'Straight No Chaser' is 'Back In The High Life' in JAX

Chart-topping a cappella group “Straight No Chaser” will finally hit the road in-person this year after a year of cancellations due to the pandemic. “Back In The High Life,” kicked off their tour on October 22nd at Minnesota’s Mystic Showroom, winds its way through the US and concludes on New Year’s Eve in Mesa, AZ, at the Mesa Arts Center. The tour makes its stop at the Florida Theatre on Saturday, November 13, 2021. They were last in JAX during October of 2018 (before the pandemic) at the Florida Theatre.

“To say we are excited is a huge understatement,” said group member Steve Morgan. “We cannot wait for the curtain to come up and for us to see actual fans and not cardboard cutouts. We are so grateful for our fans who invited us into their homes to perform virtually over the last year, but there is no replacing the real thing. We cannot wait to feel the energy of being in the same room as our fans again.”

“Back in the High Life” will give fans the first opportunity to see the group perform that song in-person plus tracks from last year’s album Social Christmasing, as well as a mix of brand new arrangements and fan favorites, with a setlist changing each night.  Straight No Chaser will release a deluxe edition of Social Christmasing later this fall.  More details will be released soon.

Looking ahead to the holidays, the nine group members have compiled their favorite cocktail and food concoctions in Straight No Chaser Sound Bites: A Cappella, Cocktails, and Cuisine, a recipe book with personal family memories shared with the broader Chaser family and published by Red Lightning Books (a sister company of IU Press). Sound Bites is due out November 2, but it is currently available for pre-order on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Red Lightning, and on the Straight No Chaser’s website.

Straight No Chaser ushered in the modern a cappella craze with their breakthrough version of "The 12 Days of Christmas" twelve years ago. Since then, the group has clocked in two RIAA-certified Gold records with more than 1 billion streams and sold more than 1.5 million concert tickets worldwide to their unforgettable live shows. Last year, the group unveiled their latest holiday album, Social Christmasing, featuring the group's signature twist on Christmas classics like "Silver Bells" and "Frosty The Snowman," five new original songs, and a hopeful take on the Counting Crows classic "A Long December."

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.

“Straight No Chaser”

DATE: Sat., Nov. 13, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: range from $39.50 – $59.50
LOCATION: The Florida Theatre
       128 East Forsyth Street.
       Jacksonville, FL 32202
       (904) 355 - ARTS (2787)

‘The Kingston Trio’ will be in JAX for 2 shows

In 1957 The Kingston Trio emerged from San Francisco’s North Beach club scene to take the country by storm, bringing the rich tradition of American folk music into the mainstream for the first time. During the late 50s & early 60s, the Trio enjoyed unprecedented record sales and worldwide fame, while influencing the musical tastes of a generation.

“The Kingston Trio” will make a stop at Jacksonville’s Wilson Center for the Arts for two shows on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at 3 & 7 p.m.

Cited as an influence by recording artists as musically and generationally diverse as Bob Dylan, Crosby, Stills & Nash and The Eagles to comedian and banjo player Steve Martin to contemporary artists such as the multi-Grammy® nominated Mumford & Sons and The Avett Brothers, The Kingston Trio occupies a unique, preeminent position in American musical history.

Through changing times, the Trio has played on, remaining popular for a simple reason… great songs that sound as good today as the first time you heard them. And fifty-eight years after Tom Dooley shot to the top of the charts, the Trio is still on the road thirty weeks a year, bringing back all the great memories and making new ones.

All three current members, Mike Marvin, Tim Gorelangton and Don Marovich, have intrinsic links to and experience with the original group: Mike is the adopted son of founding member Nick Reynolds, who was also his musical mentor; Tim, a close friend since boyhood, is one of the few musicians outside the Trio who has recorded with Nick Reynolds; and Don Marovich, who has performed with the Trio and who plays the guitar, banjo and mandolin. Many of their personal memories recall the iconic trio’s performances and journey as folk music made its extraordinary ascent to the pinnacle of popular culture – and the top of the music charts.

The Kingston Trio have created a special tribute in their upcoming concerts to Arlo Guthrie, who announced that he will no longer be touring, so the TRIO are performing one of his most famous songs ‘City of New Orleans’ as a tribute to Arlo’s enduring musical legacy.

“The Kingston Trio”
DATE: November 13, 2021
TIMES: 3 & 7 p.m.

TICKETS can be purchased online 24/7. Parking is always free at the Wilson Center.
 
