‘Reza’ performs in JAX amid 2021 pandemic

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, people came out to the Times Union Center in Jacksonville, Florida to safely experience: “Reza - Edge of Illusion”. Reza is recognized as one of today’s most highly sought-after entertainers in the touring illusion industry. The children and adults in the audience were mesmerized by his quick wit, interactivity with the audience, and his ability to make a helicopter appear on stage. This reporter can attest that he made the impossible (Ms. “V” knows the logistics behind the stage and was very impressed) appear right before your eyes. You may want to check to see if REZA is coming to a venue near you.

Now for the update of the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts - they have taken every precaution to maintain your safety as their valued guest:

Upon coming into the building, you will be checked as at any airport except you don’t need to remove your shoes. Your face will be scanned, temperature taken, and your ticket will be scanned by a gracious host/hostess before you are escorted to your seat. There are two empty seats separating your party and also staggered spacing between rows. You can purchase beverages in the lower lobby, yet you need to drink them before you go back into the theatre stage area. Masks are worn during your entire visit with NO exceptions. Social distancing is followed by everyone. This reporter did NOT have to wait in line to use the restroom and there is plenty hand soap and paper towels. There is NO hanging around in the lobby after the show and everyone leaves expeditiously out the front or back doors.

Take a look at the slide show and video and get your tickets for one or more amazing upcoming shows.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 632-5000

Comedian Brian Regan rescheduled for the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce the return of comedian Brian Regan on Friday, Jan. 23, 2021 at 8 p.m. {Tickets to the original show date (December 11, 2020) will be honored}. This will be a half-capacity event with public health measures in place.

Critics, fans and fellow comedians agree: Brian Regan is one of the most respected comedians in the country with Vanity Fair calling Brian, “The funniest stand-up alive,” and Entertainment Weekly calling him, “Your favorite comedian’s favorite comedian.”  Having built his 30-plus year career on the strength of his material alone, Brian’s non-stop theater tour continuously fills the most beautiful venues across North America, visiting close to 100 cities each year.

Brian stars in his own Netflix series, Stand Up And Away! With Brian Regan, which premiered on Christmas Eve 2018.  Brian and Jerry Seinfeld Executive Produce the four-episode original half-hour series that combines sketch comedy and stand-up.

Brian premiered his seventh hour of comedy, the Netflix special, Brian Regan: Nunchucks And Flamethrowers, on November 21, 2017, which is also available as a vinyl album.  This is the first special in a two-special deal with Netflix, joining Brian with Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jerry Seinfeld and others in multi-special deals with the leader in worldwide streaming.  Brian’s second Netflix special is planned for release in 2020.

Brian can be seen in the role of “Mugsy” in the Peter Farrelly TV series, Loudermilk, on The Audience Network. Farelly personally cast Regan in the series, which premiered on October 17, 2017 to rave reviews with Brian earning accolades for his portrayal of a recovering addict who is estranged from his family.

A regular on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Brian is the rare guest who the show invites on for two segments: a performance segment and a segment on the couch to chat with Jimmy.  Previously, Brian was a regular guest on The Late Show with David Letterman, making 28 appearances on the CBS show.

Brian made a scene-stealing cameo in Chris Rock’s film, Top Five, and he is a guest on two episodes of Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee, which is now streaming on Netflix.

The following protocols are currently in place for Florida Theatre performances (protocols will be continually updated for the safety of our audience):

Please wear your face mask inside the Theatre and while you’re seated. Please bring your own, but if you forget, face masks will available at the door.
If you’re consuming a beverage, sip your drink, and put your mask back on in between sips.
Temperatures will be scanned at the door. Anyone with a temperature of 100.4 F or higher will not be admitted. (Refunds will be available for those not admitted.
The Theatre will be sanitized before your arrival and during the performance.
Hand sanitizer stations are readily available. If you are in need of an attendant with cleaning supplies, please ask a staff member.
Please cooperate with all social distancing measures in place.
If you suspect you are ill or reside with someone who is ill with flu-like symptoms, please do not attend. You can exchange your tickets for a future show, or receive a full refund. See Refund Request information below.
Your e-tickets can be scanned from your phone. If you have printed tickets, please hold them for scanning. Staff will not be handling physical tickets.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website.

