Saturday, May 8, 2021

Acoustic performer “Deana Carter” comes to JAX

Singer, songwriter and producer Deana Carter will give a live acoustic performance at Terry Theater at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts. The 90s country music artist will be featured in an intimate acoustic setting where her powerful voice and guitar are the subject of the spotlight. This will be an up-close and personal event punctuated by personal stories and anecdotes about her life and musical influences, while performing some of her biggest hits, including: “Strawberry Wine,” “We Danced Anyway,” and “Did I Shave My Legs for This?”.

Her superstar success continues to be evident as the chart topper “You & Tequila,” co- written with Matraca Berg and recorded by Kenny Chesney, was nominated as CMA’s “Song of the Year”, as well as two Grammy nods, notably the coveted “Song of the Year” and also received a nomination as ACM’s “Song of the Year”.

Sparta, Ga. native Faren Rachels will be the opening support act. In November of 2017 Rachels released the self-titled EP, “Faren Rachels” & joined Luke Combs on his fall tour. During this time, Rolling Stone named her one of 2018’s new country “artists to watch”.

About Deana Carter: Drenched in sun-kissed natural beauty both inside and out, Deana Carter didn’t take a seemingly easy route to stardom, but instead chose to defy the conventional expectations of the typical Nashville artist blueprint and make her own mark. And she did, undeniably taking the industry and fans by storm with her wildly successful multi- platinum international debut “Did I Shave My Legs For This?” more than a decade ago. Anchored by the dreamy super hit “Strawberry Wine,” Carter showcased her own blend of country and retro-rock sprinkled with the folksy singer/songwriter qualities that have garnered Deana Carter well-deserved respect and wild acclaim.

Deanna Carter
DATE: Sat., May 15, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: Reserved seat tickets to this show are $42.50 and can be purchased online 24/7 HERE Tickets are on sale now and available at Ticketmaster.com. This will be a safe, socially distanced event with very limited capacity brought to you by Georgia-based concert promotion company Six String Southern Productions.

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

Music of Steely Dan coming to the Florida Theatre

The songs of STEELY DAN formed the soundtrack to many of our lives. Donald Fagen & Walter Becker found a clever and unique way to bridge Jazz, Rock and R&B sensibilities to form a whole new kind of pop music.

DO IT AGAIN is a celebration of this timeless music. They'll perform Steely Dan hits like "Reelin' In the Years," "FM (No Static At All)," "Hey Nineteen," "Dr. Wu," "Green Earrings," "Peg," "Do It Again" and more.

Audiences can expect an authentically produced concert experience featuring top hits & album cuts from their extensive music catalog. The DO IT AGAIN ensemble collectively have decades of international recording & touring experience, working alongside some of the music industry’s top Grammy-winning/nominated songwriters, artists & producers.

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 floridatheatre.com
.

  “DO IT AGAIN
The Music of Steely Dan”

DATE: Sat., May 15, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS:
$35 $47.50

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

NPR and WJCT Public Media Celebrate 50th Anniversary


The first broadcast of NPR's All Things Considered took place on May 3, 1971. That day more than 20,000 people gathered in Washington, D.C., to protest against the Vietnam War. NPR journalists covered the day's events, producing a 24-minute sound portrait of what was happening which was inducted in 2017 into the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress for its place in U.S. audio heritage.

In 1971, NPR debuted with nearly 90 founding Member stations, 55 employees, and fewer than 2 million listeners. (WJCT-FM signed on a year later, in 1972) Now, more than 60 million people access NPR content for free on multiple platforms each week. Through its network of Member stations, NPR provides an essential service to local communities and those seeking vital information during emergencies.

To celebrate this milestone with their listeners, NPR and WJCT Public Media will feature a series of special programming and celebrations on WJCT News 89.9.

NPR50 PROGRAMMING:

Fifty and Forward:
A one-hour broadcast special that stations can air between April 30 - December 31.

NPR grew up alongside a post-Watergate journalism ethos that shaped the media industry for decades. Hosted by Audie Cornish and featuring other NPR journalists, we'll unpack that ethos: how it developed in the newsroom and changed over time, through today. Analytical, critical and forward thinking, this program tells the story of NPR's history in the context of the growth of modern media.

