2024 PAGE 25 WE’RE DOOMED HOW REALITY TV DATING SHOWS HOLD A MIRROR TO THE DARK SIDE OF DATING IN REALITY WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT THE TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB CONCERT PAGE 48 AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A HURRICANE PARTY PAGE 17
ANGELA PHILLIPS Publisher
TERESA SPENCER General Manager
JOHN PHILLIPS Vice President
KERRY SPECKMAN Copy Editor/ Writer
AMBAR RAMIREZ Creative Director
CARMEN MACRI Multi-media Creative/ Social Media Manager/ Lead Writer
SHELTON HULL Writer
AMIYAH GOLDEN Writer/Photographer
Writer
EMILY CHEYNE Writer
EMILY CANNON Writer
TAYLOR BROWN Account Executive/Writer
KARA CARTER Writer
MALLORY PACE
Writer
HARRY MOORE
Writer
TIM JONES
Comic Curator
Get out of the sun, cool off, take a chill pill and try to be a journalist. It is not Trump’s Project 25. It is a wish list by the Heritage Foundation, and I, about as easily profiled as can be, reject it, just as Trump has done with some of it. It give him no power. The items on the wish list cannot happen without Congressional approval. Trump has said he would not ban abortion. SCOTUS which you probably excoriate constantly, said it is an individual State matter. Trump via the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 lowered taxes across the board. The Act is set to expire in December 31, 2025. Bet you a thousand dollars he doesn’t allow that to happen. I saw your little opposition blurb in the recent edition I picked up. You haven’t changed in approximately 30 years. Unfortunately, you still have some influence on the witless, Fiji Water dri nking, THC addled fog brain wannabe Hippies around here, but have some self respect. You twist the news so much you just might screw yourselves into the ground.
Michael Maxwell
BOUQS & BRICKS
BOUQUETS
To New Worlds Reading Initiative for helping Florida students meet grade-level reading expectations . The free home literacy program offers nine free books and reading activities in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole and braille and is available to families in Duval County. For more information or to enroll, visit newworldsreading.com/en
BRICKBATS
To tailgaters. No, not the ones who sip suds and eat barbecue before a sporting event or concert. We mean drivers in Northeast Florida who follow too closely behind another car, leaving no room to stop if braking is necessary.
Despite the admonition here, we know tailgaters aren’t going to stop any time soon (or ever, really), so here’s a tip on how to disengage with one. First, ensure you are not driving too slowly, then simply move to the right lane or pull over to let the tailgater pass. Do NOT brake suddenly or block them from passing as this may escalate the situation. It’s also illegal and considered a form of aggressive driving that can be linked to road rage. And don’t honk or scream or flip the other driver off. Just take care of your own safety and get out of the way.
HOROSCOPES
Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
Get your dancing boots on, Aries, because you will be partying all August long. The feeling of being a home body is fleeting and the local dive bar is calling your name. Mars, your ruling planet, is in Leo for the beginning of the month, igniting your passion for self expression — and partying.
ARIES TAURUS
Welcome to August, Taurus. While many are getting ready for the school season and finally unpacking their vacation bags, you’re stuck in a nostalgic loop, not quite ready to stop romanticizing your summer. Good news is that you don’t have to stop. Your ruling planet, Venus, will be in Cancer for most of the month, urging you to nurture relationships and create a cozy environment at home.
GEMINI
Communication is key this month, Gemini — we know how hard that is for you. It is time to put your big boy pants on and face things head on. Mercury, your ruling planet, will enter retrograde on the fourth calling for you to be extra mindful with how you express yourself. Not everyone can read your mind or your intentions. Think before you speak.
CANCER
After what we hope was a fulfilling Cancer season, you’re finally at a point in your life where you are ready to accept love. With Venus in your sign for most of the month, you’ll be feeling more confident and attractive. Use this to your advantage, Cancer, and assert yourself to go after what (or who) you really want.
LEO
Happy birthday, Leo! (Though you act like every day is your birthday.) With the Sun in your sign for most of the month, you will be radiating a confidence that will be undeniable, almost palpable. That being said, your love life will take quite the exciting turn this month. Interpret that as you will.
VIRGO
While we are a ways away from hibernation season, it seems that you are needing to retreat sooner rather than later, Virgo. With your ruling planet Mercury going retrograde this month, your going to feel like the only thing that can solve your problems is if you ignore them and hide away in the dark corners of your room. Newsflash, that will more than likely worsen your troubles so maybe put on a helmet and face them head on.
Are you going to go your whole life waiting to be invited out by your friends or is this the month you finally make the first move, Libra? In all seriousness, with Venus in Cancer for most of the month, you’re going to be hyperfixated on your social life and long-term goals. Meaning that it’s time to get serious about your relationships, romantic and platonic.
It’s a single summer for you, Scorpio, and if it’s not, make it one. August is a time of renewal for you. It is time to focus on yourself and work on healing those demons. With Saturn in your fifth house of romance, you always seek stability and commitment with your partners. Let’s work on that. Don’t tie yourself down to one miserable relationship; why not have three?
Libra Scorpio Sagittarius
You’ve neglected your adventurous side for far too long, Sagittarius, and this month there’s no stopping it from coming to the surface. With your ruling planet Jupiter still in Taurus, you’re going to keep seeing signs from the universe pushing you to try new things in both your work life and relationships. And the universe is also pushing you to take another trip because summer only stops when you say it does.
Capricorn
Money this, controlling that, maybe it is time to break the stereotype and take on a whole new persona. Maybe one that is more lax? Or maybe one that is not so insufferable? It seems like every decision you’ve been making has been the wrong one, and you knew that going into it. Now is not the time for a pity party. Get it together.
Aquarius
Wow, Aquarius, we would ask who hurt you, but unfortunately, we know the answer. And though you’ve probably been told that bad things come in threes, it seems that a limit does not exist. With your ruling planet Uranus in Taurus, expect the unexpected. It’s about the only thing you can depend on at this point.
Pisces
How’s that big move going? Regretting it yet? Sure hope not. With Neptune, your ruling planet, still in your sign and in retrograde, it will bring forth a sense of focus for your daily routines. Keep it going. Find a hobby and stick with it.
Photos courtesy of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. All rights reserved.
Words by Emily Cannon
LIFE
BEHIND
The spotlight has been fixed on not just the football players during this year’s preseason. Since the new hit Netflix show “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders” premiered the talk of NFL cheerleaders has been at the forefront of the media. This show follows the behind the scenes life of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders (DCC). The seven-episode docuseries gives viewers the chance to see into a world most will never know. As many new fans are taking to TikTok to try the cheerleader’s signature dance to AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck” and trying their best at a jump split, others are looking further into other topics from the show such as pay, mental health and the physical wellbeing of these girls.
THE POM-POMS
While the idea of being a cheerleader for any NFL team seems like a glamorous, exciting life, it also comes with many struggles and issues that most will never understand. These girls are meant to be perfect at all times with full hair and makeup and body standards that almost seem impossible to the normal person, but their one goal is to please others and make others feel good.This new show was able to give an insight to fans on the other side of this idea and develop a conversation about these issues.
One of the cheerleaders shown on the show was not able to fully say the pay of a DCC but related it to being a “full time employee at Chick-Fil-a.” While a football player for the same team is making millions of dollars a year. According to a 2017 report by ESPN, the average pay for a cheerleader is $150 dollars per game with additional pay for appearances, practice and other events which on average is around $22,000 dollars a year. (The DCC are said to make $500 per game.) Many of the cheerleaders mention that they do not do this for the money but to fulfill a dream they have been training for their entire life.
The mental health aspect is a side that needs to be addressed. With trying to keep the high standards of the team while being committed to working a full time job and the extra parts of being a cheerleader they do not get much time to breathe. Trying to always be perfect and not let any emotion show can take a toll on their mental health. The picture perfect ideas and expectations of cheerleaders make hopefuls think that their lives would be perfect if they were one of them. When candidates get into training camp, it flips to a new perspective from the normal eye. Being told how to look, how to eat and basically being told that you have to be a certain way to make the team can affect someone’s mental health.
Former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader Victoria Kalina, opened up on the show about her mental health about struggling with depression during her four seasons with the Cowboys and even took a break in between her seasons to get the help she needed. She now shares about it on her Instagram account in a series she started called “Mental Health Mondays” to help others that may be struggling.
Physical wear and tear on the cheerleaders bodies is also a concern. I mean, it isn’t in everyday life that you jump into a split over and over. Many of the cheerleaders face injuries each season and the wear and tear on their bodies is an issue that needs to be looked into further. Not to mention the eating habits and disorders this line of work can lead to with the crazy schedules they have and the uniform standards that exist. The classic uniform of the Cowboys Cheerleaders does not hide much of one’s body and that can cause some to take drastic measures to feel good in the uniform. Most cheerleaders only do a few years because of the body issues it can cause. Former DCC Caroline Sundvold shared on the show about her surgeries to her hip and foot after she retired while showing her accepting the Veteran of the Year award on crutches and another dancer stating that she lives with hip pain each day from the high kicks and jump splits.
The glamorous lives of NFL cheerleaders may seem as if they are living the dream and that their world is perfect but is the reward worth the work they are putting in. Young girls dream of pom-poms and stepping on the field as a cheerleader causes them to work their entire lives for a shot at it. From growing up in the dance studio and years of prep classes to experience what it may be like one day. The idea of this perfect world to some can be a nightmare to others that are actually in it.
Photos courtesy of the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders. All rights reserved.
