‘Four Italian Tenors’ are coming to the Times-Union Center

Direct from Rome, Italy The Four Italian Tenors (I Quattro Tenori ltaliani) perform "Viva Italia," a salute to four great Italian Tenors: Enrico Caruso, Mario Lanza, Luciano Pavarotti, Andrea Bocelli at Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center December 5 for one performance only!

For the first time in the United States, the Four Italian Tenors perform the greatest Tenor Arias and Songs of all time, in wonderful unique arrangements, created particularly for their U.S. debut tour.  Their performances are captivating, exhilarating, passionate, engaging and mesmerizing.  Hear this new generation of world class Tenors explore and present these classic works with panache, verve and vivacity, all in their own inimitable style.  Be transformed to the land of Italy, and bathe in its rich culture with the sounds of the Four Italian Tenors.

Meet the tenors:
Alessandro D’Acrissa graduated with honors in opera singing at the Conservatory of Cosenza, under the guidance of Claudia Sisca, from the Teatro Colón in Buenos Aires.  He debuts in the role of Renato (protagonist) in the operetta, “The Count of Luxembourg” by F. Lehar, at the Theatre Rendano in Cosenza; as Pinkerton in “Madama Butterlfly” by G. Puccini (Pordenone-Vicenza). In 2007 he was the protagonist of “A Time of Monteverdi Soul” written and directed by V. Mennella. In 2008 he was the protagonist of the unpublished Opera novel “Cielo Andino” by Mauricio Annunziata. In 2009 “Bastien and Bastienne” by WA Mozart.  Guest in several TV shows, he took part of the cast for the entire 2009/2010 season as a singer at Domenica in of Pippo Baudo and Pippo Caruso on Rai uno. He was selected by the Pavarotti Foundation to take part in the show Belcanto The Pavarotti Heritage conducted by Maestro Pasquale Menchise.

Federico Serra was born December 22, 1987 in Italy. From a young age he displayed an aptitude for music and singing, inspired by his parents and his older brother. At just 11 years old, he won his first pop music competition in Italy. The family understands his artistic singing skills and decides to support him by enrolling Federico in light singing lessons. Within a few years, Federico participated in some singing competitions placing himself in first place in seven events. At 17 years old, Federico enrolled at the Liceo Musicale of Varese with specializations for opera singing and piano.  In 2015 he performed for the first time with the Verona Philharmonic interpreting the most famous opera arias continuing this concert activity in the following years in different theaters.

Federico Parisi was born in Taormina, Italy, Frederico began studing voice at age 14. In September 2011, he won "The Youngest Tenor of Italy" award, presented by Tenor Pietro Ballo and Soprano Monica Curth Di Stefano. In January 2012, he was awarded the "Città di Taormina" prize. After concerts throughout Sicily and Calabria, in 2014 Federico was featured in Italian TV’s Channel 5 "Tu si que vales" by Belen Rodriguez and Francesco Sole. In the summer 2014, in addition to classical music concerts, Federico opened the concert dates in Sicily of Italian pop music artists such as Ivana Spagna, Anna Tatangelo, and Giuseppe Povia. Since 2015, Federico has enjoyed many successes and acclaim in performing popular Italian songs, where he has been host to the television program "Insieme" on Antenna Sicilia.

Roberto Cresca began his voice studies at the Conservatory of Music of Santa Cecilia in Rome. In 2004 he made his debut in the opera Rita by G. Donizetti at the Teatro Vittorio Emmanuele of Benevento in the role of Beppe. In September 2006, he sang at the Palais de la Bourse in Paris where he received wide acclaim from critics and audiences. In 2008 he made his debut in Tosca by G. Cavaradossi in Puccini. Roberto has performed at Teatro Marrucino of Chieti, Theatre Union of Viterbo, Teatro Municipale in Piacenza, Teatro Bibiena of Mantua, among many others. In 2009 he made his debut in Donizetti's L'Elisir d'amore for Tusciaoperafestival, directed by M.S. Vignati, and performed the role of Pietro for the new opera by R. Avallone Wojtyla generation in Kielce (Poland).  In 2012 Roberto debuted the role of Alfredo in La Traviata by G. Verdi. He has recorded for OMA MUSIC the CD "operArias" conducted by Maestro Viktor Karzalis, containing a selection of the most famous tenor arias. 
“Four Italian Tenors”

DATES: Thurs. Dec. 5, 2019 TIMES: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS:  $25, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased at their box office, by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org. Discounts for groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.