“Comedian Brian Regan”
DATE: Fri., Jan. 23, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $43.50 – $59.50

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
      128 East Forsyth Street.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355-2787

David Payne to star in C.S. Lewis play for 3 shows

Emery Entertainment, Inc. and the FSCJ Artist Series presents “An Evening With C.S. Lewis” at the Times-Union Center Saturday and Sunday January 30–31, 2021, starring acclaimed actor David Payne. The Times Union is taking measures for your safety during this pandemic.

The year is 1962 and C.S. Lewis, the famous British author, is hosting a group of American writers at his home near Oxford. They are about to experience a captivating evening with a man whose engaging conversation and spontaneous humor made him one of the great raconteurs of his day. Seated in his living room, he recalls the people and events that inspired his thoughts and shaped his life; of his friendship with J.R.R. Tolkien, why he nearly abandoned the Narnia Chronicles, how he came to embrace Christianity and of the American woman who turned his life upside down. David Payne’s AN EVENING WITH C.S. LEWIS has proved to be an enthralling theatrical experience, one which has led many thousands to discover, or rediscover, the continuing impact of a man who died over 50 years ago and whose collected works made him one of the literary giants of the 20th Century.

London born actor/playwright David Payne’s first encounter with C.S. Lewis was when, as a teenager, he was given a copy of Lewis’ bestselling book Screwtape Letters. Little did he realize that some 40 years later he would be gaining a reputation for his portrayals of its famous author. He has played Lewis in a number of productions of Shadowlands, in his self-penned Weep for Joy, in more than 500 presentations of An Evening with C.S. Lewis (My Life’s Journey) and St. Jack & The Dragon a touching yet sometimes hilarious account about the relationship between Lewis and his adopted mother, Janie Moore. Payne’s latest self-penned Lewis based show is Wardrobes & Rings, which focuses on the very last meeting between Lewis and his great friend, J.R.R. Tolkien. To learn more about David Payne, visit his website.

“An Evening With C.S. Lewis”
DATES: Sat. Jan. 30, 2021 TIMES: 4 & 8 p.m.
    Sun. Jan. 31       2 p.m.

TICKETS: can be purchased online 24/7 HERE

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

JAX MOSH announces new CEO, Bruce Fafard

Bruce Fafard joined MOSH as Chief Operating Officer in May 2020, and was appointed as interim CEO in August 2020. The Board of Trustees Executive Committee confirmed his appointment as permanent CEO on October 15, 2020, after observing the immediate and positive impacts of his leadership on the Museum’s operations.

He brings more than 30 years of executive leadership experience from numerous industries to the role, including aerospace, insurance, manufacturing and retail. Prior to joining MOSH, Fafard served as President & CEO of 121 Financial Credit Union, CEO of Scient Federal Credit Union and held a variety of positions at Connex Credit Union. He earned his Master of Business Administration from the University of New Haven and his Bachelor of Science in economics from Southern Connecticut State University. He also earned the Certified Innovation Executive designation from the Credit Union Executive Society.

“Bruce’s enthusiasm for our mission at MOSH is matched by his breadth of experience,” said Christian Harden, Chair of the MOSH Board of Trustees. “He joined our team at a challenging time for cultural attractions worldwide and has quickly proven himself to be the leader we need at an important moment in MOSH’s history.  The staff, the Board of Trustees and our MOSH Genesis cabinet know Bruce is the ideal partner to execute our vision.”

In addition to his position at MOSH, Fafard currently serves on several boards and committees including Leadership Jacksonville, Northeast Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) and the JAX Chamber.

About MOSH: The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Admission is $15 for adults; $12 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children two and under or Museum members. Learn more at themosh.org.

Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.

