‘Michael W. Smith’ rocked the house in JAX

Courtesy pics: Ms. "V"

Courtesy pics: Michael W. Smith & Ms. "V"

He was only in town for one night, yet Michael W. Smith gave a wonderful array of music, not just Christmas and Christian genres, but all types of music were enjoyed by all.  The iconic Florida Theatre presented Michael W. Smith’s Christmas with his special guest Melinda Doolittle.  The theater was packed with people of all nationalities who wanted to come out for a good time, in an anointed atmosphere.

Multi-Platinum artist, best-selling author and acclaimed actor Michael W. Smith continues to live out his dream; he releases new music regularly and performs around the world to sold-out crowds of loyal and inspired fans.  During Michael’s storied career, he’s been honored with three Grammy Awards, 45 Dove Awards, an American Music Award and has sold more than 15 million albums.

Melinda Doolittle is a powerhouse vocalist in her own right.  She was tone-deaf as a child, and her choir teacher would plead with her not to sing, but just silently move her mouth.  Undaunted, her love of singing drove her to enter a talent show in the seventh grade where she stunned the audience with her miraculously spot on vocals and beautiful voice.  She never looked back!  Doolittle became a household name during season six of American Idol in 2007. She came in third in the voting, first with Simon Cowell calling her his “personal favorite.”  Melinda sings well on her own, with Michael and also harmonizing with their four backup singers.

With his six-piece band, Michael was great on the Baby Grand Piano as he sung numerous songs and medleys.  In his concert, there is a screen that will show videos of an organization that is near and dear to Michael’s heart.  If you go to the Compassion website, you can see how your tax-deductible contribution will help children who desire to live a fulfilled life.  You will be able to choose the child that you’ll be helping, and you’ll establish a relationship with that child through correspondence.

Toward the end of the concert, Michael sang “Friends” which was the selection that he sung at the funeral of former President George H. W. Bush.  As Smith sang on the Florida Theatre stage, a group of photos pictured him in his relationship with the Bush family.  In an interview with CBN News, Smith said having the opportunity to perform at the 41st Presidents funeral is an “honor beyond words.”

‘Mutts Gone Nuts’ is coming back to JAX

It’s a treat for the entire family.  “Mutts Gone Nuts” is returning to Jacksonville’s Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts at FSCJ South Campus for two performances only!  The disorderly duo, Scott and Joan Houghton and their hilarious pack of pooches have created a comedy dog thrill show like no other.  Expect the unexpected in this top-notch presentation that includes: incredible high flying frisbee dogs, tight wire dogs, dancing dogs, magic dogs and of course, the one and only…Sammie the Talking Dog!

Since 1985, comedy duo Scott and Joan Houghton have brought their unique blend of physical comedy and circus arts to audiences from Las Vegas to Tokyo.  They spent three years with country star Lee Greenwood at his theater in Tennessee and seven years as the featured comedy act at Dolly Parton’s Theaters in Branson, Orlando and Myrtle Beach.

In 2005, the duo turned their attention to a creating a comedy dog act. Their nine amazing canine partners are all adopted from animal shelters and rescues. Mutts Gone Nuts is sure to unleash havoc and hilarity as the Houghton’s attempt to match wits with their mischievous mutts in a family-friendly performance that is leaving audiences howling for more!

Mutts Gone Nuts
DATE: Saturday, January 19, 2019
TIMES: 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.

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

TICKETS: start at $31.25 for adults and $15.50 for children 12 and under.  Tickets may be purchased at fscjartistseries.org, by calling (904) 632-5000 or at the box office from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.  Group discounts for 10+ are also available. Please contact or. (904) 632-5050 or email Group Sales.

Russian humor comes to JAX through ‘Yakov’

Fans who loved the comedy of Russian born entertainer “Yakov Smirnoff” throughout his expansive career on television, the silver screen and Broadway can experience the hilarity once again in “Happily Ever Laughter: The Neuroscience of Romantic Relationships,” coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center for two performances only!

In this new show, audience members are left in stitches as they enjoy Yakov’s insightful and laughter-filled philosophies on love, relationships and the differences between men and women.  Yakov takes his comedy to a new level to showcase laughter’s effects on relationships and envisions a world where sadness and tears are replaced with love and laughter.

Whether on stage or in a classroom, Yakov’s audiences love him. He is passionate about helping people extend the honeymoon stage of their relationships and “fall in love and laughter all over again.”

