‘Kool and The Gang’ getaway in Vegas

In support of their new album, Perfect Union, released in August of 2021, and their recent single “Pursuit of Happiness”, Kool & The Gang are headed on-stage! With music styles ranging from soul, jazz, rock, funk and pop, Kool & The Gang released their debut album in 1969 and have since become recording industry legends. Throughout their musical journey, Kool & The Gang have won two Grammy Awards, seven American Music Awards, the Soul Train Legend Award, were inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In 2006, the band received a Music Business Association Chairman’s Award for artistic achievement and their talent has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Now is your chance to catch Grammy award-winning Kool & The Gang live in Las Vegas! Along with 2 tickets to the concert, your music getaway package includes: three nights in a signature room at Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, a Welcome Reception complete with dinner, open bar, DJ and dancing, and late checkout on your final day.

Conveniently located just one block off the famed Las Vegas Strip, the iconic Westgate Las Vegas Resort & Casino offers the perfect Vegas experience. Enjoy an eclectic variety of nightlife, shopping, dining, entertainment and extraordinary casino gaming, plus an extensive list of amenities. The 30-story landmark resort features nearly 3,000 rooms, a 74,000-square-foot casino, the largest sports book in Las Vegas and its very own Las Vegas Monorail station.

Take a look HERE and do yourself a huge favor and book for February 2022.

‘Dwight Yoakam’ is coming to the Florida Theatre

Once again, the Florida Theatre is pleased to announce GRAMMY-winning country music artist “Dwight Yoakam” on Friday, January 28, 2022.

Dwight Yoakam has sold more than 25 million albums worldwide, and he is a 21-time nominated, multiple GRAMMY Award winner. He has 12 gold albums and 9 platinum or multi-platinum albums, with five of those albums topping Billboard’s Country Albums chart and another 14 landing in the Top 10. Nearly 40 of Yoakam’s singles have charted on Billboard, with 14 peaking in the Top 10. Yoakam is a recipient of the Artist of the Year award from the Americana Music Association, the most prestigious award offered by the organization, he will be inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in the Songwriter/Artist category at the 49th anniversary Gala on October 14, 2019 in Nashville, TN.

Yoakam’s self-curated SiriusXM channel, titled Dwight Yoakam and The Bakersfield Beat ‘Where Country Went Mod’ launched in April of 2018. The channel celebrates the Bakersfield sound and those whom it has inspired. Guests have boasted the likes of Post Malone, Lukas Nelson, Beck, Chris Hillman, Jakob Dylan, Mike Nesmith and Mickey Dolans, Dave Alvin, and Jackie DeShannon, among others.

In 2016, Yoakam released his bluegrass album Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars… on Sugar Hill Records. Featuring a band of bluegrass luminaries, this album boasts a collection of reinterpreted favorites from his catalogue, as well as a cover of Prince’s “Purple Rain”. Produced by nine-time GRAMMY winner Gary Paczosa (Alison Krauss, Dolly Parton), Jon Randall (songwriter of “Whiskey Lullaby”), and Yoakam himself, and mixed by Chris Lord-Alge, this album reflects the love for bluegrass music that Yoakam developed at an early age in Kentucky and that has inspired him for many years thereafter.  In 2018, Yoakam released two songs, “Pretty Horses” and “Then Came Monday” (the latter written with Chris Stapleton).

In addition to his musical career, Yoakam is a formidable film and television actor who has appeared in over 40 feature films, including Sling Blade and Panic Room. In 2016, he recurred in David E. Kelley’s Amazon series Goliath. Recently, he appeared in director Steven Soderbergh’s film Logan Lucky with Channing Tatum and Daniel Craig. Yoakam is capable of seamlessly melting into his roles and impressively standing toe-to-toe with some of the world’s top thespians over the course of his storied and successful acting career, including Jodie Foster, Tommy Lee Jones, Jared Leto, Forest Whitaker and Matthew McConaughey.

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.

“Dwight Yoakam”

DATE: Fri., Jan. 28, 2022

TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $49.50

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

An Evening with Bruce Dickinson comes to the FT

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson with “An Evening with Bruce Dickinson” on Friday, January 21, 2022.

Bruce Dickinson is considered one of the world’s most storied musicians. Aside from decades spent delivering high-octane performances with his larger-than-life persona in IRON MAIDEN, Bruce has lived an extraordinary off-stage existence too.

A true polymath, his accomplishments include: pilot and airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, beer brewer, motivational speaker, podcaster, film scriptwriter, twice-published novelist and New York Times Top 10 best-selling author, radio presenter, TV actor, sports commentator and international fencer… to name but a few.

So, there’s plenty to be entertained by, throughout the evening’s cornucopia of fascinating tales and derring-do exploits, all delivered by Bruce with characteristically infectious enthusiasm and wry wit.

Split into two parts, the first section of the show sees Bruce taking a humorous and often satirical look at the world from his own very personal perspective, treating the audience to private insights into his drive and ambition, peppered with plenty of Maiden anecdotes, and a myriad of other experiences encompassing not just the giddy heights but also the extreme lows, told first-hand in his inimitable anarchic style, punctuated with photographs and sometimes even erupting into song a-capella, to illustrate a point.

