‘A Bronx Tale’ - great show on a cool FL night

Even if this reporter has never seen “A Bronx Tale”, she thoroughly enjoyed the presentation at the Times Union Center in JAX.  I would not recommend this show for young children and everyone else probable saw the one-man-show, the movie, or musical elsewhere; because there were no little ones in sight.  Mix a little “West Side Story,” with a little “Jersey Boys,” add a of “Saturday Night Fever,” along with a pinch of “Grease,” and you’ve got a serious Broadway hit on your hands.

The elaborate cast that came to JAX is impeccable.  If a mistake was made - it was not noticeable.  The singing and chorography were wonderful especially in the songs: “I Like It,” “These Streets,” “Webster Avenue,” and “One Of The Great Ones.”  The 12-piece orchestra was fantastic.  Kudos to the set designer, costumes designer (looked very similar to the Broadway production) and the sound engineer.

This tour group, that came to Jacksonville, FL; looked, acted and sang so much like the actors who were in NYC - this was a real treat for JAX.  Young Calogero (“C”) locally played by 11-year-old Trey Murphy, stole the show.  His acting & singing were right on pitch and cue.  This writer doesn’t know how long he was a way from school, or how many hours he put into this show, nonetheless, his grades MUST be top notch.  You’ll see more of him at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining, if not at other venues.  The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, because his father Justin Murphy, is lead actor in “Jekyll & Hyde” still playing at the Alhambra.  See “A Bronx Tale” in a city near you.  Get your tickets today!

Father & son perform in JAX - same night - different stages

Father, Justin Murphy leads in Alhambra's "Jekyll & Hyde", while Son, Trey Murphy, stars in "A Bronx Tale" at Times Union Center.  11-year-old Jacksonville native Trey Murphy returns home as Young Calogero in the Broadway National Tour of “A Bronx Tale” this Wednesday, November 13 at the Times Union Center.

In a strange twist of fate, on the same night, his father, Justin Murphy, will be performing in both parts of the title role of Jekyll & Hyde at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining.

Murphy the younger has recently appeared in several shows at the iconic Alhambra Theatre & Dining, including 2018's Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Elf...the Musical.

"It's surreal that father and son will be performing at the same time on different stages in the same city. I doubt that has happened many times before in the history of theater, if ever," says Alhambra Managing Partner, Craig Smith.  "Add to that the fact that both Murphys are from Jacksonville and both have recently acted at a theater in their home town, and that list is about...well, the Murphys."

Both shows have received rave reviews from critics, with local press covering Jekyll & Hyde, stating "we sat in awe of Murphy's performance.  His voice soars." and the New York press covering A Bronx Tale, stating "Trey Murphy is a great actor, he has just the right balance of toughness and innocence that the role requires."

Justin will be wrapping up his stint in Jekyll & Hyde on November 24 and Trey will step back on the Alhambra stage, reprising his 2018 role in Elf...The Musical, while on break from his current touring schedule.

Jekyll & Hyde runs until November 24 at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining and A Bronx Tale plays for one night only in Jacksonville on November 13 as part of the FSCJ Artist Series at the Times Union Center for the Performing Arts.

Get ready for ‘Christmas Made in the South 2019’

To answer your question, “Christmas Made in the South” is a show presented by Carolina Show’s Inc. that featured ‘hand-crafted items.  Last year the Jacksonville, Florida event featured over 250 local artists and out-of-town vendors selling one-of-a-kind merchandise.  The 31st event will be right after Thanksgiving.

There is an abundance of food, pillows, hair bows, wrought iron sculptures, calligraphy, doll clothes, dog wear, rubber stamps, hammocks, puzzles, gadgets, books, boomerangs, birdhouses, stuffed animals, candles, artwork, sweaters, scarves & other clothing, pictures, paintings, calendars, pottery, grills, shoes, toys, educational components, plaques, jewelry, garden decor, glass art, lamps, baby items, coasters, things for the hunter and many, many, many, beautiful Christmas decorations.

After walking the outskirts of the booths and then zigzagging up and down the aisles, this writer covered the entire show in about three exciting hours.  There was so much to see and people were more than ready to explain how they made their wares.  It is a wonderful experience!

