‘Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens’ reminds you of Oct. events

The Gardens will continue to recover as the Cummer Museum of the Arts continue to educate and entertain the people of Jacksonville, Florida and their visitors.  We are JAX strong!

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.

Cummer Amelia: An Evening In The Arts – Thur., Oct. 5 from 5 to 7 p.m.  Members Free, Non-Members $15.  Registration required.  Fernandina Beach Library.  Join Cummer Amelia for an Evening in the Arts at the Fernandina Beach Library.  Local artist Kathy Miller will present her paintings from recent travels which feature food from around the country and highlight dishes from each football stadium in the Southeastern Conference.  Guests are invited to enjoy live music, an art-making opportunity, small bites, and beverages.  For further information please visit cummermuseum.org/amelia, or contact Wendy Mayle, or call (904) 899-6007.

Cummer Beaches Lecture Series: Renaissance And Baroque Women Artists. Thur., Oct. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  Beaches Museum & History Park Chapel.  Cummer Beaches and the Beaches Museum & History Park partner for a lecture series on “Women Artists from the Renaissance to Abstract Expressionism” by Cummer Museum Director of Education Lynn Norris. Explore the women artists who were prominent in their own time, forgotten by history, and rediscovered when the first feminist art historians began asking, “Why are there no great women artists?”  For further information, please visit here, or contact Wendy Mayle, or call (904) 899-6007.

Weaver First Saturday Free for All – Sat., Oct. 7 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.

ENVIROFEST – Sat., Oct. 7 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  Join us as we seek ways to cultivate curiosity, respect, and understanding of our shared natural environment, and the plant and animal wildlife in and around the neighborhoods of Jacksonville. Along with yoga, plein-air artists, live music, and eco-friendly art projects, representatives from various environmental agencies will be onsite with interactive information and activities. For further information, please call (904) 899-6038.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us – Sun., Oct. 8 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.

Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry From The Petit Palais, Paris Pdl Opening – Wed., Oct. 11 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Free | RSVP requested.  Please join them for a reception with live music, cocktails, small bites, and remarks. This exclusive event is for Ponce de León Society Donors only and their guests.  For further information or to register, please call (904) 899-6025.

Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry From The Petit Palias, Paris Member Preview — Thurs., Oct. 12 from Noon to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  Museum Members are invited to view the exhibition before it opens to the public, with docent-led tours each hour, and a 20% discount in the Shop and Café. For further information, please call (904) 899-6038.

Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry From The Petit Palais, Paris Member & Community Opening — Thur., Oct. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $10 | Registration required.  Join the Museum for the opening celebration of Bijoux Parisiens: French Jewelry from the Petit Palais, Paris.  The evening will host The Bleu Cats Gypsy Jazz group, tastes of French-inspired treats, exciting new merchandise in the Shop, beer, wine, and remarks from Associate Curator Nelda Damiano at 6:30 p.m.  You are encouraged to dress for an evening of fun in your best French, gypsy, or ‘20s attire.  For further information or to register, please call (904) 899-6038.

Talks & Tea A Collector’s Eye: Celebrating Joseph Jeffers Dodge — Wed., Oct. 18 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. | Members Free, Non-Members $6 | Registration required.  You are invited to the Museum to enjoy an insightful talk over a cup of tea and a sweet treat, led by Associate Curator Nelda Damiano on Joseph Jeffers Dodge.  For further information or to register, please call (904) 899-6038.

Art for Tots: Play Your Instruments! – Sat., Oct. 21 from 9 to 10 a.m. | Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair.  Registration required.  This class is for children ages 24 to 36 months and an accompanying adult.  Children will view The Concert by Theodoor Rombouts and discuss what they think is happening in the painting.  Families will identify instruments and play them as the class hears them in various music pieces.  In the studio, families will explore recycled materials to construct musical instruments.  The creations will be used in a grand finale! Art for Tots is funded through the generosity of the Chartrand Family Foundation.  Space is limited, so reservations are encouraged.  Entry is through Art Connections. For further information, please email or call (904) 355-0630.

Art Adventures: Sculpture! Sat., Oct. 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Members $10, Non-Members $15 | Registration required.  Ages 6 through 12.  Join us on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes.  In this class, students will explore works of sculpture from the Museum’s permanent collection before returning to the studio to construct three-dimensional works of their own.  Projects will be completed within one class period.  Open to children ages 6 through 12.  Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call (904) 355 0630.

