Florida Theatre celebrates Back-to-School in August 2017

It’s time for the kiddies to go back to school, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t partake in some fine entertainment right here in Jacksonville, Florida.  The Florida Theatre has live entertainment & classic movies all in one prestigious location downtown.  Look below, schedule your calendar and get your tickets today while supplies last.

August 2017 Schedule:
Aug. 6  Classic Movie: Jungle Book (1967 Animated) 50th Anniversary
Aug. 9  The Australian Pink Floyd Show - The Best Side of The Moon
Aug. 11º#FOLLOWME Dancers
Aug. 13°Movie Classic: Spaceballs 30th Anniversary
Aug. 17ºInspire Jacksonville presents: Jonny Diaz & Unspoken with Willy Ramos
Aug. 19ºWho’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute
Aug. 20°Classic Movie: In The Heat of the Night 50th Anniversary
Aug. 20ºAndrew Dice Clay
Aug. 25 & Aug. 27ºJo Koy
Aug. 27º Dirty Dancing 30th Anniversary.

August 6 - 2pm — Regions Summer Movie Classic Series Jungle Book (1967 Animated) 50th Anniversary.  Come early for an animal encounter with the Jacksonville Zoo.  Sponsored by Regions Bank. Media sponsor: The Florida Times- Union. Digital Projector sponsored by AVL.

August 9 - 8pm — The Australian Pink Floyd Show - The Best Side of The Moon.  With note for note perfection, The Australian Pink Floyd Show will perform the Dark Side of the Moon album in its entirety and hits like "Wish You Were Here," "Animals," and "The Wall.”

August 11 - 8pm — #FOLLOWME.  Hip hop YouTube dancers Willdabeast (Usher, The Black Eyed Peas), Nia Sioux (Dance Moms), Kenneth San Jose (Kidz Bop tour) and Janelle Ginestra (Glee, America's Got Talent, So You Think You Can Dance) are stepping off the screen and onto the Florida Theatre stage.

August 13 - 2pm — Regions Bank Summer Movie Classics: Spaceballs 30th Anniversary.  Come dressed as your favorite character from the movie and compete in our custom contest.  Media sponsor The Florida Times- Union.  Digital Projector sponsored by AVL.

August 17 - 7pm — Inspire Jacksonville presents Jonny Diaz & Unspoken with Willy Ramos.  Inspire Jacksonville, an organization helping Jacksonville experience grace, hope, and wholeness in all aspects of life presents this concert featuring music by national Christian recording artists Unspoken (Start a Fire, Higher) and Jonny Diaz (Just Breathe). After the music, Willy Ramos will deliver an inspirational message.

August 19 - 8pm — Who’s Bad: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute.  From his early days with the Jackson 5, to his chart -topping hits "Billie Jean," "Beat It," "Smooth Criminal," "Human Nature," and "Thriller" this tribute show brings to life Michael Jackson's biggest hits.

August 20 - 2pm — Regions Bank Summer Movie Classics: In The Heat of the Night 50th Anniversary, sponsored by Regions Bank.  Media Sponsor The Florida Times- Union.  Digital Projector Sponsored by AVL.

August 20 - 7:30pm — Andrew Dice Clay.  Comedian Andrew Dice Clay currently stars in the Showtime series Dice.  Dice has starred comedy specials The Diceman Cometh and Indestructible, No Apologies and Dice Rules!

August 24 - 5:30pm — Blues, Brews and BBQ.  This annual event benefits the nonprofit Florida Theatre.  Guest enjoy a sampling of local craft beers and BBQ inside the Theatre will blues band Smokestack performs on stage.  Presented by Publix Supermarket Charities.  BBQ sponsored by KPMG.  Brew sponsored by Brown and Brown Insurance and CK Direct.

August 25 - 8pm & Aug. 27 - 7pm — Jo Koy.  Filling comedy clubs across the nation, appearing weekly as a regular guest on Chelsea Lately and his Comedy Central special Don't Make Him Angry, led to the Daily Variety naming him one of the "10 Comics To Watch."

August 27 - 2pm — Regions Bank Summer Movie Classics: Dirty Dancing 30th Anniversary.

