‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat’ in JAX

The Florida State College at Jacksonville High School Summer Musical Theatre Experience is celebrating its 15th year providing theatre opportunities to 7th–12th graders in the First Coast area. This summer, more than 40 student performers and technicians will train with professional theatre artists in preparation for their production of “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat”.

One of the most enduring shows of all time, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat is a reimagining of the Biblical story of Joseph, his father Jacob, eleven brothers and the coat of many colors.

Told entirely through song with the help of a main character Narrator, the musical follows preferred son Joseph. After being sold into slavery by his brothers, he ingratiates himself with Egyptian noble Potiphar, but ends up in jail after refusing the amorous advances of Potiphar’s wife. While imprisoned, Joseph discovers his ability to interpret dreams, and he soon finds himself in front of the mighty but troubled, Elvis-inspired, Pharaoh. Joseph’s solution to Egypt’s famine elevates him to Pharaoh’s right-hand man and reunites him with his family.

The magical musical is full of catchy songs in a variety of styles, from a parody of French ballads (“Those Canaan Days”), to country-western (“One More Angel in Heaven”) and calypso (“Benjamin Calypso”), along with the unforgettable classics “Any Dream Will Do” and “Close Every Door.”

Appropriate for all audiences and groups, Joseph is performed hundreds of times a year by schools across North America, the U.K. and around the world.

“Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat”
DATES:       TIMES:
Fri., July 23, 2021   7:30 p.m.
Sat., July 24      7:30 p.m.
Sun., July 25      2 p.m.
Fri., July 30      7:30 p.m.
Sat., July 31      7:30 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 1       2 p.m.

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

TICKETS: “Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor® Dreamcoat”, purchase online at fscjartistseries.org or call the Wilson Center for the Arts Box Office at (904) 646–2222, Monday - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. or email them at wilson-center@fscj.edu. $25 for Reserved Seating. $20 for Florida State College at Jacksonville students and employees (with valid ID)
Limit 4 discounted tickets per valid ID. Parking is always free at the Wilson Center.

MOSH to host ‘Rock the Moon’ event

MOSH will host a celebration of science and music with a “Rock the Moon'' concert and Planetarium experience on July 17. The Northeast Florida Astronomical Society (NEFAS) and local rock band Skyview will join MOSH in advance of the 52nd anniversary of the historic U.S. moon landing.

The event will include a happy hour Q&A with local astro-experts from NEFAS and a Bryan-Gooding Planetarium experience, with a live debut performance of Skyview’s latest EP, “Magnificent Desolation,” synced with lasers, lights and video to complete the immersive experience.

Weather permitting, local NEFAS experts will take viewers outside to look at the stars and experience a telescope demonstration after the concert.

An onsite bar and band merchandise will be available for purchase, as well as an opportunity to meet the band after the event.

DATE: July 17, 2021
TIME: Doors open at 7:30 p.m., concert begins at 8:30 p.m.
COST: Tickets are available for preorder here
    $20 for members, $25 for non-members

 The Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
 1025 Museum Circle
 Jacksonville, FL 32207
 (904) 396-MOSH (6674)

Michael Bublé finally back on tour

Michael Bublé, the multi-Grammy winning multi-platinum entertainer, is scheduled to re-start his hugely successful tour beginning in Jacksonville, Florida on August 13th with stops in Boston, San Francisco, Las Vegas and other major markets. A full schedule of tour dates follows this release. Tickets are on sale now and all previously purchased tickets will be honored.

“I couldn’t be more excited to get back on the road to entertain my fans live and in person. When my touring family last performed, we did not know when or if we would ever get the chance to get back on stage. Like the rest of the world, this has been a very emotional time. During this past year, I loved being a full-time dad but I missed what felt like a party every night where we were able to celebrate the best way I know how, ‘singing my songs to you.’ It seems more important than ever that we can share the music as we all heal from this past year. I can’t wait to see everyone,” commented Bublé.

Bublé is currently in the studio working on a new album scheduled for release next year. This Christmas will be the 10th anniversary of the release of his historic multi-platinum Christmas album.