The final section of the evening is devoted entirely to a Q&A session, with the opportunity to pose questions on any subject whatsoever. As Bruce’s answers will all be completely improvised – the more left-field and quirky the question, the more interesting and compelling the response is likely to be!

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to spend an up-close and personal evening with one of the world’s most captivating icons in an intimate environment, as Bruce Dickinson brings his Evening With show to the U.S. for the very first time, where you are guaranteed a highly entertaining and enjoyable night out and may even go home inspired to try something new.

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.

“An Evening with
°Bruce Dickinson”

DATE: Fri., Jan. 21, 2022
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: start at $29.50

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

‘David Foster’ HITMAN TOUR coming to JAX

You’re invited to spend an intimate evening with one the biggest musical forces of our time. Join David Foster, 16-time GRAMMY Award winner, as he takes you through four decades of his hits and includes stories about the songs, artists, and moments in his life. “AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER – HITMAN TOUR” will come to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center on December 21, 2021.

David Foster, the Canadian musician, composer, arranger, record producer and music executive, believes that everyone gets three rounds in their life. Foster’s first round was as a studio musician, arranger, and recording artist. His second round was becoming one of the most successful songwriters and record producers in history — shepherding albums that have collectively sold in the hundreds of millions. This period of his four-decade career also found him creating The David Foster Foundation and volunteering his time and talent to over 400 charities, as well as becoming a household name as a performer throughout Asia where he tours annually.

For his third round, Foster is gearing up to take on Broadway with several projects. These include writing the music for a new musical about the iconic, animated character Betty Boop, which will be directed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell.

Few other individuals can claim to have their fingerprints on more major moments in all of popular music than David Foster. He has created hit songs and award-winning gold and platinum albums for a diverse array of artists including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan. He has escorted singers who have straddled both pop and classical styles like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban into the mainstream. He has created culture-defining soundtracks for blockbuster films like The Bodyguard, Urban Cowboy, and St. Elmo’s Fire.

In 2015, Foster became a celebrity judge on the smash hit TV show Asia’s Got Talent. Billed as the biggest TV show in the world, it is broadcast throughout Asia into 20 countries and just completed his third season. In 2019, he became the anchor judge on World’s Got Talent in China - the first international entertainer to hold a major TV position in China.

In 2020, Foster released a simple yet complex piano solo album, Eleven Words. While Foster is primarily known for writing and producing huge, chart-topping hits for megastars, David steps back to his roots, seated at the grand piano and delivers emotional and meaningful piano melodies.

°“David Foster
HITMAN TOUR”

DATE: Tues., Dec. 21, 2021
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $60 – $137.50 plus applicable fees and may be purchased online 24/7. Groups of 20 + receive a discount. Call (904) 642–5050 or email for more group information.

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

‘Black Violin’ returns to The Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce the return of "Black Violin - Give Thanks Tour" on Tuesday, November 30, 2021.

For 16 years, Black Violin members Kev Marcus and Wil Baptiste have been merging string arrangements with modern beats and vocals. The two met in orchestra class at Dillard High School in Ft. Lauderdale, becoming classically trained on the violin and viola through their high school and college careers. Post-college, they reconvened to produce beats for South Florida rappers, and began building an audience in local clubs. They later went on to win Showtime at the Apollo in 2005, and eventually sold-out headline performances at venues across the country, including a sold out two-night headline run at The Kennedy Center in 2018. Their unique brand of merging the genre they were listening to (hip hop) with the world they were studying (classical) was celebrated with collaborations with Alicia Keys, Wu Tang Clan, 2 Chainz and others. NPR took note and declared “their music will keep classical music alive for the next generation.” UPROXX also featured Black Violin in a mini-documentary as part of their “Uncharted” series, watch the video HERE.

The duo plays over 200 shows a year (many of these are performances for young low-income students in urban communities - with the goal of challenging stereotypes and preconceived notions of what a “classical musician” looks and sounds like. “The stereotypes are always there, embedded so deep in our culture,” says Wil. “Just by nature of our existence we challenge those ideas. It’s a unique thing that brings people together who aren’t usually in the same room, and in the current climate, it’s good to bring people together.”

Recently, the group launched the Black Violin Foundation Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to empowering youth by providing access to quality music programs in their community. BVF believes that music and access to music programs should not be determined by race, gender, or socio-economic status. Black Violin Foundation’s inaugural program the Musical Innovation Grant for Continuing Education will provide scholarships to young music students to attend a program of their liking that fosters musical creativity and innovation. Programs can range from private lessons, to summer music camps, to college courses. Scholarships will be awarded bi-annually to up to 20 applicants per scholarship cycle. For more information click HERE!

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.

“Black Violin”

DATE: Tuesday, November 30, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $39.50 – $49.50

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

‘Gipsy Kings', Nicolas Reyes and Mikaela Davis in JAX

The Florida Theatre is pleased to welcome "The Gipsy Kings featuring Nicolas Reyes with special guest Mikaela Davis" on Tuesday, November 16, 2021.

It has been twenty-five years since the Gipsy Kings captured the world’s imagination with their self-titled debut album—a record that became a genuine phenomenon, certified gold and platinum around the globe, introducing millions of listeners to a unique, irresistible blend of traditional flamenco styles with Western pop and Latin rhythms. Since then, the band has toured virtually non-stop, to the farthest-flung corners of the planet, and sold almost twenty million albums, all the while retaining the same line-up of virtuoso musicians.