 The Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
 1025 Museum Circle
 Jacksonville, FL 32207
 (904) 396-MOSH (6674)

‘Players By the Sea’ starts 2021 with Virtual show

Players by the Sea community theatre is planning to return to the stage with a virtual production of the Tony Award winning musical, “Once on This Island”. Pulling from some of the most talented performers and artists in Jacksonville, Players by the Sea has been able to produce incredible productions for the past 55 years.

Players by the Sea was greatly affected in March when it was forced to halt all productions and close its doors, for the past 6 months. Players has been working hard to keep the theater alive during the pandemic while anxiously preparing for the safe return of an audience. This February be a part of our return to the stage and see why “WE TELL THE STORY”!

From the Tony Award-winning songwriting team of Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty (Seussical, Ragtime), comes the Olivier Award-winning “Once on This Island”. Based on the novel “My Love My Love” by Rosa guy, this highly original and theatrical Caribbean adaptation of the popular fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid”, garnered eight Tony nominations in 1991 for its original Broadway run, including Best Musical, Book and Score. In 2018, the Broadway revival production was nominated for eight Tony Awards and won the Tony for Best Revival of a Musical.

The creative team for this production features Kelsey Tippins, from the Broadway national tour, and Jereme Raickett, Artistic Director for Players by the Sea, as co-directors. Auditions are set to begin October 25th. For more info visit: Playersbythesea.org.

More about the Show: Winner of the 2018 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, “Once on This Island” is the sweeping, universal tale of Ti Moune, a fearless peasant girl in search of her place in the world, and ready to risk it all for love. Guided by the mighty island gods, Ti Moune sets out on a remarkable journey to reunite with the man who has captured her heart.

Dates/Times: Event is Virtually Streaming Sat., Feb. 13, 2021 at 8 p.m.

Ticket Information: *Streaming Ticket price: $35; *VIP streaming package: $45 includes a swag bag, and refreshments delivered to your door to enjoy while you watch the show, both tickets are available online.

The Times Union Theater is socially and safely reopening

FSCJ Artist Series and Times-Union Center Safety and Security Protocols are as follows: In consideration of the CDC’s state and local recommendations, the FSCJ Artist Series has continued to temporarily modify operations and our staff is working remotely.

Florida State College at Jacksonville offices are currently closed to the public, with includes the FSCJ Artist Series office and box office. The website will be continually updated; unless otherwise noted on the show page, shows on sale are currently scheduled as planned. A listing of upcoming shows can be found HERE. The health and well-being of the audience and staff is their top priority. The FSCJ Artist Series, alongside with their colleagues at the Times-Union Center, have put together the below list of Safety and Security Protocols for a safe return. 

Parking: Pre-purchase a parking pass at checkout for any of our shows for the Enterprise Parking garage on Pearl Street. Garage has a 4-person limit in elevators and stairwells are one-way. Masks are required while in the garage.

Building and Moran Theater and Terry Theater Protocols: Masks are required for all patrons ages two years and older to enter the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts and must be worn (covering both nose and mouth) at all times. Please bring your own mask. Patrons not in compliance will be asked to leave the building. For the health and safety of all patrons, we ask all individuals to wear a mask regardless of their vaccination record. The use of a face shield will only be permitted in combination with the wearing of a face mask. Lines to enter the building will be physically distanced as marked on the pavement. Each show page has the details of the socially distance policy. All parties will be separated by two or more seats, with the total capacity at 50% for the Moran theater.

We recommend no handbags, or if necessary, bring a small one to expedite your entry. All patrons will be subject to a bag search, walk through a metal detector and will have a touchless temperature check done. A suggested arrival time will be provided closer to your performance. Watch your email for updates.

Masks must be worn at all times (covering both nose and mouth) in the Moran Theater and Terry Theater. Theatergoers will be assigned a specific door through which to enter the Moran Theater or Terry Theater. Your closest entry point to your seat location will be determined by the Ushers. This will reduce lines at the doors and in the aisles. Information regarding seating arrangements can be found on individual show pages, click here for the current listing of shows.