An Evening With Michael Bublé 2021 Tour Dates:
Aug. 13, 2021 – JAX – VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena
Aug. 14, – Greenville – Bon Secour Wellness Arena
Aug. 17 – Charlotte – Spectrum Center
Aug. 18 – Raleigh – PNC Arena
Aug. 20 – Cincinnati – Heritage Bank Center
Aug. 21 – Cleveland – Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Aug. 24 – Boston – TD Garden
Aug. 25 – Albany – Times Union Center
Aug. 27 – Uniondale – Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum
Aug. 28 – Atlantic City – Boardwalk Hall
Sept. 9 – Allentown – PPL Center
Sept. 11 – Louisville– KFC Yum! Center
Sept. 13 – Grand Rapids– Van Andel Arena
Sept. 14 – Milwaukee – Fiserv Forum
Sept. 16 – Moline – TaxSlayer Center
Sept. 17 – Des Moines – Wells Fargo Arena
Sept. 19 – Oklahoma City – Chesapeake Energy Arena
Sept. 20 – Austin– Frank Erwin Center
Sept. 21 – Ft Worth – Dickies Arena
Sept. 24 – Las Vegas – T- Mobile Arena
Sept. 25 – Anaheim – Honda Center
Sept. 28 – Fresno – Save Mart Center
Sept. 29 – San Francisco –Chase Center
Oct. 1, 2021 – Salt Lake City –Vivint Arena

“Michael Bublé tour”

DATE: Fri., Aug. 13, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: Vary from $65 – $142

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

Helping others by hearing God

Watching the rain bands come and go (Hurricane Elsa came and went without any damage near us here in northern FL). Our hummingbird even dropped by to let me know that everything is going to be alright.

God is so great. I had a wonderful time ministering to a Lady on the phone who I didn’t know. If you’ve ever called a company, and don’t get an answer right away, you could wait a bit. Instead of using my computer, I wanted to explain what I wanted to a person. I tenaciously stayed on an automated call for 1 hour/33min (got some laundry and ironing done while waiting). After hanging up I called the number again and a young man picked up after a 3 minute wait. That’s when I got transferred right away to a lovely Lady. I took my time and explained why I called. I wasn’t rude and I needed to explain that some older people need to be helped by a timely phone call. I could hear her typing all my information and concerns.

Some kind of way, we started talking about the COVID vaccine and how we both had our shots, yet she didn’t go out much. She too wears a mask out in public even though the mask mandate has been lifted in Las Vegas where she works from her home. She let me know that she felt anxious when wearing a mask. I was led to pray for her and she received the prayer and let me know that she was a Christian and that our meeting was not by chance, but Devine appointment.

Even though I lost time out of my day, it was not wasted. I did what God wanted me to do and got my laundry done. 

After praying for our safety from the storm and thanking God for safe travels, it’s time to get some dinner and relax. Have a good evening and a blessed week. 

Cummer closed on Wednesday, July 7

In anticipation of Tropical Storm Elsa’s path through Florida, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens will be closed to the public on Wednesday, July 7, 2021.

The Museum will remain open through its regular hours on Tuesday, July 6, including free admission during extended hours (4 to 9 p.m.) as part of its ongoing Free Tuesday’s program, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union.

The Museum will post operational updates at its website (cummermuseum.org) and on social media.

About the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens: For 60 years, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has been committed to engaging and inspiring through the arts, gardens, and education. A permanent collection of more than 5,000 objects and historic gardens on a riverfront campus offers nearly 150,000 annual visitors a truly unique experience on the First Coast. Nationally recognized education programs serve adults and children of all abilities. For further information, including hours, visit www.cummermuseum.org.

‘IL DIVO’ hits JAX ‘For Once In My Life’ U.S. Tour

Famed vocal superstars "Il Divo" (Spain’s Carlos Marin, America’s David Miller, France’s Sebastien Izambard, and Switzerland’s Urs Buhler) announce the U.S. leg of their “For Once In My Life Tour.” The tour will feature a dynamic live show celebrating Motown and filled with Il Divo’s hits from their vast catalog of songs with an incredible stage production.

Produced by Nederlander Concerts, the 15-city U.S. leg will kick off August 12th at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts and stop at the Florida Theatre on Sunday, August 29, 2021 at 7 p.m. For once in my life: a celebration of Motown (decca gold) is set to release on July 16th.

“We are beyond excited to be creating a brand-new world tour centered around our new album “For Once In My Life”. We have spent the last two years creating this album, which pays tribute to some of the greatest music in American pop-culture.  And now, to finally be able to present our versions of these great songs to the world, and to get back onstage and sing them for live audiences... well it makes us feel very emotional.  We have very much missed performing together and enjoying the connection with our audiences and our fans. We just can’t wait for opening night,” said David Miller, Il Divo.

