Folio Vol. 37, Issue 7

EXPO S ED

Keeks

Alexis Christine gets ready for her runway moment at the

fashion show.

AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director

CARMEN MACRI Multi-media Creative

ANGELA PHILLIPS Publisher

TYSEN ROMEO Intern

KERRY SPECKMAN Copy Editor/ Writer

CESSY NEWMON Contributor

ERNEST J. MATTHEWS Contributor

HOROSCOPES

Time for Spring cleaning! The month of April is generally a time of new beginnings and fresh starts, Aries. You may feel a surge of energy and motivation during this time, which can be harnessed to pursue new goals and projects. However, you should also be mindful of your tendency to act impulsively and take on too much at once. Balancing your enthusiasm with practicality and strategic planning can help you make the most of this dynamic and exciting time.

ARIES TAURUS

April is predicted to be an eventful month for you, Taurus. When Mercury enters your sign on April 3, you will feel a significant change. Specifically, this shift in energies is going to push you to prioritize yourself and your mental health. Be picky with who you let into your inner circle, start a gratitude journal and most of all, do the things that make you happiest.

This April, Gemini, you may find yourself feeling particularly social and communicative, feeling particularly curious and intellectually stimulated, seeking out new information and ideas to explore. However, be sure to take time for self-care and relaxation, as the busy social schedule may leave you feeling drained. Grab a face mask and your favorite magazine. (Folio;) )

CANCER

The planet of action, Mars, spends this entire month in your sign, Cancer, meaning that you may find yourself working more than usual. In itself that’s not a bad thing (gotta get that bag somehow), but sometimes too much of a good thing can quickly turn into a bad thing. It is important that you find balance this month. Find time in your busy schedule to have some fun or relax in bed with a good book.

With the full moon occurring on April 6 in your sign, you may find yourself reflecting on all that you have accomplished and all that you want to accomplish. In fact, overall, this month will be about celebrating your evolution, counting your losses and looking forward to all that is to come. Set aside some time in your daily routine for journaling; it will pay off.

SCORPIO

Scorpio, this April may bring a focus on your emotional well-being and inner growth. You may find yourself feeling more introspective than usual, seeking out solitude and quiet time to reflect on your thoughts and feelings. This can be a powerful time for personal transformation, as you gain insight and clarity. It’s important to prioritize self-care during this time, as you may be feeling more sensitive and vulnerable than usual.

SAGITTARIUS

Being the mutable fire sign that you are, instead of running from change, you tend to embrace it, which will prove an important characteristic this month as Mercury’s presence in Taurus will urge you to form a greater curiosity for the change happening internally. During these shifts, remember to revel in change and use it to your advantage. Go on a new adventure and try things out of your comfort zone.

Capricorn, this April may bring a sense of renewed energy and motivation as you pursue your goals and ambitions. You may find yourself feeling particularly driven and focused on achieving success in your career or personal life. This is a great time to set new goals and intentions, as the universe is aligning in your favor. However, your tendency to overwork or become too focused on material success could get in the way.

CAPRICORN

Leo, this April may bring opportunities for growth and expansion in both your personal and professional life. You may find yourself feeling particularly ambitious and driven with a strong desire to achieve your goals and pursue your passions. This is a great time to take on new challenges and step out of your comfort zone, as the universe is aligning in your favor. Be mindful of your tendency to be stubborn or overly controlling, as this could hinder your progress.

LEO

On the April 3, your planetary ruler Mercury enters Taurus, leading you down a path full of self-reflection and figuring out your next steps in life. This is a really great time to broaden your horizons and explore new topics. Speaking of which, when Venus enters Gemini on April 11, you will feel an overall newfound confidence. Be ready for a fun filled month!

VIRGO

AQUARIUS

Hello, Pluto, long time no see. Last time Pluto entered Aquarius was in 1798, and now it’s here until June 11, 2023. With this planet hanging out in your sign, you will feel more attached to your mind rather than your emotions. The shift in the cosmos will be affecting all the signs, but specifically it will be affecting the visions you have of your future. But being that you will have a sense of clarity during this time, whatever you ask for you shall receive. Take this time to really hone in on your manifestations and focus on what (or who) matters to you most.

PISCES

Pisces, this April may bring a focus on your creativity and spiritual growth. You may find yourself feeling particularly inspired and intuitive with a strong desire to explore your artistic side and connect with your inner self. In your personal relationships, you may find yourself feeling more empathetic and sensitive to the needs of others. Embrace this compassionate spirit and seek out meaningful connections with those around you.

BOUQS & BRICKS BOUQUETS BRICKBATS

To Johnnetta Betsch Cole for receiving the National Humanities Medal for her work as a scholar, anthropologist and “academic pace-setter.” President Joe Biden presented the award to the 86-year-old civic leader and Jacksonville native, who served as the first Black female president Spelman College and director of National Museum of African Art. Cole was one of 12 individuals, including Gladys Knight, Bruce Springstreen, Amy Tan and Vera Wang, who were honored for “[deepening] the nation’s understanding of the humanities and broadened our citizens’ engagement with history, literature, languages, philosophy and other humanities.”

To Ron DeSantis for signing bills that are an infringement on basic human rights. From the Don’t Say Gay bill, banning books and discussions in K-12 classrooms, requesting any gender-affirming care given at public universities to banning college majors and fraternities. It really does seem like there is nothing DeSantis won’t do. Can we just give him a lifetime achievement brickbat and call it a day?

To the organizers of Pup Crawl. The annual event, which invites dogs and their people to stroll the streets of Fernandina’s downtown for treats (canine and human), drink specials and discounts at local business, raises money for Cats Angels and Nassau Humane Society.

Gates: 5 pm

Openers: 5:30 pm & 7:00 PM

Headliner: 8:30 pm

APRIL SPECIAL EVENTS

APRIL 1

ABKC Jacksonville Bully Showdown III Prime Osborn Convention Center jaxevents

Intuition 8th Annual Disc Golf Event Klutho Park 904tix.com

APRIL 4

A Night in the Vineyard benefitting Monique Burr Foundation for Children SoNapa Grille mbfpreventioneducation.org

APRIL 4-9

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Durham Bulls 121 Financial Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville

APRIL 5

Pecha Kucha Volume 17: PERMISSION The Front Porch at St. Augustine Amphithteatre theamp.com

APRIL 6

Poetry in the Park featuring AHYNTE & Aaron Woodson James Weldon Johnson Park hopeathand.org

APRIL 8

Florida Avengers vs. Tennessee Trojans Fletcher High School floridaavengers.com

Pig Yoga Day EPIC Outreach epicoutreach.org

APRIL 14

Planetarium Night Live! Museum of Science and History themosh.org

APRIL 15

Florida Avengers vs. Atlanta Phoenix Fletcher High School floridaavengers.com

Riding into History Motorcycle Concours d’Elegance World Golf Village, St. Augustine ridingintohistory.org

APRIL 15-26

49th Annual Home Tour Riverside/Avondale Historic District riversideavondale.org

APRIL 16

The Price is Right Live!

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org

Railroad BBQ Challenge & Beer Fest Myrtle Avenue Brewing and The Glass Factor empoweredkitchen.org

Pup Crawl Main Street, Fernandina pupcrawl2023.eventbrite.com

APRIL 18-23

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Nashville Sounds 121 Financial Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville

APRIL 19-23

Florida Birding and Photo Fest St. Anastasia Celebration Hall, St. Augustine floridasbirdingandphotofest.com

APRIL 20

Cannibash Party Farm affordablemarijuanalicense.com

A Night Under the Stars benefiting FIrst Coast No More Homeless Pets Bowing Oaks fcnmhp.org

APRIL 22

The Jacksonville Taco & Margarita Fest Daily’s Place dailysplace.com

Picnic in the Park James Weldon Johnson Park jamesweldonjohnsonpark. org

APRIL 23

Strides for Pride 5K to benefit JASMYN Northbank Riverwalk Artist Square (site of RAM) jasmyn.org

APRIL 25-30

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs 121 Financial Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville

APRIL 27

Dining Out for Life Participating local restaurants diningoutforlife.com

APRIL 28-30

Vintage Market Days: Walking on Sunshine Clay County Fairgrounds, Green Cove Springs vintagemarketdays.com

Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings Society Conference The Waterworks, St. Augustine rawlingssociety.org

APRIL 19

Florida Avengers vs. Washington Prodigy Fletcher High School floridaavengers.com

APRIL 30

Taste of St. Augustine St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

MONDAYS

• The Brix Taphouse (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Julington Creek (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Avondale, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Pavilion Drive, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–River City/ Northside, 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7 p.m.

• V Pizza–Fleming Island (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Wall Street, 7 p.m.

• Treylor Park (pop culture trivia), 9 p.m.

TUESDAYS

• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Nocatee, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–San Pablo, 7 p.m.

• Harps American Grill, 7 p.m.

• Hoptinger–5 Points (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Julington Creek, 7 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill & Wings–Neptune Beach, 7 p.m.

• Island Wing Company–Southside, 7 p.m.

• Jax Craft Beer, 7 p.m.

• Jerry’s Sports Grille, 7 p.m.

• Raindogs, 7 p.m.

• Sahara Cafe, 7 p.m.

• Southern Grill, 7 p.m.

• Xtreme Wings Sports Bar and Grille, St. Johns, 7 p.m.

• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

• King Maker Brewing (Name That Tune), 7:30 p.m.

• Lynch’s Irish Pub (music bingo), 7:30 p.m.

• Time Out Sports Bar, 7:30 p.m.

• Surfer the Bar (pop culture trivia), 9:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAYS

• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.

• V Pizza–Mandarin (pop culture), 6:30 p.m.

• The Beacon, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• Cruisers Grill, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Mandarin, 7 p.m.

• Firefly Bay, 7 p.m.

• Island Wing Company–Southside Boulevard (music bingo), 7 p.m.

• Mellow Mushroom–Jacksonville Beach, 7 p.m.

• Scarlett O’ Hara’s, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.

• V Pizza–Fleming Island (pop culture trivia), 7 p.m.

• Veterans United Craft Brewery, 7 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

• Harps American Grill (pop culture), 7:30 p.m.

• Hoptinger–5 Points, 7:30 p.m.

• Hurricane Grill–Fleming Island, 7:30 p.m.

• King Maker Brewing, 7:30 p.m.