We Hold These Truths: At a moment when American society feels particularly divided, and the political system particularly fragile, we propose an examination of American democracy and how people participate in it. Through a special series of host pieces, character profiles and conversations, we will explore how one learns about democracy, how one gains a stake in a democratic system, and how democracy falls short.

Many NPR podcasts and shows will mark the NPR50 in an authentic, unique way throughout the year. Starting this week you can expect:

●     1A will spend an hour examining the past 50 years of NPR, featuring thought-provoking interviews with some of the industry’s founding leaders. It will then spend a second hour looking at the future of NPR, speaking to fresh voices both in and outside of the industry. They’ll also make space for 1A’s most dedicated listeners – and ask what they want to hear from public radio in the years ahead. Both hours will honor the organization while acknowledging NPR’s historical weak spots, and exploring how they’re being addressed now – and how they may change in the decades ahead.”

●     To commemorate NPR50, World Cafe takes a trip into the musical time machine back to the year 1971. Considered by music fans and critics to be one of the greatest years in music, 1971 saw the release of significant albums by Marvin Gaye, Carole King, Joni Mitchell, Led Zeppelin, Sly & The Family Stone, and others. Host Raina Douris turns back the hands of time for this two-hour musical journey to 1971. A companion playlist of the Best Songs from 1971, curated by stations, will be available on NPR Music.

Follow along and share your NPR anniversary wishes and stories using the hashtag #NPR50. For a full list of WJCT News 89.9 programming, visit news.wjct.org/schedule.

About WJCT: WJCT is the community-owned and operated public media organization serving Jacksonville and the First Coast since 1958, using television, radio, digital media, and live events to help community members learn, share, and grow. For more information on WJCT’s in-depth programming content, log on to WJCT Online at wjct.org. Like WJCT on Facebook (facebook.com/wjctjax) and follow WJCT on Twitter (@WJCTJax) and Instagram (@WJCTJax).

About NPR: NPR, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, is widely known for its rigorous reporting and unsurpassed storytelling that connects with millions of Americans every day — on the air, online, and in-person. NPR strives to create a more informed public — one challenged and invigorated by a deeper understanding and appreciation of events, ideas, and cultures. With a nationwide network of award-winning journalists and 17 international bureaus, NPR and its Member Stations are never far from where a story is unfolding. Listeners can find NPR by tuning in to their local Member stations (npr.org/stations), and now on smart speaker devices -- where listeners can simply say, “Play NPR” to tune into their local Member station’s live stream. Users can also access NPR podcasts, NPR One, NPR News Now, and the Visual Newscast on screened speakers. For more information visit npr.org/about and follow NPR Extra on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Broadway comes back to the JAX Times Union Center


The FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Vystar Credit Union, is proud to announce the 55TH Anniversary Season for Broadway in Jacksonville filled with award-winning blockbusters and family favorites including: Fiddler On The Roof, Come From Away, Dear Evan Hansen, CATS and Anastasia. The eagerly anticipated premiere of HAMILTON is a season special. All performances will be at the Times-Union Center.

“We’re greatly optimistic about the return of Broadway to Jacksonville.” said Milt Russos, Executive Director of the FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville. “We are thankful to our patrons for their patience, flexibility and love of Broadway which has been an incredible support and inspiration during this extended intermission.  We look forward to welcoming theatergoers back to the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts in 2021 for what is expected to be an unforgettable season and the long-awaited return of Broadway.”

Season Special:
HAMILTON September 29 –Oct. 17, 2021. It is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre—a musical that has had a profound impact on culture, politics, and education. With book, music, and lyrics by Lin-Manuel Miranda, direction by Thomas Kail, choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler, and musical supervision and orchestrations by Alex Lacamoire, HAMILTON is based on Ron Chernow’s acclaimed biography. It has won Tony ®, Grammy ®, and Olivier Awards, the Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and an unprecedented special citation from the Kennedy Center Honors.

