locally, state-wide and nationally.

The Clara White Mission continues to assist Jacksonville's homeless and economically disadvantaged people to gain new perspectives on their lives. Their daily meals, youth services, job training (Culinary Arts, Janitorial and Electrical), employment placement, housing and more are the first steps to a new beginning for each participant.

‘Disney’s The Lion King’ will be returning to JAX

Can you imagine the look of surprise and glee as your loved-ones find tickets in their Christmas Stockings to Disney theatrical productions of “The Lion King?”  The FSCJ Artist Series announce that The North American touring productions of the show has been seen by more than 19 million theatergoers.  Having already played more than 70 cities across North America, The Lion King now proudly makes its return at the Times-Union Center for sixteen performances.  Not since 2007 has the production graces the Jacksonville stage.  The last time that the show appeared in Florida was in 2016 in Tampa.

ABOUT THE LION KING: In its 20th year, The Lion King continues ascendant as one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.  Since its Broadway premiere on November 13, 1997, 24 global productions have been seen by more than 90 million people.  Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions (under the direction of Thomas Schumacher), The Lion King is the only show in history to generate six productions worldwide running 15 or more years.  Performed in eight different languages (Japanese, German, Korean, French, Dutch, Spanish, Mandarin and Portuguese), productions of The Lion King can currently be seen on Broadway, London’s West End, Hamburg, Tokyo and Sapporo, Madrid, Mexico City, Scheveningen, Holland, and on tour across North America, for a total of nine productions running concurrently across the globe.  Having played over 100 cities in 19 countries on every continent except Antarctica, The Lion King’s worldwide gross exceeds that of any film, Broadway show or other entertainment title in box office history.

The Lion King won six 1998 Tony Awards^®: Best Musical, Best Scenic Design (Richard Hudson), Best Costume Design (Julie Taymor), Best Lighting Design (Donald Holder), Best Choreography (Garth Fagan) and Best Direction of a Musical.  The Lion King has also earned more than 70 major arts awards including the 1998 NY Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical, the 1999 Grammy® for Best Musical Show Album, the 1999 Evening Standard Award for Theatrical Event of the Year and the 1999 Laurence Olivier Awards for Best Choreography and Best Costume Design.

The book has been adapted by Roger Allers, who co-directed The Lion King animated feature, and Irene Mecchi, who co-wrote the film’s screenplay.  Other members of the creative team include: Michael Curry, who designed the masks and puppets with Taymor, Steve Canyon Kennedy (sound design), Michael Ward (hair and makeup design), John Stefaniuk (associate director), Marey Griffith (associate choreographer), Clement Ishmael (music supervisor) and Doc Zorthian (production supervisor). Anne Quart serves as co-producer.

“Disney’s The Lion King”
DATES:       TIMES:
Wed., Jan. 31, 2018  7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 1    1 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 1    7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 2      8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 3      2 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 3      8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 4      1 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 4      6:30 p.m.
Tues., Feb. 6     7:30 p.m.
Wed., Feb. 7     7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 8    7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 9      8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 10     2 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 10       8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 11     1 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 11     6:30 p.m.

TICKETS: Range from $53 –$169 plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 632-5050.  Everyone, including infants and toddlers, must have a theater ticket for admission.  Premium Ticket Package includes: the best seats in the theater (rows A-H only $140-$169), commemorative souvenir program and exclusive show merchandise item.  Premium Ticket Packages are available forShows are sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.  Ticket buyers are reminded that The FSCJ Artist Series and Ticketmaster are the only official retail ticket outlets for all performances.  Ticket buyers who purchase tickets from a ticket broker or any third party should be aware that the FSCJ Artist Series is unable to reprint or replace lost or stolen tickets and are unable to contact patrons with information regarding time changes or other pertinent updates regarding the performance.

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

Alhambra Theatre 50th anniversary party kicks-off

It’s going to be a BIG celebration coming to the Alhambra Theatre & Dining this month and there are a few tickets still available so you can be there to party with the best-of-the-best.  The Alhambra Theatre & Dining stands proudly as one of just a handful or remaining dinner theaters dotting North America.  After half a century, the Alhambra is as vibrant as ever with new owners, led by Managing Partner, Craig Smith, are excited to announce its culminating event, the “50th Birthday Bash”, set for Monday, December 11 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Alhambra Theatre.