About Yakov: A mainstay on the entertainment scene since the late 1970’s, Yakov co-starred in movies with Robin Williams in “Moscow on the Hudson”, Tom Hanks in “The Money Pit”, Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson in “Heartburn” and Richard Pryor in “Brewster’s Millions.”  Yakov has also given command performances at the White House for several presidents and honored guests.  President Ronald Reagan called Yakov, “a national treasure.”  Smirnoff was a regular guest star on the award-winning NBC sitcom, Night Court.  He has been a popular guest of numerous national TV shows including the Tonight Show.  You’ve seen him on HBO and enjoyed his humor in his critically acclaimed Showtime special, “Yakov Smirnoff from Moscow…Idaho.”  From 1993 to 2015, Yakov performed at his own two-thousand-seat theater in Branson, Missouri where he entertained over four and a half-million people and produced several outstanding award-winning shows.  His comedic style is firmly grounded within his mission statement, “to experience happiness and teach it to the world with passion through comedy and sensitivity.”  Yakov’s quest to understand the science of happiness took him to the University of Pennsylvania where he earned a master’s degree in psychology in 2006 under the supervision of Dr. Martin Seligman, the father of positive psychology.  Today, in addition to being a comedian, Yakov is also an adjunct professor at Missouri State University where he teaches a course on happiness and laughter and is currently earning his Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership at Pepperdine University’s Graduate School of Education & Psychology in Los Angeles, CA.

“Yakov Smirnoff”

DATE: Saturday Jan. 19, 2019
TIMES: 4:30 p.m. & 8 p.m.

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

TICKETS:  $41.50 for adults, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased at their box office, by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.

‘Noises Off!’ may have you going back for more

Courtesy: Bradley Akers

With a couple of “F” bombs thrown out there, this is NOT a show for children, yet it is a revealing comedy.  The beginning of the play is a little disjointed, nonetheless, seeing what goes on backstage of any performance is eye-opening and interestingly funny.  The cast is fabulous and their presentation will have you wondering how much of the show is scripted, and how much dialogue is adlib.  They flowed into one another’s lines without any hiccups.  There is a lot of quick-whit in “Noises Off!” currently featured at “Players By The Sea” in JAX Beach, FL.

Courtesy: Bradley Akers

Many accolades to Tom Fallon, scenic designer, for creating a very attractive front view and an equally intriguing look at the plain view from behind. The structure was easily turned after intermission.  It had to be very well made to withstand all the doors slamming.  The props are wonderful even if some of the sardines might have been missing.  We had the opportunity to see and hear the dialogue from the pretty side, and then the not so attractive view.  As stated earlier, the quick thinking and timing of the actors cannot be duplicated, nonetheless, you might need to see this show more than once.

Holidays are joyous, but they can also be stressful if you allow them to be.  You still have time to spend a night or afternoon (during December) full of laughter with the Players by the Sea’s production of “Noises Off!”  What a great early Christmas gift - tickets to the theatre.  Don’t miss this opportunity!  You have a choice among eight more performances.

“Noises Off”
DATES:      TIMES:
Thurs., Dec. 13   8 p.m.
Fri., Dec. 14    8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 15    8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 16    2 p.m.
Thurs. Dec. 20    8 p.m.
Fri., Dec.21     8 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 22     8 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 23    2 p.m.

TICKETS: Regular tickets are $28, with a discounted price of $25 for Senior/Student/Military.  Thursday night performances are special Student Nights, wherein students can receive half price tickets with a valid student I.D.  Showtimes are 8 p.m. from Thursday - Saturday, and at 2 p.m. on Sundays.  Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.  Tickets are available at playersbythesea.org or by calling the Box Office at (904) 249-0289.

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

Opera ‘Tosca’ comes to JAX

For one performance only, The Teatro Lirico D’Europa comes to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center. On January 18, 2019 at 8 p.m., come experience their production of “Tosca, The Opera!”  Tosca is a melodramatic piece set in Rome in June of 1800, with the Kingdom of Naples control of Rome threatened by Napoleon's invasion of Italy.

A tragic drama of intense love, an assassination, murder and suicide! NOW THAT'S OPERA!!!  "Naples gave Teatro Lirico's its best compliment, standing through four finale bows after the company sailed through 'Tosca' at the Philharmonic Center.  The Teatro operas are becoming can't-wait-for-the-next-one quality." - Naples Daily News.

“Tosca The Opera!”

