Folio Weekly 01/28/15

● ● ● ● ●

LENNY CURRY’S BIG COUP [P.6]

THE REVIVALISTS’ BIG BREAK [P.14]

JACKSONVEGAS’ BIG MAN [P.19]

●

2 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

CONTENTS //

MAIL

JAN. 28-FEB. 3, 2015 • VOLUME 28 • NUMBER 44 Pick a Side

19

6

15 Cover photo by Dennis Ho

EDITOR’S NOTE FIGHTIN’ WORDS CITIZEN MAMA COVER STORY

5 6 7 8

PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor

staylor@folioweekly.com / 904.260.9770 ext. 111

EDITORIAL

EDITOR • Jeffrey C. Billman jbillman@folioweekly.com / ext. 115 SENIOR EDITOR • Marlene Dryden mdryden@folioweekly.com / ext. 131 A&E EDITOR • Daniel A. Brown dbrown@folioweekly.com / ext. 128 WRITERS-AT-LARGE Susan Cooper Eastman sceastman@folioweekly.com Derek Kinner dkinner@folioweekly.com CARTOONIST • Tom Tomorrow CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rob Brezsny, John E. Citrone, Julie Delegal, AG Gancarski, Dan Hudak, Shelton Hull, MaryAnn Johanson, Pat McLeod, Nick McGregor, Cameron Meier, Jeff Meyers, Kara Pound, Scott Renshaw, Chuck Shepherd, Abigail Lake VIDEOGRAPHER • Doug Lewis INTERNS • Jessica Gilpin, Darby Moore

OUR PICKS MUSIC THE KNIFE MOVIES

12 14 19 20

DESIGN

ART DIRECTOR • Chaz Bäck chaz@folioweekly.com / ext. 116 SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER • Dana Fasano dfasano@folioweekly.com / ext. 117 PHOTO EDITOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER • Dennis Ho dho@folioweekly.com / ext. 122 DESIGN INTERN • Samantha Sotter design@folioweekly.com / ext. 117

BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER • Ashaley J. Oliver fpiadmin@folioweekly.com / ext. 119 VICE PRESIDENT • T. Farrar Martin fmartin@folioweekly.com

DISTRIBUTION

Bobby Pendexter / cosmicdistributions@gmail.com

MAGIC LANTERNS ARTS DINING DIRECTORY BITE-SIZED

22 23 25 26

ASTROLOGY 28 NEWS OF THE WEIRD 28 CROSSWORD 29 I SAW U 30

ADVERTISING

PUBLISHER Sam Taylor staylor@folioweekly.com / ext. 111 SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGERS Kathrin Lancelle klancelle@folioweekly.com ext. 124 • Downtown, Riverside, Northside, San Marco CJ Allen callen@folioweekly.com / ext. 120 • Beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach, Amelia Island ACCOUNT MANAGER / SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER Ro Espinosa respinosa@folioweekly.com ext. 129 • Southside, Avondale, Arlington ACCOUNT MANAGERS Csaba Farago cfarago@folioweekly.com ext. 125 • St. Augustine, Intracoastal West Ryan Grimes rgrimes@folioweekly.com ext. 127 • Mandarin, Orange Park Anieca Turner aturner@folioweekly.com ext. 130

Folio Weekly is published every Wednesday throughout Northeast Florida.

It contains opinions of contributing writers that are not necessarily the opinion of this publication.

Folio Weekly welcomes both editorial and photographic contributions. Calendar information must be received two weeks in advance of event date.

Copyright © Folio Publishing, Inc. 2015. All rights reserved. Advertising rates and information are available on request. An advertiser purchases right of publication only. One free issue copy per person.

Additional copies and back issues are $1 each at the office or $4 by U.S. mail, based on availability. First Class mail subscriptions are $48 for 13 weeks, $96 for 26 weeks and $189 for 52 weeks. Please recycle Folio Weekly.

Folio Weekly is printed on recycled paper using soy-based inks. 27,000 press run. Audited weekly readership 105,315.

GET SOCIALIZED FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

FOLIO WEEKLY STORE folioweeklystore.com

This publication offers you great digital experiences using the Layar App.

thefolioweekly

@folioweekly

BITE CLUB

facebook.com/folioweeklybiteclub

Download Layar and scan when you see the Layar symbol to discover interactive content.

@folioweekly

Mobile App

For the best in Live Music, Arts, Sports, Food and Nightlife, download the DOJAX Mobile App by texting “Folio” to 77948

9456 Philips Highway, Ste. 11, Jacksonville FL 32256 Phone: 904.260.9770 • Fax: 904.260.9773

Trey Csar of the Jacksonville Public Education Fund (JPEF) would have you believe the school choice debate should be just civil discourse between disagreeing groups, and that if you really cared, you would remain above the fray [Backpage Editorial, “Get Beyond the Rhetoric,” Jan. 7]. That’s what he says, but that’s not what he and the JPEF have done.

Last summer during the school board races, they partnered with numerous nonprofits to put on forums with the single stipulation being that none of the nonprofits would endorse a candidate. They did this while, at the same time, members of their board were not only endorsing candidates, but giving them thousands and thousands of dollars, too.

Csar might say something like “that’s the board and they do what they do, and it has nothing to do with what the JPEF does,” to which I ask you, who believes that for a second? Who believes Gary Chartrand, the man responsible for bringing Csar and JPEF to town — as well as contributing to numerous charter schools, the public policy department at Jacksonville University, Channel 7 (which gave Csar and Chartrand education awards), and providing the lion’s share of the Quality Education for All funds — and who has his hands in seemingly every local pot that has to do with education, would just throw up his arms and say, “JPEF, just do what you do, I and the rest of the board will stay out of it”? It is ridiculous and insulting for Csar to think we will believe that Chartrand and the board play no role at all in what they do.

Make no mistake, friends, there is a battle being waged, and the forces that would seek to profit from or privatize public schools are winning. Our superintendent has lamented the loss of tens of millions of dollars due to the growth of charter schools and vouchers.

There is not one true educator on the state board of education, but Chartrand and his charter school and voucher interests are. Rick Scott’s transition education team had more charter school owners than educators on it, too.

Finally, the local Republican Party has even said supporting vouchers will be a litmus test, and those who don’t will be opposed. Csar shrugs his shoulders at all those things, as if they don’t matter. Sit it out, he says, be above the fray, there is no room for partisanship in education.

Just so there is no mistake, I am partisan.

I squarely believe in the efficacy and value of public schools, but at the same time, what choice has the other side given me? Csar’s own report says we have no idea how schools that take vouchers are doing, and that school choice, through the siphoning away of resources, hurts public schools. Then Csar’s own website says Jacksonville charter schools, which have grown by nearly 400 percent since JPEF arrived, do worse than their public school counterparts.

In short, as a group the choices besides public schools suck. If the JPEF truly cared about kids, why would it be trying to funnel kids into those options? Isn’t their choice-for-the-sake-ofchoice stance irresponsible? I believe it is, and I believe it is hurting kids, too.

Like Csar does, I urge you to go to JPEF’s website and read the school choice report. Let their very own words speak for themselves. I would urge you to pick a side, too.

Chris Guerrieri, schoolteacher If you would like to respond to something that appeared in the pages of Folio Weekly, please send an email with your address and phone number (for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com.

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 3

4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

EDITOR’S NOTE

THE SUBSTANCE-FREE CAMPAIGN

P

olitical campaigns are by their very nature given to hyperbole and histrionics, making mountains out of molehills and parsing every uttered syllable in search of a possible attack vector. We all know that. And that’s a not-insignificant reason why people hate politics and politicians in general.

But last week’s back-and-forth between Jacksonville’s two leading mayoral candidates was nonetheless illuminating, if only because it succinctly illustrated how vacuous this race is, and perhaps how precious little difference there really is between the incumbent Democratic mayor and his main Republican rival.

To recap: Alvin Brown released his first campaign ad — with a cameo by Toney Sleiman — in which he boasted about firing government workers and cutting his own salary and not raising taxes, which kinda makes you wonder why Brown hasn’t jumped to the GOP already.

Lenny Curry’s team immediately pounced, pointing out that, actually, taxes did go up during Brown’s tenure. “Consider that just last year, 2014, Alvin Brown accepted a city budget with a property tax hike of 14%,” Curry’s press release declared.

That much is true, but the key word there, of course, is “accepted”; even if City Council passed a tax hike in 2013 (and kept the higher rates in 2014), Team Curry argues, it had to because Brown’s budget had a massive shortfall. On that, I think, Curry has a point, though I’m not sure how salient it will be to the electorate. And really, does doing what you have to do during an economic crisis — even if Brown avoided taking ownership of the tax hike his budget required — somehow constitute bad governance now? And does it also constitute what the Curry camp has labeled “Alvin Brown’s biggest lie”? For good measure, Curry also blasted Brown for cutting police funding, as if the mayor could have waived a magic revenue wand and refilled the city’s coffers.

Then, in a subsequent press release, Curry hit Brown for his proposal — which City Council never took seriously anyway — to funnel $11.8 million into The Jacksonville Landing.

“Throwing nearly $12 million at spacial [sic] interests while kids are being gunned down in the street because of fewer cops is not simply outrageous it’s disgusting,” Curry spokesman Brian Hughes (who should really hire a copy editor) said in a statement.

So should we take that to mean that Lenny Curry will not be pumping any money into Downtown renovation, that he’d be cool with letting The Landing rot, that he thinks a thriving urban core isn’t worthy of public investment? Or is it that Lenny Curry, until recently Rick Scott’s right-hand man, now opposes giving tax money to corporate interests, or maybe just corporate interests who support his opponent?

And while we’re at it, is Curry promising to never let a tax increase escape City Hall under his watch, no matter what the

exigent circumstances? Because that doesn’t seem too pragmatic.

I put these questions to Hughes. What follows was, in toto, the reply. See if you can spot anything approaching a policy specific: “Attributable to Lenny Curry: ‘The first priority for a vibrant downtown that has connections to diverse neighborhoods is public safety. My first priority as mayor will be to ensure the safety of Jacksonville’s families.

Once that priority is met, we will then prioritize investments in projects that allow our economy to grow and business owners to create jobs. These investments must be contained in balanced budgets and without tax hikes. I will work with Jacksonville families and City Council to ensure we reach our potential with fiscal discipline that respects the taxpayers. None of these positive steps can occur when murder and violent crime plague our city.’”

Which I take as: no tax increase but lots more money for cops (which means, unless the city’s revenue base grows quickly and substantially, cutting elsewhere, though he doesn’t say where, of course), and other stuff if we get to it.

Not to be outdone, the Brown camp is harping on Curry’s claim to not be a politician, which is, yes, asinine given that the man ran the Republican Party of Florida. He’s never been an elected official, fine, but Lenny Curry is most definitely a political animal — there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, by the way — and he shouldn’t pretend otherwise.

But so what if he does? If Lenny Curry, who left his post as state’s Republican Party chair to run for the mayor of one of its major cities, wants to tell people he’s not a politician, that his prerogative. More troubling to me is that, so far, his campaign hasn’t said much else of any importance. We know that he’s the father of some adorable children, and we know he ran a business. That’s terrific. But we don’t know where he stands on the human rights ordinance, and we know very little about what his legislative priorities would be or how a Curry administration would be fundamentally better (or at least different) than a second Brown administration. Instead, we’re being asked to trust him, because he’s a father — as if procreating somehow entitles one to office — and a business owner and not a politician. That’s not good enough.

Right now we know that he dislikes tax hikes, just like Alvin Brown, and he’s dodged on the HRO, just like Alvin Brown, and he’s scored a lot of campaign dough, just like Alvin Brown.

Curry is by all accounts a smart, personable man, and perhaps he would bring a level of efficiency and competence to city government that Brown’s administration has lacked (according to its critics, anyway). But he needs to start coloring in the lines.

Really, does doing what you have to do during an economic crisis somehow constitute bad governance now?

And does it also constitute “Alvin Brown’s biggest lie”?

Jeffrey C. Billman twitter/jeffreybillman jbillman@folioweekly.com

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5

FIGHTIN’ WORDS

THE COUP AND THE CONSEQUENCES Lenny Curry got the Duval GOP’s endorsement, but probably not the way he wanted

L

situation so goshdarned well that neither he nor Crenier got another term in party leadership. Of course you’d give him an award!

He screwed up things so badly that Robin Lumb gets to spend his golden years fixing that khaki-wearing yokel’s botch job.

Hartley’s handsome plaque is a coda to a career that ended up damaging the Republican brand worse than a Huckabee family swimsuit calendar. One person whose brand it did not damage: Jerry Holland, the supervisor of elections who has done a yeoman’s work attempting to restore credibility to our elections process after some unpleasantness in 2000.

Holland, honorably but to no effect, tried to restore sanity to the process, attempting to get the REC to hold an election with some semblance of transparency and consistency with traditional norms. Instead, the REC gimmicked a result with all the subtlety of a Warsaw Pact election circa 1974.

Think of it: The intimidation. The fear of exposure.

It’s classic power politics from Duval County Republicans on behalf of their candidate. Who would’ve expected anything else?

Last week Curry, for all of his sunny imagery, showed that his operation is GOP Business As Usual.

And yes, his people have the right to play hardball politics to the hilt. That’s how Republicans do primaries. But it wasn’t necessarily the right move here.

Curry is not some yahoo candidate who’s got to be propped up with flag iconography and phony religious appeals. He’s a serious, thoughtful person. He can talk theology or football with you. And he seems to genuinely care about people from all walks of life.

The trouble is, he’s running a campaign that needs to appeal to people who are not like that, people who call transsexuals “trans-sectionals,” and who fear anyone not like them to such a degree that they don’t even want them to have equal protection under the law. The ruckus at the REC appeals to people like that. They like blustering displays of outsized strength.

But what about those who don’t want their city to be run like a North Korean election? They see that mess, and it seems fundamentally undemocratic. And they vote.

Perhaps that’s how these things are won: playing to the lowest common denominator, pulling power moves because any risk of losing is too much. Time will tell if Bishop and his people will come back into the fold. Alvin Brown is waiting with open arms.

Illustration courtesy Duval Street Irregulars

ots of people are angry at the coup Lenny Curry’s campaign pulled off at the Duval County Republican Executive Committee meeting last week, when he earned the party’s endorsement [The Flog, “Duval Repubs Eject Folio Weekly Writer (Who Is Not Really a Folio Weekly Writer) from REC meeting,” Jeffrey C. Billman and Susan Cooper Eastman, Jan. 20]. Technicalities in the voting process — helped by a not-inconsiderable number of people who turned in blank ballots as a way of directly abstaining and perhaps demonstrating dissatisfaction with both candidates, Curry and Bill Bishop — led to Curry not pulling off the required supermajority on the first ballot. It took a second vote to get him there, taken after many voters had left the building.

Yes, Curry got the endorsement he wanted, but not without breaking a bunch of eggs to make the omelet. Bishop isn’t happy, for starters, and the more of these shenanigans he experiences, the more likely it is that his

6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

supporters will rally behind Mayor Brown after the runoff (assuming, of course, that Bishop doesn’t make it), whom Bishop has cheerfully described as a lousy mayor, but never as a man without integrity.

Who else did Team Curry tick off ? Well, former Republican City Council candidate and Bishop social media coordinator Jesse Wilson, who got ejected from the meeting for committing a crime against party orthodoxy: looking like he could be a reporter for Folio Weekly. Nope, the GOP doesn’t profile just Muslims and blacks; the Republican Party profiles alt-weekly journalists, too, singling them out and having party officials eject them, but not before inspecting their phones to ensure they didn’t video anything.

(As with other kinds of profiling, this one produced erroneous results: Wilson has never written for this magazine.)

What would Wilson have videoed? The Lifetime Achievement Award for Rick “I’ve Been Told That ‘Thuggish’ Is a Racist Slur” Hartley — perhaps for slandering Mayor Brown, perhaps for his transcendently idiotic obfuscation on Kim Crenier’s career-killing Ferguson tweets? Hartley handled that

AG Gancarski twitter/aggancarski mail@folioweekly.com

CITIZEN MAMA

HOW TO WASTE $500K A WEEK

Duval Republicans are playing politics, the rest of us are paying for it

J

acksonville needs to get on top of pension reform, and failing to do it now amounts to playing politics with taxpayer money.

And contrary to what a recent Lenny Curry direct-mail piece would have us believe, it’s not Mayor Alvin Brown who’s playing fast and loose with our dollars.

Our past rates of payment on the Police & Fire Pension Fund’s (PFPF) unfunded liability, much like modest payments applied toward a maxed-out credit card, have resulted in higher, untenable overall costs. Basically, we’re talking about $1.7 billion — money the city doesn’t have.

Legally, we can’t change benefits for current pensioners or for current employees who have already become vested, at least without a protracted and uncertain court battle. The Times-Union’s coverage criticizing retired employees for their “rich” pensions contributes nothing constructive to the conversation. The reality remains: Only future benefits can be altered.

State Rep. Janet Atkins relied on the T-U’s questionable reporting to advocate for an investigation into PFPF practices. Then, two things happened. First, City Council President Clay Yarborough declared he would not put pension reform back on the agenda. Second, the political action committee Together for a Greater Jacksonville, affiliated with Curry, sent out a flyer bemoaning Brown’s “pension disaster.” Adkins, Yarborough and Curry are all Republicans, of course; the mayor is not.

Clearly, it’s not in Republicans’ interest to pass pension reform before the mayoral election. The strategy is to obstruct Brown’s progress and then blame him for its failure.

It’s a fiscally irresponsible move.

According to figures provided by the mayor’s office, in consultation with actuaries, the delay in passing pension reform will cost the city another $8.7 million over the next four months, leading up to the May runoff. And you can add to that another $57 million — the amount squandered through inaction since October 2012, extrapolating from the mayor’s data on new hires.

The mayor, the fund and the City Council have come very close to striking a deal on future benefits. While the City Council amended and passed the mayor’s restructuring package in December, the fund has sent back some minor tweaks. The relatively small sticking points are: ranges for cost-of-living allowances (COLAs), the interest-rate ranges for the DROP program, and the length of the agreement. The fund wants a 10-year

agreement. The city wants a three-year deal.

Statutes relating to collective bargaining allow the process to take place every three years. That’s when the employer-city comes to the negotiating table to hammer out employment issues with collective bargaining representatives, e.g., the police and fire unions.

But here’s the tricky part: Pension plans are long-term instruments that must, in order to protect the integrity of their investments, contemplate strategies years into the future.

It doesn’t make sense to collectively bargain the nuts and bolts of a pension plan every three years. In fact, most municipalities that collectively bargain with their public safety unions in regular, three-year intervals don’t regularly address their pension plans.

The parties in Jacksonville — the city and its public safety employees — have traditionally handled collective bargaining regarding pensions by deferring to a long-term “agreement” with the PFPF. Some council members have balked at approving a pension agreement whose life exceeds the three-year collective-bargaining cycle. The fund, meanwhile, wants the city to give up its bargaining power on pension matters for 10 years — a request that’s likely not legally enforceable, given the statutory three-year framework.

It’s conceivable that the council could still sign off on the agreement, however, knowing that the fund can’t enforce the 10-year item.

It’s like signing an agreement for no rain for the next decade — it means nothing, so why not go ahead with it? Restructuring for future employees would be accomplished, the COLA and DROP rates would be settled, and the city would still be able to call the parties to the table under the three-year scheme. And once future pensions are settled, the council could get around to deciding how to pay for the whole thing.

They’d better do it soon: Taxpayers are losing a half-million dollars each week that our elected representatives fail to act. The clock is ticking.

Last week, the mayor filed a new pension reform bill incorporating the PFPF’s desired changes. The earliest City Council could sign off, after the bill moves through committees, is Feb. 24 — and it’s quite likely that before then the council will bend Brown’s proposal to its own will.

Julie Delegal mail@folioweekly.com

A version of this column previously appeared on Context Florida.

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7

PUTTIN’ ON

THE RITZ

F

ifteen minutes before tonight’s presentation of Amateur Night at the Ritz, Octavius Davis is jumping up and down backstage. After taking a quick swig from his water bottle, Davis — dressed like a hip concierge in a tie, white dress shirt, unbuttoned black suit vest, designer jeans and tennis shoes — bounces over to a group of wide-eyed performers. His kind eyes peek from behind his fedora as he introduces himself, greeting each person with an infectious, toothy smile.

He attempts to empathize with the entire group — whose ages vary from 15 to 83 — by relating how he deals with his own nervous energy, which is apparently considerable, before swigging more water and hopping along.

Whether backstage, center stage, or offstage, Davis’ feet won’t spend much time on the ground, literally or metaphorically, while hosting the evening’s talent competition.

He has an important job.

As the house DJ drops a beat to signal the start of the show, Davis dances his way to center stage. Though the crowd of roughly 300 is already raring to go, Davis implores them anyway, asking several times for collective reassurance that they are indeed “ready to have a good time,” the response — “yeah!” — growing louder with each successive beckoning. The regulars know Davis is counting on their energy; the newcomers are beginning to understand the role they’ll be asked to play. The talent this evening — rappers, singers, a couple of geriatric dancers bound for YouTube stardom — is at their best decently entertaining and, at their worst … well, at their worst they’re booed relentlessly by the audience.

In between acts, Davis works the crowd, bouncing and dancing from place to place. The audience follows his lead: As the sounds of bass and drums fill the theater, they rise up in spontaneous fits and begin dancing in the aisles. It’s clear that together, Davis and the audience are as much a part of the experience as the talent on stage.

Aside from being the Ritz Theatre’s flagship program, Amateur Night ranks as a unique First Coast experience. On the first Friday of each month, locals of all ages and talents showcase their skills in front of a packed house. The lively audience votes for both a youth winner and an adult winner. Finals are held at the end of each season to decide an Amateur Night champion (past winners include teen country music singer Rion Paige, of X-Factor fame).

Though Amateur Night has always been well-attended, since reopening as a performance venue and museum in 1999, the Ritz Theatre — an incalculably important 85-year-old cultural institution and the only remaining reminder of a once-great African-American neighborhood — has struggled.

The Ritz was intended to play a vital role in Mayor Ed Austin’s River City Renaissance plan, unveiled in 1993, but the Renaissance’s execution never came close to its lofty goals. Still, the Ritz did eventually reopen — albeit without a supporting cast of businesses in the surrounding area and with a rather confusing business model. It strained to generate revenue and donor support. Strapped for resources, the theater’s management found it difficult even to let people know that the Ritz existed, let alone put asses in seats. The theater ran up a large annual operating deficit, putting the city on the hook for more than $750,000 a year. With some city council members reluctant to fund arts institutions, especially in such dire economic times, the theater barely squeaked through each passing budget crisis. After a tumultuous 2012 — in which the city removed former director Carol Alexander, who had been with the Ritz for its entire 13-year history — the theater’s future was uncertain at best.

In the last year or so, however, the Ritz’s arrow has begun to point up. In the last few months, the theater hosted a string of packed concerts, highlighted by a sold-out performance from Grammy-winner Chrisette Michele in September, and a near sellout for the legendary Allen Toussaint in December. More and more, the STORY BY MATTHEW B. SHAW theater is featuring heavy-hitters from the jazz,

The RISE and FALL and RISE of LaVilla’s iconic African-American theater, and the neighborhood that surrounds it

PHOTOS BY DENNIS HO

8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Octavius Davis

blues and R&B scenes, all somewhat neglected genres in Jacksonville. Already this year, hiphop icon Doug E. Fresh has hit the Ritz’s stage.

Over the next couple months, the Rebirth Brass Band of New Orleans and iconic soul singer (and recent Jeff Tweedy collaborator) Mavis Staples will do so, as well.

And, if you’re looking at the bottom line, the operating deficit is shrinking, too — the city’s contribution in 2014 was about $120,000 less than it was in 2013.

All of which is to say: The Ritz is relevant again. And that’s important.

A

s host of Amateur Night, Octavius Davis knows he’s the de-facto face of the Ritz Theatre, and that’s no small thing.

“One of the biggest things I felt I had to consider before accepting this role was whether I could do the facility the proper service,” he says. After all, Davis adds, there’s a special reverence that people who know Jacksonville’s history reserve for the Ritz.

“This facility has earned a voice in this community.

And whether it comes through the theater or through the museum, that voice deserves to be heard.”

Aside from housing The Ritz Theatre, the facility occupying the square block on Davis Street between Union and State streets is also the site of the LaVilla Museum, which houses historically significant remnants of the predominantly African-American (and largely unknown) neighborhood. Over the course of its 100-plus-year history — through Reconstruction, Jim Crow, and the Civil Rights Movement — some of the most important cultural and political figures in American history either resided in or visited LaVilla. A short list of notable residents proves difficult, but Eartha White, James Weldon Johnson, A. Philip Randolph, Abraham Lincoln Lewis, Zora Neale Hurston, Billy Daniels, Bob Hayes and Ray Charles come to mind immediately.

The Ritz Theatre first opened in LaVilla in 1929. In the front was commercial space, in the back a movie house. The Ritz was part of a bustling cultural and social scene that, together with wild bars, swanky hotels and music venues like the Roosevelt, the Strand and Frolic, earned LaVilla the nickname “The Harlem of the South.”

If you’ve visited Harlem in New York in the last decade-and-a-half or so, you likely saw tour guides pointing out restaurants, music clubs, hotels and theaters to tourists trying to visit as many touchstones of the Harlem Renaissance as possible.

You may have overheard locals bemoaning the irrelevance of the Apollo, or how the Cotton Club isn’t what it used to be. But in Harlem, it’s OK if the Apollo isn’t booking great acts like it used to.

And it’s OK if the Cotton Club isn’t even housed in its original location. In Harlem, you can visit any number of places dedicated to preserving

the culture of the past, from Strivers’ Row to the National Jazz Museum to Langston Hughes’ home.

In LaVilla, the situation is much different.

With little architectural heritage, the photographs, artwork, furniture, instruments, household appliances, clothing and knickknacks donated by an aging local population and housed in the LaVilla Museum (a total of more than 5,000 items) are all that’s left to represent one of Jacksonville’s most important cultural contributions to the story of America.

A

donnica Toler works as an assistant at the Ritz, and regularly gives tours of the LaVilla Museum. Toler’s keen interest and insight into everything around her have made her the resident archivist of LaVilla stories. The museum, she says, is interactive, in that people will see photographs on the wall and recognize a relative or friend.

“There is still a woman who comes in who remembers John Rosamond [Johnson] and James Weldon [Johnson],” she says. “There are still people who remember what it was like to live here when this was a thriving AfricanAmerican community.”

In LaVilla, African Americans were able to open businesses, practice medicine, create meaningful art, play sports, be politically active and generally live their lives the way most Americans lived at the time.

“All these things, like owning a business or going to school, a lot of the older people who grew up here don’t even realize that these were significant accomplishments for black people back then,” Toler says. “I tell them [how important it is] and they say, ‘We were just doing what we had to do.’”

During LaVilla’s heyday, Saturdays were for movies and Sundays were for church. At the Ritz, movie tickets were cheap (a nickel) and kids could trade bottle caps for admission.

The Ritz remained an important part of the community through the late 1960s, but after segregation ended, the railroad industry declined, and urban planners decided to drop Interstate 95 right through the heart of the neighborhood, which soon fell into decay.

“When you talk to people who grew up in LaVilla, they all talk about Wilder Park and Sugar Hill,” Toler says. Sugar Hill was a residential development where many uppermiddle-class families resided. (A.L. Lewis, Florida’s first African-American millionaire, had a home there.) The centralized Wilder Park was a community gathering-place for LaVilla residents. “I-95 came in and cut right through Wilder Park and Sugar Hill,” Toler says. “It was so bad that the highway lanes were nearly touching peoples’ windows.”

“We lived in a separated society back then,” says Robert Drummond, who grew up

Robert Drummond and Adonnica Toler JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9

in LaVilla and whose father was a cousin of famed philanthropist Eartha White. “There was a coalescence that existed because it had to exist. People clung to it by virtue of necessity.”

After segregation ended, opportunities drew people away from the neighborhood.

“There is a hint of sadness that goes with progress,” he says.