“Music has always been a passion,” says lead guitarist Tonino Baliardo. “Even after all this time, after all these years of touring and working. It has given us so much. We have matured, we have developed in music, and it has been so good for us.”

“World Music” is often a meaningless catch-all phrase, a marketing shortcut, but as one of the acts that first helped define the phrase, the Gipsy Kings create music that really does cross all borders. From the beginning all the way through their ninth studio album SAVOR FLAMENCO, their sound has reflected the constant travel and diverse influences of the gypsy heritage. Their 1987 debut album, which spent forty weeks on the US album charts, introduced the world to “Rumba Gitano”—South America’s rumba rhythm married to the fleet attack of flamenco guitars. That record’s “Bamboleo” became a huge, break-out worldwide hit (more than twenty years later, it even turned up on an episode of the TV series Glee).

The band’s music has also remained visible over the years throughout popular culture. They recently performed their version of “Volare,” which was an international hit in 1989, on an episode of Dancing with the Stars. Their rendition of “Hotel California” was included in the film The Big Lebowski and on the HBO series Entourage. The 2010 film Toy Story 3 featured a Gipsy Kings version of the movie’s popular, Randy Newman-penned theme, “You’ve Got a Friend in Me.”

The Gipsy Kings have spent a remarkable two-and-a-half decades at the top, in a category that’s all their own. Yet in those occasional periods when they aren’t touring, the band members still live with their families in the south of France, the area that defined their identities and their sound. Each time, they return to their isolated enclave, and then recreate the experience of immigrants coming to a new land. Certainly, their lives are different from those of their ancestors, but something fundamental still remains; as they continue to travel the world, absorbing new cultures and styles, this mobility, curiosity, and adaptation drives their music ever forward.

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.

   “The Gipsy Kings
 featuring Nicolas Reyes &
special guest Mikaela Davis”

DATE: Tues., Nov. 16, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $42.50 – $87.50

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

‘50 Years of Rock and Roll’ will be at the Times-Union Ctr.

With a cast consisting of stars from Broadway's greatest rock musicals, as well as incredible Rock & Roll singers, Neil Berg shares the often-unknown stories from the fifty-year history of the music that changed the world forever. Neil Berg's “50 YEARS OF ROCK AND ROLL” will rock the Times-Union Center on November 16, 2021.

From the progenitors of Rock and Roll in the 1940s, through the glory years of the '50s, '60s, and '70s, up until MTV in the early '80s, Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock & Roll uses fascinating stories and groundbreaking music, with tributes to such important and iconic rock stars/groups/genres as: Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Frankie Valli, The Beatles, Beach Boys, Motown, Aretha Franklin, The Who, Janis Joplin, Woodstock, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Disco, New Wave, Journey, and others!

Neil Berg is the composer/co-lyricist of the HENRY award-winning, Broadway-bound musical THE 12, written with Pulitzer Prize/Tony-winning playwright, Robert Schenkkan, which premiered at The Denver Center. He also composed Grumpy Old Men: The Musical, which opened to rave reviews for its U.S. Premieres at The Ogunquit Playhouse in Maine, and La Mirada Theatre in LA, and can now be seen all across the country. His other musicals include the hit Off-Broadway musical The Prince and the Pauper, Tim and Scrooge, which ran at the Westchester Broadway Theatre in NY, Never Grimm, and The Man Who Would Be King. Neil is the creator/co-producer of the #1 Broadway touring concert in America, Neil Berg's 100 Years of Broadway, as well as Neil Berg's 50 Years of Rock & Roll and Neil Berg's Pianomen. He is the co-producer of the Off-Broadway Alliance Award-Winning revival of Closer Than Ever.

“50 Years of Rock and Roll”

DATE: Nov. 16, 2021
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS:$75 – $32.50 are on sale NOW at fscjartistseries.org or by phone at (904) 632-5000. Join the eClub to receive presale and on sale notifications for all FSCJ Artist Series events. Get more info at fscjartistseries.org/e-club. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount. Call 904-642-5050 for more group information.

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

‘The Kingston Trio’ will be in JAX for 2 shows

In 1957 The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. During the late 50s & early 60s, the Trio enjoyed unprecedented record sales and worldwide fame, while influencing the musical tastes of a generation.

“The Kingston Trio” will make a stop at Jacksonville’s Wilson Center for the Arts for two shows on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 3 & 7 p.m.

Cited as an influence by recording artists as musically and generationally diverse as Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Eagles to comedian and banjo player Steve Martin to contemporary artists such as the multi-Grammy® nominated Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers, The Kingston Trio occupies a unique, preeminent position in American musical history.

Through changing times, the Trio has played on, remaining popular for a simple reason… great songs that sound as good today as the first time you heard them. And fifty-eight years after Tom Dooley shot to the top of the charts, the Trio is still on the road thirty weeks a year, bringing back all the great memories and making new ones.

All three current members, Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Don Marovich, have intrinsic links to and experience with the original group: Mike is the adopted son of founding member Nick Reynolds, who was also his musical mentor; Tim, a close friend since boyhood, is one of the few musicians outside the Trio who has recorded with Nick Reynolds; and Don Marovich, who has performed with the Trio and who plays the guitar, banjo and mandolin. Many of their personal memories recall the iconic trio’s performances and journey as folk music made its extraordinary ascent to the pinnacle of popular culture – and the top of the music charts.

