Country music artist ‘Parker McCollum’ in JAX

Country singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and dedicated road warrior, “Parker McCollum” is coming to The Florida Theatre on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Parker began building a following in his native Texas with 2015's The Limestone Kid. The album track "Meet You in The Middle" became a hit on Texas' regional radio chart — no small feat for an independent, 22-year-old musician — but it was the album's widely-acclaimed follow-up, Probably Wrong, that helped Parker find national success. Compared to John Mayer and Jason Isbell by Rolling Stone, Parker supported the album with a string of sold-out shows, bringing record-breaking crowds to venues like San Angelo's RiverStage and two sold-out Billy Bob’s along the way.

Born in Conroe, TX, the 29-year-old entrepreneurially spirited artist bridges the gap between Texas' homegrown music scene and Nashville's country-industry headquarters. His songwriting, which has been hailed by The Austin Chronicle for "carrying on the traditions of Texas music without pretension or referring to pickup trucks," earned him a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Nashville in May 2018 and a recording deal with Universal Music Group Nashville in June 2019.

McCollum released his major label debut album Gold Chain Cowboy July 30th on MCA Nashville. Straddling Texas and Nashville, Parker is “a no-holds-barred, confessional singer-songwriter who excels at relatable tales,” according to Rolling Stone. “McCollum’s ability writing and releasing unique story songs leaves a lasting mark on the listener,” says Billboard while American Songwriter declares, “the Texas native teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom.”

Parker wrote all 10 songs that make up Gold Chain Cowboy including his Platinum-selling No. 1 hit “Pretty Heart” and his latest song on country radio “To Be Loved By You.” In addition to writing album track “Rest of My Life” solo, Parker shares songwriting credits with Jon Randall, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers, Randy Montana, Rhett Akins, Miranda Lambert, and Songwriters Hall of Famer Tony Lane.

Gold Chain Cowboy, produced by Jon Randall, expands on Parker’s outcast drifter ethos set forth on his widely praised Hollywood Gold EP released last fall which became the top-selling debut country EP of 2020. Parker has been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Billboard, HITS Magazine, Rolling Stone, CMT, Opry NextStage, SiriusXM, RIAA and more.

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.

“Parker McCollum”

DATE: Thurs., Jan. 13, 2022
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: Start at $24.50

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

Singer ‘Easton Corbin’ coming to the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre welcomes chart-topping country music singer Easton Corbin on Thursday, February 11, 2021 at 8 p.m. “Turn up a little Conway Twitty,” Easton Corbin croons in his distinctive Southern drawl on latest single “Turn Up.” Within the track, Corbin blends traditional instrumentation with modern day production alongside vivid country storytelling for a sound that is uniquely his.

Corbin exudes country. His distinctive baritone has been gracing airwaves for the past decade as his chart-topping debut single “A Little More Country Than That” established Corbin as a mainstay on the country charts. Billboard’s 2010 Top New Country Artist would go on to garner another No. 1 hit with the feel-good “Roll With It,” and several other chart topping singles like “A Girl Like You,” “Baby Be My Love Song,” “Lovin’ You Is Fun,” “All Over The Road,” “I Can’t Love You Back” and more.

Florida-native Corbin continues to distinguish himself from other male vocalists as a tried-and-true country traditionalist who weaves timeless story songs together while tipping his hat to the classic country artists who have come before him. “That’s what I love and that’s what I do,” he says of his passion for traditional country music. “For me, it's about keeping one foot in the traditional and one foot in the modern and marrying those two. I’m a country singer: That's one of the things that I take pride in. I try to hone that craft and try to represent that.”

While 2020 marks the 10^th anniversary of “A Little More Country Than That” achieving No. 1 status, Corbin shows no sign of slowing down with the release of his infectious new single “Turn Up” and more new music on the way. He promises a “wide array” of songs that include fiddle and pedal steel. As he embarks on a new chapter as an independent artist, Corbin says “A Little More Country Than That” still reflects who he is as an artist and where he sees his career going.

“That's really how I grew up,” he says of his career-defining song. “‘A Little More Country Than That’ radiates with me and my band as well because that really is who I am. That's where I came from, that's what I am. It’s just as important now as it was then, because that's the one that started it all for me. That’s definitely a staple of an Easton Corbin show. I think it also defines my audience and who they are.”

This will be a socially-distanced event with health and safety protocols in place. Patrons can visit floridatheatre.com/home/breaking-news for the most up to date information on The Florida Theatre’s safety protocols and general updates. Additionally, ticket purchasers will be notified by email of specific safety requirements prior to the event.

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.

“Easton Corbin”
DATE: Thurs., Feb. 11, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $49.50 – $59.50

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

Country superstar ‘Alan Jackson’ in JAX for one night

Country Music Hall of Famer Alan Jackson will bring a night of hits to northeast Florida with a concert featuring William Michael Morgan.  Jackson’s Jacksonville concert will continue his tradition of “keepin’-it-country” for people far and wide as he brings nearly 30 years of hits to northeast Florida.