• Time Out Sports Grill, 7:30 p.m

• The Brix Taphouse (pop culture trivia), 8 p.m.

• Hamburger Mary’s (drag bingo, 21+), 8 p.m.

• Hoptinger–Jacksonville Beach, 9 p.m.

THURSDAYS

• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

• Kava and Company–San Marco (every other Thursday), 7 p.m.

• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Ponte Vedra, 7 p.m.

• Whiskey Jax–Baymeadows, 7 p.m.

• Burrito Gallery–Brooklyn (’80s, ’90s & 2000s), 7:30 p.m.

• Flask & Cannon / V Pizza, 7:30 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–St Augustine, 7:30 p.m.

• Hoptinger–Jax Beach (music bingo), 9 p.m.

SATURDAYS

• Hamburger Mary’s (HamBingo), 2 p.m.

• Dick’s Wings–Atlantic Boulevard, 7 p.m.

SUNDAYS

• Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub, 8 p.m. (first and third Sunday)

THEATER / DANCE

THROUGH APRIL 1

“Something Rotten”

Amelia Musical Playhouse ameliamusicalplayhouse.com

THROUGH APRIL 2

Disney on Ice: “Into the Magic” VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

“Godspell”

The Island Theater, Fleming Island Theislandtheater.com

“Matilda Jr.: The Musical” The Waterworks, St. Augustine apextheatrejax.com

THROUGH APRIL 16

“Arsenic and Old Lace” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com

APRIL 1

David Brighton’s “Space Oddity” Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org

APRIL 2

“Motones & Jerseys 2023”

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org

APRIL 4-6

Sleeping Giant Film Festival

Sun-Ray Cinema sleepinggiantfest.com

APRIL 5-6

Shen Yun 2023

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com

APRIL 7-23

“Nana Does Vegas” Orange Park Community Theatre opct.info

APRIL 8-9

Shen Yun 2023

Thrasher-Horne Center thcenter.org

APRIL 13

“1964: The Tribute” Thrasher-Horne Center thcenter.org

APRIL 13-14

Grand Shanghai Circus

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org

APRIL 13-30

“Xanadu”

Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre abetjax.com

APRIL 14

The Florida Ballet: Program B

The Florida Theatre floridaballet.org

APRIL 14-29

“Proof”

Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach ameliacommunitytheatre.org

APRIL 14-30

“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Artist Connection Theatre artistconnectiontheatre.org

APRIL 15

“Menopause: The Musical”

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org

APRIL 19

MOCA Movie Night: “Beuys”

MOCA Jacksonville mocajacksonville.unf.edu

APRIL 20-22

JU Spring Dance Concert

Jacksonville University–Swisher Theater ju.edu/cfa

APRIL 20-23

“Cinderella” Flagler College–Lewis Auditorium flagler.edu

APRIL 20-30

“The Fantasticks”

Amelia Musical Playhouse ameliamusicalplayhouse.com

APRIL 21

April Story Slam: EXPAND

BABS’LAB: CoRK North barbaracolaciello.com

APRIL 21-MAY 7

“Four Weddings and an Elvis” Theatre Jacksonville theatrejax.com

APRIL 22

Fiat Lux Film Festival

Jacksonville University–Swisher Theater ju.edu/cfa

APRIL 25-30

“Mean Girls”

Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts fscjartistseries.org

APRIL 26

“Madagascar the Musical” Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

APRIL 27-MAY 28

“Jersey Boys”

Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com

ONGOING Fridays and Saturdays

Magician Bill Abbott at the Magic Hideway Casa Monica Resort & Spa, St. Augustine magichideaway.com

‘Arsenic and Old Lace’ Has Them Dying at Alhambra

While theater critics are not necessarily a beloved breed, Mortimer Brewster (Shain Stroff) is hard not to love in “Arsenic and Old Lace” as he discovers he lives in a house of lunatics. The night he becomes engaged to the local reverend’s daughter, Elaine Harper (Savannah Elam), he discovers a corpse in the window seat of his childhood home. It is a Dick VanDyke meets Judy Garland match-up with this pair.

His aunts, Abby and Martha Brewster (Hillary Hickam, Patti Eyler), live in the house with one of Mortimer’s brothers, Teddy Brewster (Alec Hadden). The sisters are well-loved members of the community, while Teddy lives in a world where he is Theodore Roosevelt. Imagine Mortimer’s horror when he finds that his aunts, not Teddy, have knowingly put the corpse in the window seat. Their charity is relieving old men from loneliness by giving them a glass of elderberry wine made with berries fresh from the neighboring cemetery, arsenic, strychnine and “just a pinch” of cyanide. All three roles are wonderfully-cast, and the banter with and between the sisters is seamless.

Enter the villain of the show, Jonathan Brewster (Chad Conley), who has brought along his personal plastic surgeon Dr. Einstein (Kevin Roberts) whose last makeover on Jonathan left him looking like Boris Karloff. When Jonathan finds out his grandfather’s lab and ward upstairs are intact, he makes plans to take over the house and set up a surgery center. Jonathan is a psychopath without empathy or emotions. Conley portrays a smiley evil; my preference is something more somber to give more weight to this role. Roberts’ stature and mannerisms are perfect for Dr. Einstein.

A smaller role that wound up stealing their scene is Officer

O’Hara (Jonathan Van Dyke). O’Hara is a wannabe playwright, who, upon finding Mortimer tied up and gagged by Jonathan, leaves him in that state to hear his play synopsis through the night. Van Dyke was hilarious both sober and soused.

Several additional cast members round out the ensemble to “Arsenic and Old Lace,” a masterfully-written dark comedy by Joseph Kesselring. It is two-and-a-half hours with intermission, but the time flew and the audience roared.

The set was beautiful and very effective, and the costuming was perfect for the era. The play was written amidst the turmoil at the start of WWII. It opened on Broadway

in 1941, and the film was actually made that same year anticipating a short run on Broadway. It was so successful that the film was not released, per contract, until the show closed in 1944.

FILM REVIEWS

Words by Harry Moore

Sequels have driven Hollywood for decades now and when it came to new entrants to long running film series, it was March Madness at the movie theater. While there may be not much in common in the recent releases of a rebooted slasher franchise, the spinoff of a decades old boxing series and the latest character fronted by an action legend, each film delivered on meeting the expectations from what has come before while striving to tread new ground for their ongoing stories. For latter sequels in long running series, it rarely gets much better or more satisfying than what these films have to offer.

“Creed

III”

In “Creed III,” the trilogy capper of Michael B. Jordan’s spinoff of the “Rocky” franchise. The series and its eponymous lead, Adonis Creed, finally step out from the long casting shadow of the Italian Stallion. Where “Creed II” has Adonis face the son of another of Rocky’s old foes, Creed III tells a story that delves into Adonis’ past and examines his legacy in the ring. The latest “Creed” outing begins with Adonis retiring from boxing as the reigning champion and a legend of the sport who will now impart his knowledge to a younger generation of hungry fighters. A wrench is thrown into this new chapter of Adonis’ life when he encounters Damian Anderson (Jonathan Majors), an old friend and former boxing prodigy who is fresh out of a decades long stint in prison and believes he is now owed his shot at the belt.

Jordan, in his directorial debut, takes full control of the film’s creative reins with style and a decisive vision for a new approach to the character and franchise. From the opening, a Dr. Dre scored flashback to the early 2000 to the anime-inspired fights, Jordan exudes confidence as a filmmaker. It is clear the actor has learned a lot from working with talented directors such as Ryan Coogler, as he demonstrates a clear understanding of where to place his camera, as well as how to tell and pace a fairly well-trodden plot whilst keeping it compelling. The film plays as an early sign that we are seeing another movie star pivot to talented director. And given that Jordan has successfully navigated from child actor to A-list stardom, it will be interesting to see what direction he will take his new career NEXT.

As an actor, Jordan gives another strong performance as Adonis who is undoubtedly now his signature character, but it is Majors as the antagonist Damian who steals the show from the moment he steps on screen. Majors recently was recently the biggest highlight of Marvel’s “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania,” but here he’s given material that takes greater advantage of his commanding on-screen presence. Majors fills Dame with seething resentment toward Adonis, but his charisma and talent as an actor makes the character more empathetic than anyone would expect him to be based what’s on the page. Creed III points to exciting futures for both Jordan as a director and Majors as one of the most compelling acting talents working today.

“Scream VI”

Another long running franchise that has managed to successfully reinvent itself is the slasher series “Scream” with its sixth film (and the second to follow its new core cast of characters) letting the Ghostface killer loose on New York City. Picking up a year after the events of 2022’s “Scream,” where the survivors of the film’s massacre have moved to college in the Big Apple, but it isn’t long until ominous phone calls begin ringing and bodies start dropping. The series has successfully transitioned to its younger generation with the new stars Melissa Barrera (Sam Carpenter) and Jenna Ortega (Tara Carpenter) seamlessly taking over from Courtney Cox and Neve Campbell, and the first entry not to feature Campbell at all. Barrera, Ortega and the other young stars have ably stepped into their starring roles and created characters who

viewers actually want to see escape Ghostface’s knife. “Scream VI” is also the second film in the series to come from directing duo Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, after taking over from the late master of horror Wes Craven. Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett have successfully molded “Scream” into their own image, while still holding onto the tropes and values that Craven and screenwriter Kevin Williamson previously established. Where Craven drew horror out of Ghostface’s pursuit of his victims, Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett derive the scares from grisly and inventive kills. The film loses some of its steam in its overly convoluted final act, but the thrilling set and the series’ patented utilization of meta-analysis of horror tropes keeps this sixth outing of a knife wielding fresh.

“John

Wick:

Chapter 4”

For the third time in his career, Keanu Reeves worked his way to being one of the most beloved action stars in Hollywood with his brooding, monosyllabic super assassin John Wick. The latest outing, “John Wick: Chapter 4,” is a tour de force for both Reeves and director Chad Stahelski (as well as the dozens of incredibly gifted martial artists and stunt performers) who have created what might be their magnum opus in this sweeping, consistently inventive and exhilarating action epic. Like the other films, “Chapter 4” finds Wick fighting against legions of killers in the assassin underworld, who have managed to create an improbably thriving, self-sustaining economy built on beautifully choreographed murder. With the John Wick series, it is more detrimental to reveal set pieces than plot points, but the Paris-based final act features the most mesmerizing action filmmaking in years. It is constantly propulsive and never repetitive in its many sets, which are often simple concepts executed in expert fashion.

