‘Joanne Shaw Taylor’ brings her talent to the Ritz

Critically acclaimed British guitarist and singer songwriter, “Joanne Shaw Taylor”, universally hailed as the UK’s premiere blues rock guitarist, is announcing the release of her seventh studio full-length record - "The Blues Album".

“I’d known from the beginning of my recording career that one day I wanted to record an album of blues covers, I just wasn’t sure when the right time to do that would be,” says Joanne. “I’ve always found it far easier to write my own material than come up with creative ways to make other artists’ material my own.”

When the pandemic put the brakes on from musicians from touring during 2020 and most of 2021, Joanne thought it was the right time to head into the studio to record The Blues Album.

Met with great critical acclaim worldwide, Joanne Shaw Taylor’s became the second album released on Joe Bonamassa’s independent label KTBA Records to debut at #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart. Join the Ritz Theatre & Museum on Thursday, January 27, 2022, what will surely be a sweet LaVilla Night.

“We wanted to make a tough vocal centric straight blues record that showcases Joanne’s amazing talent but in a slightly different light,” explains Joe Bonamassa, producer. “Joanne is a dear friend and a superstar. Josh and I focused on testing her limits and pushing boundaries that might not have occurred before. It's all about making a statement and having the listener want to play the music repeatedly.” “We try not to live in the well-worn trails of the blues,” explains Bonamassa. “Each song has to has to stand on its own while paying tribute to the original masters.”

“Joe made it known from the get-go that his main objective for this album was to push me as a singer,” recalls Joanne. “Obviously, Joe has seen me perform many times over the years and knows my voice well. I think he felt that he could my vocal performance more, and get more out of it, especially since I’d had over a year to rest my vocal cords.”

“Joanne Shaw Taylor”

Date: Thurs., Jan. 27. 2022

Time: 7:30 p.m.

Tickets: $25

Location: The Ritz Theater
    °829 N Davis St.
    ºJacksonville, FL 32202
    °(904) 807-2010

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live: Time Bubble Tour in JAX

The Florida Theatre is thrilled to announce the "Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) LIVE: Time Bubble Tour" on Wednesday, January 26, 2022.

Alternaversal, the production company responsible for the “100 percent Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes TV series Mystery Science Theater 3000 on Netflix, has announced its nationwide tour of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K) LIVE: Time Bubble Tour, with the first 27 of an expected 80 nationwide dates, taking the tour through spring 2022. The long-running series (34 years old next Thanksgiving!) has also garnered the Peabody Award for Broadcast Excellence and multiple Emmy award nominations.

The “Time Bubble Tour,” supervised by series creator Joel Hodgson, will launch in October of 2021 in York, PA, and feature the beloved returning cast of the 2019 “Great Cheesy Movie Circus Tour,” Emily Marsh, Conor McGiffin, Nate Begle, and Yvonne Freese, along with the world's only movie-riffing robots, Tom Servo, Crow, and GPC. The show features the film Making Contact and will include all the tour signatures: hilarious riffing, wisecracking robots, and silly sketches. The show will be directed by Tim Ryder, an alumni of the Second City Mainstage cast and writer and performer from the MST3K TV series.

“I’m thrilled to announce that the MST3K live show is back on the road for audiences to enjoy together again, especially after a year that's been tough on all of us. I’ve learned to never underestimate the power of hanging with friends and watching a cheesy movie while bots yell stuff at the screen,” said series creator, Joel Hodgson.

Making Contact (1985) is the Roland Emmerich directed film that Emily and the Bots will riff, featuring animated toys and an evil ventriloquist dummy in an overcrowded childhood during the eighties.

CRITICAL ACCLAIM FOR THE TOUR: “If the tour is coming anywhere near your town, and you consider yourself an MST3K fan, you absolutely owe it to yourself to get a ticket.” – Geek.com
“MST3K contains some of the HIPPEST, deepest SATIRE of the generation.” - Los Angeles Times
“30 years later, that INGENIOUS B-movie spoof is STILL GOING STRONG.” - The New York Times

About “Mystery Science Theater 3000”: Premiering in 1988 on KTMA-TV in Minneapolis, MST3K, the long-running and original “talk back” show has earned its place in history as one of the Top 100 TV Shows of all time, according to Time, Rolling Stone, and Entertainment Weekly. Set on the Satellite of Love, the series follows a hapless host trapped by mad scientists on a satellite in space, who is forced to watch some of the most outrageously cheesy movies the world has ever seen.

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.

“Mystery Science Theater 3000 Live:
    Time Bubble Tour”

DATE: Wed., Jan. 26, 2022

TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $35 – $79.50

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

‘John Crist’ is coming to JAX town

The Florida Theatre is thrilled to announce that comedian “John Crist” brings his comedic whit to the Florida Theatre on Saturday, January 15, 2022. You won’t want to miss this one-man-show.

