‘The Lion King’ is a sellout smash-hit in JAX

You may have friends who have seen the show, but have YOU experienced the grandeur of Disney’s “The Lion King”?  There are many opportunities in the US for you to attend this musical yet, if you live in Jacksonville, Florida you have eight more days to add this venue to your “must do” list.  You will want to make sure that you’re in your seats on time, because if you dilly-dally, you’ll miss a grand entrance at the beginning of both the first and second acts.

If you had the opportunity to visit the Starz Center in Tampa, Florida, in 2016 to see “The Lion King, you will notice that 6 of the actors (Gerald Ramsey as Mufasa; Keith Bennett as Banzai; Robbie Swift as Ed; Nick Cordileone as Timon; Ben Lipitz as Pumbaa and Nia Holloway as Nala) are now appearing in the Times Union Center’s production.

The opening scene of “The Circle of Life” performed by Rafiki and the Ensemble is stunning.  The actors approached the main stage from both aisles.  Every performer is very talented within his and her own right, but “Rafiki’s” (Buyi Zama) voice resounded just like that of former South African songstress Miriam Makeba.  Young Simba (Joziyah Jean-Felix or Ramon Reed) and Young Nala (Danielle W. Jalade or Gloria Manning) are seasoned young actors who stole the show with their vocals, dance and execution of lines.

If you ever attended the stage presentation of “War Horse”, you will have an idea of the magnificent puppetry that “The Lion King” presents with the stilted giraffes and adult elephant.  Your eyes will have a fabulous treat as they behold the actors glide across the stage in their colorful costumes.  Take note how grass can dance in unison, to the accompaniment of an extensive live orchestra. Appreciate the dynamic percussion instruments manned by Mike Ramsey and Reuven Weizberg (also in last year’s show in Tampa).

The entire production (about 70 min. for act I and 60 min. for act II) is filled with nothing but color, music and talent.  A little bit of trivia, if you didn’t already know, “Hakuna Matata” means – “No Worries” and you will leave the theater with “no worries”.  There are many opportunities for laughter throughout the show especially when there is mention of “Let It Go” and “The Lion Sleeps Tonight”.

No singing can compare to that of Disney’s “The Lion King” except maybe for the musical “Cats”.  The dancing is as precise as that of any Alvin Ailey’s Dance Troupe with lots of interpretive style.  The backdrops are better than any from the Wizard of Oz while the moving staircase is very impressive.  If you desire an entertainment treat within the next couple of weeks, get your tickets and make it a-date-to-remember for you and your entire family.

“Disney’s The Lion King”
DATES:       TIMES:
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.

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

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens announces garden reconstruction firm

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is pleased to announce it is moving forward with the reconstruction effort in the historic Cummer Gardens, after the extensive damage inflicted by Hurricane Irma. In order to reconstruct the gardens in a way that incorporates principles of sustainability at every level of stewardship, management, and maintenance, while preserving the original intent and historic character, the Museum selected WLA Studio, an award-winning landscape architecture and planning firm based in Athens, Ga. to help guide the process.

WLA Studio specializes in historic landscape preservation and environmental design. The firm has extensive experience in helping to preserve, promote, and interpret historically significant sites throughout the Southeast. “We are thrilled by the opportunity to work at such a prestigious landscape,” states Keyes Williamson, principal of WLA Studio. “The list of individuals associated with the Cummer Gardens reads like a ‘Who's Who’ of American landscape designers.”  “We are especially excited about Cummer Museum’s charge to us to think progressively about creating a more resilient landscape that is respectful to its historic significance,” said Williamson. During Hurricane Irma, as much as four feet of water inundated the lower tier of the formal gardens, uprooting plants, damaging the physical infrastructure, and contaminating the soil.