As he always does, Reeves brings his own style of cool charisma to Wick, making it impossible to imagine any other actor making the role as indelible he does. Elsewhere in the cast, returning series regulars such as Ian McShane, Lance Reddick and Laurence Fishburne don’t miss a beat, while new players Donnie Yen and Bill Skarsgård step into the world with ease.

“John Wick: Chapter 4” is a modern action masterpiece that should be seen by any fan of the genre. Rarely has 2 hours and 50 minutes flown by so fast.

APRIL 1

Benji Brown

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 3-4

The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Show (adults only), 10 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

APRIL 5

River City Comedy Showcase

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

Poker Face Comedy: The Rhyme Roast LIVE Bar facebook.com/livebardowntownjax

APRIL 6-8

Rich Guzzi Hypnotist

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 7

Nick Lewis

Lauren’s Seafood Blues and Jazz phattkatz.com

Improv Night

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 8

Demetrius Fields Comedy Tour

Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com

APRIL 10-11

The Main Event, 7:30 p.m. The Blue Show (adults only), 10 p.m.

First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

APRIL 12

LOL Comedy Show

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 12

Improv Night

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 14-15

Chris Tucker Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 15

Jazz’sonville: Comedy and Jazz Festival WJCT Studios bit.ly/jazzsonville

APRIL 15-16

ShakesBeer: A Brewery Tour Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com

APRIL 16

Eric Neumann

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 17-18

The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Show (adults only), 10 p.m.

First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

APRIL 18-19

Meredith Masony Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 19

Improv Night

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 20

Chris Franjola Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 20-22

Jim Gaffigan Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

APRIL 21-23

Rene Vaca Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 22

Slice of Laughter: A Pizza & Comedy Movie Night!

Creative Veins Performing Arts Studio creativeveins.com

APRIL 23

ShakesBeer: A Brewery Tour Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com

APRIL 24-25

The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.

The Blue Show (adults only), 10 p.m.

First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

APRIL 26

LOL Comedy Show

Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

Improv Night

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

Best. Stand Up Comedy Show. Ever. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com

ShakesBeer: A Brewery Tour Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com

APRIL 27-29

Corey Holcomb Comedy Zone comedyzone.com

APRIL 28

Fleming Island Comedy Night with Danny Johnson Town Hall Event Center bit.ly/dannyjohnson

APRIL 29-30

ShakesBeer: A Brewery Tour Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com

COMEDY OPEN MIC NIGHTS

MONDAY Kava & Company–San Marco kavaandcompany.com

Raindogs facebook.com/raindogsjax

TUESDAY Birdies facebook.com/birdiesfivepoints

VooSwar bit.ly/vooswar WEDNESDAY The Walrus thewalrusjax.com

THURSDAY Kava & Company–Mandarin kavaandcompany.com

ART

The Art Center Cooperative tacjacksonvillegallery.org

Jenna Alexander Studio

• “Modern Summer,” May 3 jenna-alexander.com

Butterfield Garage Art Gallery

• Featured artists include Pat Arenas, Michael Fitzpatrick, Xi Guo, Gwen Mehler and Jan Miller butterfieldgarage.com

The Corner Gallery at The Jessie

• Shameera Din Wiest: The Veil of Maya,” through May 3 movingthemargins.org

Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens

• “Anila Quayyum Agha: Flight Patterns,” through April 30

• “Rockwell Kent: The Shakespeare Portfolios,” through May 7

• “Brennan Wojtyla: Cathedral of Labor,” through May 21

• “James McBey: Etchings,” through Oct. 29

• “Outside: In,” through Nov. 30

• “Flamboyance! A Topiary Menagerie,” April-June 25 cummermuseum.org

FemArt Gallery

• Annual Members Exhibition, through April 29 femartgallery.org

First Coast Cultural Center firstcoastculturalcenter.org

Flagler College

• BFA & BA Senior Portfolio Exhibition, May 4, Crisp-Ellert Gallery flagler.edu

Florida Mining Gallery

• “TOMORROWLAND: S Patricia Patterson & Debi Boyette,” April 1-TBD floridamininggallery.com

Florida State College at Jacksonville

• 36th Annual Student Exhibit of Art and Design, through April 19, South Gallery

• Highlights of the Student Annual North Gallery, through April 21, North Gallery

• Eddie Castro and Michael Saunders, through April 25, Kent Gallery

• “Rivers and Oceans: Women Writing for

a Change,” through April 28, Deerwood Gallery

• “Mark Sablow: 15 Years in Asia,” through April 28, Downtown Gallery fscj.edu/art-galleries

Gallery 725 gallery725.com

Governor’s House Cultural Center and Museum, St. Augustine

• “Painting St. Augustine: Selections from the Samuel H. and Roberta T. Vickers Collection,” through May staugustine.ufl.edu

Haskell Gallery at Jacksonville International Airport jaxairportarts.com

Hillary Whitaker Gallery

• Spring Show featuring Juniper Briggs Chelsea Goer, Hannah Lane and Eva Magill-Olive, April 28 hwhitakergallery.com

Jacksonville University

• School of Art & Design Annual Thesis Exhibition, through April 19, Alexander Brest Gallery

• Annual Festival of the Arts, April 14, Stein Circle at The Riverhouse

• ”Bill Davis: No Dark in Sight,” virtual exhibition

• “Kristin Skees: Close Knit,” virtual exhibition ju.edu/cfa

The Lightner Museum

• “Contemporary Chronicles of St. Augustine,” through Sept. 30

• “Rebecca Lemmon: Leaves & Light,” April 7-May 21

• “75 for 75: Lightner Musuem Diamond Anniversary Exhibition,” ongoing

• “Illuminate: Lightner Museum’s Stained Glass Rediscovered,” ongoing

• “St. Augustine Through the Lens of William Henry Jackson,” ongoing lightnermuseum.org

MOCA Jacksonville

• Project Atrium:–Milagros, through April 9

• “Don’t Blame It on Zen: The Way of John Cage & Friends,” through May 7

• “Brennan Wojtyla: Cathedral of Labor,” through May 21

• “Print+: Sameness and Otherness in Contemporary Printmedia,” through Aug. 27

• “Contemporary Cartographies,” through Oct. 15

• Project Atrium–”Hiromi Moneyhun: Ghosts,” April 28-Aug. 27 mocajacksonville.unf.edu

Museum of Science and History

• Arts Infusion ImagiNclusion, MOSH Lobby

• Works by Patricia Madrid, MOSH Creation Station themosh.org

Ritz Theatre & Museum

• “Lift Ev’ry Voice,” permanent collection ritzjacksonville.com

St. Augustine Art Association

• 18th Annual St. Johns All-County High School Art Show, through April 2

• “Miniature Marvels,” through April 2

• 13th Annual St. Johns All-County Middle Art Show, April 7-30

• Spring Members Show, April 7-April 30 staaa.org

Stellers Gallery

• Works by Eileen Corse, Jim Draper, Fallon Pepper, C. Ford Riley, Alice Williams, MacTruque and Jeff Foxworthy (yes, that Jeff Foxworthy) stellersgallery.com

University of North Florida

• “I Feel it Fading: A Solo Exhibition by Dustin Harewood,” through April 7, UNF Gallery of Art

• Brazil Study Abroad Exhibit, through April 7, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery

• Senior Exhibition, April 27-May 12, UNF Gallery of Art

• Senior Exhibition, April 27-May 12, Lufrano Intercultural Gallery unf.edu/gallery

The Vault at 330

• Featured artists include Susan Astleford, Margena Burnett, Ellen Diamond, Ed Hall, Dolf James, Harry McCormick and Denise Murphy thevaultat1930.com

Yellow House

• “A Time to Beast: The Art of Traci Mims,” through TBD

• “Sit in Stand Up,” virtual exhibition

• “Still Not About a Hotdog and a Coke,” virtual exhibition

• “Magic, Mirth, and Mortality: Musings on Black Motherhood,” virtual exhibition yellowhouseart.org

ONGOING

Art Walk: April 5

Downtown Jacksonville lights up the first Wednesday of the month with art by local artists at hubs in James Weldon Johnson Park, The Jessie and Vagabond Flea at VyStar Tower from 5–9 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy live music, food trucks, street performers, free admission to MOCA and complimentary rides on JTA’s Skyway. dtjax.org/artwalk

Fernandina Beach Arts Market: April 8 and 22

Amelia Island’s premier arts and crafts market comes alive the second and fourth Saturday of every month from 9 a.m.–1 p.m. fernandinabeachartsmarket.com

Riverside Arts Market: April 1, 8,15, 22 and 29

Artists, artisans and makers display their original paintings, jewelry, photographs, prints and other handcrafted items every Saturday—rain or shine—from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Riverside Avenue underneath the canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge. riversideartsmarket.com

St. Augustine First Friday Artwalk: April 7

On the first Friday of every month (hence the clever name), more than 30 galleries around the Oldest City open their doors from 5–9 p.m. for visitors to browse exhibits and interact with artists. A complimentary trolley service provides transportation between downtown venues. artgalleriesofstaugustine.com

Vilano Beach Artisan Market: April 15

Part beach party, part arts market, this monthly event includes works by local artists and locally-made products, as well as live music. The market takes place on the third Saturday of every month from 4-8 p.m. on A1A and Vilano Road. facebook.com/vilanobeachofficial

CONCERTS

APRIL 1

Beethoven’s Fifth Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

Chris Janson with Shane Profitt Clay County Fairgrounds-Cattlemen’s Arena claycountyfair.org

Nicholas Edward Williams with Babe Honey Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Inside.Jax featuring 4thQuarterQuan, Lunaxcel, Boyband & SoundsbyJosh 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Unwritten Law, Authority Zero and Mercy Music Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Drake Milligan Underbelly underbellyjax.com

Jax Surf Fest with The Kreepy Tikis, Echolocator and Tube Rider Kona Clubhouse konaskatepark.com

APRIL 1-2

Florida Ma’am Festival Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 2

Gaelic Storm & The High Kings: The Mighty Tour Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Tracy Lawrence with Cumberland Clay County Fairgrounds–Cattlemen’s Arena claycountyfair.org

APRIL 3

Casting Crowns with We Are Messengers and Ben Fuller Clay County Fairgrounds–Cattlemen’s Arena claycountyfair.org

