Coke Florida Donates Laptops To 'I’m A Star' Students

On February 14, 2019 Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (“Coke Florida”) donated 13 laptops to I’m A Star Foundation in honor of Black History Month.  The ceremony took place at Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, 1411 Huron Street at 5 p.m.  A group of nearly 20 I'm A Star Students received the laptops and took a tour of the facility.

Coke Florida’s Chairman and CEO Troy Taylor says they chose I’m A Star Foundation among statewide community partners that “are developing the next generation of great leaders who will ultimately make a difference in the world.”

Executive Director of I'm A Star Foundation Betty Seabrook Burney says the students will use the laptops for research, including for an upcoming project with John Hopkins University.  She says, "We'll be working with the Southeastern United States, putting on a childhood obesity summit."  Up until now, students have used their cell phones to gather information supporting their initiatives to end childhood obesity (Let's Move Jacksonville) and student homelessness (Jacksonville HELPS).

Coke Florida is a family-owned independent Coca-Cola bottler.  The company is also one of America’s largest black-owned businesses.  Coke Florida was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida.

Coke Florida is also pleased to partner with Family Dollar, who shares a similar commitment to community through their work with local Boys & Girls Clubs.  Throughout the month of February, Family Dollar customers can help make a difference by purchasing any 6pk 500ml or 6pk 7.5oz mini-cans of Coca-Cola® products.  Purchases will help local stores qualify to receive new laptops to donate to local Boys & Girls Clubs organizations in their direct communities.

About I’m A Star Foundation: I’m A Star Foundation is a volunteer program that transforms middle and high school students into the next generation of servant leaders.  An acronym for “Smart, Talented And Resilient” students, the Foundation draws kids ages 13-18 from schools across Duval County.  Students meet on weekends to creatively co-work on solutions to problems affecting their peers.  Since its establishment in 2010, the organization has maintained a 100% graduation rate.  Founder and Executive Director Betty Seabrook Burney is a former Duval Co. School Board Chairwoman.  I’m A Star Foundation students have been featured in various press outlets, including Florida Times-Union, Around Town With Ms. “V”, ABC -7 Chicago and The Huffington Post. For more information, please visit I’m A Star Foundation.

‘Mid-Life...The Crisis Musical’ is coming to JAX

Alhambra Theatre & Dining

It’s a perfect time for a Midlife Crisis! at the Alhambra.  No matter how one defines their mid-life crisis or what kind of havoc it wreaks, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is turning it into a laugh-out-loud celebration.  With a balanced look at the 'joys' of growing older, through a cast of three men and three women, “Mid-Life...The Crisis Musical” strikes a chord with anyone regardless of age, but also touches on the sentimental wisdom that the later years afford to each of us.

“MID-LIFE! The Crisis Musical” is a series of small sketches (think Saturday Night Live!) that describe the archetypical trials and tribulations of middle age.  Everything from reading glasses to children who fail to leave the nest, to mammograms, if it happens in your 40’s and 50’s then the show touches upon it.

“It is no small coincidence the Alhambra chose MID-LIFE!,” offered Alhambra Managing Partner, Craig Smith, "I think I had my first mid-life crisis about ten years ago.  Some people go out and buy a sports car, travel the world, get a new job, start a new hobby (or dozens of other things that I won't mention).  I decided to buy a dinner theater.  Perhaps having recently turned 50, running this show is a sub-conscious reminder of my on-going journey through mid-life."

Unique to the Alhambra for MID-LIFE! will be a live musical score - Anthony J. Felton and one piano on stage at all times, will be backing up the hilarity for what is a reunion of sorts for some of the Alhambra's funniest actors.  Said director Todd Booth, "I brought in the six funniest actors I could find - who can happen to sing and keep time."  Starring in equal parts are Patti Eyler, Michael Strauss, Becky Baxter, Lisa Valdini, Mark Poppleton and Brian Simmons.  Booth continued, "I don't have to mention that all of these cast members have experience in the midlife crisis genre, so this will come from the heart as much as the funny bone."

