PBTS Community theatre has a December show

Players by the Sea is thrilled to announce their special run of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” from December 9, 2021 through December 12, 2021. Tickets are available for $35 and may be purchased online at playersbythesea.org.

About the play: It’s March 1959. Just four months before her death, the legendary Billie Holiday is performing one of her final performances in South Philadelphia. She sings at a run-down bar accompanied by Jimmy Powers on the piano and shares stories about her life. The audience experiences more than a dozen musical numbers interlaced with sass, humor, and nostalgic moments that portray the riveting lady who was Lady Day.

This version of the play written by Lanie Robertson and directed by Ramona Ramdeen, stars Desiree Montes, an AEA Equity Singer, Actress, Dancer, and Voice-Over Artist who contributed to the Central Florida entertainment industry for over 15 years. With musical direction by Jacksonville’s own Meachum L. Clarke, who will also play Jimmy Powers, Holiday’s longtime friend and accompanist. Meachum L. Clarke is a gifted singer/songwriter, musical director and worship leader known for his contemporary gospel ensemble True Purpose.

“I am so honored to portray a performed that has inspired me in my own career,” Montes said. “Billie Holiday was not only a beautiful singer, but also a powerful woman of color who opened doors for many others, like me.”

About Players by the Sea: For over 55 years, Players by the Sea Theatre has enriched the community through excellence in live and innovative theatre. Players by the Sea presents productions that are engaging, thought--provoking, emotionally stimulating and entertaining through the extraordinary support and dedication from community volunteers - actors, directors, designers, backstage crews, carpenters, visual artists, etc. Players by the Sea is an artistic home for anyone who wants to engage with the community through interactive and incredible storytelling.

   “Lady Day
at Emerson’s Bar & Grill”

DATES: December 9, 2021 — Dec. 12, 2021

TICKETS: Tickets are $35 and are available online, or by calling (904)-249-0289.

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

Christmas time 2021 at the Cummer Museum

Do you hear the sound of reindeer on the roof? Well, if you don’t, then you need to know that it’s almost time for the jolly old man to make his presence known. Come to the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens as you experience a little holiday cheer.

Events & Programs for December 2021:

Illuminating Nature: Dec. 3, 7, 10, 14, & 17 from 5 to 9 p.m. Free

Pressed Flower Workshop With Cassidy Ramos Dec. 11 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. | Members $45, Non-Members $60.

Look at That! Discover the joys of close looking. Dec. 8, Momentous Movement from Noon to 1 p.m. Free | Registration required.

Friday Night Drawing, with William McMahan: Dec. 10 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. | Members $50, Non-Members $75.

Make & Take Tuesday: Ages 12 to adult: Dec. 10 from 5 to 7 p.m. Members $50, Non-Members $60 | Registration required.

Artful Explorations: Activities for all ages: Dec. 12 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Free | Registration required.

Artist Demonstrations, With Allison Watson: Dec. 17 from 5 to 8 p.m. Free | Registration required.

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

‘Rudolph’ is coming to town

Just in time for Christmas the Florida Theatre is proud to announce the return of "Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer The Musical" on Tuesday, December 21, 2021.

“A gleeful musical take on a holiday favorite.” –Chicago Daily Herald; “Utterly charming, top-notch production.” –Orlando Sentinel

Back by popular demand; the beloved television classic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer soars off-screen and onto the stage!

Come see all of your favorite characters from the special including Santa and Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph, as they come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical.

It’s an adventure that teaches us that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. This show is great for the entire family!

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.

“Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer
     The Musical”

DATE: Tues., Dec. 21, 2021

TIME: 7 p.m.

TICKETS: Start at $29.50

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

‘David Foster’ HITMAN TOUR coming to JAX

You’re invited to spend an intimate evening with one the biggest musical forces of our time. Join David Foster, 16-time GRAMMY Award winner, as he takes you through four decades of his hits and includes stories about the songs, artists, and moments in his life. “AN INTIMATE EVENING WITH DAVID FOSTER – HITMAN TOUR” will come to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center on December 21, 2021.