In the summer of 1967, a press photo was taken of a single table on an empty lot on Beach Boulevard in Jacksonville, Florida, an unlikely spot 50 years ago for a theater that would become an icon in the Jacksonville cultural landscape and within the national theater scene.  Set for two, that single table was covered by an elegant lace cloth, and adorned with matching napkins, silverware, stylish china plates and coffee cups and tall crystal glasses. In the middle of the small table stood an equally elegant candelabra holding five candles. What better way for the young gentlemen sitting there, Ted Johnson and George Ballis, to demonstrate their vision of the future.  Just a few months later, in December of 1967, the Alhambra opened its doors to the public as a place where guests came for a “night on the town,” adorned in gowns, tuxedoes and their best shoes.

Expected to be on-hand will be the Current and Former Owners; Jacksonville’s Mayor Lenny Curry; members of Jacksonville’s City Council including: Al Ferraro, Scott Wilson, Reggie Gaffney, Danny Becton and Jim Love; State Representative Tracie Davis; US Senator Bill Nelson; Matthew Davis of Senator Marco Rubio’s office, Alhambra’s Legacy Servers, long-standing season subscribers and some special guests who have milestones that began in 1967 (such as first dates or engagements), and other VIP’s.

Opened in 1967 as The Alhambra Dinner Theater, this establishment is the longest-running dinner theater in the country.  The Alhambra has hosted legends such as: Tony Curtis, Claude Aiken, Sid Cesar and Cesar Romero, and, recently the likes of Loretta Swit, Barry Williams, Morgan Fairchild, Dawn Wells, Jamie Farr, Sally Struthers, Joyce DeWitt, Michael Learned, Barbara Eden, Lisa Whelchel and Mike Farrell.  The Alhambra was the place of Betty Grable’s final acting role, and is featured in her biography.  The Alhambra is also home to former Miss America, Orange Park (FL) native Leanza Cornett, who started at the Alhambra when she was only 15 years old.


Managing Partner, Craig Smith

In November 2009 the Alhambra was purchased by Theatre Partners, LLC; headed by Jacksonville’s AlhaManmbra entrepreneur, Craig Smith, as a way to give back to Jacksonville and preserve what he believes is one of its cultural jewels.   Craig is quoted as saying, “For fifty years The Alhambra has been a place of Broadway quality shows and fine meals, but the Alhambra really is more of a place where people make memories.  This theater is where we go to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries; it is where people came for the prom; it is the place of first dates and marriage proposals.  Recently, the Alhambra has even been a place where people get married.”

Today, the Alhambra boasts a run-rate of 80-90% capacity, including several completely sold out shows in recent years (including Alhambra After Dark shows) with the help from its Season Partners subscriber base of nearly 5,000.  The theater also employs more than 70 full-time staff, and donates tens of thousands of dollars and tickets annually to area charities.

“Our job isn’t just to sell seats to a great show, it’s to be part of this community and supportive of things that are meaningful to our guests,” said Smith.  “We can only take credit for putting a good product together.  I give all the credit to the Jacksonville community for rallying around this old girl and putting her back on the map.  It’s a journey that isn’t finished, but we’re off to a good start…that’s more than 50 years in the making.”  He added, “To me, when I walk through this theater, I can almost hear the voices of the memories.  Some say The Alhambra is haunted and those are the voices of the ghosts, but I say she just shares a lot of stories - and a lot of joy!”

“50th Anniversary Party”
DATE: December 11, 2017
EVENING ITINERARY:
5:30 Reception in the Garden, celebrating original fountain
6:15 Seating for dinner, a culinary journey created by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy
7:00 Master of Ceremonies, Las Vegas’ Andy DiMino as Dean Martin introduces JAX’s original Elvis impersonator.
8:30 Formal presentations including Mayoral Proclamation by Jacksonville Mayor Lenny Curry; presentation to the founding and current owners as well as a celebration of 50 years of Memories.
***Note: Proclamation could be held at 7:00 pending schedule.
8:45 Presentation of the birthday cake, a replica of the Alhambra building
9:00 Dancing to the big band sounds of The Chris Thomas Band

DRESS: “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie” or Semi-Formal

TICKETS: $129 and includes pre-event reception, dinner, dancing, take home gifts.
    **Price does NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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

'Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens' presents ‘Champagne & Shopping’

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens presents its annual Champagne & Shopping event from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, December 7 and 8 at the Cummer Shop.  Guests will enjoy holiday music, complimentary champagne, and appetizers, as well as 20% discounts on every purchase, in addition to regular member discounts.  Champagne & Shopping offers a unique opportunity to purchase holiday gifts while also supporting the mission of the Museum.

