MTV and Nick Cannon coming to JAX for one night

Multi-hyphenate entertainer Nick Cannon announced his wildly popular MTV Wild ‘N Out Live tour will return with dates all over the U.S. kicking off March 2020.  Fans can expect stand-up routines by their favorite Wild ‘N Out cast members including: DC Young Fly, Karlous Miller, Emmanuel Hudson, Justina Valentine, Hit Man, Conceited, DJ D-Wreck and Pretty Vee (lineup varies by city), as well as live music performances from some of today’s hottest artists including: platinum “My Type” and “Icy Grl” entertainer Saweetie.  Additional special guests will be announced.  Each night Nick Cannon and the cast will also invite members of the audience to join them for Wild 'N Out’s most popular games.  The tour will bring together a comedy, variety and game show all in one to fans of the improv/competition show on each stop.

Produced by Live Nation and Laugh Out Loud, the expansive 27-city arena tour will kick off March 3rd in Jacksonville, FL and make stops in Atlanta, Chicago, Brooklyn, Los Angeles and more, before wrapping April 11th in Anaheim, CA.  Tickets are on sale to the general public at www.LiveNation.com .

   ‟Nick Cannon presents
MTV Wild ‘N Out Live 2020 U.S. Tour”

DATE: Tues., Mar. 3, 2020
TIME: 8:30 p.m.
CITY: Jacksonville, FL.
VENUE: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena

TICKETS: Vary

ASM Global was formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities, the global innovator in live entertainment venues, and SMG, the gold standard in event management.  ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues.  As the world’s most trusted venue manager, ASM Global provides venue strategy and management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services.  Among the venues in our portfolio are landmark facilities such as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Conference Centre in Shenzhen, China.  ASM Global also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies.

‘Riders In The Sky’ comes to JAX through Thrasher-Horne

For more than forty years, Riders In The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. While remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, along with encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life “The Cowboy Way!”

Riders have performed in all 50 states and 10 countries!  Their cowboy charisma and comedic flair made them naturals for TV, and landed them their own weekly show on TNN and CBS.  In addition to penning award-winning songs for their own albums, they wrote the score for Pixar Animation’s 2002 Academy Award-winning short “For the Birds”.  But the animated character that history will link to Riders In The Sky is the loveable cowboy Woody, as Riders performed “Woody’s Round Up” in “Toy Story 2”, with the album of the same name garnering Riders their first Grammy Awards in 2001 for “Best Musical Album for Children.”  Two years later, Riders roped their second Grammy in the same category, for “Monsters, Inc.- Scream Factory Favorites,” the companion CD to Pixar’s award-winning movie.  Winners of two Grammys, they stand “hats & shoulders” above the rest of the purveyors of “Comedy & Western!”

“Riders In The Sky”
DATE: Sun. Mar. 1, 2020
TIME: 2 p.m..

TICKETS: are on sale at Thrasher-Horne Center.  Prices range from $19-$59 with all fees included.  Tickets and more information can be found at (904) 276-6815 ext. 1 or online.

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

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.

Donation to the Cummer Museum offer support

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens announces that long-time supporters J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver have made a $3 million gift through the Weaver Family Foundation Fund to endow the Chief Curator position.

The newly endowed position will be known as the Cummer Museum’s J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Chief Curator.  The position ensures that the Museum will attract top talent into this role in perpetuity, but it also acknowledges the major contributions that Holly Keris, Chief Curator, has made to the institution over her 17 years with the Museum.

“The core of an art museum is its artistic program — it is this content that engages diverse audiences, that provides the stimulus for educational programming, and, at our institution, that connects gardens and galleries,” said Pam D. Paul, chair of the Cummer Museum’s Board of Trustees.  “The work of developing this program belongs first and foremost to the Chief Curator, and Delores and Wayne’s thoughtful gift guarantees quality in this role into the future — ensuring both the Cummer Museum’s sustainability, as well as its continued relevance to Jacksonville and Northeast Florida.”

The Chief Curator is a member of the Museum’s executive team, shaping the institution’s vision and mission, while leading its artistic program.  The position oversees efforts to build, present and conserve the Museum’s permanent collection, and also directs the presentation of exhibitions.