APRIL 4

Jimmie Vaughan & The Tilt-A-Whirl Band Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Ashley McBryde with Lily Rose Clay County Fairgrounds-Cattlemen’s Arena claycountyfair.org

Blue Jay Jazz Jam Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

APRIL 5

Fourtune, Walker, Rogers and Isaacs Clay County Fairgrounds-Cattlemen’s Arena claycountyfair.org

Cristina Vane Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Duval Is For Lovers: Emo, Pop Punk Throwbacks 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Jenni Reid, Tori Nance, and Chris Rudasill (of The Dog Apollo)

1904 Music Hall

1904musichall.com

Smokestack

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 6

Cory Asbury: The Pioneer Tour Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Cold War Kids with Bad Madonna Riverfront Plaza downtownjacksonville.org

Year of the Spider 20th Year Anniversary Tour: Cold, Divide the Fall, Awake for Days & Sygnal to Noise Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Jervis Campbell and Thomas Austin Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com

APRIL 7

“Bring on the Night” featuring songs from Sting and The Police Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Southpaw with special guests Stay Lost, Still Here, Losing Daylight, & More 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Pop Punk Emo Night Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Steelin’ Peaches: An Allman Brothers Revue Underbelly underbellyjax.com

APRIL 8

Aaron Lebos’ Abstract Citizen Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Mustard Service, Better Than This, Dakar and King Peach

1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Suffering Overload, Blood Bath & Beyond Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Lefton High Album Release Party with FFN and Chalk Tiger Kona Clubhouse konaskatepark.com

Improv Night Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 9

John Lee Wyatt Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Jer Woolbright, Gilt, Intervention 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

APRIL 10

Taylor Roberts featuring Joshua Bowlus Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

APRIL 11

Jordy Search, William Hinson and Phillip Vo Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com

APRIL 12

Tommy Castro & The Painkllers with special guest David Julia Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Eric Lindell Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

ONYX: 30-Year Anniversary of “BACDAFUCUP” Tour 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Dominic Delaney & The Dead Language Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Spafford: Spring Tour 2023 Underbelly underbellyjax.com

Bold City Classics Big Band: Spring Fever! Casa Marina Hotel boldcityclassics.com

APRIL 13

Jake Shimaukuro Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Shaggy with L.O.V.E. Culture and Jeremy Ryan Riverfront Plaza downtownjacksonville.org

The Stews and Outer Edge Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Joe Reid & The Heartland Band Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 14

Kenny Chesney: I Go Back Tour with special guest Kelsea Ballerini Daily’s Place dailysplace.com

Shinedown: The Revolutions Live VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

The Wallflowers with special guest David Rosales Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

Brothers Again: A Celebration of The Allman Brothers Band Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Kristopher James Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Low Country Tour 2023: Hovvdy, Whitmer Thomas & Girlpuppy Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Baba Caiman Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 14-15

JJ Grey’s Blackwater Sol Revue St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

Jacksonville Symphony: Disco Inferno Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.org

APRIL 14-16

Gamble Rogers Folk Festival St. Johns County Fairgrounds, Elkton gamblerogersfest.org

APRIL 15

The Lone Bellow Trio with special guest Stephen Wilson Jr. Ponte Vedra Concert Hall pvconcerthall.com

JME Showcase Series featuring Ebonique, Daddy, Corey Kilgannon and Luci Lind

Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Brooks Nielsen Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

APRIL 16

Clint Black Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Shwayze Underbelly underbellyjax.com

APRIL 17

3 The Band and Friends Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Death Before Dishonor with Hold my Own, Exit Strategy 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Hindsight, Fallen Sons & Higher Ground Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Slaughter to Prevail Underbelly underbellyjax.com

APRIL 18

Styx with special guest Don Felder St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

The Toasters, Chieforia and guests Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Moonchild and Austin Antoine Underbelly underbellyjax.com

APRIL 19

Wilco with special guest The A’s St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox: Life in the Past Lane Tour Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Mipso

Intuition Bier Hall intuitionaleworks.com

Laura Jane Grace, Weakened Friends & Danny Attach

Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Theo Katzman & Benjamin Jaffe 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Anvil, Midnite Hellion and Automatik Fit Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Oyster Bed Outlaws

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 20-22

Billy Strings St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

APRIL 21

Indigo Girls with the Jacksonville Symphony Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxsymphony.com

An Evening With Tommy Prine Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Archer Oh, Surely Tempo & The Forum Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Overtime x Crucifix: Scars and Stripes Tour 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Boxer’s Lisp, Funlight, Lifted Riffs and Luci Lind Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com

APRIL 22

Rick Ross, Kevin Gates Pressure Tour VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

Gunhild Carling: Queen of Swing Ritz Theatre & Museum ritzjacksonville.com

Prof: The Workhorse Tour Underbelly underbellyjax.com

Tube Rider, Loretto, Matty + Dan and San Blast Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

APRIL 23

Planet Band Camp featuring Falling in Reverse with Beartooth and Bad Wolves St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

Home Free: Road Sweet Road Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Hannah Dasher Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Pedro the Lion and Erik Walter Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

APRIL 24

Spring Choir Concert Flagler College–Ponce Hall flagler.edu

APRIL 25

Billy Idol with special guest Kelsy Karter & The Heroines St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

APRIL 26

Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo with special guest John Waite St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

APRIL 27

Chris Lane with Cumberland and Dylan Gerard Riverfront Plaza downtownjacksonville.org

Bassel & The Supernatural Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Playin’ Possum

Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 28

An Evening with Natalie Merchant: Keep Your Courage Tour St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com

It’s Time Feat: Naomi Raine, Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Natalie Grant & Taya Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Hudu Gurus River City Railway rivercityrailway.com

Rickolus Quartet Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Sun Room 1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

Lucas Zelnick and guests Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Bad Dog Mama Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 29

New Edition: Legacy Tour with Keith Sweat, Guy and special guest Tank VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena jaxevents.com

Girl Named Tom Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com

Kind Hearted Strangers Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

Tun Smith & The Restless Hearts Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

Kicklighter and Lifted Riffs Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com

Dewey Via Colonial Oak Music Park, St. Augustine thecolonialoakmusicpark.com

APRIL 30

Fruit Bats with Esther Rose Intuition Bier Hall intuitionaleworks.com

Me Nd Adam: Texas to Infinity Tour Pt. II Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com

The Za-Boo-Zays Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

BORN IN A BARN

Words and Interviews by Rob Nicholson

You have likely heard Niko Moon’s contributions to the world of music, but you may not have been aware they were his.

A country pop singer and songwriter who has penned songs for for Rascal Flatts, Dierks Bentley, Zac Brown Band and Morgan Wallen, to name a few, Moon was also a member of the electronic dance music trio Sir Rosevelt with Zac Brown and Ben Simonetti.

Moon made his radio debut in 2020 with an EP containing his song “GOOD TIME” and then rereleased the song on his 2021 album of the same name during the pandemic.

I caught up with Moon last week while he was in Minneapolis before a show to chat about his career, life and his upcoming concert at the Clay County Agricultural Fair on March 31.

Clint Black signed his first record deal nearly four decades ago, but he ain’t slowin’ down anytime soon, including a show at the Florida Theatre April 16.

In addition to performing around the world to millions of fans and winning just about every country music award in existence, Black can also count his marriage of 30-plus years to Lisa Hartman Black as one of his greatest accomplishments. And yes, there have been some low points along the way, but the singer, songwriter, musician, producer and actor remains at the top of his game.

During his career, Clint Black has charted over 30 singles, 22 of which hit No. 1. He’s also earned over two dozen gold and platinum records, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and hosts “Talking in Circles With Clint Black,” where he inter -

views other country music artists. He says he has been able to do it all only with balance in his life. As he once said, “It’s hard to get this job, and once you have it, you want to do as much as you can with it. When you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

With Black’s show coming up at the Florida Theatre, I chatted with him by phone about what fans can expect (a full band and video elements, to name a few), and his plans to “bring it” to Jacksonville. We also chatted about his beginnings, his family and the music he listens to.

For more information on Black’s show at the Florida Theatre April 16, visit floridatheatre. com.

IT ’ S BEEN ONE HELL OF A YEAR FOR ASHLEY MCBRYDE

Words by Rob Nicholson

With the Clay County Fair in high gear, it means plenty of live concerts through the event’s run April 9. As usual, fair organizers have booked an outstanding lineup this year, and one performer, in particular, is high on the list of can’tmiss acts: Ashley McBryde.

McBryde’s duet with Carly Pearce, “Never Wanted To Be That Girl” (a song about being the other woman), went all the way to No. 1 and earned McBryde and Pearce a host of ACM and CMA awards, as well as a Grammy for Best Country Duo/Group Performance. By the time you read this, she may have a CMT Award under her belt too (the show airs April 2.)

Fellow ACM and CMA award winner Dierks Bentley described McBryde as having a “touch of rock and roll swagger, a honky-tonk heart and a lyrical voice that puts a modern-day spin on classic country themes.” Originally from Mammoth Spring, Arkansas, McBryde first displayed her interest in music when she was 3 years old and tried to play her father’s guitar. After repeatedly telling young Ashley to leave the instrument alone, her parents decided the best solution was to get her a guitar of her own. McBryde stuck with the guitar, and at 17 she wrote her first song. Initially, she was shy about sharing her work, and it wasn’t until she attended Arkansas State University (where she studied French horn) that she began performing her songs for people outside her immediate family.

In 2016, McBryde issued an eight-song EP, “Jalopies & Expensive Guitars,” that helped build a buzz about her music, and country star Eric Church began singing her praises, describing her as a “whiskey-drinkin’ badass” and joining her on-stage to duet on her song “Bible and a .44.” After Church gave McBryde his endorsement, more and more people began to take notice, and she finally broke through with the single “A Little Dive Bar in Dahlonega,” which found an audience on streaming services and led to her making her first appearance at the Grand Ole Opry in June 2017.

Speaking of the Opry, earlier this year, Garth Brooks popped up via video in the middle of an interview on “CBS Mornings” to invite McBryde to officially become a member the Grand Ole Opry family. Needless to say, she was overwhelmed with emotion (and so was Brooks).

You can hear McBryde’s latest hit, “Light on in the Kitchen,” on the radio or streaming.

Ashley McBryde performs at the Clay County Agricultural Fair Cattlemen’s Arena, April 4 at 7 p.m. with opening act Lily Rose. For tickets, visit claycountyfair.com.