What is Executive Chef DeJuan Roy Serving?  The menu is always a star of the show with its own popular item returning, Executive Chef DeJuan Roy's prime rib!  The menu features: First Course (choice of one) Mixed Grain Salad with iceberg lettuce, apples, farro, raisins, red onion, tomatoes, and a sweet onion vinaigrette dressing. or White Bean & Country Ham Soup. Second Course (choice of one): Chef DeJuan's Famous Slow Roasted Prime Rib natural jus with garlic roasted potatoes and asparagus, or Pan Seared Chicken with super grain pilaf, creamed kale, tomatoes and avocado chutney, or Fried Seafood Platter with shrimp, catfish, scallops, fries, slaw, hushpuppies, with a citrus tartar sauce, or the vegetarian dish of Lemon Fettuccine with pesto, artichokes, peas, tomatoes and mushrooms. The Dessert Course features a choice of Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie or German Chocolate Cake.
  ‟Mid-Life
The Crisis Musical”

DATES: February 20 — March 24, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 8 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 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 2 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:30 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday February 22, 2019) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64.  Ticket prices include: a plated three-course meal that changes for each show, and is served directly to your table; a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Tickets may be purchases on line, or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **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

‘Girls Night: The Musical’ in JAX for only 4 performances

Share the fun and laughter at this hilarious, feel-good comedy as five girlfriends go from heartbreak to happiness during a wild night of karaoke with “Girls Night: The Musical!”   Get your girlfriends together and come sing along, dance along, and sip on cocktails as you take in this party of a show!  “Girls Night: The Musical!” has been thrilling audiences and earning raves from critics throughout North America since it began touring after its sensational Off-Broadway debut.  This touching and hilarious 'tell-it-like-it-is' musical takes audiences on a journey into the lives of a group of female friends.

Audience members can’t help but laugh, cry and even find themselves singing and dancing in the aisles as some of the most popular hit songs of the 80s and 90s make this musical a fan favorite!  Follow five friends as they re-live their past, celebrate their present, and look to the future on a wild and hilarious karaoke night out ... and you'll recognize a bit yourselves in every one of them!  It is described as “Desperate Housewives meets Mamma Mia” (Applause Magazine), “A boisterous, bust-out, bawdy musical revue” (Wisconsin State Journal), “An infectious, exhilarating sense of intoxication” (Hollywood Reporter) and “As funny and outrageous as Sex in the City!” (The Advocate).Girls Night is bursting with energy and is packed with hits: “Lady Marmalade,” “It’s Raining Men,” “Man I Feel Like A Woman,” “I Will Survive,” “We are Family” and many more.

British playwright, author and television producer, Louise Roche has written and produced six other plays including: Girls Night (UK Tours 2003, ‘04,’06), Bobby and Johnny (UK Tour 2005), Girls Behind (UK Tour 2005), Checkout Girls (Milton Keynes 2005), Lucky Balls (Milton Keynes 2002), and Milton Keynes The Musical (2002).  Her novel, Glutton for Punishment is published in paperback, and her television writing includes: “Where The Heart Is,” and “Doctors.”

Director, Sonya Flaherty has been with Entertainment Events, Inc. since 2007.  She originally performed the role of Liza in the US premier of Girls Night: The Musical in Scottsdale, AZ in May of 2007.  After touring for two years in Girls Night: The Musical and still working full-time in International Risk Management at American Express, EEI brought Sonya Carter and her 12 years of experience at American Express on board as its production supervisor in 2009.  In 2010 she was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. In addition to her responsibilities as the COO of Entertainment Events, Inc., she continues to supervise all production aspects from casting to closing night for all EEI productions.  She still performs in Girls Night: The Musical.  She has played three of the five roles in the show and has amassed over 400 performances on tour and Off-Broadway.  Sonya has directed several of the touring companies of Girls Night: The Musical and originated the role of co-host Janice and directed the world Premier of WPMS: The Musical at the DuPont Theater in Wilmington, DE on June 29, 2010.  Sonya Carter directed, co-authored and performed the role of Janice in the Off-Broadway premiere Dishing With the Divas: The Musical in January of 2011. Cuff Me: The Fifty Shades Of Grey Musical Parody is the third Off- Broadway production she has directed.

“So ladies, get on a train, bus and if you drive, make sure you have a designated driver to see the hit show Girls Night The Musical!” - WCBS Radio.  “Mix a bit of Desperate Housewives with Sex and the City and Mamma Mia and you’ve got the hit, “Girls Night: The Musical!”  -Las Vegas Round the Clock.