LOCATION:  Wilson Center for the Arts:
        Florida State College at JAX So. Campus
        11901 Beach Blvd.
        Jacksonville, FL 32099

Alhambra releases 2022 season shows

The Alhambra Theatre & Dining announced today its schedule for the 2022 season. The Broadway classic, Guys and Dolls will open on January 13, marking the Alhambra's 53rd season and continuing its run as the longest running dinner theater in the United States. Guys and Dolls will run through February 13, 2021, with the rest of the season setting up as follows:

“The Play That Goes Wrong” (Feb 17 - Mar 13)
“Rock of Ages” (March 24 - May 1)
“42nd Street” (May 12 - June 12)
“The Wizard of Oz” (June 16 - July 31)
“Grumpy Old Men” (August 11 - Sept 18)
“Ghost the Musical” (Sept 29 - Nov 6)
“White Christmas” (Nov 17 - Dec24)

Four of those shows have never been mounted at the Alhambra including: ‟The Play That Goes Wrong”, “Rock of Ages”, “Grumpy Old Men” and “Ghost the Musical”. Alhambra’s Managing Partner Craig Smith says, "We're feeling triumphant going into 2022 and are eager to use theme our season; Now on with the Shows.” He continued, "The past two seasons have been a challenge to say the least and we made it through. So why not celebrate while we can? These shows are all upbeat, fun and interesting and we cannot wait to kick off the year!"

Despite being open at only 50% capacity for most of 2021, the Alhambra had plenty to celebrate. The venerable theater received the Helen Lane Award from the Cultural Council of Great Jacksonville for its contribution to the arts. The Alhambra was lauded for staying open to employ its 72 staffers and, as Smith put it, "To continue providing the respite from our collective daily grind, because that's what art is meant to do."

In addition to the accolades from the Cultural Council, the Alhambra received awards as the best live theater in the Jacksonville Magazine a Best of Jacksonville poll and the Bold City Best nod from the Florida Times Union. Executive Chef DeJuan Roy also received the award for Best Chef of the Bold City.

Alhambra’s Theatre & Dining tickets start at just $48 and include a three-course meal that changes for each show, a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking. Tickets can be purchases online at www.alhambrajax.com or by calling 904.641.1212.

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

‘Stacey Abrams’ speaks at the Florida Theatre

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce a one-night only engagement with political leader, voting rights activist, entrepreneur, and New York Times bestselling author, “Stacey Abrams”. The speaking tour – A Conversation with Stacey Abrams –takes place at the Florida Theatre on Tuesday, November 9, 2021 at 7:30 p.m.

Join Stacey for an evening of candid conversation and insights on politics, leadership, entrepreneurship, social justice, and being a true voice for change. Designed around worldwide and national events, as well as questions from the audience and community, this conversation with Stacey Abrams will inform and empower.

"People tend to remember the first time they heard Stacey Abrams speak, and it's easy to see why." – TIME Magazine.

Abrams' New York Times bestselling book Lead from the Outside: How to Build Your Future and Make Real Change, is a personal and empowering blueprint for outsiders who seek to become the ones in charge. From her experiences launching a company to building Georgia into a premier battleground state, Abrams illuminates that finding what you want to fight for is as critical as knowing how to turn thought into action. Our Time is Now is a blueprint to end voter suppression and chronicles a chilling account of how the right to vote and the principles of democracy have been and continue to be under attack.

Dedicated to civic engagement, Abrams has founded multiple organizations devoted to voting rights, training and hiring young people of color, and tackling social issues at both the state and national levels. She is the 2021 recipient of the inaugural Social Justice Impact Award from the NAACP Image Awards.

National Tour Schedule**:
November 9, 2021 · The Florida Theatre, Jacksonville, FL
November 10, 2021 · Theater at Grand Prairie, Grand Prairie, TX
November 16, 2021 · Tennessee Arts Center, Nashville, TN
November 17, 2021 · Ovens Auditorium, Charlotte, NC
November 18, 2021 · Durham Performing Arts Ctr., Durham, SC

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.

“A Conversation with
  Stacey Abrams”

DATE: Tues., November 9, 2021
TIME: 7:30 p.m.
TICKETS: $49.50 - $200

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

‘Fiddler On The Roof will be in JAX soon

FSCJ Artist Series Broadway in Jacksonville presents a fresh take on a beloved masterpiece coming to The Times-Union Center. Tony®-winning director Bartlett Sher brings his fresh take on a beloved masterpiece to life as “FIDDLER ON THE ROOF” stops in Jacksonville on the North American tour direct from Broadway. The beloved theatrical masterpiece from Tony winner Joseph Stein and Pulitzer Prize winners Jerry Bock and Sheldon Harnick will be on stage from November 2–7, 2021.

The original production won ten Tony Awards, including a special Tony for becoming the longest-running Broadway musical of all time. You’ll be there when the sun rises on this new production, with stunning movement and dance from acclaimed Israeli choreographer Hofesh Shechter, inspired by the original staging by Jerome Robbins. A wonderful cast and a lavish orchestra tell this heartwarming story of fathers and daughters, husbands and wives, and the timeless traditions that define faith and family.