TUESDAY,
Friday, August 2, 7:05PM FRIDAY NIGHT FIREWORKS! Join the Jumbo Shrimp on Red Shirt Friday, where players and staff will wear red each Friday to support the military, and fans who wear red save $1 on their ticket at the box office or can donate the $1 to charity. Enjoy Friday Night Lites with $2 12oz. Miller Lites, presented by Miller Lite, and be sure to stick around after the game for Friday Night Fireworks, presented by Union Home Mortgage. Saturday, August 3, 6:35PM BACK TO SCHOOL: SCHOOL SPIRIT NIGHT
August 4,
AUGUST 1-4
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Lehigh Valley Ironpigs
121 Financial Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville
AUGUST 9
Tour De Pain
TBD 1stplacesports.com
AUGUST 10
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Everbank Stadium jaguars.com
AUGUST 13-18
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Memphis Redbirds
121 Financial Ballpark milb.com/jacksonville
AUGUST 17
Ocean Marathon Swim
Jacksonville Beach 1stplacesports.com
AUGUST 17
Mandarin Athletics, Community and Alumni Mustang 5K
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp vs. Norfolk Tides 121 Financial Ballpark milb.com/Jacksonville
THIS SH*T IS (SAVANNAH) BANANAS!
Why the Savannah Bananas are the greatest show in sports and why more teams should take notes
Everything you knew about baseball has turned on its head with the Savannah Bananas, and as their digital marketing coordinator Savanah Alaniz put it, “Baseball purists hate these games because they are totally different.” But the fans — and the internet — love them.
Words by Carmen Macri
If you’ve been out of the loop or living under a rock for the past few years, you might have missed the rise of a former Coastal Plains League (CPL) that’s become a nationwide sensation with 8.7 million followers on TikTok. This baseball team does more than just play the game — they engage and entertain their audience with more than just the sport. Composed of recently graduated college athletes and former minor and Major League Baseball (MLB) players, they bring a unique flair to the sport — though they are not an MLB team themselves, minor or major.
During their collegiate off-season, the Bananas began playing exhibition games, which is where they began to implement some of the many rules and regulations that ultimately led to their internet success. The list is too far and wide to fully explain (though it is worth checking out), but the games played under these new rules were coined as Banana Ball.
NO BUNTING. According to a Savannah Bananas video, “Bunting sucks. We’re eliminating it. Swing the bat.” Bunters will be thrown out of the game.
THE BATTER CAN STEAL FIRST BASE. If the pitcher throws a wild ball, the batter can either hit the ball or take off.
FANS CAN MAKE AN OUT. If a spectator catches a foul ball, it’s an out.
SHOWDOWN TIEBREAKER. If a game is tied after nine innings or two hours, it goes to a one-on-one showdown with just the pitcher, batter, and one fielder. Only one out is allowed. If the batter is retired, the other team gets to hit. If the ball is in play, the fielder must stop the batter from scoring. The showdown continues until one team scores more than the other.
BANANA BALL CHALLENGE RULE:
Any spectator can challenge a ruling on the field.
The reasons behind the Bananas’ online success are clear. Their in-game clips — featuring players swinging flaming baseball bats, pitching from atop stilts, shooting confetti and executing choreographed dance routines — are perfectly crafted for social media. But don’t minimize the team’s popularity to strictly their online presence. The team previously had a 500,000-person waitlist for their 2023 season because of the infectious environment that is their games.
After Banana Ball was introduced, the Savannah Bananas played as two separate teams under one name — one following the traditional CPL rules and another focused solely on Banana Ball. This dual setup sometimes led to confusion, as fans would show up expecting the wild Banana Ball they’d seen online, only to find themselves at a standard CPL game instead. That led to the disbanding of their CPL team at the end of the 2022 season to focus fully on Banana Ball — and we see how well that turned out for them.
Since 2022, the Bananas have consistently sold out games nationwide. While their main focus is on Banana Ball, featuring teams like the Party Animals (who bring stilts, flaming bats, and choreographed dances), they also host more traditional challenger games against other professional teams but still keep their flair which entices the other teams to play along. In a recent interview with “The Guardian,” the Florence Y’alls’ thirdbase coach Michael Morris said, “I love it, man. Getting to be a part of this environment is a really cool thing.”
It’s a bit surprising that more teams aren’t riding the Bananas’ coattail considering the massive success the team has found. Just last season, the Bananas’ owners turned down a million-dollar ticket purchase. They believed it would be a disservice to the fans, benefiting only ticket scalpers. And the reason they are able to play this type of baseball is because of the devotion the fans have to the game.
Seeing how widely successful the Bananas have become raises the question (maybe only for me), why can’t the Jumbo Shrimp follow in their footsteps? Imagine how electric the games would become if they implemented a few fan-service rules and learned a few choreographed dances. No harm no foul (ball).
AIN’T NO PARTY LIKE A HURRICANE PARTY
As hurricane season approaches, it’s time for friends and family to come together, share laughter, stock the booze, and prepare for the storm - both with supplies and a sense of community.
Words by Taylor Brown
As hurricane season approaches, it’s time for friends and family to come together, share laughter, stock the booze and prepare for the storm — both with supplies and a sense of community.
A familiar ritual unfolds when a hurricane is heading toward the coast: grocery store frenzies, gas stations running dry, alcohol sales spiking and hurricane parties beginning to commence. Living in a culture dedicated to productivity, a storm can cause schools and businesses to close, giving a rare chance to disconnect from busy lives and connect with neighbors and loved ones.
Hurricane parties are a tradition that dates back to before World War II and reflect a coping mechanism in the face of nature’s chaos. Back then, residents could not evacuate, and prohibition had just fallen. Drinking became normalized, and these gatherings even influenced storms to be labeled by the amount of liquor predicted to be consumed: one-quart, two-quart or threequart storms. Today, despite the “Florida Man” headlines and the state’s perceived criticism, these social occasions continue to foster a sense of community and positivity in the uncertainty of a storm.
Those who have not experienced life on the coast during the peak months of August through October may only see the aftermath of a hurricane’s destruction and frown upon hosting a party during a tropical cyclone event. Hurricane parties are not a solution to these storms but are a way to cope with the chaos of the crisis, to satisfy that need to feel calm, stay positive and maintain a sense of comfort in the face of fear.
If this season you find yourself forced to bunker down amid a tropical ruin and need a plan of action to shelter your neighbors, here are a few tips for hosting or attending a safe and enjoyable Hurricane Party:
SAFETY FIRST:
• Board windows, secure doors, and clear the yard of furniture, grills and bikes.
• Designate an interior room to stay away from windows and doors.
• Stay indoors and avoid going outside.
• Ensure all attendees are prepared to stay in place as long as necessary.
• Monitor the news for emergency information and have an evacuation plan if needed.
POWER PREPAREDNESS:
• Keep phones charged to stay updated.
• Have candles and flashlights ready.
• Utilize coolers filled with ice.
FOOD AND WATER:
• Stock non-perishable food like bread, peanut butter, crackers, chips, granola bars, cookies and trail mix.
• Ensure you have plenty of water stored; FEMA recommends at least one gallon per person per day.
• Fill reusable water bottles or mason jars to place in the freezer for extra cooling if the power goes out.
ALCOHOL:
• BYOB (bring your own booze) is a common courtesy. Consider making a themed drink like the Hurricane cocktail, traditionally made with rum and passion fruit syrup, or adding ingredients like orange juice, grenadine and lime juice. Beer, wine and seltzers are also easy to store.
• Entertainment:
• Prepare games that do not require electricity like Uno, Cards Against Humanity and Monopoly to keep everyone entertained.
The “Hurricane Party” label is to be taken light-heartedly, it is an offering of a safe place to pass the time while riding out a storm. These gatherings are not to undermine advice from officials nor put individuals in harm’s way. If you have the safety and precautions to indulge in these social occasions, do so responsibly. In the depredations of hurricanes this season, appreciate the moments bound by community that ease anxiety. Be present with those you surround yourself with, enjoy the halt on everyday responsibilities, and most importantly, stay prepared and stay safe.
AV IIRTMONDAYS
• St. Augustine Fish Company & Oyster House, 6 p.m
• V Pizza–Mandarin (music bingo), 6 p.m.
• Iguana on Park (cashpot bingo), 6:30 p.m.
• 9 Ball Heaven Sports Grill & Billiards, 7 p.m.
• Amici (music bingo), 7 p.m.
• Donovan’s Irish Pub, St. Augustine, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Durbin Park, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Fleming Island, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–River City/ Northside, 7 p.m.
• Mellow Mushroom–Tinseltown, 7:30 p.m.
• Rain Dogs, 8 p.m.
• Treylor Park (pop culture), 9 p.m.
TUESDAYS
• St. Mary’s Seafood (music bingo) 6 p.m.
• Mr. Chubby’s Wings–Fleming Island (music bingo), 6:30 p.m.
Set somewhere between Andy Serkis’ ape revolution and Charlton Heston having a monkey made out of him, Wes Ball’s “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” delves head first into ape society with opposing tribes and factions sewing division amongst the intellectually advanced beasts . This return to the planet of the apes takes more cues from the storytelling in fantasy epics as opposed to the more apocalyptic tone that guided the previous trilogy’s interpretation. “Kingdom” stays close to “the hero’s journey” story structure that has come to define so many of these high-genre stories. The film follows Noa, a young ape on a journey to save his tribe who have been abducted by the tyrannical ape king Proximus Caesar, who seeks to take control of what remains of human technology. There’s a lot that works in Ball’s film. It is a marvel from a visual standpoint, and when the film is operating on a larger scope it plays like an apefilled Middle-earth which is a wonderfully ludicrous concept. But at a character level, it is perfunctory and forgettable with none of the cast making much of an impression. It is kind of like watching a version of “A New Hope” without Han Solo — and as there is a lot of evidence to show, “Star Wars” just doesn’t have that x-factor without Harrison Ford. “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” falls victim to one of the major flaws of modern event films, as it largely serves as a setup for sequels that may not come for years, if at all, ultimately diminishing the level of satisfaction the film can achieve.