The Ritz closed in the ’70s, as the neighborhood continued to deteriorate. Crack cocaine (and the ramped-up War on Drugs) came in the ’80s, wreaking havoc on the families that remained.

What was left of LaVilla’s historic buildings crumbled or caught fire, as the city seemingly turned a blind eye.

Drummond eventually became a cop, and LaVilla became his beat. There he saw “drugs, prostitution, all kinds of criminal activity, and I was right in the midst of it,” he says. “The historic buildings were falling down and city officials never really seemed interested.”

to look like hair salons, department stores and doctors’ offices, with the tools of the trade laid about as if their owners would return to put them to use at any moment. There are schoolrooms, offices and banks. Then there’s the music: jazz, blues, gospel, soul. The vibrant photographs and real instruments tell the story of a neighborhood in which music was the lifeblood.

Though the Ritz earned the community’s trust, the museum (which often gives free tours) collected little revenue, and proved quite expensive to run.

It would have to rely on the adjacent theater to pay the bills. “One of the things that I had to come and embrace was the fact that the performing side has to thrive,” Stewart says. “You are never going to make enough on museum admissions to sustain the programming or pay the rent or pay the light bill.”

But Stewart and others at the Ritz found it hard to run an arts and entertainment business within the confines of city management.

T

he idea to revitalize the Ritz actually dates back to 1986, when a group called Ritz Theatre District Inc. announced plans to restore the complex. Donations came in, and highprofile African-American artists (including a then-avuncular-in-a-non-creepy-way Bill Cosby) performed around the city to raise money, but the group wasn’t able to see the project through. The city eventually took the reins.

A few years later, Austin’s Renaissance pledged allegiance to the theater’s resurrection, too; his plan, which cobbled together $234 million in borrowed funds, included several projects aimed at cleaning up low-income neighborhoods. When his team looked at LaVilla, officials decided that, given the state of the neighborhood’s structures, it was better to raze than restore — the idea being that investors would be enticed by the empty lots. There were plans for soul food bistros and a string of entertainment venues, none of which materialized. But after a few false starts and $8 million from the city, the theater reopened on Sept. 30, 1999.

“We got off to a great start,” says Lydia Stewart, who’s been an administrator at the Ritz for the last 15 years. “We opened with a red carpet and ribbon-cutting ceremony. We had the Smithsonian Symphony Orchestra playing the music of Count Basie, and we had a Duke Ellington collection on the museum side.”

Stewart speaks in a soft but matter-of-fact tone. Her words seem to impart wisdom with every sentence. She knows what the Ritz means to her, and also what it means to the community.

“Because you don’t see the remnants — no architectural heritage, no footprint,” Stewart says, “[the museum] is a revelation.”

She says that within the African-American community, the Ritz has come to be “an indication of respect for local heritage and local tradition. [African-Americans] discover that they come from a community that was a thriving, prosperous, proud community.”

That reputation, she adds, was not easily gained.

“One of the things that we really had to overcome starting out was earning the trust of people in the community, because creating a museum requires that you know the story, that you have things that can tell the story,” Stewart says.

The museum today showcases a mix of LaVilla superlatives, personal stories and re-creations of daily life. There are rooms made

10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Liz McDonald

“We were kind of a square peg in a round hole,” Stewart says. “At first, nobody knew what to do with [the theater] because we were operating under [the] public buildings [department] and they were clueless about what was going on here.” (The Ritz eventually ended up as part of the Parks & Recreation Department.) “They wanted time sheets turned in by five o’clock on Friday, and we’re all still working on Saturdays and Sundays. We never even had a dedicated marketing person.”

For the first 13 years after the Ritz reopened, Carol Alexander was its director. The city, she says, needed to “wrap its arms around” the theater to ensure its “development into a cultural institution.” But Alexander agrees with Stewart’s assessment: The bureaucracy made things more difficult than they needed to be.

“We would want to bring in an exhibit or certain program and they’d say, ‘Give us three bids,’” Alexander remembers. “I’d say, ‘Well, it doesn’t really work that way.’”

Over time, the city bent its rules to the Ritz’s benefit, and the theater’s relationships with the Delaney and Peyton administrations kept the city’s financial and managerial support intact.

But when the recession hit in 2007-’08, a lot of the corporate funding Alexander had come to rely on for programming support (in addition to the city’s contribution) dried up, and the city began casting a wary eye at the money-suck on Davis Street. Alexander says the city, itself cash-strapped, “started to ask, what are the things we can fund? And what are things we need to let someone else handle?”

The Peyton administration created a nonprofit to encourage corporations and private citizens to contribute to the theater, but philanthropy was in short supply in those years. The theater struggled to book acts, and

“We lived in a separated society back then. There was a coalescence that existed because it had to exist. People clung to it by virtue of necessity.” when it did, the community could hardly support them. The museum, meanwhile, continued amassing artifacts and giving away tours. The Ritz, which always operated in the red, ran up even bigger operating deficits, and the city, faced with mounting budget pressures, seemed less and less inclined to be its sole underwriter.

I

Jacksonville’s urban sprawl makes it hard to draw on the area’s large population. “There is a regionalism that occurs here in Jacksonville,” says McDonald. “If you live in Orange Park, it’s hard to get you to leave Orange Park.” She says the theater’s relatively small size is also a booking hassle. “Finding acts for a 400-seat theater — that people want to see — will always be tough.”

Still, she says, “There is a population of, say, 25-to-45-year-olds who want to see jazz, blues or R&B music who have been underserved.

And that’s where I think we can make big strides.”

n 2012, Mayor Alvin Brown’s administration abruptly relieved Alexander of her role — many involved thought it to be a shocking end to her career there.

Alexander had been trying reach out to Mayor Brown’s office in the months leading up to her dismissal. She told the Times-Union in 2012 that she was worried the Ritz would be cut from the city’s spendthrift budget. The theater’s future was unknown, but rumors abounded about the possibility of a final shuttering.

So the city took a new tack: It lumped in the Ritz in its request for proposals to manage all of the city’s entertainment complexes. Alexander, who says she had planned to retire anyway,

A

wasn’t brought along for the transition. SMG won the contract, and tasked Liz McDonald, also the director of the Times-Union Center, with managing the Ritz’s day-to-day operations, starting in July 2013.

McDonald says she knew going in that the move into her role at the Ritz would not be typical. “[The Ritz] has this history that people feel very connected to,” she says. “Although I love working with the symphony and the performing arts at the T-U [Center], it feels a little stale in comparison.”

SMG set about overhauling the Ritz’s website and the ticket-buying process. It established a social media presence. It featured the theater in a large ad campaign with events at the Veterans Memorial Arena and the T-U Center. All of this helped spread the word: The Ritz was alive and kicking.

“I came in knowing that there were things that could be changed, and a lot of these things I think people here wanted to do already,” McDonald says. “They just didn’t have the resources at their disposal.”

SMG had those resources, and made those changes. But challenges still linger.

In his office, Davis talks candidly about the source of that passion. Interestingly enough, his fire was lit in this very building, and the spark came from none other than Ritz former director — and his predecessor as Amateur Night host — Carol Alexander.

“Back in 2008,” he says, “I was in a deep depression, suicidal actually. A friend brought me to Amateur Night at the Ritz and I sat in the back row.” As he talks, his eyes light up, the way they do when he’s onstage. “Carol Alexander came out and just embraced the audience from the very beginning. She had so much energy, and the audience responded in such a profound way to her. I thought, ‘This is what I was meant to do. Somehow I’m going to do this.’ That moment changed my life.”

Davis says it’s impossible to quantify what the Ritz Theatre means to him personally, but it’s something that’s on his mind every time he takes the stage.

“Now every time I’m out there,” he says, “I’m always aware that there may be another Octavius Davis in the audience.” mail@folioweekly.com

nother important strategic move McDonald made was to finally hire a marketing director. She didn’t have to look far.

“Octavius, through Amateur Night, already brings the most people in the doors,” Taylor says. “We had a lot of great candidates, but none had the passion that Octavius has, and you can’t teach passion.”

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11

Our Picks Reasons to leave the house this week < ART

ROTHKO TO RICHTER

Focusing on abstract paintings from 1950 to 1990, the exhibit Rothko to Richter: Mark-Making in Abstract Painting from the Collection of Preston H. Haskell features 27 works by some of the 20th century’s most notable artists, including Karel Appel, Helen Frankenthaler, Hans Hofmann, Franz Kline, Willem de Kooning, Morris Louis, Joan Mitchell, Robert Motherwell, Robert Rauschenberg, Gerhard Richter (pictured, Untitled, acrylic on canvas, 1986) and Mark Rothko. The exhibit is on display Jan. 30-April 22, Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside, $10; $6 for seniors, military and students, cummer.org.

FIDDLIN’ ABOUT

DANIEL D. & URBAN INSTRUMENTALISTS

Violin virtuoso Daniel D. first picked up the instrument at age 12. After graduating from Charleston School of the Arts, he immediately began his life as a touring musician, and has since garnered an international fanbase on the strengths of his musical prowess and song selections. With his ensemble, the Urban Instrumentalists, Daniel performs music by everyone from Stevie Wonder to Taylor Swift, all with a decidedly smooth jazz flavor.

7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist St., Springfield, $30; $10 for students, riversidefinearts.org.

BRING THE NOISE

PRE-INTERNATIONAL NOISE CONFERENCE

Since 2004, the club Churchill’s in Miami has been hosting International Noise Conference, a multi-day event that spews an army of noise, experimental, free jazz and avant-psych musicians. In recent years, local saxophonist (and regular INC participant) Jamison Williams has presented a kind of local prelude. This year, Williams is joined by a line-up that includes Sharp Pain, Hell Garbage, Norse Shit Band, AG Davis (pictured), Patrick Spurlock, Boob Dylan, Dorian Nins, Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate, No Face, Sepia Raven, Tim Albro, Con Rit, The Glyph, Scott Leonard Bazar, Joel Switzer, Charles Pagano and Yung Gloom. 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at Shantytown Pub, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222, donations accepted. Photo: Anna Funk

HOLY MOLY!

COMEDY

Lord have mercy! South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone, along with Robert Lopez (Avenue Q), spent seven years developing musical satire The Book of Mormon, about the exploits or two hapless missionaries sent to Uganda to share the scriptures and convert a few locals. Since its Broadway debut in 2011, this, uh, faith-based farce has won a slew of awards, including nine Tonys, while the soundtrack scored a Grammy. Fans of hilarious (and Rated R!) musical theater must check out this smash hit. 7:30 p.m. Feb. 3 and 4 at the Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Moran Theater, 300 Water St., Downtown, $37.50-$77.50; through Feb. 8, artistseriesjax.org.

Comedian Elayne Boosler first honed her standup chops in the ’70s NYC comedy scene alongside peers like Andy Kaufman, Freddie Prinze and Richard Lewis. Starting in the mid-’80s, Boosler stepped into the spotlight on the strength of her cable TV comedy specials, while also writing comedic shtick for award shows ranging from the Emmys to the Writers Guild of America. Known for her no-nonsense style of observational humor that touches on everything from politics to relationships, Boosler is also an ardent animal activist, and in 2011 founded her own rescue and advocacy organization, Tails of Joy. 8:04 p.m. Jan. 29 and 31, 8:04 and 10:10 p.m.

Jan. 30 at Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., Southside, $15-$20, jacksonvillecomedy.com.

THE BOOK OF MORMON

12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

ELAYNE BOOSLER

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13

A&E // MUSIC

BUSY DOES IT Northeast Florida musician Jeremy Rogers maintains a hardworking ethic that keeps him in the mix

W

ith more musical projects under his belt than Jack White on coke, local musician Jeremy Rogers has been gigging the Northeast Florida scene hard since the early 2000s.

The 38-year-old is currently in hardcore punk outfit Dredger (guitar/drums) and alt-country band The Weighted Hands (electric guitar/mandolin/accordion), as well as performing solo under his own name.

“I’m really happy with where I am musically right now,” says Rogers. “I’ve done the touring thing. I’ve put out a bunch of records that I’m proud of. I get to play with some really great friends and artists and people occasionally pay me money and buy me drinks to strum on my guitar. I’d be doing that at home anyway.”

Originally from Erie, Pennsylvania, Rogers grew up in Gainesville and then St. Augustine. As a kid, he was exposed to his dad’s classic rock record collection — specifically Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, Leo Kottke and Steely Dan.

formation of his next band, Exhaustra, which existed from 2003 to 2004.

“We didn’t have a drummer, so I played drums.

We didn’t have a singer, so Tom sang. The songs were turning out better than expected, so we rounded it out with TJ Stein and Ryan Badger and we had a band. The name was taken from my favorite Radon song.”

“The BRASS RING CHASERS fall by the wayside pretty quickly and you’re left with some TRULY HONEST and amazing art.”

But it wasn’t until hearing Def Leppard’s “Pour Some Sugar on Me” that he started begging for a guitar — a wish that came true in the form of an Alvarez six-string.

“I was lucky enough to take lessons with one of my dad’s best buddies and Florida folk legend Bob Patterson for a couple years,” Rogers says. “When I got into high school, I started working with Gary Piazza and delved into classical guitar for a few years. Then I found punk rock and all that learnin’ got thrown out the window.”

After graduating from St. Augustine High School in 1994 and University of Florida College of Education in 1998, Rogers joined established punk band Boredom and played bass for them until 2002. The group disbanded after Rogers broke his thumb skateboarding right before a gig in California with Yellowcard.

So Rogers and the band’s guitarist Tom Derringer got together and opened up One Louder Studios, a recording studio off S.R. 16.

“To get our recording chops up, we started recording ourselves,” Rogers says of the

Rogers’ next two musical projects would prove the most influential. From 2007 to 2010, he played drums and bass for En Masse, which later changed its name to The Eastern Wave.

“These bands represent the most challenging music I’ve ever played,” says Rogers. “The Eastern Wave was a really important band for me. 90 percent [of people] hated it. We cleared rooms. But the other 10 percent loved it and were passionate about their connection with the songs. I think good art should generate that type of reaction.”

For the next few years, Rogers played drums, accordion, guitar and mandolin in popular St. Augustine bluegrass group The Wobbly Toms (2008-’12) and guitar in pop punk outfit Onslaught Dynamo (2008’10). Onslaught Dynamo released a debut full-length, This Sinking Feeling, which was recorded in Rogers’ garage.

“I imagine it’s tough everywhere to be a working musician,” Rogers explains. “So I really appreciate the time and heart that my fellow pickers put into their craft. The brass ring chasers fall by the wayside pretty quickly

and you’re left with some truly honest and amazing art.”

Though he’s been a constant stalwart in the local music scene, Rogers has never given being full-time musician a go. He’s a single dad with bills and it’s just simply not in the cards now that he’s nearing 40. But there’s still plenty of time for him to improve upon his skills.

For example, Rogers was in The Sweetest Punch, a folk trio, in 2011-’13 until he and a bandmate ended their relationship. The group was gaining ground — opening for Ed Kowalczyk at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall and getting air play on WQIK — so it was a letdown.

“My solo career started when I had to fill contractual obligations of the recently departed The Sweetest Punch,” Rogers explains. “We had four gigs on the books and I contacted them all explaining the situation, fully expecting to have to pay up. But they all booked me solo instead and I’ve been working on it since then.”

When he’s not working in the accounting office at a golf course, surfing or practicing tae kwon do with his son, Rogers is playing in his two current bands, Dredger and The Weighted Hands, and continuing to work on his solo material. He recently recorded a debut album on his phone, which will be released Feb. 24 on Computer Club Records.

“I’m a realist about my abilities and know where I sit in the music scene,” he says.

“Honestly, I’m stoked. I have no pressure from anyone but me about what and where I play and it’s awesome. I’ll never stop. I’ve tried; it hurt.”

Kara Pound mail@folioweekly.com

Hear Rogers’ music at jeremyrogers.bandcamp.com.

JEREMY ROGERS

8 p.m. Feb. 6 & 21 at Mellow Mushroom, 410 Anastasia Blvd., St. Augustine, 826-4040 JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC CONCERTS THIS WEEK

Grammy Award-winning artist BILL CHAPMAN (pictured), who founded the legendary ‘60s Bay Area band Sons of Champlin, performs with JOHN CAFFERTY at Mavericks at the Landing on Jan. 24.

SPADE McQUADE 6 p.m. Jan. 28 at Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub, Jacksonville Landing, Ste. 176, Downtown, 374-1247.

LEON RUSSELL, DAVE GRIFFIN 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, 1050 A1A N., 209-0399, $38-$48.

BE EASY 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29; 8:30 p.m. Jan. 30 & 31 at Latitude 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555.

JULIE DURDEN, BRENDA DAVID, COURTNIE FRAZIER 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Mudville Music Room, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., San Marco, 352-7008.

LEAH SYKES, POETRY & MOTION 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 398-7496, $5.

GALACTIC, MONOPHONICS 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $20.

DAVID WILCOX 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at Café Eleven, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 460-9311, $25.

ARLO GUTHRIE 8 p.m. Jan. 29 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 355-2787, $38.50-$58.50.

PHIL VASSAR 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at Mavericks at The Landing, 2 Independent Drive, Downtown, 356-1110, $20-$30.

LUKEISLUKE, DOCTOR VERNON, CRY HAVOC, CYPHER, FLIP DOTZ, PROPHETIC GLITCH, TRAPNASTY 7 p.m. Jan. 30 at 1904 Music Hall, 19 Ocean St., Downtown, $7.

MIKE SHACKELFORD 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30, Mudville Music Room.

LOBO MARINO, JOSEPH SHUCK, CHARLIE HUNT, SWAMP TREES 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at rain dogs, 1045 Park St., Riverside, 379-4969, $5.

DANCING WITH GHOSTS, EMMA MOSELEY BAND, OUTEREDGE, ANCESTROS CARD 8 p.m. Jan. 30, Jack Rabbits, $8.

TRIP LEE, KB 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at Murray Hill Theatre, 932 Edgewood Ave. S., Westside, 388-7807, $12-$30.

I-VIBES, YAMEADEO, COME BACK ALICE 8 p.m. Jan. 30, Freebird Live, $8.

LUCKY PETERSON 8 p.m. Jan. 30 at The Ritz Theatre & Museum, 829 N. Davis St., Downtown, 807-2010, $34-$39.

MAZE, FRANKIE BEVERLY 8 p.m. Jan. 30, The Florida Theatre, 49-$85.

CHILLULA 10 p.m. Jan. 30 at Lynch’s Irish Pub, 541 First St. N., Jax Beach, 249-5181.

AUSTIN PARK 10 p.m. Jan. 30 & 31 at Flying Iguana, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680.

LENNY COOPER 6 p.m. Jan. 31, Mavericks, $10-$20.

BELMONT AND JONES, MACK EVANS 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31, Mudville Music Room.

Pre-International Noise Conference: SHARP PAIN, HELL GARBAGE, NORSE SHIT BAND, AG DAVIS, PATRICK SPURLOCK, BOOB DYLAN, JAMISON WILLIAMS, DORIAN NINS, APOCALYPTIC NOISE SYNDICATE, NO FACE, SEPIA RAVEN, TIM ALBRO, CON RIT, THE GLYPH, SCOTT LEONARD BAZAR, JOEL SWITZER, CHARLES PAGANO, YUNG GLOOM 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at Shantytown Pub, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222, donations accepted.

RADIO BIRDS, FJORD EXPLORER, GOVT. CLUB, FORT STORIES 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at Burro Bar, 100 E. Adams St., Downtown, $7.

URSAMINOR, SURVIVING SEPTEMBER, THE HEALING PROCESS, NOCTURNAL STATE OF MIND 8 p.m. Jan. 31, Freebird Live, $8.

JIMMY SOLARI 8 p.m. Jan. 31, Fionn MacCool’s Irish Pub. MEDAL MILITIA (METALLICA TRIBUTE), MADHAUS, SYLENT VYLENTZ 8 p.m. Jan. 31, Jack Rabbits, $8.

DJ LORD (PUBLIC ENEMY), PATEN LOCKE, DJ EMCEE, DJ MATT SMITH, DEE JAY SNOW 8 p.m. Jan. 31, 1904 Music Hall, $10.

JACKSONVEGAS CD Release with MASTER RADICAL, PILOTWAVE 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, 353-6067, $10.

THE CRAZY CARLS 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Lynch’s Irish Pub. STRAIGHT LINE STITCH, ASKMEIFICARE, INNER DEMONS, MIDWAYER 6 p.m. Feb. 1, 1904 Music Hall, $10.

LITTLE BROOKS, CESHCI, CRUNK WITCH 8 p.m. Feb. 2, Shantytown Pub, $5.

THE TRAGIC THRILLS, THE WEIGHTED HANDS 8 p.m. Feb. 3, Burro Bar. THE BLIND SPOTS 8 p.m. Feb. 3, Underbelly, $5.

UNIVERSAL GREEN, THE CROWKEEPERS 6 p.m. Feb. 4, 1904 Music Hall.

THE REVIVALISTS, BOBBY LEE RODGERS 8 p.m. Feb. 4, Freebird Live, $15.

CHARLIE & THE FOXTROTS 8 p.m. Feb. 4, Burro Bar.

UPCOMING CONCERTS

GLEN HANSARD Feb. 5, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall BLAIR CRIMMINS & THE HOOKERS Feb. 5, Underbelly THE LEMONS, THE LIFEFORMS, NEW STRANGERS Feb. 5, rain dogs TRAVIS TRITT Feb. 6, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall GENERAL PATTON Feb. 6, Lynch’s Irish Pub THE PIANO GUYS Feb. 6, The Florida Theatre

16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Atlanta-based rockers RADIO BIRDS (pictured) perform with FJORD EXPLORER, GOVT. CLUB and FORT STORIES on Jan. 31 at Burro Bar, Downtown.

ROY PEAK Feb. 6, Mudville Music Room GIMME HENDRIX, DARKHORSE SALOON Feb. 6, Freebird Live VINCE GILL & TIME JUMPERS Feb. 7, The Florida Theatre JOE CROOKSTON Feb. 7, Mudville Music Room SYL JOHNSON Feb. 7, Ritz Theatre JONNIE MORGAN BAND Feb. 7, Lynch’s Irish Pub MEREMUTANTS DANCE TROUPE Feb. 7, Shantytown Pub WOLVHAMMER, PROMETHEAN HORDE, LEPROSY Feb. 7, Burro Bar SHOOTER JENNINGS Feb. 8, Mavericks JOSH HOYER & THE SHADOWBOXERS, MATT STEVENS Feb. 8, Jack Rabbits HUDSON FALCONS, DRESSED FOR THE OCCASION Feb. 8, Burro Bar SETH GLIER Feb. 8, Café Eleven EVAN DANDO, SARA JOHNSTON Feb. 9, Jack Rabbits I THE BREATHER, EXOTYPE, FOREVERMORE, COME THE DOWN Feb. 9, 1904 Music Hall THE PUNKNECKS Feb. 10, Burro Bar HANK & CUPCAKES, LAKE DISNEY, SEVERED + SAID Feb. 10, Jack Rabbits INGRID MICHAELSON Feb. 10, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall THE WAILERS Feb. 11, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall COYOTE UNION, THIS FRONTIER NEEDS HEROES, SPIRAL BOUND Feb. 11, Jack Rabbits ANVIL, LORD DYING, SUNLORD Feb. 12, Freebird Live LYNYRD SKYNYRD Feb. 12 & 13, The Florida Theatre JON SHAIN, RUPERT WATES Feb. 12, Mudville Music Room GENEVIEVE Feb. 12, Jack Rabbits ANA POPVIC Feb. 12, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall CHERRY POPPIN’ DADDIES Feb. 13, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SEAN DANIELSEN (SMILE EMPTY SOUL) Feb. 13, Underbelly THE CONTORTIONIST, REVOCATION, FALLUJAH, TOOTHGRINDER Feb. 13, 1904 Music Hall GOLDEN PELICANS, NUTRITIONAL BEAST, ELECTRIC WATER SUPER FUNK, SALYUT Feb. 13, rain dogs RESIGNATED Feb. 13 & 14, Lynch’s Irish Pub WAKE THE LIVING Feb. 13, Jack Rabbits MINDSLIP, GENERATOR Feb. 13, Freebird Live DIANA ROSS Feb. 14, The Florida Theatre Love Your Country: MUDTOWN, SNAKE BLOOD REMEDY, COUGAR BARREL, JACKIE STRANGER Feb. 14, rain dogs TURNSTILE, SUPERHEAVEN, FIRE & ICE, FREEDOM Feb. 14, 1904 Music Hall BILL MANSPEAKER Feb. 14, Underbelly

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC HARRY CONNICK JR. Feb. 15, T-U Center YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND, HORSE FEATHERS Feb. 15, Freebird Live DADS, SOMOS Feb. 16, Jack Rabbits SOJA, THE GREEN Feb. 17, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall BRIDGING THE MUSIC SHOWCASE Feb. 18, 1904 Music Hall JASON MRAZ Feb. 19, Times Union Center’s Moran Theater NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS, ANDERS OSBORNE Feb. 19, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall FULL SERVICE, ROOT OF ALL Feb. 19, Café Eleven JOHN HAMMOND Feb. 20, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall NEW KINGSTON, THROUGH THE ROOTS Feb. 20, Jack Rabbits MARCUS ROBERTS TRIO Feb. 20, The Florida Theatre SOMMORE, TONY ROCK, GARY OWEN, HUGGY LOWDOWN Feb. 20, T-U Center DALTON STANLEY BAND Feb. 20 & 21, Lynch’s Irish Pub REBIRTH BRASS BAND Feb. 20, Ritz Theatre MICHAEL FRANTI, ETHAN TUCKER Feb. 20, Freebird Live GURF MORLIX Feb. 20, Mudville Music Room DENNIS DeYOUNG & Music of Styx Feb. 21, Florida Theatre BLOWFLY, TWINKI, TOUGH JUNKIE Feb. 21, Burro Bar HEADBANG FOR THE HIGHWAY Feb. 21, 1904 Music Hall DANCING WITH GHOSTS, RADAR VS. WOLF Feb. 21, Jack Rabbits AL DI MEOLA Feb. 21, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall LUCERO, RYAN BINGHAM, TWIN FORKS Feb. 21, Freebird Live ANCIENT DEEP, ROCKS N BLUNTS, $BIG BUCKS VREW$, VLAD THE INHALER, MATT CAULDER Feb. 22, 1904 Music Hall R.L. GRIME, DJEMBA DJEMBA, TOMMY KRUISE, SIR CHARLES Feb. 22, Freebird Live THE BUNNY THE BEAR, ROSEDALE Feb. 22, Jack Rabbits JACKSON BROWNE Feb. 23, The Florida Theatre PVRIS Feb. 23, 1904 Music Hall THE NORTHERNERS, MASTER RADICAL Feb. 23, Jack Rabbits MOD SUN, HUEY MACK, BLACKBEAR, KR, KARIZMA, DJ GNASH Feb. 24, Jack Rabbits THE EXPENDABLES, BALLYHOO Feb. 25, Freebird Live TOMBOI, BOYFRIEND Feb. 25, 1904 Music Hall THE MIDTOWN MEN Feb. 26, The Florida Theatre LEO KOTTKE Feb. 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SHPONGLE, PHUTUREPRIMITIVE Feb. 26, Freebird Live CAM MEEKINS Feb. 26, Jack Rabbits THE DOOBIE BROTHERS, MARSHALL TUCKER BAND Feb. 27, St. Augustine Amphitheatre TAB SPENCER Feb. 27, Burro Bar CHILLULA Feb. 27, Lynch’s Irish Pub BIG SANDY AND HIS FLY-RITE BOYS, DIRT FLOOR KRACKERS Feb. 27, Jack Rabbits ’68, THE AMITY AFFLICTION Feb. 28, Underbelly KOTA MUNDI Feb. 28, Lynch’s Irish Pub THE BASTARD SUNS Feb. 28, Jack Rabbits DENDERA BLOODBATH, WOVEN IN, DAGGER BEACH Feb. 28, Burro Bar Music for Meows: GRANDPA’S COUGH MEDICINE, PHILIP PAN, DIXIE RODEO, BLUE VERONOCA, ROCK HELL VICTORY, JOEL LAND March 1, Jack Rabbits SABALS March 2, Jack Rabbits STRINGFEVER March 5, Café Eleven LORETTA LYNN March 5, The Florida Theatre MOPE GROOVES March 5, Shantytown Pub Aura Music & Arts Festival: MOE, THE DISCO BISCUITS, PAPADOSIO, SNARKY PUPPY, THE MAIN SQUEEZE, PIGEONS PLAYING PING PONG, McLOVINS, GHOST OWL March 6-8, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park FRONT PORCH STEP, HAVE MERCY, ALCOA, BRIGADES, HEAD NORTH March 6, 1904 Music Hall STRANGER March 6 & 7, Lynch’s Irish Pub MARTIN TAYLOR March 7, The Florida Theatre TANNAHILL WEAVERS March 7, Mudville Music Room SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, THE WOOLLY BUSHMEN, RIVERNECKSMarch 8, Colonial Quarter KALIN & MYLES March 8, Jack Rabbits DAN & SHAY, CANAAN SMITH March 8, Freebird Live AVA MENDOZA March 9, rain dogs THREE DOG NIGHT March 10, The Florida Theatre REV. PEYTON’S BIG DAMN BAND March 10, Jack Rabbits JOURNEY, STEVE MILLER BAND, TOWER OF POWER March 12, Veterans Memorial Arena FULLSET March 12, Mudville Music Room BILLY SHADDOX March 12, Jack Rabbits LEWIS BLACK March 12, UNF Fine Arts Center LA LUZ, THE SHIVAS, WET NURSE March 13, Colonial Quarter YAMADEO March 13 & 14, Lynch’s Irish Pub ELVIS COSTELLO March 14, The Florida Theatre HAUS PARTY (Drag and Music Show) March 14, rain dogs ELTON JOHN March 14, Veterans Memorial Arena JOHN MELLENCAMP March 15, Times-Union Center Suwannee Spring Festival: WOOD BROTHERS, SHOVELS AND ROPE, INFAMOUS STRINGDUSTERS, KELLER WILLIAMS & TRAVELIN’ McCOURYS, BLIND BOYS of ALABAMA, THE LARRY KEEL EXPERIENCE, DONNA the BUFFALO, JOE CRAVEN, JIM LAUDERDALE March 19, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park SUICIDE SILENCE, EMMURE, WITHIN THE RUINS, FIT FOR AN AUTOPSY March 19, Freebird Live BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO March 19, Colonial Quarter