“Florida Theatre August 2017 events”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: Vary with each show and seat preference.  Order online or call the box office (904) 355-2787, Monday — Friday from 9 a.m. –5 p.m.

It’s time for a Cummer Museum and Gardens August visit

August is a time to stroll through the Cummer Museum and Gardens while there is still warm Summer days and cool Summer nights.  Check your calendars, take a look below, grab the family or your friends and let the good times roll.  Now here’s what’s happening at the Cummer.

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

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

Weaver First Saturday Free For All – Sat., Aug. 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Free.  No registration required.  The first Sat. of each month at the Cummer Museum is FREE FOR ALL, thanks to the generous support of J. Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver. Guests can enjoy free admission, as well as art-making activities for all ages in the Cummer Gardens, live music, and a Docent-led tour at 2 p.m.

Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us – Sun., Aug. 6 from Noon to 4 p.m. | Free to Cardholders.  No registration required.  The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens offers free admission on the first Sunday of the first full weekend of the month to all Bank of America or Merrill Lynch cardholders through the Museums on Us program. Each cardholder receives one free general admission to the Museum. For more information on the Museum's programming and events, please call (904) 899-6038.

Talks &Tea: Ink, Silk, And Gold – Wed., Aug. 16 from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Members and Non-Members $6.  Registration required.  In conjunction with Ink, Silk, and Gold: Islamic Treasures from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston you are invited to the Museum to enjoy an insightful talk over a cup of tea and a sweet treat, led by Dilara Hafiz, Adjunct Professor at Jacksonville University and co-author of The American Muslim Teenager's Handbook.  For further information or to register, please call (904) 899-6038.

Art For Tots: New Class! – Sat., June 17 from 9:00 a.m.-10:00 a.m.  Members $15 per pair, Non-Members $20 per pair.  Registration required.  This class is for children ages 24-36 months and an accompanying adult.  The program is designed to help develop a child’s sensory and motor skills through art, movement, music and storytelling and takes place in the galleries, garden and studios. Art for Tots is funded through the generosity of the Chartrand Family Foundation. Space is limited, so reservations are encouraged. Entry is through Art Connections. For further information, please email or call (904) 355-0630.

Art Adventures: Self-Portrait! – Sat., Aug. 19 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.  Members $10, Non-Members $15.  Registration required.  Join them 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 working in the studios to create a work of their own likeness.  Open to children ages 6 through 12.  Class size is limited.  For further information, please email or call (904) 355-0630.

Concert: Riyaaz Qawwali – Fri., Aug. 25 from 7 to 9 p.m.  Members $30, Non-Members $40.  Registration required.  Qawwali, a musical tradition that dates back to the late 13th century, is a style of Muslim devotional music that today is particularly associated with Sufism.  The members of the Riyaaz Qawwali ensemble represent the unique diversity of South Asia.  Now settled in the United States, these musicians hail from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh.  They represent multiple religious and spiritual backgrounds and have been professionally performing qawwali for the past eight years.  For further information or to register, please call (904) 899-6038.

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

'I'm a Star Foundation' continues fundraiser for homeless students

Public and private donations continue to come in as teens in the “I'm A Star Foundation” raised money through their 3rd biennial Jacksonville HELPS (Homeless Students Empowered through Leadership, Partnership & Service) initiative.  “I'm A Star Foundation” held a Celebrity Basketball Game, on July 17 from 7 to 8 p.m., to drum up unrestricted funds for the Duval County Homeless Education Department HELPS (Homeless Students Empowered through Leadership, Partnership & Service).  "I'm A Star Foundation" founder Mrs. Betty Burney says an estimated 400 people attended the event, in which high school all-stars beat local celebrities 61-54 and brought in $2,000 to the foundation, with more donations expected to come.

“I'm A Star” students continue to ask the community to “I'm A Star Foundation's Go Fund Me Campaign Page” in order to raise $50,000 for the 2700 homeless students in Duval County.  The money will go towards items such as eye glasses, books, toiletry items, bus passes, doctor's fees, hotel vouchers, rental deposits, college application fees and more. (See the full wish list HERE).