HIT MAN
Loosely based on a true story, this comedic thriller follows a psychology professor who moonlights as a fake hitman in undercover sting operations for the police, but things spiral out of control after he falls for a potential client. Over the past 30 years, director Richard Linklater has steadily built varied filmography that has delved into a range of genres, while always maintaining an inviting, lackadaisical tone that is distinctly Linklater. Whether it be “School of Rock,” “Dazed and Confused” or “Boyhood,” Linklater’s sensibility always emanates through — and “Hit Man” is no different. The film works as a kind of audition tape for its star, the current it-boy of Hollywood Glen Powell with the role inviting him to show a level of range that had not yet been revealed. On a surface level, his character Gary dons a multitude of disguises, which allows Powell to live out being a sketch comic playing broad, cartoonish characters while the film itself demands that Powell demonstrate his leading man credentials, as he has to play both serious, comedic and romantic over the many twists and turns the plot takes. Powell largely lives up to those demands, convincingly carrying the film’s many tone shifts and exhibiting a charged chemistry opposite Adria Arjona, who is herself something of a minor revelation in the film with a charmingly captivating performance. “Hit Man” is a surprising and eminently watchable addition to Linklater’s stellar career.
Will Smith and Martin Lawrence return to demolish the streets of Miami once again, this time the wise-cracking cop duo of Mike and Marcus find themselves on the run after being framed for corruption and must clear their names. I’m sure Will Smith wasn’t planning on retreating to the safety of one of his well-worn franchises after winning his Oscar, but we are all the better for it as this is the mode Smith works best in. Smith is in his element cruising around the highways in a sports car and sharing barbs with Martin Lawrence with the chemistry of the pair crackling just as well as it did in the mid-’90s. Directors Adil & Bilal continue to helm the series after taking it over from Michael Bay with the previous entry “Bad Boys: For Life.” The directing duo bring a lot of energy to the film and inventively shoot the action sequences with a lot of style without going to the bombastic heights of peak “Bayhem.” “Bad Boys 4 “never loses sight of its ambitions and cleanly hits its target of being a fun action comedy that utilizes the talent of its stars to their best effect.
THE BIKERIDERS
The rise and fall of a 1960s Mid-Western motorcycle club unfolds in Jeff Nichols’ drama starring the current holy trinity of voice-shifting actors in Jodie Comer, Tom Hardy and Austin Butler. Largely told through the eyes of Kathy (Comer), a housewife who finds herself in a lust-fueled romance with Benny (Butler), a local rebel without a cause and member of the local motorcycle club The Vandals, led by the stoic Johnny (Hardy). Though the group starts out as a social club for bike enthusiasts to drink and race each other, it is soon corrupted by drugs, violence and criminal enterprise. At its relatively brisk runtime under two hours, “The Bikeriders” is a perfectly serviceable rendition of the crime-not-paying story archetype, but it doesn’t do much that other films haven’t previously done better with this well-trodden trope. From its opening scene, in which one of our leads is in a moment of dramatic violence before cutting to a scene set years prior with a voice-over describing the allure of biker culture, we can see how indebted to “Goodfellas” Nichols’ film is, which is emphasized further with Kathy operating as a surrogate Karen Hill (played by Lorraine Bracco), with her side of the story as the outsider looking into a lurid underworld. Though it could be argued that “The Bikeriders” wears its influences on its sleeve; Johnny is inspired to start the club after watching the film “The Wild Ones,” even going as far as dressing like Marlon Brando’s character while Butler leans heavily into the James Dean mold of leading man to portray his character. The cast is the film’s strongest asset. And while the three leads don’t exactly stretch themselves to show a side of themselves we haven’t seen before, they manage to create incredibly lived-in characters with ease, as the supporting cast is a who’s who of gruff character actors who can inhibit these roles in their sleep. Nichols’ film hardly reinvents the wheel, but there’s enough fuel in its engine to get where it needs to go without breaking down.
THEATER/DANCE
THROUGH AUGUST 11
“9 to 5: The Musical” Limelight Theatre limelight-theatre.org
“Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
AUG. 3-4
LOL JAX Film Festival: Part VIII WJCT Studios loljax.com
AUGUST 9-18
“The Wedding Singer” The Island Theater, Fleming Island theislandtheater.com
AUGUST 9-24
“The Mousetrap”
Amelia Community Theatre, Fernandina Beach ameliacommunitytheatre.org
AUGUST 9-25
“BAT BOY the Musical” ABET abetjax.com
AUGUST 14-15
“Mega Stars Of Country” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
AUGUST 15
“Shakesbeer A Brewery Tour” Ruby Beach Brewing lumenrep.org
AUGUST 16-18
“That’ll Be The Day: A Tribute To Buddy Holly” Alhambra Theatre & Dining alhambrajax.com
AUGUST 16-24
“The ripple, the wave that carried me home” Florida Ballet Theatre the5anddime.org
AUG. 16-SEPT. 8
Annie Get Your Gun Orange Park Community Theatre opct.info
AUG. 23
“Barbara Colaciello: Life on the Diagonal” BABS’ LAB barbaracolaciello.com
AUGUST 24-25
“MAME: The Broadway Musical” Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
AUGUST 24-25
“Paw Patrol” Moran Theater morantheatre.com
AUG. 28
“Sex n’ The City, A Super Unauthorized Musical Parody” Jacksonville Center for Performing Arts jaxevents.com
WE’RE DOOMED: HOW REALITY TV DATING SHOWS HOLD A MIRROR TO THE DARK SIDE OF DATING IN REALITY
Words by Mallory Pace
The combination of reality TV and desperate singles searching for love is one of television’s guiltiest pleasures. What started as an innocent skit of matchmaking on a late night talk show in 1965 has turned into a mountain of dating shows for almost every situation imaginable, all with the same goal in mind: find true love. But what is it about this concept that we find so endearing, or better yet, captivating? And what does that say about the society it aims to reflect?
Reality TV is hardly new to the entertainment industry; it’s arguably one of the backbones to daytime television and the gateway drug to using media consumption as a form of escape. What’s so attractive about reality TV compared to soap operas or drama series is the humanity (or the lack thereof) found on the screen. Shows like “Survivor” and “Big Brother” really captured this newfound idea that you don’t have to be an actor to be entertaining, nor does a good show have to have the highest-quality production and special effects to secure high ratings. The rawness and transparency of reality TV allows viewers to step outside of their everyday life and be a part of this world of drama, sex and scandal all through a screen. If you’re a fan of reality TV or have ever indulged in even a season, you know that feeling of excitement and anticipation being immersed into their world as if you really are experiencing it with them. Dating shows have simply taken it to a different level of melodramatics.
It started off relatively tame in 2002 with shows like “The Bachelor” where one lucky man is presented with 20 or so women to fight for his love and ultimate engagement through petty dramas and jealousy-fueled schemes. Becoming an immediate hit, reality TV dating shows arrived on the cusp of changing the TV industry as we knew it. The next season would turn into “The Bachelorette,” giving a runner-up from the previous season a chance to find love. The cycle continued year after year, snowballing the franchise into one of the most recognizable dating shows to this day with 49 total seasons of “The Bachelor” and “ The Bachelorette.” They aired the spin-off, “Bachelor in Paradise” in 2013, putting former contestants on a remote island to mix, mingle and overcome inevitable drama in the quest for love. Then there’s shows like “Temptation Island,” first airing on Fox in 2001, where the loyalty and strength of “happy couples” were put to the test through lustful temptation.
The formula of “Temptation Island” would become a sort of blueprint for how a majority of today’s dating shows look, and there’s a lot of them. The most popular tropes circulating TV today are those that put a hodgepodge of single people on a beach and let the story write itself. Originating in the United Kingdom in 2005, “Love Island” has since expanded internationally, airing shows in the U.S. and Australia. The variation of today’s reality TV dating shows is almost overwhelming: some follow the more mainstream structure of hot people fighting and falling in love; some are based around blind dating to emphasize the importance of personality while simultaneously showcasing the depth of human superficiality; and some utilize a weird or shock factor like “Farmer Wants a Wife,” “Naked Attraction” and “Dated & Related.” I’m sure you can gather what those are about. The evolution of dating shows alone could be dissected as a twisted reflection of society, but I don’t have all day.
So why is there such a societal obsession with these dating shows? Sure, they’re entertaining and perhaps an escape into a world unlike your own, but is there more to it? Or are we simply zombies searching for brain-rotting content to fill a gaping hole? Probably, but theories around our attraction to this type of media revolve more around our traits as human beings.
We must first understand how the structure of these shows capture millions of attention in the first place. An article by “Cosmopolitan” explains that reality TV dating shows hit all the marks in what audiences look for in entertainment: the dramatization of soap operas, the competitiveness of game shows, the realness of reality TV and the fantasy of love and lust. Dating shows embody everything human beings innately desire — love, sex, gossip and drama. The article says that by combining elements of fiction and non-fiction in creating these dating shows, “our collective understanding of what’s real and what’s not is continuously blurred.”
Some experts also say that today’s reality TV dating shows contain somewhat of an overlap with our society’s history of love and marriage that makes it innately appealing to our pursuit for partnership. An article by the BBC on this same topic suggested that shows like “The Bachelor,” where 20+ individuals are pitted against each other to obtain one person’s love, are almost old-fashioned in a way. When you think about it in the context of the 1700s perhaps, when women needed to compete for marriage to secure social status and wealth, they had to prove themselves as suitable enough to be a wife. Clearly things have changed quite a bit by the time “The Bachelor” came around, but you can still see similarities in the underlying concept in some ways. We’ve somehow modernized misogyny into a form of entertainment, but at least we’re including the men now. So full circle!
There’s also the fact that we can become attached to dating show contes -
tants in the same way we might with other fictional characters. A parasocial relationship can be formed with people on a dating show, both negatively and positively. We feel heartbreak for the person or couple who gets broken apart by a “hot new bombshell that just entered the villa.” We may develop a one-sided hatred for a contestant as if they just killed a puppy on national television or perhaps internalize romantic feelings for someone on the other side of the screen. Dating shows, like fictional media, enable this side to human beings who long for connection, making us feel a little less alone throughout the episode.