Customers weren’t just looking; they were walking out with bag and bags of goodies to give to others and keep for themselves.  This year’s event will continue to be the best shopping experience here in the Jacksonville, Florida area.

Below are some of the vendors and their websites that were here in the past.  Get ready to attend this year, and see if you can find any of these companies.  Be on the lookout for gifts to please that special someone in your life.  Take a look at some of the vendors below from prior CMITS events here in JAX, FL. and see if they return this year:

Bridget & Pauley Gourmet Soups & Dips	Incredible Eggs (Eggzkwizit Art)
Iris Korthauer Doily Boutique	Brooms and Boxes (A Shaker Tradition)
Wings of Faith (Inspiration & Keepsake Line)	Nut ‘n’ Better
U Name It Bears	Picturesque Wires
ABA Collectables	Nutty Bavarian
MIOTG (Hand Painted Crystal Nail Files)	R.B.W. Enterprise

Thanks to Russ, Bob Hunt, and Allison, of Carolina Shows Inc., who have been so hospitable to this Blogger.

“Christmas Made In The South”

DATES:
November 29 - Dec. 1, 2019
Fri. 9-6 - Sat. 10-6 - Sun. 11-5
(one admission is good for all 3 days with a hand stamp)

TICKETS: may be purchased onsite.
Adults: $8 – Children 12 & Under: FREE
$1.00 off Coupons with ‘discount coupon’ link

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204

‘Wicked’ returns to JAX after seven years

The Broadway sensation “WICKED” looks at what happened in the Land of Oz…but from a different angle.  Long before Dorothy arrives, there is another young woman, born with emerald-green skin, who is smart, fiery, misunderstood, and possessing an extraordinary talent. When she meets a bubbly blonde who is exceptionally popular, their initial rivalry turns into the unlikeliest of friendships…until the world decides to call one “good,” and the other one “wicked.”

With a thrilling score that includes the hits: “Defying Gravity,” “Popular” and “For Good,” Wicked has been hailed by The New York Times as “the defining musical of the decade,” and by Time Magazine as “a magical Broadway musical with brains, heart, and courage.”  The company usually brings 13 trucks taking 2 days of assembly, 75 cast and crew members (both local and those with the tour group).  This is what it takes to get the show-on-the road and ready for local audiences.  Wicked will be in JAX for 16 performances.

Having recently celebrated its 15th anniversary on Broadway, Wicked is the winner of over 100 international awards including the Grammy Award and three Tony Awards.  Wicked has been performed in over 100 cities in 16 countries around the world (U.S., Canada, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, The Philippines, Mexico, Brazil, Switzerland and China) and has thus far been translated into six languages: Japanese, German, Dutch, Spanish, Korean and Portuguese.  Wicked has amassed nearly $5 billion in global sales and has been seen by over 60 million people worldwide.

Based on the novel by Gregory Maguire, Wicked has music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, and a book by Winnie Holzman.  The production is directed by Tony Award winner Joe Mantello with musical staging by Tony Award winner Wayne Cilento.  Wicked is produced by Marc Platt, Universal Stage Productions, The Araca Group, Jon B. Platt and David Stone.  Follow Wicked on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

“WICKED”
DATES:  &  TIMES
Wed, Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 21 at 1:30 & 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 22 at 8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 23 at 2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 24 at 1:30 & 7 p.m.
Mon., Nov. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
Tues., Nov. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
Wed., Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Fri., Nov. 29 at 1:30 & 8 p.m.
Sat., Nov. 30 at 2 & 8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 1 at 1:30 p.m.
Please note, there will be no performance of WICKED on Thanksgiving, Thurs., Nov. 28, 2019.

TICKETS: for “WICKED” start at $53.13, plus applicable fees, and can be purchased at the box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, by calling (904) 632-5000, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.

Due to the high demand for tickets after WICKED's record-breaking engagement in 2012, some ticket buyers have searched for tickets through third party ticket agencies or brokers.  Tickets purchased through these sources are usually substantially more expensive than the original ticket price.

There have been instances where ticket brokers have launched websites that might include the Times – Union Center and/or the names of our shows in order to confuse ticket buyers.  The only way that patrons can be sure that they are purchasing legitimate tickets at the original ticket price is to purchase them from the area above.