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

Nickelodeon’s ‘Jojo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. the Tour’ on TV - and near you

Nickelodeon star, YouTube sensation and 2019’s hottest breakthrough pop artist JoJo Siwa is adding 50 new dates across North America to her wildly popular concert: Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour, bringing the total number of shows to 148.  Siwa kicks off her new 2020 dates on March 11 in Colorado Springs and will return to many cities including New York, where she will headline the legendary venue Madison Square Garden. JoJo will continue to new venues including: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C., and American Airlines Arena in Miami, concluding in North Little Rock on June 6.  Click HERE to see JoJo’s D.R.E.A.M. Concert Trailer

Tickets On Sale to General Public Friday, Nov. 22, at 12 p.m. Local Time: A special Siwanatorz pre-sale goes live on Monday, Nov. 18, at 12 p.m. local time, followed by an American Express pre-sale on Tuesday, Nov. 19, at 12 p.m. local time. A limited number of exclusive VIP Packages will be available.  These exclusive offers can include an amazing selection of tickets, Meet & Greets with JoJo Siwa, autographed memorabilia, custom merchandise and much more.  General public on-sale begins Friday, Nov. 22, at 12 p.m. local time.  Tickets will be available at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena box office and at JoJoDreamTour.com.

Siwa will donate $1 for every ticket sold to Dancers Against Cancer (DAC).  The foundation strives to create an alliance in the dance community by providing financial support and inspiration to dance educators, choreographers, dancers and their family members who have been impacted by cancer.  For more information on Dancers Against Cancer (DAC) click HERE!

JoJo’s D.R.E.A.M. Concert television Special to Premiere Friday, Nov. 22, at 8 p.m. (ET/PT).  Nickelodeon premieres JoJo’s D.R.E.A.M. Concert special where fans at home can see live concert performances from the D.R.E.A.M. Tour, fan interviews, candid moments of Siwa talking about her favorite parts of the tour and the inspirations behind some of her favorite songs.

Along the tour route, Siwa will take the stage at Nickelodeon SlimeFest, a two-day family-friendly music festival, on Saturday, March 21, and Sunday, March 22, at the Forum in Inglewood, Calif.  The event will also feature performances by Why Don’t We, French Montana and Blanco Brown, along with one-of-a-kind experiences for the entire family featuring Nickelodeon’s signature green slime.  Additional activations will include: Slime Central, where 20 people can get slimed simultaneously; a giant slime pit in front of the stage; a silent Slime Disco and more.

JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour is produced by Nickelodeon and AEG Presents and sponsored by Hairdorables®.  Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour remains one of the hottest tickets of the year.  Siwa’s inaugural run ranked at #5 on the Hot Tours Chart as reported by Billboard, with 80 of the 96 dates sold out as the tour touched down in seven countries on three continents.

Nickelodeon’s JoJo Siwa D.R.E.A.M. The Tour is a part of the Viacom Live Experiential portfolio.  With 25 events and growing, Viacom Live delivers experiences that drive culture and conversation, allowing fans to connect with the most influential brands globally.

About JoJo: Nickelodeon superstar JoJo Siwa is a YouTube sensation, pop star, dancer, entrepreneur, social media influencer and The New York Times bestselling author.  Siwa connects with her fans through many channels: via social media she has over 10.4 million subscribers with over 2.6 billion views on YouTube, she has over 8.9 million followers on Instagram, over 439,000 Twitter followers, over 17.3 million followers on TikTok(formerly Musical.ly), and over 596,000 followers on Facebook; through her SIWANATORZ club, which stands against negativity and bullying; through her global reach of consumer products including her signature bows, accessories, apparel, arts and crafts, cosmetics, home goods and party supplies; and with her hugely popular singles, “Boomerang,” which has been viewed over 782 million times and RIAA certified platinum, “Kid in a Candy Store,” which is RIAA certified gold, “Hold The Drama”, and “D.R.E.A.M”.

Siwa recently won her third Kids’ Choice Award for “Favorite Social Music Star.”  Her previous Choice Awards include “Favorite Viral Music Artist” in 2017 and “Favorite Musical YouTube Creator” in 2018.  She also performed at Kids’ Choice Mexico 2018.  In November 2018, Siwa released her first EP, D.R.E.A.M. The Music, featuring four new songs: “D.R.E.A.M,” “My Story,” “Everyday Popstars” and “Only Getting Better.”  The music video for “D.R.E.A.M.” was released on Siwa’s YouTube channel and to date has garnered over 76 million views.  Due to the success of D.R.E.A.M. The Music, Siwa released a second EP, Celebrate, in April featuring an additional four new songs: “It’s Time To Celebrate,” “#1U,” “Worldwide Party,” and “Bop!”  The accompanying music videos for “Bop!” and “It’s Time To Celebrate” have accumulated over 12 million views and 7.7 million views respectively on her YouTube channel.