In the same way we might build connections with dating show stars, we also build bonds with each other along the way. Friends, family, co-workers, strangers, it doesn’t matter — there’s no feeling quite like finding someone who shares the same passion and involvement in a show as you do, especially as the drama unfolds in real time. Finally getting to spill your thoughts and opinions about a certain person or situation with someone who actually understands is one of the best and most genuine ways to connect with someone. In such a divided time in our nation, it’s unifying to know we at least can come together to gab about the latest episode of “Love Island.”
Then there’s the fact that watching people fall in love is comforting, even if it’s not in the most natural way. When it comes down to it, most people yearn for true love — an intangible desperation we’ve been told is the key to happiness since childhood. Watching a dating show is hardly any different than a Disney fairytale, i.e., it’s not real. There certainly have been happy endings in dating show history, but it’s more often than not the couples that get engaged end up splitting shortly after. But it doesn’t really matter all that much anyway because people are watching for drama, jealousy, fights and turmoil. In reality TV, a happy ending is only an added bonus, not a requirement by any means.
Speaking of fairy tales, a vital ingredient to a good dating show is a seasonal villain. It’s that one person made out to seem like the worst person in the world, even if it’s just how they’re being edited to seem. On one hand, this drives ratings up and allows viewers to bond over their shared hate for someone (which always brings people together), but on the other hand, it’s a little messed up. There’s an unspoken acknowledgement that reality TV isn’t 100% reality 100% of the time. We all know how producers and directors can edit certain situations to fit the mold of what makes a good dating show — the level and quality of the drama that occurs. Sometimes the scripts write themselves and the villains and heroes are cast naturally, but when things become too quiet and therefore, boring, the plot needs shaking up.
Most people are well aware of who’s really pulling the strings behind the curtain, but that doesn’t stop viewers from developing a genuine distaste or hatred for particular contestants. Again, because it’s exciting to create and be involved in someone else’s drama. It’s only unfortunate for the person on the receiving end of the hate mail. This provokes another question surrounding dating shows: why in the world would anyone want to be on one?
It’s most likely a toss-up between who on the show is genuinely there to find a connection and life-long partner and those who decided watching it through a screen wasn’t fulfilling anymore and now need to be fully immersed. Aside from any personal motives one might have for being on a dating show, it might very well be that it’s simply something new to experience. An article by “Psychology Today” suggests that reality TV aims to challenge people’s security, both as an individual and as a potential couple. This type of environment is curated to resemble real-world dating in the sense that people date around, do questionable things and ultimately put themselves first in hopes
to find their partner. But in reality TV, that’s all being displayed right in front of you, which is a very unnatural and uncomfortable situation to put yourself in, but that’s the name of the game, which is exactly what it is: a game. Even if you win or lose, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience at best. Plus, when you’re a single, attractive 20-something, what do you have to lose, really?
We’ve established that the world of dating shows is ultimately a game to be played, but is it only a game? Or are there any consequences to consuming mass amounts of media depicting just how superficial, jealous and conniving our society is? Reality TV has its name for a reason — it shines a light on the part of reality that most people prefer to keep behind closed doors to the extent that the harshness and cruelty of our society is almost perfectly reflected on the screen. The chaos, belligerence and deceitfulness we see in reality TV is more than an entertaining show, but a third person point of view into society itself. Consider the show “Love Is Blind,” where contestants get to know each other without seeing their faces until the very end. Some end well, providing a heart-felt feeling that love does prevail. But others aren’t as successful, and superficiality replaces the initial connection made, confirming that love, in fact, is not blind.
When you consider why reality shows are packed with secrecy, heartbreak and drama, the actual reality of it is much more disturbing — because it’s holding a mirror to humanity. Sociologist Danielle Lindemann writes in her book “True Story: What Reality TV Says About Us,” “for all of its extreme personalities and outlandish premises, reality TV reflects how regressive we truly are.”
Dating shows reflect a part of history, but also a shift in today’s dating culture. With apps like Tinder and Hinge, we’re presented with a small synopsis of a person and judge them accordingly, sometimes in a matter of seconds. A whole genre of dating shows follow the same blueprint, contributing to the notion that people are disposable. Likewise, the ever-widening dating pool makes it seem as if options are endless when it comes to finding a life partner, but we all know that’s not exactly the case. The same goes for dating shows like “Love Island” and “Too Hot To Handle,” where a pool of singles come together, ready to mingle. But even then creating a genuine connection is still nearly impossible.
Considering that perspective, the consequences to constantly viewing such media are inflicted on both society and the individuals’ approach to seeking love. These shows hold a risk of normalizing toxic behaviors when it comes to dating, warping one’s expectation of what love should look like. Being constantly exposed to this form of media could potentially desensitize a person’s capacity to create boundaries and expectations in their own relationships if that line between what’s real and what’s not isn’t defined. That might be an extreme case, but there’s no denying that the media holds a level of influence on its audience, especially impressionable ones.
Reality TV, like all forms of entertainment, is a means of escapism at its core. Life can feel mundane and repetitive at times, but having something to look forward to at the end of the day can be genuinely helpful, even if it’s something as simple as a new episode. There’s excitement and a sense of community found in bonding over these shows with friends and total strangers, and the best part is that you’re completely detached from the actual drama, allowing you to sleep at night scot-free.
On a deeper level, these shows highlight what it means to be human and searching for love, highs and lows included, because love brings out the best
and worst of people, which is the human experience after all. We connect with dating shows because we can all see a little of ourselves in them at times — from relating to just how crazy love can make a person, to witnessing the dystopian, yet all too familiar reality found within the desperate conquest for love — proving that cameras or not, for better or for worse, we’re all the same at the end of the day.
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
AUG. 9-10
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m. First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 9-11
Arnez J Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 10
Comedy At the Collective Cultured Collective Brewing Co., Orange Park facebook.com/culturedcollectivefl
AUG. 14
Poker Face Comedy Show
Good Fellas Cigar Lounge eventbrite.com
AUG. 15-17
Colum Tyrell
Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 16
Barbara Carlyle
Town Hall Event Center, Fleming Island eventbrite.com
AUG. 16-17
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 17
Don’t Tell Comedy Railyard District (that’s all we can tell you) donttellcomedy.com
AUG. 19
The Comedy and Soul Festival Hyatt Regency eventbrite.com
AUG. 23-24
Cipha Sounds Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 26
“Brew Ha-Ha Improv Comedy” Blue Fire Theatre, Yulee bluefiretheatre.org
AUG. 29-31
Shuler King Comedy Zone comedyzone.com
AUG. 30-31
The Main Event, 7:30 p.m.
Adult Show (21+ only), 10 p.m.
First Coast Comedy firstcoastcomedy.com
AUG. 31
Kurtis Conner
Jacksonville Center for the Performing Arts jaxevents.com
FUN STUDY SPOTS AROUND JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA
Words & photos by Angelica Santini Hernandez
After being in college for three years, I’ve had the opportunity to find great studying spots around Jacksonville that most don’t know about. These hidden gems are found all around Jacksonville, whether it is north or south, close to the University of North Florida, Jacksonville University, St. Johns River State College or Florida State College Jacksonville there are so many options to choose from rather than being stuck in the same cycle and staying in your dorm or room studying.
Starting college came with a desire to do everything possible to have the best grades I could achieve. As time went by, my first time studying for a big exam as a freshman I had all the tools I needed to study but just needed a good study spot. I tried to rent a study room at the UNF library, but it was all booked up. I decided to meet up with other classmates around a hidden gem at UNF, THE BAMBOO GARDEN, located in between buildings 1 and 39A. This hidden spot is a great space for students, especially those who like the outdoors and studying with a little quietness and peace. This space helped me a lot during those long study afternoons when I needed to escape from the library and needed more natural light and a canopy of green overhead by being surrounded by all the great and serene nature and trees around UNF’s campus.
After having that experience of not finding a good quiet study place and wanting to get out and find a comfort zone for me to concentrate and study I came across cafes like THE GREENHOUSE BAR and HAPPY MEDIUM BOOKS CAFE. The Greenhouse Bar is a cafe and cocktail bar located in Riverside. What stuck out the most to me from this place was how well-organized everything was. This place is a coffee shop, plant shop, and bar. The plants help with calming students down during midterms or finals, while their drinks give you that sweetness and boost of energy you need. It was a very calming and peaceful experience to study at their location.
Only a few minutes away is HAPPY MEDIUM BOOKS CAFE. This cafe has a bookstore area, a cafe area, an area for adults to work and also a children’s area. Such a unique and different idea for their business since there aren’t that many that include areas for children who are growing into bookworms like their parents or babysitters. The best thing about both of these places is that they are close by and provide a peaceful yet productive experience.
If you live farther away from UNF and are trying to find something in the middle, THE URBAN BEAN COFFEEHOUSE is just the place for you. Their barn and modern style for their location in Orange Park is timeless. Their customer service was 10/10 for me since it was my first time visiting, they recommended a Lavender Iced Latte which surprisingly was better than expected. At this location, they open early and close late which is always a plus for college students so that we don’t have to stress about cramming everything together which leads to stress and not getting much work done. If you like studying indoors or outdoors this place offers both, which is always a great plus for a change of scenery.
To wrap up my list, I recently found these two spots close to my “Folio” internship. CHAMBLIN’S UPTOWN and URBAN GRIND COFFEE COMPANY were top picks for cafes and bookstores in Downtown Jacksonville. Chamblin’s Uptown unique vibe and spacious location help pick where you want to study or get creative. The bookshop also offers a coffee shop and a variety of locations to pick from for studying or reading, whether it is downstairs in the coffee shop area at the front of the bookstore or in between all the bookshelves filled with decades of books at little tables and chairs. Some of my personal favorite spots will always be in between the bookshelves. Chamblin’s Uptown is a hidden gem that provides peace and a lot of creative ideas at your fingertips. Lastly, Urban Grind Coffee Company is a contemporary and rustic coffeehouse that provides indoor and outdoor areas to study from and has a variety of breakfast, lunch, and drink options to choose from. If you’re like me, I always have to have my little snack with my coffee.
