‘Reba-Willie & The Boys’ show off America at the Alhambra

If you close your eyes and just listen to the artist on stage, and you hear the performer sing with the exact same influx and mannerisms that the actual concert star has; then you are at a terrific tribute artist/impersonator show.  This is what is happening at the Alhambra Theater and Dining in JAX, FL.  Corrie Sachs IS “Reba McEntire” and “Roger Hegyi” IS the spitting image of the famous Willie Nelson.  “Willie, Reba & The Boys” are another great show that the “Alhambra After Dark” has produced and there will be more to come.  Stay tuned!

To add to the show, Roger and his band (Johnny Higgins (Keyboards), David Terry (Drums), Cliff Saunders (Bass Guitar) and a great sounding Julio Iglesias and Mike Fleetwood (Guitar), all sing and play with Willie and Reba as only a professional band could do.  Their music is top notched.  As an added attraction Roger and his band pay tribute to the legendary music of Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and the famous Johnny Cash.

Even if you might not appreciate country music, your feet will tap, your head will bob as you try to clap on the upbeat, instead of the downbeat.  To round out the group, local St. Augustine, FL. native, Debra Hammons Bailey Rider, adds her vocal talents along with Corrie and the Boys.

Take a look at the songs that the group sings in their entirety: “Can’t Even Get the Blues, Take it Back, Fancy, Little Rock, I’m a Survivor, Love Will Find Its Way, Rocky Top, Somebody Turn On the Radio, Lights Went Out in Georgia, We’re So Good Together, Does He Love You, Why Haven’t I Heard From You?”  *Intermission*  “Whiskey River, Stay All Night, Always on My Mind, City of New Orleans, Night Life, Crazy, Pancho and Lefty, On the Road Again, Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain, Mammas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up, Good Hearted Woman, Uncloudy Day, To All the Girls, Don’t Get Around Much, Georgia, Gotta Get Drunk, Beer for My Horses and God Bless the USA”.

   Alhambra After Dark
  "REBA, WILLIE & THE BOYS!"
A tribute to Reba McEntire & Willie Nelson

DATES: Thurs. Sept.21 – Sun. Oct. 1, 2017
SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Thursday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50, dinner will be served until 7:20, and show starts at 7:50 p.m.  Saturday Matinee begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. brunch ends at 12:45, and show starts at 1:15 p.m.; Sunday Matinee - Doors open at 11:50 a.m., brunch ends at 1:20, and show starts at 1:50 p.m.
DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Concert Best”

TICKETS: Regular pricing for tickets is $64.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Price does not include gratuity or orders from the bar.

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

Cummer Museum joins the JAX EPB for fun

Join the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, in partnership with the Jacksonville Environmental Protection Board, for the 4th annual Envirofest on Saturday, October 7, 2017.  This is a free family-friendly event that seeks to cultivate curiosity, respect, and understanding of the Jacksonville community’s shared natural environment, and the plant and animal wildlife in and around the city’s neighborhoods.

This event offers learning opportunities that encourage individuals to better understand sustainable practices and their importance in conserving natural resources. Guests will enjoy live music from local musicians, interactive booths and projects from environmentally conscious vendors, eco-friendly hands-on art activities, and the opportunity to watch local artists in action as they create artwork.

Envirofest will be jam-packed with fun for kids of all ages! Attendees can:

Join Bailey’s Gym, with your own mat, for yoga at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.

Join Museum Educators as they lead hourly family tours of the permanent collection

Peruse an educational booth sponsored by the Environmental Protection Board

Make eco-friendly art projects with Jacksonville Science Festival

Stop by the Jacksonville Beekeepers Association table to see a live bee hive and learn about the importance of honey bees in the environment

Participate in an awesome hands-on activity to find out more about Florida’s water systems with the Spring Water Challenge, brought to you by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection

Visit the Marine Mammal Wildlife Research table to learn about how the newly opened Manatee Critical Care Center at the Jacksonville Zoo cares for injured animals

Learn how urban reefing is constructed and its benefit to the community with Payton Scheppe from the Jacksonville River Reef Project

Other vendors include: MOSH, St. Johns Riverkeeper, Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, Keep Jacksonville Beautiful, Duval Soil and Water Conservation District, Tree Hill Nature Center, and more.