History Of Western Art: Early Christian To High Renaissance Art — Tues., Oct. 24 from 10:30 a.m. to noon | Members Free, Non-Members $10.  Brush up on your art history for personal enjoyment as Director of Education Lynn Norris leads you through the history of Western Art, including time in the galleries.  Space 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

FSCJ Artist Series helps hurricane funds

The FSCJ Artist Series and The Sound of Music, team up to support the “First Coast Hurricane Relief Fund” from September 25‐ November 5, 2017.

The Sound of Music and the FSCJ Artist Series are teaming up to make a difference on the First Coast after Hurricane Irma.  Beginning September 25, a $5 donation will be made to Community Foundation’s First Coast Hurricane Relief Fund for each ticket sold to The Sound of Music through November 5.

Join them for the beloved musical story of Maria and the von Trapp Family at the Times‐Union Center October 31‐November 5, while giving back to our community.

Sound of Music Tickets

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

‘Reba-Willie & The Boys’ show off America at the Alhambra

If you close your eyes and just listen to the artist on stage, and you hear the performer sing with the exact same influx and mannerisms that the actual concert star has; then you are at a terrific tribute artist/impersonator show.  This is what is happening at the Alhambra Theater and Dining in JAX, FL.  Corrie Sachs IS “Reba McEntire” and “Roger Hegyi” IS the spitting image of the famous Willie Nelson.  “Willie, Reba & The Boys” are another great show that the “Alhambra After Dark” has produced and there will be more to come.  Stay tuned!

To add to the show, Roger and his band (Johnny Higgins (Keyboards), David Terry (Drums), Cliff Saunders (Bass Guitar) and a great sounding Julio Iglesias and Mike Fleetwood (Guitar), all sing and play with Willie and Reba as only a professional band could do.  Their music is top notched.  As an added attraction Roger and his band pay tribute to the legendary music of Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and the famous Johnny Cash.

Even if you might not appreciate country music, your feet will tap, your head will bob as you try to clap on the upbeat, instead of the downbeat.  To round out the group, local St. Augustine, FL. native, Debra Hammons Bailey Rider, adds her vocal talents along with Corrie and the Boys.

Take a look at the songs that the group sings in their entirety: “Can’t Even Get the Blues, Take it Back, Fancy, Little Rock, I’m a Survivor, Love Will Find Its Way, Rocky Top, Somebody Turn On the Radio, Lights Went Out in Georgia, We’re So Good Together, Does He Love You, Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”  *Intermission*  “Whiskey River, Stay All Night, Always on My Mind, City of New Orleans, Night Life, Crazy, Pancho and Lefty, On the Road Again, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up, Good Hearted Woman, Uncloudy Day, To All the Girls, Don’t Get Around Much, Georgia, Gotta Get Drunk, Beer for My Horses and God Bless the USA”.

   Alhambra After Dark
  "REBA, WILLIE & THE BOYS!"
A tribute to Reba McEntire & Willie Nelson

DATES: Thurs. Sept.21 – Sun. Oct. 1, 2017
SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Thursday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50, dinner will be served until 7:20, and show starts at 7:50 p.m.  Saturday Matinee begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. brunch ends at 12:45, and show starts at 1:15 p.m.; Sunday Matinee - Doors open at 11:50 a.m., brunch ends at 1:20, and show starts at 1:50 p.m.
DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Concert Best”

TICKETS: Regular pricing for tickets is $64.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Price does not include gratuity or orders from the bar.

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

Cummer Museum joins the JAX EPB for fun

Join the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, in partnership with the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, for the 4th annual Envirofest on Saturday, October 7, 2017.  This is a free family-friendly event that seeks to cultivate curiosity, respect, and understanding of the Jacksonville community’s shared natural environment, and the plant and animal wildlife in and around the city’s neighborhoods.

This event offers learning opportunities that encourage individuals to better understand sustainable practices and their importance in conserving natural resources. Guests will enjoy live music from local musicians, interactive booths and projects from environmentally conscious vendors, eco-friendly hands-on art activities, and the opportunity to watch local artists in action as they create artwork.