After letting you know all of my favorite study spots around Jacksonville, Now I’m going to let you in on a few tips I wish I had known at the beginning of my freshman year:
1. Put yourself out there, get out of your comfort zone, and make new friends. You won’t regret it when you look back on that semester before graduating and look at all the great people and experiences you have made over time.
2. Pick your classes early! I couldn’t stress this one enough. It sucks when you wait until 5 p.m. to pick your classes and all of the classes that go with your daily life are full. Trust me no one likes waking up at 7 a.m. to pick classes. In a related tip, check all your professors before signing up, like their class passing rates or student ratings. It will help you so much in the future.
3. Make those group chats with your classmates. Half the time all of you are confused about the assignments. Five minds working to figure something out is better than just one. Plus, half of the time the people you have in that class will probably be with you again next semester.
4. If you want a good table or study spot, I always recommend getting there early if you, especially, during midterms and finals when the cafes and libraries will most likely be full.
5. Don’t stress yourself out too much… and this is coming from someone who would overthink and stress everything about grades and school. Try your best. That’s all you can do at the end of the day.
The Lost Art of Being PRESENT
Words by Kara Carter
In today’s world, everyone has their smartphone in their hand or pocket, and if not that, they have a smart watch keeping them connected but oftentimes miss seeing the people who are directly in front of them. When was the last time you made eye contact with a person and saw them? Marina Abramovic, a performance artist, explores the idea of being present within the body and surroundings through her work.
In our fast paced, technology centered society, how can we be present? How can we make sure we are being seen and see others?
Abramovic founded “The Marina Abramovic Method” which focuses on a meditative state of being present with the concentration on breath, eye contact, groundedness and clearing the mind of all other distractions. In her 2010 performance at the Museum of Modern Art titled “The Artist is Present,” Abramovic sat in a chair and the observer was encouraged to sit across and be present in the moment. Abramovic would sit in silence and simply look and be present with the person in the chair across from her until the person chooses to get up and leave. To an outsider this could be perplexing, because what is she doing? What is the art piece ?
This performance sparked controversy by many people waiting hours before the museum opened for a chance to experience this performance art piece. Many thought it was pointless, because she is just sitting there, right? Some found the experience therapeutic, and even emotional. Many left in tears with a feeling of being seen for the first time. Those who experienced this art piece, highlighted the importance of being present and how often it is overlooked in our everyday society.
SO WHAT CAN WE DO TO BE MORE PRESENT IN OUR OWN LIVES?
The Marina Abramovic Method is described as the “purpose of teaching endurance, concentration, perception, self control, willpower, and confrontation of mental and physical limits.”
She has specific exercises in order to focus on being present with your body and surroundings.
One of the exercises consists of gathering a bag of uncooked rice and lentils and counting each grain and committing to it. The exercise is to test the person’s attention span, endurance and concentration. This task may seem mundane, but when was the last time you committed to doing something this tedious, that used your mind in this matter, without an instant reward?
Another exercise challenges the person to go outside and simply hug a tree and complain. Yes, literally hug a tree and speak aloud all of your grievances. This may seem strange, but it does bring a connectedness to nature in itself. Some have found that when they are in this physical state, they could not bring themselves to complain, realizing their problems are so minute and not worth the breath. “Turns out that hanging out with the trees makes my problems seem smaller, and not worth bothering the forest giants with” said one skeptic.
Another method of exercise in the Marina Abramovic Method is to get down on one’s hands and knees and clean the floors. This may seem strenuous, but it is purposeful. By getting on all fours, it allows the person to be able to see and feel every detail of the floor. Being intentional and careful with every stroke of a scrub and noticing things that may have been overlooked before.
With these exercises, it can help ease the mind of the grievances that swirl in the head, taking us out of the present moment. We can all learn to put the phone down, stop those distracting fleeting thoughts and embrace what is around us. Focus. Make eye contact. Breathe. And most importantly, be present.
THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE
• “View From My Window,” through Sept. 14 tacjacksonville.org
BEACHES MUSEUM
• “Exalted Shores: The Work of Clint Burbridge and Tom Schifnella,” through Sept. 29 beachesmuseum.org
BUTTERFIELD GARAGE ART GALLERY butterfieldgarage.com
THE CORNER GALLERY AT THE JESSIE
• “Sarah Crooks: The Long Way(t) Home,” through Aug. 21 movingthemargins.org
CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS
• “Jacksonville’s Norman Studios: Movie Posters from the Permanent Collection,” through Aug. 25
• “Fabric of a Nation: American Quilt Stories from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston,” through Sept. 29
• Works on Paper from the Cummer Museum’s Collection, through Sept. 30
• “Mick Namarari Tjapaltjarri: Mysteries that Remain,” through Jan. 12, 2025 cummermuseum.org
FEMART GALLERY
• “A Beautiful Mind,” through Aug. 31 femartgallery.org
FIRST COAST CULTURAL CENTER
• Teresa Graham: “Day by Day: Abstract Collections,” Aug. 8-Sept. 19 firstcoastculturalcenter.org
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,” ongoing
• “Freedom Is Not Free: Ax Handle Saturday,” virtual exhibition staugustine.ufl.edu
HASKELL GALLERY AT JACKSONVILLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT jaxairportarts.com
HILLARY WHITAKER GALLERY hwhitakergallery.com
JACKSONVILLE MAIN LIBRARY
• “Pack Your Bags,” through Oct. 28 tacjacksonville.org
JACKSONVILLE UNIVERSITY
• ”Bill Davis: No Dark in Sight,” virtual exhibition
• “Kristin Skees: Close Knit,” virtual exhibition ju.edu/cfa
THE LIGHTNER MUSEUM
• “75 for 75: Lightner Museum Diamond Anniversary Exhibition,” ongoing
• “History Through the Lens of the Artist,” through Aug. 25 staaa.org
STELLERS GALLERY stellersgallery.com
THRASHER-HORNE CENTER GALLERY
• Works by Thomas H. Nagata, Yamel Molerio and John Gerstner, ongoing thcenter.org
TOUCHÉ GALLERY touchegallery.com
UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA
unf.edu/gallery
THE VAULT AT 330 thevaultat1930.com
YELLOW HOUSE
• “Thoughts From a Black Man,” through Aug. 17
• “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: AUG. 7
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
FERNANDINA
BEACH ARTS MARKET: AUG. 10 AND 24
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: AUG. 3, 10, 17, 24 AND 31
Artists, artisans and makers display their original paintings, jewelry, photo graphs, 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: AUG. 3
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. staaa.org
VILANO BEACH ARTISAN MARKET: AUG. 17
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
Untold Stories is a Florida Theatre experience, now available as a radio show & podcast.
Tune in Sundays at 7PM on WJCT News 89.9 or listen on demand.
In partnership with WJCT Public Media
This captivating live storytelling series offers a platform for Northeast Florida residents — artists, tradespeople, shopkeepers, and professors — to share their unique and inspiring experiences. Join us as we explore the vibrant tapestry of life in Northeast Florida, one story at a time.
ALLNEW SEASON AVAILABLE NOW
Bygone Jax tells some of the lesser known stories from our past.
In association with FSCJ
Dive into the captivating story of Kalem, the company that revolutionized the movie business in Jacksonville in 1908. From being crowned "The Winter Film Capital of the World" to producing groundbreaking Civil War films, uncover the rise and fall of Jacksonville’s early film industry.
JUST FOR KICKS
Driven through historic Springfield recently? You may have noticed a new 15-foot, soccer-themed mural. Located at 347 E. Eighth Street, the mural promoted Goals Jax, a pop-up that hosted and showed all 80 Copa American and UEFA Euro soccer matches — in 30 days. The pop-up, created in collaboration with Riverside United Soccer Club, shared a goal with bringing more people into the world of soccer and the Jacksonville community.
Words by Emily Cannon
The mural was created by local photographer Ally Brody and muralist Jason Tetlak and features actual players from Jacksonville’s Riverside United Soccer Club (with photos shot by Brody with the enlarged images wheatpasted onto the wall). Brody was especially excited about the project as it was the first time her work appeared as street art. And she wasn’t the only one thrilled about the project.
“The community was very excited for this mural,” Brody said. “We would get people stopping by and honking while they were working on it.” She added how much she felt supported in this new endeavor and welcomed by the neighborhood.
While the vibrantly colored, larger than life 15foot mural is the main attention grabber, there is a smaller mural on the side of the building on Eighth and Walnut streets. This second piece is in black and white accented with a yellow border. Because the murals are made of photos instead of paint alone, she said, it makes the murals more realistic, Brody said, but they are more susceptible to damage from wind and rain than traditional painted murals.
Though the pop-up has closed up shop, the artwork that brought it to life remains. Brody had such a positive experience in seeing it come to life she said she would like to do more mural with local artists on a similar scale. She’d also like to see more local artists collaborating with photographers to create art like hers and Tetlak’s.
In the meantime, you can find more of Brody’s work at allybrody.com and Tetlak’s work at art.tetlak.com.
MY TAKE ON TRENDY VS. TIMELESS
Words by Mallory Pace
The trends in American pop culture are cycled through as quickly as the trains on a track. They come and they go, sometimes you miss one, sometimes you get on the wrong one, sometimes you stay on one for too long until you’re dropped off, left stranded and confused as to how you got there. The same goes for micro-trends that pop up just as quickly as they disappear. If you don’t hop on the fad early enough, you will have missed the train. But don’t worry, another one is always coming.
Some trends come back years later, for better or for worse, while some soak in their 15 minutes of fame until they’re laid to rest forever, leaving their mark in the form of an awkward or embarrassing time period in people’s lives. Don’t get me wrong, participating in trends is a harmless, yet exciting way to navigate a new sense of style to see if it sticks, but typically it’s labeled a trend for the reason that it won’t be around forever. What’s interesting about trends is that it’s hard to see them as such until they’re gone, but for those that come back around or stay in the limelight continuously are considered timeless, something that might be even harder to identify because of their inconspicuousness. But when these cycles of fashion, fads and facades are left pondered on, it’s actually quite simple to spot and predict their lifespan.