David Foster, the Canadian musician, composer, arranger, record producer and music executive, believes that everyone gets three rounds in their life. Foster’s first round was as a studio musician, arranger, and recording artist. His second round was becoming one of the most successful songwriters and record producers in history — shepherding albums that have collectively sold in the hundreds of millions. This period of his four-decade career also found him creating The David Foster Foundation and volunteering his time and talent to over 400 charities, as well as becoming a household name as a performer throughout Asia where he tours annually.

For his third round, Foster is gearing up to take on Broadway with several projects. These include writing the music for a new musical about the iconic, animated character Betty Boop, which will be directed by Tony Award-winner Jerry Mitchell.

Few other individuals can claim to have their fingerprints on more major moments in all of popular music than David Foster. He has created hit songs and award-winning gold and platinum albums for a diverse array of artists including Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Andrea Bocelli, Michael Bublé, Josh Groban, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Diana Krall, Natalie Cole, Michael Bolton, Seal, Chaka Khan, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Chicago, Hall & Oates, Brandy, ’N Sync, Boz Scaggs, and Gloria Estefan. He has escorted singers who have straddled both pop and classical styles like Andrea Bocelli and Josh Groban into the mainstream. He has created culture-defining soundtracks for blockbuster films like The Bodyguard, Urban Cowboy, and St. Elmo’s Fire.

In 2015, Foster became a celebrity judge on the smash hit TV show Asia’s Got Talent. Billed as the biggest TV show in the world, it is broadcast throughout Asia into 20 countries and just completed his third season. In 2019, he became the anchor judge on World’s Got Talent in China - the first international entertainer to hold a major TV position in China.

In 2020, Foster released a simple yet complex piano solo album, Eleven Words. While Foster is primarily known for writing and producing huge, chart-topping hits for megastars, David steps back to his roots, seated at the grand piano and delivers emotional and meaningful piano melodies.

°“David Foster
HITMAN TOUR”

DATE: Tues., Dec. 21, 2021
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $60 – $137.50 plus applicable fees and may be purchased online 24/7. Groups of 20 + receive a discount. Call (904) 642–5050 or email for more group information.

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

‘Lewis Black’ is back in town

The Florida Theatre is pleased to welcome the return of comedian “Lewis Black” when he brings his It Gets Better Every Day Tour to the Florida Theatre stage on Saturday, December 18, 2021.

Known as the King of Rant, Lewis Black uses his trademark style of comedic yelling and finger pointing to expose the absurdities of life. His comedic brilliance makes people laugh at life’s hypocrisies and the insanity he sees in the world. A GRAMMY Award-winning stand-up, Lewis Black performs his critically acclaimed shows more than 200 nights annually, to sold-out audiences throughout Europe, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. He is one of a few performers to sell out multiple renowned theaters, including Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooks Atkinson Theatre, New York City Center, the Main Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas and a sold-out Broadway run at the Richard Rodgers Theatre in New York City.

Since 2014 Lewis Black has done over 400 live streaming shows, called THE RANT IS DUE, at the end of each of his standup performances. Adding his own unique style, Lewis delivers audience-written Rants which have been submitted from the fans at his show and throughout the world. These rants are now available on Lewis Black’s podcast, Rant Cast.

Black is the longest-running contributor to THE DAILY SHOW on Comedy Central. He has had comedy specials on HBO, Comedy Central, Showtime and Epix. In 2001, he won Best Male Stand-Up at the American Comedy Awards. His newest special Thanks for Risking Your Life (streaming premiere October 6, 2020) was his last live performance before the Covid lockdown.

He has released eight comedy albums, including the 2007 GRAMMY Award-winning The Carnegie Hall Performance. He won his second GRAMMY Award for his album Stark Raving Black and has published three bestselling books: Nothing’s Sacred (Simon & Schuster, 2005), Me of Little Faith (Riverhead Books, 2008) and I’m Dreaming of a Black Christmas (Riverhead Books, 2010).