Featuring the Broadway classics: “Tradition,” “If I Were a Rich Man,” “Sunrise, Sunset,” “Matchmaker, Matchmaker” and “To Life,” FIDDLER ON THE ROOF will introduce a new generation to this uplifting celebration that raises its cup to joy! To love! To life!

“Fiddler On The Roof”

DATES & TIMES:
Tuesday, November 2 at 7:30 p.m.
Wednesday, November 3 at 7:30 p.m.
Thursday, November 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, November 5 at 8 p.m.
Saturday, November 6 at 2 p.m.
Saturday, November 6 at 8 p.m.
Sunday, November 7 at 1:30 p.m.
Sunday, November 7 at 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: can be purchased online 24/7. Groups of 10 or more are eligible to a discount on tickets to most shows.  To receive the best pricing, reserve your group tickets today. Groups may begin placing reservation requests by calling (904) 632-5050 or emailing.

LOCATION: Times Union Center Performing Arts
      Moran Theater
      300 West Water St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202
      (904) 632-5000

MOSH receives $100,000 gift

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) announced today that Stellar has committed $100,000 to the MOSH Genesis campaign. The contribution will be distributed in four annual $25,000 installments to begin this year.

Established in 1985, Stellar is a Jacksonville-based diversified contracting firm recognized as a global leader in architecture, engineering and construction services. With more than 800 employees, it is a company that celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship and collaboration.

“Our support of MOSH Genesis reflects our commitment to investing both in the next generation of innovators, as well as a new era of Downtown vitality,” said Mike Santarone, Chief Executive Officer of Stellar. “MOSH has been a vital part of our community for decades, and we’re proud to be a part of this new chapter of growth.”

In March of 2019, MOSH announced the launch of its capital campaign with the goal of raising $20 million in community support from individuals, businesses and corporations, foundations and other community stakeholders. Originally called MOSH 2.0, the campaign has been retitled MOSH Genesis to better encapsulate the Museum’s vision of bold transformation for the institution and its role in Downtown revitalization.

This commitment expands Stellar’s connection to the Museum, which started with Richard Lovelace, Senior Vice President, who served on the MOSH Board of Trustees from 2018 through 2021.

“Stellar is a company that has been an integral part of Jacksonville’s growth and development,” said Bruce Fafard, CEO of MOSH. “We are grateful for their generous support. This gift will provide sustained momentum in our goal of building a dynamic center of innovation and exploration in Downtown Jacksonville.”

‘James Taylor” and ‘Jackson Browne’ in JAX

Legendary singer/songwriter “James Taylor & His All-Star Band” with special guest Rock and Roll Hall of Famer “Jackson Browne and his band” are coming to Vystar Veterans Memorial Arena on  Saturday, November 13, 2021 for one intimate and memorable night!  Taylor and Bonnie Raitt were reported to be in JAX back in 2018, but Bonnie had to cancel.

As a recording and touring artist, James Taylor has touched people with his warm baritone voice and distinctive style of guitar-playing for more than 40 years, while setting a precedent to which countless young musicians have aspired.  Inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the world-renowned artist has sold more than 100 million albums since he was first signed by The Beatles to their Apple Records label, won multiple Grammy Awards, and has earned multiple gold, platinum, or multi-platinum awards. His Greatest Hits album alone sold more than 10 million copies.  In 2015, James was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  In 2016, he was a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honor.

More than just a best-selling artist and legendary singer-songwriter, Jackson Browne has become an institution in American music selling over 18 million albums in the United States.

“James Taylor & His All-Star Band
       and
“Jackson Browne and his band”

DATE: Sat. Nov. 13, 2021

TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: Vary

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

MOSH hosts ‘The Craft of Comedy’

The Museum of Science & History (MOSH) will host a comedy workshop on October 28 as part of the Museum’s MOSH After Dark programming. “The Craft of Comedy” event will feature Jacksonville-based stand-up comedians: Mike Freed, Jenn Weeks and Bob Lauver, and will teach attendees what it takes to make people laugh.

Guests will laugh along with the comics, try their hand at stand-up and end the evening exploring MOSH’s traveling exhibit, Da Vinci Machines & Robotics. This event is 21+; tickets include two drinks and light refreshments.

DATE: Thursday, October 28, 2021

TIME: 6 – 8 p.m.

COST: Tickets are $24 for members and $30 for non-members. Tickets are available and can be purchased HERE

SAFETY: At the MOSH, they aim to ensure the health and safety of staff and guests. In accordance with CDC guidelines, masks are strongly encouraged inside the Museum for all patrons 2+.

