Cummer Museum adds ‘Green Wall Art’ to Café Patio

If you’re back from vacay and looking for some local fun - check this out!  Featured in many iconic cities, Green Walls are taking urban art to the next level—and they have arrived at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens! In early May, the Cummer Museum welcomed Green Wall artist Ricardo Gil Mendoza, who has spent 20 years developing his craft in a wide variety spaces, such as sports facilities, highways, public squares, and ornamental areas. Mendoza’s work strives to reflect and celebrate the vegetal world, which has inspired him since childhood.

Organic Green Walls, the company founded by Mendoza and Ram Matheus, finds passion in weaving Green Walls into urban areas to bring people back to nature. The company strives to “raise awareness that [everyone is] part of a whole, that natural beauty feeds the soul, enhances our spirit, and protects us.”

Mendoza and his team designed a unique Green Wall for the Cummer Café patio, featuring its “C” logo, and generously donated the work to the Museum. The installation offers a new take on the foliage that the Cummer Museum has long valued in its gardens and other landscaping. The Green Wall will grow and adapt to the wall it lives on, promising an ever-changing exhibition.

Organic Green Walls has many installations throughout North America and the world, and the Cummer Museum is proud to welcome its very own piece of organic art to the Museum.

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

‘White Harvest Farms’ is open and ready

At White Harvest Farms, they have harvest fresh produce that is grown in a food desert.  Growing on the farm is: Summer Squash, Zucchini*, Yellow crookneck* Collard Greens, Sweet Banana Peppers, Cherry Tomatoes, Hot Peppers, Cayenne, Jalapeno, & Datil.  You can also find: Okra, Eggplant, Cranberry Hibiscus, Taro, White Acre Peas, Cantaloupe and Watermelon.

Herbs: Basil, Dill and Rosemary.

Call Clara White Mission to get days and times that the store is open and come get your fresh produce as you help others help themselves.

*Ready now on the farm.
Volunteers are always needed at White Harvest Farms. Help them with harvesting, watering, weeding and composting. If you are not able to volunteer, please consider donating the following items:
•Bags of leaves (good to make compost)
•Coffee grounds (good nitrogen source to help ensure vegetables are green)
•Tools – flame weeder, harvesting tub, jang seeder and more

Volunteer: (904) 354-4162, ext. 1100
Donation Drop-off:
613 W. Ashley St.
Jacksonville, FL 32202

White Harvest Farms & Farmer’s Market
      Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
Location: 5348 Moncrief Road
     Jacksonville, Florida 32209
     Office: (904) 354-4162

‘Smooth & Groove Presents: The Sweat Hotel’ relocation

“The Smooth & Groove presents the Sweat Hotel” event originally located in the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena has been relocated to the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts at 300 Water Street. The event date and time remains the same at Friday, July 27, 8 p.m.  The line-up features: Keith Sweat, Faith Evans, Lalah Hathaway, and Jon B.

Current ticket holders can exchange their original tickets for new seats the night of the event at the Times-Union Center. VIP tickets can be picked up at the Ticketmaster outside window starting at 5:30 p.m., while regular ticket holders can pick up at the Relocation Tables in the Water Street Hallway at 6:30 p.m. All guests that need to exchange tickets will enter the security check point first and then enter into the Times-Union Center. Ticket exchanges are not available before Friday night. Refunds, if required, are available at the point of purchase.

DATE: Friday, July 27, 2018
TIME: 8 p.m.

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

‘Young Frankenstein’ comes to haunt the Wilson Center in JAX

FSCJ Artist Series and the FSCJ Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts are proud to present the 13th Annual High School Summer Musical Theatre Experience!  This program provides theatre opportunities to 7th-12th graders in the First Coast area and allows them to work hands-on with some of the highest recognized local and regional theatre professionals at the FSCJ Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts.  This year, participants will perform “Young Frankenstein” for six performances only!  Over 70 student performers and technicians have trained for this production.

From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation, The Producers, comes this monster new musical comedy.  The comedy genius of Mel Brooks adapts his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – Young Frankenstein!

About the show: Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfathers. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abound.

Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, Young Frankenstein has all the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added. It will surely be the perfect opportunity for a production company to showcase an array of talents. With such memorable tunes as "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and "Puttin' on the Ritz," Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.

“YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN”
DATES:      TIMES:
Friday, July 20, 2018  7:30 p.m.
Sat., July 21     7:30 p.m.
Sun., July 22      2 p.m.
Fri., July 27       7:30 p.m.
Sat., July 28     7:30 p.m.
Sun., July 29     2 p.m.

LOCATION: Wilson Center for the Arts:
        Florida State College at JAX So. Campus
        11901 Beach Blvd.
        Jacksonville, FL 32099

TICKETS: $25 for Reserved Seating.  $20 for seniors (60+), Military (with valid ID), and non-FSCJ students.  $15 for Florida State College at Jacksonville students and employees (with valid ID) Limit 2 discounted tickets per valid ID.  Call the Wilson Center for the Arts Box Office at (904) 646-2222.

So nice - we saw ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ at the Alhambra twice

It’s an old car; no, it’s a boat; no, it’s a plane - it’s “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.  Chitty was so nice - we had to see it twice.  If you have guests visiting for this month, you may want to consider bringing them to see the theatre production of “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang” at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining.  This columnist returned to see the show along with her husband and visiting Granddaughter.  The music, dancing and characters are fabulous.  If you read the review from Gala Night, you’ll see that this review features some of the other fine actors and scenes that you will experience when you go to the Alhambra this month.

“Me Ol’ Bamboo”, sung by the Caractacus Potts (Shain Stroff) and the Ensemble is a very colorful number and the choreography from James Kinney* is spectacular.  “Chu-Chi Face” performed by Baron & Baroness Bomburst (Kurt McCall* & Lisa Valdini*) has a lot of finesse and flair as the actors sing and dance across the stage with gusto.  The entire show will keep you entertained as you experience actors moving up & down the steps and throughout the theater.  This is a “must see” for the entire family.  Tickets are still available.  Get yours today.
*Denotes Actors’ Equity Association

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
DATES: June 13 — July 29, 2018

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

DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64 and $35 for children under 15 years.  Family 4-Pack is only $149.  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, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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

‘Whitney Houston Show’ starring Belinda Davids for one night only

Tribute artist Belinda Davids is bringing the sound and ambiance of Whitney Houston to the Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center’s stage with the national tour of “The Greatest Love Of All: The Whitney Houston Show”, for one spectacular performance, on Saturday, July 21, 2018.

The tour announcement comes hot on the heels of star Belinda Davids’ lauded performance on Fox TV’s Showtime at the Apollo Christmas Special in December 2017 (see video below), where her spine-tingling rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You’ – on the very stage where Whitney Houston filmed her famous Greatest Love of All film clip, no less - earned her not only the awe of host Steve Harvey and an enthusiastic ovation from the live audience, but over 10 million views of the performance video on Facebook in the days following.

Audiences across Europe, the UK, Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Davids’ home country of South Africa, have already been wowed by the production, which has been touring since 2013.  A five-piece band, backing vocalist and choreographed dancers will accompany Davids on stage as she pays tribute to Houston with live performances of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Didn’t We Almost Have it All,” “One Moment in Time,” “Queen of the Night” and 15 other chart-topping hits.

Do you have your tickets for “The Greatest Love of All”?  Take a listen to her HERE. Hope to see you there.
“The Greatest Love of All:
The Whitney Houston Show”
  Starring: Belinda Davids

DATE: Saturday, July 21, 2018
TIME: 8 p.m.
Take a look HERE to see if she will be coming to a venue near you.

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

TICKETS: start at $44 plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens Calendar of Events: July 2018

Are you still in town and are you looking for something to do with the children?  Or maybe you are seeking a place to enjoy an evening out.  The Cummer Museum is the place to be this month and it’s a cool place of education and entertainment.  Take a look at the activities slated for this month.

Florida Blue Free Tuesday - Each Tuesday 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. Each Tuesday evening, the Cummer Café is open for Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

Tapas Tuesday - Tap into Tapas Tuesday sponsored by VyStar Credit Union at the Cummer Café. Every Tuesday from 5 to 8 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.

Museum Closed For Independence Day - Wed, Jul 4th

Weaver First Saturday Free for All - Sat., July 7 | 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free | No registration required.  The first Saturday 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. For further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us - Sun., July 8 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 further information, please call 904.899.6038.

Art Of Cooking Series: Room For Dessert - Thurs, July 12 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Members $30, Non-Members $40 | Registration required.  Doors open at 5:45 p.m.  If you love macarons and pastries, this evening is for you! Le Macaron will share the secret to delicious French pastries. Make it a fun night out with friends or your special someone and enjoy samples from Le Macaron to satisfy your sweet tooth, along with beer and wine!  For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6023.