The Kingston Trio have created a special tribute in their upcoming concerts to Arlo Guthrie, who announced that he will no longer be touring, so the TRIO are performing one of his most famous songs ‘City of New Orleans’ as a tribute to Arlo’s enduring musical legacy.

“The Kingston Trio”
DATE: November 13, 2021
TIMES: 3 & 7 p.m.

TICKETS can be purchased online 24/7. Parking is always free at the Wilson Center.
 
LOCATION:  Wilson Center for the Arts:
        Florida State College at JAX So. Campus
        11901 Beach Blvd.
        Jacksonville, FL 32099

Summerland Tour 2021 soon to the Forrest Theatre

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce the Summerland Tour 2021 featuring Everclear, Hoobastank, Living Colour and Wheatus at the Florida Theatre on Wednesday, October 6, 2021.

Everclear returns to Jacksonville for the Summerland Tour 2021 with special guests: Hoobastank, Living Colour and Wheatus! Everclear has written and recorded some truly iconic ’90s alt-rock hits including "Everything To Everyone", "I Will Buy You A New Life", "One Hit Wonder", "When It All Goes Wrong Again" and more and continues to tour actively. No Everclear gig is complete without a rendition of “Santa Monica” and “Father of Mine,” and lately the band has found that exploring the full range of past material—especially the “deep cuts”—not only gives fans a rare treat, it also injects new life into the band’s live dynamic.

Multi-platinum selling band Hoobastank is one of the most popular alt-rock bands to come out of the early 2000's. They are best known for their singles "Crawling in the Dark", "Running Away", and "The Reason".

Living Colour is best known for hits such as "Cult of Personality" and "Glamour Boys". The band's music is a creative fusion influenced by free jazz, funk, hard rock and heavy metal and their lyrics range from the personal to the political, in some of the latter cases attacking Eurocentrism and racism in America.

Wheatus is a seven-piece rock band based in New York. Since their hit single "Teenage Dirtbag" in 2000, the band have worked independently, releasing multiple singles, recording six studio albums, and touring every year.

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.

“Summerland Tour 2021”
DATE: Wed., Oct, 6, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $45 – $55

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

Tommy Decarlo and Rudy Cardenas in concert

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce The Music of Boston with Tommy DeCarlo, Boston singer since 2007, and The Music of Journey with American Idol’s Rudy Cardenas on Friday, September 17, 2021 at 8 p.m.

Tommy DeCarlo has been on the road touring with legendary rock band Boston since 2007, playing to sold out audiences all over the world. This show closes with a full set of Boston classic hits from the 1970's and 80's with a top-notch band of touring professionals including August Zadra on lead guitar/vocals (Dennis DeYoung Band), Steve Ferlazzo on keyboards/vocals (Avril Lavigne/Nuno Bettencourt), John Douglas on drums (Sammy Hagar/Michael Anthony), Tommy DeCarlo Jr. on guitar/vocals and Payton Villigan on bass/vocals.

Born in Rome, New York, Tommy’s interest in music began in elementary school when he joined the school choir. He recalls, “Every year I would try out for one of the lead singing solo parts and every year I never got one. They always told me my voice was too soft.” Many years later, he would show the world that was not the case.

Tommy started playing piano when he was 14 years old, self-taught on an old upright in his living room. And as far as singing goes, DeCarlo explains, “Well, I truly have to thank Brad Delp for helping me develop my vocal abilities. I have said that I never took singing lessons but that's not exactly true. It was Brad who taught me how to sing, even though he never knew it. When I first began to listen to BOSTON as a young teenager, I absolutely loved Brad’s voice and it gave me hope and inspiration at times in my life when I needed it. It wasn’t like I was trying to sing like Brad, it was just that I loved to sing along with him.”

His journey that led to BOSTON happened many years later when in 2007 he posted BOSTON cover songs and other music on his myspace page, and even wrote a song in honor of Brad Delp upon his passing. Hearing of a tribute being planned, Tommy reached out to the band offering to sing should they need any additional vocalists. “I sent an email to the BOSTON camp which included covers of the songs Smokin' & Don't Look Back, never thinking I’d get a reply."

Several weeks later, Tom Scholz happened to hear Tommy’s cover of “Don’t Look Back,” and was shocked. Knowing every nuance of Brad’s voice, he could not believe that this was not Brad singing, exclaiming, “I haven’t heard anyone else sing like that in 35 years.” Scholz contacted Tommy and invited him to come and sing a few songs at the Brad Delp tribute. DeCarlo’s reaction was, “I would have never believed this could happen in a million years. The next thing I knew I was on my way to Boston to sing with BOSTON … are you kidding me?"

Tommy was asked to join BOSTON on their 2008 tour and has sang on every Tour since. Prior to that, Tommy was working as a credit manager at The Home Depot, had never been in a band, and the largest crowd that Tommy had sung in front of was a talent show in high school. Tommy has been touring and playing to sold out audiences all over the world.

In a bestclassicbands.com interview with Boston founding member Tom Scholz said, "Tommy does for Boston on stage what Brad Delp did for Boston in the studio. Brad was the best male studio singer I've ever heard and Tommy is the best male stage singer I've ever heard."