“Through our longstanding association with Holly Keris and the Cummer, we have come to appreciate the tremendous value and profound influence of a Chief Curator,” noted Delores Barr Weaver.  “We are particularly grateful for Holly’s extended efforts as both Chief Curator and interim director for nearly two years, during a challenging period when the Gardens were ravaged by Hurricane Irma and the Women’s Club building had to be razed because of termites.”  She continued, “Our gift is meant to ensure that the Cummer’s Chief Curator continues to be a leading voice in our cultural community for generations to come.”

The Weavers’ decades of generosity to and leadership at the Cummer Museum began in 1997 and has included important initiatives such as Weaver First Saturday Free for All – free admission for all visitors the first Saturday of each month.  Their Weaver Family Foundation Fund at The Community Foundation for Northeast Florida also has provided long-term support for Art Connections, the Museum’s interactive learning center for children and adolescents, as well as Cummer in the Classroom, a comprehensive art education program for Title 1 elementary school children.

Because of their inspiring generosity to provide access and meaningful connections with art and nature, the Weavers encourage and advance Ninah Cummer’s vision for the Museum as a 'center of beauty and culture for all of Jacksonville.’

About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: For almost 60 years, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has been committed to engaging and inspiring through the arts, gardens, and education.  A permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects and historic gardens on a riverfront campus offers nearly 140,000 annual visitors a truly unique experience on the First Coast. Nationally recognized education programs serve adults and children of all abilities.  For further information, including hours, visit their website.

Classic drama ‘Romeo and Juliet’ shakes up at PBTS

“Romeo and Juliet” appears on the Main Stage for one weekend only at Players By The Sea.  The show will retain the classic plot that follows star-crossed forbidden lovers.  The all-female cast will be utilizing real swords and daggers in their stage choreography, created by “Violence and Intimacy Designer”, Dr. Kate Busselle.

Dr. Busselle is new to the theatre scene here in Jacksonville but brings with her an extensive educational and professional background.  She is quoted to say: “I am so excited to bring safe theatrical violence work to Players by the Sea.  This cast has been working tirelessly learning all of the moves I've thrown at them, and I am thrilled that the Jacksonville community gets to see these talented fighters in their element. Don't miss this show!”

Busselle is an Actor Combatant with the Society of American Fight Directors (SAFD) with certifications in unarmed combat, rapier & dagger, quarterstaff, single sword, broadsword, broadsword and shield, knife, and theatrical firearms safety.  She recently completed her Ph.D. in Theatre and Performance Studies at the University of Missouri.  Her dissertation, “Killing Women: Gender and Violence in Selected Works by Sheila Callaghan and Marisa Wegrzyn,” examined how performances of violence committed by the characters within these plays challenge our ideas of gender.

For Romeo and Juliet, Busselle is working both onstage and off to make the show a success.  Onstage, she is portraying Mercutio, Romeo's witty, hot-tempered friend.  Offstage, Kate is staging all of the acts of violence that occur within the show.  Her expertise allows for all of the acts of violence to be staged realistically and safely.

About the Show: The Montague's and Capulet's are at war with one another for reasons unknown.  Two forbidden lovers meet and the rest is history.  Together with swords fights, passionate feelings, and meaningful representations, this version of the Shakespeare classic is presented with a modern twist -- an all-female cast.  Join PBTS on a journey to fair Verona for the timeless tale we all know and love but with new, engaging surprises around every scene.

About Players by the Sea: For over fifty-three years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  Players mission is to enrich the community through excellence in theatre.  The nonprofit community theatre welcomes all creative artists to participate in making the magic of theatre come to life, whether on stage, through advocacy or assisting backstage.

“Romeo and Juliet”
DATES:     TIMES
Fri., Feb. 21, 2020  8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 22    8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 23    2 p.m.

TICKETS: are on sale now online or by calling the Box Office at 904.249.0289. General admission is $25.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

‘Bandstand’ is a must-see if you are in the area

Orchestra Pit for 'Bandstand'

The Tony Award^®-winning Broadway musical, “Bandstand”, is in Jacksonville, FL for only seven more performances at the Times Union Center Moran Theater.  If you know anything about life after the military, or the comradery of soldiers who share their talents, heartaches, promises, mental demons, injustice and dreams of a future life and how that life use to be; then you need to see this heartwarming musical.  The storyline is easy to follow and might transport you back to the Viet-Nam era, or any post-wartimes experiences that you might have endured.