CYRUS CHESTNUT March 20, Ritz Theatre THE B-52s March 21, The Florida Theatre MAVIS STAPLES March 21, Ritz Theatre JACKIE EVANCHE March 22, The Florida Theatre ST. AUGUSTINE RECORD FAIR March 22, St. Augustine Amphitheatre AGNOSTIC FRONT, COLDSIDE March 22, Burro Bar FRNKIERO AND THE CELLABRATION, HOMELESS GOSPEL CHOIR, MODERN CHEMISTRY March 24, Jack Rabbits ATMOSPHERE March 24, Freebird Live SARAH McLACHLAN March 25, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall NICKELBACK March 25, Veterans Memorial Arena THE ORIGINAL WAILERS March 25, Café Eleven TOM PAPA March 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall ERIC CHURCH March 26, Veterans Memorial Arena MANATEES, THE MOLD, NUTRITIONAL BEAST March 26, rain dogs SPRAY PAINT, SALYUT March 27, rain dogs WILLIE SUGARCAPPS, SETH WALKER March 27, Colonial Quarter Spring Music & Craft Beer Festival: THE WAILERS, MATISYAHU, RAILROAD EARTH, TURKUAZ, SUPERVILLAINS, THE FRITZ, SPIRITUAL REZ, TRAE PIERCE & T-STONE BAND, CORBITT BROTHERS March 28-29, Main Beach, Fernandina Beach BRONX WANDERERS March 29, The Florida Theatre COBALT CRANES March 29, rain dogs GUNS OUT AT SUNDOWN March 30, Jack Rabbits SWANS March 31, Jack Rabbits KNOCKED LOOSE, NO ZODIAC, DENIED TIL DEATH April 1, Jack Rabbits 1964: Tribute to The Beatles April 3, St. Augustine Amphitheatre THE BASEBALL PROJECT, CHUCK PROPHET April 3, Colonial Quarter PIECES OF DREAM April 4, Ritz Theatre DELLA MAE April 4, Colonial Quarter THE STEEP CANYON RANGERS April 8, P.V. Concert Hall JANIS IAN, TOM PAXTON April 9, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall WEED, BLUNT GUTZ April 10, Shantytown Pub THE ORCHESTRA April 11, The Florida Theatre Wanee Music Festival: WIDESPREAD PANIC, GREGG ALLMAN, GOV’T MULE, EARTH, WIND & FIRE, CHEAP TRICK, JAIMOE’S JASSSZ BAND, BUTCH TRUCKS & VERY SPECIAL FRIENDS, THE WORD (ROBERT RANDOLPH,

JOHN MEDESKI, LUTHER DICKINSON, CODY DICKINSON & CHRIS CHEW), HOT TUNA ELECTRIC, JJ GREY & MOFRO, OTEIL & FRIENDS, GALACTIC, ZAPPA PLAYS ZAPPA, LEFTOVER SALMON, BILL PAYNE, YONDER MOUNTAIN STRING BAND, IVAN NEVILLE’S DUMPSTAPHUNK, RICH ROBINSON & DOYLE BRAMHALL II, RAW OYSTER CULT, DRAGON SMOKE, THE REVIVALISTS, HOME AT LAST: The Nth Power performs Steely Dan, TEA LEAF GREEN, BOBBY LEE ROGERS TRIO, PINK TALKING FISH, ERIC LINDELL & COMPANY, ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD, TWIDDLE, NATURAL CHILD, JACOB JEFFRIES BAND, JUKE April 16-18, Spirit of the Suwannee Music Park HERITAGE BLUES ORCHESTRA April 17, Ritz Theatre THE WHO HITS 50! TOUR, JOAN JETT & THE BLACKHEARTS April 19, Veterans Memorial Arena ALAN JACKSON, JON PARDI, BRANDY CLARK April 24, St. Augustine Amphitheatre HOME FREE A CAPELLA GROUP April 24, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall RAIN April 24, The Florida Theatre Welcome to Rockville: SLIPKNOT, KORN, GODSMACK, SLAYER, MARILYN MANSON, MINISTRY, SLASH, MYLES KENNEDY & the CONSPIRATORS, PAPA ROACH, BREAKING BENJAMIN, SUICIDAL TENDENCIES April 25 & 26, Metropolitan Park THE MOWGLIS, FENCES, HIPPO CAMPUS April 26, Jack Rabbits CHRIS BOTTI April 30, The Florida Theatre WILCO May 1, St. Augustine Amphitheatre HOZIER May 5, The Florida Theatre NEUTRAL MILK HOTEL May 7, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall ZZ TOP, JEFF BECK May 9, St. Augustine Amphitheatre JENNY LEWIS May 9, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall J. RODDY WALSTON & THE BUSINESS May 14, Jack Rabbits RODNEY CARRINGTON May 14, T-U Center PIERCE PETTIS May 14, Café Eleven ED KOWALCZYK May 15, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall IGGY AZALEA May 18, Veterans Memorial Arena Florida Country Superfest: ZAC BROWN BAND, KEITH URBAN, BRANTLEY GILBERT, COLE SWINDELL, TYLER FARR, DAVID NAIL, COLT FORD, DANIELLE BRADBERY, THE SWON BROTHERS June 13 & 14, EverBank Field “WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC Aug. 16, The Florida Theatre

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC LIVE MUSIC CLUBS

ARLO GUTHRIE is on his “Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour,” celebrating the event of Thanksgiving Day 1965 that inspired his musical monologue “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” here at The Florida Theatre on Jan. 29.

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH

DAVID’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 802 Ash St., 310-6049 John Springer every Tue.-Wed. Aaron Bing 6 p.m. Fri. & Sat. GREEN TURTLE TAVERN, 14 S. Third St., 321-2324 Buck Smith every Thur. Yancy Clegg Sun. Vinyl Record Nite every Tue. HAMMERHEAD, 2045 S. Fletcher Ave., 491-7783 DJ Refresh 9 p.m. every Sun. PALACE SALOON, 117 Centre. St., 491-3332 Wes Cobb every Wed. Schnockered every Sun. Buck Smith every Tue. THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 491-8999 Every Fri. & Sat.

AVONDALE, ORTEGA

CASBAH CAFÉ, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966 Goliath Flores 9 p.m. every Wed. Live jazz every Sun. Live music every Mon. ECLIPSE, 4219 St. Johns Ave. KJ Free at 9 p.m. every Tue. & Thur. Indie dance at 9 p.m. Wed. ’80s & ’90s dance at 9 p.m. every Fri. Live music every Sat. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200 Whetherman Jan. 29. Radio Love Jan. 30. Live music every Thur.-Sat.

THE BEACHES (All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted)

BILLY’S BOATHOUSE, 2321 Beach Blvd., 241-9771 Billy Bowers 6 p.m. Jan. 29. 4Play Jan. 30. Open mic every Wed. BLUE WATER ISLAND GRILL, 205 First St. N., 249-0083 ParkerUrban Band Jan. 30. Live music Fri. & Sat. BRASS ANCHOR PUB, 2292 Mayport Rd., Ste. 35, Atlantic Beach, 249-0301 Joe Oliff 8 p.m. Jan. 28 & 29 CASA MARINA HOTEL, 691 First St. N., 270-0025 Charlie Walker 1 p.m. Feb. 1 CULHANE’S IRISH PUB, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-9595 Irish music at 6:30 p.m. every Sun. DJ Hal every Sat. FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680 Austin Park 10 p.m. Jan. 30 & 31. Live music every Fri. & Sat. Red Beard & Stinky E at 10 p.m. every Thur.

Darren Corlew at 8:30 p.m. every Sun. FLY’S TIE IRISH PUB, 177 Sailfish Dr., Atlantic Beach, 246-4293 Go Get Gone Jan. 30 FREEBIRD LIVE, 200 N. First St., 246-2473 Galactic, Monophonics 8 p.m. Jan. 29. I-Vibes, Yameado, Come Back Alice 8 p.m. Jan. 30. Ursaminor, Surviving September, The Healing Process, Nocturnal State of Mind 8 p.m. Jan. 31. The

Revivalists, Bobby Lee Rodgers 8 p.m. Feb. 4. Live music every weekend HARMONIOUS MONKS, 320 First St. N., 372-0815 Live music 9 p.m. every Fri. & Sat. Dan Evans, Spade McQuade 6 p.m. every Sun. Back From the Brink 9 p.m. every Mon. LILLIE’S COFFEE BAR, 200 First St., Neptune Beach, 249-2922 Mark Williams Jan. 30. Live jazz/soft rock music every Fri. & Sat. LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 N. First St., 249-5181 Chillula 10 p.m. Jan. 30. Crazy Carls 10 p.m. Jan. 31. Dirty Pete every Wed. Split Tone every Thur. Live music every Fri. & Sat. Who Rescued Who every Sun. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1018 N. Third St., 246-1500 Blue Muse Jan 28. Spore Jan. 29. Legacy Orchestra Collective Jan. 30 MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR, 110 First St., Neptune Beach, 249-5573 Neil Dixon at 6 p.m. every Tue. Gypsies Ginger 6 p.m. every Wed. Mike Shackelford & Steve Shanholtzer 6 p.m. Thur.

NIPPERS BEACH GRILLE, 2309 Beach Blvd., 247-3300 Mr. Natural Jan. 31. Live music every night NORTH BEACH BISTRO, 725 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 372-4105 MaryAnn Hawkins 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Job Meiller 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 OCEAN 60, 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0060 Taylor Roberts 7 p.m. Jan. 28. Live music every Thur., Fri. & Sat. RAGTIME TAVERN, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7877 Small Fish Jan. 28. Monkey Wrench Jan. 29. Cloud 9 Jan. 30 & 31. Live music Thur.-Sun. WIPEOUTS GRILL, 1589 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 247-4508 Joe Oliff Jan. 29. Live music Thur. & Fri. ZETA BREWING COMPANY, 131 First Ave. N., 372-0727 Live music every Thur.-Mon.

DOWNTOWN

1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N. Lukeisluke, Doctor Vernon, Cry Havoc, Cypher, Flip Dotz, Prophetic Glitch, Trapnasty 7 p.m.

Jan. 30. DJ Lord, Paten Locke, DJ Emcee, DJ Matt Smith, Dee Jay Snow 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Straight Line Stitch, Askmeificare, Inner Demons, Midwayer, Dead Horse Trauma, Bellusira 6 p.m.

Feb. 1. Universal Green, The Crowkeepers 6 p.m. Feb. 4 BURRO BAR, 100 E. Adams St., 353-4686 Radio Birds, Fjord Explorer, Govt. Club, Fort Stories 8 p.m. Jan. 31. The Tragic Thrills, The Weighted Hands 8 p.m. Feb. 3. Charlie & the Foxtrots 8 p.m. Feb. 4 FIONN MacCOOL’S, Jax Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1247 Spade McQuade 6 p.m. Jan. 28. Jimmy Solari 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Live music every Fri. & Sat. MARK’S DOWNTOWN, 315 E. Bay St., 355-5099 DJ Roy Luis every Wed. DJ Vinn every Thur. DJ 007 every Fri. Bay Street every Sat. MAVERICKS, Jax Landing, 2 Independent Dr., 356-1110 Phil Vassar 6 p.m. Jan. 30. Lenny Cooper 6 p.m. Jan. 31. Joe Buck, Big Tasty Thur.-Sat. UNDERBELLY, 113 E. Bay St., 699-8186 JacksonVegas CD Release with Master Radical, Pilotwave 10 p.m. Jan. 31. The Blind Spots 8 p.m. Feb. 3

FLEMING ISLAND

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999 Live music every Fri. & Sat. MERCURY MOON, 2015 C.R. 220, 215-8999 Chilly Rhino Jan. 30 & 31 WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198 Live music Fri. & Sat. DJ Throwback 8 p.m. every Thur. Deck music 5 p.m. every Fri. & Sat., 4:30 p.m. every Sun.

INTRACOASTAL WEST

CLIFF’S BAR & GRILL, 3033 Monument Rd., Ste. 2, 645-5162 Live music 10 p.m. every Fri. & Sat. DJ Big Rob every Thur., Sun. & Tue. JERRY’S SPORTS GRILLE, 13170 Atlantic Blvd., 220-6766 Rocco Blu Jan. 30. Upper Limits Jan. 31. Live music Fri. & Sat.

18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

YOUR PLACE, 13245 Atlantic Blvd., 221-9994 RadioLove 9 p.m. Jan. 29

MANDARIN, JULINGTON

HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., 880-3040 Open mic: Synergy at 8 p.m. every Wed. World’s Most Talented Waitstaff at 9 p.m. every Fri.

ORANGE PARK, MIDDLEBURG

THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells, 272-5959 John Michael Wed.-Sat. PREVATT’S SPORTS BAR, 2620 Blanding Blvd., 282-1564 DJ Tammy 9 p.m. every Wed. THE ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611 Boogie Freaks 10 p.m. Jan. 28. Love Monkeys 10 p.m. Jan. 30 & 31.

DJ Corey B every Wed. DJ Big Mike every Thur. Live music every Fri. & Sat.

PONTE VEDRA, PALM VALLEY

PUSSER’S CARIBBEAN GRILLE, 816 A1A N., 280-7766 Live music every Wed.-Sun. TABLE 1, 330 A1A N., Ste. 208, 280-5515 Robert Brown Jr. & the Confluent 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Live music Thur.-Sun.

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

ACROSS THE STREET, 948 Edgewood Ave. S., 683-4182 Scott Elley Jan. 28. Trial by Stone Jan. 30. Cutter, Third Degree Jan. 31. Backwater Bible Salesmen Feb. 2. Bill Ricci Feb. 3 MURRAY HILL THEATRE, 932 Edgewood Ave. S., 388-7807 Trip Lee, KB 8 p.m. Jan. 30 rain dogs., 1045 Park St., Riverside, 379-4969 Lobo Marino, Joseph Shuck, Charlie Hunt, Swamp Trees 8 p.m. Jan. 30

ST. AUGUSTINE

THE CELLAR UPSTAIRS, 157 King St., 826-1594 Mojo Roux Jan. 30. Sam Pacetti, Billy Buchanan & Free Avenue Jan. 31.

Vinny Jacobs at 2 p.m. on Feb. 1 CAFE ELEVEN, 501 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, 460-9311 David Wilcox 8 p.m. Jan. 29 HARRY’S, 46 Avenida Menendez, 824-7765 Billy Bowers 6 p.m. Jan. 28 MILL TOP TAVERN & LISTENING ROOM, 19-1/2 St. George St., 829-2329 True Blue 9 p.m. Jan. 30 & 31. Live music nightly PIZZALLEY’S CHIANTI ROOM, 60 Charlotte St., 825-4100 Michael Howard at 3 p.m. every Mon.-Fri. TRADEWINDS, 124 Charlotte St., 829-9336 Lisa & the Mad Hatters 9 p.m. Jan. 30 & 31. Matanzas every Sun.-Thur.

Elizabeth Roth at 1 p.m. every Sat.

SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK

INDOCHINE, 1974 San Marco Blvd., 503-7013 Dance Radio Underground, Sugar & Cream, Black Hoodie, Bass Therapy Sessions 10 p.m., Allan GIz-Roc Oteyza, Scott Perry aka TrapNasty and Cry Havoc rotate, mid.-3 a.m. every Sat. JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496 Leah Sykes, Poetry & Motion 8 p.m. Jan. 29. Dancing with Ghosts, Emma Moseley Band, Outeredge, Ancestros Card 8 p.m. Jan 30. Medal Militia, Madhaus, Sylent Vylentz 8 p.m. Jan. 31 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., 352-7008 Julie Durden, Brenda David, Courtnie Frazier 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29. Mike Shackelford 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30. Belmont & Jones, Mack Evans 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31

SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS

COMEDY CLUB, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 8, 646-4277 The Fascinating Rhythm Orchestra 7 p.m. every first & third Wed. CORNER BISTRO, 9823 Tapestry Park Cir., 619-1931 The Band Driven 8 p.m. Jan. 31 DANCIN DRAGON 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D, 363-9888 A DJ spins every Fri. & Sat. LATITUDE 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., 365-5555 Be Easy 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29; 8:30 p.m. Jan. 30 & 31. Darrell Rae 8 p.m. Jan. 30. Radio Love Feb. 1. Live music every Thur.-Sun.

A&E // MOVIES

A MOST ENGAGING YARN T

J.C. Chandor spins a strong, if at times imperfect, story production design and cinematography. As he films of director/screenwriter J.C. with all of the writer-director’s work, we believe Chandor exude a quiet confidence, and that self-assuredness is reflected in their what we see. characters. Though they dealt in financial Despite these positives — and a best-film corruption, the men portrayed by Kevin award from the National Board of Review Spacey, Paul Bettany and Jeremy Irons in — the film is not as impactful as one would Margin Call always maintained expect. While Isaac is again a impeccable professionalism. revelation (in an 180-degree turn A MOST VIOLENT YEAR from the loveable loser of Inside And despite his almost certain doom, Robert Redford’s mariner Llewyn Davis), the characters **G@ in All Is Lost never lost his cool seem a tad underdeveloped and Rated R or forgot his pride. kept at arm’s length by a script For his third feature, that doesn’t delve deeply into Chandor offers Oscar Isaac, as Abel Morales, a familial relationships and past events. And hard-working immigrant battling the odds, and though the story is made richer by a subplot his social station, in New York City. Through involving one of Abel’s drivers (Elyes Gabel, persistence and discipline, he’s become the head in a tragic and nuanced turn), the methodical of the city’s fastest-growing heating-oil business. pacing, plot twists and aforementioned subtlety But now he’s facing his biggest challenge: the compromise the quality. theft of his delivery trucks at gunpoint by thugs who don’t even want the vehicles, just the heating oil. It seems fuel has become that valuable amid the economic cruelty of the Big Apple in 1981.

Adding even more fuel to his personal fire, he’s struggling to close a real estate deal that would give him an enormous competitive edge, he’s at odds with a union boss (the thoroughly engaging Peter Gerety), and he’s under 14 counts of indictment for financial fraud, though the charges are likely trumped up by a politically motivated assistant district “We set the standard,” Abel tells his attorney (David Oyelowo). Fighting by employees. “Have some pride in what you do.”

Abel’s side are his tough-as-nails wife, Anna, And when asked why he doesn’t just rent the played by Jessica Chastain in another of her property he’s struggling to purchase, he coolly seemingly endless string of successes; and retorts, “I like to own the things I use.” his friend and lawyer, Andrew, portrayed by Like his lead character, Chandor, too, is a Albert Brooks, channeling a more sympathetic man in control, a director who values accuracy, side of the darkness he embraced in Drive. passion and intelligence. And though A Most Belying its title, A Most Violent Year is Violent Year is not as consistently strong as his surprisingly non-violent. This is a story not of two previous films, it neither diminishes his art bloodshed, but of emotional brutality and the nor quells our enthusiasm for his next project, rat race in a world of urban and moral decay.

Deepwater Horizon.

To tell that tale, Chandor employs a subtle, Cameron Meier slow-building tension, helped by atmospheric mail@folioweekly.com

A MOST VIOLENT YEAR is surprisingly non-violent. This is a story not of bloodshed, but of EMOTIONAL BRUTALITY and the rat race in a world of urban and moral decay.

20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

A&E // MOVIES

COLOR BLIND

This seemingly oblivious Costner vehicle dabbles in thorny questions of race and privilege, and not well

T

court proceedings with her sassy, clever here are many reasons why a narrative comebacks, undercutting the notion that she’s can piss you off to the point where you a savvy, successful entrepreneur. Rowena even can’t see straight. Everyone’s got their hot snaps her attorney (Anthony Mackie) — who buttons, installed in uniquely sensitive areas of also happens to be her brother — into line by the psyche, whether it’s a matter of politics, or threatening to call their father. And the less misrepresentation of a particular demographic, said about the bizarre decision to set Elliott’s or filmmakers expecting us to be far stupider visit to Rowena’s South Central Los Angeles than we actually are. Sometimes we’re able to home to a music cue of Billy Joel’s “Don’t Ask set those things aside. And sometimes — as Me Why,” the better. is the case with Black or White — you find But by far the most aggravating element in yourself wondering what the hell most of the Black or White is how oblivious it seems to be people involved were thinking. to its own casual brand of judgment. There’s Black or White is worse than some movie the potential for some ironic self-discovery that’s merely unaware about the issues of in Elliott’s disdain for Reggie’s drug problem, racial politics it raises; it’s a film in which the despite his own obvious filmmaker seems overly confident issue with a more socially that he’s on to something really BLACK OR WHITE acceptable addiction; Binder great. And writer/director Mike sets up a great moment where Binder has fashioned a huge pile *@@@ the two obviously intoxicated of crap into the shape of a cake, Rated PG-13 men square off in a physical expecting he’ll win the theatrical confrontation that’s as pathetic bake-off blue ribbon. as it is dangerous. Yet Binder never seems There’s a potentially compelling central to seriously entertain the possibility that character in Elliott Anderson (Kevin Costner), Elliott is just as much of a mess as Reggie is. a successful attorney who has been raising Elliott’s drunken stumblings and hangoverhis 7-year-old granddaughter, Eloise (Jillian Estell) with his wife, Carol (Jennifer Ehle), ever addled attempts to get Eloise ready for school are played almost for laughs, while there’s since their daughter died during childbirth. something sinister about the times we see But as the film opens, Carol has died in a car Reggie smoking crack with his friends. Costner accident, leaving Elliott grief-stricken, turning continues his late-career maturation as an frequently to alcohol for comfort and now actor, capturing Elliott’s seething anger, but he’s alone in raising Eloise. He gets an offer to practically fighting against Binder’s inability to help take care of the little girl from Rowena recognize that, yeah, Elliott kind of is a little bit (Octavia Spencer), Eloise’s other grandmother, of a racist, and how does he square that with but Elliott harbors a deep grudge against her raising his half-black granddaughter? son, Eloise’s absentee, drug-addict father, When it comes right down to it, though, Reggie (André Holland). So when Gramps Black or White isn’t remotely interested in the resists sharing custody, Rowena heads to court tough question of what’s best for Eloise. The as her only recourse. thorny complexities of whether it’s better for a In a simpler movie, the only reason to black girl to grow up with upper-class privatebe deeply irritated would be the way Binder reduces Carol to a mute angel, appearing school privilege or with more familial contact only in flashback and drunken fantasy, utterly with black culture are more than Binder’s wasting the gifted Ehle. But that decision willing to dive into. Eloise is simply a prop gets a whole lot of competition from much necessary for Elliott’s personal growth, and the of what Binder does, as he demonstrates the climactic courtroom scenes merely a place for same sitcom-writer-trying-really-hard-to-beactors to give grandstanding speeches. It’s a significant sensibility that derailed his 2007 superficial and off-putting way to capitalize on 9/11-trauma dramedy Reign Over Me. an edgy premise, and it’s hard to watch it tossed around casually by a filmmaker who seems to Eloise needs a math tutor, so Elliott hires have no clue how to take it seriously. an over-achieving African immigrant (Mpho Koaho) who’s always handing out fliers touting Scott Renshaw his credentials; Rowena frequently interrupts mail@folioweekly.com

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 21

A&E // MOVIES MAGIC LANTERNS

FILM RATINGS

POP ART **** POP TARTS **@@

POP GROUP ***@ POP ROCKS *@@@

NIGHTMARE VACATION

SCREENINGS AROUND TOWN

SUN-RAY CINEMA A Most Violent Year, Inherent Vice, Foxcatcher, Selma, Whiplash and Birdman screen at Sun-Ray Cinema, 1028 Park St., 5 Points, 359-0049, sunraycinema. com. Wigstock: The Movie screens 9:30 p.m. Jan. 31; costume prizes are featured. Check website for details.

LATITUDE 360 MOVIES The Boxtrolls, Penguins of Madagascar and The Interview screen at Latitude 360’s CineGrille Theater, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555, latitude360.com/jacksonville-fl.

THE CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Love is Strange, through Jan. 29; Boyhood starts Jan. 30 at Corazon Cinema, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, 679-5736, corazoncinemaandcafe.com.

WGHF IMAX THEATER The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, Hidden Universe, Island of Lemurs Madagascar and Journey to the South Pacific screen at World Golf Village Hall of Fame IMAX Theater, 1 World Golf Place, St. Augustine, 940-4133, worldgolfimax.com.

NOW SHOWING

AMERICAN SNIPER **@@ Rated R Clint Eastwood’s telling of real-life troubled military sniper Chris Kyle (Bradley Cooper) misfires.

Writer Jason Hall, working from Kyle’s book American Sniper: The Autobiography of the Most Lethal Sniper in U.S. Military History, seems to be marking off a checklist of war movie clichés. Costars Sienna Miller, Sammy Sheik. — Dan Hudak ANNIE Rated PG Quvenzhané Wallis as Annie! Cameron Diaz as Miss Hannigan! The omnipresent Jamie Foxx as Daddy Warbucks!

And I can’t even muster up the illusion of optimism that the thing is going to be any good on any level. But it isn’t because I’m a racist. It’s because I hate orphans. — Steve Schneider BIG HERO 6 ***@ Rated PG In the future, a teenager overcomes a loss to defeat a villain who wants to destroy society. Hiro (Ryan Potter), a 14-year-old, is an engineering prodigy. Hiro’s big brother (Daniel Henney) takes him to his college robotics lab, where he meets Gogo (Jamie Chung), Honey Lemon (Genesis Rodriguez), Fred (T.J. Miller) and Wasabi (Damon Wayans Jr.). Hiro wins a student showcase. — D.H. BLACKHAT *@@@ Rated R Overwritten and underwhelming, Michael Mann’s Blackhat should’ve been a taut cyber thriller of espionage and intrigue. It’s not. It’s a cyber bore full of nonsense, held together with a plot that’s denser than it needs to be. Costars Viola Davis, Chris Hemsworth, Leehom Wang and Wei Tang. — D.H. BLACK OR WHITE *G@@ Rated PG-13 Reviewed in this issue.