There are currently 2700 homeless students in Duval County, and teens in the “I’m A Star Foundation” hosts fundraisers to help them.  Since 2013, the Foundation has raised $57,000 via live telethons, a 5K and two celebrity basketball games— donating all funds to the Duval County Public Schools’ Homeless Education Department and awarding 14 scholarships to homeless students entering college.

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

Founder and Executive Director Betty Seabrook Burney is a former Duval Co. School Board Chairwoman who achieved the distinction of having all chronically low-performing schools exit the state of Florida’s intervene list by the end of her term.

Fun out from the sun at the Florida Theatre for July 2017

So many people say that there’s nothing to do in Jacksonville, Florida.  Well, we’re here to let you know that there are movies, musical groups, comedy stars, dancers, concerts, tribute shows and much more in a cool exciting environment for you and many for your children too.  The Florida Theatre is the downtown spot that you would want to check out in the next few months.  Look below, make notes in your calendar and get your tickets today.

July 2017 Schedule:
July 7 & 8 Katt Williams – Great America Tour
July 9   Classic Movie: Casino Royale 50th Anniversary
July 13  Ted Nugent
July 14  Pure Prairie League, Firefall and Orleans
July 16  Classic Movie: A League of Their Own – 25th Anniversary
July 21  Sinbad
July 23  Classic Movie: Scent of A Woman -  25th Anniversary
July 29  Elvis Anniversary Bash Starring Mike Albert, Scot Bruce and the Big E Band
July 30  Classic Movie: Cool Hand Luke 50th Anniversary

July 7 & 8 – 8 p.m. Katt Williams – Great America Tour — Stand- up comedian Katt Williams will be recording both of his Florida Theatre shows as part of his Great American Tour DVD.  As an actor, Williams has appeared in the comedic box office hits; Money Mike, Friday After Next, Rebound and Epic Movie.  Pre-party package at LIVE Bar available with a ticket purchase.

July 9- 2 p.m. Regions Summer Movie Classics: Casino Royale 50th Anniversary — Ridiculous circumstances get iconic spy James Bond (David Niven) involved with a colorful cast of characters, including the villainous Le Chiffre (Orson Welles), seasoned gambler Evelyn Tremble (Peter Sellers) and Bond’s bumbling nephew, Jimmy Bond (Woody Allen).  Sponsored by Regions Bank. Media Sponsor The Florida Times Union. Digital Projector Sponsored by AVL.

July 13- 8 p.m. Ted Nugent — The ultimate guitar-shredding showman, Ted Nugent, is known for his groundbreaking Amboy Dukes’ hit: “Journey to the Center of the Mind,” and classic hits “Stranglehold,” “Cat Scratch Fever,” and “Fred Bear.”

July 14- 8 p.m. Pure Prairie League, Firefall and Orleans — It’s an evening of Southern 70’s rock hits with Pure Prairie League: (“Amie,” “That’ll Be The Day,” and “Let Me Love You Tonight) Firefall (You Are The Woman,” “Strange Way” and “Just Remember I Love You”) and Orleans (“Still the One” and “Dance With Me”).

July 16 -2 p.m. Region Summer Movie Classics A League of Their Own – 25th Anniversary  Funded by publicity hungry candy maker Walter Harvey (Gary Marshall), a professional all-female baseball league springs up in the Midwest. On their way to fame, sisters Dottie Hinson (Geena Davis) and Kit Keller (Lori Petty), wild girl Mae Mordibeto (Madonna), scout Ernie Capadino (Jon Lovitz) and grumpy has-been coach Jimmy Dugan (Tom Hanks) find themselves surrounded by drama and troubles.  Come early to meet the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp Mascot Scampi.  All children wearing their little league or team uniforms receive free movie entry.  Sponsored by Regions Bank.  Media Sponsor The Florida Times Union. Digital Projector Sponsored by AVL.