The tour supports their 10th studio album, For Once In My Life: A Celebration Of Motown (Decca Gold), set for release on July 16th. Il Divo’s celebratory collection of Motown classics include their distinctive take on chart-topping songs such as “I’ll Be There” (The Jackson 5), “For Once In My Life” (Stevie Wonder), and “Say You, Say Me” (Lionel Richie). Additionally, the quartet introduce brand new collaborations with superstar group Boyz II Men (“I’ll Make Love To You”), the legendary Smokey Robinson (“The Tracks Of My Tears”) and the peerless vocals of singer/songwriter Marvin Gaye (“Aint No Mountain High Enough”). The 10-track album truly showcases the quartet’s incredible vocal talents as they pay tribute to the legendary artists and label that has been a part of the musical fabric of America and the world for over 60 years. You can pre-order the album here.

Il Divo is the most commercially successful classical crossover group in international music history, which Il Divo still enjoys since they first banded together in 2003. With over 30 million albums sold, 160 gold and platinum albums in 33 countries to their credit Il Divo were the first Classical Crossover artists to have an album debut at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200 chart.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website, floridatheatre.com.

   “Il Divo
For Once In My Life Tour”
DATE: Sun., Aug. 29, 2021
TIME: 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $55 – $150

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
      128 East Forsyth Street.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355 - ARTS (2787)

‘Randy Rainbow’s’ Pink Glasses Tour stops in JAX

The Florida Theatre is pleased to welcome comedian and singer “Randy Rainbow” who hits the road with his new Pink Glasses Tour beginning August 27, 2021, in Clearwater, FL. followed by an evening in JAX. A list of upcoming dates is shown below.

Following the recent rave reviews for Rainbow's last tour– the 2x Emmy nominated producer, actor, singer, and show-stopping performer will be crossing the U.S. once more.  The show will feature his classic parodies and new hits, and some surprises in his inimitable style.

Randy Rainbow Pink Glasses Tour Dates:
8/27/2021 Clearwater, FL - Ruth Eckerd Hall
8/28 Jacksonville, FL - Florida Theatre
8/29 Ft. Lauderdale, FL - Au-Rene Theater at The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
9/23 Seattle, WA - Paramount Theatre
9/24 Portland, OR - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall
9/25 Denver, CO - Paramount Theatre
10/1 Charleston, SC - Charleston Music Hall
10/2 Charlotte, NC - Belk Theater at North Carolina Blumenthal Performing Arts Center
10/7 Indianapolis, IN - The Palladium
10/8 Washington, DC - Warner Theatre
10/21 Minneapolis, MN - State Theatre
10/22 Chicago, IL - Chicago Theatre
10/23 Madison, WI - Orpheum Theatre
10/27 Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse
10/28 Ridgefield, CT - Ridgefield Playhouse
10/29 Atlantic City, NJ - Harrah's Resort Atlantic City
10/30 New York, NY - The Beacon Theatre
11/6 Providence, RI - Veterans Memorial Auditorium
11/7 Medford, MA - The Chevalier Theater
11/11 Tucson, AZ - Fox Tucson Theatre
11/12 Mesa, AZ - Ikeda Performing Arts Center
11/13 Los Angeles, CA - Orpheum Theatre
11/19 Santa Rosa, CA - Luther Burbank Center for the Arts
11/20 San Francisco, CA - The Masonic
12/4 Toronto, ON - Meridian Hall

About Randy Rainbow: Randy is a two-time EMMY® nominated American comedian, producer, actor, singer, writer, and satirist best known for his popular YouTube series, The Randy Rainbow Show. His musical parodies and political spoofs have garnered him worldwide acclaim and two EMMY® nominations for Outstanding Short Form Variety Series.  His first viral video of 2020 was called "The Funniest Trump Roast Ever" by Funny or Die, and his subsequent viral parodies like "Social Distance" and "A Spoonful of Clorox" (described as "perfect" by John Legend) have been viewed by tens of millions. His fresh take on politics and current events has led to interviews and profiles by such venerable media outlets as The Washington Post (magazine cover story), The Hollywood Reporter, CNN, NPR, ABC News, OUT, People, and Entertainment Weekly. Rainbow (yes, that's his real name) enjoys a star-studded fan base that regularly retweets and shares his work. Some notable admirers include: Ryan Reynolds, Carol Burnett, Josh Gad, Debra Messing, Sharon Stone, Alan Menken, Don Lemon, George Takei, Mark Hamill, Hillary Clinton, Stephen Sondheim, Melissa McCarthy, Jane Lynch, Ana Navarro, Barry Manilow, Ben Stiller, Sarah Silverman, Julie Andrews, Rosie O'Donnell, Martin Short, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and Steve Martin. Rainbow was recently featured as a guest lead opposite Molly Shannon on the fourth season of FX's comedy-drama series "Better Things." He has hosted and performed in numerous theatrical events for the Broadway, cabaret, and LGBTQ communities, as well as for the TONY® Awards. He starred in New York City Center's Encores production of "Call Me Madam" and headlined the New York Comedy Festival at the Beacon Theatre to a sold-out crowd. As The Washington Post noted, Randy Rainbow has found his own spotlight through the Internet, emerging as a viral sensation who dispenses musical-comedy salve for a divided nation.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website, floridatheatre.com.