DATE: Friday. Jan. 18, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

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

TICKETS:  $18.08 for children (12 and under) and $33.75 for adults, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), at their box office, or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.

‘Voctave’ harmonizes joyfully in JAX/OP

Are you mature enough to remember radio commercials being sung over the airways with only the sound of voices in harmony? Well they are slowly coming back, yet not as big as this group.  All that can be said about the group “Voctave” is — FABULOSO!  The harmony is superb.  Their sound technician was “off-the-chain” with the sound quality that was projected, for one night’s visitation to Orange Park Florida, throughout the Thrasher-Horne Theatre.

 

 

Eleven individuals brought Christmas spirit to those who were in attendance for over an hour and a half, of sheer acapella entertainment.  The audience was serenaded with more that fifteen holiday tunes and medleys from different styles of singing and voice/instrument duplications.

There was storytelling, audience interactions, and the group even came out to meet & greet with fans that weren’t kept waiting while they changed clothes.  Besides being excellent vocalists, the troop is down-to-earth and engaging with the public.  We also had the pleasure of meeting each singer on stage, before a short intermission.  Attendees were then treated to a delightful gospel Christmas song, “Go Tell It On The Mountain”.

If these individuals that form the group “Voctave” come to a location near you, it would behoove you to be in the auditorium, theater or stadium, for some quality music.  We were so thankful that we had the opportunity.
 

‘Swan Lake’ will be in JAX once again

For one performance only, The National Ballet Theater of Odessa comes to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center. On January 12, 2019 at 8 p.m., come experience their production of Swan Lake!  You may remember that last year, the performance was done by The State Ballet Theater of Russia.  If you missed it then or you desire to partake in the fine arts, get your tickets now.

This full-scale production, set to the music of Tchaikovsky and based on Russian folklore and German legend, follows a heroic young prince as he works to free the beautiful swan maiden from an evil spell.  The National Ballet Theater of Odessa presents 55 of Ukraine’s brightest ballet stars to bring this romantic tale of true love to glorious life!

“Swan Lake”

DATE: Saturday. Jan. 12, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

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

TICKETS: start at $18.08 for children (12 and under) and $33.75 for adults, plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), at their box office, or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.  Discounts for Groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.

‘Winter Jam’ tour will be in JAX for 2019 kickoff

The “Winter Jam Tour Spectacular”, Christian music’s largest annual tour and one of the top first quarter tours in the world, made a series of major announcements during festivities held earlier this evening. Streamed around the world via Facebook LIVE, the event—at Nashville's Hard Rock Café—was attended by artists, industry personnel and national media.  Revealing a history-making tour first, Winter Jam will be presented on a 360º “in the round” center stage, showcasing a diverse lineup helmed by supergroup Newsboys United.

Kicking off January 11 at Jacksonville, Florida’s Veterans Memorial Arena, Winter Jam is scheduled to hit a total of 44 cities, making stops at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena; Kansas City’s Sprint Center; PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh; Cincinnati’s U.S.Bank Arena; Bridgestone Arena in Nashville; and Norfolk, Virginia’s Scope Arena, among numerous other top venues, before concluding March 31 at Cleveland’s Wolstein Center.

Comprised of current members Michael Tait, Duncan Phillips, Jeff Frankenstein and Jody Davis, along with former members Peter Furler and Phil Joel, Newsboys United are set to take the WinterJam stage to deliver a string of the biggest hits from the iconic band’s three-decade career. One of the most popular groups in Christian music history, Newsboys have sold more than 8 million units and amassed eight Gold® certifications, 33 #1 radio hits,four GRAMMY® nominations, two American Music Award nominations and multiple Dove Awards.

Winter Jam’s 2019 blockbuster lineup continues with GRAMMY®-nominated former “American Idol” finalist Danny Gokey; GRAMMY®-winning recording artist and "Overcomer" hitmaker Mandisa; Northern Ireland's "Count Every Blessing" worshippers Rend Collective; Skillet drummer and female solo rocker LEDGER;GRAMMY®-nominated tour creators and hosts NewSong; and Dove Award-nominated Gotee recording artist Hollyn. In addition, the Pre-Jam Party is slated to feature hip-hop recording artist Ty Brasel; rockers Manic Drive; singer/songwriter DanBremnes; and special guest former Stellar Kart and Audio Adrenaline frontman Adam Agee.  The tour will also include a Gospel presentation from Dare2Share speakers Greg Stieror Zane Black.

Created and hosted by one of Christian music’s most influential bands, NewSong, Winter Jam exploded from a single show in 1995 to become the genre's benchmark tour. Throughouttwo decades, Winter Jam has helped provide a powerful platform for the Gospel in major arenas nationwide, consistently showcasing Christian music's biggest artists.

Earlier this year Winter Jam was crowned the top first quarter music tour in the world.  Landing at #2 on Pollstar’s “20181Q YTD Worldwide Ticket Sales Top 100 Tours” chart, the Winter Jam 2018 Tour Spectacular took the top spot of all music tours, following #1 outing “Disney On Ice.” This year Winter Jam hit a total of 46 cities across the country from January through March, boasting 17 sold-out shows.

“Winter Jam 2019”

DATE: Friday Jan. 11, 2019
TIME: 7 p.m.
Doors Open: 6 p.m.

TICKETS: $15 at the door

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

‘Rock Of Ages’ will be in JAX soon

Broadway’s Best Party is turning up the volume to ten!  The Rock Of Ages Tenth Anniversary Tour is blazing across North America, coming to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center on January 10, 2019 for one performance only!

Nominated for five Tony Awards®, including Best Musical, Rock Of Ages captures the iconic era that was the big bad 1980s Hollywood.  Know What Love Is, Feel the Noise, and Take Your Best Shot at one of the Sunset Strip’s last epic venues, a place where the legendary Stacee Jaxx returns to the stage and rock-n-roll dreamers line up to turn their fantasies into reality.

Featuring the music of hit bands such as Styx, Poison, Twisted Sister, and Whitesnake among many others, this Tenth Anniversary production features a dynamic new cast revisiting the larger than life characters and exhilarating story that turned Rock Of Ages into a global phenomenon.  This is one for the ages that will have you singing “Here I Go Again.”
“Rock Of Ages”

DATE: Thurs. Jan. 10, 2019
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

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

TICKETS: start at $39 plus applicable fees, and may be purchased online at FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by VyStar Credit Union (the official presenter of the Jacksonville show), at their box office, or by calling (904) 632-5000 between 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., Monday – Friday, or online 24/7 at fscjartistseries.org.  Discounts for Groups of 10+ may be available by calling (904) 632-5050.

2018 ‘Let’s Move Jacksonville’ a huge success

“I’m A Star Foundation” raised big bucks before the Christmas holidays, to make futures bright for many young individuals.  Hundreds of kids braved wet weather to attend the 2018 I’m A Star Foundation’s Let’s Move Jacksonville, sponsored by Farah and Farah today.  The 8th annual healthy food and fitness festival was held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Henry J. Klutho Park, located at 204 W. 3rd St, in Springfield.

I’m A Star servant leaders, ages 13-18, designed the event for the entire family.  People of all ages participated in line dancing, kickball, flag football, a cheerleading camp, soccer, golf, karate, frisbee, basketball, bounce houses and more.  The event offered free healthy snacks and groceries for attendees to take home.  Communities in Schools of Jacksonville won a $1,000 prize for bringing the largest group to the event.

I’m A Star Foundation aims to make Jacksonville the healthiest city in the nation. The non-profit organization partnered with City of Jacksonville’s JaxParks to encourage families to get out and enjoy the 300+ parks in our community. Jacksonville has the largest park system in North America.

In 2010, I’m A Star servant leaders learned from a Youth Behavioral Study that teenagers in Generation Z, or the “iGen”, born between 1995 and 2012, may not outlive their parents because of childhood obesity.  In response, I’m A Star servant leaders hosted Let’s Move Jacksonville, an offshoot of former first lady Michelle Obama’s national “Let’s Move” campaign.

ABOUT I’M A STAR FOUNDATION I’m A Star Foundation is a volunteer program that transforms middle and high school students into the next generation of servant leaders.  An acronym for “Smart, Talented And Resilient” students, the Foundation draws kids ages 13-18 from schools across Duval County.  Students meet on weekends to creatively co-work on solutions to problems affecting their peers.  Since its establishment in 2010, the organization has maintained a 100% graduation rate. Founder and Executive Director Betty Seabrook Burney is a former Duval Co. School Board Chairwoman. I’m A Star Foundation students have been featured in various press outlets, including: “Around Town With Ms. “V”, Florida Times-Union, ABC7Chicago and The Huffington Post.  For more information, please visit the I’m A Star Foundation website.