‘Christmas Carole’ tickets still available from the Alhambra

“Christmas Carole” returns to the Alhambra Theater & Dining for its 24th holiday season.  To provide more opportunity for you to enjoy the Alhambra's Christmas experience, they have added Wednesday matinees each week through the run of this year’s Christmas Carole shows.  If you’ve never had the opportunity to sit down to a fabulous dinner and a top-rate show, then you still have an opportunity to get in on the action this year.  To make your reservations for these new Wednesday matinees, or any other performance, please call the box office or click HERE.  Also, for the first time, the role of Ebenezer Scrooge will be played by producer/director Tod Booth.  You don’t want to miss this year’s performance.

About the show: On Christmas Eve, crotchety miser Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by the ghost of his dead partner Jacob Marley.  Scrooge is told that what they do in life will determine what happens to them in the afterlife.  Marley tells Scrooge that he will be visited by three ghosts and to take heed of what happens.  The first spirit, the Ghost of Christmas Past, shows Scrooge that he was once a happy young man, carefree and in love but money became his greatest desire.  The Ghost of Christmas Present shows him how others, including his nephew Fred and his clerk Bob Cratchit,  The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come, shows Scrooge the fate that awaits him.  Scrooge learns from his visits and becomes a good man who knows how to celebrate Christmas.

Of course Executive Chef, DeJuan Roy, will prepare a holiday feast that includes: First Course: Winter Kale salad with raisins, dried cherries, toasted pecans, champagne vinaigrette *GF*.  Or Potato and Leek Soup fried potato garnish, truffle oil.
Second Course: The Holiday Feast: Hand-Carved Turkey, honey-baked ham with sweet potatoes soufflé cornbread dressing, green beans, turkey gravy, apple raisin glaze *GF* without stuffing.  Or Beef Bourguignon buttermilk mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus.  Parmesan Crusted Salmon angel hair pasta, pesto, sautéed spinach *GF*.  Stuffed Acorn Squash winter vegetables, kale salad *GF*.
Third Course: Crème Brulle French toast with whipped cream. Or Peppermint Cake.  Fresh fruit cup, Raspberry Sorbet, or chocolate mousse may also be available (*Denoted Gluten Free Items*).  Menus subject to change!

“Christmas Carole”
DATES: November 22 — December 24, 2017

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins around 6 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m. *NB: Wednesday Matinees (this show only) begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m.*

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday November 24, 2017) 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

Donna Summer and Barry White pack-out the Alhambra

Talk about Dancing in the Streets, if you want to get-down with some great romantic tunes and some terrific disco-mixes, you better hurry to the final Alhambra After Dark “The Donna Summer & Barry White Experience” shows.  This performance in JAX is highlighted by the talented lookalike and soundalike persona of Barry White, by tribute artist Jourdan Carrol (Lovingly called, “Big Daddy Boo Bear”), and the gorgeous onstage personality of Donna Summer mimicked by tribute star Rainere Martin.

Jourdan charmed the ladies with his suave baritone voice and his handsome demeanor of the famous singer Barry White.  The man gave away two dozen roses to unsuspecting recipients as he strolled throughout the theatre serenading ladies, giving them a rose and shaking their hands.  What a treat!  You may recall the songs that he sang before intermission: “Love’s Theme; You're The First, The Last, My Everything; Never Never Gonna Give Ya Up, Your Sweetness Is My Weakness, Playing Your Game, Baby, Oh What a Night for Dancing, Sho You Right, What Am I Gonna Do with You, Let the Music Play, I'm Qualified to Satisfy You, Practice What You Preach & ending his set with Can't Get Enough of Your Love, Babe.”  The man can sing!

After intermission the participants wanted more and they got the desires of their hearts through the rhythmic singing and gyrations of the beautiful Rainere Martin (Donna Summer) appearing in a lovely form-fitting sequin gown and stiletto heels.  This lady got up close and personal as she meandered through the Alhambra performing familiar tunes as: “On the Radio, Bad Girls, Hot Stuff, Dim All the Lights, MacArthur Park, I Love You, Heaven Knows, She Works Hard for the Money, Could It Be Magic & Last Dance”.  Both she and Jourdan ended the evening with their rendition of “Heaven Knows”.  Oh, what a night of talent!

Each performer made themselves available at the end of the night for pictures with their guests.  If you want to be whisked-back to the seventies, you still have a little time to get tickets and be prepared for the time of your life.  Also check out what’s in store from Executive Chef DeJuan Roy HERE.  OBTW, the Braised Beef Short Ribs have great taste and fall apart with the touch of a fork.  As always, look forward to the house-made rolls and flavorful desserts.