THE BOY NEXT DOOR Rated R Remember the ’80s genre of “from hell” movies?

Nanny From Hell (The Hand That Rocks the Cradle), Roommate From Hell (Single White Female) and Mistress From Hell (Fatal Attraction). The Boy Next Door makes a late entry in that sleazy bunch: the Himbo Jailbait From Hell. Jennifer Lopez plays a single mom entangled with her underage stud muffin neighbor, only to find he’s just too psychotically clingy. — S.S. CAKE Rated R Jennifer Aniston is getting a lot of buzz for her portrayal of Claire, a woman with debilitating chronic pain who becomes overly obsessed by another woman from her support group who killed herself. Costars Anna Kendrick, Mamie Gummer, Felicity Huffman and William H. Macy.

FOXCATCHER ***G Rated R The sordid tale of John DuPont’s (Steve Carell) great wealth and unfulfilled desires focuses on his amateur wrestling philanthropy. John lures 1984 Olympic gold medalist Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) to his Foxcatcher Farms to train; DuPont thinks he’s a coach and providing training facilities for future Olympic champions makes him a great American. John invites Mark’s more celebrated brother, fellow Olympic champion Dave Schultz (Mark Ruffalo), to train at Foxcatcher, but Dave declines. Good thinking, Dave. — D.H. IMITATION GAME Rated PG-13 The ubiquitous yet compelling Benedict Cumberbatch plays cryptologist Alan Turing, the genius who decoded Nazi messages during WWII – yet was persecuted for being homosexual.

INHERENT VICE *G@@ Rated R Writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson has veered off the path with this confounding mess. Based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel, set in the psychedelic era, it’s about private eye Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) searching for his ex-girlfriend Shasta (Katherine Waterston) and her rich new boyfriend Mickey (Eric Roberts). They think Mickey’s wife Sloane (Serena Scott Thomas) and the wife’s boyfriend sent Mickey to an asylum so they can steal his millions. Hilarity

22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

A

n unseen gem of 2014 is now on DVD after grossing a little more than a half-million dollars in theaters. Forgive the pun (or don’t), but it’s criminal this sophisticated psychological thriller did not reach a broader audience.

Based on a 1964 novel by Patricia Highsmith, The Two Faces of January (set in the ’60s, like the novel) is about a married couple (Viggo Mortensen and Kirsten Dunst) whose Greek vacation in Athens quickly escalates into a nightmare of murder and infidelity. Considerably older than his wife, Chester MacFarland (Mortensen) is also a con man on the lam from some clients, seedy and otherwise, whom he has scammed back in the States. Though she’s not entirely unaware of her husband’s intrigues, his wife, Colette (Dunst), gets in even murkier waters after the accidental death of an investigator on their trail.

Making an unlikely third to their crowd is Rydal (Oscar Isaac), an American expatriate who’s also a shady entrepreneur, fleecing tourists who visit Greece, especially young women. Initially involved in the MacFarlands’ difficulties by accident, Rydal becomes a kind of facilitator in their efforts to flee, his knowledge of the Greek language and of the islands valuable assets. A growing attraction between Rydal and Colette results in similarly escalating tension between the younger man and the resentful husband.

That’s all the plot I’ll tell. To find out more, see The Two Faces of January. Despite a very short screen life, the movie presently boasts an 82 percent approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

does not ensue. — D.H. THE LOFT Rated R This is an example of Crises Befalling People You Don’t Give a Rat’s Ass About. A dilemma befalls a bunch of fellas who keep a loft apartment as party pad – only to have it all threatened when a chick turns up dead there. Out here in sane America, this sort of film is known as a Serves You Right movie, but expect lots of hand-wringing and teeth-gnashing from the four people who worried what was going to happen to Tom Cruise in Eyes Wide Shut. Adulterous goons with excessive real-estate budgets – they’re just like us! — S.S. MORTDECAI Rated R When a successful actor like Johnny Depp does an iffy project like this, they say “Maybe he just likes to work.”

The kinds of “work” Cap’n Jack could’ve done instead: 1) building homes for Habitat for Humanity; 2) delivering parcels for UPS; 3) dealing dope out of the back of a Twistee Treat.

Here he’s an art dealer evading cops and robbers as they all hunt for Nazi gold. — S.S. A MOST VIOLENT YEAR **G@ Rated R Reviewed in this issue.

PADDINGTON Rated PG The comedy about a very clever bear living with a British family features Nicole Kidman, Hugh Bonneville, Julie Walters and Ben Whishaw as the voice of the Paddington.

PROJECT ALMANAC Rated PG-13 Friends develop a makeshift time machine.

SELMA **** Rated PG-13 Director Ava DuVernay’s drama costars David Oyelowo as Dr. Martin Luther King, who struggles to secure voting rights for Southern blacks, whose in-name-only legal franchise was regularly thwarted by onerous state and local regulations. As they plot their strategy

Besides terrific lead performances, especially Mortensen (most famous as Aragorn in Lord of the Rings) and Isaac (star of the Coen Brothers’ Inside Llewyn Davis), this film is the impressive directing debut of Hossein Amini, Oscarnominated screenwriter of Wings of the Dove (1998) and Drive (2011), a moody thriller with Ryan Gosling as a stuntman/getaway driver.

Amini also wrote the screenplay for the new film, adhering more closely than not to the novel, with a major plot change shifting the ending segment from France to Turkey. If the writer/director is not quite up to the complex psychological forces that propel the characters in the book, he at least makes an overture in that direction, particularly in regard to the complicated parental influences affecting the male characters.

The Two Faces of January is the latest adaptation (and one of the best) from the Patricia Highsmith canon. Hitchcock made one of his own best films (Strangers on a Train) from Highsmith’s first novel, and several other acclaimed directors (including Wim Wenders, Claude Chabrol and Réné Clément) have made impressive films from her books, particularly the five titles featuring Tom Ripley. Anthony Minghella’s The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999), based on the first in the series, won five Oscar nominations and helped secure stardom for both Matt Damon and Jude Law. Though the prolific Ms. Highsmith died 20 years ago, her novels still attract attention from filmmakers. At least three are now in one stage or another of production — The Blunderer, Deep Water and Carol, which is based on The Price of Salt, the author’s controversial lesbian novel originally published under a pseudonym in 1952.

That’s all good news for viewers. And don’t forget The Two Faces of January for your mustwatch film list.

Pat McLeod mail@folioweekly.com on the ground – focusing on Alabama, then run by Gov. George Wallace (Tim Roth), and planning peaceful protest marches from Selma to Montgomery – King meets with Lyndon Johnson (Tom Wilkinson), hoping for an ally. — Scott Renshaw STRANGE MAGIC Rated PG Once upon a time, calling something a musical meant you had actually written some original songs for it. Now, all you have to do is throw together a bunch of pop hits from the last six decades, and you have Strange Magic, which, on the basis of that description, sounds like an animated Moulin Rouge. But the comparison LucasFilm is making is actually to A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with fairies and other fantastic creatures in pursuit of a powerful potion. Not only is George Lucas the film’s executive producer, he gets a story credit. The voice cast includes Alan Cumming, Alfred Molina and Kristin Chenoweth. — S.S. THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING ***G Rated PG-13 This Stephen Hawking biopic, directed by James Marsh and starring Eddie Redmayne as the brilliant physicist, shows the progression of his motor neuron disease, which ravages his body but leaves his mind intact.

The more Stephen’s disease progresses, the better the movie gets, mostly due to Redmayne’s Oscar-worthy performance.

Costars Harry Lloyd, Charlie Cox and Maxine Peake. — D.H. THE WEDDING RINGER Rated R Doug Harris (Josh Gad) is a “shy young groom” without a best man, so he hires Jimmy Callahan (Kevin Hart) who makes a living from faking it.

WILD Rated R Reese Witherspoon plays a woman who takes a 1,000 mile hike. — S.S. THE WOMAN IN BLACK 2: ANGEL OF DEATH Rated PG-13 This horror sequel costars Helen McCrory, Jeremy Irvine and Phoebe Fox.

A&E // ARTS

LAUGH ATTACK Casey Whitaker and The Second City Touring Company stage a humorous invasion

E

knowing about being on stage.” stablishing yourself as a principal member After completing her college-credit of The Second City, the legendary improvisational comedy group that started courses, Whitaker stayed at Second City to in Chicago in the late 1950s, is not for the faint sharpen her skills within the building and to build on her improv, solo sketch and standup of heart. After all, it’s helped produce such repertoire at Chicago institutions like The comedic stars as Joan Rivers (class of 1961), Playground Theater, UP Comedy Club and John Belushi (’71), Dan Aykroyd (’74) and Zanies Comedy Club. modern comics like Mike Myers (’88) and “Then you just start auditioning for the Amy Sedaris (’92). general auditions once a year,” Whitaker “It’s kind of like winning the lottery — odds says of breaking into the coveted paid gigs at are not in your favor,” says Casey Whitaker, Second City. “And hope for the best, because a 27-year-old up-and-coming improv sketch it’s very competitive. I think it gets harder and comic and a member of The Second City harder every year because the class sizes keep Touring Company. “It takes very specific skills getting bigger.” to do what we do.”

The Best of The Second City tour features Whitaker, who double-majored in arts Whitaker and fellow improv sketch comics administration and theater at the University of John Sabine, Jamison Webb, Kelsey Kinney, Kentucky, spent the last semester of her senior Jasbir Singh and Blair Beeken — taking them year at Second City’s Comedy Studies program on a whirlwind trip around the United States in Chicago. That was six years ago. through July.

Today, Whitaker has earned a place at “The chemistry and the the grownups’ table as a amount of time that we’ve all member of The Best of The been together and traveled Second City, a touring sixTHE BEST OF together — I see these people person ensemble featuring THE SECOND CITY more than I see my boyfriend some of the best sketches, 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at Times-Union or my family,” Whitaker says. songs and improvisations Center for the Performing Arts’ “So you get a chemistry and from The Second City’s Terry Theater, 300 Water St., Downtown, $50, 442-2929, you get a rapport. Being on 55-year history. The tour artistseriesjax.org stage together just seems makes a stop at the Timesnormal and natural.”

Union Center’s Terry One of Whitaker’s Theater on Saturday, Jan. 31.

“This show is highlighting some of the more favorite sketches that the group will be doing is called “Pictionary,” and was created by famous alumni like Steve Carell,” Whitaker Steve Carell. In it, hilarity ensues when two says of the 90-minute, two-act sketch revue middle-aged couples battle during game night. that’s about 80 percent vintage material and Whitaker calls it a sketch that “helped shape a 20 percent modern improv. “And then we’ll new genre of scene work.” talk about how they influenced us in between A mixture of archival pieces and straight-up scenes and just doing a really old-school history archive to celebrate the 55 years.” improv means Whitaker and the other members Whitaker, who says it’s Second City alumni of her ensemble have room for creative license. like Rachel Dratch, Stephnie Weir, Tina Fey “Our favorite part is at the end of the and Brad Morris who have influenced her, second act, when sometimes we’ll have enough started training for her current role in 2009. time to do an improvised third act and then “I moved here to Chicago and fully all six of us play together,” she says. “It’s live immersed myself in the Second City-style of theater and the magic of it is that anything can comedy,” she says. “I did the writing program happen. But at the same time, you always know that if anything was to go wrong, the five other and the musical conservatory. I took history of people are there to support you.” comedy and context of comedy. I’d performed all my life, but these classes opened my eyes Kara Pound and made me well-rounded instead of just mail@folioweekly.com

The Second City Touring Company: Jamison Webb (left), Casey Whitaker, Jasbir Singh, Kelsey Kinney, John Sabine and Blair Beeken JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 23

A&E // ARTS & EVENTS PERFORMANCE

LA BOHÉME Puccini’s much-loved opera, about struggling artists in 19th-century Paris, is staged at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at TimesUnion Center for the Performing Arts’ Moran Theater, 300 Water St., Downtown, 633-6110, $34-$54, ticketmaster.com.

SWEET BIRD OF YOUTH Tennessee Williams’ classic story of a gigolo who returns to his hometown and has a relationship with a faded movie star is staged at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29, 30 and 31 and 2 p.m. Feb. 1 at Limelight Theatre, 11 Old Mission Ave., St. Augustine, 825-1164, $15; the play is staged through Feb. 15, limelighttheatre.org.

TIME STANDS STILL This play, about the relationship of a photojournalist wounded in the Iraq war and her journalist boyfriend, was penned by Pulitzer-winning playwright Donald Margulies. It’s staged at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 29 and 8 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31 at Theatre Jacksonville, 2032 San Marco Blvd., $25, 396-4425, theatrejax.com.

LOVE LETTERS A.R. Gurney’s dramatic work, which uses an epistolary form to chronicle the 50-year friendship of two women, is staged at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 30 and 31 and 2:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 at Fernandina Little Theatre, 1014 Beech St., Fernandina Beach, 277-2202, $17; runs through Feb. 8, ameliaflt.org.

BLACK PEARL SINGS! Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre presents the musical, set in 1935, about a white song collector who encounters an African-American woman in a Texas prison, who has a soulful voice and steely spirit. It’s staged at 8 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31 and 2 p.m. Feb. 1 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-7177, $20; through Feb. 8, abettheatre.com.

TOO SLOW THE TURTLE This stage adaptation of Aesop’s The Tortoise and the Hare is staged at 2 and 6 p.m. on Jan. 31 at Stage Aurora, 5164 Norwood Ave., Downtown, 765-7372, advance tickets are $10; $15 at the door, stageaurora.org.

THE BUDDY HOLLY STORY The musical, about rock and roll pioneer Buddy Holly, is accompanied by a themed menu created by Executive Chef DeJuan Roy; through Feb. 8. Dinner at 6 p.m., curtain up at 8 p.m. Tue.-Thur. and Sun. $49.95 plus tax; Fri. and Sat., $55 plus tax; brunch 11 a.m., show 1:15 p.m. Wed. and Sat. and brunch at noon, show 2 p.m. Sun., $47 plus tax; at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com.

THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM SPELLING BEE This musical comedy, about six young people in the throes of puberty, is staged at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 and 7, and 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5 and 6 at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, 2445 San Diego Rd., San Marco, 346-5620, advance and student tickets are $10; $12 at the door, da-arts.org.

THE BOOK OF MORMON This nine-time Tony Award-winning musical satire, written by the creators of South Park, is staged at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, 4 and 5, 8 p.m. Feb. 6, 2 and 8 p.m. Feb. 7 and 1:30 and 7 p.m. Feb. 8 at the T-U Center’s Moran Theater, Downtown, 442-2929, $37.50-$77.50, artistseriesjax.org.

CLASSICAL, CHOIR & JAZZ

THE BAY KINGS BAND The Limelight Theatre Gala presents its 1940s-themed fundraiser, featuring this Tampa-based seven-piece swing band at 6 p.m. on Jan. 31 at Mark Lance National Guard Armory, 190 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, $100 ticket includes open bar, appetizers and dinner. Proceeds benefit Limelight Theatre. 825-1164.

HAMMERED DULCIMER CONCERT Robert Burns performs a solo concert of hammered dulcimer music at 7 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Lightner Museum, 75 King St., St. Augustine, 824-2874, lightnermuseum.org.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOZART The Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra plays a concert of works by Mozart, including Eine kleine Nachtmusik and Symphony No. 40 at 7:30 p.m. on Jan. 29 and 8 p.m. Jan. 30 and 31 at Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Jacoby Symphony Hall, 300 Water St., Downtown, $25-$72, 354-3578, jaxsymphony.org.

DANIEL D. & URBAN INSTRUMENTALISTS Violin virtuoso Daniel D. performs with his inventive ensemble the Urban Instrumentalists at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 30 at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church, 215 Bethel Baptist St., Springfield, $30; $10 for students, 389-6222, riversidefinearts.org.

WATOTO CHILDREN’S CHOIR The Watoto Children’s Choir, musical ambassadors to raise awareness about orphaned children of Africa, perform at 6 p.m. Jan. 31 at St. Paul United Methodist Church, 8264 Lone Star Rd., Arlington, 724-0022. The choir also performs at 8:45 and 11 a.m. Feb. 1 at Hendricks Avenue Baptist Church, 4001 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 396-7745.

FIRST COAST HONORS CHOIR FESTIVAL The 12th annual concert, featuring 150 local child vocalists, is presented at 5 p.m. Jan. 31 at Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 1844 Mandarin Rd., 353-1636, jaxchildrenschorus.org.

KOGER/MATTESON JAZZ FESTIVAL This celebration of jazz kicks off at 10 a.m. on Feb. 3 at University of North Florida’s Lazzara Performance Hall, 1 UNF Dr., Southside, 620-2878, unf.edu/coas/music/calendar.

ANCIENT CITY BRASS BAND This local ensemble, using Civil War-era instruments, performs

at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 4 at Clay County Headquarters Library, 1895 Town Center Blvd., Fleming Island, 278-3722.

JAZZ IN PONTE VEDRA The Gary Starling Group (Carol Sheehan, Billy Thornton, Peter Miles) performs 7:30-10:30 p.m. every Thur. at Table 1, 330 A1A N., 280-5515.

JAZZ IN RIVERSIDE Trumpeter Ray Callendar and guitarist Taylor Roberts are featured at 9:30 p.m. every Thur. at Kickbacks Gastropub, 910 King St., 388-9551.

JAZZ IN MANDARIN Boril Ivanov Trio plays at 7 p.m. every Thur. and pianist David Gum plays at 7 p.m. every Fri. at Tree

Feb. 27; concertonthegreen.com.

ONE SPARK CREATOR REGISTRATION Open for creators for the April festival. Fees: $95 through Feb. 14; onespark.com.

JAZZ FEST SEEKS ARTISTS Jacksonville Jazz Festival has opened a call for artists to submit samples of work and a statement for consideration for its 2015 poster; jaxjazzfest.com.

ART WALKS, FESTIVALS & MARKETS

UPTOWN SATURDAY NIGHT The self-guided tour features galleries, antique stores and

Douglas Anderson School of the Arts stages the musical comedy THE 25th ANNUAL PUTNAM SPELLING BEE, starring Ana Puig (left), Jasmine Walters and Connor Driscoll, on Feb. 4-7.

Steakhouse, 11362 San Jose Blvd., 262-0006.

JAZZ IN NEPTUNE BEACH Live jazz is featured 7:30-9:30 p.m. every Sat. at Lillie’s Coffee Bar, 200 First St., 249-2922.

JAZZ IN ATLANTIC BEACH Guitarist Taylor Roberts is on 7 p.m. every Wed. and Thur. at Ocean 60, 60 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-0060, ocean60.com.

JAZZ IN AVONDALE The Von Barlow Trio, Third Bass 9 p.m. every Sun. at Casbah Café, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966.

JAZZ IN ST. AUGUSTINE Live jazz is featured nightly at Rhett’s Piano Bar & Brasserie, 66 Hypolita St., 825-0502.

COMEDY

THE BEST OF THE SECOND CITY The Second City Touring Company, the road-worthy arm of the legendary Chicago comedy company, performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 31 at Times-Union Center for the Performing Arts’ Terry Theater, 300 Water St., Downtown, $50, 442-2929, artistseriesjax.org.

AINRIA Ainria, who’s been on Comedy Central, appears at 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 30 at Bonkerz Comedy Club, bestbet, 455 Park Ave., Orange Park, $10 and $35, 646-0001, bestbetjax.com.

CARMEN LYNCH Lynch, a veteran of The Late Show with David Letterman and Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, performs at 8 p.m. Jan. 29, 30 and 31 at the Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., Mandarin, $15-$18, 292-4242, comedyzone.com.

ELAYNE BOOSLER Audience favorite Boosler, who’s starred in seven cable TV comedy specials and as a regular panelist on Politically Incorrect, is on at 8:04 p.m. Jan. 29 and 31 and 8:04 and 10:10 p.m. Jan. 30 at Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., $15-$20, 646-4277, jacksonvillecomedy.com.

MIKE GUIDO Gudio has appeared on Showtime, A&E, MTV and VH-1 and is onstage here at 7:30 and 10 p.m. Jan. 30 and 7 and 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Latitude 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555, latitude360.com.

MAD COWFORD IMPROV Weekly PG-13-rated improv shows, based on audience suggestion, 8:15 p.m. every Fri. and Sat. at Northstar Substation, 119 E. Bay St., Downtown, $5, 233-2359, madcowford.com.

HOT POTATO COMEDY HOUR Local comics appear 9 p.m. every Mon. at rain dogs, 1045 Park St., Riverside, free, 379-4969.

OPEN DOOR SUNDAYS Open mic night 9 p.m. every Sun. at Tapa That, 820 Lomax St., 5 Points, free, 376-9911, tapathat.com.

CALLS & WORKSHOPS

WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP Lian Zhen holds a workshop on Chinese watercolor 6-8 p.m. Jan. 29 at River House, 179 Marine St., St. Augustine, $12, 209-3655.

JUNIOR ROWITA FELLOWSHIP Three literary, performance and visual arts fellowships are available for graduating 12th-grade and home-schooled female students; deadline is Feb. 1; stjohnsculture.com.

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION GRANTS The Community Foundation of Northeast Florida is accepting submissions for Childcare Providers in Duval County grant (deadline Feb. 26), Art Ventures (deadline May 15) and Dr. JoAnn Crisp-Ellert Fund (deadline May 15); jaxcf.org.

POSTER CONTEST FOR STUDENTS Students ages 4-6, 7-8 and 9-12 may submit artwork for the Concert on the Green poster contest. The theme is “A Celebration of Symphonic in an Outdoor Setting.” Deadline is

24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

shops open from 5-9 p.m. Jan. 30 and every last Sat. in St. Augustine’s San Marco District, 824-3152.

FIRST WEDNESDAY ART WALK The downtown art walk, held 5-9 p.m. Feb. 4 and every first Wed., features more than 13 live music venues, more than 13 hotspots open after 9 p.m. and 50 total participating venues, spanning 15 blocks in Downtown Jacksonville. downtownjacksonville.org.

WINTER ARTS MARKET Local and regional art, food artists and a farmers market are featured 10 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat. under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., free admission, 389-2449, riversideartsmarket.com.

DOWNTOWN FRIDAY MARKET Arts and crafts and local produce are offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Fri. at The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, 353-1188.

COMMUNITY FARMERS & ARTS MARKET Homemade baked goods, preserves, local honey, crafts, sauces, yard art, hand-crafted jewelry and more are featured 4-7 p.m. today and every Wed. at 4300 St. Johns Ave., Riverside/Avondale, 607-9935.

MUSEUMS

AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY 233 S. Third St., Fernandina Beach, 261-7378, ameliamuseum.org. It Came from the Attic: Collections celebrates the art of collecting.

AMERICAN BEACH MUSEUM American Beach Community Center, 1600 Julia St., Fernandina Beach, 277-7960, nassaucountyfl.com/facilities. The Sands of Time: An American Beach Story, an exhibit celebrating the beach as well as the life and activism of MaVynee Betsch, “The Beach Lady” is on display.

BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK 381 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, 241-5657, beachesmuseum.org.

The Art of Leigh Murphy, featuring a collection of watercolors, is on display through Feb. 8.

CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS 829 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, cummer.org. Rothko to Richter: Mark-Making in Abstract Painting from the Collection of Preston H. Haskell is on display Jan. 30-April 22. 450 Years of French History in Florida is on display through Feb. 22. All Together: The Sculpture of Chaim Gross is on display through Oct. 4. British Watercolors is on display through Nov. 29.

KARPELES MANUSCRIPT MUSEUM 101 W. First St., Springfield, 356-2992, rain.org/~karpeles/ jaxfrm.html. The exhibit A Collection of Works: Exhibition in Oils by Leilani Leo is on display through Feb. 27.

LIGHTNER MUSEUM 75 King St., St. Augustine, 824-2874, lightnermuseum.org.

Curator-led monthly tours are featured at 10 a.m. every first Wed. Thirty paintings by 19th-century artist Felix F. de Crano are on display through March 1.

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, 366-6911, mocajacksonville.com. The exhibit WHITE, featuring 11 20th-century and contemporary artists working with the color white, is on display through April 26. Erica Mendoza: Visual Love Letters is on display through March. Project Atrium: Angela Strassheim through March 1.

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank, 396-6674, themosh.org.

Odyssey’s SHIPWRECK! Pirates & Treasure is on display through March. Skies Over Jacksonville, a detailed live star show, screens 2 p.m. daily in the Planetarium. First Friday

experience features Cosmic Concerts – Laser Mania 7 p.m., Wish You Were Here 8 p.m., Laser Vinyl 9 p.m., Led Zeppelin 10 p.m. on Feb. 6, $5.

ST. JOHN’S CATHEDRAL 256 E. Church St., Downtown, 356-5507, jaxcathedral.org.

Fabricio Farias’ installation Grace is on display.

GALLERIES

44 MONROE ART STUDIO & GALLERY 44 Monroe St., Downtown, 881-0209. The exhibit The Art of Kyle Willis is on display through Feb. 7.

ADELE GRAGE CULTURAL CENTER 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-5828. Paintings by William Garcia are on display through January.

ALEXANDER BREST GALLERY Jacksonville University, 2800 N. University Blvd., Jacksonville, 256-7371. The exhibit Encumbered, featuring works by Karen Kurycki and Shelley Sloan Ellis, is on display through Feb. 11.

AMELIA SANJON GALLERY 218-A Ash St., Fernandina Beach, 491-8040. Linda Blondhyme is the featured artist for January.

ANASTASIA BOOKS 81C King St., St. Augustine, 824-8460. Kenneth Barrett’s Time Frames is currently on display.

ARCHWAY GALLERY AND FRAMING 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-2222. Works by Vicki Lennon are on display through February.

THE ART CENTER II 229 N. Hogan St., Jacksonville, 355-1757. The exhibit Shadows and Light is on display through March 9.

BUTTERFIELD GARAGE ART GALLERY 137 King St., St. Augustine, 825-4577. Recent works by Roxanne Horvath are on display through Feb. 3.

CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, 826-8530, flagler.edu/crispellert.

The exhibit <<Re-Riding History: From the Southern Plains to Matanzas Bay>> is on display through February.

THE CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH 50 Executive Way, Ponte Vedra Beach, 280-0614, ccpvb.org.

Celebrate Art 2015: Artist Member Exhibition, through Feb. 1.

FIRST STREET GALLERY 216-B First St., Neptune Beach, 241-6928. The Mermaid Show is on display through April 1.

RITZ THEATRE & MUSEUM 829 N. Davis St., Jacksonville, 632-5555, ritzjacksonville.com.

Through Our Eyes 2015: Wouldn’t Take Nothing for My Journey (Artistic Revolution), featuring the work of 20 local AfricanAmerican artists, is on display Jan. 29-July 31. The permanent exhibit celebrates Northeast Florida African-America heritage through the stories of James Weldon and John Rosamond Johnson, Eartha M.M. White and photographs of Ed Weems.

SHAFFER GALLERY 35 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, 806-8858. The opening reception for an exhibit of recent works by Mary St. Germain is held from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 31.

SOUTH GALLERY FSCJ’s South Campus, 11901 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville, 646-2023. MetaVisual: The Graphic Art of Jim Harrison is on display Feb. 2-17; opening reception is 5-7:30 p.m. Feb. 10.

SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY 201 N. Hogan St., Ste. 100, Downtown, 438-4358, southlightgallery.com. Sara Pedigo is the featured artist through March 4. The exhibit Picturing Italy II, featuring works by the 2014 UNF Department of Art & Design Study Abroad Program, is featured through February.

ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION 22 Marine St., St. Augustine, 824-2310, staaa.org. The exhibit Fantastic Florida! is on display through Feb. 1.

ST. AUGUSTINE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 10 W. Castillo Dr., 825-1000, staugustine-450.com. The First Coast Through the Eyes of Masters features St. Augustinethemed works by 19th and early 20th century painters.

THRASHER-HORNE CENTER FOR THE ARTS 283 College Dr., Orange Park, 276-6815, thcenter.org. The photographic tribute The American Solider: From the Civil War to the War in Iraq is on display through Feb. 14.