In 2012, Tommy co-founded with his son, Tommy Jr., DECARLO. The band released their original debut album Lightning Strikes Twice in 2020, earning them a featured article in popular BILLBOARD MAGAZINE as 2021 Grammy® contenders. Their chart-topping hit “You Are The Fire” went viral on streaming platforms world-wide shortly after its release.

The two show package starts with The Music of Journey with singer Rudy Cardenas of American Idol. Rudy is a finalist from Season 6 of American Idol, and here he'll perform a full set of Journey classic hits, including the hits from both the Steve Perry and Gregg Rolie-eras. Rudy has a long relationship with Journey music, starting in 2007 when he debuted on American Idol singing "Open Arms" on national TV. He went on to cover two Journey songs; "I'll be Alright Without You" on his album Fly (2012), and "Separate Ways" on his album Son of a Gun (2016).

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.

 
“Tommy DeCarlo
& Rudy Cardenas”
DATE: Fri., Sept. 17, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $25 – $35

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

‘Sawyer Brown’ appearing at the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is pleased to welcome Sawyer Brown on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at 8 p.m. The last time that the group came to JAX was back in August of 2019. You don’t want to miss him this year. COVID protocol may change by the time this event is scheduled to take place.

Florida’s own Sawyer Brown is a country music band that spans 3 decades. Originally formed in 1981 in Apopka, Florida, the band has released 18 studio albums and charted over fifty times on the Hot Country Songs charts, including three number one singles; “Step That Step”, “Some Girls Do” and “Thank God For You”.

The group's members were originally part of country pop singer Don King's road band. When King stopped touring in 1981, the group decided to stay together and eventually auditioned for Star Search in 1983. They won the grand prize of $100,000 and a recording contract. The band signed with Capitol Records and scored a Top 20 hit with their first single, "Leona", in 1984. That success was quickly followed by their first number one hit, "Step That Step".

Sawyer Brown is comprised of Mark Miller (lead vocals), Gregg Hubbard (keyboards/piano), Joe Smyth (drums/percussion) and Shayne Hill (lead guitar).

Vocalist Mark Miller has written many of Sawyer Brown’s hits, including “Step That Step,” “The Walk,” “Thank God for You,” “The Boys and Me,” as well as the band’s anthem: “Some Girls Do.” Miller is also responsible for discovering the band Casting Crowns and has produced all of the band’s CDs, winning a Grammy for his work with them along the way. In April 2013, Ring the Bell, a movie that Mark wrote and produced, was released—and he has more movies in the pre-production stage.

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 their official website, floridatheatre.com.

“Sawyer Brown”
DATE: Thurs. Sept. 9, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $35 – $59.50

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

Steely Dan tour comes to FL and other areas

Legendary jazz-rock icon - STEELY DAN – has set the “Absolutely Normal Tour ’21,” which kicks off with a four-night stand in Miami, Florida from Tuesday, October 5th, through Saturday, October 9. The U.S. tour will hit 15 cities over 28 concerts before wrapping at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston. Tickets for the tour, which is promoted by Live Nation, will now through Ticketmaster. A full listing of tour dates can be found below.

In album news, Steely Dan’s NORTHEAST CORRIDOR: STEELY DAN LIVE! and a live version of the acclaimed solo album by Donald Fagen – THE NIGHTFLY LIVE – will both be released through UMe on CD & Digital on September 24, 2021. Both albums will be available on 180g-vinyl on October 1, 2021. The first live Steely Dan album in more than 25 years, Northeast Corridor: Steely Dan Live! was recorded across tour dates at New York City’s Beacon Theatre, The Met Philadelphia, & more, and showcases selections from Steely Dan’s extraordinary catalog of slinky grooves, sleek subversive lyrics, and infectious hits. Donald Fagen’s The Nightfly Live was performed live by The Steely Dan Band. A full track listing can be found below.

Both albums are available for pre-order today. Fans who pre-order Northeast Corridor: Steely Dan Live! will instantly receive a digital download of “Reeling In The Years” and those who pre-order The Nightfly Live will instantly receive a digital download of “I.G.Y.”

Pre-order Northeast Corridor: Steely Dan Live!, HERE. Pre-order The Nightfly Live, HERE.

Concertgoers can expect a hefty draft of the inimitable Steely Dan sonic experience this summer, showcasing selections from Steely Dan’s extraordinary five-decade plus catalog as well as Fagen’s masterpiece, The Nightfly. Each ticket purchased online comes with a CD copy of Northeast Corridor: Steely Dan Live! or The Nightfly Live.

Steely Dan – Northeast Corridor: Steely Dan Live!

Donald Fagen – The Nightfly Live

STEELY DAN helped define the soundtrack of the '70s with hits such as "Reeling in the Years", "Rikki Don't Lose That Number," "Peg," “Deacon Blues,” “Babylon Sisters,” and “Hey Nineteen,” culled from their seven platinum albums issued between 1972 and 1980 (including 1977's groundbreaking Aja). Both their sound and their notoriety survived the '80s despite Becker and Fagen's only occasional surfacing for a solo project. They reunited as Steely Dan in the early '90s, touring successfully throughout the decade and releasing a live album in 1995 (Alive In America). In 2000 they released their multi-GRAMMY® winner, Two Against Nature, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.