In 2012, he performed eight sell-out shows at Richard Rodgers Theatre on Broadway as well as did one of his two HBO Specials BLACK ON BROADWAY. In 2015, Black notably voiced the character “Anger” in the Academy Award-winning film from Pixar, Inside Out. A published playwright, he’s written over 40 plays and has found his work performed throughout the country, including at the A.C.T. Theatre, the Magic Theatre, The Williamstown Theatre Festival, and The Public Theatre.

In addition to his professional pursuits, Lewis is dedicated to a number of charitable organizations including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, The Rogosin Institute, and The 52nd Street Project. He’s also deeply committed to supporting our troops. A seasoned USO tour veteran, he’s performed for the troops on three Christmas tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

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.

 “Lewis Black”
It Gets Better Every Day Tour

DATE: Sat., Dec. 18, 2021
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: $35 – $75

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

‘Jurassic Quest’ in JAX for three days

The largest and most realistic dinosaur exhibit in North America is BACK, BIGGER and BETTER than EVER! More than 100 photorealistic dinosaurs are roaring back from extinction to delight Jacksonville-area families when “Jurassic Quest®” heads to the Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center.

Jurassic Quest is one of the first indoor family edutainment shows to re-launch since March 2020 due to the pandemic and will come with its most beloved and unique experiences for the whole family including more than 100 life-like dinosaurs, dinosaur themed rides, live dinosaur shows, interactive science and art activities, a “Triceratots” soft play area for our littlest explorers, bounce houses and inflatable attractions (socks required), photo opportunities, and more.

Walk through the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods to see the dinos that ruled on land, and “deep dive” into the “Ancient Oceans” exhibit to come face to face with the largest apex predator that ever existed – a moving, life-size, 50-foot-long megalodon! Meet the babies, hatched only at Jurassic Quest: Cammie the Camarasaurus, Tyson the T-Rex and Trixie the Triceratops – and, you may even catch one of our star dino trainers: Safari Sarah, Dino Dustin, Captain Caleb, Prehistoric Nick or Park Ranger Marty!

Loved by millions, only Jurassic Quest can bring families memories this BIG! The Jurassic Quest herd of animatronic dinos – from the largest predators to playful baby dinos – are displayed in realistic scenes with some that move and roar, allowing guests to experience them as they were when they roamed the earth billions of years ago. Jurassic Quest works in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur is painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size, to textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved.

DATES & TIMES:
Fri., Dec. 17 (1- 8 p.m.)
Sat., Dec. 18 (9 a.m.- 8 p.m.)
Sun., Dec. 19 (9 a.m.- 8 p.m.)

ADMISSION: Advance purchase online recommended: Cost for entry (Offpeak / Peak): Kids & Adults: $19 / $22; Seniors: $18 / $20.
Kids Unlimited Rides (Includes Entry): $33 / $36
Activity Tickets On Site: $5
Premium Activities (Animal Art Tattoos & Green Screen Photo): $15
Offpeak hours are weekdays (all day) and weekends after 3 p.m.
Free entry for children under 2. 

TICKETS & LOGISTICS:
Tickets start at $19 at www.jurassicquest.com or on-site, and include a 100% ticket guarantee that in the event of a show cancellation or postponement for any reason, ticket purchases will be automatically refunded for the full purchase amount. Tickets are for a timed arrival window, and advance ticket purchase is strongly encouraged. Guests can walk through the dinosaur experience at their own pace, and strollers are permitted. Some venues may have wheelchairs for use, but please contact the venue in advance to make arrangements.

General admission tickets include access to the dinosaur and marine exhibits, arts and crafts activities, and dinosaur shows. There are rides and activities that require activity tickets available on site for $5 each, or guests can upgrade to the Kids Unlimited Rides ticket (the best value for children ages 2-12). Green screen photography and animal art tattoos are available at a separate cost. Entry is free for children under age 2.