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LIVE MUSIC, FOOD TRUCKS & COLD BEER

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COMPETE FOR A SPOT ON THE LEADERBOARD

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FROM YOGA TO GRAPPLING ALL LEAD BY EXPERT TRAINERS

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SCAVENGER HUNTS –RUN, RUCK, OR WALK

TED-STYLE TALKS

WORLD CLASS TRAINERS & SPEAKERS

New Music Releases This Month

By Tysen Romeo

“Catching Rabbits”

Genevieve Stokes’ new EP includes four songs by the singer and songwriter, whose music is a mix of indie/folk meets bedroom pop and “reflects a change in [her] connection to reality.”

APRIL 14

“Jesus at the Gay Bar”

The fifth studio album for Australian pop group Cub Sport will have 10 songs. Frontman Tim Nelson said, “This is definitely our most dance-forward, party-centric album.”

“Stereo Mind Game”

The third studio album by indie rock/dream pop trio Daughter consists of 12 songs and will be their first studio album in seven years.

APRIL 22

“Wasteland”

Hippo Campus’ new EP features five new tracks, written while touring the country last year. The western theme (and obvious influences) are a new addition to the indie rock band’s sound.

“SREMM 4 LIFE”

Known for their work on “Black Beatles,” “No Type,” and “No Flex Zone,” the Mississippi rap duo reunites for their first project in nearly four years. It will be their fourth studio album.

APRIL 28

“Become”

The good news is Beach House, known for their spiritual and dreamlike music, has a new EP. The not-asgood news is it’s only being released on vinyl for Record Store Day.

“HOPE”

The sixth studio album to be released by rapper NF includes 13 tracks and features collaborations with Julia Michaels and Cordae.

“Blondshell”

Sabrina Teitelbaum, performing under the name “Blondshell,” releases her debut album in which she channels emotions of anger, rage and brutal honesty, creating an alternative rock vibe in her music.

“All of This Will End”

This is the third full-length album by Indigo De Souza. The indie rock artist describes the album as a “flood beam of [her] emotional and spiritual human experience.”

“First

Two Pages Of Frankenstein”

The ninth studio album from The National features 11 songs which include appearances by Taylor Swift, Phoebe Bridgers and Sufjan Stevens.

Strut Your Stuff, Jax.

Words and photos by Carmen Macri

There is one thing Jacksonville loves more than the Jags (maybe), and that is supporting small local businesses. And what better way to do that than hosting a pop-up event at Jax Beach’s favorite bar?

On March 25, Surfer [The Bar] was transformed into an art market with local vendors scattered throughout the space. Capri Aesthetics gathered dozens of local female-owned businesses for Bossn’ Beach Babes: a women-focused pop-up. These events often feature a wide range of vendors and activities, all geared toward celebrating and promoting female-owned businesses and organizations. From fashion and beauty products to artisanal crafts and baked goods, there was no shortage of unique and inspiring offerings to discover.

At 5 p.m., the bar looked like it was 10 p.m. — slammed. People scattered around hopping from vendor to vendor in hopes of striking gold before the finale fashion show where three businesswomen would showcase their favorite pieces.

Strolling past the main bar (debating if I want to cure my hangover with the hair of the dog), I stumbled upon racks and racks of Jacksonville-themed clothing (go, Jags!) and trendily dressed mannequins. I was greeted by Danielle Dallas, the founder and CEO of Copper Closet, as she handed me a coupon for the shop. She founded Copper Closet in Jacksonville in 2015, and since then, has opened 23 more store locations across Florida and Georgia. The brand is tailored to affordable boutique shopping, and she promotes her brand by offering inclusivity to any and everyone.

Setting up shop adjacent to Dallas was Keeks Vintage. Kiley Davis founded Keeks Vintage in 2015 as a fun side hustle during college. She loved thrifting and had a keen eye for prized pieces, so why not turn it into a profit? Thrifting has become quite a trend, and most people don’t have hours to spend sifting through hundreds of racks of clothing. Luckily for them, Davis does. Her brand focuses on chic vintage ’90s attire from Chanel boots and handbags to Levi’s 501 jeans. Behind Keeks Vintage was none other than Jacksonville’s favorite sustainable swimwear, Noelani. Kyla Noelani created her brand back in 2019. She started sewing swimwear herself because she found it nearly impossible to find swimsuits she felt confident in and knew other girls felt the same. Every piece made by Noelani is hand-sewn by Kyla herself. She knows the importance of sustainable and ethically made swimwear, so she put her talent to use.

By this time the clock was ticking close to 6:30 and bar guests began spreading out to make room for the catwalk as the models hurried upstairs to get ready. I wandered back toward the entrance in hopes of finding a spot to watch the models strut their stuff.

The first designer was Noelani. She had a handful of women dressed in her best bikinis. It’s hard to believe that these girls weren’t runway models the way they were owning the catwalk. Once they reached the turning point (where I sat), each girl gave off a signature spin and continued their parade. The crowd was electric with hoots and hollers. The next group of models were dressed in head-to-toe Copper Clos -

et. The vibrant colors of the spring collection were captivating and jaw-dropping. With each passing girl, I kept thinking to myself “I need that outfit… I need that outfit.” It was hard to tell who was having more fun, the models or the throng of onlookers.

Keeks Vintage was next up with models dressed in uniquely-styled vintage attire, the type of outfits where you couldn’t help thinking “there’s no way I could pull that off… but I want to.” Each piece looked like it was tailored specifically for the models from crochet dresses to lingerie streetwear.

Once the final model made her run, Davis, Dallas and Noelani came walking hand in hand with smiles that reached their ears. They look confident and poised dressed in their own creations. At this point, the walkway disappeared as friends and family came rushing in to congratulate the designers and models alike.

Each designer brought their own unique vision to the runway, showcasing a range of styles and aesthetics that highlighted the diversity of our local fashion industry. It was inspiring to see so many strong and confident women take to the stage, modeling beautiful designs with grace.

BITE BY BITE

Cliff’s Bar & Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com

La Palmerita orderlapalmerita.com

Rice + Noodles Korean Restaurant riceandnoodles.net

Angie’s Subs facebook.com/angiessubs

Azurea at One Ocean azurearestaurant.com

Barbara Jean’s on the Water barbarajeansonthewater.com

Coop 303 coop303.com

Engine 15 Brewing Company engine15.com

The Fish Company Restaurant and Oyster Bar thefishcojax.com

Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar flyingiguana.com

BEACHES

The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar thegoatjax.com

Marker 32 marker32.com

Mezzaluna mezzalunajax.com

Bellweather bellwetherjax.com

The Bread and Board thebreadandboard.com

Burrito Gallery burritogallery.com

Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com

De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe

Estrella Cocina estrellajax.com

The Happy Grilled Cheese thehappygrilledchees.wixsite.com/grilledcheese

Seven Wonders Restaurant 7wondersbakery.com

Tabouleh Cafe taboulehcafe.com

Indochine indochinejax.com

North Beach Fish Camp thenorthbeachfishcamp.com

Palm Valley Fish Camp palmvalleyfishcamp.com

Poe’s Tavern poestavern.com

Ragtime Tavern ragtimetavern.com

Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant safeharbor-seafood.com

Salt Life Food Shack saltlifefoodshack.com

Singleton’s Seafood Shack singletonsseafood.com

TacoLu tacolu.com

Valley Smoke BBQ valleysmoke.com

Juliette’s Bistro at Marriott Jacksonville Downtown marriott.com

Ocean Street Tacos oceanstreettacos.com

On The Fly Sandwiches & Stuff (food truck) ontheflyjax.com

Sweet Pete’s sweetpetescandy.com

Spliff’s Gastropub spliffsgastropub.com

MANDARIN

Berndt Ends BBQ facebook.com/berndtendsbbq

Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro bluebamboojacksonville.com

ChopHouse Thirteen chophouse13.com

Julington Creek Fish Camp julingtoncreekfishcamp.com

Buchner’s Bierhall buchnersbierhalle.com

MURRAY HILL

The Dreamette dreametteicecream.com

El Jefe Tex Mex eljefejax.com

Fired Up Pizza woodfireduppizza.com

NORTHSIDE

Green Papaya Pan Asian Cuisine greenpapayaus.com

Junior’s Seafood Restaurant juniorsseafoodrestaurant.com/north-jacksonville

Le Petit Paris French Cafe lepetitparisjax.com

Picasso’s Pizzeria jaxpicassos.wixsite.com/jaxpicassos

Umami Japanese Curry & Ramen umamijax.com

Maple Street Biscuit Company maplestreetbiscuits.com/murray-hill

Moon River Pizza moonriverpizza.net

Murray Hillbilly murrayhillbilly.com

Vagabond Coffee Co. vagabondcoffee.com

Joseph’s Pizza josephspizza.com/northside-full-menu

Ship 2 Shore Seafood & Steak ship2shoreseafood.com

RIVERSIDE & AVONDALE

13 Gypsies 13gypsies.com

904 Tacos facebook.com/904tacosfivepoints

Arepa Please arepaplease.com

Black Sheep blacksheep5points.com

Biggie’s Pizza biggiespizzajax.com

Biscottis biscottis.net

Blue Orchid blueorchidthai.com

Bold Bean boldbeancoffee.com

Brew Five Points brewfivepoints.co

Corner Taco cornertaco.com

Iguana on Park iguanaonpark.com

Jazzy’s Restaurant & Lounge jazzysrestaurant.net

Josephine josephineavondale.com

MOJO No. 4 Urban BBQ & Whiskey Bar mojobbq.com/mojo-no-4

The Mossfire Grill mossfire.com

Pizza Cave facebook.com/pizzacave5pts

Restaurant Orsay restaurantorsay.com

Sake House sakehousejax.com

Sushi Cafe sushicafejax.com

Sweet Theory Baking Company sweettheorybakingco.com

Taqueria Cinco taqueria5points.com

SAN MARCO

Bar Molino barmolino.com

bb’s bbsrestaurant.com

The Bearded Pig thebeardedpigbbq.com

Bistro AIX Restaurant and Lounge bistrox.com

European Street Cafe europeanstreet.com

Fuji Sushi jacksonvillefujisushi.com

SPRINGFIELD

1748 Bakehouse 1748bakehouse.com

Crispy’s Springfield Gallery facebook.com/CrispysSpringfieldGallery

Strings Sport Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com

SOUTHSIDE

III Forks 3forks.com/location/jacksonville

Catullo’s Italian catullos.hrpos.heartland.us/menu

Culhane’s Irish Pub culhanesirishpub.com

The French Pantry thefrenchpantryfl.com

WESTSIDE

The Juicy Crab thejuicycrabjax.com

The Fox Restaurant facebook.com/thefoxrestaurant

The Potter’s House Soul Food and Bistro thesoulfoodbistro.com

The Local thelocaljax.com

Matthew’s Restaurant matthewsrestaurant.com

The Metro Diner metrodiner.com

Peterbrooke peterbrooke.com/pages/san-marco

Taverna taverna.restaurant

Town Hall townhalljax.com

Silkie’s Chicken & Champagne Bar meetatsilkies.com

Waafa and Mike’s Cafe facebook.com/waafaandmikes

Prati Italia pratiitalia.com

Mr. Potato Spread mrpotatospread.com

Taste of Thai tasteofthaijax.com

Sushi Bear sushibearjax.com

Trent’s Seafood jltrents.com

Table for One: Karai Ramen Bistro

Words by Ernest J. Matthews

“Where shall we have lunch?” A question Douglas Adams wrote showed the highest level of a civilization. It’s a question many ask every day, and while eating is one of the biggest social activities we do, I prefer to do it in solitude. For me, it’s about the simplicity of keeping it a meal instead of turning it into anything more. Allowing the mind to wander, the senses to loose and the soul to rest. It gives one the chance to really absorb one’s surroundings, and even more so, the food.

