Friday, December 1, 2017

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

Healthy Food and Fitness Festival, organized by the I'm AStar Foundation youth which is the largest group to win $1000 at the 7th annual “Let's Move Jacksonville”, will hold a healthy food and fitness festival on Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry J. Klutho Park, located in Springfield at 204 W 3rd St, Jacksonville, FL 32206.  3rd street will be closed to allow for parking.

Families, groups or churches that bring the most people to I'm A Star Foundation's 7th Annual Let’s Move Jacksonville festival this Saturday will take home $1000.  The I’m A Star Teens design the event for the whole family, ages 1 to 100.  It’s free and open to the public.  Youth in the I'm A Star Foundation will give away free fruits and vegetables to all attendees.

Activities include: Free food
Free Farmer’s Market giving away local produce DJ/Music by 93.3 The Beat Jamz Line Dancing Bounce Houses Flag Football Kickball Cheerleading Camp Hula Hooping Hopscotch Basketball Double Dutch Skateboarding Bike Paths Nature Trails – Face Painting – Arts – Crafts – Space for Picnic Blankets  oga & Relay Races.

Since learning in a CDC Youth Risk Behavioral Study in 2010 that "this generation may not outlive their parents", youth in the I’m A Star Foundation plan this event annually to engage their peer group and combat childhood obesity.  City and community leaders of all kinds typically support the event, which has attracted upwards of 3000+ people.  Each year, I'm A Star Foundation awards the group who brings the most attendees with $1000.  Last year, Communities in Schools took home the prize.

About I’m A Star Foundation
Established in 2010, I'm A Star Foundation is a non-profit organization comprised of students (ages 12-18) who develop solutions to improve their communities.  An acronym for “Smart, Talented And Resilient” students, the Foundation draws 35 volunteer student servant leaders from middle and high schools across Duval County each year.

Thursday, November 30, 2017

Holiday Christmas time at the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens


If the holiday spirit has come upon you, why not think about a donation to the Recovery of the historic gardens that were destroyed in Hurricane Irma this year.  There are also many exciting things to see and experience in the museum that you’ll be able to take the children and your family to, now that they will soon be out-of-school for Christmas vacation and visiting during this festive season.

Florida Blue Free Tuesday — Each Tues. evening from 4 to 9 p.m. Free.  No registration required.  Every Tuesday, enjoy free admission to the Cummer Museum and its historic Gardens, thanks to the generous support of Florida Blue. Guests can enjoy free admission to the Galleries and Gardens.  Each Tuesday evening, the Cummer Café is open for Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

Tapas Tuesday — Each Tues. evening from 5 to 7:30 p.m. | The Cummer Café.  Reservations recommended.  Tap into Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union at the Cummer Café. Every Tuesday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on the Cummer Café patio, take in the sunset while listening to local musicians with beer, wine, or artfully inspired tapas for sale at the Café.  Reserve your table by calling (904) 899-6022.

Weaver First Saturday Free for All
Sat., Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  The first Sat. of each month at the Cummer Museum is FREE FOR ALL, thanks to the generous support of J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver. Guests can enjoy free admission, as well as art-making activities for all ages in the Cummer Gardens, live music, and a Docent-led tour at 2 p.m.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us
— Sun., Dec. 3 from Noon to 4 p.m. | Free to Cardholders.  No registration required.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers free admission on the first Sunday of the first full weekend of the month to all Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholders through the Museums on Us program.  Each cardholder receives one free general admission to the Museum. For more information on the Museum's programming and events, please call (904) 899-6038.

Champagne & Shopping — Thurs. & Fri., Dec. 7 & 8 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.  Free.  No registration required.  Enjoy complimentary champagne and appetizers while shopping special artisan merchandise brought in just for this two-day event. Free admission. Additional discounts available each day.

Art for Tots: Triangle Trees! Sat., Dec. 16 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair.  Registration required.  Ages 24-36 months with accompanying adult.  Join us with your little one to explore holiday traditions, looking at triangle shapes. Using several techniques, they will create a winter landscape highlighting this basic geometric shape. Art for Tots is funded through the generosity of the Chartrand Family Foundation. Entry is through Art Connections. Class size is limited. For further information, please
email or call (904) 355-0630.

Art Adventures: The Cummer Family! Sat, Dec 16 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Members $10, Non-Members $15.  Registration required for ages 6 through 12.  Join the Cummer on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes.  This class will focus on the history of the Cummer Museum and its founders.  Students will view works depicting families from the permanent collection and create a work of art exploring what family means to them.  Projects will be completed within one class period.  Class size is limited. For further information, please
email or call (904) 355-0630.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   
829 Riverside Avenue

   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   
Hours of Operation & Admission

‘Christmas Wonderland’ graces the Times Union Ctr. stage in JAX

Live on stage for one night only, FSCJ Artist Series is pleased to announce one of the most enchanting Christmas holiday spectacular shows ever “Christmas Wonderland”!  Your entire family can start Christmas in style as Santa and his merry helpers take them on an unforgettable nostalgic journey. Holiday favorite songs include: ‘White Christmas,’ ‘Winter Wonderland,’ ‘Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,’ ‘Chestnuts Roasting by An Open Fire,’ ‘Jingle Bells,’ ‘’Away in a Manger,’ ‘O Come All Ye Faithful,’ ‘Let it Snow,’ ‘Silent Night,’ ‘Hark the Herald Angels Sing,’ ‘Deck The Halls,’ ‘Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ ‘O Holy Night,’ and many more Christmas standards.