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204

‘Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular’ in JAX before Christmas

The Florida Theatre is thrilled to announce the must-see holiday event of the season that will bring joy and excitement to our theater like never before. Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular will be showing for one breathtaking performance on Wednesday, December 15, 2021

Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is an all-new production featuring some of the greatest holiday songs of all time performed with the world-renowned cast of Cirque Musica.

Audiences will be amazed by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s greatest circus performers with the holiday classics we all love.

Treat your family to a VIP Experience and enjoy a red-carpet entry where you will be greeted by several members of Cirque Musica, a keepsake photo, plus each VIP ticket includes a $30 credit toward any Cirque Musica merchandise and a special edition VIP lanyard.

Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular is the perfect opportunity for the entire family to experience great holiday music while enjoying an edge of your seat circus experience. Create memories you will cherish forever at Cirque Musica Holiday Spectacular.

Cirque Musica is produced by TCG Entertainment. Visit their Website, Facebook, or Twitter for more information.

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.

 “Cirque Musica
Holiday Spectacular”

DATE: Wed., Dec. 15, 2021

TIME: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $28.50 – $68.50

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

‘Legacy on Ashley Street’ needs you

Are you thinking about an end-of-the-year place to make a 2021 tax free donation? Please take a moment to consider giving to the “Clara White Mission” in Jacksonville, Florida.

From the desk of Ju’Coby Pitman (CEO Clara White Mission/City Councilwoman):
“This November will mark 119 years of service to the community. To celebrate this milestone the Clara White Mission will kick-off the Inaugural “Preserving the Legacy on Ashley Street” to benefit our programs serving the homeless, veterans and low-income families. Starting now through December 31, our goal is to raise $150,000. All proceeds and contributions from this campaign will allow the Clara White Mission to continue changing lives through our holistic sustainable initiatives.

We invite you to make visible difference and commit to a Legacy Gift. In the upcoming year, support from the campaign will provide 160,000 daily meals, snacks, vocational training, and safe secure housing to the homeless. The Clara White Mission is much more than a soup kitchen, it is a community development center that positively impacts lives. Our motto Food for today. Skills for life, represents our continuing transformation as a one-stop safety-net facility.

A yearly or monthly commitment will enable the Mission to continue outreach efforts that provide a hand up, not a hand out to homeless, veterans, and low-income members of our community. Can we count on you too for a Legacy Gift?

Ways to Give: Mail in Form; Online, or give them a call (904) 354-4162 ext.#1105

Since the inception of the Clara White Mission vocational program, over 1000 students have graduated and 65% of those were placed in employment. In the last four years from 2017-2020, graduates of the CWM program earnings have ranged from $10.00-$18.00 per hour, impacting our community economy by more than $1.7M.

Clara White Mission is the only non-profit in the state of Florida that offers transitional and permanent housing with supportive services, combined with on-site vocational training licensed by the Florida Department of Education. This program is a one-stop facility, demonstrating proven best practices and a successful track record.

Our goal is to raise $150,000. All proceeds and contributions from this campaign will allow the Clara White Mission to continue changing lives through our holistic sustainable initiatives. Join us in our efforts to Preserve the Legacy of Ashley Street by sending a gift that will make an immediate impact.”

LOCATION: Clara White Mission
       Ju’Coby Pittman/CEO
      613 West Ashley St.
      Jacksonville, Florida 32202
      Office: (904) 354-4162

The ‘Cummer Museum’ has a spectacular holiday event

The “Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens” invites the community to celebrate the holidays through special events and seasonal promotions. The Museum is commemorating its 60th anniversary this year with the theme a “The Museum is for Everybody.” This holiday season event lineup includes a variety of opportunities for visitors of all ages to explore the Museum’s art and gardens. The Museum offers a variety of holiday events for members and visitors of all ages this season.

“We are excited to welcome visitors to the Museum this holiday season to celebrate together as a community,” said Andrea Barnwell Brownlee, George W. and Kathleen I. Gibbs Director and Chief Executive Officer. “Whether it be a picnic in the gardens during Illuminating Nature, a glass of bubbles while perusing gifts in the shop, or exploring the galleries as a family, we offer experiences for everyone to enjoy.”