This free fun-filled day will surely be a unique educational experience that the entire family can enjoy

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

JAX artist celebrates N. FL Natural Parks in Lee Adams Gallery

The Thrasher-Horne Center will be exhibiting the work of Jacksonville’s fine artist Kathy Stark September 21 – November 18, 2017 in the Lee Adams Florida Artists Gallery.  An opening reception was held on Thursday, September 21, 2017 in the gallery.

Inspired by a crowd-funded festival, Ms. Stark ventured out into all of the area’s parks and preserves and created large-scale paintings from her experiences.  For three years she researched each place – online and by foot, bike, canoe and kayak – and became a park advocate and an ambassador in the process.  The culmination of her work is a traveling exhibit and book entitled “The Wilderness of North Florida’s Park,” a unique, family-friendly exploration of the extensive system of our region’s national parks.

Ms. Stark combines her expansive watercolor paintings with sketches, historical facts and maps to create an exhibit that is a blend of art and education, serving as a tribute and guide to the great unspoiled stretches of our region.  The Wilderness of North Florida’s Park is intended to inspire people to experience Jacksonville’s extensive and unique park system and to support the nonprofit groups that preserve and protect our land and water. The exhibit and book are an outgrowth of Ms. Stark’s personal passion for the outdoors and her love of the natural beauty of North Florida.  Her project is sponsored by Merrill Lynch and in partnership with Timucuan Parks Foundation.

Thrasher-Horne Center Galleries are supported by the Mary Ward Huntley Florida Artist Fund.  The galleries are free and open to the public during regular box office hours, all Thrasher-Horne Center events and by appointment.  Additional gallery information is available at (904) 276-6815 and on the website.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

Hurricane Irma had no effect on the Florida Theatre

The storm huffed and puffed, but didn’t deter the shows at the Florida Theatre, and now it’s time to celebrate by going to see an event at this iconic venue in downtown Jacksonville, Florida.  Take a look and see what October 2017 has in store for you.

October 2017 Schedule:
3 Jesse Cook
4 Artwalk (First Wednesdays)
5 Seu Jorge presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute To David Bowie
8 Shopkins Live! Shop It Up Tour!
11 Russian Grand Ballet Swan Lake
14 Tedx Jacksonville 2017: We, The People
17 Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicist Reads The Newspaper
20 The Temptations and The Four Tops
21 Inspire Jacksonville presents Hawk Nelson and Blanca
22 The Wizard Of Oz Sensory Friendly Screening
24 An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt
28 The Rocky Horror Picture Show
29 The Magpie Salute

October 3 - 8 pm — Jesse Cook.  Following the success of his PBS concert special, Jesse Cook Live In Concert, flamenco guitarist Jesse Cook is touring in support of his latest release Beyond Borders.

October 4 - 5 pm — JAX Downtown Artwalk. The FT will be lowering their grand chandeliers for a cleaning and bulb changing.  Also meet members of Florida Theatre’s young professional group First A.C.T.  Free tours of the Theatre are available at 6pm and 7pm.  Register to win tickets to upcoming Florida Theatre Shows.  For a complete list of Art Walk events visit click here.

October 5 - 8 pm — Seu Jorge presents The Life Aquatic: A Tribute To David Bowie.  In commemoration of David Bowie’s recent passing, Seu Jorge performs a special tribute to him while recreating the set to the film A Life Aquatic on stage alongside screens crafted as boat sails that will display images from the film.

October 8 - 2 pm — Shopkins Live! Shop It Up Tour!  The #1 selling kids toy in America makes its theatrical debut in an original new live show featuring musical performances by Jessicake, Bubbleisha, Peppa-Mint, Rainbow Kate, Cocolette, Polli Polish and more!

October 11 - 7 pm — Russian Grand Ballet Swan Lake.  Tchaikovsky’s full-length classical production includes the rarely seen Waltz of the Black Swans, and features Russia’s brightest ballet stars.

October 14 - 10 am — TEDx Jacksonville 2017: “We, The People.”  Returning to The Florida Theatre with their annual conference.  We, The People, are the thinkers, makers, doers and dreamers. We are the pacifists and the renegades, the mob and the masses.

October 17 - 7:30 pm — Neil deGrasse Tyson: An Astrophysicists Reads The Newspaper.  Astrophysicist and host of the COSMOS television series, Neil DeGrasse Tyson returns to the Florida Theatre to explore all that is funny and alarming in the world’s current news events.