The choreography is wonderful and the songs throughout the musical are very well done.  Kudos to the marvelous singing done by Jennifer Elizabeth Smith (what a powerful voice).  Accolades to the orchestra in the pit: (Miles Plant, Brian Victor, Michael Brinzer, Ross Kratter and Brian Ganch); and to the cast/band members on stage (Rob Clove, Benjamin Powell, Scott Bell, Louis Jannuzzi III, Zack Zaromatidis & Jonmichael Tarleton) who played along.  The show moves along smoothly and is well worth your investment of time and money.
“Bandstand”
DATES:   &   TIMES
Wed., Feb. 19    7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Feb. 20    7:30 p.m.
Fri., Feb. 21     8 p.m.
Sat., Feb. 22     2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., Feb. 23    1:30 & 7 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $49.50, plus applicable fees. Tickets can be purchased at our box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.

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

Egypt comes to Jacksonville, FL for one enchanting evening

The ancient Egyptians knew how to party by hosting great festivals, and their revelries celebrated all the joys of life.  Join the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens and be transported back to a time when pharaohs ruled during this dynamic feast in honor of Striking Power: Iconoclasm in Ancient Egypt.  Wander the marketplace to be dazzled by percussion, charmed by a snake, and have your fortune told.  Magic and mystery await your visit!

All guests will enjoy beverages, hors d’oeuvres, dinner, themed music, and artful experiences. VIP and Young Professional ticket options available.

Single Dinner:
VIP | $250 (includes a private tour from 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
General | Members $150, Non-Members $175
Young Professionals (40 and under) | Members $100, Non-Members $125

Art of Power and Art of Nature Bundle:
one ticket to each dinner party
VIP | $450 (includes a private tour from 5:30 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
General | Members $275, Non-Members $325
Young Professionals (40 and under) | Members $185, Non-Members $235

Register for your experience HERE!  It’s not too late to attend and I’ll see you there this Friday.

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

“Lauren Daigle World Tour” soon to be in JAX

Two-time GRAMMY Award winner Lauren Daigle, who has sold out every one of her shows to date, will open 2020 with her first headlining arena tour, the “Lauren Daigle World Tour.”  It follows nearly 70 sold out performances that have taken place since the release of her GRAMMY Award winning album, Look Up Child.

The forty-four-city “Lauren Daigle World Tour,” kicked off January 18 in Melbourne, Australia and will include a performance at New Zealand’s Festival One.  It will then launch in the US on February 20 in Pensacola, Florida and will include a stop at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena in Jacksonville, FL February 21st, and continue with stops in New York, Nashville, Houston, Boston, Dallas and north of the border in Toronto and Montreal.  The “Lauren Daigle World Tour” wraps with a special performance in Lauren’s hometown of Lafayette, LA at the CAJUNDOME.

“This year has been life changing,” said Daigle.  “There’s no better feeling than to be able to look out from the stage and see how people have connected with the songs on this album.  Our shows feel like one big party of togetherness, and I can’t wait to create a whole new tour for 2020.  It’s going to be so much fun!”

The “Lauren Daigle World Tour” features an all new stage production, design and set list that will be highlighted by Daigle’s raw vocal power and stage presence.  She’ll feature some of her hits, including her latest single “Rescue” and the double-Platinum selling #1 single “You Say,” as well as tracks from her previous platinum-selling album, How Can It Be. Folk/soul duo JOHNNYSWIM will join Daigle on select US dates.

To exclusively announce the upcoming dates, iHeartMedia’s LiteFM on-air personalities, Cubby and Christine, hosted an iHeartRadio Special Announcement with Daigle at iHeartMedia headquarters in New York.  The event included an intimate performance and Q&A which streamed live on iHeartRadio’s YouTube.  In addition, iHeartMedia broadcasted portions of the Q&A on LiteFM on September 17.

“Lauren Daigle World Tour”

DATE: Fri. Feb. 21, 2020
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: Prices Vary and are available at the Box Offices located at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena or online at www.laurendaigle.com/tour

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