John Crist is one of today’s fast-rising stand-up comedians, with more than one billion video views, four million fans on social media and sold-out shows from coast to coast. Crist is widely known for viral videos like “Honest Football Coach,” “Every Parent at Disney,” “Brands that need to be Cancelled” and more.

In 2019, Crist made Pollstar’s Top 100 Global Tours list, with over 197,000 tickets sold for his “Human Being Tour.” He held the designation for four consecutive weeks, charting as high as #28. Crist’s comedy has been featured on ESPN, The Today Show, HLN, US Weekly, USA Today, SiriusXM, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, Cracked, and even The Golf Channel. Crist’s 2016 debut comedy special, I Got Questions is available now on Amazon Prime, DirecTV and Spotify.

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.

“John Crist”

DATE: Sat., Jan. 22, 2022

TIME: 7 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $29.75 - $49.75
VIP TICKET PRICE: $156.75

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

‘Mutts Gone Nuts’ is coming back again

Have your heart stolen by these rescued pups and their hilarious trainers in “MUTTS GONE NUTS” coming to the FSCJ Nathan H. Wilson Center for the Arts on January 23, 2022, for only two shows. The last time that they were in Jacksonville was supposed to happen on Feb. 1, 2020. You don’t want to miss them next month.

Expect the unexpected, as canines and comedy collide in a smash hit performance, that’s leaving audiences everywhere howling for more. From shelters to showbiz, these amazing mutts unleash havoc and hilarity in a breathtaking, action-packed, comedy dog spectacular, featuring some of the world’s most talented 4-legged performers. Deemed ‘A Must See’ by the Washington Post, the dogs are sure to steal your heart, and then your socks!

"Great family show for all ages - the canines were fantastic and the humans were too!" - John Hunt, Ocean Reef Cultural Center, Key Largo, FL.

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!

The canines of Mutts Gone Nuts were adopted from animal shelters or from rescue groups. ONLY all positive, reward-based training methods are used, which means: looking for what the dogs like to do naturally, and cultivating those talents, reward and reinforce the wanted behaviors (with treats, toys, praise) and ignore the unwanted behaviors.

“MUTTS GONE NUTS”
DATE: Sun Jan. 23, 2022

TIMES: 1:30 & 5:30 p.m.

TICKETS: can be purchased online 24/7 by phone, call FSCJ Artist Series Box Office: (904) 632-5000; M-Thurs. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Fri 10 am – 1 p.m. or email them. Group discounts for 10+ are also available. Please contact (904) 632-5050 or groupsales@fscjartistseries.org for more information. Parking is always free at the Wilson Center.

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

An Evening with Bruce Dickinson comes to the FT

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce Iron Maiden’s lead singer Bruce Dickinson with “An Evening with Bruce Dickinson” on Friday, January 21, 2022.

Bruce Dickinson is considered one of the world’s most storied musicians. Aside from decades spent delivering high-octane performances with his larger-than-life persona in IRON MAIDEN, Bruce has lived an extraordinary off-stage existence too.

A true polymath, his accomplishments include: pilot and airline captain, aviation entrepreneur, beer brewer, motivational speaker, podcaster, film scriptwriter, twice-published novelist and New York Times Top 10 best-selling author, radio presenter, TV actor, sports commentator and international fencer… to name but a few.

So, there’s plenty to be entertained by, throughout the evening’s cornucopia of fascinating tales and derring-do exploits, all delivered by Bruce with characteristically infectious enthusiasm and wry wit.

Split into two parts, the first section of the show sees Bruce taking a humorous and often satirical look at the world from his own very personal perspective, treating the audience to private insights into his drive and ambition, peppered with plenty of Maiden anecdotes, and a myriad of other experiences encompassing not just the giddy heights but also the extreme lows, told first-hand in his inimitable anarchic style, punctuated with photographs and sometimes even erupting into song a-capella, to illustrate a point.

The final section of the evening is devoted entirely to a Q&A session, with the opportunity to pose questions on any subject whatsoever. As Bruce’s answers will all be completely improvised – the more left-field and quirky the question, the more interesting and compelling the response is likely to be!

Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to spend an up-close and personal evening with one of the world’s most captivating icons in an intimate environment, as Bruce Dickinson brings his Evening With show to the U.S. for the very first time, where you are guaranteed a highly entertaining and enjoyable night out and may even go home inspired to try something new.

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.

“An Evening with
°Bruce Dickinson”

DATE: Fri., Jan. 21, 2022
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: start at $29.50

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

The ultimate tribute to Tina Turner – ‘Proud Tina’

Re-live the magic of Tina Turner live on stage in PROUD TINA at the Times-Union Center on January 18, 2022.

