'The Aluminum Show' flashed brightly into JAX

For those of you who have never experienced the sights, sounds and interactions of “The Aluminum Show”, then you’re in for a treat.  After seeing this show, it is likened to that of the Blue Man Group or Stomp, except with a shiny difference.  It wasn’t a very long show, nonetheless, it was packed with excitement and screams of delight from the audience both young and mature alike.  The Aluminum Show came to the Times Union Center in JAX for one night, yet they should have stayed for a longer engagement.

Are they earthlings or did they come from outer space?  The music and chorography is very futuristic and yet nostalgic.  Metallic tubes, suspended from the ceiling, rolled across the stage and then out into the audience.  The dancers are contortionists who bend their bodies like that of wet noodles.  As you will see in one of the photos, they will even get up close and personal.  There’s a lesson to be learned and a story that is told throughout the performance.  It’s almost like Dancing With the Stars, Riverdance or a little ballet inside aluminum tubing or waltzing with silver balloons.

Check this link to see when and where the troupe will be coming to a city near you in 2017.  They might even return to JAX if you mention it to The Artist Series.

Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Christmas is coming to JAX town

What a fantastic show this should be.  If you like the crooners of years gone by, then The Rat Pack is coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center on December 2, 2016 for one performance only.  It’s a Christmas experience you don’t want to miss! 

Sammy, Frank, Dean and Joey

There is only one real Rat Pack experience!  It's not until you indulge in Hackett Miller's critically acclaimed production of Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show that you begin to realize why Sandy Hackett's own personal connection to these iconic legends has allowed him to tell this story unlike any other producer or performer.  Sandy's father, legendary comedian, Buddy Hackett was the best of friends with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Joey Bishop – and together, they all made history.

Chosen personally by "Uncle Joey" (Bishop), only Sandy Hackett can bring to life that magical moment in time that everyone wanted (and continues to want) access to. Sandy, with his producing partner, Lisa Dawn Miller, who has her own personal connection to the Rat Pack - her father, legendary songwriter Ron Miller wrote "For Once In My Life" (recorded by every member of the Rat Pack), have created a truly authentic, avant-garde theatrical production based on the musical and comedic legacy of the Rat Pack, capturing the relationship, respect, love and timeless laughter of that once-in-a-lifetime moment in history.

Hackett Miller, armed with their passion and the most extraordinary musical and creative team plus the comedic genius synonymous with the name Hackett, Sandy Hackett's Rat Pack Show is the most successful live theatrical production of its kind, touring throughout the U.S. in hundreds of performing arts theatres to great critical acclaim. Priding itself on its uniqueness and originality, this show makes you laugh, cry and leaves you wanting for more!

Now audiences can experience this critically acclaimed, hugely entertaining theatrical production which includes exciting new arrangements of classic songs and original, never-before-heard songs written by the late, best-selling songwriter, Ron Miller, along with recorded voiceovers made exclusively for this show by the late, comedic genius, Buddy Hackett.

“Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show”
DATE: Friday, December 2, 2016
TIME: 7 p.m.

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

TICKETS: start at $38.50 and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Chase (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 442-BWAY (2929) between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 442-2947 or emailing Artistseries Group Sales.

Children's Miracle Network Hospitals 2016 'Gaming' results

2016 Gamers on a mission

Game lovers of all levels and categories (console, mobile, PC, table-top, etc.), joined together for a 24-hour marathon on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, to save and improve the lives of children living in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.  Extra Life, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) program, is a nation-wide fundraising phenomenon that adds a life-saving purpose to playing video, board and lawn games.

In the Jacksonville/Brunswick community, gamers raised $16,982 to purchase life-saving medical equipment, educational resources and child-life activities for local CMN Hospitals – Wolfson Children’s Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville. Children who spend time in these hospitals enjoy gaming as a distraction from their medical challenges and Extra Life honors that joy.

Either playing solo or on a team, marathon participants invited friends and family to donate toward their personal fundraising page, often sharing their story and connection to the cause. Some players even broadcast their efforts via live stream to encourage their fans around the world to make a contribution.

While many completed the marathon from home, the Jacksonville Guild hosted a 12 hour live game day marathon in the UNF Student Union Ballroom and encouraged participants to bring out their consoles, PCs and tabletop sets. The event included a live gaming stream and interactive entertainment opportunities while showcasing local families who have been impacted by CMN Hospitals’ funds.

Preparations are being made for the 2017 event.  Interested gamers can follow Extra Life Team Jax on Facebook or sign up at www.Extra-Life.org for next year’s event.

28th Christmas Made in the South returns to JAX

It’s time to do some walking, visiting and shopping in a festive atmosphere that will help you fill any Christmas wish list, and buy for that person who has just about everything.  Avoid the “Black Friday” crowds, support “Small Business Saturday”, or shop after church on Sunday this year at “Christmas Made in the South”.  The 28th annual event is coming to the Jacksonville, Florida’s Prime Osborn Center on November 25 – 27, 2016.  Take a look at a video which will show you some of the fun and excitement that you’ll experience.

“Christmas Made in the South” allots you to purchase handcrafted items that come with special stories and descriptions.  Everything is unique and is the exhibitor's own work and designs (not commercially made or manufactured).  Purchase directly from the artists & craftsmen who will be there to talk with you about their craft & share their stories.  There are many unique booths to explore and hidden treasures which you can’t buy at big department stores.  Handmade, one-of-a-kind designs populate the booths that will fill the Prime Osborn Center.  You’ll be able to find gifts for men, children, unique clothes, hand bags, glass ornaments, jewelry, breathtaking art, gourmet food, diverse entertainment, photography, loads of Christmas decorations and more.  Mostly all of the products are “Made in the USA”.

The show is focused on keeping the world of fine artisans and craftspeople alive.  Exhibitors will be there all three days demonstrating and selling their handcrafted works of art.  You may even desire to get one-little-something for yourself.  CMITS comes around once-a-year so that you will enjoy yourself.  Take a look here to inquire about the show coming to your locale.

Christmas Made In The South 2016
Dates:         Times:
Fri., Nov. 28, 2016  9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 29     10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 30     11 a.m. –5 p.m.

Location:  Prime Osborn Convention Center
     1000 Water St
     Jacksonville, FL 32204
     (904) 630-4000

Tickets: Adults: $7.00 – Children 12 & under are FREE.  Printable $1.00 Off Coupon, or visit your local PUBLIX supermarkets for discount coupons.  (One Admission Good for All 3 Days with hand stamp!)  Come stay at our host hotel The Omni Jacksonville and receive our discounted rate of $80.00 per night from November 23rd through November 28th.  Hurry, while there are still rooms available for this event.

2016 Show Sponsors: PUBLIX, First Coast News, and the Florida Times Union.