October 20 - 8 pm — The Tempatations and The Four Tops.  Motown artists The Temptations and The Four Tops have topped the charts with hits such as: “My Girl,” “I Can’t Get Next To You,” and “Just My Imagination,” “Baby I Need Your Loving,” “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch), and “It’s the Same Old Song.”

October 21 - 7 pm — Hawk Nelson & Blanca.  Alternative Christian rockers Hawk Nelson recently released their seventh studio album Diamonds, which features the radio hit “Drops In The Ocean” and “Diamonds.”  Presented by Inspire Jacksonville with guest speaker Vincent Dehm.

October 22 - 2 pm — The Wizard of Oz Sensory Friendly Screening.  In partnership with Hope Springs Florida this screening allows children with developmental disabilities to experience the classic family film in a sensory-friendly environment.  Projection provided by AVL.

October 24 - 8 pm — An Acoustic Evening with Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt.  Singer/songwriters Lyle Lovett and John Hiatt perform their hits: “If I Had A Boat,” “She’s No Lady,” “This Old Porch,” “Have a Little Faith in Me,” “This Thing Called Love” together on the same stage.

October 28 - 8 pm — The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  With all-new digital picture and sound, the ultimate Halloween movie returns!  Hosted by Karissa Wade with live music by 4Play from 8pm - 9pm.

October 29 - 8 pm — The Magpie Salute.  For their new band, Black Crowes guitarists Rich Robinson and Marc Ford reunite with bassist Sven Pipien to perform: “What Is Home,” and “Wiser Time” plus new interpretation of “Comin’ Home”(Delaney and Bonnie),”Gonin’ Down South” (Bobby Hutcherson) “Fearless” (Pink Floyd), “Time Will Tell” (Bob Marley) and “Ain’t No More Cane.”

“Florida Theatre October 2017 events”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: Vary with each show and seat preference.  Order online or call the box office (904) 355-2787, Monday — Friday from 9 a.m. –5 p.m.

'I'm A Star' teens host Gofundme Drive on Facebook and Instagram

The teen servant leaders have collected funds through a Celebrity Basketball game, GoFundMe campaign and private donations.  Since July, they have raised nearly $31,000.  The teens' last GoFundMe drive on Facebook and Instagram LIVE drew 3000+ viewers. If 4000 people donate $5 on Wednesday night, the teens will reach their goal of $50,000.

In August, USA Olympic Gold Medalist Simone Biles sent a video congratulating 'I'm A Star' teens for their Celebrity Basketball Game.  Watch the video here.

I'm A Star kicked off their Jacksonville HELPS (Homeless Students Empowered through Leadership, Partnership & Service) initiative in July to raise money for the 2700 homeless students in Duval County.  All money raised will be donated as unrestricted funds, supporting needs including: eye glasses, books, toiletry items, bus passes, doctor's fees, hotel vouchers, rental deposits, college application fees and more.  See the full wish list Here.

Since 2013, the Foundation has raised $57,000 via live telethons, a 5K and two celebrity basketball games— donating all funds to the Duval County Public Schools’ Homeless Education Department and awarding 14 scholarships to homeless students entering college.

I'm A Star Foundation will present a check to the Duval County School Board in a meeting on Tuesday, October 3rd.  The GoFundMe campaign will end on Monday, October 2.  To donate, please visit HERE.  Any amount will make a BIG difference, and thank you for all that you’re doing to make that difference in a young child’s life.

‘Prince’ comes to JAX for one glorious night

Do you miss him?  Couldn’t get enough of him?  Well, “Prince” tribute artist Marshall Charloff will be coming to town for one night only, at the Thrasher-Horne Center in Orange Park, Florida.  The Purple Xperience is a five-piece tribute band hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota.  They have been touring around the country since their inception in 2011, bringing the memories of Prince and The Revolution to audiences of all generations.  The Purple Xperience embodies the spirit and sounds of Prince, with front-man Marshall Charloff channeling the vocals and movements from the icon himself.  The Purple Xperience brings you the greatest most authentic prince tribute shows in the world leaving no one disappointed.

Charloff is a celebrated producer and recording artist.  He produced, wrote and recorded for the Multi-Platinum and Grammy award winning Commodores.  Produced, wrote and recorded for Hall of Fame Inductee Little Anthony (Little Anthony and the Imperials). His skills paved the way for Marshmallow Fields: a 1990s production team consisting of Marshall, Grammy winner John Fields (The Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, and Switchfoot), and Steven “Funkytown” Greenberg and their single charted on the Billboard Top 100 dance charts and is still in rotation amongst DJs around the country. Marshall is also an inductee in the Mid America Music Hall Of Fame as a member of the band Westside.