Upcoming events and promotions include:
●      Museum Store Sunday (Nov. 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.): Museum Store Sunday is a worldwide shopping day, with more than 1,800 museums from over 24 countries represented. The Cummer Shop is the perfect place to find unique and one-of-a kind gifts like artisan jewelry, wearable art, special items that reflect the collections, and much more. All shoppers will receive a 25% discount on every Museum Store Sunday purchase plus a 10% discount in the Cummer Café.

●      Champagne & Shopping (Dec. 2, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.): Shoppers ages 21+ may enjoy complimentary champagne while shopping exclusive offers. Members will receive a 30% discount on purchases; non-members will receive a 20% discount.

●      Illuminating Nature (Dec. 3, 7, 10, 14 and 17, 4 to 9 p.m.): Explore the Gardens in a whole new light. Join the Museum for a magical outdoor experience, as more than a dozen sculptures will be illuminated and placed throughout the 2.5 acre-historic riverfront Gardens— perfect for a festive evening of enjoyment with refreshments from the Cummer Café. This event is free to the public, and registration is required.

●      Sunset Garden Picnics (Every Friday, 5 to 9 p.m.): This weekly event invites visitors to relax in the beautiful riverfront gardens and enjoy a picnic provided by the Cummer Café. Picnics can be created for one ($25) or two guests ($40) and must be ordered in advance. Admission is free, and reservations are required to ensure capacity limits and social distancing.

Support from the community is critical for the Museum to serve as a vibrant civic resource. Proceeds from daily admission, Cummer Shop sales, and the Cummer Café support the Museum’s mission to engage and inspire through the arts, gardens, and education. To register for events, click HERE.

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

‘Christmas Made In The South’ is back

Due to the unforeseen COVID- 19 pandemic, “Christmas Made In the South” was cancelled in 2020; well, the city's favorite Small Business shopping experience will be back this weekend at the Prime Osborn Center, for your shopping enjoyment & convenience.

To answer your question, “Christmas Made in the South” is a show presented by Carolina Shows that featured ‘hand-crafted items. The 2010 Jacksonville, Florida event featured over 232 Local (and out-of-town) artists and vendors selling one-of-a kind merchandise.

There was an abundance of food, pillows, hair bows, wrought iron sculptures, calligraphy, doll clothes, dog wear, rubber stamps, hammocks, puzzles, gadgets, books, boomerangs, birdhouses, stuffed animals, candles, artwork, sweaters, scarves & other clothing, pictures, paintings, calendars, pottery, grills, shoes, toys, educational components, plaques, jewelry, garden decor, glass art, lamps, baby items, coasters, things for the hunter and many, many, many, beautiful Christmas decorations.

After walking the outskirts of the booths and then zigzagging up and down the aisles, this writer covered the entire show in about three exciting hours. There was so much to see and people were more than ready to explain how they made their wares.

Customers weren’t just looking; they were walking out with bag and bags of goodies to give and keep for themselves. So, call a friend and let a neighbor know that you can’t keep a good show down. See you there!!!

Regarding COVID-19, Carolina Shows will be following all state and local mandates in your area. They recommend vaccinations and masks if you are unvaccinated. Their staff will follow all standard COVID-19 protocols. For anyone concerned about the crowds, they suggest that they come later in the afternoon - much slower traffic.

“Christmas Made In The South”

DATES:
November 26 – Dec. 28, 2021
TIMES: Fri. 9-6 – Sat. 10-6 – Sun. 11-5
(one admission is good for all 3 days with a hand stamp)

TICKETS: may be purchased onsite.
Adults: $8 – Children 12 & Under: FREE
$1.00 off Ticket with ‘discount coupon’ from PUBLIX

LOCATION:
 Prime Osborn Convention Center
 1000 Water St.
 Jacksonville, FL 32204