In 2016, Nickelodeon and Siwa entered an exclusive licensing partnership to develop a line of consumer products inspired by Siwa.  Categories span toys, apparel, accessories, consumer electronics, Halloween costumes and more.  To date, over 50 million JoJo Bows have been sold. Siwa’s consumer products are available internationally, including the UK, Canada, Australia and Mexico.

Siwa launched her first animated shorts series, The JoJo & BowBow Show Show starring Siwa and her furry best friend BowBow. She also worked alongside Nick Cannon in Nickelodeon’s hit competition series Lip Sync Battle Shorties.  She has also appeared on various Nickelodeon live-action series including School of Rock and The Thundermans.  Siwa performed a medley of hits at Nickelodeon’s 2018 Kids’ Choice Awards, including her platinum smash “Boomerang.”  Visit JoJoDREAMTour.com for more information.

Children’s theater introduction from the Alhambra

Frequently throughout the year, the Alhambra hosts plays during the day.  Whether to interest our youth in acting, expose them to live theater, or to fit in with a school curriculum, the goal of the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is to introduce young people to the magic and glory of the stage.  Join the tradition and bring your children to the theater!

Recommended for children ages Pre-K – 5th Grade, their unique and interactive rendition of Hans Christian Anderson's “Hansel & Gretel” was written by Tod Booth, exclusively for the Alhambra.  This show is perfect for field trips or family outings!  The entire performance is just 45 minutes and the kids are invited to bring their own bag lunch.

“Hansel & Gretel”

DATES: Wed., Nov. 20; Fri., Dec. 13; & Tues., Dec. 17. 2019

SHOW TIMES: Doors open at 10 a.m., and shows start at 10:30 a.m.

DRESS: “Nice school clothes”, or Sunday Best

TICKETS: Prices for all ages are just $12* per person and $9* per person for groups of 10 or more, including home school groups.

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

The Elf On The Shelf: A Christmas Musical will be in JAX

Just in time for the holiday season, “The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical” embarks on its first touring season in 2019 and is coming to Thrasher-Horne Center on Sunday, November 24 at 6 p.m.

About the Show: The beloved tradition that continues to capture the hearts of children and their families everywhere comes to the live stage for the first time ever in this all-new musical and premiere stage production.  When the top Scout Elf of his graduating class is sent to a disconnected, multi-generational family struggling to rediscover Christmas spirit, he’s got to find a way off the shelf and into their hearts.  This toe-tapping, heartwarming story of one small elf’s big impact on his adoptive family includes an exclusive invitation to Santa’s North Pole and engages audiences with a glimpse into the magical lives of Scout Elves.

Featuring an original story and score, dazzling sets and costumes, and wondrous moments that make even the most cynical believe, this momentous celebration of the season leaves spirits high and captivates all with the splendor of Christmas.

“The Elf on the Shelf”

DATE: Sun., Nov. 24, 2019
TIME: 6 p.m.

TICKETS: Prices range from $39 - $69.  They 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.

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

Jimmy Buffett rescheduled for next year

(Update - November 2019.  Due to needed shoulder surgery planned for Jimmy Buffett, with time for recovery and therapy, it is necessary to reschedule the December 10, 2019 concert in Jacksonville to Tuesday December 8, 2020 at the VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.  Tickets available at Ticketmaster.com.  Ticket prices subject to applicable fees.  If you were planning the event for this year, now you can give that special someone another gift for this year.

All tickets purchased for the original show will be honored on the new date. Fans who cannot attend the new date can get refunds at point of purchase.  Jimmy Buffett & The Coral Reefer Band regret the postponement, but look forward to partying in 2020 in Florida!

(Original Post below)
Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band will perform at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for one night only, Tuesday, December 10 at 8pm, as part of Jimmy Buffett’s “Son Of A Son Of A Sailor High Tide” Tour 2019.  Local Parrotheads won't want to miss their chance to soak in the full Margaritaville experience.