  Alhambra After Dark
 "The Barry White &
Donna Summer Experience"

DATES: Wed. Nov. 15 – Sun. Nov. 19, 2017
SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Wednesday through Saturday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner will be served until 7:20 p.m.  Saturday Matinee begins at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch ends at 12:45 a.m.  Sunday Matinee begins at 1:50 p.m. Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and dinner will be served until 1:20 p.m.
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.
DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Concert Best”

Thrasher-Horne Center has Holiday Shows for the entire family

Having a difficult time getting ready for Christmas?  Want some Stocking Stuffer ideas for your Christmas list?  The Thrasher-Horne Center is featuring two shows set to put Northeast Florida in the holiday spirit.  “A Garfield Christmas” takes the stage first on Friday, December 8th with a school time matinee at 10:30 a.m. and a family performance at 7 p.m.  To keep the spirit flowing, on Sunday, December 10 at 3 p.m., “3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-YULE-ar” guarantees silly laughs and favorite Christmas tunes.

In A Garfield Christmas, everyone’s favorite feline is a few gifts short of true Christmas spirit. But with the help of Jon, Odie, the Audience, and his new holiday friends, Garfield gets an enlightening lesson.  This lively holiday musical features timeless Christmas favorites such as “Jingle Bells", “We Wish You a Merry Christmas”, “Deck the Halls", plus four original songs.  Sing along as Garfield’s new friends including: Nutcracker, Rag Doll, Teddy Bear, and even Angel from the top of the Christmas tree all work together to bring light to Garfield’s Christmas. A Garfield Christmas comes alive with a talented cast and crew gathered from across the country.

The 3 Redneck Tenors are packing their festive mullets and dashing through the snow just in time for some down-home Christmas cheer! These real-life Broadway and Opera stars are ready to rock Northeast Florida with a deep-fried feast of musical delights. Beginning in the trailer park and ending on a Broadway stage, the audience will be treated to familiar Christmas classics including “Sleigh Ride,” “White Christmas,” “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Santa Baby,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Blue Christmas,” “O! Holy Night,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Jingle Bells,” and “Silent Night.”  Plus Christmas spoofs like: “Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus” – and a few other great surprises, too!

“A Garfield Christmas” &
“3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-YULE-ar”
DATES: Fri. Dec.8, 2017 & Sun. Dec. 10

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

TICKETS: for A Garfield Christmas range in price from $19 to $39 for the 7 PM show and are available online at THcenter.org. Family 4-Packs of tickets are also available.  Tickets for the school time matinee must be reserved through the Box Office at (904) 276-6815 ext. 1.

TICKETS: for the 3 Redneck Tenors Christmas Spec-tac-YULE-ar range in price from $29 to $69 and are available now through the Thrasher-Horne Center Box Office, by phone at (904) 276-6815 or online at THcenter.org.

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.

Buildings in Jacksonville Florida turned into works of art

Want to take the family on a no-charge art exhibit tour of downtown Jacksonville, Florida?  Well here’s your chance.  The ArtRepublic exhibitions are curated by industry experts, showcasing the top artists in a variety of mediums.  Muralists design an outdoor museum that allows the public to experience what living with art can do to nourish their soul daily.

The ArtRepublic experts curate a Techism Exhibition featuring the leading digital and video artists from around the world, showcasing how technology paired with art can become a tool for wellbeing.

The featured artists around JAX include: Faith47, Hush, Okuda, Bik Ismo, 2Alas, Dourone, Martin Ron, Bisco Smith, Oiterone, Ricky Lee Gordon, Francisco Bosoletti, Shaun Thurston, Cent, Nico, Halsi, David Petroni, Mario Mankey and Astro.

For locations of these artists around the city of Jacksonville, FL, click HERE for directions.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Participate in Museum Store Sunday

Every year consumers kick off their holiday shopping during Thanksgiving weekend, starting with Black Friday and continuing through Cyber Monday.  Now there’s one more great shopping day sandwiched in between, Museum Store Sunday.  The Museum Store Association (MSA) is launching this exciting international annual event and shopping campaign, taking place on Sunday, November 26, 2017.  More than 600 museums – from three continents, ten countries, and all 50 states – are slated to participate in Museum Store Sunday with special events and promotions.  Join the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens for special gift-purchasing incentives for visitors and a chance to meet local artists and makers in the Shop.

The mission of Museum Store Sunday is of global reach. In partnership with the United Kingdom’s Association for Cultural Enterprises and the Museum Shops Association of Australia and New Zealand, MSA’s Museum Store Sunday aims to be the global annual day to Be a Patron, by shopping conscientiously and supporting museum stores and their missions worldwide. Holiday shoppers will not only be able to find quality gifts filled with inspiration and educational value but, through their purchases, will support museums and cultural institutions, enabling ongoing and future appreciation and knowledge. Proceeds from purchases at museum stores support the missions and programming of museums.

The Cummer Museum of Art and Garden Shop will be offering a 15% discount for the general public and a 25% discount for Cummer Museum Members on all Shop purchases. In addition, Shop purchases over $50 will receive a free Museum Store Sunday gift and all Shop purchases over $100 will be entered into a drawing for one of two Cummer Museum Family Memberships ($100 value each). Artisan trunk shows will feature local glass artist Andy Peters and Donna McNett of DONA Scarves debuting the Florida Souvenir Scarf designed exclusively for Museum Store Sunday.

In addition to the Cummer Museum, the Museum of Science and History (MOSH) and Museum of Cultural Art (MOCA) Jacksonville will also be participating in Museum Store Sunday. For a complete list of participating museums and institutions and for further information, visit Museum Store Sunday.

Alhambra has 2018 season tickets available for Christmas

The Alhambra Theatre and Dining is kicking off its next 50 years of Memories celebration with a nine-show blowout, five of which are brand new to Alhambra audiences.  The dinner theater kicks off its 2018 season on January 3 with The Marvelous Wonderettes and wraps it up with a new holiday presentation, Elf the Musical on November 21.  Tickets are NOW available for your purchase as Christmas Stocking Stuffers, or as a White Elephant gift to someone you know.  The complete schedule is as follows:

The Marvelous Wonderettes  Jan. 3 - Feb. 4
Little Shop of Horrors     Feb. 14 – Mar. 25
Five Guys Names Moe     Apr. 4 – May 6
A Fox on the Fairway     May 9 – June 10
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang    June 13 – July 29
Kiss Me, Kate        Aug. 1 – Sept. 9
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Sept. 12 – Oct. 7
Really Reflect Up?
1776            Oct. 17 – Nov. 18
Elf the Musical        Nov. 21 – Dec. 24

 

In his letter to season ticket holders, fondly referred to by the Alhambra as “Season Partners,” Managing Partner, Craig Smith, said “We spent 2017 “looking back” with joy at all the memories that have been created here over the past 50 years.  We are ‘looking forward’ with great anticipation to all the Alhambra will be in the future.”  Smith added, “Our goal is always to provide fresh and exciting Broadway fare, and I think people will love this schedule.  It really is a season of spectacular.”

Season Partnerships are currently available for as little as $267 per ticket per season for any 6 shows.  Single show seats are also now on sale starting at just $38.  All tickets include a three-course meal that changes with each title, the show and parking.  Craig says, “Our Season Partnerships have increased year after year, and we are selling out our shows.  People are understanding that not only do we provide an incredible dining and theatrical experience, but we offer unsurpassed value for the money.  Nowhere else can you have dinner, a show and parking for under $50.”

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

‘White Harvest Farms’ celebrates Tour de Farm cooking demo

Slow Food First Coast (SFFC) has invited White Harvest Farm, an initiative of the Clara White Mission, to participate in there bi-annual flagship event, the “Tour de Farm.”  This year’s Tour will feature more than 50 local farms, artisan food makers and chefs.

Clara White Mission is honored to participate as one of their featured farms.  This event will celebrate the farms and food makers in the JAX region, who are working hard to grow local produce for the community.  Chef Matthew, will be on hand to conduct cooking demonstrations using some of the produce from White Harvest Farm.

Cooking demonstrations will be hosted at 1 and 3 p.m.  Visitors to the farm will have an opportunity to tour the farm and shop at Clara Whites’ Farmers Market.  Entertainment will also be provided for guests. It’s child-friendly and will be a great day for all visitors.

White Harvest Farms & Farmer’s Market
     Tour de Farm
      Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
Date:   Sun., Nov. 19, 2017
Time:   12 noon – 5 p.m.
Location: 5348 Moncrief Road
     Jacksonville, Florida 32209
     Office: (904) 354-4162

For more information contact Slow Food First Coast or Clara White Mission at (904) 354-4162 x 1114.  The Clara White Mission, Inc. is private, 501 (c) 3 non-prop organization founded in 1904 and incorporated in December 1936.  The agency strives to provide individuals in need with the services and resources that offer the opportunity to achieve or regain self-sufficiency to build self-esteem and to become contributing members of society.

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

Inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, “I’m A Star Foundation” invites the community to its 7th Annual “Let’s Move Jacksonville” event.  The healthy food and fitness festival will be held Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry J. Klutho Park, located at 204 W 3rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32206.  Let’s Move Jacksonville is free and open to the public.

Two events from I'm A Star Foundation

Each year since 2010, youth in the I’m A Star Foundation plan events in a grassroots effort to engage their peer group and combat childhood obesity.  As a precursor to the event above, the “I'm A Star” students will have 5 generations, in the same room, getting healthier together on Nov. 17th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Elementary FAME Academy.  This is made possible through grants from 6 TO 76, which are grants from the Florida Beverage Association and the American Beverage Association that empower young people and senior citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The gathering will consist of: Healthy Meal Prep: Participants will make a healthy meal; Closing the Generational Gap: Participants will eat the meal together family-style and discuss issues that impact them; also Getting Active/Dancing Through the Years: Participants will dance together and learn dances unique to specific generations.