As a forewarning for those that struggle with media literacy, these are all my opinions and perspectives. Some are rooted in a historical perspective and some are not. Trends, like personal taste, are subjective and we’re all entitled to our own preferences. I have been a personal victim to bad trends, some that I still indulge in, so it’s really not that serious. These are simply my personal takes on what is trendy versus timeless. Glad we got that out of the way.
FASHION: A good outfit is less about what you’re wearing than how you’re wearing it.
Fashion cycles are the most common trends we see because of the nuances in artistic innovation, the complexity in style choices, the gravitational pull toward overconsumption and the desire to constantly present ourselves in impressionable ways. In my criteria for determining whether something is trendy or timeless, I ask myself a few questions: Would I have worn or liked this last year? Will I like or want to wear this next year? If I look back on this in 10 years, will I admire it, be neutral or be embarrassed about it? There are a million fashion trends to dissect, but I’ll focus on the most recent and significant.
The first being one we all have worn or or continue to wear that I have a personal vendetta against: ripped jeans. Unfortunately, I think grandpa was onto something when he said, “I hope you paid half-price for those half-pair of jeans.” To me, they just look messy and disheveled. Even if that’s the point, it doesn’t make for a timeless look. Some go so far as to look like a mountain lion just went to town on a pair of jeans and then threw it onto a clothing rack. I especially despise ones with distressed holes and fringes that hang down like a half-finished sewing project. This grungy look only appears as distracting and frankly, it’s a hot mess. I can make an exception for jeans with small holes at the knees, maybe. Hell, wear skinny jeans before a pair that’s all torn up (both equally horrifying). But really, a pair of jeans should be a staple piece used to elevate or relax an outfit, not be the entire show.
On that same note, loud patterns are trendy. I’m talking about the butterflies, checkered and chevron designs, tacky animal print … and don’t get me started on bedazzlement. Any sort of pattern that announces itself to a room before you get the chance to does too much for me. The problem with these patterns, like jeans with holes, is that they become the eye-piece for the outfit and call it a “look.” But in reality, it just makes your appearance incohesive.
It’s a trendy piece because it doesn’t go with anything besides itself, making it less of a staple and more of an unnecessary accessory.
I will say that floral and animal prints can be tricky; there is a certain art to it that must be carefully crafted. Some floral prints, especially in dresses and skirts, can be timeless and elegant if they’re not taking away from the outfit as a whole, or too loud that it becomes tacky. Likewise, animal print should be used as a tool and an accessory to further elevate an already put-together outfit. There are ways to incorporate certain patterns in an intentional way, like adding texture or layers to more monochromatic looks.
This might be a hot topic, and I very well may regret saying this, but I think LuluLemon is trendy. Athleisure, as a whole, is already mostly unique to American fashion, and I don’t think that style choice will go out anytime soon, but LuluLemon has become the Louis Vuitton of athletic wear for no major reason besides societal craze. Sure, their products are mostly high quality and relatively fashionable, but when the appearance of a brand becomes the entire premise around someone’s choice to wear it, it’s hard to tread the line between being universally timeless and superficially trendy. LuluLemon has done a great job, however. It managed to rebrand the notorious fanny pack trend into what they coined as the Everywhere Belt Bag, that I, included, wear everywhere and everyday. It made the fanny pack modern and chic, but take it from someone who has spent the last two years attached to the belt bag: I don’t imagine I’ll be reaching for it again in a few years. By no means am I saying LuluLemon is ugly or even a bad franchise, but once you take it outside of the gym and exercise context, I think the brand itself could become too overdone that it may eventually turn cheugy.
My first timeless trend is one I know will enrage most of you, but hear me out: navy blue and black. Since I first learned how to put an outfit together, I was taught that under no circumstances should navy blue and black be put together. It wasn’t until recently I decided to try it out with a long black skirt and a navy blue silk tank top with black trimming. Guess what? It works. This almost feels timeless to me based on how frowned upon it is because as we all know, people love what they can’t have. I’m really not sure when or who pushed the anti-navy-blue-and-black agenda down our throats, but they were wrong. There are definitely ways to mess this up, so I’m not saying it’s allaround acceptable, but it can be when the concept is executed well. Similarly, though perhaps less controversially, this also goes for white and beige. A man in linen khaki pants with a beach-vibe collared white shirt will forever be classy. Texture and shape is crucial for both color combinations, but when it’s done right, there’s nothing quite like it.
Speaking of monochrome, let’s talk about nail polish. Don’t get me wrong, I love an intricate nail design that shows a specialized attention to a detailed theme as much as the next girl, but I fear it’s trendy. The designs themselves can be truly beautiful and I do respect them as an art form, but from a bigger picture standpoint, a normal-length and solid color manicure is timeless to me. However, I’m not talking about just any color, and this goes back to the loudness I mentioned earlier. Timeless nail colors are ones that you will never get sick of looking at: red, navy blue, white, French manicure, coffee brown or nude. I would also consider pale-toned colors to be timeless, like with yellow, blue and pink. I of course don’t mean that you shouldn’t have fun with how you do your nails or that thematic designs are ugly in any way — it’s just not necessarily a timeless vision.
A trend that has come and gone over the years, subtly changing style and shape each time, is maxi skirts and dresses.
There was once a period where tight maxi skirts were all the rage, which we’ve seen fizzle out only to return in the form of flowy maxi skirts. Likewise, maxi dresses have evolved in style but have remained as a staple outfit choice. Like most things with fashion, there are right and wrong ways to execute a maxi dress and skirt, but the adaptation of each proves its timelessness. Modest dressing in general is timeless, and we’ve seen it prevail and evolve in the everyday fashion world. But it doesn’t have to mean wearing clothes to “cover up” or to hide yourself. It’s more about letting the clothing pieces become the outfit instead of the body wearing it.
Early 2000s fashion was the era of the torso — wearing low-waisted bottoms and a bra disguised as a top. Love the idea, really, but the low-waisted look eventually came to a fall, just to slowly rise again in recent years in a much more niche way (thank God because I don’t have the hips to pull that one off). Now, I’m a firm believer that we’re all entitled to shake what our mama’s gave us, but ultimately, when I look back on my style in 10 years, I can imagine I might be more self-satisfied and pleased with the outfits I wore for their reserved elegance and creativity. At the same time, I’ll probably be longingly admiring my youthful body and still be proud that I wore what I wanted when I wanted. All things considered, there’s no right way to dress while you’re young because you’re still figuring out your style, and odds are you’re going to be embarrassed no matter what — that’s just the circle of life.
LIFESTYLE & DECOR: Less is more.
Can we pretty please make word art punishable by law? Inspirational quotes should live in your diary or Pinterest board, not in your kitchen to publicly announce that, “In this home, we cook with love.” No… that’s Hamburger Helper. Word art decorations had their time, but it’s time to move on. I find this trendy because it’s only distracting attention away from the home itself and adds nothing more than a cliche on a wall. This perspective can be translated to the innocuous, yet equally disturbing concept that everything in your home must be labeled. I don’t know what Rae Dunn had to do to have such a chokehold over every suburban household in 2010, but it couldn’t have been good.
Rae Dunn, for those who don’t know, is a home-decor brand notoriously known for its labeling of everyday household products in a very specific font that looks tall and skinny, seemingly aiming for a “minimalistic” approach. For example, a Rae Dunn-styled mug would have the word “mug” on it as if it were anything else, or a set of pots and pans would be labeled with words like, “tasty, boil, cook, yum.” It was fun and quirky for its time, but using anything with words or labels as decoration is going to be outdated if it isn’t already.
Another trend that I think will phase out soon enough is putting stickers on everything. I will be the first to admit that I: a) have certainly experienced a phase where I did this to anything that would hold a sticker, and b) still have water bottles vandalized by this sticker-frenzy-phenomenon. It’s a harmless way to add a little spunk to personal belongings (harmless to everyone except the items themselves), but when it comes to adding personal touches or wanting to decorate a seemingly boring item or space, less is more.
Moving on, thrifting clothes, accessories and decor will always be timeless, and given that, I think the grandma-core aesthetic will never be outdated. A grandma-core aesthetic means having personal touches and trinkets scattered around, unique mugs and glassware from past trips and pictures on the wall with their own background stories. Not everything has to match perfectly or at all for that matter.
It can look a bit wacky while being cohesive when you take a step away. Colors and patterns can be played with in every room of the home, especially if these personal touches are meaningful to times in your life. But the most important part is that everything has a place. We tend to modernize and minimize many areas of culture, including our homes in order to appear neat and tidy, but that’s not always sustainable or visually inviting. The same could be said for maximization and over-the-top pieces of decor like the viral strawberry stool, hanging tapestries everywhere and quite literally everything from Five Below. Eventually, those products and concepts get replaced with another trend and before you know it, you’re a slave to capitalism.
Though the grandma-core aesthetic certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, it’s still a look that can be young and fresh while maintaining an old-timey, simplistic feel to it. When decorating a home, the goal should be to appear clean and relatively de-cluttered, but it should also feel like someone actually lives there. There’s nothing more eerie and off-putting than being in a home that feels like it’s about to be presented for an open house — homes should have an inviting personality that gives guests a glimpse into its owner.
My final assertion is a double-edged sword: reusable water bottles. On one hand, the collection of water bottles as if they’re infinity stones is undoubtedly trendy. Since the introduction of Stanley cups became everyone’s sudden obsession, overconsumption was kicked up a notch in the most ironic way. People became enthralled by having a Stanley cup, which, at first, might have seemed like a good thing — people are finally seeing the value in reducing plastic consumption, yay! But, being Americans, it didn’t stop there, and the next thing you know full-grown adults are elbowing each other in a Target to get their hands on the latest Stanley cup to add to their growing collection. Other reusable water bottle brands entered the scene and now it’s become a daily struggle of “which water bottle do I want to use today?” Consumer greed at its finest.