Jimmy released his famous Son Of A Son Of A Sailor LP in 1978, and sang the title track on Saturday Night Live that year.  The song was written about his grandfather, James Delaney Buffett, Sr., who was a huge influence on his life.  The tour is called Son Of A Son Of A Sailor High Tide Tour as 2018 was the record's 40th anniversary, and the celebration continues through 2019.  The record also includes the hits: “Cheeseburger In Paradise,” a Parrothead favourite, as well as “Livingston Saturday Night” and “Cowboy in the Jungle.”

The long-awaited Margaritaville musical, "Escape to Margaritaville," opened on Broadway in New York, had its world premiere in La Jolla, California, and then made pre-Broadway stops in New Orleans, Houston and Chicago.  The original Broadway cast recording of the musical was recently released.  The musical will go on tour in 2019.

For the first time ever, music from the platinum selling 2004 License To Chill was released as a digital and streaming CD worldwide on November 15, 2018. Many musical friends joined Jimmy on this record, including Alan Jackson, Kenny Chesney, Clint Black, George Strait, Toby Keith, Martina McBride, Bill Withers and Nanci Griffith.

“Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band”
 Son Of A Son Of A Sailor High Tide

NEW DATE: Tuesday December 8, 2020
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $21 and up

LOCATION: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd., Downtown
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

‘A Bronx Tale’ - great show on a cool FL night

Even if this reporter has never seen “A Bronx Tale”, she thoroughly enjoyed the presentation at the Times Union Center in JAX.  I would not recommend this show for young children and everyone else probable saw the one-man-show, the movie, or musical elsewhere; because there were no little ones in sight.  Mix a little “West Side Story,” with a little “Jersey Boys,” add a of “Saturday Night Fever,” along with a pinch of “Grease,” and you’ve got a serious Broadway hit on your hands.

The elaborate cast that came to JAX is impeccable.  If a mistake was made - it was not noticeable.  The singing and chorography were wonderful especially in the songs: “I Like It,” “These Streets,” “Webster Avenue,” and “One Of The Great Ones.”  The 12-piece orchestra was fantastic.  Kudos to the set designer, costumes designer (looked very similar to the Broadway production) and the sound engineer.

This tour group, that came to Jacksonville, FL; looked, acted and sang so much like the actors who were in NYC - this was a real treat for JAX.  Young Calogero (“C”) locally played by 11-year-old Trey Murphy, stole the show.  His acting & singing were right on pitch and cue.  This writer doesn’t know how long he was a way from school, or how many hours he put into this show, nonetheless, his grades MUST be top notch.  You’ll see more of him at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, if not at other venues.  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, because his father Justin Murphy, is lead actor in “Jekyll & Hyde” still playing at the Alhambra.  See “A Bronx Tale” in a city near you.  Get your tickets today!

Father & son perform in JAX - same night - different stages

Father, Justin Murphy leads in Alhambra's "Jekyll & Hyde", while Son, Trey Murphy, stars in "A Bronx Tale" at Times Union Center.  11-year-old Jacksonville native Trey Murphy returns home as Young Calogero in the Broadway National Tour of “A Bronx Tale” this Wednesday, November 13 at the Times Union Center.

In a strange twist of fate, on the same night, his father, Justin Murphy, will be performing in both parts of the title role of Jekyll & Hyde at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining.

Murphy the younger has recently appeared in several shows at the iconic Alhambra Theatre & Dining, including 2018's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Elf...the Musical.

"It's surreal that father and son will be performing at the same time on different stages in the same city. I doubt that has happened many times before in the history of theater, if ever," says Alhambra Managing Partner, Craig Smith.  "Add to that the fact that both Murphys are from Jacksonville and both have recently acted at a theater in their home town, and that list is about...well, the Murphys."

Both shows have received rave reviews from critics, with local press covering Jekyll & Hyde, stating "we sat in awe of Murphy's performance.  His voice soars." and the New York press covering A Bronx Tale, stating "Trey Murphy is a great actor, he has just the right balance of toughness and innocence that the role requires."

Justin will be wrapping up his stint in Jekyll & Hyde on November 24 and Trey will step back on the Alhambra stage, reprising his 2018 role in Elf...The Musical, while on break from his current touring schedule.

Jekyll & Hyde runs until November 24 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining and A Bronx Tale plays for one night only in Jacksonville on November 13 as part of the FSCJ Artist Series at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts.

Get ready for ‘Christmas Made in the South 2019’

To answer your question, “Christmas Made in the South” is a show presented by Carolina Show’s Inc. that featured ‘hand-crafted items.  Last year the Jacksonville, Florida event featured over 250 local artists and out-of-town vendors selling one-of-a-kind merchandise.  The 31st event will be right after Thanksgiving.