For more information, visit www.steelydan.com and www.donaldfagen.com.

“ABSOLUTELY NORMAL TOUR ’21” DATES
Tue Oct 05      Miami Beach, FL       Jackie Gleason Theater
Wed Oct 06     Miami Beach, FL       Jackie Gleason Theater
Fri Oct 08        Miami Beach, FL       Jackie Gleason Theater
Sat Oct 09        Miami Beach, FL      Jackie Gleason Theater
Tue Oct 12       Orlando, FL               Dr Phillips Center
Wed Oct 13     Orlando, FL                Dr Phillips Center
Fri Oct 15        St. Petersburg, FL      Duke Energy Mahaffey Theater
Sat Oct 16        St. Petersburg, FL      Duke Energy Mahaffey Theater
Tue Oct 19       Jacksonville, FL        Times-Union Center Moran 
Wed Oct 20     North Charleston, SC Performing Arts Center
Fri Oct 22        Charlotte, NC             Ovens Auditorium
Sat Oct 23        Richmond, VA          Altria Theater
Mon Oct 25     Baltimore, MD           Hippodrome Theatre
Wed Oct 27     Philadelphia, PA        The Met Philadelphia
Fri Oct 29        Philadelphia, PA        The Met Philadelphia
Sat Oct 30        Philadelphia, PA        The Met Philadelphia
Mon Nov 01    Red Bank, NJ             The Count Basie Center
Wed Nov 03    Morristown, NJ         Mayo Performing Arts Center
Thu Nov 04      Morristown, NJ        Mayo Performing Arts Center
Sat Nov 06       Morristown, NJ         Mayo Performing Arts Center
Sun Nov 07      Morristown, NJ         Mayo Performing Arts Center
Tue Nov 09      Port Chester, NY       The Capitol Theatre
Wed Nov 10    Port Chester, NY       The Capitol Theatre
Sat Nov 13       Wallingford, CT        Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Sun Nov 14      Bethlehem, PA         The Wind Creek Event Center
Wed Nov 17    Boston, MA               Orpheum Theatre/Citizens
Fri Nov 19        Boston, MA              Orpheum Theatre/Citizens
Sat Nov 20       Boston, MA               Orpheum Theatre/Citizens

Due to the popularity of the artist and/or the event, this show is being posted early on “Around Town With Ms. “V”; so that patrons, in all areas, may purchase tickets ad guarantee their seats. COVID protocol a change by the time this event is scheduled to take place.

‘Michael Bublé’ tours rescheduled

Michael Bublé is rescheduling his hugely successful “An Evening With Michael Bublé” Tour to late summer 2021 with an opening night in Jacksonville, Fl. on Friday, August 13th. A complete list of dates is below.

Tickets for previously scheduled dates will be honored.

Due to the popularity of the artist and/or the event, this show is being posted early on “Around Town With Ms. “V” so that patrons may purchase tickets and guarantee their seats. COVID protocol may change by the time this event is scheduled to take place.

AN EVENING WITH MICHAEL BUBLÉ 2021 TOUR DATES:
Aug. 13, 2021 – JAX – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Aug. 14, – Greenville – Bon Secour Wellness Arena
Aug. 17 – Charlotte – Spectrum Center
Aug. 18 – Raleigh – PNC Arena
Aug. 20 – Cincinnati – Heritage Bank Center
Aug. 21 – Cleveland – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Aug. 24 – Boston – TD Garden
Aug. 25 – Albany – Times Union Center
Aug. 27 – Uniondale – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Aug. 28 – Atlantic City – Boardwalk Hall
Sept. 9 – Allentown – PPL Center
Sept. 11 – Louisville– KFC Yum! Center
Sept. 13 – Grand Rapids– Van Andel Arena
Sept. 14 – Milwaukee – Fiserv Forum
Sept. 16 – Moline – TaxSlayer Center
Sept. 17 – Des Moines – Wells Fargo Arena
Sept. 19 – Oklahoma City – Chesapeake Energy Arena
Sept. 20 – Austin– Frank Erwin Center
Sept. 21 – Ft Worth – Dickies Arena
Sept. 24 – Las Vegas – T- Mobile Arena
Sept. 25 – Anaheim – Honda Center
Sept. 28 – Fresno – Save Mart Center
Sept. 29 – San Francisco –Chase Center
Oct. 1, 2021 – Salt Lake City –Vivint Arena

An Evening With
º“Michael Bublé”

DATE: Fri., Aug. 13, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: Vary from $65 – $142

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

‘Green Day’ reschedules from Aug 2020

Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer, three of the biggest acts in rock music, are gearing up to get back on the road this summer. “The Hella Mega Tour”, their U.S. headlining stadium run, kicks off with new 2021 dates beginning July 24 in Dallas, TX. and will be at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, FL. on July 31, 2021. Produced by Live Nation, the 21-city North American outing will bring the bands to some of the most renowned stadiums including Dodger Stadium, Wrigley Field, Citi Field, Fenway Park, and more, before wrapping up September 6 in Seattle, WA.  The Interrupters will appear as special guests on the tour.