On the other hand, the concept itself of reusable water bottles is timeless. I don’t think we’ll ever revert to carrying plastic water bottles everywhere when the alternative is so abundant. It’s even become almost shameful to still be using plastic bottles on a daily basis, save for the assumption you have access to clean drinking water. In general, reusable bottles are timeless because of their convenience and necessity, but even despite the consumerism craze of Stanley cups, I think those will also prove to be timeless out of functionality and appearance. Overall, however, the obsession over collecting a cabinet full of different water bottles will eventually fade out when people come to realize the absurdity and irony in what they’re doing…. hopefully. When the next trend is presented to you via social media, try to seriously consider whether it’s worth hopping on that train. Will it bring you to the land of excessive consumerism, or will you be able to navigate the experience with minimal environmental harm?
In all truthfulness, what’s really timeless is owning your style — despite what’s popular in pop culture. The whole point of going through trends is about finding what works for you, even if it doesn’t last into the next year. Every generation has its own version of embarrassing trends and fashion statements, and that’s exactly what gives each decade its own identity. In 20 years or so, we’ll be able to look back and see what trends signify and separate the 2020s from the others. Some will be cringy and laughable; some will stand out for being significant for their time, but only some will remain, passing the test of timelessness.
THE STROKE OF LOVE:
Art has no bounds as it soars through the atmosphere with the ability to touch the souls of those who hold the paintbrush and those who bear witness to the imagination of the virtuoso.
SHAKO
Words by Amiyah Golden
The selection of a chosen medium that allows artists the ability to transfer their heart onto the blank canvas is gratifying yet vast. Symone, best known as “Shako,” chooses to express herself using the watercolor painting technique.
“The way it blends and layers together is so beautiful,” Shako conveyed as she chatted about her career as an artist in the city of Jacksonville.
As an artist born out of passion and curiosity her abilities have surpassed paint strokes on stark white paper to the handling of a tattoo gun engraving personalized stories into the skin of a client.
Growing up reading comic books, Shako felt inspired. Seeing the sequential art planted the seed of inspiration inside of her as a kid. The desire to create her own comic book was the revelation needed to set her on her journey.
Decades later, Shako has found her style as an artist. Her muse often being herself.
“My inspiration comes from the feelings I have, usually if I’m in love or have a crush or I’ve gotten my heart broken. That’ll inspire a new piece,”she shared.
Her painting “Dancing With Death” is just one example of a piece that represents the vulnerability of falling in love.
It is also Shako’s favorite piece at the moment and the first of many in a series she is currently working on.
Shako is premeditated in her processes — from the initial sketch to the final detail that ties the finished product together. With displayed intentions always serving a greater purpose such as her desire to connect with women in particular and “make people feel heard, seen, and loved,” her art exhibits just that through the unalloyed intensity she transfers to observers.
Love is a shared experience throughout human existence. and whether your dance with the emotion has been good, bad, or indifferent, Shako takes the time to create pieces that allow you to relate or sympathize.
As Shako continues to work on her current series, she doesn’t lack support from the local art community. With support from her mutuals, friends, and even strangers who stumble upon her art at showcases, it has been nothing but needed encouragement to persist in her craft.
When asked about where she sees herself in five to 10 years in the future, she shared a number of aspirations, revisiting that childhood dream of creating her own comic series — and a truly full-circle moment.
To keep up with Shako and her art you can follow her on Instagram: @ babyshako
NEW MUSIC RELEASES
Made For You By
Amiyah Golden
An angel that has descended from the heavens. That is Moses Sumney.
As a long-time fan, Sumney never ceases to amaze me, and if you take only one recommendation from this list, please use whatever streaming platform you have on hand to engulf yourself into the world of Moses Sumney.
His album, “Sophcore,” is anticipated to be everything and more
Rapper Big Sean has announced the release of his album “Better Me Than You.” and it comes after a whopping four-year hiatus that has left fans geared up to hear what the Santa Monica native has been writing on his break.
The birth of his son Noah with R&B songstress Jhené Aiko could contribute as a big inspiration in his latest project.
The North Carolina native, Mavi has announced his LP, Shadow Box that will be hitting ears this August. After my recent discovery of the rapper, he has continued to capture my attention with his unique flow and production.
If you fancy the artist Earl Sweatshirt, Mavi’s sound may just be your cup of tea
“SOPHCORE”
MOSES SUMNEY
BIG SEAN
“BETTER ME THAN YOU”
“SHADOW BOX”
MAVI
With the recent co-sign from reality TV show star Robert “Rob” Rausch on “Love Island,” it can be expected that the Australian singer will be receiving a ton of new listeners.
My devotion to beabadobee has been sturdy through years of loyalty to her angelic sound and craft.
B.o.B had the world in a chokehold with his hit songs, “Airplanes” featuring Paramore’s lead singer Hayley Williams and “Nothing on You” featuring Bruno Mars. These two songs alone began a new wave at the start of a new decade. 2010 was truly a time and you just had to be there.
The rapper has now made his return with his latest album, Space Time.
Foster the People has continued its success in making music that works. Works well in various situations, settings and places in time. Ever so, timeless yet still present.
The band will be releasing their next album, “Paradise State of Mind.”
“PARADISE STATE OF MIND”
FOSTER THE PEOPLE
If you’re anywhere near TikTok or Instagram reels you have surely been plagued with this snippet from the song “Nasty” by artist Tinashe.
The single has garnered much popularity and will be accompanied by the singer’s next album, “Quantum Baby.”
B.O.B
“SPACE TIME”
BEABADOBEE
“SHORT
SABRINA CARPENTER
Sabrina Carpenter has been granted pop star status with her back-to-back hits such as “Espresso” and “Please Please Please.”
Buzz has grown louder as fans anticipate her album, “Short n’ Sweet.”
The former reality TV show “The Rap Game” thrust young rapper Latto into the spotlight at just 16 years old where she was expected to prove her skills as a rapper through writing and MCing. Her efforts paid off as she won the first season of the show and now at the age of 25, she has continued to win awards and create her own lane in female rap.
With an edgy grit to her sound while not shying away from pop beats and catchy bridges, Latto’s newest album can be expected to show love for her Atlanta heritage and culture while still exploring the variety of sounds she can grasp as a burgeoning artist.
N’ SWEET”
Beau of Rhianna and an artist in his own right, ASAP Rocky will release his fourth studio album, “Don’t Be Dumb,” with features from artists such as Playboi Carti, Pharrell, Westside Gunn and more.
WHAT WE KNOW … ABOUT THE TWO DOOR CINEMA CLUB CONCERT
It has been a long time coming — 17 years to be exact — and it was well worth the wait. Two Door Cinema Club finally made their way from Northern Ireland to the Sunshine State during their U.S. and Canada 2024 tour — and with none other than Jacksonville’s very own Flipturn.
At “Folio,” we’re well-versed in Flipturn’s incredible showmanship, so we arrived ready in our dancing boots. The night began with a thrilling performance of our favorite song, “Sad Disco,” perfectly setting the tone for the evening. Any concertgoers who weren’t fans before were undoubtedly converted. Flipturn has a knack for captivating the audience, seamlessly transitioning from mellow tracks like “Space Cowboy” to fan favorites like “August.” It was hard to believe they were only the openers.
Having formed in Jacksonville, the audience already had a deep connection with the band and they knew it too — throwing in a few “DUUUVAL” chants here and there between songs.
Lead vocalist and guitarist Dillon Basse commands the stage with the presence of someone born to perform, creating a captivating synergy that brings his band members together in perfect harmony. His natural charisma and energy resonate through every song leaving the crowd begging for more. The band seamlessly fuses the eclectic and vibrant tones of indie music with the timeless essence of classic rock — a perfect appetizer for the much-anticipated main course.
Two Door Cinema Club finally answered our missed calls and decided we needed to meet face-to-face. They even captioned their most recent post with what feels like a love letter to the neglected state: “So many firsts so far on this tour… Miami, Jacksonville, and next up, Asheville! We’ve had so many beautiful first dates; there’s a gorgeous romance blooming.” It was as if Jacksonville was the shy, overlooked partner in a
Words by Ambar Ramirez & Carmen Macri
Photos by Seth Ledger
love story, finally getting its moment to shine. And what better place to have the perfect first date than at Daily’s Place? The band’s energy was infectious, and the crowd’s enthusiasm made it clear that this first date was something special. Jacksonville had been waiting for this moment, and it turned out to be worth the wait.
When Two Door Cinema Club first took the stage in 2007, they were known as Life Without Rory, likely a nod to one of the many school crushes that come with being 16. Life Without Rory released three demos before disbanding. Shortly after, vocalist and guitarist Alex Trimble, lead guitarist Sam Halliday and bassist Kevin Baird formed a new band—Two Door Cinema Club, inspired by Halliday’s mispronunciation of a local cinema, Tudor Cinema. And the rest was history.
When the band released their first studio-produced album “Tourist History,” which included hits like “What You Know” and “Undercover Martyn,” it was clear that the band was here to stay.
The connection was immediate, and a new chapter in this musical romance began. Except we already know everything about the Northern Ireland band and wasted no time on “getting to know each other.” The show started with a song from their 2010 “Tourist History” album— “This Is the Life” quickly followed by another smash hit “I Can Talk” off the same record.
The millennial band seamlessly weaved between recent and classic tracks, making sure that the crowd had no chance to slow down and stop dancing. Some of the latest tracks performed included songs from their 2022 “Keep On Smiling” Album. You know the saying, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it — the band took that personally. With their newer tracks “Wonderful Life” and “Messenger AD (intro)” they perfectly blend the nostalgic sounds of their signature synth-pop with refreshed lyrics, paying homage to the fans who grew up with them while also inviting a newer generation to the party.
It is important to note that while Two Door Cinema Club could very well classify as a millennial band, they have not pigeonholed themselves yet. The crowd at Daily’s Place was equally filled with gen-Zers (ourselves included) singing and dancing (and screaming) right along.