UNIVERSITY OF NORTH FLORIDA GALLERY 1 UNF Drive, Southside, 620-2534. The current exhibit Art + Design Student Juried Annual Exhibition is on display through Feb. 27.

EVENTS

ST. AUGUSTINE HISTORY TALK Florida historian, professor of history and Hough Family Chair of Florida Studies at University of South Florida, Dr. J. Michael Francis discusses “St. Augustine’s 450th: History and Commemoration in America’s Oldest City” at 7 p.m. Jan. 28 at Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St., free, flagler.edu/ideasandimages.

MOSH AFTER DARK The workshop “… And a Bottle of Rum Bacardi!” features rum flavor tastings, 6:30 p.m. Jan. 29 at Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Downtown; general admission is $30; discount for MOSH members, 21 and older only, 396-6674 ext. 226, themosh.org.

BRIDGE IN A DAY An introductory program covers bridge basics 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Feb. 28 at Jacksonville School of Bridge, 3353 Washburn Rd., Intracoastal West, 859-8381, LBIAD@gmail.com.

WHEEL AEROBICS The workout class is held 8:50 a.m. Feb.. 7 at Just Fitness 4U, 11262 Beach Blvd., Southside, abdominaltrainingwheels.com.

DINING DIRECTORY AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH, YULEE

29 SOUTH EATS, 29 S. Third St., 277-7919, 29south restaurant.com. F In historic downtown, Chef Scotty Schwartz serves traditional regional cuisine with a modern twist. $$ L Tue.-Sat.; D Mon.-Sat.; R Sun. BARBERITOS, 1519 Sadler Rd., 277-2505. 463867 S.R. 200, Ste. 5, Yulee, 321-2240, barberitos.com.

Southwestern fare; burritos, tacos, nachos, quesadillas, salsa. $$ BW K TO L D Daily BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ, 1 S. Front St., 261-2660. F Southern hospitality, upscale waterfront spot; daily specials, fresh local seafood, aged beef. $$$ FB K L D Daily CAFÉ KARIBO, 27 N. Third St., 277-5269, cafekaribo.com.

F Family-owned spot in a historic building. Veggie burgers, seafood, made-from-scratch desserts. Dine in or on oakshaded patio. Karibrew Pub next door. $$ FB K TO R, Sun.; L D Daily CHEZ LEZAN BAKERY CO., 1014 Atlantic Ave., 491-4663, chezlezanbakery.com. Fresh European-style breads, pastries: croissants, muffins, cakes, pies. $ TO B R L Daily CIAO ITALIAN BISTRO, 302 Centre St., 206-4311, ciaobistroluca.com. Owners Luka and Kim Misciasci offer fine dining: veal piccata, rigatoni Bolognese, antipasto. Specialties: chicken Ciao, homemade meat lasagna. $ L Fri., Sat.; D Nightly DAVID’S Restaurant & Lounge, 802 Ash St., 310-6049, ameliaislanddavids.com. Historic district fi ne dining.

Fresh seafood, prime aged meats, rack of lamb. $$$$ FB D Wed.-Mon. DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 474313 E. S.R. 200, 491-3469.

450077 S.R. 200, Callahan, 879-0993. BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA.

ELIZABETH POINTE LODGE, 98 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-4851, elizabethpointelodge.com. BOJ winner. Award-winning B&B. Seaside dining, inside or out. Hot buffet breakfast daily.

Homestyle soups, sandwiches, desserts. $$$ BW B L D Daily JACK & DIANE’S, 708 Centre St., 321-1444, jackanddianes cafe.com. F In renovated 1887 shotgun house. Jambalaya, French toast, mac-n-cheese, vegan/vegetarian items. Dine in or on porch. $$ FB K B L D Daily LULU’S at Thompson House, 11 S. 7th St., 432-8394, lulus amelia.com. F Po’boys, salads, local seafood, local shrimp. Reservations. $$$ BW K TO R Sun.; L D Tue.-Sat. MARCHÉ BURETTE, 6800 First Coast Hwy., 491-4834, omnihotels.com. Old-fashioned gourmet food market and deli, in the Spa & Shops, Omni Amelia Island Plantation.

Continental breakfast; lunch features flatbreads. $$$ BW K TO L D Daily MOON RIVER PIZZA, 925 S. 14th St., 321-3400, moonriver pizza.net. F BOJ winner. Northern-style pizzas, 20+ toppings, by the pie or the slice. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. THE MUSTARD SEED CAFE, 833 TJ Courson Rd., 277-3141, nassaushealthfoods.net. Casual organic eatery, juice bar, in Nassau Health Foods. All-natural organic items, smoothies, juice, herbal tea. $$ TO B L Mon.-Sat. THE PECAN ROLL BAKERY, 122 S. Eighth St., 491-9815, thepecanrollbakery.com. The bakery, near historic district, offers sweet and savory pastries, cookies, cakes, bagels and breads, all made from scratch. $ K TO B L Wed.-Sun. PLAE, 80 Amelia Village Cir., 277-2132, plaefl.net. Bite Club. Omni Plantation Spa & Shops. Bistro-style venue serves whole fried fish, duck breast. Outside. $$$ FB L Tue.-Sat.; D Nightly THE SALTY PELICAN Bar & Grill, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811, thesaltypelicanamelia.com. F BOJ winner. 2nd-story outdoor bar. Owners T.J. and Al offer local seafood, Mayport shrimp, fish tacos, po’boys, cheese oysters. $$ FB K L D Daily SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6652, slidersseaside.com. F Oceanfront; handmade crab cakes, fresh seafood, fried pickles. Outdoor dining, open-air 2nd floor, balcony. $$ FB K L D Daily TASTY’S Fresh Burgers & Fries, 710 Centre St., 321-0409, tastysamelia.com. Historic district. Freshest meats, hand-cut fries, homemade sauces, hand-spun shakes. $ BW K L D Daily T-RAY’S BURGER STATION, 202 S. 8th St., 261-6310. F BOJ. In an old gas station; blue plate specials, burgers, biscuits & gravy, shrimp. $ BW TO B L Mon.-Sat. THE VERANDAH, 6800 First Coast Hwy., 321-5050, omni hotels.com. Extensive menu of fresh local seafood and steaks; signature entrée is Fernandina shrimp. Many herbs and spices are from onsite garden. $$$ FB K D Nightly

ARLINGTON, REGENCY

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 9119 Merrill Rd., 745-9300. BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. LA NOPALERA, 8818 Atlantic, 720-0106. BOJ winner.

SEE MANDARIN.

LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1301 Monument, 724-5802. F SEE ORANGE PARK.

THE SHEIK DELI, 9720 Atlantic Blvd., 721-2660. Familyowned-and-operated for 40+ years, with a full breakfast (pitas to country plates) and a lunch menu. $ TO B L D Mon.-Sat.

AVONDALE, ORTEGA

BAGEL LOVE, 4114 Herschel St., Ste. 121, 634-7253, bagellovejax.com. BOJ winner. Locally-owned-andoperated. Northern style bagels, sandwiches, wraps, bakery.

Manager Courtney Cox and Kitchen Manager Jeremy Davis, at Sliders Seafood Grille, show off plates of crab cake tacos and king crab legs. The popular Neptune Beach eatery’s new menu items include small plates, entrées and desserts. Photo: Dennis Ho Fresh-squeezed orange juice, lemonade; coffee, tea. $ K TO B L Daily THE CASBAH CAFÉ, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966, the casbahcafe.com. F BOJ winner. Middle Eastern/ Mediterranean fare. Patio, hookah lounge, bellydancers. $$ BW L D Daily CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATE, 3543 St. Johns Ave., 829-5790.

F In Green Man Gourmet. SEE PONTE VEDRA. $$ TO FLORIDA CREAMERY, 3566 St. Johns Ave., 619-5386.

Premium ice cream, waffle cones, milkshakes, sundaes and Nathan’s grilled hot dogs, served in a Florida-centric décor. Low-fat and sugar-free choices are also offered. $ K TO L D Daily THE FOX Restaurant, 3580 St. Johns Ave., 387-2669. F Owners Ian & Mary Chase offer fresh diner fare: burgers, meatloaf, fried green tomatoes, desserts. Breakfast all day.

Local landmark for 50+ years. $$ BW K L D Daily HARPOON LOUIE’S, 4070 Herschel St., Ste. 8, 389-5631, harpoonlouies.net. F Locally owned and operated for 20+ years, the American pub serves 1/2-pound burgers, fish sandwiches, pasta. Local beers. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA, 4530 St. Johns, 388-8828. F SEE MANDARIN. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200. F Bite Club. BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO NO. 4 Urban BBQ & Whiskey Bar, 3572 St. Johns Ave., 381-6670. F BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. PINEGROVE Market & Deli, 1511 Pine Grove Ave., 389-8655, pinegrovemarket.com. F BOJ winner. 40+ years. Burgers, Cuban sandwiches, subs, wraps. Onsite butcher cuts USDA choice prime aged beef. Craft beers. $ BW TO B L D Mon.-Sat. PULP, 3645 St. Johns Ave., pulpaddiction.com. SEE SAN MARCO. RESTAURANT ORSAY, 3630 Park St., 381-0909, restaurant orsay.com. BOJ winner. French/Southern bistro; emphasis on locally grown organic ingredients. Steak frites, mussels, pork chops. Snail of Approval. $$$ FB K R, Sun.; D Nightly SIMPLY SARA’S, 2902 Corinthian Ave., 387-1000, simply saras.net. F Down-home fare, from scratch: eggplant fries, pimento cheese, baked chicken, fruit cobblers, chicken & dumplings, desserts. BYOB. $$ K TO L D Mon.-Sat., B Sat.

BAYMEADOWS

AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 7825 Baymeadows Way, 733-4040. F SEE DOWNTOWN. AL’S PIZZA, 8060 Philips Hwy., Ste. 105, 731-4300. F SEE BEACHES.

BROADWAY Ristorante & Pizzeria, 10920 Baymeadows Rd. E., 519-8000, broadwayfl.com. F Family-owned-andoperated Italian spot. Calzones, wings, brick-oven-baked pizza, subs. $$ BW K TO L D Daily

To get listed, call your account manager or Sam Taylor at 904.260.9770 ext. 111 or staylor@folioweekly.com.

DINING DIRECTORY KEY

Average Entrée Cost $ = Less than $8 $$ = $8-$14 $$$ = $15-$22 $$$$ = $23 & up BW = Beer/Wine FB = Full Bar K = Kids’ Menu TO = Take Out B = Breakfast R = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner Bite Club = Hosted free FW Bite Club tasting.

To join, go to fwbiteclub.com.

2014 Best of Jax winner F = FW distribution spot

INDIA’S Restaurant, 9802 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 8, 620-0777, indiajax.com. F BOJ winner. Authentic Indian cuisine, lunch buffet. Curries, vegetable dishes, lamb, chicken, shrimp, fish tandoori. $$ BW L Mon.-Sat.; D Nightly LA NOPALERA, 8206 Philips Hwy., 732-9433. F BOJ winner. SEE MANDARIN. LARRY’S SUBS, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., 737-7740. 8616 Baymeadows Rd., 739-2498. F SEE ORANGE PARK. NATIVE SUN Natural Foods Market & Deli, 11030 Baymeadows Rd., 260-2791. SEE MANDARIN. PIZZA PALACE Restaurant & Pizzeria, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., 527-8649, pizzapalacejax.com. F Casual, familyowned; homestyle faves: spinach pizza, chicken spinach calzones, lasagna. Outside dining. $$ BW K TO L D Daily SNEAKERS Sports Grille, 8133 Point Meadows Dr., 519-0509. BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. TEQUILAS Mexican Restaurant, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 101, 363-1365. Salsa, guacamole, chips, beans, rice and meat dishes made fresh daily. $$ FB L D Mon.-Sat. ZESTY INDIA, 8358 Point Meadows Dr., 329-3676, zesty india.com. Asian/European; tandoori lamb chops, rosemary tikka. Vegetarian cooked separately. $ BW TO L D Tue.-Sun.

BEACHES

(Locations are in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted.)

AL’S PIZZA, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-0002, alspizza.com. F New York-style, gourmet pizzas, baked dishes. All-day happy hour Mon.-Thur. $ FB K TO L D Daily ANGIE’S SUBS, 1436 Beach Blvd., 246-2519. ANGIE’S GROM, 204 Third Ave. S., 246-7823. BOJ winner. Subs made with fresh ingredients for more than 25 years. One word: Peruvian. Huge salads, blue-ribbon iced tea. $ BW TO L D Daily BOLD BEAN Coffee Roasters, 2400 S. Third St., Ste. 201.

BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. BUDDHA THAI BISTRO, 301 10th Ave. N., 712-4444, buddhathaibistro.com. The proprietors are from Thailand; every dish is made with fresh ingredients. $$ FB TO L D Daily BURRITO GALLERY Express, 1333 Third St. N., 242-8226.

BOJ winner. SEE DOWNTOWN. CANTINA MAYA Sports Bar & Grille, 1021 Atlantic Blvd., A.B., 247-3227. Popular spot serves margaritas, Latin food, burgers. Sports on TVs. $$ FB K L D Tue.-Sun. CASA MARIA, 2429 S. Third St., 372-9000, casamariajax. com. F Family-owned-and-operated place offers authentic Mexican fare: fajitas and seafood dishes, hot sauces made inhouse. The specialty is tacos de asada. $ FB K L D Daily CULHANE’S Irish Pub, 967 Atlantic Blvd., A.B., 249-9595, culhanesirishpub.com. Bite Club. Upscale pub/restaurant owned and run by sisters from County Limerick. Shepherd’s pie, corned beef; gastropub fare. $$ FB K R Sat. & Sun.; L Fri.-Sun.; D Tue.-Sun. ESPETO BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE, 1396 Beach Blvd., 388-4884, espetosteakhouse.com. Just relocated, serving beef, pork, lamb, chicken and sausage, and a full menu and bar fare, craft cocktails, Brazilian beers. $$ FB D Daily EUROPEAN STREET, 992 Beach Blvd., 249-3001. BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. FLYING IGUANA Taqueria & Tequila Bar, 207 Atlantic Blvd., N.B., 853-5680, flyingiguana.com. F Latin

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 25

DINING DIRECTORY

SEE SAN MARCO.

MEZZA Restaurant & Bar, 110 First St., N.B., 249-5573, mezzarestaurantandbar.com. F Near-the-ocean eatery, 20+ years. Casual bistro fare: gourmet wood-fired pizzas, nightly specials. Dine inside or on the patio. Valet parking. $$$ FB K D Mon.-Sat. MOJO KITCHEN BBQ Pit, 1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636, mojobbq.com. F BOJ winner. Pulled pork, Carolina-style barbecue, Delta fried catfish, all the sides. $$ FB K TO L D Daily M SHACK, 299 Atlantic Blvd., A.B., 241-2599, mshackburgers.com. F BOJ winner. David and Matthew Medure flip burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes. Dine in or out. $$ BW L D Daily NORTH BEACH BISTRO, 725 Atlantic, Ste. 6, A.B., 372-4105, nbbistro.com. Bite Club. Chef-driven kitchen; hand-cut steaks, fresh local seafood, tapas menu. HH. $$$ FB K R Sun.; L D Daily OCEAN 60, Wine Bar, Martini Room, 60 Ocean Blvd., A.B., 247-0060, ocean60.com. BOJ winner. Continental cuisine, fresh seafood, dinner specials and a seasonal menu in a formal dining room or casual Martini Room. $$$ FB D Mon.-Sat. POE’S TAVERN, 363 Atlantic Blvd., A.B., 241-7637.

American gastropub, 50+ beers, gourmet hamburgers, ground in-house, cooked to order; hand-cut French fries, fish tacos, Edgar’s Drunken Chili, daily fish sandwich special. $$ FB K L D Daily RAGTIME TAVERN & Seafood Grill, 207 Atlantic Blvd., A.B., 241-7877, ragtimetavern.com. F For 30+ years, the iconic seafood place has scored many awards in our BOJ readers poll. Blackened snapper, sesame tuna, Ragtime shrimp. Daily happy hour. $$ FB L D Daily SALT LIFE Food Shack, 1018 Third St. N., 372-4456, saltlife foodshack.com. BOJ winner. Specialty items: signature tuna poke bowl, fresh rolled sushi, Ensenada tacos, local fried shrimp, in a modern open-air space. $$ FB K TO L D Daily SLIDERS Seafood Grille & Oyster Bar, 218 First St., N.B., 246-0881, slidersseafoodgrille.com. Beach-casual.

Faves: Fresh fish tacos, gumbo. Key lime pie, ice cream sandwiches. $$ FB K L Sat. & Sun.; D Nightly SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE, 111 Beach Blvd., 482-1000, sneakerssportsgrille.com. BOJ winner. More than 20 beers on tap, TV screens, cheerleaders serving the food.

Happy hour Mon.-Fri. $ FB K L D Daily TACOLU BAJA MEXICANA, 1712 Beach Blvd., 249-8226, tacolu.com. BOJ winner. Fresh, Baja-style fare with a focus on fish tacos, tequila (more than 135 kinds) and mezcal. Bangin’ shrimp, carne asada, carnitas, daily fresh fish selections. Made-fresh-daily guacamole. $$ FB K R Sat. & Sun.; L D Tue.-Fri.

DOWNTOWN

AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 21 W. Church St., 665-7324, akelsdeli.com. F New York-style deli offers freshly made subs (3 Wise Guys, Champ), burgers, gyros, breakfast bowls, ranchero wrap, vegetarian dishes. $ K TO B L Mon.-Fri. BURRITO Gallery & Bar, 21 E. Adams, 598-2922, burritogal lery.com. BOJ winner. Southwestern burritos, ginger teriyaki tofu, beef barbacoa, wraps, tacos. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. CASA DORA, 108 E. Forsyth St., 356-8282. F Chef Sam Hamidi has been serving genuine Italian fare for 35+ years: veal, seafood, gourmet pizza. The homemade salad dressing is a specialty. $ BW K L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. CASA MARIA, 12961 N. Main St., Ste. 104, 757-6411. F SEE BEACHES.

CHOMP CHOMP, 106 E. Adams St., 762-4667. F Chefinspired street food: panko-crusted chicken, burgers, chinois tacos, bahn mi and barbecue. $ L Tue.-Sat.; D Thur.-Sat. FIONN MacCOOL’s Irish Pub & Restaurant, The Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1547, fionnmacs.com. Casual dining with an uptown Irish atmosphere, serving fish and chips, Guinness lamb stew and black-and-tan brownies. $$ FB K L D Daily OLIO MARKET, 301 E. Bay St., 356-7100, oliomarket. com. From-scratch soups, sandwiches. Home to duck grilled cheese, seen on Best Sandwich in America. $$ BW TO B R L Mon.-Fri.

FLEMING ISLAND

GRASSROOTS Natural Market, 1915 East-West Pkwy., 541-0009. F BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. LA NOPALERA, 1571 C.R. 220, 215-2223. F BOJ winner.

SEE MANDARIN.

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999. F Bite Club. BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO SMOKEHOUSE, 1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 8,

264-0636. F BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198, whiteysfishcamp.com. F Real fish camp. Gator tail, freshwater catfish, daily specials, on Swimming Pen Creek.

Tiki bar. Come by boat, bike or car. $ FB K TO L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly YOUR PIE, 1545 C.R. 220, Ste. 125, 379-9771, yourpie. com. Owner Mike Sims’ concept: Choose from 3 doughs, 9 sauces, 7 cheeses, 40+ toppings. 5 minutes in a brick oven and ta-da: It’s your pie. Subs, sandwiches, gelato. $$ BW K TO L D Daily

INTRACOASTAL WEST

AL’S PIZZA, 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31, 223-0991. F SEE BEACHES.

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 14286 Beach Blvd., 223-0115. F BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 39, 992-1666. F BOJ winner. Tamales, fajitas, pork tacos. Some La Nops have a full bar. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 14, 642-6980. F SEE ORANGE PARK. TIME OUT SPORTS GRILL, 13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5, 223-6999, timeoutsportsgrill.com. F Locally-ownedand-operated. Hand-tossed pizzas, wings, wraps. Daily drink specials, HDTVs, pool tables. Late-nite menu. $$ FB L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly

1545 C.R. 220, 278-2827. 700 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 15, 272-3553. 1401 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove, 284-7789, larryssubs.com. F For 30+ years, all over town, they pile ’em high and serve ’em fast. Hot/cold subs, soups, salads. $ K TO B L D Daily POMPEII COAL-FIRED PIZZA, 2134 Park Ave., 264-6116.

Family-owned-and-operated, offering pizzas and wings made in coal-fired ovens. Espresso, cappuccino. $ BW TO L D Daily THE ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611, roadhouseonline.net. F For 35-plus years, Roadhouse has been offering wings, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas; 75+ imported beers. $ FB L D Daily THE SHEIK, 1994 Kingsley Ave., 276-2677. SEE ARLINGTON.

PONTE VEDRA, NW ST. JOHNS

AL’S PIZZA, 635 A1A N., 543-1494. F SEE BEACHES. CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATE, 145 Hilden Rd., Ste. 122, 829-5790, claudeschocolate.com. Hand-crafted premium Belgian chocolate, fruits, nuts, spices. Cookies, popsicles. $$ TO DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 100 Marketside Ave., 829-8134,

dickswingsandgrill.com. F BOJ winner. NASCARthemed; 365 kinds of wings, 1/2-lb. burgers, ribs. $ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 830 A1A N., 273-3993. F SEE ORANGE PARK.

PUSSER’S BAR & GRILLE, 816 A1A N., Ste. 100, 280-7766, pussersusa.com. BOJ winner. Bite Club. Innovative Caribbean cuisine features regional faves: Jamaican grilled pork ribs, Trinidad smoked duck, lobster macaroni & cheese dinner. Tropical drinks. $$ FB K TO L D Daily RESTAURANT MEDURE, 818 A1A N., 543-3797, restaurantmedure.us. Chef David Medure offers global flavors. Small plates, creative drinks, happy hour. $$$ FB D Mon.-Sat.

RIVERSIDE, 5 POINTS, WESTSIDE

13 GYPSIES, 887 Stockton St., 389-0330, 13gypsies. com. BOJ winner. Intimate bistro serves authentic Mediterranean peasant cuisine updated for American tastes, specializing in tapas, blackened octopus, risotto of the day,

BITE-SIZED

JULINGTON CREEK

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 525 S.R. 16, Ste. 101, 825-4540.

BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. METRO DINER, 12807 San Jose Blvd., 638-6185. F BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. PIZZA PALACE, 116 Bartram Oaks Walk, 230-2171. F SEE BAYMEADOWS.

MANDARIN

AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 12926 Gran Bay Pkwy. W., 880-2008. F SEE DOWNTOWN. AL’S PIZZA, 11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115. F SEE BEACHES.

ATHENS CAFÉ, 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 7, 733-1199.

F Dolmades (stuffed grape leaves), baby shoes (stuffed eggplant). Greek beers. $$ BW L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. BROOKLYN PIZZA, 11406 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 288-9211. 13820 St. Augustine Rd., 880-0020. Brooklyn Special. Calzones, white pizza, homestyle lasagna. $$ BW TO L D Daily THE COFFEE BARD, 9735 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 13, 260-0810, thecoffeebard.com. New world coffeehouse has coffees, breakfast, drinks. $$ TO B L D Tue.-Sun. DICK’S WINGS, 10391 Old St. Augustine, 880-7087. F BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. GIGI’S RESTAURANT, 3130 Hartley Rd., 694-4300, jaxramada.com. In Ramada. Prime rib, crab leg buffet Fri. & Sat., blue-jean brunch Sun., daily breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets. $$$ FB B R L D Daily GILMON’S BAKERY, 11362 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 13, 288-8128, gilmonsbakery.com. Custom cakes, cupcakes, gingerbread men, pies, cookies, coffee, tea. $$ B L Tue.-Sat. HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 30, 880-3040, harmoniousmonks.net. F American steakhouse: Angus steaks, burgers, ribs, wraps. $$ FB K L D Mon.-Sat. KAZU Japanese Restaurant, 9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 35, 683-9903, kazujapaneserestaurant.com. BOJ winner. Wide variety of soups, dumplings, appetizers, salads, bento boxes, sushi, entrées, maki handrolls, sashimi. $$ BW TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA, 11700 San Jose Blvd., 288-0175. F BOJ winner. Tamales, fajitas, pork tacos. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S SUBS, 11365 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 674-2945.

F SEE ORANGE PARK. NATIVE SUN Natural Foods Market & Deli, 10000 San Jose Blvd., 260-6950, nativesunjax.com. Natural, organic soups, sandwiches, wraps, baked goods, prepared foods, juices, smoothies. Juice, smoothie and coffee bar. Allnatural, organic beers, wines. Indoor, outdoor dining. $ BW TO K B L D Daily THE RED ELEPHANT PIZZA & GRILL, 10131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12, 683-3773, redelephantpizza.com. F Casual, family-friendly eatery serves steaks, seafood, chicken grill specials. Five topping selections. Salads, sandwiches, pizza. Gluten-free friendly. $ FB K L D Daily STEAMIN, 9703 San Jose Blvd., 493-2020, eatsteamin. com. Classic diner serves steam burgers, fat dogs and chili, 50+ craft beers. $ FB TO B Sat.-Sun.; L D Daily

ORANGE PARK

ARON’S PIZZA, 650 Park Ave., 269-1007, aronspizza. com. F Family-owned restaurant has eggplant dishes, manicotti, New York-style pizzas. $$ BW K TO L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 1540 Wells Rd., 269-2122. BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Road, 272-5959, hilltop-club. com. Southern-style fine dining. New Orleans shrimp, certified Black Angus prime rib, she-crab soup, desserts. $$$ FB D Tue.-Sat. LA NOPALERA, 9734 Crosshill Blvd., 908-4250. 2024 Kingsley Ave., 276-2776. F BOJ winner. SEE MANDARIN. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1330 Blanding Blvd., 276-7370.

26 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

Photos by Caron Streibich

American fusion, Southwest taste: tacos, seafood, carnitas, Cubana sandwiches. 100+ tequilas. $ FB L D Daily HARMONIOUS MONKS, 320 First St. N., 372-0815, harmoniousmonks.net. F SEE MANDARIN. LA NOPALERA, 1222 Third St. S., 372-4495. F BOJ winner. SEE MANDARIN. LARRY’S SUBS, 657 Third St. N., 247-9620. F SEE O.PARK. LILLIE’S COFFEE BAR, 200 First St., N.B., 249-2922, lilliescoffeebar.com. F Locally roasted coffee, eggs, bagels, flatbreads, sandwiches, desserts. Dine indoors or out, patio and courtyard. $$ BW TO B L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM Pizza Bakers, 1018 Third St. N., Ste. 2, 241-5600, mellowmushroom.com. F Bite Club.

BOJ winner. Hoagies, gourmet pizzas: Mighty Meaty, vegetarian, Kosmic Karma. 35 tap beers. Nonstop happy hour. $ FB K TO L D Daily METRO DINER, 1534 Third St. N., 853-6817. BOJ winner.

GRILLED CHEESE & OTHER DELIGHTS

This Avondale bakery offers more than just cupcakes and cookies

A

and played nice with the cheddar. And the fter learning that Let Them Eat Cake not Suth’ner’s contrast of the sweet homemade only creates a multitude of sugary tomato marmalade and crisp, salty bacon was confections, but also serves five styles of a hit, too. The bread was nicely buttered and grilled cheese sandwich, I knew I’d be in toasted, and it was just the right amount of there for lunch. food for lunch. Not a morsel remained A chalkboard wall with sprawling handof either. lettering (excellent penmanship, by the way) And our sides? The tomato bisque was proclaiming “TREAT YOURSELF!” lists piping hot and flavorful, and I was pleasantly the five cleverly named offerings: Frenchy, surprised to find cubed red potatoes mixed La’Merican, Brit, Cuban-ish and Suth’ner. with mayo, rosemary and Each is $8 and accompanied by celery for potato salad. potato salad or tomato bisque.