“Randy Rainbow”
DATE: Sat., Aug. 28, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $35 – $75

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
      128 East Forsyth Street.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355 - ARTS (2787)

Summer Fun with ‘Blues, Brews And BBQ’

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce the return of its annual fundraiser party “Blues, Brews and BBQ” which is downtown’s best indoor picnic, pairing some of Jacksonville’s favorite local craft beers with some of the city’s best locally-owned BBQ restaurants. Enjoy wings, pulled pork, smoked brisket and more with unlimited samples of some of Jacksonville’s favorite craft beer, as well as live continuous blues music featuring The Snacks Blues Band and Beale Street.

A limited number of VIP tickets are $120, and include early access at 4:30 p.m. where VIP ticket holders will experience tastings from Manifest Distilling and passed food samples. Also included in the VIP experience is valet parking, VIP lounge access throughout the night with a private bar and restrooms and a VIP swag bag.

“There is a natural alliance between the Florida Theatre, one of our city’s premier arts institutions, and the best crafts professionals working in our city’s culinary arts’ community,” said Florida Theatre President Numa Saisselin. “For $50.00 you get all the local craft beer you can drink and all the local BBQ you can eat, plus continuous live Blues music by two of our city’s best Blues bands… and it all benefits the historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre.”

BBQ samples will be located throughout the Theatre in both the main and mezzanine lobby areas. This year’s BBQ providers include The Butt Hutt, Bono’s Pit Bar-B-Q, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, Monroe’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Q, Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery and more to be announced.

Guests will enjoy unlimited craft beer provided by Bold City Brewery, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, Southern Swells Brewing Co. and more to be announced.

This year’s event is sponsored by: Blues Sponsor: Publix. Brew Sponsors: Brown & Brown Insurance & CK Direct. Sampling Sponsor: Wilson Dutra.

The historic, nonprofit Florida Theatre is sponsored by Community First Credit Union. For a complete list of upcoming events or to buy tickets visit the Theatre’s official website, floridatheatre.com.

“Blues, Brews & BBQ”
DATE: Thurs., Aug. 19, 2021
TIMES: 4:30 p.m. with a VIP Ticket, 5:30 pm with Regular Admission
TICKETS: $50, VIP Experience - $120

LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
      128 East Forsyth Street.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 355 - ARTS (2787)

Summertime at the Cummer Museum in JAX

What a wonderful time to visit the Cummer Museum of Arts & Gardens. It’s time to get out of the house and enjoy time with in a unique atmosphere. Come on down to the Cummer.

Free Friday Nights: July 2 through Sept. 3, 2021from 4 to 9 p.m., presented by PNC Bank. Bring a friend, a date, or the whole family to experience art, culture and community this Summer at the Cummer! Come take a moment in their beautiful backyard (aka the Cummer Gardens), and enjoy live music, art experiences, lawn games and more. Visitors will also be able to purchase food and beverages, including beer, wine, and cocktails. Additional programming and activities also will be available for purchase. Advance Registration encouraged, but not required. Like to plan ahead? Pre-order a picnic from the Cummer Café and have dinner and dessert ready for pick up when you arrive. Click here to select your date. Free!

“Promoting the arts and education is a core value at PNC, and given that the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is one of the great and largest cultural resources in Northeast Florida, it’s a win-win,” said Brian Bucher, PNC regional president of North Florida. “Free Fridays provides access to quality, visual art experiences, while supporting the cultural vitality of this region.”