July 21- 8 p.m. Sinbad Ranked by Comedy Central as one of the 100 Greatest Standups of All Time, actor and comedian Sinbad has starred in two Comedy Central specials, four HBO comedy specials and appeared in: the Jingle All The Way and Good Burger, and on the FX super series, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

July 23- 2 p.m. Regions Summer Movie Classics Scent of A Woman -25th Anniversary — Charlie Simms (Chris O’Donnell) is a scholarship student at an exclusive prep school. To pay for a flight home at Christmas, Charlie accepts a temporary job over the Thanksgiving weekend looking after retired Army Ranger Lieutenant Colonel Frank Slade (Al Pacino).  Pacino won the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance.  Sponsored by Regions Bank. Media Sponsor The Florida Times Union. Digital Projector Sponsored by AVL.

July 29- 7 p.m. Elvis Anniversary Bash Starring Mike Albert, Scot Bruce and the Big E Band — This annual summer concert stars world-class Elvis impersonators Mike Albert and Scot Bruce along with the Big E Band to celebrate Elvis Presley’s historic 1956 Florida Theatre concert.

July 30- 2 p.m. Cool Hand Luke 50th Anniversary — When Luke Jackson (Paul Newman)  is arrested for vandalizing parking meters, he is sentenced to serve time on a prison chain gang. Although the warden, guards and prisoners all try to break Luke’s spirit, he eventually earns their respect and the respect of his fellow inmates by refusing to back down in a fight and figuring out a way for them to get their hard labor done in half the time.  Sponsored by Regions Bank. Media Sponsor The Florida Times Union. Digital Projector Sponsored by AVL.  Enjoy gourmet ice pops from Hyppo.

“Florida Theatre July 2017 events”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

TICKETS: Vary with each show and seat preference.  Order online or call the box office (904) 355-2787, Monday — Friday from 9 a.m. –5 p.m.

'Annie' and the Alhambra are a perfect Summer mix

It’s been said time and time again that children and animals will steal and upstage a show; well, the musical “Annie” at the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is no exception.  Filled with familiar music and dance numbers from the original production, Tod Booth* has created fun loving entertainment with the assistance of set designer Ian Black and the choreography from Shain Stoff* and Brian Beach*.  The show times have been adapted for the many younger and mature audience attendees who come to see Annie, and the show is so entertaining that everyone is thoroughly captivated.

Annie is a delightful Summer family show for the entire family.  Young Jena Simmons was in the character of (Annie), on Gala Night.  The ingénue actress belted out each and every song with zeal and gusto.  You would be able to hear her clearly without the assistance of microphones.

Lisa Valdini with Sandy

She just appeared as (M’Lynn) in “Steel Magnolias”, the last show at the Alhambra, and gave a stellar performance; yet Lisa Valdini*, the mean cantankerous (Miss Hannigan) in Annie, sang, danced and had the crowd in stitches all night long.  Take a look at the photo and see her and the well-behaved dog (Sandy).  You’ll love the way Lisa twists her posterior to the tune of “Easy Street”.

Another little actress who will steal your heart is seven-year-old novice artist Lucy Feagins (Molly - Orphan).  This little lady will be headed for great things if she chooses to go further in her acting career.  She blossoms during the Orphan songs “Maybe,” “Hard Knock Life” and “Fully Dressed”.

You may remember him in “9 to 5 the Musical” and “The Addams Family”, nonetheless, Mark Poppleton portrays a wonderful (Daddy Warbucks) in “Annie”; and Jennifer Medure is a compliment to him starring as (Grace Farrell).  Her daughter Grace Medure is one of the Orphans (Tessie) who grace the stage for the first time with her mom.

Chef DeJuan Roy was on target with his scrumptious meal.  The Strawberry Bisque is cool and refreshing and the Summer Fruit Salad is very tasty with Roy’s house made Honey Yogurt Vinaigrette.  This writer chose the Chicken Veronique which was breaded and pan fried to perfection.  The sides complimented the second course with a delectable sauce.

You are invited to revisit memories of Annie from 1988 and 2009 with  your purchase of the Alhambra’s 50th Anniversary Commemorative Book that you can obtain online or when you visit the theater.