Get the electrifying concert experience of Tina Turner with this glorious, energetic stage production, brimming with Tina hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. The powerful raspy vocals, high-intensity dancing and thrilling stage presence live on stage, complete with band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers to make this the definitive tribute, and a fabulous fun night out!

Hear all the energetic Rock and soulful RnB hits that made Tina one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music - Simply the Best, What’s Love Got to Do With It, River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits, We Don’t Need Another Hero, What You Get is What You See, Private Dancer and many more.

Performed by Cookie Watkins, she brings more than a celebrity impersonation to her performance. An international touring tribute artist, with a prestigious and accomplished career in all facets of music, Cookie has entertained hundreds of thousands of Tina Turner fans around the world. Critics and fans alike consider her as the number one tribute to Tina Turner in the world.

FSCJ Artist Series has been recognized by the State of Florida as a Major Cultural Institution and receives funding from the State of Florida, through the Florida Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Arts Council.

 “Proud Tina”
tribute to Tina Turner

DATE: Tues. Jan. 18, 2022
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $112.50 – $44 can be purchased online 24/7. To order tickets by phone, call FSCJ Artist Series Box Office: (904) 632-5000 M–Thurs. 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Fri 10 am – 1 p.m. or email. Groups of 10 or more 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

Country music artist ‘Parker McCollum’ in JAX

Country singer/songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and dedicated road warrior, “Parker McCollum” is coming to The Florida Theatre on Thursday, January 13, 2022. Parker began building a following in his native Texas with 2015's The Limestone Kid. The album track "Meet You in The Middle" became a hit on Texas' regional radio chart — no small feat for an independent, 22-year-old musician — but it was the album's widely-acclaimed follow-up, Probably Wrong, that helped Parker find national success. Compared to John Mayer and Jason Isbell by Rolling Stone, Parker supported the album with a string of sold-out shows, bringing record-breaking crowds to venues like San Angelo's RiverStage and two sold-out Billy Bob’s along the way.

Born in Conroe, TX, the 29-year-old entrepreneurially spirited artist bridges the gap between Texas' homegrown music scene and Nashville's country-industry headquarters. His songwriting, which has been hailed by The Austin Chronicle for "carrying on the traditions of Texas music without pretension or referring to pickup trucks," earned him a publishing deal with Warner/Chappell Nashville in May 2018 and a recording deal with Universal Music Group Nashville in June 2019.

McCollum released his major label debut album Gold Chain Cowboy July 30th on MCA Nashville. Straddling Texas and Nashville, Parker is “a no-holds-barred, confessional singer-songwriter who excels at relatable tales,” according to Rolling Stone. “McCollum’s ability writing and releasing unique story songs leaves a lasting mark on the listener,” says Billboard while American Songwriter declares, “the Texas native teeters on the edge of next-level superstardom.”

Parker wrote all 10 songs that make up Gold Chain Cowboy including his Platinum-selling No. 1 hit “Pretty Heart” and his latest song on country radio “To Be Loved By You.” In addition to writing album track “Rest of My Life” solo, Parker shares songwriting credits with Jon Randall, Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers, Randy Montana, Rhett Akins, Miranda Lambert, and Songwriters Hall of Famer Tony Lane.

Gold Chain Cowboy, produced by Jon Randall, expands on Parker’s outcast drifter ethos set forth on his widely praised Hollywood Gold EP released last fall which became the top-selling debut country EP of 2020. Parker has been named an ‘Artist to Watch’ by Billboard, HITS Magazine, Rolling Stone, CMT, Opry NextStage, SiriusXM, RIAA and more.

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.

“Parker McCollum”

DATE: Thurs., Jan. 13, 2022
TIME: 8 p.m.
TICKETS: Start at $24.50

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

The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons back in JAX

The Tony, Grammy and Olivier Award-winning hit musical JERSEY BOYS, the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons, will play at the Times-Union Center on Tuesday, January 11, 2022.

Directed by two-time Tony^® Award-winner Des McAnuff, JERSEY BOYS won the 2006 Tony^® Award for Best Musical, the 2006 Grammy Award^® for Best Musical Show Album the 2009 Olivier Award for Best New Musical, the 2010 Helpmann Award for Best Musical (Australia). JERSEY BOYS is written by Academy Award^® -winner Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, with music by Bob Gaudio, lyrics by Bob Crewe and choreography by Sergio Trujillo.

JERSEY BOYS is the behind-the-music story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. They were just four guys from Jersey, until they sang their very first note. They had a sound nobody had ever heard… and the radio just couldn’t get enough of. But while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story – a story that has made them an international sensation all over again. The show features all their hits including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Oh What A Night,” “Walk Like A Man,” “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and “Working My Way Back To You.”

JERSEY BOYS opened in New York on November 6, 2005 and by the time it closed over 11 years later on January 15, 2017, it was the 12th longest running show in Broadway history, passing such original Broadway productions as 42nd Street, Grease, Fiddler on the Roof, and The Producers. JERSEY BOYS returned to New York with a new production in November 2017. The JERSEY BOYS US National Tour opened to rave reviews in San Francisco on December 1, 2006 and is still breaking house records in cities across North America. JERSEY BOYS can also be seen on board the Norwegian Bliss. JERSEY BOYS worldwide has been seen by over 26 million people (as of January 2019).

The JERSEY BOYS design and production team comprises Klara Zieglerova (Scenic Design), Jess Goldstein (Costume Design), Howell Binkley (winner of the 2006 Tony^® Award for his Lighting Design of JERSEY BOYS), Steve Canyon Kennedy (Sound Design), Michael Clark (Projections Design), Charles LaPointe (Wig and Hair Design), Steve Orich (Orchestrations) and Ron Melrose (Music Supervision, Vocal/Dance Arrangements & Incidental Music).

“JERSEY BOYS”
DATE: Tuesday Jan. 11, 2022
TIME: 7:30 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $50.35 – $106.85can be purchased online 24/7. Groups of 10 or more receive a discount. Call 904-642-5050 for more group information.

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

‘Mike Albert’ brings the ‘Elvis Birthday Bash’ to JAX

The Florida Theatre is pleased to announce the return of The Elvis Birthday Bash Starring Mike Albert, Scot Bruce and The Big E Band on Friday, January 7, 2022.

World-class Elvis impersonators Mike Albert and Scot Bruce along with the Big E Band return to the Florida Theatre to celebrate Elvis' 87th Birthday Bash.

From his sexy sneer to his gyrating guitar playing, Scot Bruce is one of the world’s finest “Young Elvis” impersonators, while Mike Albert presents a stunningly accurate and respectful portrayal of the latter-day “Vegas” Elvis. Backed by the Big E Band, the two performers will trace Elvis from his rockabilly days to some of his final recordings.

This celebration hits close to home as the most famous live performances in the Florida Theatre’s past or modern history occurred on August 10 and 11, 195, when Elvis Presley, then riding high on the hit singles “Heartbreak Hotel,” “Hound Dog” and “Don’t Be Cruel,” played six shows over two days (read more about these famous shows here). If you love the King of Rock & Roll, you won’t want to miss this experience!

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.

“The Elvis Birthday Bash”

DATE: Friday Jan. 7, 2022
TIME: 7 p.m.
TICKETS: $29.50 – $39.50

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

‘Cinderella Ballet’ tiptoes into JAX

The State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine returns to the United States to present their captivating two-act performance of “Cinderella”, one of the most beloved classic fairy tale stories of all time. The Ballet’s vivid magic comes to Jacksonville’s Times-Union Center on Friday, January 7, 2022.

With no fewer than 55 of Ukrainians finest performers, this esteemed ensemble has performed to the delight of audiences worldwide. Set to Sergei Prokofiev's music with Vladimir Vasiliev's choreography, this full-scale production follows the beautiful maiden's story as she seeks her handsome Prince Charming. With the help of a little magic, she discovers that dreams really can come true. Featuring graceful dancers, enchanting music, and beautiful costumes, this classic fairy tale is a treat the whole family will enjoy!

The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine will perform in America and Canada 2021-2022 season! This unique project will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with 55 ballet dancers who represent the highest level of classical ballet art in the world! The company is recognized as one of the most prestigious institutions of classical ballet in Ukraine. It can boast a hugely varied repertoire, carrying the honor and task to preserve the great Ukrainian dances' precious heritage. A part of the company’s collection has always been the great masterpieces of classical ballet, from “Sylphide” by Bournonville, to “Giselle” by Adam, “Don Quixote” and “La Bayadère” by Minkus, “Sleeping Beauty,” “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky, "Cinderella" by Prokofiev to the various twentieth-century ballets by Stravinsky, Falla, and Shchedrin. The ballet company consists of the best performers, graduates of prestigious Ukrainian and world choreography schools. Many talented artists have danced with The State Ballet Theater company in different periods, and many have been soloists in major international companies. Due to the many tours worldwide, The State Ballet Theater of Ukraine has earned a first-class international reputation.

“Cinderella Ballet”

DATE: Fri., Jan. 7, 2022
TIME: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: range from $18.16 – $90 plus applicable fees and may be purchased online 24/7. Groups of 10 + receive a discount. Call (904) 642–5050 for more group information.

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