Art For Tots: The Art You Wear! - Thurs, July 19 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair | Registration required.  Ages 24 to 36 months with accompanying adult.  This class is for children 24 to 36 months and an accompanying adult. This class will look at the colors, textures, and movement of the clothing depicted in paintings. In the studio children will create life-sized versions of themselves to clothe in their own unique style. 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.

Portrait Of The Pope Of Pop: Andy Warhol With Bob Colacello - Thurs, July 19 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. | Members $30, Non-Members $40 | Registration required.  Doors open at 6:15 p.m. 

Enjoy light bites, beer, and wine before attending a fascinating lecture on Andy Warhol by Bob Colacello. Author of “Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up”, and former editor of Warhol’s Interview magazine from 1971 to 1983, Bob Colacello’s bond with Andy Warhol gives him extraordinary insight into Warhol’s art, creativity, and impact on pop culture.  As a special correspondent for Vanity Fair since 1984 and biographer of Ronald and Nancy Reagan, Colacello has been both an observer and participant of the cultural, social, and political scene for more than four decades. Expect to be entertained by one of the great raconteurs. A question and answer session will follow the talk. Mr. Colacello will also be signing copies of his book, “Holy Terror: Andy Warhol Close Up”, at the end of the evening. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6023.

Art For Tots: The Art You Wear! - Sat., July 21 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. | Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair | Registration required.  Ages 24 to 36 months with accompanying adult.  This class is for children 24 to 36 months and an accompanying adult. This class will look at the colors, textures, and movement of the clothing depicted in paintings. In the studio children will create life-sized versions of themselves to clothe in their own unique style. 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: Self-Portraits - Sat., July 21 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. | Members $10, Non-Members $15 | Registration required.  Ages 6 through 12.  Join us on the third Saturday of each month for studio classes. Artists have been making images of themselves since ancient times. In this class, students will view examples of self-portraiture throughout art history before returning to the studio to create a work of their own likeness. Projects will be completed within one class period. Open to children ages 6 through 12. Class size is limited. For further information, please email education@cummermuseum.org or call 904.355.0630.

Figure-Drawing Class With William Mcmahan - Thurs., July 26 from 6 to 8 p.m. | Members $30, Non-Members $40 | Registration required.  Doors open at 5:45 p.m.  Local artist William McMahan will give a figure drawing class with a live model. Enjoy small bites, wine, and beer as you create original works of art. This workshop is designed to benefit people with little drawing experience, as well as experienced draftspersons. All needed materials will be provided. Unleash your inner artist and enjoy a fun evening with friends! This event is for adults only; there will be a nude model. For further information or to register, please call 904.899.6023.

Middle School Camp Cummer - Mon., July 30 through Fri., Aug. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. | Members $180, Non-Members $215 | Students entering grades 6 through 9.  Camp Cummer is the only summer camp in Jacksonville where students can interact with objects from across art history, explore botanical environments, and create original artwork under the guidance of museum professionals trained in the fields of art history, fine arts, education, and science. Museum Educators will build the skills and provide the tools for students to look at, connect with, and create art in more personal ways. Students will paint, draw, print, and sculpt while engaging with amazing works from ancient wonders to old masters to contemporary expressions.

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

Cummer Museum adding to their July calendar

One of the most influential voices in American political and social culture for more than 40 years is coming to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Bob Colacello, close friend and colleague of Andy Warhol, will be speaking at the Cummer Museum on July 19, 2018.

Bob Colacello

Also slated for July will be the newest exhibition at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Urban Spaces, Open Skies: 20th-Century American Landscape, will be on view July 27, 2018 through February 3, 2019.  Drawn from the Cummer Museum’s extensive collection of works on paper, this presentation will feature more than 30 prints celebrating modern cities and the timeless charms of the country.  Visitors can admire how artists have aptly captured the changing landscape of burgeoning cities like Chicago and New York, with its iconic Brooklyn Bridge, busy streets, workers, and harbors. In contrast to such images, the stillness and serenity of the countryside (with its wide-open spaces, fields, and lakes) offer a welcome respite from the sometimes-chaotic urban life that we live in.