According to Cummer Museum Chief Operating Officer & Chief Curator, Holly Keris, “The goal of this project is to honor the historic character of the gardens while making improvements that correct storm-related damage and better prepare the site to withstand future storm events. The gardens, our ‘living art’ collections, are a vital asset to our institution and the greater Jacksonville community we serve. We have a longstanding track record of leveraging these historic spaces for the betterment of the community and sharing them with visitors in engaging and inspiring in artful ways, while maintaining our commitment to sustainability. We look forward to working with WLA Studio to frame the future of our landscape while being harmonious with its past.”

The Cummer Gardens are part of the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation, as well as an important cultural asset to the community.

Alhambra After Dark 2018 opens with ‘Elvis’

Through its “After Dark” series, the Alhambra offers live entertainment beyond its traditional Broadway-style theatrical performances.  The Alhambra Theatre & Dining will kick off its 2018 Alhambra After Dark music series with the one and only tribute artist Kevin Mills who will return to the Alhambra right before Valentine’s Day.  His new award-winning tribute to Elvis Presley is entitled - “Elvis is Back!”  Kevin is one of the top Elvis Presley impersonators in the country.

While the Alhambra has found a niche in hosting some of the best tribute artists in the country, it has also brought to the stage other tribute shows such as: Barbara Streisand, Barry White and Donna Summer, The Rat Pack, and John Denver tribute shows just to name a few.  Also, Gail Bliss, have performed at the Alhambra in the past, all of which have sold out their engagements.

You'll be ‘falling in love’ all over again to many of Elvis' famous love songs and ballads, as well as the rock-and-roll for which he is best known.  Book your seats now because Kevin always sells out quickly!

Kevin Mills’ authentic portrayal and fascinating interpretation of Elvis Presley has made him one of the country’s most sought after and popular performers in the industry. Considered a specialist in the business, Kevin’s crowd-pleasing style, and mannerisms, mixed with his unique blend of talent, vocals, charisma, and elaborate costuming makes him a favorite with international fans around the world.  He has appeared in dozens of high profile productions including, Entertainment Tonight, Inside Edition, 48 Hours, ABC Primetime, Fox Television and CNN. Most notable is his starring role and lead performance in Elvis, The Beginning on A&E.  Kevin was crowned Grand Champion at the 2007 Ultimate Elvis Cruise by performers who shared the stage with Elvis. He was awarded third place in 2009, second place in 2010 at the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest in Memphis Tennessee.

 Alhambra After Dark
Kevin Mills as Elvis Presley
   “Elvis is Back”

DATES: Wed. Feb. 7 – Sun. Feb. 11, 2018
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 7:30 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 1:30 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, orders from the bar or personal event photos.
DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Concert Best”

Cummer Museum of Art and Garden’s February happenings

If you say that there’s nothing to do in JAX, then you haven’t visited the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.  There is something interesting to do and see for all ages; and you won’t be boarded.  Take a look and make plans to attend this month.

Florida Blue Free Tuesday - 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.

Tapas Tuesday - from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on The Cummer Café patio.  Tap into Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union at the Cummer Café.  Take in the sunset while listening to local musicians as you enjoy beer, wine, or artfully inspired tapas for sale at the Café. Reserve your table by calling 904.899.6022.

In the Garden Member Preview - Thurs., Feb. 1 from Noon to 4 p.m.  Free for Members only.  No registration required.  Beat the crowds and take advantage of this members-only opportunity to experience the exhibition. Docent-led tours will be offered at noon, 1, 2, and 3 p.m. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

In the Garden Member & Community Opening - Thurs., Feb. 1 from 6 to 8 p.m.  Members Free, Non-Members $10.  Registration required.  Join the Museum for the opening celebration of In the Garden. Get a sneak peek of the exhibition before it opens to the public. Enjoy small bites, beer, and wine while listening to live music. Docent-led tours will be offered at 6 and 7 p.m., and Associate Curator Nelda Damiano will present remarks at 6:30 p.m. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6038.