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

‘Chef Connie Kersee’ at the 2021 Florida Black Expo

The Taste of Florida Black Expo  announces that Chef Connie Kersee, founder of “Forks On The Left Catering”, will present a sample of her elevated comfort menu during “The Florida Black Expo 2021” event.

"Chef Connie's selection of herbs and spices taste like paradise," said Manch, Co-Owner Business Administration at Forks On The Left Catering.

Positive Customer Impact: Many of Forks On The Left Catering's customers have benefited from its attention to detail and dedication to a superior customer experience. Third Cousin Media, a video media company, recently committed to using Forks On The Left Catering as its in-house catering for its Jacksonville Based Events. Forks On The Left Caterings The Elevated Comfort Meals menu will enable Third Cousin Media to provide their staff and talent the opportunity to unwind over a home-cooked meal while out on location.

"Chef Connie's customized menu is our go-to cuisine when we are in Jacksonville," said Troy Nalls (Videographer, Third Cousin Media), "There's nothing like a comfort meal selection when you're on the road."

The Elevated Comfort Meals menu is Forks On The Left Catering's commitment to delivering exquisite tasting food that feels like a mother's hug. Forks On The Left Catering’s The Elevated Comfort Meals menu is available through Meal Prep, Event Catering, and In-Home Dining products at www.fotlcatering.com or email.

Founded in 1998, Forks On The Left Catering is listed as @fotlcatering on all social media platforms – Chef Connie Kersee is a leader in Elevated Comfort Food Cuisines. The company's mission is to partner with its clients to create lasting memories through food. For your next occasion contact Forks On The Catering today.

Forks On The Left Catering and The Elevated Comfort Meals Menu are registered trademarks or trademarks of Forks On The Left Catering in the United States and other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

“The Taste Florida
 Black Expo 2021”
Date: Fri. Oct. 22, 2021
Time: 7 a.m. – 10 p.m.

The Museum of Science and History (MOSH)
1025 Museum Circle
Jacksonville, FL 32207

Cummer exhibition honors Cheyenne Warrior Artists

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens presents ‟Imprisoned but Empowered: Cheyenne Warrior Artists at Fort Marion,” an ongoing exhibition that is on view to the public through February 27, 2022.

Imprisoned but Empowered: Cheyenne Warrior Artists at Fort Marion features deeply personal works by three Cheyenne artists who were taken from their homes by the United States government in 1875 and imprisoned at Fort Marion (officially known as the Castillo de San Marcos) in St. Augustine for three years. The humanity of these POW artists inspired their jailor, Richard Pratt, to experiment with assimilating the Plains warriors into quasi-soldiers. The missionary ladies of St. Augustine, including Harriett Beecher Stowe, convinced Pratt to allow them to create an ad hoc school in the fort, laying the foundation for Carlisle and Indian boarding schools.

Also included is a work by Gordon Yellowman, the exhibition’s lead curator and Director of Language and Cultural Programs, Cheyenne & Arapaho Tribes — demonstrating a powerful link between past and present-day Cheyenne artists. Together, these 52 drawings offer a window into the hearts and minds of men who were exiled for defending their families, cultures and territories.

‟The significance of this exhibition is a powerful culture’s way of life, based on personal experiences of the exiled warrior artist. Each ledger drawing depicts and captures a Polaroid moment of history,” said Yellowman.

Though considered some of the most valuable Native American art ever created, these drawings have never been exhibited within a Cheyenne world view — until now. Over a period of two years, the Museum’s curatorial team worked with Dr. Eric Singleton, curator at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum, which holds the esteemed Arthur and Shifra Silberman Collection — the primary source for this exhibition.

‟The Museum is humbled to be able to share this important chapter in our regional and national history with the Northeast Florida community. Working with the project’s curators to bring this exhibition to fruition has been a powerful experience, and I hope our visitors can feel that authenticity when experiencing these works of art,” said Holly Keris, the Museum’s J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver Chief Curator. ‟It is easy for history to reimagine the Cheyenne warriors imprisoned at Fort Marion as an anonymous collective. However, they were individuals, with lives, experiences, families and voices, and we are proud to honor their perspectives.”

Veronica Pasfield, Ph.D., Journalist, Independent Curator & Museum Decolonizer, Bay Mills Indian Community Member, provided additional curatorial insight for this exhibition. ‟The Cheyenne artists in this exhibition are among the most celebrated and valued in Native American art,” said Pasfield. ‟These imprisoned artists understood the high communicative value of their drawings. They used a visual language — colors, symbols, composition — to communicate so much about themselves and Cheyenne people. Today's Cheyenne can readily decode what their relatives communicated. Why? Because the very same traditions are still practiced — from warrior Society colorways to protocols for setting up a tipi encampment. It is an honor and privilege to amplify the voice of the Cheyenne people via this exhibition at the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens.”

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.

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