‟Girls Night: The Musical”
DATES: Thurs., Feb. 21, 2019 TIMES: 7:30 p.m.
    Fri., Feb. 22         8 p.m.
    Sat., Feb. 23        4 & 8 p.m.

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

TICKETS: (Vary) and start at $55.  They may be purchased at the box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7.  Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.

FREE shuttles for St. Augustine Celtic & Heritage Festival

(Updated: February 26, 2019)
There will be free shuttle parking in two locations for the St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival on Saturday March 9. Shuttle service begins at 8 a.m. and runs till 11 p.m. that evening.  Early arrivals are recommended.

“We’re delighted that the city is once again including us in their Spring schedule,” said Festival Director Pat Syeles.  “It makes Saturday even more enjoyable when our attendees don’t have to worry about where to park,” she continued.  Other festivals receiving free shuttle parking include Spring Season Shuttle, Lions Seafood and Rotary’s Rhythm & Blues.

Parking locations are on the Visitor Info Center at 10 S. Castillo Drive, City Health Dept. at 200 San Sebastian which is handicap accessible, and the vacant lot at 301 San Marco Ave. Shuttle service is available on Saturday only.  Complete information, including maps for paid and restricted parking, are available on their website.

The event takes place at Francis Field, 29 West Castillo Drive in downtown St. Augustine.  It begins on Friday, March 8 with a pre-festival Whiskey Tasting, and continues Saturday and Sunday with live performances on two stages.  It also features The St. Augustine Highland games, Celtic artisans, spirits and food, and kids’ games.  The world’s original St. Patrick’s Day parade which begun in 1601, takes place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2019.

The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival has been voted Best Concert/Event in the “Bold City Best” in the Jacksonville region and Best Festival in St. Augustine for 2 years in a row.

Celtic Entertainment: Musicians returning to the 2019 event include fan favorites: Dublin City Ramblers, Seven Nations, Emmet Cahill, and Steel City Rovers.  New this year are 2 bands of talented sisters, The Gothard Sisters and Screaming Orphans.  Chad Light, actor/director/painter/sculptor, will be Emcee for the Festival Main Stage.

Though all the musicians above have been headliners at Celtic Festivals throughout the world, The St. Augustine Festival is known as the finest Celtic Music Festival in the U.S. as it presents 8 major headliners.

The St. Augustine Celtic Music & Heritage Festival is produced by Romanza – St. Augustine and is funded in part by St. Johns County Tourist Development Council, the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural, Florida Council on Arts and Culture, and by Visit Florida.  For tickets and further information: Click HERE.  Festival tickets may also be purchased at Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub located at 23 Orange Street, downtown St. Augustine. Find the CELT in YOU in America’s Oldest Celtic City.
 

‘B - The Underwater Bubble Show' at the Thrasher Horne

Following your dreams and allow your inner child to take over for a while with the premise of “B-The Underwater Bubble Show”, performing at Thrasher-Horne Center for one performance only!  What a wonderful way to treat the family to an evening out.

Taking cues from Cirque du Soleil, the visually spectacular show incorporates the latest in stage technology.  Lasers, low ground smoke and flying foam simulate waves and the underwater atmosphere.

About the Show: B-The Underwater Bubble Show is a modern fairy tale with one major twist. “Each classic tale represents a journey of a kid who grows up and learns something,” explains co-creator and director Enrico Pezzoli. ‟We wanted a story about an adult character who discovers that he can still go back and enjoy life. We don’t always need to grow up.  Sometimes we need to step backwards for a bit and restart.”  The show follows Mr. B, a creature of modern habits who “always feels pressed by a thousand things to do in a world that seems to be moving too fast.”  The office worker discovers a little aquarium that appears like magic inside his briefcase and gradually becomes enchanted by the wondrous underwater world of Bubblelandia, which is full of seahorses, dragon fish, starfish, mermaids and other creatures.  “Mr. B represents each of us.” Pezzoli notes.  “His transformation is a journey which each of us could take “only if…”  Everyone dreams about the possibilities of taking a break to sit, relax and simply daydream.”

‟B-The Underwater Bubble Show”
DATE: Sunday, Feb. 17, 2019
TIME: 3 p.m.

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

TICKETS: Start at $19 with all fees included.  For a Family 4-Pack: Buy 3 Get 1 Free!  Use code 4Pack at checkout.  These tickets may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  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.