Christmas Wonderland” features over a thousand glittering costumes, a dazzling cast and the highest kicking chorus girls this side of the North Pole.  Be amazed as a cast of 24 singers and dancers, who are hand selected from London, New York, Las Vegas and Los Angeles transform the stage into pure winter wonderland magic.  With spectacular sets and scenery, the show parades its way through the wonder of Christmas and the excitement of the holiday season.

Christmas Wonderland is produced by Spirit Productions and David King, a multi award-winning and internationally acclaimed theatre producer who became known to American audiences through the megahit musical, Spirit of the Dance, which became one of the biggest dance shows in the world, with 14 troupes performing in 14 different countries on the same night, playing to more than 30 million people worldwide.  Spirit Productions owns The Palace Theatre in Myrtle Beach and The King's Castle Theatre in Branson, Missouri, where their shows play year-round.  Spirit shows have toured in more than 30 countries and they are the first producer from the Western world to have three consecutive tours in China, playing to over a million people.

Christmas Wonderland
DATE:        TIME:
Tues., Dec. 19. 2017  7:30 p.m.

SHOW TICKETS: affordably priced starting at $38.50 – $74.50, and may be
purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series 24/7 (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.

LOCATION:Times Union Center Performing Arts

      
Moran Theater
      
300 West Water St
.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Back to life at the Times Union “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story”

On the back of incredibly successful tours in 2015 in 2016, “Buddy – The Buddy Holly Story” – the show that inspired a generation of multi-million selling juke-box musicals including: Jersey Boys, Mamma Mia, Million Dollar Quartet, and We Will Rock You – is coming to JAX for one performance only!

Seen by over 22 million music fans since it opened in London’s West End in 1989, Buddy speaks an international language and continues to have audiences from 8 to 80 rockin’ in the aisles across the globe.  Loved by critics and audiences alike, Buddy tells the enduring tale of the musical icon’s meteoric rise to fame and his final legendary performance at the Surf Ballroom in Clear Lake, Iowa, before his tragic and untimely death at the age of 22.  In 18 short months the Texas-born boy revolutionized the face of contemporary music influencing everyone from The Beatles to Bruce Springsteen.

Boasting a phenomenally multi-talented cast, together they present two terrific hours of music with over 20 of his greatest hits, including the timeless classics: That’ll Be The Day, Peggy Sue, Oh Boy and Rave On.  With the Big Bopper’s Chantilly Lace and Ritchie Valens’ La Bamba completing a stellar musical line-up, Buddy is a not to be missed evening of feel good family entertainment

Buddy’s widow, Maria Elena Holly, says of the show, “When we opened the show we never imagined Buddy’s music and story would still be rocking stages and entertaining audiences around the world week-in week-out over 25 years later. I believe this is testament to a great show – the first of its kind – and to the enduring appeal of Buddy Holly and what he represents; a youthful energy, huge talent and creativity, combined with a determination to make a lasting impression in this world.”

Writer/Producer Alan Janes says, “Audiences dance in the aisles every night to our enactment of the story of a young man whose musical career spanned an all-too-brief period but whose music will be remembered forever”.

   “
BUDDY
The Buddy Holly Story

DATE: Sat., Dec. 2  TIME: 8 p.m.

SHOW TICKETS: start at $32.50, 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.  For more information, visit FSCJ Artist Series
.

LOCATION:Times Union Center Performing Arts

      
Moran Theater
      
300 West Water St
.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

‘Femmes of Rock’ star at the Thrasher-Horne Center in December

Imagine if Hendrix played violin…The Thrasher-Horne main stage is set to be rocked on December 1st by the raw power of one of the biggest and most accomplished electric violin acts in the nation with the Bella Electric Strings presenting their latest show “Femmes of Rock.”  Led by rock violinist and arranger Nina DiGregorio, these violinists have thrilled audiences worldwide with their blistering solos, unique arrangements, beauty, and charm.

“Femmes of Rock” is just one of several shows presented by Bella Electric Strings, a group of approximately 30 talented musicians based in several US cities who tour as electronic string quartets in a variety of different productions.  Similar to theater’s Blue Man Group and Irish dancers Lord of the Dance, Bella has multiple themed shows crisscrossing the country, and their roster includes the best of the best in the world of electric violin.  These girls have performed with some of the biggest names in the business, including: Beyoncé, Rod Stewart, Shakira, Ricky Martin, Deep Purple, Cheap Trick, Stevie Wonder, The Killers, Michael McDonald, Andrea Bocelli, Earth, Wind & Fire, Pitbull, America’s Got Talent, and many, many more.  Currently based in Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and Orlando, the group will soon make its way to New York City, with plans to expand internationally to Europe and Asia within the next few years.