Alan Jackson has been celebrating and telling real-life stories in his music since arriving on the scene in 1989.  His concerts are filled with three decades of hits that have gained him legions of longtime fans – songs that draw added crowds as a younger generation discovers his music.  Jackson’s repertoire stands the test of time; it has impacted a field of artists who cite him an influence…and his music has earned him a place alongside music’s greatest names, cementing his place in its history with membership in the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.  Fans will hear the songs they love from the man who wrote and made them famous – his debut hit “Here in The Real World” signature songs “Chattahoochee,” “Drive” and “Gone Country” party anthems “It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” and “Good Time” and many more.

Newcomer William Michael Morgan will be Jackson’s special guest.  The chart-topping hit “I Met a Girl” put the Mississippi native on the map, and his talent, music and voice are keeping him there.  A timeless sound and honest lyrics landed him a major label record deal at 19, gave him that #1 gold smash, and earned him a Top 5 debut album.  A few years older – and hundreds of shows wiser – William Michael’s music embodies the man he’s become: a hard worker and big dreamer, single dad and hopeless romantic, pure country stalwart unafraid to embrace the here and now.

ABOUT ALAN JACKSON:
A member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and recently inducted to the Songwriters Hall of Fame, Alan Jackson’s membership among music’s all-time greats is part of a long line of career-defining accolades that include three CMA Entertainer of the Year honors, more than 25 years of membership in the Grand Ole Opry, a 2016 Billboard ranking as one of the Top 10 Country Artists of All-Time, induction to the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and the Heritage Award as the most-performed country songwriter-artist of ASCAP’s first 100 years.

The man from rural Newnan, GA has sold nearly 60-million albums worldwide, ranks as one of the 10 best-selling male vocalists of all-time in all genres.  He has released more than 60 singles – registering 50 Top Ten hits and 35 #1s (including 26 Billboard chart-toppers).  He has earned more than 150 music industry awards – including 19 Academy of Country Music Awards, 16 Country Music Association Awards, a pair of Grammys and ASCAP’s Founders and Golden Note Awards.

Jackson is one of the most successful and respected singer-songwriters in music.  He is in the elite company of Paul McCartney and John Lennon among songwriters who’ve written more than 20 songs that they’ve recorded and taken to the top of the charts.  Jackson is one of the best-selling artists since the inception of SoundScan, ranking alongside the likes of Eminem and Metallica.  He’s also the man behind one of Nashville’s most-popular new tourist stops, AJ’s Good Time Bar, a four-story honky-tonk in the heart of downtown featuring daily live music and a rooftop view of Music City.

Alan Jackson 2019 tour
& William Michael Morgan

DATE: Saturday, September 21, 2019
TIME: 7:30 P.M.

TICKETS and information are available at available at all Ticketmaster outlets, by phone at 1-800-745-3000, the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Office at the VyStar Veterans Arena, or by visiting alanjackson.com/tour, where you can find information about Alan, his tour schedule, music and more.

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

Gail Bliss releases new CD and new project in the works

She’s been in JAX town since January 27th, playing to a sell-out crowd at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining, and Gail Bliss recently took a little time out with her band (The Boys) to entertain at the Mudville Music Room on Beach Blvd.  Bliss also is proud to introduce her latest CD entitled “Play It By Heart - Songs From the Musical.”  Every show has been a “sell-out” performance and you can testify to that fact when you get a chance to listen to Ms Bliss.

This new CD (Play It By Heart - Songs From the Musical) is actually the soundtrack for a musical that Gail has been working on for years.  Bliss started the project some years ago. Gail Bliss is the lead producer on this musical project which was co-written by David Spangler of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Jerry Taylor of Nashville; also under the direction of Tony Migliore, of Nashville, Tennessee.

A brief synopsis of the show "Play It By Heart": Jeannine Jasper's career as a superstar country singer is on the decline.  She's been on the road for years and is ready for major changes in her life.  The dysfunctional Jasper Family - three strong women and their men - struggle to survive and find love as the music industry dramatically changes.  Emotions run high as years of deception and betrayal unravel in the songs they write and the lies they hide.

(LtoR) Paul Kramer, Gail Bliss, Brian Aylor, Dave Webb, Penn Pennington, Russ Wever, and Rory Hoffman

When you listen to the CD, you can hear the show's story-line unravel (Get a snippet of the CD HERE).  The opening song, "Play It By Heart - Songs From the Musical" (which was co-written by Gail) pretty much sets up the entire show with its lyrics.  Gail has rewritten each song in order to fulfill a dream.  Gail is singing the men's songs, the younger and the older gal's songs, in addition to songs specifically for "Jeannine" on this album.

Just in case you missed the performance at Mudville Music Room, here’s a taste of what you missed.

Gail sang: “Let's Fall In Love,” “Gonna Be Your Little Devil” (the two-step original from her new album, Play It By Heart); “Cry,” “I Love You More” (an original from her gospel CD), “Heartaches,” and “Will The Circle Be Unbroken.”

Gail and The Boys also combined their voices to sing: “Sentimental Journey,” “Working On a Building,” “Bei Mir Bist Du Schon,” and “Happy Trails” (Haven’t heard it this good since the Roy Rogers & Dale Evans show).