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

‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ has a car that is unbelievable

Now that the kids are out of school, you only have 39 more days to be able to say, “I witnessed some amazing phenomenons at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, during the production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’”.  This is a fascinating show for all ages, and not just for the young at heart.  There is a different language that resonates throughout the Alhambra, through some of the songs of CCBB, such as “Chu-Chi Face’ (sung by the fabulous Lisa Valdini* as Baroness Bomburst /Miss Phillips and Kurt McCall* as Baron Bomburst/Lord Scrumptious).

As you will see from the slide show, the cast is dressed very colorfully due to the creations from costume designers Camala Pitts and Dorinda Quiles.  Kudos to all the actors for their superb singing, dancing and lines.  It is a treat to see how the construction of the Chitty Car is converted from an old wreck, to a drivable automobile, to a magnificent frying machine; through the artistry of Ian Black.  Many of the actors are from Florida and their creativity is displayed in every aspect of his show which didn’t require a top-named actor or actress (* Actors’ Equity Association).  Thanks to all our professional, local talent.

Made exclusively for this show, the menu from Chef DeJuan Roy is as follows and awaits your palate:
First Course (Choice of One) House Salad chopped iceberg, roasted corn, cherry tomato, green onion, cheddar cheese, Thousand Island *GF*; OR Smoke House Appetizer BBQ smoked sausage with house-made potato salad *GF*.

Second Course (Choice of One) Spaghetti & Meatballs with garlic bread; OR Trigger Fish & Chips with creamed peas; OR Roasted Pork Loin pork gravy, baked mac n cheese, stewed okra & tomato *GF* without gravy & mac n cheese; OR Roasted Summer Vegetables farro, kale, BBQ baked beans  *GF* without farro.

Third Course (Choice of One) Berry Trifle; OR Buttermilk Pie with strawberry rhubarb compote.

Children’s Menu: Pepperoni Flatbread Pizza with French fries; OR Chicken Fingers with French fries (Fresh green peas available upon request).  *Menus subject to change.  Gluten-free & sugar-free desserts available upon request.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”
DATES: June 13 — July 29, 2018

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

DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $38 – $64 and $35 for children under 15 years.  Family 4-Pack is only $149.  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, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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

The ‘Whitney Houston Show’ will soon be in JAX

“The Greatest Love Of All: The Whitney Houston Show” starring tribute artist Belinda Davids, announces first national tour, for one spectacular performance at Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center on Saturday, July 21, 2018.

The tour announcement comes hot on the heels of star Belinda Davids’ lauded performance on Fox TV’s Showtime at the Apollo Christmas Special in December 2017, where her spine-tingling rendition of ‘I Will Always Love You’ – on the very stage where Whitney Houston filmed her famous Greatest Love of All film clip, no less - earned her not only the awe of host Steve Harvey and an enthusiastic ovation from the live audience, but over 10 million views of the performance video on Facebook in the days following.

Though this is Davids’ first major U.S. tour as the principal of “The Greatest Love of All: The Whitney Houston Show,” she’s no stranger to US audiences, having toured extensively as a backing vocalist for the likes of Keri Hilson, Keyshia Cole and Monica in earlier years.  Davids says of her return to the U.S., “This is the birthplace of Whitney - her home and her essence and the place and experiences that made her the incredible person and artist that she was. I know Americans hold her memory dear, and I’m first and foremost a Whitney fan myself, so I cannot wait to be surrounded by others who treasure her just as much as I do. Every audience, every fan that I perform to is special, but I know that this tour will be particularly special.”

Audiences across Europe, the UK, Middle East, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and Davids’ home country of South Africa, have already been wowed by the production, which has been touring since 2013.  A five-piece band, backing vocalist and choreographed dancers will accompany Davids on stage as she pays tribute to Houston with live performances of “I Wanna Dance With Somebody,” “How Will I Know,” “I Have Nothing,” “Didn’t We Almost Have it All,” “One Moment in Time,” “Queen of the Night” and 15 other chart-topping hits.

Showtime Australia’s international production house, led by respected long-time father and son team Johnny and Jono Van Grinsven, in the roles of Producer and Technical Director respectively, has put together custom-designed lighting, theatrical effects, and more than 20 different hand-crafted costumes to complete the sensory spectacle and keep audiences enthralled through the course of the two-hour show.

“The Greatest Love of All:
The Whitney Houston Show”

DATE: Saturday, July 21, 2018
TIME: 8 p.m.
Take a look HERE to see if she will be coming to a venue near you.

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

TICKETS: start at $44 plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday.