‘MUDDFEST’ is coming to Orange Park

"Muddfest 2019" featuring Puddle of Mudd, Saliva, Trapt, Saving Abel and Tantric is coming to rock Orange Park this September.  Muddfest 2019 is sponsored by Planet Radio 107.3. Doors open at 7 p.m.

Puddle of Mudd is an American post-grunge band from Kansas City.  To date the band has sold over seven million albums, and has had a string of No. 1 mainstream rock singles in the United States.  Their major-label debut "Come Clean" has sold over five million copies.  They have released two independent and four major albums, with their latest being "Volume 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate" in December 2009, and their latest compilation album being "re:(disc)overed,” released in August 2011.

After acquiring front man Bobby Amaru in 2011, Saliva became infused with new blood, energy, and spirit.  The same energy launched Saliva's career in 2001 with the release, “Every Six Seconds,” a certified Double Platinum-selling album, containing the hits, “Click Click Boom” and 2002 Grammy nominated “Your Disease.”  Saliva's in-your-face, anthemic writing style continued with a certified Gold-selling album “Back in to Your System” with hits “Always,” “Raise Up” and the Nikki Sixx co-written “Rest In Pieces.”

Trapt is an American rock band that formed in Los Gatos, Calif., in 1995, best known for their chart-topping 2002 single “Headstrong.”  The group consists of lead vocalist Chris Taylor Brown, bassist Peter "Pete" Charell, drummer Brendan Hengle and guitarist David Sudock.  They have released seven studio albums.

Since 2008 Saving Abel has embodied the definition of southern rock.  Even before their self-titled debut LP, they were barnstorming the country making fans everywhere they went, just by being themselves.  Simple, down home, charming, country boys.  The band was signed by A&R wizard Jason Flom to Capitol records and their first single, "Addicted," did just that, reaching No. 1 on several charts and the follow-up singles "18 Days" and "Drowning" helped sell over 750,000 copies of their debut album.

Tantric is an American rock band from Louisville, founded in '99 by Hugo Ferriera. Tantric released their seventh studio album "Mercury Retrograde" last October.

“MUDDFEST”

DATE: Sat., Sept. 21, 2019
TIME: 7 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: Price start at $29.  They may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  It is located on the Orange Park campus at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, Florida.

Test Drive and preview the 2019 – 2020 Times Union season

The FSCJ Artist Series, sponsored by Vystar Credit Union, will kick off the 19/20 Broadway in Jacksonville season with its 21st Annual Open House at the Times-Union.  The FSCJ Artist Series Kick Off event will be a perfect evening for families and theater lovers in Jacksonville. Doors will open to the public on Monday, September 9, 2019 at 5 p.m.

Local food trucks will be onsite serving up delicious eats and treats. Door prizes, a complimentary wine tasting, a cash bar, and live music from The Chris Thomas Band will round out the evening.  In addition, attendees will get an extra special sneak peek at the upcoming season with a special performance by a cast member from Wicked.


The theater will also be open to the public to allow attendees to test drive seats for upcoming performances. The FSCJ Artist Series will have staff on hand to answer any questions.

Current Broadway season subscribers will be able to pick up their season tickets, exchange tickets as needed, buy additional single tickets for family and friends, and “test drive” their seats during the event.  Please note, HAMILTON tickets will not be available for pickup in subscriber packets at the event.  They will be mailed out separately at a later date.  Additional subscriber tickets for HAMILTON will not be available for purchase.

Complimentary parking for the first 100 attendees of the Broadway Season Kick Off will be provided by Enterprise Parking Garage.  Attendees can park in the garage and stop by the FSCJ  Artist Series Box Office to receive a parking ticket before leaving the Times-Union Center.

The FSCJ Artist Series’ 19/20 Broadway in Jacksonville Season, sponsored by Vystar Credit Union, features WICKED (November 20- December 1), RENT (January 14-19), BANDSTAND (February 18-23) HAMILTON (March 17-29) and ANASTASIA (April 21-26).

All times are subject to change.  An American Sign Language interpreted performance for the deaf is available on the first Sunday evening performance of each Broadway show.  For additional information, please contact the theatre HERE.

Tickets to individual shows in the FSCJ Artist Series’ 19/20 Broadway in Jacksonville season, sponsored by Vystar Credit Union, will go on sale this fall and winter, but season subscribers have access to tickets for any show in the series now before they go on sale to the public.  Attendees will also be able to purchase tickets to other FSCJ Artist Series events, including Broadway Specials, Concert and Variety, Dance, Opera, and Family shows at the Kick Off event.

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

Sawyer Brown is coming before the storm in JAX

Sawyer Brown will be in JAX for one evening and is sponsored by 99.9 Gator Country.

The Sawyer Brown group has more than 4,500 shows and counting, along with twenty-three albums and more than 50 chart singles.  They have CMA, ACM, and CMT awards on the shelf.  Known for their high-energy, no-holds-barred approach to the concert stage, the band continues to fill venues across the country with the same enthusiasm they have had from day one.

That excitement has been on display since the very first time Sawyer Brown stepped foot onstage in the early 1980’s.  The band’s live shows are legendary.  Having been described as “the Rolling Stones of Country Music,” the band bounds onto the stage night after night, delivering its own unique brand of high-energy country music with songs like: “Some Girls Do”, “The Race is on”, “Six Days on the Road.”

“Sawyer Brown”
DATE: Fri., Aug. 30, 2019
TIME: 8 p.m.

LOCATION: The Thasher-Horne Ctr.
      St. Johns River State College
      283 College Drive
      Orange Park, FL 32065

TICKETS: Price start at $42, with Special price for ‘Gator Country’.  They may be purchased in person, online at THcenter, or by calling (904) 276-6815 between 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday – Friday.  The Thrasher-Horne Center is a performing arts venue and conference center owned and operated by St. Johns River State College.  It is located on the Orange Park campus at 283 College Drive in Orange Park, Florida.

Beer & Music Festival rescheduled

Due to concerns of North Florida being impacted by Hurricane Dorian and issues of public safety, organizers of Labor Day Weekend's largest event are planning to reschedule the festival to Sunday, September 22, 2019 (pending approval).

The Bold City Beer & Music Festival was scheduled to happen this Sunday, September 1st in Riverside under the Fuller Warren Bridge.  The festival will still feature over 65 different beers as well as 20 food trucks, a free concert, 40 local vendors and more.

Charles Wagoner, one of the festivals organizers mentioned “Public safety is our major concern. We want to ensure the public has adequate time to prepare for the approaching hurricane and keep their families safe.”

For festival updated and additional information visit the Bold City Brewing Company website.

“Chris Brown comes to JAX for one night

Global music icon, world-class entertainer and Grammy Award winner Chris Brown will be hitting the road, including a stop in Jacksonville, Florida August 30^th at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena, for the epic “INDIGOAT Tour” with some of the hottest names in hip-hop including: Tory Lanez, Ty Dolla $ign, Joyner Lucas and Yella Beezy.  Following last year’s highly successful Heartbreak on a Full Moon Tour, Brown is returning to the stage, where he’ll wow audiences across the U.S. with a fresh high-energy show complete with his signature dance skills and strong vocals, as well as new music.

Ahead of the tour, fans can look forward to Brown’s highly anticipated 9th studio album, INDIGO, which came out via RCA Records, with star-studded features from: Justin Bieber, Nicki Minaj, G-Eazy, Juicy J, Trey Songz, Tory Lanez, Tyga, H.E.R., Lil Jon, Joyner Lucas, Gunna and Tank.  Coming off the heels of catchy tracks, such as “Wobble Up,” “Back to Love,” and “Undecided,” Brown has teamed up with global superstar Drake for the album’s new smash, “No Guidance” produced by Vinylz, J-Louis and Noah “40” Shebib.  Click Here To Pre-Order Indigo, and Click Here To Stream “No Guidance”

Fans attending the tour can expect a remarkable set list with a mix of Brown’s classic hits and new tracks from his new album.  Kicking off August 20th in Portland, OR, the extensive 38-city tour produced by Live Nation will make stops at major arenas in New York, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, and more, before wrapping in Anaheim, CA on October 19th.  INDIGOAT Tour 2019 U.S. Dates.

 “Chris Brown”
  INDIGOAT tour

DATE: Friday, August 30, 2019
TIME: 6:30 p.m.

TICKETS: start at $60.84.  All seats are reserved, and tickets are available online, by calling (800) 745-3000, or by visiting the Tom Bush Family of Dealerships Box Office at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena.

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

Events at the Cummer for the month of September 2019

The format here is a little different, nevertheless, the adventures just keep on coming.  There is always something new and interesting at the “Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens”.  It’s the place to be especially when it’s hot outside.  Come enjoy the cool breeze from the St. John’s River and the magnificent gardens, along with beautiful and unusual art work.

September Highlights:

Thur., Sep.t 5 | Dinner With Monet (Only a few tickets are left!)
Fri., Sept. 6 | Summer Friday (Last one!)
Sat., Sept. 7 | Weaver First Saturday Free For All
Sun., Sept. 8 | Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us
Sun., Sept. 8 | Closing Day Of French Moderns: Monet To Matisse
Wed., Sept 11 | Art Fundamentals: Acrylic Painting (Sept 11 through Oct 16)
Sat., Sept. 14 | Art For Two: Pattern Play
Sun., Sept. 15 | Family Open Studio: Quotation Station
Sun., Sept. 15 | Pop-Up Art Building
Thur., Sept. 19 | Priceless: How I Went Undercover To Rescue The World's Stolen Treasures – An Evening With Robert Wittman
Sat., Sept. 21 | Art Adventures: Abstraction
Mon., Sept. 23 | Cummer Amelia Fall Kickoff
Sat., Sept. 28 | Art For Tots: Patterns In Paradise - 'Carlos Rolón'

Recurring Events At The Cummer Museum Of Art & Gardens

Florida Blue Free Tuesdays
Free admission every Tuesday from 4 to 9 p.m.
Weaver First Saturday Free For All
Free admission on the first Saturday of each month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Monthly Collection Highlight Tour
First Saturday of each month at 2 p.m. and every Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Bank Of America And Merrill Lynch Museums On Us
First full weekend of every month | Free for BOA and Merrill Lynch Cardholders

Autumn on Amelia Island with the Cummer

Celebrate the first day of fall with an evening of inspiration at the Southern Living Idea House, hosted by Cummer Amelia, the Nassau County Affinity Group for the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Cummer Amelia's signature project provides museum tours for Nassau County 3rd and 4th graders.

The 2019 Southern Living Idea House, located in the stunning master-planned community of Crane Island, showcases architecture and design inspired by Fernandina Beach’s rich history.  Guests will have the opportunity to marvel at the house’s details while mingling with an engaged group of Cummer Museum supporters and staff, including George and Kathleen Gibbs Director and CEO Adam Levine, Ph.D.

The event will feature the Sean McCarthy Band performing their song, Sarah’s Island, a tribute to Crane Island, as well as food and signature cocktails from Catering by Liz Grenamyer.  Special thanks to our sponsors Riverside Homes, Crane Island Company, and Island Flower & Garden. Contact them HERE.

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

What is Pine Castle doing?

Pine Castle will host Direct Support Professional (DSP) for a Day on Tuesday, August 27, 2019 from 10 a.m. to noon.  This event is an opportunity for federal, state, and local legislators to learn firsthand about the work the agency does to serve adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD).

The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the individuals they support and of the dedicated workforce who help them maintain their independence.  This is an opportunity for DSPs to share their experiences with legislators, who may not otherwise have knowledge of the work they do and the impact it has.  It is also a unique opportunity for legislators to connect with their constituents.

Each participating legislator will be paired with a DSP to volunteer their service for one hour.  This volunteer work may include shadowing a member of the team through their daily tasks or one-on-one interactions with Pine Castle Participants.  This will be followed by a tour of the facility and a brief lunch.

About Pine Castle: Today, Pine Castle is a leader in serving adults with intellectual and developmental differences (I/DD) and providing support to their families across Northeast Florida. More than 300 clients come through our programs daily to learn valuable skills. From basic academic training and hands-on job experience to leisure activities and life skills coaching, Pine Castle provides a wide range of opportunities to adults with I/DD.

As one of the first organizations in Florida to serve children with special needs, Pine Castle helped pioneer the philosophy that individuals with intellectual and developmental differences have the right to live full and productive lives.  Pine Castle was founded in 1952 by a group of 33 families of children with I/DD. No local programs or schools existed at that time to provide support services.  The only resources were distant residential institutions run by the state.  Parents were forced to choose between institutionalization or keeping their children at home.  In 1965, the public-school system initiated a program for students with special needs.  At that time, Pine Castle transitioned to a work and life skills training and activity center for adults with differences.  Get to know them by visiting their FB Page.
PINECASTLE
4911 Spring Park Road
Jacksonville, FL 32207
(904) 733-2650

‘Players By The Sea’ theatre reignites education program

New fall musical theatre and acting programs begin this month.  An innovative and improvisation-based acting program and solo & ensemble musical theatre workshop are coming to Players by the Sea.  Each program is geared toward middle and high school students. Executive Director of Players by the Sea Theatre in Jacksonville Beach, Suzanne Hudson-Smith has focused the past year on rebuilding an education program.  She says, “We believe that theatre is transformative for our young actors – they begin to realize that theatre is powerful in building self-esteem, teamwork, expression and focus.”

Fall into Fall, a 16-week program, stresses ensemble acting and character development, promoting empathy, risk-taking, emotional literacy, and dramatic presence.  They’ll put these skills to the test through their production of CUT, a comedic play on December 12 and 13.

The program begins with auditions on Sunday, August 25 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm at Players by the Sea Theatre: 106 6th St N in Jacksonville Beach.  Students should prepare a two-minute story that they are emotionally invested in.  Classes will be each Wednesday from August 28 – December 13, 4:30 – 6:30 pm.