Featuring the music of AC/DC, ELO, Queen, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, Jimi Hendrix, Prince, Metallica, David Bowie, Pink Floyd, and more, the Femmes of Rock show takes Bella Strings to a whole new level. All-new arrangements, original material, a live rock band, video, lights, choreography, comedy, and more can be expected in this high-energy show that leaves audiences awed. The only one of its kind, there are no other similar string acts operating at this level of production. Be prepared for something that you have not yet seen the likes of. The girls keep a busy touring schedule and are one of the most sought-after “hard rock” violin acts in the world.

Femmes of Rock

DATE: Fri. Dec. 1, 2017   TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thrasher-Horne Ctr.

      St. Johns River State College
      
283 College Drive

      Orange Park, FL 32065


TICKETS: range from $33 – $73 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.

Florida Theatre December 2017 holiday events

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas and the Florida Theatre wants you and your family to be thoroughly entertained.  Theatre tickets make a great ‘stocking-stuffer’ gifts.  Why not take a look at the festivities below and grab some tickets for you and that special someone.

December 2017 Schedule:
2 Kansas: Leftoverture 40th Anniversary Tour
3 A Hip Hop Nutcracker with special guest emcee Kurtis Blow
8
26th Annual Community Nutcracker
8 Game Grumps at the Times Union Moran Theatre 8pm
9 26th Annual Community Nutcracker
13 John Prine
15 Luke Combs
16 ELF presented by First A.C.T.
20 Ten Tenors Home For the Holidays
21 Gabriel Iglesias: Fluffymania World Tour
22 A Charlie Brown Christmas Live
27 Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker
29 Michael Carbonaro Live!

December 2 - 8pm
Kansas: Leftoverture 40th Anniversary Tour.  The classic rockers will perform their hits: “Carry On Wayward Son,” “The Wall,” “Miracles Out Of Nowhere,” and “What’s On My Mind,” from their breakthrough album Leftoverture.

December 3 - 7pm
A Hip Hop Nutcracker with special guest emcee Kurtis Blow.  Rapper Kurtis Blow ("The Breaks," "Basketball," "If I Ruled the World") emcees this contemporary production of Tchaikovsky’s timeless classic, which features hip-hop dancers, a live DJ and urban setting.

December 8 - 8pm & Dec. 9 - 1pm & 7:30pm
26th Annual Community Nutcracker.
  Every performance exudes imagination and creativity. Dancers gracefully twirl and twist in Clara’s winter wonderland, pulling the audience into the jubilant scenes.  Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on tickets purchased in P-2, 3, or 4 (discount not available for P-1).

December 8 - 8pm
Game Grumps (Times Union Moran Theatre). 
Join Arin and Danny for a live episode of Game Grumps! The two will be playing games, making jokes and having a blast in front of a live audience; ending the night with a question and answer session!  Purchase of a P1 ticket includes a pre-show Q&A with the Game Grumps and a signed poster.

December 13 - 8pm John Prine.  
His classic songs, "Angel from Montgomery," "Sam Stone," "Paradise," and "Hello in There" have kept this Grammy award- winning singer and songwriter touring for more than 40 years.  Amanda Shires will open.

December 15 - 8pm
Luke Combs: Don’t Tempt With A Good Time Tour. 
Rising country music superstar Luke Combs debut album, This One’s For You, is the largest selling country album or 2017 and features his radio hits “Hurricane” and “When It Rains it Pours.”

December 16 - 2pm ELF presented by First A.C.T.
  Admission for this holiday screening is free with a food donation benefitting Feeding Northeast Florida.  Hosted by Florida Theatre’s Young Professional group First A.C.T.

December 20 -
 8pm
The Ten Tenors.  The TEN Tenors perform traditional and contemporary versions of holiday favorites like “Joy to the World,” “White Christmas,” “Amazing, Grace,” “Winter Wonderland,” “Feliz Navidad” and more.

December 21 - 8pm
Gabriel Iglesias: Fluffymania World Tour 20 Years of Comedy. 
Comedian Gabriel Iglesias is the star of Fuse TV's Fluffy Breaks Even! - a non-scripted series with his eccentric tour mates and fellow comedians Martin Moreno and Rick Gutierrez.

December 22 - 7pm A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! 
Based on the classic television special, A Charlie Brown Christmas Live!, brings to life Charles M. Schulz’s much-beloved characters- Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and Linus- as they uncover the true meaning of Christmas.

December 27 - 3pm
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.
  The 25th Anniversary Tour features over-the-top production and world class Russian artists. Larger than life Puppets, Nesting Dolls and gloriously hand-crafted costumes bring the Christmas spirit to life.

December 29 -  8pm
Michael Carbonaro Live!  From his hit television series “The Carbonaro Effect” on truTV, magician Michael Carbonaro performs LIVE on stage, packed with audience interaction, hilarious video clips, and his signature blend of bizarre antics and mind-blowing magic.


“Florida Theatre December 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.