LET THEM EAT CAKE diced I couldn’t decide what I We picked the Brit (cheddar, 3604 St. Johns Ave., wanted from the dessert case, blue cheese, chutney and fried Avondale, 389-2122 and ended up with both the egg, on pumpernickel) and the salted caramel and Fat Elvis Suth’ner (goat cheese, tomato cupcakes ($3.50 each). I favored the salted marmalade and bacon, on wheat). Local caramel frosting over Elvis’ thick, rich peanut bakery The Village Bread Company supplies butter frosting. The cake on both was good, the bread, and it’s your choice of white, wheat but could have been a bit more moist. or pumpernickel (they were out of rye).

For good measure, I grabbed a gluten-free After waiting a considerable amount of time for our two sandwiches, the woman chocolate walnut meringue ($1.50) from a behind the counter came up to our table and glass jar by the register. It too was rich, and said that — and I quote — there was “an issue reminded me of a brownie — chewy but not with the blue cheese.” (I’m guessing moldy.) overly dense.

Equal parts sad and baffled, we subbed goat To wash down your ’wich, cans of San cheese in its place. I’ll admit: I was worried. I Pellegrino are $3 and bottles of water are $1. love blue cheese. But the substitution worked!

Caron Streibich The egg was perfectly cooked, complete with biteclub@folioweekly.com an oozy yolk, and the goat cheese melted facebook.com/folioweeklybitesized

DINING DIRECTORY coconut mango curry chicken. $$ BW L D Tue.-Sat. AKEL’S DELI, 245 Riverside Ave., 791-3336. F SEE DOWNTOWN.

AL’S PIZZA, 1620 Margaret St., Ste. 201, 388-8384. F SEE BEACHES.

BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT, 1534 Oak St., 355-3793, blacksheep5points.com. New American fare has a Southern twist, made with locally sourced ingredients.

Rooftop bar. $$$ FB R Sat. & Sun.; L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 869 Stockton St., Stes.

1 & 2, 855-1181. BOJ winner. F Small-batch, artisanal coffee roasting. Organic, fair trade. $ BW TO B L Daily CORNER TACO, 818 Post St., 240-0412. Made-fromscratch “Mexclectic street food,” tacos, nachos, gluten-free and vegetarian options. $ BW L D Daily.

DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 5972 San Juan Ave., 693-9258.

BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. EDGEWOOD BAKERY, 1012 S. Edgewood Ave., 389-8054, edgewoodbakery.com. BOJ winner. 66+ years, full-service bakery. Fresh breakfast, pastries, petit fours, pies, cakes. Espresso, sandwiches, smoothies. $$ K TO B L Tue.-Sat. EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ, 2753 Park St., 384-9999, europeanstreet.com. BOJ winner. 130+ imported beers, 20 on tap. NYC-style classic Reuben, sandwiches. Outside seating at some EStreets. $ BW K L D Daily GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 2007 Park St., 384-4474, thegrassrootsmarket.com. BOJ winner. F Juice bar; certified organic fruits, vegetables. 500+ craft/ import beers, 250 wines, organic produce, humanely raised meats, plus a deli, as well as raw items, vegan, vitamins, herbs. $ BW TO B L D Daily HAWKERS ASIAN STREET FARE, 1001 Park St., 508-0342, hawkerstreetfare.com. BOJ winner. Authentic dishes from mobile stalls. $ BW TO L D Daily KNEAD BAKESHOP, 1173 Edgewood Ave. S. Locallyowned, family-run bake shop; made-from-scratch pastries, artisan breads, pies, specialty sandwiches, soups. $ TO B L Tue.-Sun. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1509 Margaret, 674-2794. 7895 Normandy, 781-7600. 8102 Blanding, 779-1933. F SEE ORANGE PARK.

METRO DINER, 4495 Roosevelt Blvd., Ortega, 999-4600.

F BOJ winner. SEE SAN MARCO. MONROE’S Smokehouse BAR-B-Q, 4838 Highway Ave., 389-5551, monroessmokehousebbq.com. Wings, pulled pork, brisket, turkey, ribs. Homestyle sides: green beans, baked beans, mac-n-cheese, collards. $$ K TO L Mon.Sat.; D Fri. MOON RIVER PIZZA, 1176 Edgewood Ave. S., 389-4442.

F BOJ winner. SEE AMELIA ISLAND. MOSSFIRE GRILL, 1537 Margaret St., 355-4434, mossfire.com. F Southwestern fish tacos, enchiladas.

Happy hour Mon.-Sat. upstairs lounge, all day Sun. $$ FB K L D Daily O’BROTHERS IRISH PUB, 1521 Margaret St., 854-9300, obrothersirishpub.com. F Traditional shepherd’s pie with Stilton crust, Guinness mac-n-cheese, fish-n-chips. Patio dining. $$ FB K TO L D Daily THE SHEIK, 7361 103rd St., 778-4805. 5172 Normandy Blvd., 786-7641. SEE ARLINGTON. SUN-RAY CINEMA, 1028 Park St., 359-0049. F Beer (Bold City, Intuition), wine, pizza, hot dogs, hummus, sandwiches, popcorn, nachos, brownies. $$ BW Daily SUSHI CAFÉ, 2025 Riverside Ave., Ste. 204, 384-2888, sushicafejacksonville.com. Sushi variety: Monster Roll, Jimmy Smith Roll; faves Rock-n-Roll, Dynamite Roll.

Hibachi, tempura, katsu, teriyaki. Indoor or patio. $$ BW L D Daily

ST. AUGUSTINE, ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH

AL’S PIZZA, 1 St. George St., 824-4383. F SEE BEACHES. AVILES, 32 Avenida Menendez, 829-2277 F Hilton Bayfront. Progressive European menu; made-to-order pasta night, wine dinners, chophouse nights, breakfast buffet.

Sun. champagne brunch bottomless mimosas. $$$ FB K B L D Daily CARMELO’S Marketplace & Pizzeria, 146 King St.,

GRILL ME!

A WEEKLY Q&A WITH PEOPLE IN THE FOOD BIZ

NAME: John Varamogiannis RESTAURANT: Johnny’s Deli & Grille, 474 Riverside Ave., Riverside BIRTHPLACE: Queens, NYC YEARS IN THE BIZ: 20 FAVORITE RESTAURANT: Kostas Pizza Italian BEST CUISINE STYLE: Italian and Greek GO-TO INGREDIENTS: Garlic, onion, sea salt IDEAL MEAL: Meatball parmigiana, side salad, French fries WILL NOT CROSS MY LIPS: I’ll eat anything.

INSIDER SECRET: Fresh ingredients CELEBRITY SIGHTING: JSO Chief John Rutherford

494-6658, carmelosmarketplace.com. F NY-style gourmet brick-oven-baked pizza, fresh rolls, Boar’s Head meats, cheeses, garlic herb wings. Outdoor dining, Wi-Fi. $$ BW TO L D Daily CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATE, 6 Granada St., 829-5790. In The Market. Wine and chocolate pairings, soft-serve ice cream, coffee bar, fresh fruit ice pops, cookies. $$ TO THE FLORIDIAN, 39 Cordova St., 829-0655, thefloridian staug.com. Updated Southern fare; fresh ingredients.

Vegetarian, gluten-free. Fried green tomato bruschetta, grits with shrimp, fish or tofu. $$$ BW K TO L D Wed.-Mon. GYPSY CAB COMPANY, 828 Anastasia Blvd., 824-8244, gypsycab.com. F A local mainstay for 25+ years, Gypsy Cab’s menu changes twice daily. Signature dish: Gypsy chicken. Seafood, tofu, duck, veal. Sun. brunch. $$ FB R Sun.; L D Daily THE ICE PLANT BAR, 110 Riberia St., 829-6553, iceplantbar.com. Farm-to-table, locally sourced fare, hand-crafted drinks, house-made bitters, syrups. $$$ FB TO D Nightly MELLOW MUSHROOM, 410 Anastasia Blvd., 826-4040.

F Bite Club. BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. MOJO OLD CITY BBQ, 5 Cordova, 342-5264. F BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. PACIFIC ASIAN BISTRO, 159 Palencia Village Dr., Ste. 111, 808-1818, pacificasianbistro.com. F Chef Mas Lui creates 30+ sushi rolls; fresh sea scallops, Hawaiian-style poke tuna salad. Sake. $$-$$$ BW L D Daily SALT LIFE FOOD SHACK, 321 A1A Beach Blvd., 217-3256, saltlifefoodshack.com. BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. TEMPO, 16 Cathedral Place, 547-0240. Latin American fusion wine bar and restaurant offers traditional American fare with a Latin flair; sandwiches, too. $$ BW L D Tue.Sun.

ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER

BENTO CAFE Asian Kitchen & Sushi, 4860 Big Island Dr., Ste. 1, 564-9494, bentocafesushi.com. Pan-Asian, wok stir-fry, fire-grilled, sushi bar. $$ K FB TO L D Daily MOXIE KITCHEN+COCKTAILS, 4972 Big Island Dr., 998-9744, moxiefl.com. BOJ winner. Chef Tom Gray does contemporary American cuisine – seafood, steaks, pork, burgers – locally sourced when possible. $$$ FB K L Mon.-Fri.; D Nightly M SHACK, 10281 Midtown Pkwy., 642-5000, mshackburgers.com. F BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. OVINTE, 10208 Buckhead Branch Dr., 900-7730, ovinte. com. European-style dining with influences from Italy, Spain and the Mediterranean. Choose small plates, entréesized portions or selections from the cheese a charcuterie menu. $$$ BW TO R D Daily

SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK

BASIL THAI & SUSHI, 1004 Hendricks Ave., 674-0190, basilthaijax.com. F Authentic dishes: Pad Thai, curries, sashimi, fresh sushi, daily specials. $$ FB L D Mon.-Sat. BISTRO AIX, 1440 San Marco Blvd., 398-1949, bistrox. com. Mediterranean and French inspired cuisine includes steak frites, oak-fired pizza and a new raw bar with seasonal selections. $$$ FB TO L D Daily DICK’S WINGS, 1610 University Blvd. W., 448-2110. BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. FUSION SUSHI, 1550 University Blvd. W., 636-8688, fusionsushijax.com. F Upscale sushi spot serves a variety of fresh sushi, sashimi, hibachi, teriyaki, kiatsu. $$ K L D Daily THE GROTTO Wine & Tapas Bar, 2012 San Marco Blvd., 398-0726. F Artisanal cheese plates, empanadas, bruschetta, cheesecake. 60+ wines by the glass. $$$ BW Tue.-Sun. HAMBURGER MARY’S Bar & Grille, 3333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 1, 551-2048, hamburgermarys.com. Wings, sammies, nachos, entrées, specialty drinks, burgers. $$ K TO FB L D Daily LA NOPALERA, 1631 Hendricks, 399-1768. F BOJ winner. SEE MANDARIN. MATTHEW’S, 2107 Hendricks Ave., 396-9922, matthews restaurant.com. Chef Matthew Medure’s flagship. Fine dining, artfully presented cuisine, small plates, martini/

wine lists. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. Reservations. $$$$ FB D Mon.-Sat. METRO DINER, 3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701, metrodiner.com. F BOJ winner. Original upscale diner.

Meatloaf, chicken pot pie, soups. $$ B R L Daily MOJO BAR-B-QUE, 1607 University Blvd. W., 732-7200.

F BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. PIZZA PALACE, 1959 San Marco, 399-8815. F SEE BAYMEADOWS.

PULP, 1962 San Marco Blvd., 396-9222, pulpaddiction. com. The juice bar offers fresh juices, frozen yogurt, teas, coffees, 30 kinds of smoothies. $ TO B L D Daily TAVERNA, 1986 San Marco, 398-3005, tavernasanmarco. com. Chef Sam Efron’s authentic Italian; local produce, meats. Craft beers, handcrafted cocktails. $$$ FB K TO R L D Daily

SOUTHSIDE, TINSELTOWN

360° GRILLE, Latitude 360, 10370 Philips Hwy., 365-5555, latitude360.com. F Seafood, steaks, burgers, chicken, sandwiches, pizza. Patio, movie theater. $$ FB TO L D Daily AKEL’S, 7077 Bonneval Rd., 332-8700. F SEE DOWNTOWN. ALHAMBRA THEATRE & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. USA’s longest-running dinner theater; Chef DeJuan Roy’s themed menus. Reservations. $$ FB D Tue.-Sun. BARBERITOS, 4320 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., Ste. 106, 807-9060. SEE AMELIA ISLAND. BENTO CAFE Asian Kitchen & Sushi, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 11, 503-3238. SEE ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER. CASA MARIA, 14965 Old St. Augustine, 619-8186. SEE BEACHES

DANCIN DRAGON, 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D, 363-9888. BOGO lunches and an Asian fusion menu. $$ FB K L D Daily DICK’S WINGS, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., 619-0954. BOJ winner. SEE PONTE VEDRA. THE DIM SUM ROOM, 9041 Southside, Ste. 138D, 363-9888, thedimsumroom.com. Shrimp dumplings, beef tripe, sesame ball. Traditional Hong Kong noodles, barbecue. $ FB K L D Daily EUROPEAN STREET, 5500 Beach Blvd., 398-1717. BOJ winner. SEE RIVERSIDE. HZ CAFE, 6426 Bowden Rd., Ste. 206, 527-1078.

Healthy concept cafe: juices, smoothies, traditional vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free meals and desserts. $ K TO B L Mon.-Fri. LARRY’S SUBS, 3611 St. Johns Bluff S., 641-6499. 4479 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., 425-4060. F SEE ORANGE PARK. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., 997-1955. F Bite Club. BOJ winner. SEE BEACHES. MONROE’S Smokehouse BAR B-Q, 10771 Beach Blvd., 996-7900, monroessmokehousebbq.com. SEE RIVERSIDE. PAPI CHULO’S, 9726 Touchton Rd., Ste. 105, 329-1763, ilovepapichulos.com. Tinseltown restaurant offers fresh, authentic Mexican street food, top-shelf tequilas, specialty drinks. Kids eat free. $$ K FB L D Daily THE PIG BAR-B-Q, 11925 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5, 619-0321, thepigbarbq.com. This fourth-generation barbecue institution has been family-owned for 60+ years. The signature item is mustard-based “pig sauce.” $ BW K TO B, L D Daily SEVEN BRIDGES Grille & Brewery, 9735 Gate Pkwy., 997-1999, 7bridgesgrille.com. F Local seafood, steaks, pizzas. Brewer Aaron Nesbit handcrafts ales, lagers. $$ FB K TO L D Daily TAVERNA YAMAS, 9753 Deer Lake Ct., 854-0426, tavernayamas.com. F Bite Club. Char-broiled kabobs, seafood, wines, desserts. Belly dancing. $$ FB K L D Daily TOMMY’S Brick Oven Pizza, 4160 Southside, Ste. 2, 565-1999, tbopizza.com. New York-style thin crust, brickoven-baked pizzas (gluten-free), calzones, sandwiches.

Boylan’s soda. Curbside pick-up. $$ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. THE VISCONDE’S Argentinian Grill, 11925 Beach Blvd., Ste. 201, 379-3925. The area’s only Argentinian place.

Traditional steaks, varieties of sausages, pasta, sandwiches, empañadas, wines. $$$ BW TO L D Tue.-Sun. WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 1, 551-5929, worldofbeer.com. F Burgers, sliders,flatbreads, German pretzels, hummus, pickle chips. Craft German, Cali, Florida, Irish drafts. Wines. $$ BW L D Daily

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

HOLA Mexican Restaurant, 1001 N. Main St., 356-3100, holamexicanrestaurant.com. F Fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, daily specials. Happy hour; sangria. $ BW K TO L D Mon.-Sat. LARRY’S SUBS, 12001 Lem Turner Rd., 764-9999. SEE ORANGE PARK.

SAVANNAH BISTRO, 14670 Duval Rd., 741-4404. F Low Country Southern fare, taste of Mediterranean and French.

Crowne Plaza Airport. Crab cakes, NY strip, she crab soup, mahi mahi. $$$ FB K B L D Daily THE SHEIK, 2708 N. Main St., 353-8181. SEE ARLINGTON. UPTOWN MARKET, 1303 Main St. N., 355-0734, uptown marketjax.com. Bite Club. Fresh quality fare; farm-totable selections, daily specials. $$ BW TO B L Daily

CULINARY TREAT: Baklava JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 27

ASTROLOGY

BEN FRANKLIN, MONET, E.A. POE & UMA THURMAN ARIES (March 21-April 19): In 1979, Monty Python comedian John Cleese helped direct a four-night extravaganza, The Secret Policeman’s Ball, a benefit to raise money for human rights organization Amnesty International. The musicians known as Sting, Bono, and Peter Gabriel later testified the show was a key factor in igniting their social activism. I see the potential of a comparable stimulus in your near future.

Imminent developments amp up your passion for a good cause that transcends your immediate self-interests.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): In the film Kill Bill: Volume 1, Taurus actress Uma Thurman plays a martial artist who has exceptional skill at wielding a Samurai sword. At one point, her swordmaker evaluates her reflexes by hurling a baseball at her. With a masterful swoop, she slices the ball in half before it reaches her. Seek similar tests in the days ahead.

Check up on the current status of your top skills. Any of them rusty? Should you update them? Are they still of maximum practical use? Do whatever’s necessary to ensure they’re as strong and sharp as ever.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): French Impressionist painter Claude Monet loved to paint the rock formations near the beach at Étretrat, a village in Normandy. During the summer of 1886, he worked serially on six separate canvases, moving from one to another throughout his work day to capture the light and shadow as they changed with the weather and the position of the sun. He focused intently on one painting at a time. He didn’t have a brush in each hand and one in his mouth, simultaneously applying paint to various canvases. His specific approach to multitasking would generate good results for you in the next few weeks. The other kind of multitasking – where you do several different things at the same time – will yield mediocre results.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): In 1849, author Edgar Allen Poe died in his hometown of Baltimore. A century later, a mysterious admirer began a new tradition. Every Jan. 19, on the anniversary of Poe’s birth, this cloaked visitor appeared at his grave in the early morning hours, and left three roses and a bottle of cognac. Initiate a comparable ritual. Can you imagine paying periodic tribute to an important influence in your life – someone who’s given you much and touched you deeply? Don’t do it for nostalgia’s sake, but as a way to affirm the gifts you’ve received from this evocative influence continue to evolve in you. Keep them ever-fresh.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Hall-of-Fame basketball player Hakeem Olajuwon had a signature set of fancy moves that were collectively known as the Dream Shake: spins, fakes and moves that combined in various ways to outfox his opponents and score points. The weeks ahead are an excellent time to work on your equivalent of the Dream Shake. You’re at the peak of your ability to figure out how to coordinate and synergize several talents.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): In 1837, Victoria became Queen of England after the death of her uncle, King William IV. She was 18 years old. Her first royal act was to move her bed out of the room she’d long shared with her meddling, overbearing mother. Use this as a guiding metaphor in the immediate future. Even if your parents are saints, and you haven’t lived with them for years, you benefit by upgrading your independence from their influence. Are you still a bit inhibited by the sound of their voices in your head?

Does your desire to avoid hurting them thwart you from rising to a higher level of authority and authenticity? Be a good-natured rebel.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The crookedest street in the world is a one-way, block-long span of San Francisco’s Lombard Street: eight hairpin turns down a very steep hill. The recommended top speed for a car is five miles per hour. On one hand, you’ve got to proceed with caution.

On the other, the quaint, brick-paved road is lined with flower beds, and creeping along its wacky route is a whimsical amusement. You soon have experiences with metaphorical resemblances to Lombard Street. You should seek them out.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In the baseball film The Natural, hero Roy Hobbs has a special bat he calls “Wonderboy.” Carved out of a tree split by a lightning bolt, it seems to give Hobbs an extraordinary skill at hitting a baseball. There’s a similar theme at work in the Australian musical instrument the didgeridoo. It’s created from a eucalyptus tree whose inner wood has been eaten away by termites. Both Wonderboy and the didgeridoo are the results of natural forces that could be seen as adverse but are actually useful. Is there a comparable situation in your life? If you’ve not yet discovered it, now’s a good time to do so.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “What happens to a dream deferred?” asked Langston Hughes in his poem “Harlem.” “Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore – And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over – like a syrupy sweet?” As your soul’s cheerleader and coach, I hope you won’t explore the answer to Hughes’ questions.

If you have a dream, don’t defer it. If you’ve been deferring it, take at least one dramatic step to stop.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In 1753, Benjamin Franklin published helpful instructions on how to avoid being struck by lightning during stormy weather. Wear a lightning rod in your hat, he said, and attach it to a long, thin metal ribbon that trails behind you as you walk. In response to his article, a fashion fad erupted. Taking his advice, fancy ladies in Europe actually wore such hats. From a metaphorical perspective, it’d make sense for Aquarians to don similar headwear in the weeks ahead. Bolts of inspiration arrive regularly.

To ensure you can integrate and use them – not just be titillated and agitated – you have to be well-grounded.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author John Creasey struggled in his early efforts to get published. For a time he worked as a salesman and clerk. Before his first book was published, he’d gathered 743 rejection slips. Eventually, though, he broke through and achieved monumental success. He wrote more than 550 novels, several of which were made into movies. He won two prestigious awards and sold 80 million books. I’m not promising your frustrations ultimately pave the way for a prodigious triumph like his.

But in the months ahead, I do expect significant progress toward a gritty accomplishment. For best results, work for your satisfaction more than others’ approval.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): According to the Bible, Jesus said, “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” Author David Foster Wallace added a caveat. “The truth will set you free,” he wrote, “but not until it is finished with you.”

This is apropos for the current phase of your journey.

You soon discover an important truth you’ve not been ready to grasp. Once that magic transpires, though, you will have to wait a while until the truth is fi nished with you. Only then will it set you free. You’ll be glad it took its sweet time.

Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

28 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

NEWS OF THE WEIRD NAME GAMES Fourteen employees of a Framingham, Massachusetts, pharmacy were indicted in December for defrauding the federal government by filling bogus prescriptions (despite an owner’s explicit instructions to staff that the fake customers’ names “must resemble real names,” with “no obviously false names” that might tip off law enforcement). Among the names later found on the customer list of the New England Compounding Center were Baby Jesus, Hugh Jass, L.L. Bean, Filet O’Fish, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, Harry Potter, Coco Puff, Mary Lamb, all of the Baldwin brother actors, and a grouping of Bud Weiser, Richard Coors, Raymond Rollingrock and, of course, Samuel Adams. The indictments were part of an investigation of a 2012 meningitis outbreak in which 64 people died.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY Two recent innovations to the generations-old Middle East sport of camel racing boosted its profile. First, to cleanse the sport of a sour period in which children from Bangladesh were trafficked to use as jockeys, owners have begun using “robot” jockeys — electronic dummies that respond to trainers tracking the races with walkie-talkies (growling encouragement into camels’ ears) and joysticks that trigger a whip at an appropriate time. Second, the firm Al Shibla Middle East of United Arab Emirates has introduced lycra-style, whole-body camel coverings that are believed to enhance blood circulation and, maybe, racing speed (though the fashions are now used only in training and transportation, to lessen camels’ “stress”).

THE NEW NORMAL “It’s not fair! There is not justice in this country!” shouted the mother of Franklin Reyes, 17, in a New York City courtroom in January after a judge ordered the son tried for manslaughter as an adult. Reyes, an unlicensed driver fleeing a police traffic stop, had plowed into a 4-yearold girl, killing her, but had initially convinced the judge to treat him as a “youthful offender.”

Reyes’ mom was so enraged at the judge’s switch, she had to be escorted from the room. After the judge’s generous “youthful offender” ruling, Reyes violated his bail conditions by getting arrested three more times.

DON’T HAVE PETS OR KIDS REASON NO. 3 ...

In Phoenix in early 2014, Kevin (last name withheld), age 5, was viciously mauled by Mickey, a pit bull, necessitating multiple surgeries, leaving him with lingering pain and disfiguring facial scars, and he still requires extensive care. While Kevin’s trauma has changed the boy’s life, Mickey’s become a Phoenix celebrity after an outpouring of support from 75,000 people kept him from being euthanized for the assault. He lives in a “no-kill” shelter, where his many supporters can track him on a 24-hour Internet “Mickey cam.” KSAZ-TV reported in December that Kevin’s mom had to quit her job to care for him and struggles to pay medical bills.

OVERTHINKING IT It was billed as the first-ever art exhibition expressly for nonhuman appreciation — specifically, for examination by octopuses.

England’s Brighton Sea Life Center featured the five-tank shared display in November (including a bunch of grapes, a piece of Swiss cheese and a plate of spaghetti — exhibits made of ceramic, plastic, wood and rope) that the center’s curator promised would, according to an ITV report, “stimulate an octopus’s natural curiosity about color, shape and texture.”

WAIT, WHAT? The Territorial Seed Co. of Cottage Grove, Oregon, introduced a plant in 2014 that sprouts both tomatoes and potatoes, the aptly named “Ketchup ‘n’ Fries” plant. Grafting (rather than genetic modification) splices the tomato onto potato plants to create single plants capable of harvests of 500 red cherry tomatoes and 4.5 pounds of potatoes each.

Chuck Shepherd weirdnews@earthlink.net

FOLIO WEEKLY PUZZLER by MERL REAGLE. Presented by

SAN MARCO 2044 SAN MARCO BLVD. 398-9741

PONTE VEDRA

THE SHOPPES OF PONTE VEDRA

330 A1A NORTH 280-1202

Accent on Australia 1 7 11 15 18 19 21 22 23 25 27 28 29 31 32 33 35 36 39 43 46 47 48 50 51 55 57 60 62 63 64 68 71 72 74 75 77 79 84 85 86 90 1

ACROSS

Math man Blaise Box-office turkey Sea-lane danger Greenlights Off the liner Food for thought Impulse carrier Energy Flashy part of an Aussie rock concert?

Motto of an Aussie surveillance company?

End of a shift?

City attractions Nuts and bolts Texting while driving, e.g.

Tenor Carreras Sends unwanted mail to Up Performed, perhaps Aussie stopover infamous for bedbugs?

Aussie women who wear the pants in the family?

Musician’s forte?

One-named supermodel Popular place Without Blucher of Young Frankenstein, for one Water-pump turner Rare occurrences in Aussie courtrooms?

Co-star of Tina’s sitcom They precede finals Wee doggie Investors’ concerns The other problem at 39 Across?

Salad bar items Agreed with Hymn of praise Dimwit Twin Aussie babies?

Word-for-word Upfront stake Tests, in doc talk Burnett-skit regular Free software download 2

3

4

5

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 24 26 30 32 33 34

DOWN

Maze solution Borg rival 123 Across passenger Newspaper div.

Tombstone territory Bricks that click Smithereens Pigs out (on), briefly “I’m not impressed” Monkey-bread tree Eat, Pray, Love locale Hi-rise higher-up Goes bad Serengeti grazer Challenge Truth unit?

Watch secretly Turban wearer, maybe Weed whacker Foul mood Atlantic crosser, once Sloop of song Herding dog’s name Mexican bread?

6

7

8

9

35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 44 45 49 50 51 52 53 54 56

Taylor of The Birds Urchin ___ mater Bridge Sports-bar staples Gone by, as time It made The Interview Damp-smelling Determination Bury Cameron Diaz’ first film Polish partner Camper’s heater Do an autumn chore Landed Product-label list Stand at an office meeting Kin of C maj.

Grade Z sci-fi “classic,” ___ Monster Newsroom runner Hook’s right hand Prynne wore it proudly Apple’s apple, e.g.

Not even ajar Asian beef city Cork sources Like some roof panels American rival Timer sound

58 59 61 62 64 65 66 67 69 70 73 76

C O L A

O R Y X

B U M P Y

G O N E T O

P C O E L L O

A B I G A N N I I O L N X E B Z O O O D R N E D E R E S E A K L K A S O R T R R I E A N O S E

20

29

32

33

38 44

47

48

55

66

61

77

T R E K S

K SW I C E A MO T I G H L A I N A B L O D I S A T A H

I A G O

A M E N

T OM R M O E

15

17

A L A R K

16

41

101

98

115

119

120

121

123

124

¿Hablas Español? HOT LATINO CHAT Call Fonochat now &

PHONE ACTRESSES FROM HOME Must have dedicated land line and great voice. 21+ Up to $18 per hour. Flex hrs/ most wknds. 1-800-403-7772, Lipservice.net

in seconds you can be speaking to HOT Hispanic singles in your area.Try FREE! 1-800-416-3809.