People who have RSVP'd to the event are from the following generations:
The iGen, Gen Z or Centennials born 1996 through 2010
Millennial generation or Gen Y born between 1977 and 1995
Generation X born between 1965 and 1976
Baby Boomer Generation born between 1946 and 1964
Traditionalist or Silent Generation born between 1920 and 1945

I’m A Star teens design the event for the whole family, ages 1 to 100.  There will be free food, games, sports, dancing, arts, crafts, vendors and more.  City and community leaders of all kinds typically support the event, which has attracted upwards of 3000 + people.  Families, groups or churches who bring the most attendees will win $1000.

I’m A Star Foundation has partnered with 93.3 The Beat in a #LetsMoveMondays social media challenge.  Every Monday, post a video of yourself dancing to your Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, with hashtag #LetsMoveMondays — and one lucky winner will be chosen to receive a prize of $100 — announced at Let’s Move Jacksonville on December 2.

Clara White Mission to receive a huge Thanksgiving blessing

United Health Care and Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, together will present gifts totaling $92,000 at “Feed City”.  Their employees, along with 150 volunteers will serve over 1000 homeless veterans and low-income residents at their Pre-Thanksgiving outdoor dining room in front of the Clara White Mission.  The 25th Annual Feed the City is scheduled for Saturday, November 18th, from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. in the historic LaVilla community.

If you are a barber, or know of a barber who could donate their time and talent to this event, please contact Rosa Nicholes of the Clara White Mission (904) 354-4162 Ext. 1114 today!

25th. Annual Feed the City
Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon
DATE: Sat. Nov. 18, 2017
TIME: 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      613 West Ashley St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162

ENTERTAINMENT & OTHER EVENTS: Hip hop artist Kamillion.  In addition, a distribution of new clothing from Overstock & More, and free haircuts will be available.

CORPORATE SPONSORS: Winn Dixie and Malik Jackson, Jacksonville Jaguars and Radio Stations 93.3/V101.5.

For over 113 years, the Clara White Mission has offered a unique combination of services to low-income and veteran families, while addressing the urgent and critical demands, through life changing services on-site at their one-stop community development center.  This center is designed to enrich and restore lives through daily meals, education, job training, job placement in culinary arts and janitorial/construction services and housing initiatives.  They envision a community, where at-risk families can reach their full potential and achieve self-sufficiency by working in partnership with the community.  For more information, visit the Clara White Mission.

‘Momma’s Boy’ comes to JAX with a star studded cast

 

Priest Tyaire’s stage play “Momma’s Boy,” has many well-known stars such as: Robin Givens, Johnny Gill, Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show, 227’s Jackee Harry, singing sensation Shirley Murdock, eight-time Stellar award winner Anthony Brown, former En Vogue member Dawn Robinson, and Lil G from R & B Group Silk; nonetheless there are a few others who make this show the hit that it was when it came to Jacksonville, Florida on Veteran’s Day.

Actors and singers such as: Chris Bolton, Canton Jones, Anthony Dupree, Iran Claiborne, Camille Forrest, Carl Lolley and little person Thomas Harris were also representatives who make the show what it is.  It is said that children and animals usually steal a show, but Mr. Harris will give them a run for their money playing his role.  Also, Camille Forrest (Momma) gives a rendition of “I Look to You” that would have made Whitney Houston stand up and take notice.

 

Let it not go unnoticed that Nephew Tommy and Thomas Harris stole the show.  Tommy is hilarious with his talking about ‘weed’, his relationship with Jackee and his undercover antics.  The man can preach himself in and out of a church setting like no other.

This writer had the honor to witness the singing and acting of the famed Shirley Murdock back in 2009 in the play entitled “3 Ways to Get a Husband.”  The Times Union Center in Jacksonville, FL is the same locale where she appeared in “Momma’s Boy.”  Her singing of “Good Man” shows the audience that she is just as good and as beautiful as she was some eight years ago.

As you can imagine the vocals are phenomenal, especially when the male singers ended the show with the song “Worth” by Anthony Brown and Mrs. Murdock!  This Christian based play is not preachy, yet it will show you the redemptive and forgiving power of God

There are 10 more venues where you may get a chance to see this hit show in 2017.  You don’t want to miss this play that will have you laughing and may even bring a few tears to your eyes.  “Momma’s Boy” may also make you take some thought of your own life and what you will do with it.  Tyler Perry - move over.  Priest Tyaire is the new sheriff in town, and he’s going somewhere as he makes success waves to a location near you.