Marshall Charloff’s band, Purple Xperience, hosts a number of world-class players, including: Tracey Blake on Lead guitar (played with New Power generation, Sons of Almighty featuring members of NPG, Tracey Blake Project, Westside: inducted in the Midwest hall of fame), Ron Long on Bass guitar (played with Christina Aguilera, The Backstreet Boys, 98°, also recorded with John L, Larry Blackman of Cameo, and Spike Lee), Ron Caron on Drums (played with the Rembrandts, Tina and the B sides, The Melismatics). Cory Eischen on Keys (played with New Power Generation, Prince’s protégé group: Mazarati, Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner and Dan Wilson from Semisonic).

“The Purple Experience”
DATE: Sat. Sept. 30, 2017   TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: range from $29 – $63 with all fees included, and may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  VIP tickets are available for this show.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  It is located on the Orange Park campus at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, Florida.

‘Reba Willie & The Boys’ showing up at the Alhambra Theatre and Dining

The Alhambra After Dark proudly presents "Reba, Willie & The Boys!" - a tribute to Reba McEntire & Willie Nelson; and tickets are selling fast so you better hurry.  If you like great music, can’t get to Las Vegas and want to see your favorite singing stars, you want to come and partake at Alhambra Theatre and Dining in Jacksonville Florida.

Corrie Sachs is the #1 “Reba McEntire” tribute artist / impersonator in Las Vegas, and stars in the award-winning production show “Country Superstars Tribute Show” at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino. Winner of the 2011 “Tribute Act of the Year,” Corrie is widely considered one of the best, and best known, Reba McEntire tribute artists in the country! Having performed in dozens of shows over the years, from “Country Tonight” and “Country Fever” to “American Superstars” and “Legends in Concert,” this incredible performer has REBA down to a tee!

Musicians and fans agree – Willie Nelson is an iconic figure in American music history.  “Roger Hegyi” looks and sounds so much like “The Man” that fans and friends are convinced that he and Willie were twins separated at birth!”  Not just a Willie Nelson “impersonator,” Roger has found a way to reach into the musical soul of Willie Nelson and share it with audiences wherever he performs.  “Watching and listening to Roger performing the music of Willie Nelson gives me chills!”

Chosen as the most authentic and convincing tribute act to Willie Nelson in America, the True Willie Tribute Band is fast becoming the first choice with audiences across America.  Plus, Roger and his band will pay tribute to the legendary music of Waylon Jennings, Merle Haggard and Johnny Cash!

For “Reba, Willie & the Boys”- Dinner will be served as Chef DeJuan has prepared:
First Course (Choice of One) Smoked Ham & Corn Chowder, or Salad with mixed field greens, sliced grapes, tomato, scallion, peanut vinaigrette *GF*
Second Course (Choice of One) Creamy Cajun Pasta, or Penne pasta, chicken, sundried tomato, pesto, or BBQ Pulled Pork brown butter and sugar topped sweet potatoes, pole beans *GF*, or Fried Shrimp Dinner, hush puppies, fries, slaw, or Roasted Vegetable Pita spicy chickpea and spinach salad *GF without pita*.
Third Course (Choice of One) Triple Chocolate Cake with whipped cream or Pecan Pie.  Enjoy your vittles!

          Alhambra After Dark
  "REBA, WILLIE & THE BOYS!"
A tribute to Reba McEntire & Willie Nelson

DATES: Thurs. Sept.21 – Sun. Oct. 1, 2017
SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Thursday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50, dinner will be served until 7:20, and show starts at 7:50 p.m.  Saturday Matinee begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. brunch ends at 12:45, and show starts at 1:15 p.m.; Sunday Matinee - Doors open at 11:50 a.m., brunch ends at 1:20, and show starts at 1:50 p.m.
DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Concert Best”

TICKETS: Regular pricing for tickets is $64.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Price does not include gratuity or orders from the bar.

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

One Spark and Bold Events reschedule after Hurricane Irma

In the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, One Spark, Inc., One Spark Ventures and Bold Events, LLC have jointly decided to postpone the One Spark 2017 Innovation Festival. This year’s event has been rescheduled to take place in the spring of 2018 on Friday, April 6 and Saturday, April 7, at EverBank Field.  A kickoff concert will be hosted by Bold Events at the new Daily’s Place amphitheater on Thursday, April 5.