There is a mild stigma to dining alone, but with a few stories I hope to help break that. In no way would I like anyone to feel this is any sort of judgment of an establishment. It’s more of a heartfelt telling of an experience I enjoyed in one of the many gastronomic points of interest in our great city. Some of these places are ones I frequent, while others have come by suggestion. One of the first that comes to mind is Karai Ramen Bistro.

I originally saw some ads for Karai on social media but didn’t try it until a few comrades of trusted opinions mentioned it. It’s always good to surround yourself with those who have similar palates and a few with opposing ones just to keep things interesting. Luckily this wasn’t my first time there because it’s not the easiest place to find. On the corner of Beach Boulevard and San Pablo Road lies a large plaza with this unassuming restaurant in between a row of other businesses. The martial arts studio next door was in full swing with many tired parents waiting out front. (I can only imagine the crushing boredom of waiting for your child’s after-school activities to be over.) I walk inside to a small but welcoming dining area, and the lovely smell of simmering broth soon to become nourishment hits me. I have made the right choice today.

I seat myself at their “bar,” which is more of a half wall near the kitchen, but it serves its purpose well. A row of Japanese beer and sake sits on top of that wall for all to see, as they serve a greater purpose. The server comes over to take my drink order. I ordered some water and an unfiltered sake, a favorite of mine even though its name escapes me. My server gives a slight smile and walks away. She is stern but not rude. I shift my eyes to the artwork: scenes of flowers, birds and unfamiliar characters on the wall. Some ornate teapots catch my eye as well, lending to the traditional aesthetic. I considered ordering some tea, but my focus quickly changed as my sake arrived.

She sets the bottle down with a small red cup, and after a minute of contemplation, I oblige. It’s probably rude to drink it straight from the bottle. Notes of white grape and a light nuttiness play on my tongue, the creamy texture coating my mouth. A good palate cleanser for the meal ahead.

I always take some time to check the menu. I had considered a pork broth earlier, but the council that was my taste buds craved spice. The Akai Katsu

Chicken Ramen had won the vote, and the Tonkotsu would have to wait. I had this before so I also knew to order the Katsu chicken appetizer with it. The ramen came with two but the extra appetizer is worth it, as it often comes out before the ramen. My peppery chicken and duck broth was en route, and I needed to prepare for its arrival. I take some napkins and ready my chopsticks and spoon to the side. Karai conveniently puts these at the table with a few different sauces to add at your leisure.

The Katsu tenders arrive first (as expected), and I instantly tear into one. Steam pours out to remind me it’s too hot to eat. I ignore that. The crispiness of the panko and the salty soy glaze put on a show. A perfect opening act, but I still leave two tenders for the finale.

After some minutes and half the bottle of sake, the moment had come. A steaming bowl of rich broth, fried scallions, red onion and noodles lay before me. The chicken tenders lie on top with a custard egg and green onion to garnish. I once again ignore the temperature. The flavors are bold but refined, the raw onion bursting its flavor into the broth with a light crunch. The noodles come into play with a light but noticeable chewiness, a cozy contrast of texture. The breading on the Katsu absorbs the flavor of the broth becoming a part of it; the tender chicken inside adding to the bite. As I take my last sip of the meal, I can feel the heat from the peppers throughout my mouth, and the satisfied council of taste buds take a recess.

At this point, the restaurant was full. The seat next to me and a single table waiting to be bussed were all that were left. There were a few delivery drivers awkwardly awaiting their orders, and the fact they were impeding the way to the restroom did not occur to them. While checking an email, the other server had snuck behind me and taken the remnants of my dinner. I’ll admit it, she scared the heck out of me. My server made her way back and I gave her my card. She returned my receipt with another slight smile and we went our separate ways. Another lovely dinner with myself and some quiet contemplation.

Vegan Chef Challenge

Words by Shelton Hull

The array of options available for vegan diners has grown almost as vast as the variety of vegan foods available in stores. This includes an increased number of actual vegan restaurants but also, even more importantly, more choices at places that aren’t typically vegan-friendly at all. The restaurant industry is moving quickly to accommodate this heightened demand to the point where it’s now almost impossible to find at least a couple of vegan items on practically every menu in this city or any other.

The Vegan Chef Challenge (VCC) has taken place in 14 U.S. states so far, but the inaugural Florida competition is taking place at restaurants across Northeast Florida this April. It’s been run here by Francesca Taylor and Yuri Mitzkewich.

Basically, every participating venue is asked to prepare at least one vegan item. Most tend to make three, an appetizer, soup or entree, and a dessert, but there are no hard and fast rules on this. You can use vegan items already on the menu, but you’re encouraged to develop a new recipe specifically for the event, and it’s really a great opportunity to do so. During the month (in our case, April), patrons will be able to go sample those items, while of course enjoying their regular vittles, then take pictures of their food (and you know how we love that!) and vote on their favorites. Votes will be tallied throughout the month with a final closing event to award the winners and give everyone involved a chance to meet formally.

The VCC was created by Eleni Vlachos and Chef Shirle in Durham, North Carolina, in 2010 with the express intent of fomenting growth in the vegan food scene in their community. If you’ve been in that region lately (or any good college town, for that matter), you’ve seen that their idea worked quite well. They’ve successfully exported the business model across the country, starting in Sacramento in 2011. Their efforts are supported by Vegan Outreach, a 501(c)3 based in Davis, California, but individual communities are encouraged to develop their own events with the blessing and support of the national brand.

The Jacksonville version of this event takes place throughout April, and it’s one of four cities doing it in that time. The others are Amarillo (home of the legendary Double Cross Ranch), South East Bay and the aptly-named Yolo County, both in California. There have already been six this year in Anchorage, Santa Fe, Knoxville, Detroit, Olympia and Central Arkansas with events coming to Atlanta, Dallas, Charlotte and Sacramento. The range in geography reflects the range in cuisine, even within an already highly-stratified industry. Rather than viewing veganism as an impediment to their creativity, more cooks at work and at home are seizing the opportunity to experiment and adapt their skills to new ingredients or vice versa. The VCC is an effective overview of all that fresh thinking.

There are 12 venues currently signed up to compete in the Jacksonville Vegan Chef Challenge: Buddha Thai Bistro, Cultural Kitchen & Catering, Icecapade Frozen Treats, Kravegan, M Brothers at Mayo, Matthew’s Restaurant, Midtown Table, Murray Hillbilly, My V Spot, Planta Pura Vegan Eats, Seitanic Jax and Vegan Cafe Jax. The contest is open to any restaurant, cafe, food truck, meal-prepper, pop-up or private chef in Northeast Florida, as long as you have a means by which customers can obtain your product. Check out veganchefchallenge.org to sign up and keep up with the competition as it unfolds.

PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Dining Out for Life: An Interview with Donna Fuchs, Executive Director of NFAN

Words and Interview by Rob Nicholson

NFAN (Northeast Florida AIDS Network) is gearing up for its annual Dining Out for Life on April 27. The one-day-only fundraiser is part of a national campaign that encourages local restaurants to donate a portion of their sales for the day to a local HIV service, which, in Jacksonville, is NFAN.

Nationally, more than fifty local HIV service organizations partner with 2,400+ participating restaurants, 4,100+ volunteers, and 300,000+ diners to raise over $4.5 million for people living with HIV/AIDS in the United States and Canada. Best part? All funds raised through a city’s Dining Out for Life event stay in that city to provide help and hope to people living with or impacted by HIV/AIDS.

In 2022, NFAN helped serve 21,000 meals to 523 families, 491 clients were provided medical case management, 730 people were provided some type of education, 693 people where given housing assistance and 185 clients were provided insurance. Funds raised as part of Dining Out for Life support NFAN’s Mary H. Lewis Food Pantry, which provides sustenance for food insecure clients and their families.

I talked to Donna Fuchs, executive director of NFAN, about the event and the generosity of locally-owned restaurants and the general public for supporting the cause by Dining Out for Life.

The following restaurants will be donating between 25-50% of their daily sales (some include alcohol sales) on April 27 in support of NFAN. Why not show them some support?

• Athenian Owl

• bb’s

• Bellwether

• Biscottis

• Black Sheep Restaurant

• Carmines Pie House

• European Street Cafe–San Marco

• Fred Cottens Landmark BBQ

• The Garage

• Hamburger Mary’s

• Hot Dog Jen (first-time participant!)