Rory Hoffman was featured singing and playing: “Avalon,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Half As Much” (vocals and guitar and scat with solo that Rory performed solo on the Grand Ol' Opry) and his original “Day Job.”

Paul Kramer was featured on: “Picadilly Circus” and “Old Devil Time” (two originals from Paul's album.), “Monkeys With Car Keys” (original from Paul's "Swing Street" CD) and “Man of Constant Sorry.”

Penn Pennington (guitarist) vocal feature: “San Antonio Rose.”

Dave Webb (Bassist) vocal feature: “Lay You Down.”

Russ Wever (steel guitarist) feature: “Stealin' Home.”

Brian Aylor is the drummer for all of Gail’s shows while here in Jacksonville, Florida.

Gail Bliss is back in JAX for ‘A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline’

She’s ‘Back in Baby’s Arms’ at the Alhambra Theater & Dining, where you can close your eyes and imagine the melodious tunes of the comparable songstress Gail Bliss (take a look and listen to her video here), who performs as Virginia Hensley; Ms Patsy Cline.  Gail epitomizes the very essence of Patsy Cline – from Patsy’s early career up until her untimely death back in 1963.  Ms. Bliss has returned to celebrate the Alhambra’s 50th Anniversary and welcomes her new attendees along with her “Repeat Offenders” (a term of endearment given by Gail, to all of her friends who have returned to see any of her numerous shows around the country).

It takes many fine people to orchestrate a show like “A Closer Walk With Patsy Cline”.  Gail’s musicians are a top-notch crew of professional instrumentalist and vocalists.  Paul Kramer is the Band Leader, plays Fiddle, Tic-Tac Bass & adds his Vocals to the mix; Russ Wever and Eric Lewis are the Steel Guitarists; Dan Embree, Vegas/Opry Comic, Little Big Man and Radio Announcer brings back memories of commercials such as: “Mr. Clean”, “Winston Cigarettes”, “Ajax Foaming Cleanser”, “Stand Back Analgesic Powder” & “Ajax Laundry Detergent”; Bryan Aylor plays a mean set of Drums; Pen Pennington is on Electric and Acoustic Guitar and lends his Voice; Rory Hoffman is the Vocal Director, plays Piano, Saxophone & contributes vocals; and Dave Webb really get into playing his Upright Bass as he too helps with the vocals.

Gail Bliss was chosen, by Mr. Charlie Dick (Patsy Cline's husband), because of her resemblance to Patsy Cline in voice, talent and in stature.  Gail is also a ‘master of costume changes’ (from different eras) that she portrays during each performance.  When Gail Bliss turns into Patsy Cline, she requires a personal assistant/dresser (Linzy Lauren) to help her quickly get in and out of dazzling outfits, shoes, boots and wigs.  Any musician would know that you cannot get along without proper Sound Engineers, so Gail has two of the finest - Bill Lilliman and Dave VanderKamp.

Happily married to John Eberhard, Gail also enjoys her Harley, her '64 GTO, her home and marathon running.  She flies the friendly skies with American Airlines, as an international flight attendant based in New York City, for the past 32 years, with her main routes in South America and Europe.  So, if you think that you were served by Gail Bliss (Patsy Cline) on a flight to one of these countries – you may have been on one of her flights.

Below are the songs that Gail sings during her 2017 performance at the Alhambra Theater and Dining: “Come On In (Make Yourself at Home”), “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Gotta Lot of Rhythm in My Soul,” “Seven Lonely Days,” “Walkin’ After Midnight,” “Life’s Railway to Heaven,” “Stop, Look and Listen,” “Faded Love,” “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” (video of Patsy), “Lovesick Blues”, “I Don’t Wanta,” “Leavin’ on Your Mind,” “Blue Moon of Kentucky” (video of Patsy), “She’s Got You,” “Back In Baby’s Arms,” “Oh Susannah,” “Sweet Dreams” (video and pictures of Patsy), “I Fall To Pieces”, “Bill Bailey Won’t You Please Come Home,” “Crazy”, and a repeat of “Just a Closer Walk With Thee.”  Now that’s a show!!!

The meal that Chef DeJuan Roy has prepared is fit for the queen of country and for those who come to enjoy “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline”.  Take a look at the menu and get your tickets for the Alhambra Theatre & Dining before they run out.

Want to hear more?  Don’t miss any of your favorite music and a great new CD (“Play It By heart”) from Gail.  Take a little time to visit her store and cherish every memory from the Alhambra.  Also, if you’re looking for something to do next Monday, see “Bliss and the Boys” at the Mudville Music Room on Monday's; February 6 and February 13, 2017 at 7 p.m.

A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline
  starring Gail Bliss

DATES: January 27 - February 19, 2017
PLEASE NOTE NEW SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner will be served until 7:20 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch ends at 12:45 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal service ends at 1:20 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual,” “Country,” or “Sunday Best.”

TICKETS: Range from $49.95 – $57.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Group sales of 20 + are available upon request.  Price does NOT include gratuity or orders from the bar.

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