Five-time Grammy Award-winning Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Green Day unleash their brand-new song “Pollyanna”. Formed in 1986 in Berkeley, CA, Green Day is one of the world’s best-selling bands of all time, with more than 70 million records sold worldwide and 10 billion cumulative audio/visual streams. Their 1994 breakout album Dookie, which sold over 10 million and achieved diamond status, is widely credited with popularizing and reviving mainstream interest in punk rock, catapulting a career-long run of #1 hit singles. Entertainment Weekly calls Green Day, “The most influential band of their generation,” while Rolling Stone attests, “Green Day have inspired more young bands to start than any act this side of KISS, and that doesn't seem to be changing.” In 2004, Green Day released the rock opera American Idiot which captured the nation’s attention, selling more than 7 million copies in the U.S. alone and taking home the Grammy Award for Best Rock Album. Mojo declared “It's exhilarating stuff, the kind of record that sets new parameters as to what is possible from a punk rock'n'roll band in the 21st century.” In 2010, a stage adaptation of American Idiot debuted on Broadway to critical and commercial acclaim.  Released last year, Green Day’s thirteenth studio album Father Of All... (Reprise/Warner Records) debuted at #1 on Billboard’s Album Sales Chart and #1 in both the U.K. and Australia. Pitchfork declared, “Green Day’s most fetching and youthful songs in ages. The trio sounds reinvigorated, more like hungry newcomers staking their claim.” Green Day will also be headlining Life is Beautiful festival in 2020- click here for all dates.

Multi-platinum selling, Grammy-nominated Fall Out Boy most recently released the single “Dear Future Self (Hands Up)” ft. Wyclef Jean from their November 2019 record Greatest Hits: Believers Never Die - Volume Two. The song marked the band’s first new music since the August 2018 release of the three-song Lake Effect Kid EP, a love letter to their hometown city of Chicago that featured the full version of the band’s previously unreleased title track demo along with two new songs “City in A Garden” and “Super Fade.” In January 2019, Fall Out Boy was featured on the gold-certified track “I’ve Been Waiting,” a collaboration from Lil Peep and iLoveMakonnen. Fall Out Boy’s seventh studio album M A N I A debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in January 2018 and garnered a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Album. Their worldwide tour in support of the record included a hometown show at Wrigley Field. In January 2021, they performed at the We The People concert as part of the official 2021 Biden-Harris Inauguration.

Multi-platinum, GRAMMY award-winning band Weezer continues to be one of the most beloved and influential bands of the last twenty-five years.  The band has already had an amazing 2021 with the release of not one but two incredible albums: an orchestral pop record meditating on technology and disconnectedness called OK Human, and an homage to the band’s shared metal roots growing up called Van Weezer.  2021 will also see the band celebrating the 20th anniversary of Weezer (The Green Album) and the 25^th anniversary of Pinkerton.  Weezer has sold 10 million albums in the U.S., and over 35 million records worldwide.  Their catalogue has included such megahits as “Buddy Holly,” “Undone (The Sweater Song),” “Say It Ain’t So,” “El Scorcho,” “Hash Pipe,” “Island In The Sun,” “Beverly Hills,” “Pork and Beans,” and more. Following massively acclaimed album releases in 2016 and 2017 (Weezer [The White Album] and Pacific Daydream, respectively), and two sold out amphitheatre tours with Panic! At the Disco (in 2016) and Pixies (in 2018), Weezer released a fan-inspired cover of Toto’s “Africa.” The cover propelled the band back into the charts across the board, and has since gone Platinum. They then surprise dropped a covers album in 2019 -- Weezer (The Teal Album) -- which has been streamed over a hundred million times since its release.

THE HELLA MEGA TOUR North American Dates:
DATE                       CITY                         VENUE
Sat., July 24          Dallas, TX               Globe Life Field
Tues., July 27       Atlanta, GA              Truist Park
Thurs., July 29     Houston, TX           Minute Maid Park
Sat., July 31         Jacksonville, FL       TIAA Bank Field
Sun., Aug. 1         Miami, FL                Hard Rock Stadium
Wed., Aug. 4        Flushing, NY            Citi Field
Thurs, Aug. 5       Boston, MA              Fenway Park
Sun., Aug. 8         Washington, DC       Nationals Park
Tues., Aug. 10      Detroit, MI              Comerica Park
Fri., Aug. 13         Hershey, PA             Hersheypark Stadium
Sun., Aug. 15       Chicago, IL              Wrigley Field
Tues., Aug.17      Columbus, OH          Historic Crew Stadium
Thurs., Aug. 19   Pittsburgh, PA           PNC Park
Fri., Aug. 20        Philadelphia, PA        Citizen’s Bank Park
Mon., Aug. 23     Minneapolis, MN      Target Field
Wed., Aug. 25     Denver, CO                Dick’s Sporting Goods Park
Fri., Aug. 27        San Francisco, CA    Oracle Park
Sun., Aug. 29      San Diego, CA           PetCo Park
Wed., Sept. 1      Milwaukee, WI          Summerfest
Fri, Sept. 3           Los Angeles, CA       Dodger Stadium
Mon., Sept. 6       Seattle, WA               T Mobile Park

JAX TICKETS

The Beatles will be in JAX this month

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce “Classic Albums Live: The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” on Friday, June 18, 2021 at 8 p.m.

