Alhambra has 2018 season tickets available for Christmas

The Alhambra Theatre and Dining is kicking off its next 50 years of Memories celebration with a nine-show blowout, five of which are brand new to Alhambra audiences.  The dinner theater kicks off its 2018 season on January 3 with The Marvelous Wonderettes and wraps it up with a new holiday presentation, Elf the Musical on November 21.  Tickets are NOW available for your purchase as Christmas Stocking Stuffers, or as a White Elephant gift to someone you know.  The complete schedule is as follows:

The Marvelous Wonderettes  Jan. 3 - Feb. 4
Little Shop of Horrors     Feb. 14 – Mar. 25
Five Guys Names Moe     Apr. 4 – May 6
A Fox on the Fairway     May 9 – June 10
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang    June 13 – July 29
Kiss Me, Kate        Aug. 1 – Sept. 9
Do Black Patent Leather Shoes Sept. 12 – Oct. 7
Really Reflect Up?
1776            Oct. 17 – Nov. 18
Elf the Musical        Nov. 21 – Dec. 24

 

In his letter to season ticket holders, fondly referred to by the Alhambra as “Season Partners,” Managing Partner, Craig Smith, said “We spent 2017 “looking back” with joy at all the memories that have been created here over the past 50 years.  We are ‘looking forward’ with great anticipation to all the Alhambra will be in the future.”  Smith added, “Our goal is always to provide fresh and exciting Broadway fare, and I think people will love this schedule.  It really is a season of spectacular.”

Season Partnerships are currently available for as little as $267 per ticket per season for any 6 shows.  Single show seats are also now on sale starting at just $38.  All tickets include a three-course meal that changes with each title, the show and parking.  Craig says, “Our Season Partnerships have increased year after year, and we are selling out our shows.  People are understanding that not only do we provide an incredible dining and theatrical experience, but we offer unsurpassed value for the money.  Nowhere else can you have dinner, a show and parking for under $50.”

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

‘White Harvest Farms’ celebrates Tour de Farm cooking demo

Slow Food First Coast (SFFC) has invited White Harvest Farm, an initiative of the Clara White Mission, to participate in there bi-annual flagship event, the “Tour de Farm.”  This year’s Tour will feature more than 50 local farms, artisan food makers and chefs.

Clara White Mission is honored to participate as one of their featured farms.  This event will celebrate the farms and food makers in the JAX region, who are working hard to grow local produce for the community.  Chef Matthew, will be on hand to conduct cooking demonstrations using some of the produce from White Harvest Farm.

Cooking demonstrations will be hosted at 1 and 3 p.m.  Visitors to the farm will have an opportunity to tour the farm and shop at Clara Whites’ Farmers Market.  Entertainment will also be provided for guests. It’s child-friendly and will be a great day for all visitors.

White Harvest Farms & Farmer’s Market
     Tour de Farm
      Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
Date:   Sun., Nov. 19, 2017
Time:   12 noon – 5 p.m.
Location: 5348 Moncrief Road
     Jacksonville, Florida 32209
     Office: (904) 354-4162

For more information contact Slow Food First Coast or Clara White Mission at (904) 354-4162 x 1114.  The Clara White Mission, Inc. is private, 501 (c) 3 non-prop organization founded in 1904 and incorporated in December 1936.  The agency strives to provide individuals in need with the services and resources that offer the opportunity to achieve or regain self-sufficiency to build self-esteem and to become contributing members of society.

'I'm A Star' Teens host 7th annual ‘Let’s Move Jacksonville’

Inspired by former First Lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move campaign, “I’m A Star Foundation” invites the community to its 7th Annual “Let’s Move Jacksonville” event.  The healthy food and fitness festival will be held Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry J. Klutho Park, located at 204 W 3rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32206.  Let’s Move Jacksonville is free and open to the public.

Two events from I'm A Star Foundation

Each year since 2010, youth in the I’m A Star Foundation plan events in a grassroots effort to engage their peer group and combat childhood obesity.  As a precursor to the event above, the “I'm A Star” students will have 5 generations, in the same room, getting healthier together on Nov. 17th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Martin Luther King Elementary FAME Academy.  This is made possible through grants from 6 TO 76, which are grants from the Florida Beverage Association and the American Beverage Association that empower young people and senior citizens to adopt healthier lifestyles.

The gathering will consist of: Healthy Meal Prep: Participants will make a healthy meal; Closing the Generational Gap: Participants will eat the meal together family-style and discuss issues that impact them; also Getting Active/Dancing Through the Years: Participants will dance together and learn dances unique to specific generations.