Lobby Protocols: Masks must be worn at all times (covering both nose and mouth) while in the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. Hand sanitizer stations will be located throughout the lobby area. No more than four people will be allowed into the elevator at one time. In the case of a wheelchair, only two people will be permitted in the elevator.

Concessions and bars Protocols: Concessions and bars will be located near or in the Uible Gallery (located on the riverside) Drinks and food will only be allowed in the Uible Gallery where you may temporarily remove your mask. Masks must be worn outside the Uible Gallery.

Savor will be cashless: Credit cards only. For the touchless experience, Savor bartenders will enter total and turn the machine around for the guest to put their card in and they will select a tip amount, no signing required or entering pin.  The Savor bartender will sanitize the machines and the countertop after every guest with a wipe. Everything is pre-packaged and pre-wrapped with a choice of new food items for safer service. Plexiglass and stickers are on the ground to show guests where to stand while in line. Hand sanitizer available at every Savor location.

Cleaning Protocols: All high-touch areas such as banisters, elevator buttons, seating, etc. in the theaters and lobby areas will be thoroughly cleaned before and after each show. There are over 50 high-grade air filters throughout the building that will be checked and changed regularly. They have been upgraded to CDC’s recommended MERV-13. Additional cleaning staff will be at every event. Electrostatic cleaning will be done between building events.

Staff: All staff will have their temperature taken before entering the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. All staff members are required to wear masks.

If you are experiencing symptoms or have tested positive for COVID-19, please notify the FSCJ Artist Series box office by emailing at least 5 hours prior to the performance start time for ticketing options. Please note that this will invalidate your tickets to that performance.

Clara White Mission and White Harvest Farms 2021

It's 2021 and White Harvest Farms has big plans! Clara White Mission & the Farms look forward to celebrating the completion of their culinary arts and agricultural training center for their North Jax community. They're offering free Organic Gardening, Herbal Tea and Edible Weeds, and Composting workshops rotating every Saturday, as well as new volunteer opportunities at their Mission Garden, located next to the Clara White Mission building on Ashley St. in downtown Jacksonville. White Harvest Farms still has their farm volunteer opportunities available from 8 a.m. – 12 p.m.

White Harvest Farms is planning, seeding, and plotting for spring and summer crops while they enjoy the remaining winter harvest! Winter is time for broccoli, spinach, lettuce, arugula, carrots, kale and collards on their Florida farm and they always look forward to making their crops a mouth full! Com enjoy them together as they wrap up the winter months at the first market opening of the year in February.

White Harvest Farms continue to engage and organize community support for the farm at their community council meeting, which is held monthly on a Thurs. evening. This month they will hold their meeting on January 28th at 6 p.m. Their meetings are organized around established committees to achieve objectives within each focus areas:
Land ancestry: a commemorative committee to honor Indigenous and African narratives, traditions, and existence in the Moncrief community of Jacksonville's Northside.
Creek maintenance and stewarding: an environmental committee ensuring the safety and preservation of Moncrief Creek and the St. Johns River.
Tool and farm maintenance: a mechanic and community maintenance committee with focus on tractor maintenance, construction, and tool upkeep.
Program fundraising and grants: a grant research and writing committee focused on gathering smaller local grants to achieve community objectives and programs.
Community engagement: an outreach and event planning committee to garner community involvement and enrichment. Put them on your calendar and join a committee to get involved!

Clara White Mission and White Harvest Farms are excited to have their Organic Gardening, Herbal Tea & Edible Weeds, and Composting workshops rotating every Saturday. If you have any questions, please contact the Clara White Mission.

White Harvest Farms & Farmer’s Market
      Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
Dates: Closed the month of Jan. Open Sat., Feb. 6, 13, 20 & 27
Times:  10 – 2 p.m.
Location: 5348 Moncrief Road
     Jacksonville, Florida 32209
     Office: (904) 354-4162