“Annie”
DATES: June 28 — Aug. 13, 2017

SPECIAL SHOW TIMES: Please note the summer family show, “Annie”, begins twenty minutes earlier than normal show times.  Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins shortly afterwards.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday June 30, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  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 or orders from the bar**

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

$10,000 awarded to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

National Endowment for the Arts Chairman Jane Chu has approved more than $82 million to fund local arts projects across the country in the NEA’s second major funding announcement for fiscal year 2017.  Included in this announcement is an Art Works award of $10,000 to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens to support the creation and implementation of the exhibition Augusta Savage: Artist-Community-Activist, to be on view in 2018.  The grant also funds the publication and programming associated with the exhibition.  The NEA received 1,728 Art Works applications and will make 1,029 grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000.

“The arts reflect the vision, energy, and talent of America’s artists and arts organizations,” said NEA Chairman Jane Chu. “The National Endowment for the Arts is proud to support organizations such as the Cummer Museum, in serving their communities by providing excellent and accessible arts experiences.”

Augusta Savage: Artist-Community-Activist, organized by the Cummer Museum, will focus on Augusta Savage’s lasting legacy as a Harlem Renaissance leader, her art, and her influence on her students.  A gifted sculptor, Savage (1892-1962) became an important teacher, leader, and catalyst for change.  Through this exhibition, the Museum seeks to highlight the artistic, social, and historic impact of Savage who, despite her influential career, is largely under-recognized today. Once the exhibition closes at the Museum, it will travel to four other museums.

“For the past decade, the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens has passionately championed the legacy of Augusta Savage throughout the state of Florida,” states Cummer Museum Chief Operating Officer & Chief Curator Holly Keris. “Even though her career led her north, Savage was born in relative proximity to our Museum and her passion for sculpture developed in our region.  The Cummer Museum feels this connection deeply, and we are delighted have received this grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Support of this level adds to the credibility of our institution and the legitimacy to this project.”

To join the Twitter conversation about this announcement, please use #NEASpring17.  For more information on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, go to arts.gov

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

‘Annie’ opens at the Alhambra with local child star in lead role

Jacksonville, Florida resident 10-year old Carly Juliana Barnes is cast as the lead in the Alhambra Theatre & Dining’s upcoming production of “Annie”.  Selected from an open casting call of more than 110 girls, Carly is one of two talented young leading ladies that perform as Annie.  She is joined by Jena Simmons of Jupiter, Florida.  A much-celebrated Broadway musical, Annie continues the Alhambra’s 50th Anniversary Season.  For the fourth consecutive season, the Alhambra’s summer family show is sponsored by Snyder Heating & Air Conditioning of JAX, FL.

This is an Alhambra debut for both actresses.  Ms. Barnes will split the role 50-50 with Jena Simmons.  Ms. Simmons credits include: Les Misérables and The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley Jr. at the Maltz Jupiter Theatre.  She also appears on “Investigation Discovery” and various TV commercials for companies including: hhgregg, Chrysler, and Universal Studios.  Other than acting camp at Players by the Sea in Jacksonville Beach, Ms. Barnes is new to live theater.  She does have two short film credits, including: “Innocent Pact,” playing both twins who lost their parents at a young age, and “Starling” in which she played Lucy, a sick child living in the wilderness with her brother and friends.  Barnes attends the Discovery School in Jacksonville Beach, FL.

About the show: The girls (Jena Simmons & Carly Juliana Barnes) play an orphan in a facility run by the mean Miss Hannigan and believes her parents left her there by mistake.  When a rich man named Oliver “Daddy” Warbucks decides to let an orphan live at his home to promote his image, Annie is selected.  While Annie gets accustomed to living in Warbucks’ mansion, she still longs to meet her parents.  So Warbucks announces a search for them and a reward, which brings out many frauds – and a touching musical.  “Annie” is based upon the popular Harold Gray comic strip Little Orphan Annie, and the musical's songs "Tomorrow" and "It's the Hard Knock Life" are among its most popular musical numbers.