The band truly knows how to deliver an unforgettable performance, keeping the crowd captivated and on the edge of their seats. As with any great act, Two Door Cinema Club reserved their best tracks for the final moments. To be honest, after igniting the iconic two-clap intro of “Undercover Martyn,” nothing else seemed to matter. The people around us faded into the background, and it felt like the entire arena shared our sense of euphoria. Like that moment in every true rom-com when the two main characters finally kiss — the lights fade and all the extras disappear.
Unfortunately, the moment only lasted for two minutes and 47 seconds because once the opening riff of “Cigarettes in the Theatre” graced our ears, we were back to singing and dancing (and screaming). So much so that we hardly realized that the set was coming to a close. We were far too immersed in the nostalgic sounds of our childhoods — though, even for newcomers, the band still has a knack for exuding a sense of sentimentality with their music.
It took one note, one guitar riff, and the lyrics “In a few weeks,” for the audience to go wild. And that’s when we realized what was right before our eyes (pun intended) — “What You Know.” The perfect ending to a perfect first date and the perfect ending to our concert review.
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CONCERTS
AUG. 1
Dirty Heads & Slightly Stoopid Daily’s Place dailysplace.com
AUG. 2
Straight No Chaser Summer with special guests Chris Kirkpatrick & O-Town St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
The Magic of Motown Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
AUG. 3
Switchfoot | Blue October | Matt Nathanson St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Out of Darkness | ZHUG Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 4
First Coast Showcase Sunday Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Unlimited Devotion Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 5
Spaced Underbelly underbellyjax.com
AUG. 7
Christopher Cross Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Alesane Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 8
Hawthorne Heights St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Belmont Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
9
St. Augustine Amphitheatre–Backyard Stage theamp.com
AUG. 10
UB40 with special guests The English Beat and Maxi Priest St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Tori Nance Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
AUG. 11
Slash: S.E.R.P.E.N.T. Festival St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
We the Kings Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 15
Bold City Classics Big Band Casa Marina 904tix.com
Ace Monroe Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
SL#T P@P
Ocean Street Tequila Bar oceanstreettacos.com
AUG. 16
Maren Morris with special guest Anna Graves Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Lauren Woodall Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
AUG. 17
311 St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
The Chi-Lites
Jacksonville Center for Performing Arts jaxevents.com
The Ultimate Elvis Celebration
Thrasher-Horne Center, Orange Park thcenter.org
John Cruz
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Companied Chaos | Heavy on the Heart
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 18
That Girl Lay Lay Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Trash Panda
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Gable Price and Friends Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Paul McCoy with Scott Barlett Murray Hill Theatre murrayhilltheatre.com
Struggle Jennings Underbelly underbellyjax.com
AUG. 23
Caitlin Mahoney Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Scott H. Biram Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 23-24
In the Round With Davis Loose, Ethan Phillips & Justin Dukes
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 24
Joshua Bowlus Quartet
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Yosemite in Black
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 25
Kyran Daniel
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
AUG. 26
Charley Crockett
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Shonali | Bad Madonna
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
AUG. 27
Heavy Temple
Underbelly underbellyjax.com
AUG. 29
Crowded House
St. Augustine Amphitheatre theamp.com
Slippery Rick
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Cassie & Maggie
Cafe Eleven, St. Augustine originalcafe11.com
AUG. 30
The Lee Boys
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
AUG. 31
Leela James Florida Theatre floridatheatre.com
Buffalo Nichols
Blue Jay Listening Room bluejayjax.com
Pylon Reenactment Society
Jack Rabbits jaxlive.com
Ultimate Floyd Tribute
Underbelly underbellyjax.com
YOUR CONCERT ETIQUETTE GUIDE
Words by Emily Cheyne
With the summer concert season in full swing, it is time to go over some concert etiquette. So many big names are announcing tours right now and whether you’re a live music regular or this is your first show, here is a little refresher to make the most of your concert experience.
One of the most important things to remember is that there will be hundreds, if not thousands of other people at these shows, and while you want to have the time of your life, be considerate of those around you. No one wants to be that obnoxious fangirl who won’t stop screaming or the one holding up a giant sign, blocking the view. Here are some helpful tips to keep in mind at your next concert:
HAVE YOUR TICKETS DOWNLOADED AND READY TO GO AT THE GATE. Getting into a large venue is already stressful enough so having your tickets ready can make it a lot smoother.
STAY HYDRATED. It has been brutally hot this summer and you do not want to be that person passing out in the crowd. Drink lots of water beforehand and unfortunately be willing to spend $8 on a water bottle at the venue.
BE PRESENT. It is very easy to want to record the entire show on your phone but how many times have you actually looked back on past concert videos? Take a few short videos of your favorite songs and spend the rest of the time fully immersed in the music. Also, the people behind also don’t want to stare at your phone.
READ VENUE RULES BEFOREHAND. Some venues have stricter rules than others when it comes to bag policies and signs. Bring only what you need: keys, wallet, phone, and tickets. If you’re going to bring a sign, make it reasonably sized.
CONSIDER THOSE AROUND YOU. People spend lots of money on concerts and the last thing they want is it to be ruined by someone else. Keep in mind to respect the space of others and don’t go over the top with screaming the lyrics. It’s a very exciting time but you wouldn’t want someone ruining it for you. Be friendly and offer to take pictures for the people next to you, and you might be able to get that in return.
RESPECT THE PERFORMER. There have been too many videos surfacing the internet of fans throwing things at an artist on stage. This shouldn’t really be a topic of discussion, but I digress. The artist is human too and they might make some mistakes. Be respectful of all the time and energy they have put into touring.
Don’t stress though, concerts are one of those special experiences that bring many people together over a shared interest. So whether you are going to a sold out stadium or a local Jacksonville venue, keep in mind these few tips to make the most of your concert. Have fun, make friends and be safe.
Cajun Crab Juice Seafood & Bar Jax cajuncrabjax.com
Cliff’s Bar & Grill cliffsbarandgrill.com
El Fogón de Munchies facebook.com/elfogonMunchiesBoricuas
Fancy Sushi & Grill Japanese Restaurant fancysushiandgrill.com
Fuji Sushi fujisushi-fl.com
The Good Place Nutrition facebook.com/thegoodplacenutrition
ABBQ abbqmeatdrink.com
Anejo anejococinamexicana.com
Angie’s Subs facebook.com/angiessubs
Aqua Grill aquagrill.net
Azurea at One Ocean azurearestaurant.com
Barbara Jean’s on the Water barbarajeansonthewater.com
Caffe Andiamo caffeandiamo.com
Cantina Louie cantinalouie.com
Coop 303 coop303.com
Eleven South elevensouth.com
Engine 15 Brewing Company engine15.com
European Street Cafe europeanstreet.com
The Fish Company Restaurant and Oyster Bar thefishcojax.com
Flying Iguana Taqueria & Tequila Bar flyingiguana.com
The G.O.A.T. Tapas & Bar thegoatjax.com
Grinders American Diner grindersamdiner.com
Lauren’s Jazz, Blues & Seafood facebook.com/laurensseafoodbluesjazz
La Palmerita orderlapalmerita.com
Pupuseria El Paraíso pupuseriaelparaisojax.com
Rice + Noodles Korean Restaurant riceandnoodles.net
Seven Wonders Restaurant 7wondersbakery.com
GROM
facebook.com/Grom904
Hawkers eathawkers.com
JJ’s Liberty Bistro jjbistro.com/ponte-vedra
Kamiya 86 kamiya86fl.com
Lone Wolf Co. lonewolfjax.com
Marker 32 marker32.com
Mezzaluna mezzalunajax.com
Mojo Kitchen mojobbq.com/mojo-kitchen
Nona Blue Modern Tavern nonablue.com
North Beach Fish Camp thenorthbeachfishcamp.com
Oaxaca Club theoaxacaclub.com
O-Ku o-kusushi.com
Palm Valley Fish Camp palmvalleyfishcamp.com
Poe’s Tavern poestavern.com
Ragtime Tavern ragtimetavern.com
Southern Coast Seafood southerncoastseafood.com
Tabouleh Cafe taboulehcafe.com
Thai & Lao Bistro thaiandlaobistro.com
Zen Dumpling zendumplings.com
Safe Harbor Seafood Market and Restaurant safeharbor-seafood.com
Salt Life Food Shack saltlifefoodshack.com
Salumeria 104 Atlantic Beach salumeria104.com
Singleton’s Seafood Shack singletonsseafood.com
Sliders Oyster Bar slidersoysterbar.com
Southern Grounds southerngrounds.com
TacoLu tacolu.com
Talkin’ Tacos talkintacos.net
Two Dudes Seafood Restaurant twodudesrestaurant.com
Valley Smoke BBQ valleysmoke.com
Vicious Biscuit viciousbiscuit.com
Bellweather bellwetherjax.com
The Bread and Board thebreadandboard.com
The Brick Coffee House brickcoffeehouse.com
Burrito Gallery burritogallery.com
Cowford Chophouse cowfordchophouse.com
Casa Dora Italian Cafe facebook.com/casadorajax
De Real Ting Cafe facebook.com/derealtingcafe
Bella Vista bellavistaitalian.com
Berndt Ends BBQ facebook.com/berndtendsbbq
Blue Bamboo Canton Bistro bluebamboojacksonville.com
ChopHouse Thirteen chophouse13.com
Enza’s Italian Restaurant enzas.net
ISO ISO Ramen isoisoramen.com
Julington Creek Fish Camp julingtoncreekfishcamp.com
Bold Birds Nashville Hot Chicken boldbirdshotchicken.com
Buchner’s Bierhall buchnersbierhalle.com
The Butt Hutt Smokehouse butthuttjax.com
Chancho King chanchoking.com
The Dreamette dreametteicecream.com
Estrella Cocina estrellajax.com
The Happy Grilled Cheese thehappygrilledchees.wixsite.com/grilledcheese
Indochine indochinejax.com
Juliette’s Bistro at Marriott Jacksonville Downtown marriott.com
Morton’s The Steakhouse mortons.com
Ocean Street Tacos oceanstreettacos.com
Kazu Japanese Restaurant kazujapaneserestaurant.com