• Lola’s Burrito Joint

• The Phoenix Bar & and Bowling

• Restaurant Orsay

• Tulua Bistro

ARLINGTON

Cliff’s Bar and Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com

BEACHES/PONTE VEDRA

Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com

The Brix Taphouse jacksonvillebeachbar.com

Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com Flask & Cannon facebook.com/flaskandcannon

Green Room Brewing greenroombrewing.com

Grey Matter Distillery greymatterdistillery.com Gusto gustojax.com

Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com

Ink Factory Brewing inkfactorybrewing.com

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com

Julep Palm Valley facebook.com/JulepPalmValley

Lemon Bar & Grille lemonbarjax.com

Lynch’s Irish Pub lynchsirishpub.com

Mango’s mangosjaxbeach.com

Mavi’s Waterfront Bar & Grill mavijax.com

NIGHTLIFE

Monkey’s Uncle Tavern monkeysuncletavern.com

Palm Valley Outdoors Bar and Grill palmvalleyoutdoors.com

Penthouse Lounge at Casa Marina Hotel casamarinahotel.com/penthouse-lounge

Ragtime Tavern ragtimetavern.com

Refinery Jax Beach refineryjaxbeach.com

Reve Brewing revebrewing.com

The Ritz Lounge theritzlounge.com

The Shim Sham Room shimshamroom.com

Southern Swells Brewing Company southernswells.com

Surfer The Bar surferthebar.com

DOWNTOWN

1904 Music Hall 1904musichall.com

The Bier Hall intuitionaleworks.com/bierhall

Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com

Dos Gatos dosgatosjax.com

Element Bistro & Craft Cocktail Lounge elementjax.com

Intuition Aleworks intuitionaleworks.com

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com

Justice Pub facebook.com/TheJusticePub

Manifest Distillery manifestdistilling.com

Ruby Beach Brewing rubybeachbrewing.com

Underbelly underbellyjax.com

The Volstead thevolsteadjax.com

FLEMING ISLAND Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com/fleming-island

Mercury Moon facebook.com/Mercury-Moon

Mr. Chubby’s Wings mrchubbyswings.com

Sunset Tiki Bar the-sunset-tiki-bar.business.site

Whitey’s Fish Camp whiteysfishcamp.com

INTRACOASTAL WEST 9 Zero Pour 9zeropour.com

MVP’s Sports Grille facebook.com/mvpssportsgrille

The Spot Hookah Lounge thespothookahloungejax.com

MANDARIN/JULINGTON CREEK/FRUIT COVE 2nd Bay Brewing 2ndbaybrewing.com

Iggy’s Grill and Bar facebook.com/IggysGrill

Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com

Legacy Ale Works legacyaleworks.com

Monkey’s Uncle Tavern facebook.com/MonkeysUncleMandarin1

Rack’em Up Sports Bar facebook.com/rackemupsportsbar

MURRAY HILL

Buchner’s Bierhalle buchnersbierhalle.com

Fishweir Brewing Company fishweirbrewing.com

The Flamingo theflamingojax.com

Perfect Rack Billiards perfectrackbilliards.com

The Stout Snug thestoutsnug.com

The Walrus thewalrusjax.com

NORTHSIDE

Coppertop Bar and Restaurant coppertopbarandrestaurant.com

Four Fathers Distillery fourfathersdistillery.com

ORANGE PARK/MIDDLEBURG

57 Heaven facebook.com/57HeavenOP

Big Dawgs Sports Restaurant bigdawgsrestaurant.com

Cheers Park Avenue cheersparkave.com

The Daq Shack thedaqshack904.com

Dee’s Music Bar and Grill facebook.com/musicbarandgrill

The Fresh Spot Lounge thefreshspotlounge.com

LeaderBoard Arcade leaderboardarcade.com

Locals Pub localspub.co

Nakama Anime Bar nakamabar.com

Park Avenue Billiards parkavenuebilliards.com

Pinglehead Brewing Company pinglehead.com

Southern Social Whiskey Bar & Lounge southernsocialbar.com

RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE Birdies facebook.com/birdiesfivepoints

Bold City Brewery boldcitybrewery.com

Brick Restaurant brickofavondale.com

Burlock & Barrel burlockandbarrel.com

Casbah Cafe thecasbahcafe.com

Dart Bar & Games facebook.com/DartBarJax

Eclipse Bar & Nightclub facebook.com/EclipseBarJax

The Garage garagejax.com

The Green House thegreenhousebar.com

Hoptinger Bier Garden + Sausage House hoptinger.com

Jazzy’s Restaurant & Lounge jazzysrestaurant.net

Kanine Social Taproom kaninesocial.com

Keg & Coin kegandcoinjax.com

Kingmaker Brewing kingmakerbrewing.com

Lemonstreet Brewing Company lemonstreetbrewing.com

TUESDAY,

7PM - 8:30PM

WJCT STUDIOS

100 Festival Park Avenue

Jacksonville, Florida 32202 Join

loftjax.com

Myrtle Avenue Brewing facebook.com/MyrtleAveBrewing

Park Place Lounge park-place-lounge.business.site

Rain Dogs instagram.com/raindogs5points

River & Post riverandpostjax.com

Rogue Bar facebook.com/rogue.bar.1

Root Down facebook.com/RootDownJax

Tabula Rasa Brewing tabularasa.beer

Wall Street Lounge facebook.com/TheWallStreetLounge Wildcrafters facebook.com/wildcraftersjax

SAN MARCO/ST. NICHOLAS Aardwolf Brewing Company aardwolfbrewing.com

Bar Molino barmolino.com

Breezy Jazz House breezyjazzhouse.com

Cuba Libre Ultra Lounge cubalibrebar.com

Fore Score Golf Tavern forescoregolf.com

The Grape & Grain Exchange grapeandgrainexchange.com

Hamburger Mary’s hamburgermarys.com/jax

Kava & Company kavaandcompany.com

The Mudville Grill themudvillegrill.com

The Players Grille playersgrille.com

Posting House posting.house

Sidecar instagram.com/sidecarjax

Tabula Rasa Brewing tabularasa.beer

SOUTHSIDE/ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER Austin Karaoke facebook.com/austinkaraoke

Bottlenose Brewing bottlenosebrewing.com

Culhane’s culhanesirishpub.com

Island Girl Cigar Bar islandgirlcigarbar.com

Jax Craft Beer jaxcraftbeer.com

Secret Tiki Temple secrettikitemple.com

Seven Bridges Grille & Brewery 7bridgesgrille.com

Veterans United Craft Brewery vubrew.com

Wicked Barley Brewing Company wickedbarley.com

WXYZ Bar at Aloft Hotel AloftJacksonvilleTapestryPark.com

SPRINGFIELD Crispy’s Springfield Gallery crispysspringfieldgallery.com

Historically Hoppy Brewing Company historicallyhoppy.com

Hyperion Brewing hyperionbrewing.com Shantytown Pub facebook.com/shantytownjax

Strings Sports Brewery stringssportsbrewery.com

ST. AUGUSTINE Arnold’s Lounge arnoldslounge.com

Beacon Listening Room beaconstaug.com

Cellar Upstairs Bar at San Sebastian Winery sansebastianwinery.com

The Original Café Eleven originalcafe11.com

Prohibition Kitchen pkstaug.com

Tradewinds Lounge tradewindslounge.com

WESTSIDE Lillian’s lillianssportsgrill.com

The Phoenix Bar & Bowling facebook.com/thephoenixjax

RAISING THE BAR WITH BROGAN KESTLE

Words and Interview by Ambar Ramirez

I bet we’ve all wondered what it takes to make a good drink. Is it about ordering topshelf? The mixers you choose? Or is it about the person making the drink?

Imagine this: You head out to the beach bars on a busy Friday night to make your way to Lynch’s because the music’s always good and the crowd is always lively. Before getting your groove on, you have to grab a drink (naturally). You head over to the bar and squeeze your way into an open spot. Quickly, you order your go-to-drink. The bartender hands you a copper colored mug and when you look up to pay the bartender, you are met with a smiling freckled face and blue eyes. You pay and respectfully thank the lovely blonde.

Then you take a sip of the refreshing Moscow mule, and it’s the best one you’ve had, let alone in a crowded dive bar. You start to compare other mules you’ve had in your mind to try and distinguish what sets this one apart.

Who made this perfectly-crafted cocktail you may be wondering? It should come as no surprise it was Brogan Kestle, who just so happened to be voted Best Bartender in Folio’s 2022 Best of Jax Readers Poll.

Kestle met up with me at Folio HQ on a Thursday afternoon to give us all the secrets of what it takes to be the best bartender and some dos and don’ts for bar guests.

W A TCHTHE INTERVIEW HE R E

Interview with Emily Saliers of the Indigo Girls

Words and Interview by Rob Nicholson

It has been over 35 years since Emily Saliers and Amy Ray teamed up to form what would become the Indigo Girls—or, as “Rolling Stone” has called them “ideal duet partners.” Together, multi-platinum, Grammy Award winners and ferocious songwriters. And they aren’t limited to the success of the Indigo Girls. Both Sailers and Ray have solo records and careers, working and collaborating on all kinds of projects including films and musicals. They are even the subject matter of a new documentary that premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January called “It’s Only Life After All.”

The Indigo Girls are currently touring in support of their 16th studio album called “Look Long” that they recorded in Bath, England at Peter Gabriel’s Real World Studios. But for their upcoming show in Jacksonville, they won’t be focused on their new material. Instead, they will be playing their major hits and some surprising deep cuts—with the Jacksonville Symphony. The one-of-a-kind show takes place April 21 at the Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts and will raise funds for JASMYN, which assists LGBTQ+ youth in the region with their wellbeing and mental health, employment, education, and housing.

I sat down with Emily in a video interview to talk about old times when we were just kids, running around Atlanta, doing bar shows and playing around on the radio. We talk about how a folk duo goes through the process of becoming a symphonic experience, the importance of supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and activism, and how much they LOVE Jacksonville.

INDIGO GIRLS

WITH THE JACKSONVILLE SYMPHONY

The Grammy Award®-winning Indigo Girls join the Jacksonville Symphony for a one-night-only performance of their greatest hits!

Celebrating their successful, four-decade-long career, the program features Indigo Girls’ popular hits like "Galileo," "Kid Fears," "Closer to Fine" and "Making Promises" accompanied by the Jacksonville Symphony. Conductor Grant O’Brien leads the Symphony in an evening that blurs the lines between folk, rock, pop and classical genres, resulting in a breathtaking fusion of song and symphonic sound.

SOUNDS OF JAX

Words by Tysen Romeo

Almost anything and everything makes sound. It is an essential part of our lives. Sound is a combination of vibrations that travel into your ears and then transform into electrical signals that are sent to your brain via the vestibulocochlear nerve, which, in turn, makes your brain tell you that you are hearing a sound while trying to determine what that sound is.