Guest teacher/director Barbara Colaciello teaches communication, collaboration, and critical thinking through a process-oriented study of theater and improvisation at BABS’LAB.  Colaciello was the Educational & Outreach Director of Players by the Sea from 2005 to 2014.  Players is happy to welcome her back as guest director for their Fall 2019 season.

A Fall Musical Theatre Intensive for grades 5 through 12 will be led by Jereme Raickett and Andrew Sardoni. Raickett is Production Manager at Players and a talented performer/vocalist seen in shows at the Alhambra Theatre.  Sardoni is a talented musician who was the assistant musical director for Let’s Put on a Musical! this summer.

These directors will lead a 12-week course designed so students receive individualized attention in learning vocal technique, stage presence, audition etiquette, and presentation skills. Starting August 27th, classes for 5th - 8th graders will be every Tuesday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm and 9th - 12th graders will be every Thursday at the same time. The course ends with students presenting a Musical Theatre Showcase on November 15 and 16.

Tuition for each program is $320.  Visit PBTS or call to register.

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

ABOUT PLAYERS BY THE SEA— For over fifty years, Players by the Sea has brought quality creative and classic theatre to the Jacksonville community.  With a team of only three full time workers, the theatre relies on volunteers to dedicate their time and talents to making each show a success.  Through the years, Players has grown in its operations, incorporated educational programs, and increased its membership and volunteer base.  But they have not lost site of the main ideal its founders lived by — “the passion of individuals for creating satisfying theatre experiences to share with audiences.”

More time for French Art at the Cummer

The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens is excited to announce that French Moderns: Monet to Matisse has been extended to September 8, 2019 — coinciding with ‘Weaver First Saturday Free For All’ on September 7.  Click HERE for full story.

This extension means that Museum guests will have more time to experience some of the biggest names in French art, right here on the First Coast.  The exhibition’s final weekend will kick off with the last Summer Friday on September 6, with Le Petit Cheri Cupcakery & Mr. Potato Spread food trucks on the front lawn, live music, and lots of family fun.  Make sure that  you see this exhibit.

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

Mamma Mia! is almost a total ‘sell-out’ at the Alhambra!

Photos: Jamie Iames Repper

The show Mamma Mia! hasn’t been in Jacksonville, Florida since 2013 and this presentation, at the Alhambra Theatre, is by far the best that any town could render.  The highlight of the show is the wonderful harmony and dancing from the entire Ensemble.  A standing ovation goes out to Rodney Holmes*, Victoria Elizabeth, Taylor Hilt Mitchell*, Kaléa Leverette, Mitchell Burnes, Hailey Hendrickson & Sam Brown, under the experienced direction of Choreographer, Shain Stroff*; Musical Director, Cathy Murphy Giddens and Producer/Director, Tod Booth*.

If you are an avid theatergoer, you would know the excitement that the song “Memory” (from the musical CATS), sung by Grizabella the cat, brings to an audience.  Well, there is the same thrill from the Alhambra stage when Kelly Atkins* (who portrays Donna Sheridan) belts out the song, “The Winner Takes It All” - drop the mike!  That’s all that needs to be said.  You’ve got to be there and hear it for yourself.

The other two mature lead females: Lisa Valdini* (Rosie) and Karen Coughlin (Tanya) have some great moves on the dance floor.  Lisa and Jim Ballard take the stage and show off when they preform “Take a Chance on Me”.  There is so much comedy between these two actors during this particular number in the second act.

I don’t recall seeing the three male lead actors donning such bright disco apparel in other productions of Mamma Mia! but these guys have the moves to go along with the colorful costumes.  Kudos go out to seasoned actors Jim Sorenson* (Sam), Jim Ballard* (Bill) and Billy Clark Taylor* (Harry).

All the Mamma Mia! songs are enjoyed by the crowd, who naturally sings along with the music of ABBA.  Gala Night was almost sold-out, with only a few seats available; so, you may want to check the Alhambra links below and see if there have been any cancellations for this marvelous show.

   ***denotes Actors’ Equity Association***

“Mamma Mia!”
DATES: August 7, 2019 through September 15, 2019

SHOW TIMES: Evening shows Tuesday through Friday start at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 6 p.m., and dinner is served until 7:30 p.m.  Saturday Matinees begin at 1:15 p.m.  Doors open at 11 a.m. and the brunch served until 12:30 p.m.  Sunday Matinees are at 1:50 p.m.  Doors open at 12 p.m. and the meal is server until 1:50 p.m.

DRESS: “Business Casual”, or “Sunday Best”.

TICKETS: Prices range from $40 – $66.  Ticket prices include: a plated three-course meal that changes for each show, and is served directly to your table; a Broadway-style performance and complimentary parking.  Tickets may be purchases on line, or by calling (904) 641-1212.
     **Prices do NOT include gratuity, professional photos, or orders from the bar**

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