FEEL THE VIBE! HOT BLACK CHAT NOW. Urban women and

$1,000 WEEKLY!! MAILING BROCHURES From Home. Helping home workers since 2001. Genuine Opportunity. No Experience required. Start Immediately. www.mailingmembers.com

men ready to MAKE THE CONNECTION. Call singles in your area! Try FREE! Call 1-800-305-9164.

WHERE LOCAL GIRLS GO WILD! Hot, Live, Real, Discreet!

HOUSING WANTED

Uncensored live 1-on-1 HOT phone Chat. Calls in YOUR city!

Try FREE! Call 1-800-261-4097.

ALL AREAS - ROOMMATES.COM. Lonely? Bored? Broke? and lifestyle at Roommates.com!

CURIOUS ABOUT MEN? Talk Discreetly with men like you!

Try FREE! Call 1-888-779-2789. www.guyspy.com

FULLY FURNISHED 1 BEDROOM APARTMENT All utilities included – lights, water and gas. Kitchen and snack bar.

Hardwood floors. Shower/bath. $175/week or $700/month plus deposit. Contact hours 9am-6pm. Contact (904) 866-1850.

CUSTOMER SERVICE AIRLINE CAREERS begin here – Get trained as FAA certified Aviation Technician. Financial aid for qualified students.

Housing and Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute

included – lights, water, gas. Kitchenette. Snack bar. Shower,

of Maintenance, 844-210-3935.

bath, and a deck. $125/week and up. Contact 9am-6pm only.

(904) 866-1850.

ADOPTION PREGNANT? THINKING OF ADOPTION? Talk with caring agency specializing in matching Birthmothers with Families Nationwide. LIVING EXPENSES PAID. Call 24/7 Abby’s One

52

53

54

by super athletes. www.healthalert.biz

6am-10pm CT)

FOR SALE 80

81

82

83

KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killer Complete Treatment Program/ Kit. (Harris Mattress Covers add extra protection).

90

Available hardware stores; buy online homedepot.com

93

VEHICLES WANTED

100

CASH FOR CARS: Any Car/Truck. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Call For Instant Offer: 110 111 112

116 117

125

0518. info@OneWorldCenter.org.

GET FAST, PRIVATE STD TESTING. Results in 3 DAYS! Now

109

114

CHAT LINES

available. Apply now! Visit Oneworldcenter.org. 269-591-

the holidays. Gucci, Tiffany & Co, Prada, Chanel and more.

103 104

113

cotton candy machine). Visit www.mostachonllc.com

Clothes, Accessories and Home Goods. Just in time for

76

99

106 107 108

and create a sustainable future. 1, 6, 9, 18 month programs

party or social activities: tables, chairs, tents, bouncing houses, and concessions (popcorn machine, snow cone machine,

accepting insurance. Call toll free: 855-787-2108 (Daily

89

102

AFRICA, BRAZIL WORK/STUDY! Change the lives of others

PARTY SUPPLIES - RENTALS We provide supplies for your

HEALTH & BEAUTY

71

92 97

Denney at 904-384-5605 or contact@blowouthairstudio.com

FELICIASBEAUTYSECRETS.COM or contact 904-210-9009.

79 88

existing clientele to become part of our team! Contact Marcy

Contact (904) 396-2905 or Sandy at (904) 396-0459.

SEE WHAT’S NEW Devi’s Closet Authentic Designer

59

75

87

Studio seeks a full time talented, experienced hair stylist with

9AM-1AM next day); Sat. $1,000 (from 9AM-1AM next day).

LOSE FAT, INCREASE ENERGY with our special formula used

70

86

FULL TIME BOOTH RENTAL Blow Out Hair & Color Specialists

True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6293.

42

58

74

Wed., Thur. $300 (for seven hours); Fri., Sun. $800 (from

DOWNTOWN EFFICIENCIES AND ROOMS All utilities

26

51

69

96

105

F O R C E D

63

91 95

A N D A L L

22

62

85

94

14

50

78

84

13

E D R A T S E

A M B R O S E

S P R O U T

HELP WANTED

Find the perfect roommate to complement your personality

H E E L

N O W I N

A M A S S

31

40

49

73

12

B E L F A S T

46

68

72

S E C E D E

A N T E C E R O D E I O N A K A T N N E O N WE L S R T O J A N O L E I N S I OM P T A O N E S

35

57

67

W I T H I T

B OWN I B I O G I S E C E V I S I T L Y

34

56

65

A S A T A E C L K Y M M A C R C I O N Y A

30

45

60

E A R N

R E B A

21

39

43

C R A F T S M A N

25

28

37

S C O D N A C K E M R Y OM B Y O T H E A A B R A N O D A O R N S

11

24

27

78 Arm art, for short 80 Cuts, perhaps 81 Towed-away Toyota, maybe 82 “You said it” 83 Come out behind 87 Peak in The Odyssey 88 Intro to the mil.

89 Very, in Veracruz 91 Part of BYOB 93 High beams 94 ___-than-thou 95 Next 96 Eaves nest-builder 97 Voluminous ref.

98 Bring together 99 Way more caloric 101 Dried coconut meat 103 “___ wrong?”

104 Actress Christina 106 Gold rush town, 1899 107 Cameo stone 108 Count (on) 109 Lunging sport 110 Go behind a tree, maybe 111 Pac-12 team 112 Ballpark buy 114 Is holding 116 Ace’s stat 117 Order to a boxer 118 Unprocessed, as data

Solution to Sounds Like Fun (1/21/15)

S C A L S H R U T A C T T H E

10

19

23

64

AVONDALE 3617 ST. JOHNS AVE. 10300 SOUTHSIDE BLVD. 388-5406 394-1390 AVENUES MALL

91 The O of F.A.O. Schwarz 92 Scornful feeling among Aussies?

94 Query to Mr. & Mrs. Pig after Aussie vacation?

100 Priest’s advice 101 O’Brien at night 102 “Giant Brain” of 1946 103 63 Across sounds 105 88 or 98 automaker 106 From Scandinavia 109 Send out 110 Big airport 113 What Aussies use to order holiday desserts?

115 What Aussies always order at NASA Diner?

119 DVR button 120 Diesel fuel additive, ___ nitrate 121 Like some fogs 122 Young rocker?

123 Bible vessel 124 Like swimsuit issues 125 Miles per hour, e.g.

126 “Cross my heart!”

18

36

SOUTHSIDE

118

1-888-420-3808. www.cash4car.com

PARTY RENTALS

122

RENT OUR SPACE FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT! LOWER RATES

126

THROUGH END OF JANUARY 2015. Special rental rates for available dates through the end of January 2015: Mon., Tue.,

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 29

HELLO, YOUNG LOVERS (aka ISU writers)!

The limit for ISU notices is 40 words ONLY. No messages with more than 40 words will be accepted.

Please keep your message short & sweet. Thanks!

HOTTIE IN A HAMMOCK You: Tall, leggy, brunette, great skin, rocking in hammock by her pool. Me: Scotch-loving bald guy who still loves a Fierce Polish Viking. Hoping you’ll rock me tonight like your body rocks in that hammock. When: Jan. 28. Where: Beside the pool. #1504-0128

SAMSUNG MAN AT BJ’s We both purchased Samsung Chrome on Sunday. You said I’d like keyboard. I said: hope I can get used to it; wanted to ask are you married? Me: Tall, light-skinned. You: Brown, handsome. If unattached, look me up. When: Dec. 7. Where: BJ’s Atlantic Blvd. #1430-1217

HOT COFFEE MAN You: tall, dark hair, carrying Starbucks. Me: tall, yellow shirt. ISU at Starbucks 20 minutes earlier; again in parking garage stairwell. You held door open for me, I smiled, thanked you. Did you remember me? Let’s get coffee.

When: Jan. 22. Baptist Medical Ctr. Garage. #1503-0128

MISSING TOOTH GIRL You: Attractive girl, purple dress, missing a front teeth.

Me: Handsome devil, orange tank top. I commented I liked your gap before I realized it was a missing tooth. Let’s hop back, get a fountain drink together? When: Dec. 4. Where: Kangaroo San Pablo. #1429-1210

BAYMEADOWS BUSINESS You: Bald white guy, sharp dresser, older white Saturn.

Me: Slim white guy. Had my eye on you; said hi when you wished me Happy Holidays on Christmas Eve. Let’s have lunch sometime! When: Dec. 24. Where: Baymeadows management company. #1502-0114

LIBRARY LOOKER There was nothing spooky about you staring at me, the redhead, on Halloween from Deerwood library check-out line. Tall guy in jeans, what would’ve happened had I held your lengthy stare? Let me know. When: 11:30 a.m. Oct. 31. Where: Southeast Regional Library. #1428-1203

FILL HER UP You: Tall, handsome, blue shirt that said “Refill.” Me: Sexy, in orange dress. Looking for headphones; made small talk.

Wanted to request your number, but you looked exhausted from work. Let’s make beautiful music, Mr. Refill. When: Dec. 30. Where: Best Buy. #1501-0107

CAN’T GET U OUTTA MY MIND ISU at hospital visit; made my heart pump fast. You: prettiest nurse in white and blue; finest shape, lips, hips, face. If you were mine, I’d hold you in my arms, treat you like a queen. When: Nov. 26. Where: St. Vincent’s Hosp. #1427-1203

LOVER FOUND AT WALMART REGISTER? Sunday, 0:45 a.m., S’s register. You: Tan jacket, eyeglasses, nice-looking man, very friendly, holiday spirit. Me: Blue jeans, jeans jacket, right behind you. Should’ve carried conversation further. Looked for you later. When: Dec. 21.

Where: Normandy Walmart. #1500-0107

LOML – SKY OCEAN GALAXY Handsome professional, great shoulders and electrifying smile wearing a tie. All others hands-off! When: Nov. 23. Where: Southside. #1426-1203

8-8-14; MEANING OF TIME? Easy answer. Time means nothing, absolutely nothing outside context of you. Hours seem like hours, days like days. Dice don’t match. Cards on my heart’s table come up different. Don’t fret; the UNIverse loves us; it’s the MASTER of time. When: Aug. 8. Where: Pagan Idol. #1436-1224 TELL[ER] ME ABOUT YOU You: Nice, redheaded, long braid bank teller, remembered my papa’s last name. Me: Young, blonde-bearded, with white-bearded retired police officer. Let’s have coffee sometime; officially meet! When: Dec. 19 FOP Christmas Party. Where: FOP Lodge #530. #1435-1224 LOVED THE SHOW...

You: Brunette, glasses, stunningly beautiful; upstairs with some guys. Loved watching you put on lipstick; you looked at me, eyes communicated deep hunger. My girlfriend told you I thought you were beautiful. I’d love to talk. Me: Longsleeved green shirt. You know. When: Dec. 13. Where: OP Kennel Clubhouse. #1434-1224 HOPE WOMAN I SAW READS THIS...

You: long, black, curly hair, glasses, tan complexion, beautiful smile!; headed to NY. Me: Non-descript white guy.

Not sure if you saw me; thought we locked eyes. I couldn’t keep my eyes off you! Remember me? When: Dec. 4.

Where: Jax International Airport. #1433-1224 DEM PINSTRIPES THO ...

Light glittered off your beautiful bald head. Gave me that look, poured my drink. Hands touched as you gave me the glass. Instantly knew you’re my only bartender. Liked big orange you gave me. My personal bartender? When: Dec. 13. Where: Time Out Sportsbar & Grill. #1432-1217 V. AND T. AT TOWN CENTER ISU at Aeropostale and American Eagle where we introduced one another. I didn’t want to ask you for your number in front of my daughter. I’d love to see you again, T. When: Dec. 10. Where: Town Center. #1431-1217

30 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

HANDSOME DOG LOVER AT INTUITION You: Handsome man, orange shirt, lots of friends. Me: Short, green-eyed brunette, blue shirt. You asked about my dog, white German shepherd, seemed to like you. Single? Meet at Intuition 11/28, same time? When: Nov. 21. Where: Intuition Ale Works. #1425-1126 YOU DIDN’T LEAVE! We stared across bar, like we knew it was beginning of deepest connection, friendship, and love we’d ever know. Haven’t left... Slainte! kanpai! Drink your Dirty Girl Scout. Here’s to finding each other again. Really like you! When: April 2011. Where: Bomba’s. #1424-1126 CUTIE ON A SUZUKI You: Stylish, curly-haired cutie on Suzuki cafe racer. Me: Raven-haired lass, gray VW Jetta.

Sipped coffee at light, turning on Riverside. Looked left, noticed Suzuki. Liked your shoes, style, dirty-blonde locks under helmet. Meet for drink? When: Nov. 12. Where: Riverside Ave. #1423-1119 BEARDED HOTTIE, SILVER FORD You: Behind me on 95N from Baymeadows to I-10 interchange on 11/4 at 3 p.m.; Nassau tag, dark beard, ball cap, amazing smile. Me: Brown SUV. Can’t get you out of my mind. Can we meet? When: Nov. 4, 3 p.m. Where: Baymeadows & I-95. #1422-1112 I SAW U Connection Made!

PULLING FOR ORIOLES You: Cranberry shirt, said to me, “I was pulling for them” referring to my Orioles T-shirt. Me: Orioles T-shirt, I said “Yeah” and kept walking. Wish I would have started a conversation. Let’s talk! When: Oct. 26.

Where: Publix on Hodges. #1421-1105 RUNNING SHIRTLESS You: It was around 6:20, you were running through Memorial Park. Caught me checking you out. Me: Wearing the blue shirt. We smiled, I watched you run off – quite a sight. We need to run together. When: Oct. 22. Where: Memorial Park. #1420-1029 DARK CHOCOLATE POM I came in for a few things. You had one in your bathroom. Something rang up wrong.

Offered you chocolate, you told me I was sweet. You seemed earthy. Wonder if you’d like to grab coffee/tea sometime. When: Oct. 21. Where: Your Work, Ponte Vedra Beach. #1419-1029

A&E // MUSIC

BIG TIME A

Southeast tour circuit favorites The Revivalists sing to the majors

few years ago, The Revivalists got the chance to open a show for the Radiators, a group that since 1978 had became one of the most popular and enduring bands to ever emerge from New Orleans. As another New Orleans band member hoping to keep a band together for the long run, Revivalists bassist George Gekas had a specific question for Radiators guitarist/singer Dave Malone. “I remember I was talking to Mr. Malone — Dave — and I asked, ‘How have you guys done it, been able to stay together this long?’” Gekas recalls in a recent phone interview. “‘He goes, ‘If I have any word of advice, I’d say get your own hotel rooms.’ That’s always stuck with us.”

Seven-plus years down the road, the seven members of the Revivalists can take satisfaction in knowing they were eventually able to follow Malone’s advice.

“When [we] started on the road, if we knew somebody [in the town], we would all crash on their floors, or we would meet somebody [at a show] and we’d try and stay there, or we’d get a motel room and all seven of us would stay in it with air mattresses,” Gekas says. “Now we’re at the point where everybody can get their own hotel room.”

The ability to pay for separate hotel rooms says a lot about the growth The Revivalists have seen in their career since forming in New Orleans in 2007. The heavy tour schedule the group has maintained since around 2008 (when their self-titled debut EP dropped) has paid off. The band tours nationwide, and the growth of its audience is especially apparent in the Southeast, where crowds have really picked up over the past year.

“All of a sudden, like this last tour in particular, most of the places in the Southeast, we seem to be doing better than we’ve ever done,” Gekas says. “I think it’s a combination of us constantly touring and word of mouth … I remember years ago, there would be like maybe 20 or 30 or 50 people and they’d be up front, and now they’re in front of quadruple the number of people. They’re still able to get up front there. We’ve definitely grown exponentially in the past couple of years.”

The band — Gekas, David Shaw (vocals), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar), Zack

Feinberg (guitar). Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Andrew Campanelli (drums) and Michael Girardot (keyboards/trumpet) — is now positioned for even bigger things, after being largely a do-it-yourself endeavor for most of its history. Last year, the group signed with Wind-Up Records, the label that’s home to Filter and Five For Fighting, and has released hit albums by Creed and Seether. This puts The Revivalists on a significantly bigger platform moving forward.

“We wanted to sign with a label to play with the big boys, to jump into the deep side of the pool, so to speak,” Gekas says.

What’s also helping the group is the musical growth that has occurred over the course of three releases — the self-titled EP, 2010’s fulllength Vital Signs and the current album, City of Sound, which was re-released last March on Wind-Up with a second disc of live tracks.

City of Sound, produced by the team of Ben Ellman (of the band Galactic) and Mikael “Count” Eldridge, reveals The Revivalists sharpening their songwriting, broadening their music stylistically and adding a variety of textures to music. Like it is for many bands from New Orleans, strong elements of funk and soul run through the tracks on City of Sound and are especially pronounced on “Upright,” whose measured pulse and dark overtones create a pleasant tension. But The Revivalists are first and foremost a rock band, which means songs like “Navigate Below” and “Criminal” have some snap, crackle and pop to go with their grooves.

The Revivalists are well into recording a new album, with Ellman and Eldridge once again producing.

“We probably had 30 [song] ideas that we were fishing around with [initially],” Gekas says. “Some were completely done, and some were literally a jam.”

Starting with around 20 tunes, the band winnowed that number down to 14, but Gekas says the band is considering returning to the studio to cut a few more tracks. “I’m just realizing it now — this is a process we’re going to have for the rest of our careers.”

Alan Sculley mail@folioweekly.com

THE REVIVALISTS with BOBBY LEE RODGERS

8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $15

l

14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955 Charlie Walker 10 p.m. Jan. 29. Live music every Thur.-Sat. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Fat Cactus every Mon. Live music every night WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. A1A North Jan. 30. Yankee Slickers Jan. 31 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 Kurt Lanham 8 p.m. Jan. 29. DCMS Jan. 30. 49 Winchester Jan. 31.

Live music every Fri. & Sat.

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222 Pre-International Noise Conference: Sharp Pain, Hell Garbage, Norse Shit Band, Ag Davis, Patrick Spurlock, Boob Dylan, Jamison Williams, Dorian Nins, Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate, No Face, Sepia Raven, Tim Albro, Con Rit, The Glyph, Scott Leonard Bazar, Joel Switzer, Charles Pagano, Yung Gloom 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Little Brooks, Crunk Witch Feb. 2 THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 The Groove Coalition 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Open mic every Thur.

THE KNIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

G

rant Nielsen is a nice guy. I mean, a really nice guy. Not the kind of nice guy who lends you his lawnmower, though I’m sure if he had one, he’d be happy to lend it to you. Nielsen spends a huge amount of his personal time promoting the local music scene in a number of different ways.

He’s an active producer of local concerts, usually at one of the clubs in the downtown Elbow area.

He’s always offering his graphic arts skills to local musicians for free or at cut rates. And, unlike this writer, he rarely has an unkind word regarding his musical brethren.

He’s just that kind of guy. Which makes it hard to remain objective when writing a review. His last words before I sat down to bang this thing out, sent to me via Facebook and in reference to his new release: “Hope you don’t hate it <<nervous laugh.>>” My response: “I will. Don’t worry sinister laugh.”

Good news is, I don’t hate it. Nielson, under the name JacksonVegas, officially releases Someday Is as Good as Any Day at a show on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Underbelly. Here’s my take on it, with the songs reviewed in order of appearance.

“Chip Away” is a breezy album-opener, underpinned by well-orchestrated acousticand-keyboard arrangement. It’s a strong piece, melodic as hell, if a bit Dixie Chicks in tone.

(OK, let me explain. With Nielsen’s voice, one might not initially think Dixie Chicks. Remove his vocals, however, and superimpose the female trio, and the song could easily fit on a Dixie Chicks album. For clarification, I love the Dixie Chicks, especially the work they did with Rick Rubin.)

Nielsen is a fantastic singer, when he avoids slipping into the Chad Kroeger zone. Yes, the loser frontman for Nickelback. It only happens once or twice on Someday, but most noticeably in “Chip Away” during the chorus. Otherwise, this contends for the best song on the record, moving from a mellow intro into a soaring mid-section.

In fact, other than the whole Kroeger thing, this song may be nearly flawless. Especially the arrangement. The band, whose members varied throughout the years-long recording process, strikes a perfect balance of power and grace. And the background vocals are just beautiful.

Track 2, “By My Side,” opens like The Cars’ “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend,” but we get past that quickly enough. Big, fat distorted guitars and a distant Rhodes fill the space while Nielsen sings about his girl. Nielson seems to write somewhere in between hard country and harder Americana. It is, for the most part, a great combination. Though “By My Side” isn’t my favorite track on the record, it certainly holds up until the last verse, when the straight fourrock feel morphs into a bouncy shuffle. That only lasts for a moment, but it took me out of the song. A minor quibble, but one I couldn’t deny.

Again, the background vocals are wonderful.

This is where I will break from popular opinion, but the third entry, “Only Your Soul,” is too formulaic to be liked. It’s got that intolerable

indie-band tom-tom groove paired with that unison-vocal-paired-with-the-piano-line thing that’s so damn popular right now. I get it. Gotta stay relevant in the market, and it’s a guaranteed heartstring-puller. But this stuff has never appealed to me. (Yes, Grant, I hated this one.)

“Some Kind of Stranger” comes back with deep groove, thick guitars and Nielsen singing the way he does best — naturally and without affectation. It’s a simple, to-the-point midtempo rocker backed by spare synth line, you know, to keep it modern. Good stuff.

“Within Your Skin,” which Nielsen says will soon be made into a flip-book-style animated music video, borders on that indie band contrivance I mentioned earlier, but it’s too fetching to be hated. Blatantly McCartneyesque, this song is nearly a masterwork of pop balladry.

Melodic and smooth, lyrically strong, this is the kind of piece songwriters strive to write and so often fall short. I can’t write enough good things about this song without sounding mushy, so let’s just say it’s a must-listen — and the other contention for best song on the record.

“Now That’s My Home” winds things up with a rednecky blues, supported by a slinky slide guitar and some nasty tremolo guitars. Swampy and groovy, the tune is again enhanced by its background vocals. About halfway through, we are treated to a double-time hoedown, so you could even mosh to it, if the mood strikes.

If you pick up the album, be sure to dig into the liner notes. The list of players and production team reads like a roster of Jacksonville’s MVPs. Too many, again, to list here, but worthy of praise in their own right. Nielsen has made many friends on the local scene, and rightly so. He’s a hard worker and a genuine character.

And, to be clear, he sounds like Chad Kroeger for a total of only about 30 cumulative seconds on this record.

Don’t hold that against him.

John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com

JacksonVegas holds a release party for Someday Is as Good as Any Day with Master Radical and Pilotwave at 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, $10.

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31

A&E // MUSIC

BIG TIME A

Southeast tour circuit favorites The Revivalists sing to the majors

few years ago, The Revivalists got the chance to open a show for the Radiators, a group that since 1978 had became one of the most popular and enduring bands to ever emerge from New Orleans. As another New Orleans band member hoping to keep a band together for the long run, Revivalists bassist George Gekas had a specific question for Radiators guitarist/singer Dave Malone. “I remember I was talking to Mr. Malone — Dave — and I asked, ‘How have you guys done it, been able to stay together this long?’” Gekas recalls in a recent phone interview. “‘He goes, ‘If I have any word of advice, I’d say get your own hotel rooms.’ That’s always stuck with us.”

Seven-plus years down the road, the seven members of the Revivalists can take satisfaction in knowing they were eventually able to follow Malone’s advice.

“When [we] started on the road, if we knew somebody [in the town], we would all crash on their floors, or we would meet somebody [at a show] and we’d try and stay there, or we’d get a motel room and all seven of us would stay in it with air mattresses,” Gekas says. “Now we’re at the point where everybody can get their own hotel room.”

The ability to pay for separate hotel rooms says a lot about the growth The Revivalists have seen in their career since forming in New Orleans in 2007. The heavy tour schedule the group has maintained since around 2008 (when their self-titled debut EP dropped) has paid off. The band tours nationwide, and the growth of its audience is especially apparent in the Southeast, where crowds have really picked up over the past year.

“All of a sudden, like this last tour in particular, most of the places in the Southeast, we seem to be doing better than we’ve ever done,” Gekas says. “I think it’s a combination of us constantly touring and word of mouth … I remember years ago, there would be like maybe 20 or 30 or 50 people and they’d be up front, and now they’re in front of quadruple the number of people. They’re still able to get up front there. We’ve definitely grown exponentially in the past couple of years.”

The band — Gekas, David Shaw (vocals), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar), Zack

Feinberg (guitar). Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Andrew Campanelli (drums) and Michael Girardot (keyboards/trumpet) — is now positioned for even bigger things, after being largely a do-it-yourself endeavor for most of its history. Last year, the group signed with Wind-Up Records, the label that’s home to Filter and Five For Fighting, and has released hit albums by Creed and Seether. This puts The Revivalists on a significantly bigger platform moving forward.

“We wanted to sign with a label to play with the big boys, to jump into the deep side of the pool, so to speak,” Gekas says.

What’s also helping the group is the musical growth that has occurred over the course of three releases — the self-titled EP, 2010’s fulllength Vital Signs and the current album, City of Sound, which was re-released last March on Wind-Up with a second disc of live tracks.

City of Sound, produced by the team of Ben Ellman (of the band Galactic) and Mikael “Count” Eldridge, reveals The Revivalists sharpening their songwriting, broadening their music stylistically and adding a variety of textures to music. Like it is for many bands from New Orleans, strong elements of funk and soul run through the tracks on City of Sound and are especially pronounced on “Upright,” whose measured pulse and dark overtones create a pleasant tension. But The Revivalists are first and foremost a rock band, which means songs like “Navigate Below” and “Criminal” have some snap, crackle and pop to go with their grooves.

The Revivalists are well into recording a new album, with Ellman and Eldridge once again producing.

“We probably had 30 [song] ideas that we were fishing around with [initially],” Gekas says. “Some were completely done, and some were literally a jam.”

Starting with around 20 tunes, the band winnowed that number down to 14, but Gekas says the band is considering returning to the studio to cut a few more tracks. “I’m just realizing it now — this is a process we’re going to have for the rest of our careers.”

Alan Sculley mail@folioweekly.com

THE REVIVALISTS with BOBBY LEE RODGERS

8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $15

l

l

14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955 Charlie Walker 10 p.m. Jan. 29. Live music every Thur.-Sat. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Fat Cactus every Mon. Live music every night WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. A1A North Jan. 30. Yankee Slickers Jan. 31 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 Kurt Lanham 8 p.m. Jan. 29. DCMS Jan. 30. 49 Winchester Jan. 31.

Live music every Fri. & Sat.

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222 Pre-International Noise Conference: Sharp Pain, Hell Garbage, Norse Shit Band, Ag Davis, Patrick Spurlock, Boob Dylan, Jamison Williams, Dorian Nins, Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate, No Face, Sepia Raven, Tim Albro, Con Rit, The Glyph, Scott Leonard Bazar, Joel Switzer, Charles Pagano, Yung Gloom 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Little Brooks, Crunk Witch Feb. 2 THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 The Groove Coalition 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Open mic every Thur.

THE KNIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

G

rant Nielsen is a nice guy. I mean, a really nice guy. Not the kind of nice guy who lends you his lawnmower, though I’m sure if he had one, he’d be happy to lend it to you. Nielsen spends a huge amount of his personal time promoting the local music scene in a number of different ways.

He’s an active producer of local concerts, usually at one of the clubs in the downtown Elbow area.

He’s always offering his graphic arts skills to local musicians for free or at cut rates. And, unlike this writer, he rarely has an unkind word regarding his musical brethren.

He’s just that kind of guy. Which makes it hard to remain objective when writing a review. His last words before I sat down to bang this thing out, sent to me via Facebook and in reference to his new release: “Hope you don’t hate it <<nervous laugh.>>” My response: “I will. Don’t worry sinister laugh.”

Good news is, I don’t hate it. Nielson, under the name JacksonVegas, officially releases Someday Is as Good as Any Day at a show on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Underbelly. Here’s my take on it, with the songs reviewed in order of appearance.