Art & Architecture Tour - Sat., Feb. 3 from 9 a.m. to noon OR 2 to 5 p.m.  Members & Non-Members $250. Young Professionals (40 and under) $150.  Registration required.  Join the Cummer for the annual Art & Architecture Tour. Explore where architecture, art, and nature meet with this 3-hour personally guided tour by Architect Richard Skinner. Visit three beautiful locations on the First Coast with commentary by Chief Operating Officer & Chief Curator Holly Keris on private collection pieces and the Museum’s tradition of marrying architecture and nature. This unique opportunity cannot be matched and should not be missed! Choose one of two tours: 9 a.m.to noon: Tour with small bites at the first location; 2 to 5 p.m.: Tour with wine and cheese at the final location; For further information or to reserve your space today, please call 904.899.6027.

Weaver First Saturday Free for All - Sat., Feb. 3 from 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.

Bank of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us - Sun., Feb. 4 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 further information, please call 904.899.6038.

History of Western Gardens: The Baroque Garden - Tues., Feb. 6 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Members Free, Non-Members $10.  Registration required.  Explore garden history through this four-part lecture series. Join Director of Education Lynn Norris for a trip through some of the world’s great gardens as we trace the connections between art and gardens. Space is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Avant Gardener Keg Tapping - Wed., Feb. 7 from 5 to 8 p.m.  Free admission.  No registration required.  Bold City Downtown, 109 East Bay Street.  Do a good deed and drink some beer. The folks at Bold City Brewery have created a unique beer in honor of the Cummer Gardens. The aptly named Avant Gardener is a Belgian wheat brew with hints of rose petals, rose hips, and oak chips. Oak chips, you say? Yes, the cherished Cummer Oak, one of the oldest trees in Jacksonville, makes a guest appearance in the recipe. Help us celebrate the launch of this one-of-a-kind beer at the Bold City Downtown located at 109 East Bay Street. The beer will be on tap at Bold City beginning February 7 and is available in a limited quantity, so get it while you can. A portion of the beer sales will go directly to the Garden Reconstruction Fund, which makes drinking this beer a bona fide act of benevolence.

Cummer Beaches Lecture Series: Women Artists of The 20th Century - Thurs., Feb. 8 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. The last lecture in this series addresses the 20th century, when art education became available to women. For major artists from Georgia O’ Keeffe to Helen Frankenthaler, a new question emerged: “to be an artist or a woman artist?” For further information, please visit or contact Wendy Mayle or call 904.899.6007.

Art for Two: Animal Hunt! - Sat., Feb. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair.  Registration required.  Ages 3 through 5 with an adult.  Make art with your little one and enjoy gallery and garden visits on the second Saturday of each month. In this class, students will search for animals in the Museum’s permanent collection and then return to the studio to create a collage animal mask. Open to children ages 3 through 5 and their favorite adult. Class size is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Cummer Beaches Gala: Love and Romance - Sun., Feb. 11 from 6 to 10 p.m.  Members $150, Non-Members $175.  Registration required.  Registration required.  Cummer Beaches hosts its annual Celebrate! Gala with this year’s theme of “Love & Romance.” The event will be held at the TPC Sawgrass Clubhouse. The mission of the Cummer Museum comes to life at the Beaches where guests will enjoy cocktails and an elegant meal, followed by live music and dancing, along with a Valentine’s Day purchasing opportunity from the Cummer Shop. Entertainment will be provided by Jacksonville University's splendid Jazz Orchestra. For further information please email Wendy Mayle or 904.899.6007.

Talks & Tea: In the Garden - Wed., Feb. 14 | 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 on In the Garden over a cup of tea and a sweet treat, led by Associate Curator, Nelda Damiano. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6038.

Art for Tots: In the Forest! - Thurs., Feb. 15 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.   $10 per pair.  Registration required.  Ages 24-36 months with accompanying adult.  Join us with your little one to view the painting Ponce de León in Florida and discuss what they see in the painting using questions such as, “If they were in the woods, what would their five senses tell them?” In the studio, children will create art with natural objects from the woods. 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.

