Jon Pardi and Friends add another performance in JAX

Adams Entertainment, ASM-Global Jacksonville and Bold Events announced today that due to popular demand, a second date has been added to A Night at the Drive-In with Jon Pardi and Friends. In addition to the Saturday, October 10 concert already on-sale, fans now have a second chance to experience Jacksonville’s live Lot J drive-in concert on Friday, October 9. The newly added concert is on sale HERE. Tickets for both shows are available to purchase per car, with a maximum capacity limited to the number of seatbelts per vehicle.

Guests will be allowed to bring chairs, food and drinks to party in their private tailgating zones next to their cars. Parking will be first, come first served within each price level and patrons will be shown to their designated tailgate area where they can park and enjoy the show. Face masks/coverings will be required by all patrons when they are not in their car or designated tailgate area, located adjacent to their driver’s side door. Physical distancing measures will be enforced. For more information, please visit Daily’s Place or Jaxevents.com.

Adams Entertainment, ASM-Global Jacksonville and Bold Events announced that Award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi will headline the first-ever live drive-in concert experience in Jacksonville, with special guests, Jillian Jacqueline and Jordan Fletcher.  The drive-in concert will take place in Lot J, adjacent to TIAA Bank Field and Daily’s Place on Saturday, October 10 at 7:30 p.m.

A multi-faceted entertainer, award-winning artist/songwriter/producer Jon Pardi’s latest album, Heartache Medication, was nominated for ACM Album of the Year and CMA Album of the Year (2020) and produced his #1 single, “Heartache Medication” as well as his current critically acclaimed hit, “Ain’t Always The Cowboy.” Heartache Medication followed Pardi’s Platinum-certified album California Sunrise (Capitol Records Nashville), which dominated the top of the country music charts with consecutive #1 hits including 2x Platinum-selling songs “Dirt On My Boots” and “Head Over Boots,” as well as the platinum-certified hit “Heartache On The Dance Floor.” Called a “hero in the making” (Variety) that “proves Country is still thrillingly alive,” (Rolling Stone) Pardi recently released Rancho Fiesta Sessions-a tribute to legendary artists that inspire him-and will be releasing Heartache Medication, the Deluxe Edition, on October 2nd, timed to his 1-year anniversary headlining shows at Nashville’s famed Ryman Auditorium.

New CEO of Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens announced

After an extensive national search, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens (Cummer Museum) is pleased to announce the selection of Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, Ph.D., as the institution’s next George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).  Brownlee has served as the director of the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art in Atlanta, Georgia, for nearly 20 years. She will begin her new role in December 2020.

“Since our search process began, the Board sought candidates who shared our vision for the future of the Cummer Museum. Dr. Brownlee is widely known for her impactful leadership and significant exhibition agendas. We are eager to work with her to ensure the Cummer Museum continues to serve our community and beyond to the very best of its ability. We extend our warmest welcome to Dr. Brownlee, an esteemed museum leader who represents all that the Cummer Museum has become — and what we are actively becoming through the broadening of our collection, programs and initiatives,” said Pam D. Paul, Chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees. “Her commitment to strengthening engagement with our current stakeholders and future partners, as well as her thoughtful approach to enhancing the Museum experience for all in our community, stood strong as we focused on the strategic goals set forth by our Board of Trustees.”

Brownlee earned her Ph.D. in Art History from Duke University in 2001. As an undergraduate at Spelman College, she earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Art History. She is an alumna of the Getty Leadership Institute.

“I am honored to lead the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens — a forward-thinking institution that is prepared to meet the opportunities and challenges of this unprecedented time,” said Brownlee. “I anticipate working in collaboration with a variety of partners and stakeholders — both existing and new — to expand its footprint as the jewel of Jacksonville and an exceptional cultural resource for the region, the nation and the world.”

Brownlee, an award-winning art historian, curator, educator and writer, is recognized for her wise leadership, ambitious vision and influential publications. She was an instrumental member of the leadership team that piloted the Curatorial Studies Program at Spelman College, which was funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation. In 2019, she expanded her efforts to educate the next generation of museum professionals by assuming a dual role as the Senior Strategist for the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective. Prior to her arrival at Spelman College, she was a MacArthur Curatorial Fellow at The Art Institute of Chicago’s Department of Modern and Contemporary Art (1998-2000). She is also a recipient of the Future Women Leadership Award from Art Table (2005), the President’s Award from the Women’s Caucus for Art (2005), the inaugural Nexus Award from the Atlanta Contemporary Art Center (2010) and the David C. Driskell Prize in African American Art and Art History (2013).