Envirofest will be jam-packed with fun for kids of all ages! Attendees can:

Join Bailey’s Gym, with your own mat, for yoga at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Join Museum Educators as they lead hourly family tours of the permanent collection

Peruse an educational booth sponsored by the Environmental Protection Board

Make eco-friendly art projects with Jacksonville Science Festival

Stop by the Jacksonville Beekeepers Association table to see a live bee hive and learn about the importance of honey bees in the environment

Participate in an awesome hands-on activity to find out more about Florida’s water systems with the Spring Water Challenge, brought to you by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Visit the Marine Mammal Wildlife Research table to learn about how the newly opened Manatee Critical Care Center at the Jacksonville Zoo cares for injured animals

Learn how urban reefing is constructed and its benefit to the community with Payton Scheppe from the Jacksonville River Reef Project

Other vendors include: MOSH, St. Johns Riverkeeper, Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, Keep Jacksonville Beautiful, Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, Tree Hill Nature Center, and more.

This free fun-filled day will surely be a unique educational experience that the entire family can enjoy

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

JAX artist celebrates N. FL Natural Parks in Lee Adams Gallery

The Thrasher-Horne Center will be exhibiting the work of Jacksonville’s fine artist Kathy Stark September 21 – November 18, 2017 in the Lee Adams Florida Artists Gallery.  An opening reception was held on Thursday, September 21, 2017 in the gallery.

Inspired by a crowd-funded festival, Ms. Stark ventured out into all of the area’s parks and preserves and created large-scale paintings from her experiences.  For three years she researched each place – online and by foot, bike, canoe and kayak – and became a park advocate and an ambassador in the process.  The culmination of her work is a traveling exhibit and book entitled “The Wilderness of North Florida’s Park,” a unique, family-friendly exploration of the extensive system of our region’s national parks.

Ms. Stark combines her expansive watercolor paintings with sketches, historical facts and maps to create an exhibit that is a blend of art and education, serving as a tribute and guide to the great unspoiled stretches of our region.  The Wilderness of North Florida’s Park is intended to inspire people to experience Jacksonville’s extensive and unique park system and to support the nonprofit groups that preserve and protect our land and water. The exhibit and book are an outgrowth of Ms. Stark’s personal passion for the outdoors and her love of the natural beauty of North Florida.  Her project is sponsored by Merrill Lynch and in partnership with Timucuan Parks Foundation.

Thrasher-Horne Center Galleries are supported by the Mary Ward Huntley Florida Artist Fund.  The galleries are free and open to the public during regular box office hours, all Thrasher-Horne Center events and by appointment.  Additional gallery information is available at (904) 276-6815 and on the website.

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

Hurricane Irma had no effect on the Florida Theatre

The storm huffed and puffed, but didn’t deter the shows at the Florida Theatre, and now it’s time to celebrate by going to see an event at this iconic venue in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.  Take a look and see what October 2017 has in store for you.

October 2017 Schedule:
3 Jesse Cook
4 Artwalk (First Wednesdays)
5 Seu Jorge presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute To David Bowie
8 Shopkins Live! Shop It Up Tour!
11 Russian Grand Ballet Swan Lake
14 Tedx Jacksonville 2017: We, The People
17 Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Reads The Newspaper
20 The Temptations and The Four Tops
21 Inspire Jacksonville presents Hawk Nelson and Blanca
22 The Wizard Of Oz Sensory Friendly Screening
24 An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt
28 The Rocky Horror Picture Show
29 The Magpie Salute

October 3 - 8 pm — Jesse Cook.  Following the success of his PBS concert special, Jesse Cook Live In Concert, flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook is touring in support of his latest release Beyond Borders.

October 4 - 5 pm — JAX Downtown Artwalk. The FT will be lowering their grand chandeliers for a cleaning and bulb changing.  Also meet members of Florida Theatre’s young professional group First A.C.T.  Free tours of the Theatre are available at 6pm and 7pm.  Register to win tickets to upcoming Florida Theatre Shows.  For a complete list of Art Walk events visit click here.

October 5 - 8 pm — Seu Jorge presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute To David Bowie.  In commemoration of David Bowie’s recent passing, Seu Jorge performs a special tribute to him while recreating the set to the film A Life Aquatic on stage alongside screens crafted as boat sails that will display images from the film.