There is an abundance of food, pillows, hair bows, wrought iron sculptures, calligraphy, doll clothes, dog wear, rubber stamps, hammocks, puzzles, gadgets, books, boomerangs, birdhouses, stuffed animals, candles, artwork, sweaters, scarves & other clothing, pictures, paintings, calendars, pottery, grills, shoes, toys, educational components, plaques, jewelry, garden decor, glass art, lamps, baby items, coasters, things for the hunter and many, many, many, beautiful Christmas decorations.

After walking the outskirts of the booths and then zigzagging up and down the aisles, this writer covered the entire show in about three exciting hours.  There was so much to see and people were more than ready to explain how they made their wares.  It is a wonderful experience!

Customers weren’t just looking; they were walking out with bag and bags of goodies to give to others and keep for themselves.  This year’s event will continue to be the best shopping experience here in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

Below are some of the vendors and their websites that were here in the past.  Get ready to attend this year, and see if you can find any of these companies.  Be on the lookout for gifts to please that special someone in your life.  Take a look at some of the vendors below from prior CMITS events here in JAX, FL. and see if they return this year:

Bridget & Pauley Gourmet Soups & Dips	Incredible Eggs (Eggzkwizit Art)
Iris Korthauer Doily Boutique	Brooms and Boxes (A Shaker Tradition)
Wings of Faith (Inspiration & Keepsake Line)	Nut ‘n’ Better
U Name It Bears	Picturesque Wires
ABA Collectables	Nutty Bavarian
MIOTG (Hand Painted Crystal Nail Files)	R.B.W. Enterprise

Thanks to Russ, Bob Hunt, and Allison, of Carolina Shows Inc., who have been so hospitable to this Blogger.

“Christmas Made In The South”

DATES:
November 29 - Dec. 1, 2019
Fri. 9-6 - Sat. 10-6 - Sun. 11-5
(one admission is good for all 3 days with a hand stamp)

TICKETS: may be purchased onsite.
Adults: $8 – Children 12 & Under: FREE
$1.00 off Coupons with ‘discount coupon’ link

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204

‘Wicked’ returns to JAX after seven years

The Broadway sensation “WICKED” looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.  Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

With a thrilling score that includes the hits: “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” Wicked has been hailed by The New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade,” and by Time Magazine as “a magical Broadway musical with brains, heart, and courage.”  The company usually brings 13 trucks taking 2 days of assembly, 75 cast and crew members (both local and those with the tour group).  This is what it takes to get the show-on-the road and ready for local audiences.  Wicked will be in JAX for 16 performances.

Having recently celebrated its 15th anniversary on Broadway, Wicked is the winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.  Wicked has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and China) and has thus far been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese.  Wicked has amassed nearly $5 billion in global sales and has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman.  The production is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento.  Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.  Follow Wicked on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“WICKED”
DATES:  &  TIMES
Wed, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 21 at 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 23 at 2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 24 at 1:30 & 7 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 29 at 1:30 & 8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 30 at 2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Please note, there will be no performance of WICKED on Thanksgiving, Thurs., Nov. 28, 2019.

TICKETS: for “WICKED” start at $53.13, plus applicable fees, and can 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 at fscjartistseries.org.

Due to the high demand for tickets after WICKED's record-breaking engagement in 2012, some ticket buyers have searched for tickets through third party ticket agencies or brokers.  Tickets purchased through these sources are usually substantially more expensive than the original ticket price.

There have been instances where ticket brokers have launched websites that might include the Times – Union Center and/or the names of our shows in order to confuse ticket buyers.  The only way that patrons can be sure that they are purchasing legitimate tickets at the original ticket price is to purchase them from the area above.

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

Heavy metal group ‘Five Finger Death Punch’ is coming

Five Finger Death Punch (L-R): Zoltan Bathory (guitars), Iva Moody (vocals), Jason Hook (guitars), Charlie Engen (drums) and Chris Kael (bass)

Five Finger Death Punch's musical style has generally been regarded as heavy metal, groove metal, thrash metal, alternative metal, hard rock and nu metal.  The group will be coming to Jacksonville, Florida as part of a U.S. Fall arena headlining tour including a stop in Jacksonville, FL on November 18 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Fans can look forward to packed arenas at the not-to-be-missed rock show of Fall 2019 with direct support from Canadian rockers Three Days Grace.  Since 2003, the band has staked a spot amongst the hard rock vanguard, quietly breaking records, toppling charts, moving millions of units worldwide, and making history by holding the all-time record for “most #1 singles at Active Rock Radio ever” with 14.  The Ontario, Canada quartet—Matt Walst [lead vocals], Barry Stock [lead guitar], Brad Walst [bass], and Neil Sanderson [drums, percussion, keyboards, programming]—continue to blaze that trail on their sixth full-length album, the aptly titled Outsider [RCA Records].