British Invasion: An English Dinner Party - Thurs., Feb. 15 from 6 to 9 p.m.  General Members $150, Non-Members $175; Young Professional (40 and under), Members $100, Non-Members $125.  Registration required.  Calling all anglophiles! Do you fancy a pint? Round up some mates, dress in your British best, and join us at the Museum for a pub crawl-style evening with a classy spin. Guests will enjoy live music with the Beatles tribute band Liverpool Live, a selection of English beers plus our very own Avant Gardener by Bold City Brewery, wines, and some posh spins on classic pub cuisine! This jolly good evening will support the reconstruction of the English Gardens. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6038. Please RSVP by February 8.

Art for Tots: In the Forest! - Sat., Feb. 17 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m.  $10 per pair.  Registration required.  Ages 24-36 months with accompanying adult.  Join the museum with your little one to view the painting Ponce de León in Florida and discuss what they see in the painting using questions such as, “If they were in the woods, what would their five senses tell them?” In the studio, children will create art with natural objects from the woods. 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 Lost Bird Project! - Sat, Feb. 17 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Members $10, Non-Members $15.  Registration required.  Ages 6 through 12.  Join them on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes. In this class students will visit the sculpture garden and view Todd McGrain’s The Lost Bird Project, which represents North American birds that have been driven to extinction. Then students will return to the studio and create works that address conservation and nature. 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: Realism, Impressionism, And Post-Impressionism - Tues., Feb. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to noon.  Members Free, Non-Members $10.  Registration required.  Explore art history through this monthly series of lectures that includes time in the galleries. Brush up on your art history for personal enjoyment as Director of Education Lynn Norris leads you through the history of Western Art. Space is limited. For further information, please email or call 904.355.0630.

Affinity Group Lunch, Lecture & Tour: In The Garden - Thurs., Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Members $30, Non-Members $45.  Registration required.  Cummer Amelia and Cummer Beaches partner for a Lunch, Lecture & Tour event at the Cummer Museum. Sharon Core, Eastman contemporary artist, will make a presentation relating to the exhibition, In the Garden. For further information, please visit their website or email Wendy Mayle or call 904.899.6007.

The Space Between Illusion And Reality: An Evening With Contemporary Artist Sharon Core - Thurs., Feb. 22 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.  Members $30, Non-Members $40.  Registration required.  Enjoy music, light appetizers, beer, and wine before attending a lecture by Sharon Core, a contemporary photographer represented within the exhibition In the Garden.  Sharon Core’s carefully constructed images examine the relationship between illusion and reality within photography.  From Early American (2007-2010), painstaking photographic recreations of the still life’s of 19th-century American painter Raphaelle Peale, to her most recent series, Understory (2014-2016), inspired by the work of 17th-century Dutch painter Otto Marseus van Schriek, for which she cultivated and photographed a rich array of plant life, Core problematizes our understanding of photography as a simple truth-telling medium. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6038.

Cummer Amelia An Afternoon of Art: Women Artists Of The 18th Century - Mon., Feb. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m.  Free!  No registration required.  Fernandina Beach Library Cummer Amelia partners with the Fernandina Beach Library for a lecture series on “Women Artists from the Renaissance to Abstract Expressionism” by Cummer Museum Director of Education Lynn Norris. This series continues with the 18th century, when three women achieved a degree of fame, wealth, and adulation that was unparalleled – Rosalba Carriera, Angelica Kauffman, and Elizabeth Vigée-Lebrun (who was the subject of a major retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art). For further information please visit their website or email Wendy Mayle or call 904.899.6007.

Ritz Chamber Concert - Wed., Feb. 28 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.  Free with Museum admission.  Registration required.  Enjoy a special performance by the world class musicians of the Ritz Chamber Players, an organization that seeks to foster the appreciation of chamber music through performances and educational outreach featuring preeminent African-American musicians and composers, with an emphasis on building audiences and arts inclusion that reflects our diverse society. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6038.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
  829 Riverside Avenue
  Jacksonville, Florida 32204
  (904) 356-6857
  Hours of Operation & Admission