Classic Albums Live takes classic albums and recreates them live, on stage - note for note, cut for cut. Founded in 2003 by Craig Martin, Classic Albums Live has become the ultimate destination for music lovers wanting to hear the greatest albums performed live without all the gimmickry and cheesy impersonations. Relying only on the music, using what Martin refers to as 'the world's best musicians,' Classic Albums Live has defined itself as a mainstay in Performing Arts Centers across North America.

Martin shares some behind-the-scenes insight into Classic Albums Live’s performance of The Beatles – Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band: “Sgt. Pepper is 50 years old! For many of us, we don’t know a world without it. Pepper was the album that defined The Beatles as being in it for the long game. It was as though everyone suddenly came to the realization that The Beatles were a big part of the fabric of the 20th century.”

He went on to say, “We all know the hits off the album - “When I’m Sixty-Four,” “A Day in the Life” and “With a Little Help From my Friends.” But upon continual listen - it’s the deep tracks that become more and more compelling. George Harrison’s “Within Without You” was like adding a new spice to your diet, “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!” sounds like you’re taking a trip and “She’s Leaving Home” brought old and young together and prepared them for change.”

Craig concludes: “Classic Albums Live will be honoring the Sgt. Pepper album with a ‘note for note - cut for cut’ performance featuring 16 of the world’s best musicians. Every detail of the album will be performed with precision and grace, from the sitars and orchestra to the guitars and kazoos, Classic Albums Live will deliver a performance that brings 50 years of Beatles’ excellence to thousands of people who grew up alongside the Sgt. Pepper masterpiece.”

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.

“Classic Albums Live:
  The Beatles”
DATE: Friday, June 18, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $35 – $45

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

‘Disney On Ice’ is coming back to JAX

Courage leads the way for Disney’s most adventurous heroes when Disney On Ice presents Dream Big comes to Jacksonville April 1-4, 2021 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, continuing a multi-city tour.  Dream Big features favorite Disney friends such as Mickey, Minnie, Miguel, Moana, Elsa, Belle, Genie, and more highlighting all the magic and adventure of Disney’s tales through world-class figure skating. Audiences will be transported to exciting worlds where heroes of every kind seek to fulfill their dreams at a live experience that families will never forget!

While delivering the same magical experiences guests expect from Disney On Ice, Feld Entertainment is introducing Guest Wellness Enhancements to help keep families safe at its live events. Feld Entertainment is working closely with venue partners to establish and follow COVID-19 health and safety standards in accordance with all federal, state and local guidelines.  Additionally, Pod Seating has been created for family and friends to safely enjoy Disney On Ice while social distancing from other groups that are also in attendance. Seating capacity at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena for Disney On Ice will be reduced with the Pod Seating structure in place.  As an additional precaution, face coverings are required for guests ages 2 and older except when eating or drinking in their seats, unless otherwise exempted by law.  Full details on Feld Entertainment Guest Wellness Enhancements can be found here.

Guests looking to purchase Disney On Ice souvenirs will find the process easier than ever thanks to a new contactless shopping experience with touch-free payment and digital purchasing options.  Guests can pre-order items prior to arriving at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena or from the comfort of their seats.  Once ordered, guests can pick up their purchases at a convenient, contactless pickup station during the show.  Additional information can be found here.

Additional “Disney On Ice presents Dream Big” Show Details: Join the fearless Moana and the greatest demigod that ever lived, Maui, on an action-packed voyage to restore the stolen heart of Te Fiti. Explore the Land of the Dead as Miguel from Disney Pixar’s Coco brings the festivities of Día de los Muertos to the ice. Get tangled up in Rapunzel’s hair-raising quest to see the floating lights. Travel to the kingdom of Arendelle with Anna, Elsa and Olaf in a dramatic retelling of the sisterly love that saved a kingdom. And discover the strength, bravery and kindness that inspired generation after generation with Jasmine, Ariel, Aurora, Belle and Cinderella.

For more info about Disney On Ice, follow Disney On Ice social media channels: Facebook, Twitter & Instagram.  Subscribe to the Disney On Ice YouTube Channel at www.youtube.com/DisneyOnIce 

 “Disney On Ice”
presents “Dream Big”

DATES:      TIMES:.
Thurs. Apr. 1, 2021  7 p.m.
Fri. Apr. 2     7 p.m.
Sat. Apr. 3 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m.
Sun. Apr.     3 p.m.

TICKETS: Vary from $20  *Ticket pricing is subject to change based on market demand.

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

Koz, McKnight and Sheléa in your living room

Dave Koz & Brian McKnight

For one enchanted evening GRAMMY-nominated saxophonist Dave Koz and R&B superstar vocalist Brian McKnight announce “A Romantic Night In,” a livestream concert that will take place on Valentine’s Day Eve – Saturday, February 13, 2021 – beginning at 5 PM PST/8 PM EST via Looped. They will be joined by special guest Sheléa.

Dave Koz says, “Brian, Sheléa and I are so excited to provide the romantic soundtrack to your Valentine’s weekend celebration at home. Pour a glass of wine, dip some strawberries in chocolate…and leave it to us to provide the musical magic!”

Please note, this is a virtual event and will NOT take place at the Theatre.

“Brian McKnight &
  Dave Koz”
DATE: Sat. Feb. 13, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
VIRTUAL TICKETS: $35

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