Says Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory about the lineup of the tour: “People always say ‘Rock will never die,’ but for that to be actually true it’s important to have successful breakout bands that create a healthy scene.  A scene that can sustain everything from arena headliners to the experimental and the underground.  We always understood this so we have been actively curating and giving a platform to bands we think are great and have a chance to make it to the next level - so we took out NOTHING MORE who got two number one hits and got nominated for multiple GRAMMYs, then FROM ASHES TO NEW who ended up landing several Top 10 singles.  Next, we introduced BAD WOLVES who are now doing amazing and have three, #1 hit singles.  On this upcoming tour we are bringing FIRE FROM THE GODS who we think will be another important band for the future of this genre.  As for Five Finger Death Punch the band is better than ever, firing on all cylinders so we are really looking forward to this tour and our next chapter.”

Global chart-toppers Bad Wolves are coming fresh off their third #1 single in a row with “Remember When” which tells the haunting story of lead singer Tommy Vext and his incarcerated twin brother. Bad Wolves are currently working on their sophomore album to Disobey (due out this Fall) after making a name for themselves with their multi-platinum hit single “Zombie” in 2018 and winning over the hearts of rock fans everywhere around the globe with their explosive live show.

“5FDP” will donate a portion from every ticket sold on the tour to the Gary Sinise Foundation which honors America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.  This marks a continuation of the relationship 5FDP started with the foundation when it was named beneficiary of the proceeds from their collaboration hit single “Blue On Black” which has been dominating the Rock radio charts this Summer, holding the #1 spot for four consecutive weeks.  It features the legendary Brian May, as well as two of the biggest names in country and blues rock, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  Titans in each of their respective genres, the artists came together to merge country and mainstream rock to re-create the classic song (originally recorded and co-written by SHEPHERD) and to take Country Rock to the next level. “Blue On Black” is now one of the Top 10-Selling Rock Songs of 2019, along with Queen, Imagine Dragons and Panic At The Disco.  The song was mixed by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Disturbed) and is available HERE.  Check out the official music video.  In 2019, Five Finger Death Punch also surpassed 3 billion streams worldwide and the multi-platinum group continues to shatter records across the board. See all show dates on their website.
‟Five Finger Death Punch”

DATE: Mon., November 18, 2019
TIME: 6:30 P.M.
TICKETS: range from $16 and up

LOCATION: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

'Simon and Garfunkel Story' was a hit in JAX

The dynamic duo of Andrew Wade as Art Garfunkel, and George Clements portraying Paul Simon demonstrated an uncanny resemblance to the actual Simon & Garfunkel, in song, looks and mannerisms.  The 2 1/2 hour “Simon & Garfunkel Story” concert, at the Times Union Center in JAX, FL, was packed with those patrons who listened to the popular tunes from back in the day.

The show tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s to their dramatic split in 1970.  With the aids of beautiful backdrops, film strips of a particular eras, old commercials and new clips that accompanied each song, the saga was told.  Along with George on the guitar, there are four very talented musicians (Alec Hamilton - keyboards and direction; Bob Sale - drums and vocals; Marc Encabo - bass and vocals & Joshua Vasquez - guitar and vocals) that take you back to that era in time.

Some of the musical selections of the evening were: “Sound Of Silence,” “He Was My Brother,” “Hey Schoolgirl,” “Bleecker Street,” “Leaves That Are Green,” “Kathy’s Song,” “I’m A Rock,” “Wish I was a Kellogg's Cornflake,” “Somewhere They Can't Find Me,” “Patterns,” “For Emily,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “Feelin Groovy,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “A Hazy Shade Of Winter,” “Old Friends,” A Whistle Duet, “America,” “Making It,” “Oh Cecilia,” Satisfy Me, “Here I Am,” “Late In The Evening,” “What’s My Number,” “Bye Bye Love - Everly Brothers, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” & “Lie-la-lie”.  The only song that was missing from this mass selection that this writer heard, would be “Graceland” by Paul Simon.  Nevertheless, the evening was very memorable.  Don’t miss the show when it comes to a location near you.

“Simon  & Garfunkel Story”
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