People who have RSVP'd to the event are from the following generations:
The iGen, Gen Z or Centennials born 1996 through 2010
Millennial generation or Gen Y born between 1977 and 1995
Generation X born between 1965 and 1976
Baby Boomer Generation born between 1946 and 1964
Traditionalist or Silent Generation born between 1920 and 1945

I’m A Star teens design the event for the whole family, ages 1 to 100.  There will be free food, games, sports, dancing, arts, crafts, vendors and more.  City and community leaders of all kinds typically support the event, which has attracted upwards of 3000 + people.  Families, groups or churches who bring the most attendees will win $1000.

I’m A Star Foundation has partnered with 93.3 The Beat in a #LetsMoveMondays social media challenge.  Every Monday, post a video of yourself dancing to your Instagram, Facebook or Twitter, with hashtag #LetsMoveMondays — and one lucky winner will be chosen to receive a prize of $100 — announced at Let’s Move Jacksonville on December 2.

Clara White Mission to receive a huge Thanksgiving blessing

United Health Care and Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, together will present gifts totaling $92,000 at “Feed City”.  Their employees, along with 150 volunteers will serve over 1000 homeless veterans and low-income residents at their Pre-Thanksgiving outdoor dining room in front of the Clara White Mission.  The 25th Annual Feed the City is scheduled for Saturday, November 18th, from 11 a.m.to 1 p.m. in the historic LaVilla community.

If you are a barber, or know of a barber who could donate their time and talent to this event, please contact Rosa Nicholes of the Clara White Mission (904) 354-4162 Ext. 1114 today!

25th. Annual Feed the City
Pre-Thanksgiving Luncheon
DATE: Sat. Nov. 18, 2017
TIME: 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m.

LOCATION: Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      613 West Ashley St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162

ENTERTAINMENT & OTHER EVENTS: Hip hop artist Kamillion.  In addition, a distribution of new clothing from Overstock & More, and free haircuts will be available.

CORPORATE SPONSORS: Winn Dixie and Malik Jackson, Jacksonville Jaguars and Radio Stations 93.3/V101.5.

For over 113 years, the Clara White Mission has offered a unique combination of services to low-income and veteran families, while addressing the urgent and critical demands, through life changing services on-site at their one-stop community development center.  This center is designed to enrich and restore lives through daily meals, education, job training, job placement in culinary arts and janitorial/construction services and housing initiatives.  They envision a community, where at-risk families can reach their full potential and achieve self-sufficiency by working in partnership with the community.  For more information, visit the Clara White Mission.

‘Momma’s Boy’ comes to JAX with a star studded cast

 

Priest Tyaire’s stage play “Momma’s Boy,” has many well-known stars such as: Robin Givens, Johnny Gill, Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show, 227’s Jackee Harry, singing sensation Shirley Murdock, eight-time Stellar award winner Anthony Brown, former En Vogue member Dawn Robinson, and Lil G from R & B Group Silk; nonetheless there are a few others who make this show the hit that it was when it came to Jacksonville, Florida on Veteran’s Day.

Actors and singers such as: Chris Bolton, Canton Jones, Anthony Dupree, Iran Claiborne, Camille Forrest, Carl Lolley and little person Thomas Harris were also representatives who make the show what it is.  It is said that children and animals usually steal a show, but Mr. Harris will give them a run for their money playing his role.  Also, Camille Forrest (Momma) gives a rendition of “I Look to You” that would have made Whitney Houston stand up and take notice.

 

Let it not go unnoticed that Nephew Tommy and Thomas Harris stole the show.  Tommy is hilarious with his talking about ‘weed’, his relationship with Jackee and his undercover antics.  The man can preach himself in and out of a church setting like no other.

This writer had the honor to witness the singing and acting of the famed Shirley Murdock back in 2009 in the play entitled “3 Ways to Get a Husband.”  The Times Union Center in Jacksonville, FL is the same locale where she appeared in “Momma’s Boy.”  Her singing of “Good Man” shows the audience that she is just as good and as beautiful as she was some eight years ago.

As you can imagine the vocals are phenomenal, especially when the male singers ended the show with the song “Worth” by Anthony Brown and Mrs. Murdock!  This Christian based play is not preachy, yet it will show you the redemptive and forgiving power of God

There are 10 more venues where you may get a chance to see this hit show in 2017.  You don’t want to miss this play that will have you laughing and may even bring a few tears to your eyes.  “Momma’s Boy” may also make you take some thought of your own life and what you will do with it.  Tyler Perry - move over.  Priest Tyaire is the new sheriff in town, and he’s going somewhere as he makes success waves to a location near you.