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

Heavy metal group ‘Five Finger Death Punch’ is coming

Five Finger Death Punch (L-R): Zoltan Bathory (guitars), Iva Moody (vocals), Jason Hook (guitars), Charlie Engen (drums) and Chris Kael (bass)

Five Finger Death Punch's musical style has generally been regarded as heavy metal, groove metal, thrash metal, alternative metal, hard rock and nu metal.  The group will be coming to Jacksonville, Florida as part of a U.S. Fall arena headlining tour including a stop in Jacksonville, FL on November 18 at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena.

Fans can look forward to packed arenas at the not-to-be-missed rock show of Fall 2019 with direct support from Canadian rockers Three Days Grace.  Since 2003, the band has staked a spot amongst the hard rock vanguard, quietly breaking records, toppling charts, moving millions of units worldwide, and making history by holding the all-time record for “most #1 singles at Active Rock Radio ever” with 14.  The Ontario, Canada quartet—Matt Walst [lead vocals], Barry Stock [lead guitar], Brad Walst [bass], and Neil Sanderson [drums, percussion, keyboards, programming]—continue to blaze that trail on their sixth full-length album, the aptly titled Outsider [RCA Records].

Says Five Finger Death Punch guitarist Zoltan Bathory about the lineup of the tour: “People always say ‘Rock will never die,’ but for that to be actually true it’s important to have successful breakout bands that create a healthy scene.  A scene that can sustain everything from arena headliners to the experimental and the underground.  We always understood this so we have been actively curating and giving a platform to bands we think are great and have a chance to make it to the next level - so we took out NOTHING MORE who got two number one hits and got nominated for multiple GRAMMYs, then FROM ASHES TO NEW who ended up landing several Top 10 singles.  Next, we introduced BAD WOLVES who are now doing amazing and have three, #1 hit singles.  On this upcoming tour we are bringing FIRE FROM THE GODS who we think will be another important band for the future of this genre.  As for Five Finger Death Punch the band is better than ever, firing on all cylinders so we are really looking forward to this tour and our next chapter.”

Global chart-toppers Bad Wolves are coming fresh off their third #1 single in a row with “Remember When” which tells the haunting story of lead singer Tommy Vext and his incarcerated twin brother. Bad Wolves are currently working on their sophomore album to Disobey (due out this Fall) after making a name for themselves with their multi-platinum hit single “Zombie” in 2018 and winning over the hearts of rock fans everywhere around the globe with their explosive live show.

“5FDP” will donate a portion from every ticket sold on the tour to the Gary Sinise Foundation which honors America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, their families and those in need.  This marks a continuation of the relationship 5FDP started with the foundation when it was named beneficiary of the proceeds from their collaboration hit single “Blue On Black” which has been dominating the Rock radio charts this Summer, holding the #1 spot for four consecutive weeks.  It features the legendary Brian May, as well as two of the biggest names in country and blues rock, Brantley Gilbert and Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  Titans in each of their respective genres, the artists came together to merge country and mainstream rock to re-create the classic song (originally recorded and co-written by SHEPHERD) and to take Country Rock to the next level. “Blue On Black” is now one of the Top 10-Selling Rock Songs of 2019, along with Queen, Imagine Dragons and Panic At The Disco.  The song was mixed by Kevin Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, Shania Twain, Disturbed) and is available HERE.  Check out the official music video.  In 2019, Five Finger Death Punch also surpassed 3 billion streams worldwide and the multi-platinum group continues to shatter records across the board. See all show dates on their website.
‟Five Finger Death Punch”

DATE: Mon., November 18, 2019
TIME: 6:30 P.M.
TICKETS: range from $16 and up

LOCATION: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

'Simon and Garfunkel Story' was a hit in JAX

The dynamic duo of Andrew Wade as Art Garfunkel, and George Clements portraying Paul Simon demonstrated an uncanny resemblance to the actual Simon & Garfunkel, in song, looks and mannerisms.  The 2 1/2 hour “Simon & Garfunkel Story” concert, at the Times Union Center in JAX, FL, was packed with those patrons who listened to the popular tunes from back in the day.