This year the Cummer Shop is excited to host brands such as: Amelia Toffee Company, Not your Grandma's toffee; Brackish: Original feather bow ties; Italianissimo: Very Italian modern design jewelry; Los Angeles Trading Co: Lifestyle branded items; Melissa & Doug: Toys to ignite the imagination; Mierco: Fine European linens; Museum Coffee House: Brew your next masterpiece; Oberon: Adornments by Lynn Soloway; Tourance: Lush & lavish personal accessories; Wolf & Cub: Cool curiosities; and much, much more!

For further information, please contact the Cummer Shop at shop@cummermuseum.org, call (904) 899-6035 or follow #ShopTheSeason on Facebook and Instagram for previews of exciting merchandise and details!  Purchases made during the event will support the Cummer Museum’s ongoing mission to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education.

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

Jeanne Pellegrino “In The Spirit” opens at Thrasher-Horne Galleries

Famed local artist and teacher Jeanne Pellegrino will premiere her newest collection of paintings, “In the Spirit,” at the Thrasher-Horne Galleries.  The exhibit will continue from December 1, 2017 – January 15, 2018, during regular Gallery hours.  “In The Spirit” is a series of Abstract Expressionism and Color Field paintings harnessing the expressive language of color, both gentle and vibrant, to evoke emotional responses from viewers. Inspired by divine revelation, Pellegrino’s art reveals the intimate handiwork of the creator breathing life upon canvas.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, Jeanne Pellegrino pursued her B.F.A., and M.A. at Bowling Green State University, culminating in a Master of Fine Art from Florida State University. After teaching at Jacksonville University, she opened Pellegrino Studios of Fine Art in Orange Park. Pellegrino’s work has been featured in prominent collections including The White House, Florida National Bank, The Haskell Collection, and Jacksonville’s Mayor’s Collection. She was selected for the U.S. State Department’s Art in the Embassies Program, and has been featured in the prestigious Kottler Galleries (NYC). Her work has also been shown in the Cummer Art Gallery and is a part of the University of North Florida’s Art in the Library collection.

“To me, this is one of the most important openings I will have had because of the number of my students from over the years that will be able to attend,” said Pellegrino.  The exhibit will continue from December 1, 2017 – January 15, 2018, during regular Gallery hours of 10 AM – 3 PM, with additional hours available by appointment.  Mrs. Pellegrino will also be selling limited edition prints of “America’s Grace,” her most famous work which is housed in the permanent collection of the White House.

“Jeanne Pellegrino “In The Spirit”

DATES: Now until January 15, 2018

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

The Thrasher-Horne Center is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  It is located on the Orange Park campus at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, Florida.

Charles Dickens’ classic: ‘A Christmas Carol’ returns to JAX

The Nebraska Theatre Caravan’s national tour returns to Jacksonville with its delightful stage production of Charles Dickens’ holiday classic “A Christmas Carol,” playing the Times-Union Center.  This fully staged musical version of Charles Dickens’ classic tale has become a Yuletide tradition.  The story was adapted for the stage by Charles Jones.  The Caravan has been touring this adaptation of A Christmas Carol since 1979.  It is one of the most widely viewed productions of the Dickens tale in the nation, annually performing for more than 100,000 people in more than 60 cities across the country.

A Christmas Carol features a spirited ensemble of 23 performers who bring Dickens’ fable of redemption to life on a magical set created by noted designer James Othuse.  A full array of timeless carols such as “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen,” “Away In a Manager” and “Here We Come A-Wassailing” are interwoven within the classic story of a tight-fisted, middle-class merchant Ebenezer Scrooge and all the beloved characters from Dickens' 1843 novel.