Many communities across Florida and the Southeast, including Jacksonville, suffered tremendous losses due to the storm, and will face financial, physical and emotional hardships over the coming weeks and months.  One Spark Creators were no exception as challenges with storm preparation, evacuation and response prohibited many from submitting or completing their applications to participate in this year’s event.  One Spark and Bold Events hope that postponing the Innovation Festival until April will give potential Creators the chance to recover and resume their work with the same passion, energy and conviction needed to participate in the event.

From the start, the purpose of One Spark has been to develop both new businesses and a thriving community in Jacksonville where businesses can flourish.  Hurricane Irma was a life-altering event for many individuals and businesses across the city, state and region, the effects of which will be felt for months to come.

“Community and people come first,” said Chad Johnson, Bold Events and Jacksonville Jaguars senior vice president of sales and services.  “By postponing this year’s Innovation Festival, we can better serve the needs of the Jacksonville community.  We look forward to a bigger and better One Spark at EverBank Field in a few short months.”

About One Spark, Inc.: One Spark is a nonprofit committed to fostering environments of creativity and innovation. The company does this by connecting entrepreneurs and innovators from around the world with the community, providing a platform for engagement and making the connections innovators need to move their ideas forward at One Spark branded events and festivals.  The One Spark festival is one of the most efficient ways for individuals and teams to receive market validation, direct feedback and to network with those who may be able to provide personal or professional connections to advance innovative ideas to the next stage of development. One Spark will take place April 5-7 at EverBank Field in Downtown Jacksonville, Florida. For more information visit One Spark.

About Bold Events, LLC: Bold Events serves as a one-stop concierge service for planning events at EverBank Field and Daily’s Place. This includes events at the amphitheater and covered flex field as well as the unique spaces throughout EverBank Field such as the US Assure Club, Fields Auto Group Terrace Suite and FanDuelVille. Meeting planners and concert promoters interested in touring the space, researching date availability or receiving a customized event proposal can reach out to the Bold Events team.

‘The Addams Family’ will be in JAX at the Alhambra

Actor Jake Delaney

Hurricane Irma was here, yet it’s time to be thankful as we enjoy a show and some dinner with family and friends.  The spooky Broadway sensation “The Addams Family” is the perfect show to get you into the Halloween and harvest mood.  The Addams Family musical will open October 4 at the iconic Alhambra Theatre and Dining in Jacksonville, Florida and run through November 12.  This presentation also stars Uncle Fester from the national Broadway Tour and several other Broadway Alumnae.

Said Alhambra Managing Partner, Craig Smith, “This cast is one of the most decorated ensembles we’ve had on our stage.  It is a perfect Halloween tale as we journey through our 50th anniversary season.  This show represents well our theme of “50 Years of Memories.”  He continues, “Chef DeJuan is really taking advantage of the show’s creativity for the menu and I know our guests will be thrilled with its diversity.”

In the 1940’s when cartoonist Charles Addams created his single-panel-gag-cartoons, which depicted a ghoulish American family with an affinity for all things macabre, even his crystal ball did not predict the future influence his characters would have.  While he published more than 1300 cartoons for publications including: The New Yorker, TV Guide and Harper’s Bizarre; the evolution of those who became known as The Addams Family landed on TV, movies and on Broadway.

When “The Addams Family” opened on Broadway in 2010 it starred Nathan Lane as Gomez Addams and Bebe Neuwirth as his wife, Morticia.  The Broadway show ran for 21 months, giving more than 700 performances and grossing more than $60 million. The show later opened in London before launching the US and European tours in 2011.

Actor: Shaun Rice as Uncle Fester

Patterned after the Broadway show, the Alhambra version will feature more than 20 original songs.  As stated earlier, the incredible cast features two actors who were on the US national tour: Shaun Rice will be portraying uncle Fester; and Jake Delaney who will play one of the Addams’ ancestors.  Also included in the cast will be Carlos Lopez (playing Gomez) who has appeared in a host of Broadway shows; Stacey Harris (plays Morticia) has played in Broadway’s Bells Are Ringing; and Evan Gray (playing Pugsley Addams), just closed the US national tour of Matilda.