Five-Show Broadway Subscription:
Fiddler On The Roof November 2 –7, 2021
Come From Away December 7–12, 2021
Dear Evan Hansen January 25 -30, 2022
CATS February 22 -27, 2022
Anastasia March 29 –April 3, 2022

Fiddler On The Roof – November 2 – 7, 2021. Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher and the team behind South Pacific, The King and I and 2017 Tony-winning Best Play Oslo, bring a fresh and authentic vision to this beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick. The original production won ten Tony Awards, including a special Tony for becoming the longest-running Broadway musical of all time. Be there when the sun rises on this new production, with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, based on the original staging by Jerome Robbins. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family.

Come From Away December 7– 12, 2021, a Best Musical winner all across North America! COME FROM AWAY takes you into the heart of the remarkable true story of 7,000 stranded passengers and the small town in Newfoundland that welcomed them. Cultures clashed and nerves ran high, but uneasiness turned into trust, music soared into the night, and gratitude grew into enduring friendships. Don’t miss this breathtaking new musical written by Tony® nominees Irene Sankoff and David Hein, and helmed by Tony-winning Best Director, Christopher Ashley. Newsweek cheers, “It takes you to a place you never want to leave!”

Dear Evan Hansen January 25 - 30, 2022, the winner of six 2017 Tony® Awards including Best Musical and the 2018 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album. A letter that was never meant to be seen, a lie that was never meant to be told, a life he never dreamed he could have. Evan Hansen is about to get the one thing he’s always wanted: a chance to finally fit in. DEAR EVAN HANSEN is the deeply personal and profoundly contemporary musical about life and the way we live it. DEAR EVAN HANSEN features a book by Tony Award winner Steven Levenson, a score by Grammy®, Tony® and Academy Award® winners Benj Pasek and Justin Paul (La La Land, The Greatest Showman), and direction by four-time Tony Award nominee Michael Greif (Rent, Next to Normal).

CATS February 22-27, 2022, the record-breaking musical spectacular by Andrew Lloyd Webber that has captivated audiences in over 30 countries and 15 languages, is now on tour across North America! Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music, including one of the most treasured songs in musical theater—"Memory”. Winner of 7 Tony Awards® including BEST MUSICAL, CATS tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn.

Anastasia March 29 – April 3, 2022, transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. ANASTASIA features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally, a lush new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics) with direction by Tony Award® winner Darko Tresnjak.

TICKETS: To order subscriptions by phone with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover, call the FSCJ Artist Series Box Office at: (904) 632-5000 (toll-free outside of Jacksonville (888) 860-2929). Subscriptions are also available to purchase online by visiting the FSCJ Artist Series website. Group discounts for 10+ are also available. Please contact (904) 632-5050 or email for more information.

Season tickets to the FSCJ Artist Series’ 55TH Anniversary Broadway in Jacksonville Season, sponsored by Vystar Credit Union, are on sale now, with five-show subscription package prices starting at just $220. Season ticket prices vary depending on the show time, day of the week and seating location.

Subscribers can order their season tickets to reserve their seats for all five shows before single tickets are available to the public. Subscriptions may be ordered online at fscjartistseries.org, or over the phone by calling (904) 632-5000 or (888) 860-BWAY, Monday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. and Friday, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Subscriber benefits include: guaranteed package pricing, access to the best seats in the house, priority access to purchase additional tickets for friends and family, seat locations, exchange privileges, free lost ticket replacement, and access to other FSCJ Artist Series events, many at a discount. Subscriber ticket exchanges and ticket replacement may be restricted. Subscribers are limited to purchasing four additional subscription seats, subject to availability. Subscribers will be allowed to purchase up to eight (8) tickets for HAMILTON (if available).

VIP Seating is available to contributors to the FSCJ Artist Series at seven levels: Advocate, Champion, Angel, Producer, Benefactor, Patron and Donor. Donor contributions start for as little as $200. Call (904) 632-5000 or visit fscjartistseries.org to learn more about the additional benefits available through the VIP Theater Club.

DATES & TIMES: Performances for the FSCJ Artist Series’ 55th Anniversary Broadway in Jacksonville Season are Tuesdays through Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday evenings at 8 p.m., Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. with the exception of Hamilton.

The health and well-being of the audience and staff is the theatre’s top priority. The FSCJ Artist Series, alongside their colleagues at the Times-Union Center, have a list of Safety and Security Protocols. Details at may be found HERE.