About the menu (which also features a children’s menu): For every show, Alhambra Executive Chef DeJuan Roy creates a new menu borrowing from the show’s themes.  The menu for Annie includes: First course (choice of one) strawberry bisque with cilantro crème fraiche; or a summer fruit salad with peaches, grapes, oranges, strawberries, blueberries, sunflower seeds, honey yogurt vinaigrette.  Second course (choice of one) rigatoni and house-made giant meatball with Romano cheese; or charred Romanesco chicken Veronique with jasmine rice, broccolini, tear drop tomatoes; or pan-seared snapper with a pink grapefruit buerre blanc, risotto, sautéed spinach; or New York-style vegetable flatbread pizza with pasta salad.  the Dessert course includes: a choice of Pink Lemonade Cake or Snickers Tart with caramel, chocolate, peanuts, whipped cream.
The children’s menu includes: chicken fingers, French fries, sausage flatbread, and mixed vegetables, dessert same as the adults above.

“Annie”
DATES: June 28 — Aug. 13, 2017

SPECIAL SHOW TIMES: Please note the summer family show, “Annie”, begins twenty minutes earlier than normal show times.  Evening shows Tuesday through Sunday start at 7:30 p.m.  Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and dinner begins shortly afterwards.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 10:50 a.m. and the brunch begins at 11 a.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 11:50 a.m. and the meal is server starting 12 p.m.

DRESS: “Gala Night” (Friday June 30, 2017) attire is “Dressy/Formal/Black Tie”.  All other shows could be “Business Casual” or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $35 – $62.  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 or orders from the bar**

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

'River and Post' hires executive chef Elizabeth Arana for newest JAX restaurant

Having trained under Wolfgang Puck, Eric Ripert, David Burke and Alain Ducasse and educated at the Culinary Institute of America and University of Florida, Elizabeth Arana’s resume impressed the owners of River & Post.  Once they tasted her cooking they were convinced she was the right fit.  Arana will start in July 2017 as the Executive Chef of the soon-to-open Riverside restaurant, which will open in the Fall.

Arana will lead the culinary process for River & Post, initially managing the kitchen design and service processes.  In addition to being responsible for the menu and its preparation, Arana will oversee the entire kitchen staff.  No stranger to executive culinary management, Arana has lead teams at the Alexandria, Provence and Alphabet Kitchen restaurants in New York City as well as working directly under Executive Chef Alain Ducasse at Louis XV in Monaco, France.  Arana has extensive experience in various cooking styles cuisines.  She was featured on the Food Network’s Door Knock Dinners with Gordon Elliot as well as Latina Magazine, The New York Daily News, New York Magazine, Time Out New York and listed in Zagats.

Said General Manager and owner Jeff McCusker of Arana, “Her qualifications spoke for themselves, but what sold us was simply her ability to cook.”  To make a final decision on their Executive Chef selection, McCusker and co-owner Robert Fleckenstein, along with their advisory board, hosted several candidates for a menu tasting.  McCusker stated, “The words that kept repeating themselves among our panel of tasters were ‘captivating,’ ‘thoughtful’ and “inspiring,’ not words typically assigned to food.  When we think of the brand we are trying to create at River & Post, with an incredible rooftop view and a modern vibe, there wasn’t even a second pick.  Elizabeth wowed us all.”

Hiring an Executive Chef was the next big step for River & Post, which began construction in April and plans to open in the fall of 2017. “The vision for River & Post is incredible,” said Arana.  “I cannot wait to come to work and have the view of Jacksonville’s colorful skyline as my office.  We will create something special in Riverside, a true destination restaurant that I am confident will draw from other parts of town as well as other parts of the southeast.  Jacksonville is a growing culinary city, and I want to be on that must-visit list for foodies and people just looking to relax and enjoy a great meal with a great view.”

River & Post will soon be hosting interviews for servers, managers, kitchen and bar staff and interested parties can contact the restaurant HERE.

About River & Post: River & Post is a restaurant and rooftop lounge opening in the fall of 2017.  This upscale casual restaurant will bring a trendy environment, great food and breathtaking river city views to Riverside.  It will be located in the newly renovated Summit building, located at 1000 Riverside, on the corner of Post St.  Jeff McCusker is the managing partner and Bob Fleckenstein is the investing partner.  The menu will be seafood- and steak-focused Southern American cuisine.  The floor plan calls for pet-friendly patio dining space downstairs, as well as being a premier location for meetings and private events.  River and Post will also feature ample parking, a rare commodity in Riverside.