In addition to her work with Spelman College and the Atlanta University Center Art History + Curatorial Studies Collective, Brownlee is a member of the Association of Art Museum Directors — a role that has shaped her international perspective on issues-driven museum leadership. She has served on numerous boards throughout her career, including the Hambidge Center for the Creative Arts and Sciences and the Metropolitan Atlanta Arts Fund. In 2008, she served as the Vice Chair of the City of Atlanta Arts Funding Task Force.

Susan Towler, Vice Chair of the Museum’s Board of Trustees, led a search committee that comprised eight Museum trustees. “Our search committee had the opportunity to meet several excellent candidates, and it was clear that Dr. Brownlee was the most qualified with the right experience, passion and enthusiasm to accelerate the Museum’s position as a world-class destination,” said Towler. “Her strategic vision for the Museum aligned with ours, and we are confident that her arrival will mark a period of dynamic growth.”

Kerrie Slattery, who has served as interim director during the search process, will resume her position as Chief Advancement Officer when Brownlee arrives to assume her position full time. “Kerrie has skillfully led the Museum during one of the most challenging periods in modern history. Her dedication and stability were critical to our navigation of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as helping guide us through the social unrest facing our nation and community. We are thankful for her steady hand leading the Cummer Museum throughout this time,” said Paul.

The George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director and Chief Executive Officer position is endowed through a gift made in 2017 of $4 million from The Disosway Foundation of New York. The foundation was established by Dudley D. Johnson, a former Museum trustee whose grandfather, George W. Gibbs, influenced the development of Jacksonville during the first half of the 20^th century. Gibbs was an inventor and shipbuilder who founded the Gibbs Gas Engine Company, which became the Gibbs Corporation. Gibbs is noted for championing the building of the Main Street Bridge, connecting Downtown to the Southbank of the St. Johns River. Proceeds from the endowment fund the Director and CEO position in perpetuity, and additional funds the endowment raises in its future growth are earmarked for Museum operations and programs.

About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens:  For more than 50 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 150,000 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 www.cummermuseum.org.

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

Part II - Health care during a COVID-19 pandemic

Have I got a praise report for y’all.  If you don’t know what I’ve been experiencing, please read my first Blog on my health.  On Oct. 5, 2020 I went to the Nephrology (kidney) Doctor.  When the doctor entered the room, she asked me how I felt.  Well, I told her that I originally went to the doctor’s office with symptoms of a UTI, and now other things are exposing themselves; no offense to her, but I didn’t want to come to her office.  I appreciate her profession, yet I needed one less specialist.

Well, she had my bloodwork in her hand and God had gotten my lab results down to normal.  I’ll just be checking back in 6 months before being completely dismissed. I gave God the glory right there in the office.  He is so faithful!  May I say that I was apprehensive about having a Physician Assistant tend to my needs due to the fact that it was a PA who prescribed the antibiotic that weakened my kidneys in the first place, but you shouldn’t assume that all PA’s are negligent.

Before getting that great news, I did go to do some errands and walked more than I have in weeks.  Still feeling a little weak, nonetheless, I’m not dizzy any more.  When you’ve changed your eating habits and diet, it’s difficult (but not impossible) to redirect your body to gain weight.  Since my hospitalization on September 10th, I’ve managed to gain 5 pounds.  Also, the Hepatitis C is still cured and not a threat.

On Tuesday (10/6/2020) Van & I went to the outpatient part of a local hospital to get a Bone Marrow Biopsy.  The test wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated it to be and I only needed a couple of Tylenols (can’t take anything with aspirin) for leg pain from my hip area after the anesthesia wore off.  The specialist wanted to see why my blood has some clots and why some other blood levels are off.  I’ll continue on the blood thinners, that the Oncologist prescribed, for another 2 months.  And guess what, the Bone Marrow Biopsy was done by a Physician Assistant.  I was praying hard and heavy before I had that mild sedative.  I was awake for most of the test - I think (lol).  It only took about 10 minutes to extract the marrow.

I am believing God that all things will be in order, in Jesus name.  My hopes are that my blog posts will be a blessing to someone who may be tested in their faith, may be fearful, or may disbelieve what God can and/or will do for them.  I continue to keep my faith strong as I follow directions from Holy Spirit.  Let me also thank everyone for their prayers.

OBTW, I am still very conscious of the Coronavirus, and so are the establishments where I’ve been visiting.  All places require masks, maintain social distancing (especially in chair seating) and constant hand sanitizing.  I will also get back to the gym in the near future, but I’m not rushing.

Please continue to pray for the persons affected by: Hurricane Delta, the California fires, racial injustices, those who have succumbed to COVID-19 and their families, & the upcoming election.  People must continue to be wise as they maintain their health.  Keep your mental health intact.  Stay positive as you surround yourself with positive people.  Stay active and accomplish some tasks each day.  Remember, You Are Your Future!