The show tells the story from their humble beginnings as Tom & Jerry to their incredible success as one of the best-selling music groups of the ‘60s to their dramatic split in 1970.  With the aids of beautiful backdrops, film strips of a particular eras, old commercials and new clips that accompanied each song, the saga was told.  Along with George on the guitar, there are four very talented musicians (Alec Hamilton - keyboards and direction; Bob Sale - drums and vocals; Marc Encabo - bass and vocals & Joshua Vasquez - guitar and vocals) that take you back to that era in time.

Some of the musical selections of the evening were: “Sound Of Silence,” “He Was My Brother,” “Hey Schoolgirl,” “Bleecker Street,” “Leaves That Are Green,” “Kathy’s Song,” “I’m A Rock,” “Wish I was a Kellogg's Cornflake,” “Somewhere They Can't Find Me,” “Patterns,” “For Emily,” “Homeward Bound,” “Scarborough Fair,” “Feelin Groovy,” “Mrs. Robinson,” “A Hazy Shade Of Winter,” “Old Friends,” A Whistle Duet, “America,” “Making It,” “Oh Cecilia,” Satisfy Me, “Here I Am,” “Late In The Evening,” “What’s My Number,” “Bye Bye Love - Everly Brothers, “Bridge Over Troubled Waters,” & “Lie-la-lie”.  The only song that was missing from this mass selection that this writer heard, would be “Graceland” by Paul Simon.  Nevertheless, the evening was very memorable.  Don’t miss the show when it comes to a location near you.

“Simon  & Garfunkel Story”
UPCOMING TOUR DATES: Click HERE

Cummer Museum has Notable Lectures for November

Tues., Nov. 12 - Vincent Van Gogh In Arles: An Evening With Bernadette Murphy; 6:15 to 8 p.m.; Members $30, Non-Members $40 | Registration is required.  Murphy’s book, Van Gogh's Ear, has been translated into more than ten languages and made into a BBC PBS Arte co-production, The Mystery of Van Gogh's Ear.  + Limited Space Available.

Thurs., Nov. 14 - A New Light On Tiffany: A Lecture With Holly Keris; 2 to 3:30 p.m.  Free to Cummer Amelia members and Friends of the Library | Registration is required.  Cummer Amelia, in partnership with the Fernandina Beach Branch Library, will host an in-depth discussion of Tiffany’s technical brilliance, presented by Holly Keris, Chief Curator of the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.

Tues., Nov. 19 - Innovation By Design: Tiffany Studios And The Rise Of An American Aesthetic: An Evening With Diane Wright; 6:30 to 8 p.m.  Free | Registration is required.  Join Diane Wright, Toledo Museum of Art’s Curator of Glass, for a presentation on the origins and creative output of Louis C. Tiffany (American, 1848–1933) and his workshop, Tiffany Studios.  + Limited Space Available

Wed., Nov. 20 - Literarture: Naturally Inspired - An Afternoon With Stacey Goldring And Cindy Edelman; Noon to 1 p.m.; Members $25, Non-Members $30 | Registration is required.  Join art lecturer Cindy Edelman and author Stacey Goldring for part one of a four-part conversation that explores the universality of the arts and its positive effects on our country’s proud legacy of civil discourse. + First in a series

Free Admission, 4 to 9 p.m.  Tuesdays presented by Florida Blue; Fridays presented by PNC Bank.
Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens
   829 Riverside Avenue
   Jacksonville, Florida 32204
   (904) 356-6857
   Hours of Operation & Admission

Enjoy young talent at PBTS

Experience young talent from right here in the beach’s community.  You saw them steal the stage during Shrek the Musical. Now you'll watch them perform solos, duets and group numbers they chose and directed themselves!

Ponte Vedra High School's theater department will be showcasing their dramatic talents in the Studio Theatre at Players by the Sea.

“Sharks By the Sea”

DATES: November 12 & 13, 2019
TIME: 7 p.m.

TICKETS:
Adults - $20
Students - $15 (must present valid student I.D.'s at the Box Office on the night of the show)
Purchase online or call the Box Office at (904) 249-0289.