Researchers at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found that when listening to natural sounds, like rain drops on your roof or birds chirping in the morning, bodily systems that control the flight or fight and rest and digest responses are affected.

“When listening to natural sounds, the brain connectivity reflected an outward-directed focus of attention; when listening to artificial sounds, the brain connectivity reflected an inward-directed focus of attention, similar to states observed in anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder and depression,” according to their research.

This happens because of vibrations. Everything in life has its own vibration, and when we attune ourselves with these vibrations by either spending time in nature or listening to sounds through recordings of it, our vibrations harmonize with them, and we feel connected to nature.

Even when we sing or listen to music our bodies/minds have some pretty interesting reactions. When we sing, vibrations

course through us, which alter our physical and emotional being. Singing also releases endorphins, which act as our brain’s “happy” chemicals, as well as oxytocin, our “love” hormone. People who sing regularly are proven to sustain high levels of emotional stability and well-being.

When listening to music, the brain is affected a little differently, but it has the same overall effect. Music has the ability to produce some of the strongest emotional reactions. It can make us happy, sad, nostalgic or even scared. Everyone’s taste of music differs, so the effects are different and also depend on the songs they are listening to. Whether you are listening to a song that reminds you of your childhood or someone special to you or one that’s upbeat and makes you want to dance, music will make you feel something.

I recorded what I hear throughout a normal day in Jacksonville from going to Starbucks for my morning coffee to walking Downtown, passing through traffic to get to the “Folio” office and hearing music playing in James Weldon Johnson Park, then leaving the office and spending the rest of my day at the beach and in nature while the sun is still out. On the drive home, the windows are down to hear the wind and feel the breeze, then wrapping up my day full of sounds with going out with friends to a kava bar and hearing live music.

Florida Avengers, Assemble!

Women’s tackle football is back in action

Words by Tysen Romeo

Football is one of the biggest sports in America. You know, the game where two teams run up and down a field that is 120 yards long tackling each other, while they fight over possession of a brown leather ball shaped like almond.

The NFL is the wealthiest professional sports league in the United States. Yet, according to a survey done by Zippia, only 2.55% of football players are women while 97.45% of football players are men. Why are we letting men have all the fun?

A group of individuals saw a need and desire from the community to put a women’s tackle football team in the spotlight, not only in Jacksonville, but in the state of Florida. In 2019, the team was assembled and took on the name the Florida Avengers. Their goal is to be a premier women’s tackle football team in Florida and to build a respectful organization that is highly competitive and provides a place for female athletes to grow.

“I love being part of a team and organization that empowers women to grow and make a positive impact on themselves and within the community,” said middle linebacker Alex Perry.

The team knew that the best place for them to grow was with the Women’s National Football Conference (WNFC). With the support of the WNFC, the Florida Avengers are on their way to accomplishing their goals, which helps the team focus on practicing so they have a successful season this year.

Outside linebacker and running back Paige Jones said, “We are the

pioneers for many young girls who hope to play women’s tackle football one day and get paid for doing it. We aren’t paid yet, but that is a goal for us who sacrifice our bodies, time and money. We do it for the future and for pure love of the game.”

Perry added, “We want to be role models that if you want to do something you can. It doesn’t matter if it’s for ‘boys’ usually. There really isn’t any such thing anymore. There really aren’t any limits.”

The Florida Avengers’ 2023 season kicks off this month with an away game against the Kansas City Glow April followed by their first home game April 8 against the Tennessee Trojans. Other home games are April 15 vs. the Atlanta Phoenix and April 29 vs. the Washington Prodigy. The Avengers wrap up their regular season in May at Atlanta. The playoffs leak into June, and if they make it to the championship, it will be on June 2. Home games are played at Fletcher High School, and single game tickets are $15 (kids under 10 get in free).

Jones summed up playing for the Avengers this way: “I love playing tackle football because it’s like being in a fight. You get to go to battle with your team. It brings out every emotion. This group has been through hell, and now we’re ready to shock the world together,” and that, “We aren’t trying to take away from men’s tackle football but to only be in addition too.”

The Florida Avengers are always looking for more players too! They hold tryouts in October and November every year, and interested players can register and find out more about the team at floridaavengers. com. The team is also looking for sponsors, volunteers and interns and can be reached at floridaavengers@wnfcfootball.com.

ZarahY FormerFootballPlayer

"Itjusthealsupsomuchbetter. TothepointI’mmorefunctionalnow thanIhavebeeninyears!”

TARGETEDTREATMENTS RAPIDRECOVERY

GOOD

COVER STORY 1994: FOLLOW UP QUESTIONS WITH PUSHPA DEVI

Pushpa Devi was featured in a “Folio” cover story from November 1994, where she told her story about her traumatic childhood experience about being adopted and taken to the U.S. from her home in Calcutta (Kolkata), India. We reached out to Pushpa to catch up since the last time we spoke to her almost 20 years ago.

FOLIO: In the 1994 cover story, you mentioned two differing stories about how you were adopted. Do you now fully believe you know everything that happened?

PUSHPA DEVI: I am still unsure of the answers. I have had some interactions with my mother that make me question her honesty. I also believe my adoptive parents did not have any idea of what may have actually happened. The actual truth is still a mystery to me.

FOLIO : Has your perception of the situation changed since the 1994 story?

PD: Absolutely. I had a long-term relationship with my mother and brought her here to visit. After she was here for three days, my friend who could speak the language with my mother told me that my mother was either on drugs or had a mental sickness. Unfortunately, I had to send her home after being here only a few days. We have not talked since then. That was in 2015. I honestly don’t know what the truth is, but I am OK with not knowing at this point.

FOLIO: What is your relationship with your birth mother now?

PD: I do not communicate with her but I do talk with my sister and nieces. I found out my mother is verbally abusive to my sister, and now my sister has very little to do with her either. I am not sure that she even told me the truth at this point.

FOLIO: What is your relationship with your adoptive family?

PD: My parents and brother whom I had a relationship with have all passed away. My sisters are still alive, but I have no relationship with them. I grew to be really close to my mother before she passed. I was always close to my dad.

FOLIO: What has the last 20 years taught you?

PD: To find the beauty in all things that feel horrible and are traumatic. There is a reason for all that we go through. We just have a hard time seeing it at the moment. My journey has been full of healing and getting to my own soul’s mission. This path taught me to find the nuggets of empowering insights to healing.

FOLIO: Do you believe the cover story from 1994 told the whole story?

PD: At the time that was all we knew, and it was close to the whole story.

FOLIO: Was there anything left unsaid in the cover story?

PD: I would say there was not a whole lot about my adoptive parents and who they really were.

FOLIO : Is there anything else you have to say to our readers?

PD: Just that life is a series of events that we don’t always understand but may be quick to judge. Allow time and space to let yourself grow out of your own mire. Even though we go through very traumatic events in our lives, and we think we can only be survivors we actually can thrive out of it. I healed everything with my adoptive parents before they passed away. I have also grown to really be grateful for the life they gave me. I would not want to go back and live a life in Calcutta. I have no regrets.

Devi also just released a new book called The Lucky Lotus, if you want to check out more about her book and what she does now, you can click the link below to go straight to her website.

https://www.authorpushpadevi.com

Baseball’s never been hotter with the Jacksonville…Jiffy Feet?

Words by Folio Staff

It comes as no surprise that Jacksonville’s baseball team has had a history of changing its name. They have had quite a few makeovers since becoming a Minor League Baseball team back in 1911. Their inaugural season kicked off under the name Jacksonville Tarpons, but shortly after (literally six years later) the Jacksonville Tarpons changed their name to the Roses. And then the Scouts, then the Indians, the Tars, the Braves, the Suns, the Expos, the Suns again, and finally, and currently, the Jumbo Shrimp.

Back in 2015, long-time owner Peter Brogan sold the Jacksonville Suns to Ken Babby. And following a final season played as the Suns in 2016, Babby unexpectedly changed the MiLB team’s name (again) to the Jumbo Shrimp. And a short seven years later, he’s at it again. Recently, the Folio team received the following email from an anonymous inside source.

Good morning Folio Team,

I have reason to believe that the vice-president of the Jumbo Shrimp, Noel Blaha, has been in cahoots with owner Ken Babby regarding a potential name change. How I came to find this out was an email left in the outbox with a new logo. That logo? A foot. A dirty foot. With the name “Jiffy Feet” contained within. I have since done more digging on the downlow, of course, on the issue along with a few of my co workers and feel as if this could be a huge story for Jacksonville. We are unsure how the new name and logo will go over with fans so we are genuinely concerned. If this is something you wish to investigate further, please let me know. Happy to help in any way I can.

Kind regards,

LLalalalalalalalala

After receiving this email, we reached out and scheduled an in-per son meeting at the Folio office with the sources, who came with the proof. The president of the Jumbo Shrimp was, in fact, discussing a complete rebrand for Jacksonville’s baseball team. We were informed that a few names were being tossed around between Babby and Bla ha, and the name they landed on was ultimately the Jacksonville Jiffy Feet. Yeah. You read that right. Now before you go up in arms about the sudden (and random) name, the term “Jiffy feet” is unique to Jack sonville.

It is unclear where the term originated, but back in 2008, painted wooden cutouts of black-soled feet began popping up in public plac es all throughout Jacksonville. The man behind this invasion of “Jiffy Feet” was Jacksonville-born artist R. Land. In an article on The Jaxson website, Land shared his first experience with a “Jiffy foot” when a man wore nothing but soil-caked tube socks into a Jiffy store on the Westside. The man left such an impression that Land couldn’t help but use this man as a muse. “It’s so cool how it resonates,” Land said. “It’s

like a connection with the city’s soul, and sole, in both senses.” The black-soled feet have since been seen as a representation of life on the First Coast.

Babby changed the team’s name from the Suns to the Jumbo Shrimp because he felt the oxymoron coincided with the small-town feel in such a big city. But given the history of name changes and the fact that our city is constantly growing, it only makes sense that the local team would once again rebrand, but this time, changing their name to a term that will always portray life in Jacksonville.

We reached out to Babby and Blaha for comment and have yet to receive a reply. We expect the official announcement to be made soon, once they have the legal parameters and trademark filing completed. The sources tell us that it’s in the works, as well. Due to no comment, the team may be waiting until next season to unveil the official name change since the season begins April 4.