‘DISNEY’S The Lion King’ performs at St. John’s Town Center!

Celebrate the joy and magic of the holiday season at the 12th annual St. Johns Town Center Holiday Spectacular on Saturday, November 11 from 2-8 p.m.  Holiday shoppers, families and visitors are invited to attend the action-packed day of free, family-fun and musical performances.

The annual holiday celebration, sponsored by Toyota, OneBlood, PRI Productions, and Disney’s The Lion King kicks off at 2 p.m.  Throughout the day, guests will enjoy festivities including: oversized games, an interactive hot chocolate station, jugglers, caricature artists, letters to Santa, ornament decorating, a festive photo booth and a silent DJ experience.  That’s not all!  The holiday fun will continue with great giveaways, costume characters, holiday entertainment and more.

Main stage entertainment begins at 2 p.m. with dynamic holiday performances, including a Broadway star from Disney’s The Lion King on The Main Stage at 4 p.m., located in the Town Green in front of Maggiano’s Little Italy on Midtown Parkway.

Disney’s The Lion King returns to Jacksonville January 31-February 11 for 16 performances. For tickets and more information, visit fscjartistseries.org.  Stay tuned for complete article on “Around Town With Ms. “V”.

‘Cirque Dreams Holidaze’ comes to JAX for the holidays

What a great reward for the kiddies getting good grades before Christmas.  The 10th Anniversary National Tour of “Cirque Dreams Holidaze” will light up Jacksonville in 2017 at the Times-Union Center with two unforgettable performances, and is presented by the FSCJ Artist Series.  This critically-acclaimed holiday stage extravaganza is a Broadway Musical, New Cirque Adventure and Family Show, all wrapped up in one!

Broadway Director Neil Goldberg has reimagined the anniversary stage spectacle of Cirque Dreams Holidaze the New York Daily News proclaimed “A delicious confection of charm, sparkle and talent by the sleigh load.” Its “The perfect holiday gift and show everyone will enjoy” raved BroadwayWorld of the sold-out performances that “Dazzled…at The Kennedy Center” hailed the Washington Post.

Audiences around the country will celebrate the most wonderful time of the year at this multi-million-dollar live stage production with never before seen performances, over 300 costumes, 20 of the world’s best acts, the finest singers, original music and seasonal favorites.  Experience elaborate costumed characters, snowmen, penguins, candles, reindeer, toy soldiers, gingerbread men, Santa and ornaments…flying, balancing and stretching imaginations in this groundbreaking holiday celebration.  Exciting theatrical production numbers, illusions and gravity-defying feats will leave you on the edge of your seats as this “Las Vegas…meets family entertainment…meets musical theatre” Cirque Dreams Holidaze production declares the Boston Globe.

Creator/Director Goldberg states, “Our 10th anniversary season of Cirque Dreams Holidaze is not just an entertainment spectacle and uplifting holiday celebration filled with gifts of amazement but is our largest and most elaborate production to date with something for everyone in the family to share and enjoy.”

“Cirque Dreams Holidaze”
DATES:         TIMES:
Sat., Nov. 18       8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 19      1:30 p.m.

SHOW TICKETS: affordably priced starting at $38.50, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show along with the VyStar Credit Union), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.  Discounts are available for groups of 10+ by calling (904) 632-5050 or emailing groupsales@fscj.edu.

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

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens receive more awards in 2017

Despite the devastation from Hurricane Irma, the Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens is honored to announce that it has received two awards in the 2017 Museums Publications Design Competition of the American Alliance of Museums.  The Museum received Second Prize in the Annual Report category, as well as an Honorable Mention in the Book category for “The Chef’s Canvas."

The Museum’s annual report is a collection of stories and descriptions of events, exhibitions, and programs hosted by the Museum over the past year.  It highlights the accomplishments and the impact of the Museum on the community, from exhibitions such as LIFT: Contemporary Expressions of the African American Experience to education programs like Cummer in the Classroom. The Museum utilizes the report as an opportunity for transparency and to spotlight the outcomes of the work it does for its constituents.  The annual report was designed by Wingard Creative and printed by Agility Press, Inc. Photography for the report was done by local photographers Ingrid Damiani and Dennis Ho.

The Chef’s Canvas is a beautifully-designed coffee table cookbook celebrating the Museum’s diverse collection of art and the abundant talent of local chefs.  Each dish was inspired by a work of art each chef selected from the Museum’s collection.  The artwork chosen spans a wide range of artistic styles, and the paired food dishes are just as beautifully diverse.  Each recipe includes a statement from the chef about the inspiration for their dish, the work of art chosen, and a beautiful image of the finished dish.  The book is a way of connecting the art and culinary worlds of Northeast Florida in a unique and compelling way.  “The Chef’s Canvas” project was managed by Cari Sanchez-Potter and Emily Moody, designed by Varick Rosete, photographed by Agnes Lopez, and printed by The Hartley Press.

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

‘Christmas Made in the South’ returns to JAX this 2017 season

You may see some familiar vendors from previous years, who are returning to “Christmas Made in the South,” for their 29th. season.  Make plans to come the weekend after Thanksgiving.  There is so much to see, feel and taste when you attend this prestigious show.  Many new & familiar tradesmen, with creative one-of-a-kind gifts & treasures, spend 3 days in Jacksonville Florida supplying individuals with gifts.  More merchants are taking advantage of Black Friday and Small Business Saturday by accepting either paper or plastic.  If you desired to use plastic, ATM’s are available on site, or most businesses are equipped with credit card devices.

“Christmas Made in the South” allows you to purchase handcrafted items that come with special stories and descriptions.  There are many unique booths to explore and hidden treasures which you won’t see at big department stores.  You’ll be able to find gifts for men, women, children, unique clothes, hand bags, glass ornaments, jewelry, breathtaking art, gourmet food, diverse entertainment, photography, loads of Christmas decorations and much more.  Most of the products are also “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 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 after eating all that Thanksgiving Day turkey and fixing’s.  Check HERE to see if the Carolina Show will be coming to a city near you.

Christmas Made In The South 2017
Dates:         Times:
Fri., Nov. 24, 2017  9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 25     10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 26     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 Coupons are available HERE.  (One Admission Good for All 3 Days with hand stamp!)  2017 Show Sponsors: PUBLIX, First Coast News, and the Florida Times Union.

‘Momma’s Boy’ appearing in JAX for one night only!

Priest Tyaire announces the release of his eighth stage play “Momma’s Boy,” starring Robin Givens, Johnny Gill, Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Morning Show, 227’s Jackee Harry, singing sensation Shirley Murdock, eight-time Stellar award winner Anthony Brown, former En Vogue member Dawn Robinson, and Lil G from R & B Group Silk.  WOW, what a lineup.  This highly anticipated production is sure to take audiences on an emotional roller coaster, leaving them laughing, crying, and on the edge of their seats.  Tickets are on sale NOW for the Friday, November 10, 2017 performance.

“Momma’s Boy” is a story that is based on real life events and is guaranteed to take audiences on a riveting, yet eye-opening experience addressing stereotypes that plague African American families and communities.  “I want to reach everyone with this life-changing play, because unfortunately no city, community, or family is exempt,” said Priest Tyaire.  While the play reflects an important, socially relevant issue, it is delivered in an inspirational and entertaining way that captivates all audiences.

About the Show: Set in the inner city, Aaron and Autumn join forces as police officers in a town plagued by violence.  Autumn is then forced to move into Aaron’s home with her sons.  Autumn has spoiled and catered to her sons every need which has earned them the title of being momma’s boys.  This is where Aaron’s plight begins to turn these boys to men. In an awkward turn of events, Autumn decides to confront Aaron about his own relationship with his mother. Aaron’s mother, who has resided with him for the past 10 years, feels that no woman can take care of her son like she can.  She has run away potential prospects in the past and intends to do same with Autumn.

The big question that remains is how can Aaron turn Autumn’s boys into men when he is a “Momma’s Boy” himself? Through some quick thinking and a lot of prayer, Aaron manages to not only alter the lives of Autumn’s boys, but realizes that his own relationship with his mother requires some much-needed adjustments.

About the Playwright: Priest Tyaire is an experienced playwright who has produced life-changing stage plays through his inspirational productions of: The Tears of a Teenage Mother, Torn Between Two Fathers, and The Wrong Shade of Black – to name a few.  In fact, his first national touring show, Mrs. Independent, was so successful, that it received rave reviews in leading media outlets, such as The Washington Post, The Baltimore Sun Times, on Fox TV, and in Eclipse Magazine.

°“Momma’s Boy”
presented by Priest Tyaire
DATE: Friday, November 10, 2017
TIME: 8 p.m.

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

SHOW TICKETS: range from $65 – $95, and may be purchased online through Ticketmaster.  Tickets are on sale now and will be available at the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Offices located at Veterans Memorial Arena and the Times-Union Center or charge by phone at (800)-745-3000.