LOCATION: Players By The Sea Theatre
      106 6th Street North
      Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
      (904) 249-0289

Enjoy a soulful celebration at the Ritz

Hot on the heels of our Ritz 20th Anniversary Aretha Tribute, is the Ritz Theatre and Museum’s Holiday tribute to the “Power of Soul Music”. They’ve picked their favorite soul songs for a night filled with rhythm and blues.  The first half of the evening will have you strolling down memory lane to the songs of the Delfonics, Stylistics, and Teena Marie.  The second half will get you into the holiday spirit with your favorite soulful Christmas songs by Jackson 5, Stevie Wonder, Donny Hathaway, Whitney Houston, and more.

Frank Cleveland Quintet will be back, along with a host of talented Jacksonville singers. Rance Adams will be our host, so you can be sure to leave the Ritz with a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Tickets are $20, and are on sale now!  It’s going to sell out fast do your Christmas shopping early.  Get your tickets for this great production at the Ritz Theatre and Museum!  Produced by Deb McDuffie for MSMCD MUSIC.

DATE: Saturday December 7, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: The Ritz Theater
      829 N Davis St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 807-2010 or (904) 612-8933

‘An Evening with Michael Bublè’ is coming in 2020

Singer Michael Bublé will perform at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on March 17 (St. Patrick’s Day) to kick off his 2020 Tour.  Tickets go on sale Monday, November 18, 2019; 10 a.m. at Ticketmaster and they make a great holiday gift.

Michael’s 2020 U.S. Tour will include stops at TD Garden in Boston on March 25 and T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on May 9.  This past February Bublé returned to the U.S. after a lengthy absence for a sold out 37 show tour where he performed for over 500,000 fans.  His 2019 world tour included 82 shows in front of over 1.2 million people.  He has already completed five sold out world tours, won four Grammy Awards, and sold over 60 million records over the course of his extraordinary career.

Michael released a new version of the single “White Christmas” on November 1st.  HERE’S the link to the animated video.  Michael's “Christmas” album streamed over one billion times around the world last year. It's the most listened to Christmas album in the world.  For a our location near you, CLICK HERE!

 ‟Michael Bublè”

DATE: Tues., March 17, 2020
TIME: Pending

LOCATION: VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
      300 A Philip Randolph Blvd.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 630-3900

About ASM Global - Jacksonville manages seven sports, entertainment, and convention venues on behalf of the City of Jacksonville. Our beautiful venues include:
 TIAA Bank Field, home of the Jacksonville Jaguars, Florida-Georgia, the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl and Monster Jam.
 Daily’s Place, a 5,500-seat amphitheater with concert programming year-round and an indoor practice facility for the Jacksonville Jaguars.
 VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, showplace of such entertainment greats as Kenny Chesney and Jimmy Buffett and home to the Arena Bowl Champions Jacksonville Sharks, the ABA Jacksonville Giants and the Jacksonville IceMen.
 The Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville, home of the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp and Florida vs FSU Baseball.
 The Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts, stage to Broadway and music elite like Wicked, James Taylor and Diana Ross; and home of the FSCJ Artist Series and the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra.
 The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center, a historic renovated train station providing a unique venue for meetings, social events and conventions.
 The Ritz Theatre and Museum, located in Jacksonville’s historic African American community of LaVilla, celebrating the artistic culture of African American life in Northeast Florida and the African Diaspora with museum exhibits, concerts, films, lectures, dance and dramatic arts.

Committed to the Jacksonville community, the guests that enjoy our venues and the clients that utilize them, ASM Global-Jacksonville provides the ultimate event experience in Northeast Florida.

ASM Global was formed in October 2019 from the merger of AEG Facilities, the global innovator in live entertainment venues, and SMG, the gold standard in event management.  ASM Global is a venue management powerhouse that spans five continents, 14 countries and more than 300 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibit centers, and performing arts venues.  As the world’s most trusted venue manager, ASM Global provides venue strategy and management, sales, marketing, event booking and programming, construction and design consulting, and pre-opening services.  Among the venues in our portfolio are landmark facilities such as McCormick Place & Soldier Field in Chicago, the Los Angeles Convention Center, Tele2 Arena in Stockholm, the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans and the Shenzhen World Exhibition and Conference Centre in Shenzhen, China.  ASM Global also offers food and beverage operations through its concessions and catering companies.