“Our annual Summer at the Cummer gives everyone another reason to love Fridays, and we could not be more excited to welcome our community back for a welcomed and much-needed summer of fun and friendship,” said Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, PhD, the Cummer Museum’s George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs director & chief executive officer. “We are grateful to PNC Bank for once again sponsoring this annual tradition with free admission for all.”

New Exhibition: Rebecca Louise Law: The Journey: Opens July 30.
British artist Rebecca Louise Law has designed and created a site-specific installation using both dried and fresh plant materials to form an immersive visitor experience that explores the relationship between humanity and nature. Click here to learn more.

Events & Programs: Ponce de León Opening for Rebecca Louise Law: The Journey. Wednesday, July 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Free to Ponce De León Society. Registration required. Member Opening for Rebecca Louise Law: The Journey, Thursday, July 29 from 6 to 8 p.m. Free to Members | Registration required.

Upcoming Artist Events: Meet the Artist: Susan Ober Friday, July 30 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free with Museum admission.

Meet the Artist: Cassidy Ramos: Friday, Aug. 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free with Museum admission.

Lecture: Ashley Woodson Bailey: Thursday, Sept. 9 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Members $35, Non-Members $45.

Education:
Art Connection Activity Saturday July 10 from11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop in for a fun activity. Free with Museum admission.

Make & Take Tuesday: Sketching Tuesday, July 13 The Cummer Gardens set the stage for this introduction to sketching. Members $45, Non-Members $60. Registration required.

Slow Art Wednesdays: Virtual Talks: July 14, Looking for Lines July 28, Seeing Shapes from 12 to 1 p.m. Take a fun and mindful break. Free | Registration required.

Studio on the Go: Drop-in Art Making Activity: Sunday, July 18 from 2 to 4 p.m. Art in the Landscape. Free with Museum admission.

Miniature Canvas with Allison Watson: July 31 and August 1, two days from 12 to 4 p.m., each day. An introduction to painting on small canvases. Members $125, Non-Members $155. Registration required.

Cummer Shop: Visit them at the Museum, or from the comfort of home through their online shop. Cool, comfy, and exclusively Cummer! These new shirts are perfect for celebrating all that is summer. Coordinating Summer At The Cummer items include ball caps, hoodies, and more. 

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

MOSH celebrates 80 years in JAX

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is celebrating 80 years of curiosity and learning here on the First Coast. This civic institution will celebrate with special events and discounts throughout the coming year. Since its inception in 1941, MOSH has been at the forefront of science, education and fun for River City residents and guests of all ages.

To celebrate its anniversary, the Museum will present community programs throughout the year, including a special 80 years of history tour within the Museum; $8 admission on August 8 (8/8/21); the launch of a new Museum by Moonlight event series on Friday September 17, in conjunction with the opening of Da Vinci Machines & Robotics exhibition; and the MOSH GALAxy fundraiser event on April 30, 2022.

“Eighty years is quite an accomplishment for any establishment,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “The Museum has been a beacon for innovation and lifelong learning, and will continue to serve curious minds for years to come. We are delighted to celebrate this milestone as we look ahead to what MOSH will be for the next eighty years. We look forward to inviting the community to join in our celebration over the coming year.”

Throughout its history, MOSH has made bold moves to serve the public. In 1948, the Jacksonville Children’s Museum (the Museum’s original name) moved into its first permanent location, a Victorian home in Riverside. In 1969, it relocated to its current home at 1025 Museum Circle on the Southbank of the St. Johns River. In 1988, the Museum was officially rebranded as the Museum of Science & History — expanding its mission to serve more members of the community. And in 2020, the Museum announced its intent to build a new structure on the Northbank of Downtown Jacksonville.

The community can join the celebration by sharing their favorite MOSH experiences on social media with the tag #MOSHMemories, becoming a member, donating to the Museum or volunteering. For more information, visit themosh.org.

About The Museum of Science & History (MOSH): The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located at 1025 Museum Circle near Friendship Park. MOSH, first chartered in 1941, inspires the joy of lifelong learning by bringing to life the sciences and regional history. Admission is $15.95 for adults; $12.95 for youth, students, active and retired military and seniors. There is no admission fee for children 2 and under or Museum members.

Museum funding is provided in part by the City of Jacksonville and the Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville, Inc.; the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs, and the Florida Arts Council, and the National Endowment for the Arts; Historic Museums Grants-in-Aid Program assistance provided by the Bureau of Historical Museums, Division of Historical Resources, Florida Department of State, Secretary of State.