The heartwarming tale depicts Scrooge, whose values are focused exclusively on profit and his conflicts with the struggling Cratchit family, whose tragic problems typified the working class during the Industrial Revolution in Victorian England.  The touching climax is based on Dickens' belief that the ills of a greedy world can be healed by brotherhood and unselfishness.

Exceptional voices, lively dancing and dazzling special effects like the mysterious spinning bed combine to create a spectacular holiday treat for the entire family.  The colorful scenery and elaborate costumes faithfully recreate the Victorian period.  You don’t want to miss this holiday spectacular event.

“Christmas Carol”
DATE:        TIME:
Thurs., Dec. 21. 2017  7:30 p.m.

SHOW TICKETS: affordably priced starting $29.75 for adults and $16 for children, plus applicable fees.  They may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series 24/7 (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show along with the VyStar Credit Union), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

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

'I'm A Star' Teens host 7th annual ‘Let’s Move JAX’

Healthy Food and Fitness Festival, organized by the I'm AStar Foundation youth which is the largest group to win $1000 at the 7th annual “Let's Move Jacksonville”, will hold a healthy food and fitness festival on Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry J. Klutho Park, located in Springfield at 204 W 3rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32206.  3rd street will be closed to allow for parking.

Families, groups or churches that bring the most people to I'm A Star Foundation's 7th Annual Let’s Move Jacksonville festival this Saturday will take home $1000.  The I’m A Star Teens design the event for the whole family, ages 1 to 100.  It’s free and open to the public.  Youth in the I'm A Star Foundation will give away free fruits and vegetables to all attendees.

Activities include: Free food – Free Farmer’s Market giving away local produce – DJ/Music by 93.3 The Beat Jamz – Line Dancing – Bounce Houses – Flag Football – Kickball – Cheerleading Camp – Hula Hooping – Hopscotch – Basketball – Double Dutch – Skateboarding – Bike Paths – Nature Trails – Face Painting – Arts – Crafts – Space for Picnic Blankets –  oga & Relay Races.

Since learning in a CDC Youth Risk Behavioral Study in 2010 that "this generation may not outlive their parents", youth in the I’m A Star Foundation plan this event annually to engage their peer group and combat childhood obesity.  City and community leaders of all kinds typically support the event, which has attracted upwards of 3000+ people.  Each year, I'm A Star Foundation awards the group who brings the most attendees with $1000.  Last year, Communities in Schools took home the prize.

About I’m A Star Foundation – Established in 2010, I'm A Star Foundation is a non-profit organization comprised of students (ages 12-18) who develop solutions to improve their communities.  An acronym for “Smart, Talented And Resilient” students, the Foundation draws 35 volunteer student servant leaders from middle and high schools across Duval County each year.

Holiday Christmas time at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens

If the holiday spirit has come upon you, why not think about a donation to the Recovery of the historic gardens that were destroyed in Hurricane Irma this year.  There are also many exciting things to see and experience in the museum that you’ll be able to take the children and your family to, now that they will soon be out-of-school for Christmas vacation and visiting during this festive season.

Florida Blue Free Tuesday — Each Tues. 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 and Gardens.  Each Tuesday evening, the Cummer Café is open for Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

Tapas Tuesday — Each Tues. evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. | The Cummer Café.  Reservations recommended.  Tap into Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union at the Cummer Café. Every Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the Cummer Café patio, 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.

Weaver First Saturday Free for All — Sat., Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  The first Sat. 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.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us — Sun., Dec. 3 from 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 more information on the Museum's programming and events, please call (904) 899-6038.

Champagne & Shopping — Thurs. & Fri., Dec. 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event. Free admission. Additional discounts available each day.

Art for Tots: Triangle Trees! Sat., Dec. 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair.  Registration required.  Ages 24-36 months with accompanying adult.  Join us with your little one to explore holiday traditions, looking at triangle shapes. Using several techniques, they will create a winter landscape highlighting this basic geometric shape. Art for Tots is funded through the generosity of the Chartrand Family Foundation. Entry is through Art Connections. Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call (904) 355-0630.

Art Adventures: The Cummer Family! Sat, Dec 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Members $10, Non-Members $15.  Registration required for ages 6 through 12.  Join the Cummer on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes.  This class will focus on the history of the Cummer Museum and its founders.  Students will view works depicting families from the permanent collection and create a work of art exploring what family means to them.  Projects will be completed within one class period.  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