About the Show: Alhambra guests will enjoy the crazy upside-down world of the Addams Family, where to be sad is happy, to feel pain is joy, and death and suffering are what their dreams are made of.  The family still faces the same trials and tribulations of “normal families.”  Comedy ensues when their dark, beloved daughter Wednesday falls in love with Lucas, a normal boy who knows nothing of this strange family.  We join them at dinner, a night which guarantees laughs amidst the altogether kooky hilarity of the Addams family.

About the Menu: As with all shows, Executive Chef DeJuan Roy will create a menu designed with the show (and season) in mind.  In this case fit for the “foodies” Addams family.  The First Course will feature a choice pumpkin bisque with toasted pumpkin seeds, fresh ground nutmeg or autumn greens salad with roasted root vegetables, candied pecans, blue cheese dressing.  The Second Course features a choice of pan-seared chicken breast with rosemary, lemon jus, mac n’ cheese-inspired risotto, butternut squash; braised beef short rib with buttery herb white rice, sautéed Swiss chard; three cheese tortellini with shrimp and basil; or an autumn vegetable frittata with faro and raisin salad with yogurt dressing.  The Dessert Course features a choice of Tombstone Cake (a chocolate cake with Oreo icing) or a Southern Pecan Pie with chocolate & caramel drizzle.

“The Addams Family”
NOTE: This show contains strobe lights.
DATES: October 4 — November 12, 2017

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins around 6 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday October 6, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  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

Cummer Gardens sustain extensive water damage

The Cummer Gardens were severely impacted by Hurricane Irma and will be closed to the public. While the staff, collection, and building of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens were not substantially affected, the historic Cummer Gardens sustained extensive damage.  The lower tier of all three formal garden spaces, which are listed in the National Register of Historic Places, remained submerged for more than 24 hours, resulting in the uprooting of plants, detached railing along the river, broken lighting, pervasive salinization of the soil, large amounts of debris, and significant impact to much of the physical infrastructure, including drainage, electric, fencing, and the well that services the landscape.

Nearly $1 million has been invested in the gardens in recent years, including the restoration of the historic Olmsted Garden in 2013 and the English Garden in 2017, reconstruction of the Italian Garden Folly, relaying of brick pathways, updating of drainage systems, conservation of sculptures and fountains, fortification of the bulkhead, and installation of new bulkhead railing in 2016-2017.  The Garden Folly structure, brick pathways, and English Garden fountain remain intact.

Museum leadership is working with vendors and contractors to further assess the situation, make some immediate repairs, and create a plan and timeline to reconstruct the gardens.  Additionally, staff is working with colleagues at other historic gardens, as resources for best practices and to locate opportunities for funding.  At this time, there is no projected reopen date for the gardens.

The Cummer Gardens contain a variety of historic plant materials, including many historic species of azaleas that were planted in Mrs. Cummer’s time and cannot be readily purchased.  As many of the plant species in the gardens are no longer commercially available, Museum staff has worked over the years to propagate the specimens that remained on the property.  The scarcity of some of the historic plant material makes the reconstruction effort a unique challenge.

“As a museum and an institution listed in the National Register of Historic Places, historical accuracy and integrity are of the utmost importance,” says Holly Keris, Chief Operating Officer & Chief Curator of the Cummer Museum.  “We will be working as quickly as possible to create a plan for the future of these beloved gardens. Although the damage to the gardens is extensive, we are fortunate that the staff is safe and the building and collection were unharmed. It could have been much worse.”
Many people in the community have reached out to offer volunteer assistance after the storm.  However, because of hazards in the lower gardens (including exposed electrical wiring, community), volunteers will not be allowed on the property at this time for a large-scale cleanup.  The historic gardens are being evaluated by their landscaping firm for next steps.  Staff is working to ensure that the Museum’s interior spaces are ready to open to the public on Thursday, September 14, for regular business hours.  There is no projected reopen date for the gardens.  Staff is also working to contact individuals and organizations that may have upcoming rental events in the gardens.

The Museum staff and leadership would like to thank the community for their outpouring of support.  While the gardens are inaccessible to the public, the Museum will be offering half-price admission.  Should visitors choose to pay full price, half of the admission fee will be applied to the Garden Reconstruction Fund as a donation.  “As reconstruction costs are unknown at this time, any contributions are welcome and appreciated to help restore these spaces as quickly as possible,” states Keris.  Members of the community, and lovers of art and nature, may donate directly to the Garden Reconstruction Fund at www.cummermuseum.org/garden-reconstruction.