October 8 - 2 pm — Shopkins Live! Shop It Up Tour!  The #1 selling kids toy in America makes its theatrical debut in an original new live show featuring musical performances by Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, Polli Polish and more!

October 11 - 7 pm — Russian Grand Ballet Swan Lake.  Tchaikovsky’s full-length classical production includes the rarely seen Waltz of the Black Swans, and features Russia’s brightest ballet stars.

October 14 - 10 am — TEDx Jacksonville 2017: “We, The People.”  Returning to The Florida Theatre with their annual conference.  We, The People, are the thinkers, makers, doers and dreamers. We are the pacifists and the renegades, the mob and the masses.

October 17 - 7:30 pm — Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicists Reads The Newspaper.  Astrophysicist and host of the COSMOS television series, Neil DeGrasse Tyson returns to the Florida Theatre to explore all that is funny and alarming in the world’s current news events.

October 20 - 8 pm — The Tempatations and The Four Tops.  Motown artists The Temptations and The Four Tops have topped the charts with hits such as: “My Girl,” “I Can’t Get Next To You,” and “Just My Imagination,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), and “It’s the Same Old Song.”

October 21 - 7 pm — Hawk Nelson & Blanca.  Alternative Christian rockers Hawk Nelson recently released their seventh studio album Diamonds, which features the radio hit “Drops In The Ocean” and “Diamonds.”  Presented by Inspire Jacksonville with guest speaker Vincent Dehm.

October 22 - 2 pm — The Wizard of Oz Sensory Friendly Screening.  In partnership with Hope Springs Florida this screening allows children with developmental disabilities to experience the classic family film in a sensory-friendly environment.  Projection provided by AVL.

October 24 - 8 pm — An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt.  Singer/songwriters Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt perform their hits: “If I Had A Boat,” “She’s No Lady,” “This Old Porch,” “Have a Little Faith in Me,” “This Thing Called Love” together on the same stage.

October 28 - 8 pm — The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  With all-new digital picture and sound, the ultimate Halloween movie returns!  Hosted by Karissa Wade with live music by 4Play from 8pm - 9pm.

October 29 - 8 pm — The Magpie Salute.  For their new band, Black Crowes guitarists Rich Robinson and Marc Ford reunite with bassist Sven Pipien to perform: “What Is Home,” and “Wiser Time” plus new interpretation of “Comin’ Home”(Delaney and Bonnie),”Gonin’ Down South” (Bobby Hutcherson) “Fearless” (Pink Floyd), “Time Will Tell” (Bob Marley) and “Ain’t No More Cane.”

“Florida Theatre October 2017 events”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: Vary with each show and seat preference.  Order online or call the box office (904) 355-2787, Monday — Friday from 9 a.m. –5 p.m.

'I'm A Star' teens host Gofundme Drive on Facebook and Instagram

The teen servant leaders have collected funds through a Celebrity Basketball game, GoFundMe campaign and private donations.  Since July, they have raised nearly $31,000.  The teens' last GoFundMe drive on Facebook and Instagram LIVE drew 3000+ viewers. If 4000 people donate $5 on Wednesday night, the teens will reach their goal of $50,000.

In August, USA Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles sent a video congratulating 'I'm A Star' teens for their Celebrity Basketball Game.  Watch the video here.

I'm A Star kicked off their Jacksonville HELPS (Homeless Students Empowered through Leadership, Partnership & Service) initiative in July to raise money for the 2700 homeless students in Duval County.  All money raised will be donated as unrestricted funds, supporting needs including: eye glasses, books, toiletry items, bus passes, doctor's fees, hotel vouchers, rental deposits, college application fees and more.  See the full wish list Here.

Since 2013, the Foundation has raised $57,000 via live telethons, a 5K and two celebrity basketball games— donating all funds to the Duval County Public Schools’ Homeless Education Department and awarding 14 scholarships to homeless students entering college.

I'm A Star Foundation will present a check to the Duval County School Board in a meeting on Tuesday, October 3rd.  The GoFundMe campaign will end on Monday, October 2.  To donate, please visit HERE.  Any amount will make a BIG difference, and thank you for all that you’re doing to make that difference in a young child’s life.