“Chip Away” is a breezy album-opener, underpinned by well-orchestrated acousticand-keyboard arrangement. It’s a strong piece, melodic as hell, if a bit Dixie Chicks in tone.

(OK, let me explain. With Nielsen’s voice, one might not initially think Dixie Chicks. Remove his vocals, however, and superimpose the female trio, and the song could easily fit on a Dixie Chicks album. For clarification, I love the Dixie Chicks, especially the work they did with Rick Rubin.)

Nielsen is a fantastic singer, when he avoids slipping into the Chad Kroeger zone. Yes, the loser frontman for Nickelback. It only happens once or twice on Someday, but most noticeably in “Chip Away” during the chorus. Otherwise, this contends for the best song on the record, moving from a mellow intro into a soaring mid-section.

In fact, other than the whole Kroeger thing, this song may be nearly flawless. Especially the arrangement. The band, whose members varied throughout the years-long recording process, strikes a perfect balance of power and grace. And the background vocals are just beautiful.

Track 2, “By My Side,” opens like The Cars’ “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend,” but we get past that quickly enough. Big, fat distorted guitars and a distant Rhodes fill the space while Nielsen sings about his girl. Nielson seems to write somewhere in between hard country and harder Americana. It is, for the most part, a great combination. Though “By My Side” isn’t my favorite track on the record, it certainly holds up until the last verse, when the straight fourrock feel morphs into a bouncy shuffle. That only lasts for a moment, but it took me out of the song. A minor quibble, but one I couldn’t deny.

Again, the background vocals are wonderful.

This is where I will break from popular opinion, but the third entry, “Only Your Soul,” is too formulaic to be liked. It’s got that intolerable

indie-band tom-tom groove paired with that unison-vocal-paired-with-the-piano-line thing that’s so damn popular right now. I get it. Gotta stay relevant in the market, and it’s a guaranteed heartstring-puller. But this stuff has never appealed to me. (Yes, Grant, I hated this one.)

“Some Kind of Stranger” comes back with deep groove, thick guitars and Nielsen singing the way he does best — naturally and without affectation. It’s a simple, to-the-point midtempo rocker backed by spare synth line, you know, to keep it modern. Good stuff.

“Within Your Skin,” which Nielsen says will soon be made into a flip-book-style animated music video, borders on that indie band contrivance I mentioned earlier, but it’s too fetching to be hated. Blatantly McCartneyesque, this song is nearly a masterwork of pop balladry.

Melodic and smooth, lyrically strong, this is the kind of piece songwriters strive to write and so often fall short. I can’t write enough good things about this song without sounding mushy, so let’s just say it’s a must-listen — and the other contention for best song on the record.

“Now That’s My Home” winds things up with a rednecky blues, supported by a slinky slide guitar and some nasty tremolo guitars. Swampy and groovy, the tune is again enhanced by its background vocals. About halfway through, we are treated to a double-time hoedown, so you could even mosh to it, if the mood strikes.

If you pick up the album, be sure to dig into the liner notes. The list of players and production team reads like a roster of Jacksonville’s MVPs. Too many, again, to list here, but worthy of praise in their own right. Nielsen has made many friends on the local scene, and rightly so. He’s a hard worker and a genuine character.

And, to be clear, he sounds like Chad Kroeger for a total of only about 30 cumulative seconds on this record.

Don’t hold that against him.

John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com

JacksonVegas holds a release party for Someday Is as Good as Any Day with Master Radical and Pilotwave at 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, $10.

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31

A&E // MUSIC

BIG TIME A

Southeast tour circuit favorites The Revivalists sing to the majors

few years ago, The Revivalists got the chance to open a show for the Radiators, a group that since 1978 had became one of the most popular and enduring bands to ever emerge from New Orleans. As another New Orleans band member hoping to keep a band together for the long run, Revivalists bassist George Gekas had a specific question for Radiators guitarist/singer Dave Malone. “I remember I was talking to Mr. Malone — Dave — and I asked, ‘How have you guys done it, been able to stay together this long?’” Gekas recalls in a recent phone interview. “‘He goes, ‘If I have any word of advice, I’d say get your own hotel rooms.’ That’s always stuck with us.”

Seven-plus years down the road, the seven members of the Revivalists can take satisfaction in knowing they were eventually able to follow Malone’s advice.

“When [we] started on the road, if we knew somebody [in the town], we would all crash on their floors, or we would meet somebody [at a show] and we’d try and stay there, or we’d get a motel room and all seven of us would stay in it with air mattresses,” Gekas says. “Now we’re at the point where everybody can get their own hotel room.”

The ability to pay for separate hotel rooms says a lot about the growth The Revivalists have seen in their career since forming in New Orleans in 2007. The heavy tour schedule the group has maintained since around 2008 (when their self-titled debut EP dropped) has paid off. The band tours nationwide, and the growth of its audience is especially apparent in the Southeast, where crowds have really picked up over the past year.

“All of a sudden, like this last tour in particular, most of the places in the Southeast, we seem to be doing better than we’ve ever done,” Gekas says. “I think it’s a combination of us constantly touring and word of mouth … I remember years ago, there would be like maybe 20 or 30 or 50 people and they’d be up front, and now they’re in front of quadruple the number of people. They’re still able to get up front there. We’ve definitely grown exponentially in the past couple of years.”

The band — Gekas, David Shaw (vocals), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar), Zack

Feinberg (guitar). Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Andrew Campanelli (drums) and Michael Girardot (keyboards/trumpet) — is now positioned for even bigger things, after being largely a do-it-yourself endeavor for most of its history. Last year, the group signed with Wind-Up Records, the label that’s home to Filter and Five For Fighting, and has released hit albums by Creed and Seether. This puts The Revivalists on a significantly bigger platform moving forward.

“We wanted to sign with a label to play with the big boys, to jump into the deep side of the pool, so to speak,” Gekas says.

What’s also helping the group is the musical growth that has occurred over the course of three releases — the self-titled EP, 2010’s fulllength Vital Signs and the current album, City of Sound, which was re-released last March on Wind-Up with a second disc of live tracks.

City of Sound, produced by the team of Ben Ellman (of the band Galactic) and Mikael “Count” Eldridge, reveals The Revivalists sharpening their songwriting, broadening their music stylistically and adding a variety of textures to music. Like it is for many bands from New Orleans, strong elements of funk and soul run through the tracks on City of Sound and are especially pronounced on “Upright,” whose measured pulse and dark overtones create a pleasant tension. But The Revivalists are first and foremost a rock band, which means songs like “Navigate Below” and “Criminal” have some snap, crackle and pop to go with their grooves.

The Revivalists are well into recording a new album, with Ellman and Eldridge once again producing.

“We probably had 30 [song] ideas that we were fishing around with [initially],” Gekas says. “Some were completely done, and some were literally a jam.”

Starting with around 20 tunes, the band winnowed that number down to 14, but Gekas says the band is considering returning to the studio to cut a few more tracks. “I’m just realizing it now — this is a process we’re going to have for the rest of our careers.”

Alan Sculley mail@folioweekly.com

THE REVIVALISTS with BOBBY LEE RODGERS

8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $15

l

l

l

14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955 Charlie Walker 10 p.m. Jan. 29. Live music every Thur.-Sat. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Fat Cactus every Mon. Live music every night WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. A1A North Jan. 30. Yankee Slickers Jan. 31 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 Kurt Lanham 8 p.m. Jan. 29. DCMS Jan. 30. 49 Winchester Jan. 31.

Live music every Fri. & Sat.

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222 Pre-International Noise Conference: Sharp Pain, Hell Garbage, Norse Shit Band, Ag Davis, Patrick Spurlock, Boob Dylan, Jamison Williams, Dorian Nins, Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate, No Face, Sepia Raven, Tim Albro, Con Rit, The Glyph, Scott Leonard Bazar, Joel Switzer, Charles Pagano, Yung Gloom 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Little Brooks, Crunk Witch Feb. 2 THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 The Groove Coalition 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Open mic every Thur.

THE KNIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

G

rant Nielsen is a nice guy. I mean, a really nice guy. Not the kind of nice guy who lends you his lawnmower, though I’m sure if he had one, he’d be happy to lend it to you. Nielsen spends a huge amount of his personal time promoting the local music scene in a number of different ways.

He’s an active producer of local concerts, usually at one of the clubs in the downtown Elbow area.

He’s always offering his graphic arts skills to local musicians for free or at cut rates. And, unlike this writer, he rarely has an unkind word regarding his musical brethren.

He’s just that kind of guy. Which makes it hard to remain objective when writing a review. His last words before I sat down to bang this thing out, sent to me via Facebook and in reference to his new release: “Hope you don’t hate it <<nervous laugh.>>” My response: “I will. Don’t worry sinister laugh.”

Good news is, I don’t hate it. Nielson, under the name JacksonVegas, officially releases Someday Is as Good as Any Day at a show on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Underbelly. Here’s my take on it, with the songs reviewed in order of appearance.

“Chip Away” is a breezy album-opener, underpinned by well-orchestrated acousticand-keyboard arrangement. It’s a strong piece, melodic as hell, if a bit Dixie Chicks in tone.

(OK, let me explain. With Nielsen’s voice, one might not initially think Dixie Chicks. Remove his vocals, however, and superimpose the female trio, and the song could easily fit on a Dixie Chicks album. For clarification, I love the Dixie Chicks, especially the work they did with Rick Rubin.)

Nielsen is a fantastic singer, when he avoids slipping into the Chad Kroeger zone. Yes, the loser frontman for Nickelback. It only happens once or twice on Someday, but most noticeably in “Chip Away” during the chorus. Otherwise, this contends for the best song on the record, moving from a mellow intro into a soaring mid-section.

In fact, other than the whole Kroeger thing, this song may be nearly flawless. Especially the arrangement. The band, whose members varied throughout the years-long recording process, strikes a perfect balance of power and grace. And the background vocals are just beautiful.

Track 2, “By My Side,” opens like The Cars’ “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend,” but we get past that quickly enough. Big, fat distorted guitars and a distant Rhodes fill the space while Nielsen sings about his girl. Nielson seems to write somewhere in between hard country and harder Americana. It is, for the most part, a great combination. Though “By My Side” isn’t my favorite track on the record, it certainly holds up until the last verse, when the straight fourrock feel morphs into a bouncy shuffle. That only lasts for a moment, but it took me out of the song. A minor quibble, but one I couldn’t deny.

Again, the background vocals are wonderful.

This is where I will break from popular opinion, but the third entry, “Only Your Soul,” is too formulaic to be liked. It’s got that intolerable

indie-band tom-tom groove paired with that unison-vocal-paired-with-the-piano-line thing that’s so damn popular right now. I get it. Gotta stay relevant in the market, and it’s a guaranteed heartstring-puller. But this stuff has never appealed to me. (Yes, Grant, I hated this one.)

“Some Kind of Stranger” comes back with deep groove, thick guitars and Nielsen singing the way he does best — naturally and without affectation. It’s a simple, to-the-point midtempo rocker backed by spare synth line, you know, to keep it modern. Good stuff.

“Within Your Skin,” which Nielsen says will soon be made into a flip-book-style animated music video, borders on that indie band contrivance I mentioned earlier, but it’s too fetching to be hated. Blatantly McCartneyesque, this song is nearly a masterwork of pop balladry.

Melodic and smooth, lyrically strong, this is the kind of piece songwriters strive to write and so often fall short. I can’t write enough good things about this song without sounding mushy, so let’s just say it’s a must-listen — and the other contention for best song on the record.

“Now That’s My Home” winds things up with a rednecky blues, supported by a slinky slide guitar and some nasty tremolo guitars. Swampy and groovy, the tune is again enhanced by its background vocals. About halfway through, we are treated to a double-time hoedown, so you could even mosh to it, if the mood strikes.

If you pick up the album, be sure to dig into the liner notes. The list of players and production team reads like a roster of Jacksonville’s MVPs. Too many, again, to list here, but worthy of praise in their own right. Nielsen has made many friends on the local scene, and rightly so. He’s a hard worker and a genuine character.

And, to be clear, he sounds like Chad Kroeger for a total of only about 30 cumulative seconds on this record.

Don’t hold that against him.

John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com

JacksonVegas holds a release party for Someday Is as Good as Any Day with Master Radical and Pilotwave at 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, $10.

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31

A&E // MUSIC

BIG TIME A

Southeast tour circuit favorites The Revivalists sing to the majors

few years ago, The Revivalists got the chance to open a show for the Radiators, a group that since 1978 had became one of the most popular and enduring bands to ever emerge from New Orleans. As another New Orleans band member hoping to keep a band together for the long run, Revivalists bassist George Gekas had a specific question for Radiators guitarist/singer Dave Malone. “I remember I was talking to Mr. Malone — Dave — and I asked, ‘How have you guys done it, been able to stay together this long?’” Gekas recalls in a recent phone interview. “‘He goes, ‘If I have any word of advice, I’d say get your own hotel rooms.’ That’s always stuck with us.”

Seven-plus years down the road, the seven members of the Revivalists can take satisfaction in knowing they were eventually able to follow Malone’s advice.

“When [we] started on the road, if we knew somebody [in the town], we would all crash on their floors, or we would meet somebody [at a show] and we’d try and stay there, or we’d get a motel room and all seven of us would stay in it with air mattresses,” Gekas says. “Now we’re at the point where everybody can get their own hotel room.”

The ability to pay for separate hotel rooms says a lot about the growth The Revivalists have seen in their career since forming in New Orleans in 2007. The heavy tour schedule the group has maintained since around 2008 (when their self-titled debut EP dropped) has paid off. The band tours nationwide, and the growth of its audience is especially apparent in the Southeast, where crowds have really picked up over the past year.

“All of a sudden, like this last tour in particular, most of the places in the Southeast, we seem to be doing better than we’ve ever done,” Gekas says. “I think it’s a combination of us constantly touring and word of mouth … I remember years ago, there would be like maybe 20 or 30 or 50 people and they’d be up front, and now they’re in front of quadruple the number of people. They’re still able to get up front there. We’ve definitely grown exponentially in the past couple of years.”

The band — Gekas, David Shaw (vocals), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar), Zack

Feinberg (guitar). Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Andrew Campanelli (drums) and Michael Girardot (keyboards/trumpet) — is now positioned for even bigger things, after being largely a do-it-yourself endeavor for most of its history. Last year, the group signed with Wind-Up Records, the label that’s home to Filter and Five For Fighting, and has released hit albums by Creed and Seether. This puts The Revivalists on a significantly bigger platform moving forward.

“We wanted to sign with a label to play with the big boys, to jump into the deep side of the pool, so to speak,” Gekas says.

What’s also helping the group is the musical growth that has occurred over the course of three releases — the self-titled EP, 2010’s fulllength Vital Signs and the current album, City of Sound, which was re-released last March on Wind-Up with a second disc of live tracks.

City of Sound, produced by the team of Ben Ellman (of the band Galactic) and Mikael “Count” Eldridge, reveals The Revivalists sharpening their songwriting, broadening their music stylistically and adding a variety of textures to music. Like it is for many bands from New Orleans, strong elements of funk and soul run through the tracks on City of Sound and are especially pronounced on “Upright,” whose measured pulse and dark overtones create a pleasant tension. But The Revivalists are first and foremost a rock band, which means songs like “Navigate Below” and “Criminal” have some snap, crackle and pop to go with their grooves.

The Revivalists are well into recording a new album, with Ellman and Eldridge once again producing.

“We probably had 30 [song] ideas that we were fishing around with [initially],” Gekas says. “Some were completely done, and some were literally a jam.”

Starting with around 20 tunes, the band winnowed that number down to 14, but Gekas says the band is considering returning to the studio to cut a few more tracks. “I’m just realizing it now — this is a process we’re going to have for the rest of our careers.”

Alan Sculley mail@folioweekly.com

THE REVIVALISTS with BOBBY LEE RODGERS

8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $15

l

l

l

l

14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955 Charlie Walker 10 p.m. Jan. 29. Live music every Thur.-Sat. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Fat Cactus every Mon. Live music every night WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. A1A North Jan. 30. Yankee Slickers Jan. 31 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 Kurt Lanham 8 p.m. Jan. 29. DCMS Jan. 30. 49 Winchester Jan. 31.

Live music every Fri. & Sat.

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222 Pre-International Noise Conference: Sharp Pain, Hell Garbage, Norse Shit Band, Ag Davis, Patrick Spurlock, Boob Dylan, Jamison Williams, Dorian Nins, Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate, No Face, Sepia Raven, Tim Albro, Con Rit, The Glyph, Scott Leonard Bazar, Joel Switzer, Charles Pagano, Yung Gloom 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Little Brooks, Crunk Witch Feb. 2 THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 The Groove Coalition 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Open mic every Thur.

THE KNIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

G

rant Nielsen is a nice guy. I mean, a really nice guy. Not the kind of nice guy who lends you his lawnmower, though I’m sure if he had one, he’d be happy to lend it to you. Nielsen spends a huge amount of his personal time promoting the local music scene in a number of different ways.

He’s an active producer of local concerts, usually at one of the clubs in the downtown Elbow area.

He’s always offering his graphic arts skills to local musicians for free or at cut rates. And, unlike this writer, he rarely has an unkind word regarding his musical brethren.

He’s just that kind of guy. Which makes it hard to remain objective when writing a review. His last words before I sat down to bang this thing out, sent to me via Facebook and in reference to his new release: “Hope you don’t hate it <<nervous laugh.>>” My response: “I will. Don’t worry sinister laugh.”

Good news is, I don’t hate it. Nielson, under the name JacksonVegas, officially releases Someday Is as Good as Any Day at a show on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Underbelly. Here’s my take on it, with the songs reviewed in order of appearance.

“Chip Away” is a breezy album-opener, underpinned by well-orchestrated acousticand-keyboard arrangement. It’s a strong piece, melodic as hell, if a bit Dixie Chicks in tone.

(OK, let me explain. With Nielsen’s voice, one might not initially think Dixie Chicks. Remove his vocals, however, and superimpose the female trio, and the song could easily fit on a Dixie Chicks album. For clarification, I love the Dixie Chicks, especially the work they did with Rick Rubin.)

Nielsen is a fantastic singer, when he avoids slipping into the Chad Kroeger zone. Yes, the loser frontman for Nickelback. It only happens once or twice on Someday, but most noticeably in “Chip Away” during the chorus. Otherwise, this contends for the best song on the record, moving from a mellow intro into a soaring mid-section.

In fact, other than the whole Kroeger thing, this song may be nearly flawless. Especially the arrangement. The band, whose members varied throughout the years-long recording process, strikes a perfect balance of power and grace. And the background vocals are just beautiful.

Track 2, “By My Side,” opens like The Cars’ “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend,” but we get past that quickly enough. Big, fat distorted guitars and a distant Rhodes fill the space while Nielsen sings about his girl. Nielson seems to write somewhere in between hard country and harder Americana. It is, for the most part, a great combination. Though “By My Side” isn’t my favorite track on the record, it certainly holds up until the last verse, when the straight fourrock feel morphs into a bouncy shuffle. That only lasts for a moment, but it took me out of the song. A minor quibble, but one I couldn’t deny.

Again, the background vocals are wonderful.

This is where I will break from popular opinion, but the third entry, “Only Your Soul,” is too formulaic to be liked. It’s got that intolerable

indie-band tom-tom groove paired with that unison-vocal-paired-with-the-piano-line thing that’s so damn popular right now. I get it. Gotta stay relevant in the market, and it’s a guaranteed heartstring-puller. But this stuff has never appealed to me. (Yes, Grant, I hated this one.)

“Some Kind of Stranger” comes back with deep groove, thick guitars and Nielsen singing the way he does best — naturally and without affectation. It’s a simple, to-the-point midtempo rocker backed by spare synth line, you know, to keep it modern. Good stuff.

“Within Your Skin,” which Nielsen says will soon be made into a flip-book-style animated music video, borders on that indie band contrivance I mentioned earlier, but it’s too fetching to be hated. Blatantly McCartneyesque, this song is nearly a masterwork of pop balladry.

Melodic and smooth, lyrically strong, this is the kind of piece songwriters strive to write and so often fall short. I can’t write enough good things about this song without sounding mushy, so let’s just say it’s a must-listen — and the other contention for best song on the record.

“Now That’s My Home” winds things up with a rednecky blues, supported by a slinky slide guitar and some nasty tremolo guitars. Swampy and groovy, the tune is again enhanced by its background vocals. About halfway through, we are treated to a double-time hoedown, so you could even mosh to it, if the mood strikes.

If you pick up the album, be sure to dig into the liner notes. The list of players and production team reads like a roster of Jacksonville’s MVPs. Too many, again, to list here, but worthy of praise in their own right. Nielsen has made many friends on the local scene, and rightly so. He’s a hard worker and a genuine character.

And, to be clear, he sounds like Chad Kroeger for a total of only about 30 cumulative seconds on this record.

Don’t hold that against him.

John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com

JacksonVegas holds a release party for Someday Is as Good as Any Day with Master Radical and Pilotwave at 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, $10.

l

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

l

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31

A&E // MUSIC

BIG TIME A

Southeast tour circuit favorites The Revivalists sing to the majors

few years ago, The Revivalists got the chance to open a show for the Radiators, a group that since 1978 had became one of the most popular and enduring bands to ever emerge from New Orleans. As another New Orleans band member hoping to keep a band together for the long run, Revivalists bassist George Gekas had a specific question for Radiators guitarist/singer Dave Malone. “I remember I was talking to Mr. Malone — Dave — and I asked, ‘How have you guys done it, been able to stay together this long?’” Gekas recalls in a recent phone interview. “‘He goes, ‘If I have any word of advice, I’d say get your own hotel rooms.’ That’s always stuck with us.”

Seven-plus years down the road, the seven members of the Revivalists can take satisfaction in knowing they were eventually able to follow Malone’s advice.

“When [we] started on the road, if we knew somebody [in the town], we would all crash on their floors, or we would meet somebody [at a show] and we’d try and stay there, or we’d get a motel room and all seven of us would stay in it with air mattresses,” Gekas says. “Now we’re at the point where everybody can get their own hotel room.”

The ability to pay for separate hotel rooms says a lot about the growth The Revivalists have seen in their career since forming in New Orleans in 2007. The heavy tour schedule the group has maintained since around 2008 (when their self-titled debut EP dropped) has paid off. The band tours nationwide, and the growth of its audience is especially apparent in the Southeast, where crowds have really picked up over the past year.

“All of a sudden, like this last tour in particular, most of the places in the Southeast, we seem to be doing better than we’ve ever done,” Gekas says. “I think it’s a combination of us constantly touring and word of mouth … I remember years ago, there would be like maybe 20 or 30 or 50 people and they’d be up front, and now they’re in front of quadruple the number of people. They’re still able to get up front there. We’ve definitely grown exponentially in the past couple of years.”

The band — Gekas, David Shaw (vocals), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar), Zack

Feinberg (guitar). Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Andrew Campanelli (drums) and Michael Girardot (keyboards/trumpet) — is now positioned for even bigger things, after being largely a do-it-yourself endeavor for most of its history. Last year, the group signed with Wind-Up Records, the label that’s home to Filter and Five For Fighting, and has released hit albums by Creed and Seether. This puts The Revivalists on a significantly bigger platform moving forward.

“We wanted to sign with a label to play with the big boys, to jump into the deep side of the pool, so to speak,” Gekas says.

What’s also helping the group is the musical growth that has occurred over the course of three releases — the self-titled EP, 2010’s fulllength Vital Signs and the current album, City of Sound, which was re-released last March on Wind-Up with a second disc of live tracks.

City of Sound, produced by the team of Ben Ellman (of the band Galactic) and Mikael “Count” Eldridge, reveals The Revivalists sharpening their songwriting, broadening their music stylistically and adding a variety of textures to music. Like it is for many bands from New Orleans, strong elements of funk and soul run through the tracks on City of Sound and are especially pronounced on “Upright,” whose measured pulse and dark overtones create a pleasant tension. But The Revivalists are first and foremost a rock band, which means songs like “Navigate Below” and “Criminal” have some snap, crackle and pop to go with their grooves.

The Revivalists are well into recording a new album, with Ellman and Eldridge once again producing.

“We probably had 30 [song] ideas that we were fishing around with [initially],” Gekas says. “Some were completely done, and some were literally a jam.”

Starting with around 20 tunes, the band winnowed that number down to 14, but Gekas says the band is considering returning to the studio to cut a few more tracks. “I’m just realizing it now — this is a process we’re going to have for the rest of our careers.”

Alan Sculley mail@folioweekly.com

THE REVIVALISTS with BOBBY LEE RODGERS

8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $15

l

l

l

l

l

14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955 Charlie Walker 10 p.m. Jan. 29. Live music every Thur.-Sat. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Fat Cactus every Mon. Live music every night WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. A1A North Jan. 30. Yankee Slickers Jan. 31 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 Kurt Lanham 8 p.m. Jan. 29. DCMS Jan. 30. 49 Winchester Jan. 31.

Live music every Fri. & Sat.

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222 Pre-International Noise Conference: Sharp Pain, Hell Garbage, Norse Shit Band, Ag Davis, Patrick Spurlock, Boob Dylan, Jamison Williams, Dorian Nins, Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate, No Face, Sepia Raven, Tim Albro, Con Rit, The Glyph, Scott Leonard Bazar, Joel Switzer, Charles Pagano, Yung Gloom 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Little Brooks, Crunk Witch Feb. 2 THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 The Groove Coalition 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Open mic every Thur.

THE KNIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

G

rant Nielsen is a nice guy. I mean, a really nice guy. Not the kind of nice guy who lends you his lawnmower, though I’m sure if he had one, he’d be happy to lend it to you. Nielsen spends a huge amount of his personal time promoting the local music scene in a number of different ways.

He’s an active producer of local concerts, usually at one of the clubs in the downtown Elbow area.

He’s always offering his graphic arts skills to local musicians for free or at cut rates. And, unlike this writer, he rarely has an unkind word regarding his musical brethren.

He’s just that kind of guy. Which makes it hard to remain objective when writing a review. His last words before I sat down to bang this thing out, sent to me via Facebook and in reference to his new release: “Hope you don’t hate it <<nervous laugh.>>” My response: “I will. Don’t worry sinister laugh.”

Good news is, I don’t hate it. Nielson, under the name JacksonVegas, officially releases Someday Is as Good as Any Day at a show on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Underbelly. Here’s my take on it, with the songs reviewed in order of appearance.

“Chip Away” is a breezy album-opener, underpinned by well-orchestrated acousticand-keyboard arrangement. It’s a strong piece, melodic as hell, if a bit Dixie Chicks in tone.

(OK, let me explain. With Nielsen’s voice, one might not initially think Dixie Chicks. Remove his vocals, however, and superimpose the female trio, and the song could easily fit on a Dixie Chicks album. For clarification, I love the Dixie Chicks, especially the work they did with Rick Rubin.)

Nielsen is a fantastic singer, when he avoids slipping into the Chad Kroeger zone. Yes, the loser frontman for Nickelback. It only happens once or twice on Someday, but most noticeably in “Chip Away” during the chorus. Otherwise, this contends for the best song on the record, moving from a mellow intro into a soaring mid-section.

In fact, other than the whole Kroeger thing, this song may be nearly flawless. Especially the arrangement. The band, whose members varied throughout the years-long recording process, strikes a perfect balance of power and grace. And the background vocals are just beautiful.

Track 2, “By My Side,” opens like The Cars’ “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend,” but we get past that quickly enough. Big, fat distorted guitars and a distant Rhodes fill the space while Nielsen sings about his girl. Nielson seems to write somewhere in between hard country and harder Americana. It is, for the most part, a great combination. Though “By My Side” isn’t my favorite track on the record, it certainly holds up until the last verse, when the straight fourrock feel morphs into a bouncy shuffle. That only lasts for a moment, but it took me out of the song. A minor quibble, but one I couldn’t deny.

Again, the background vocals are wonderful.

This is where I will break from popular opinion, but the third entry, “Only Your Soul,” is too formulaic to be liked. It’s got that intolerable

indie-band tom-tom groove paired with that unison-vocal-paired-with-the-piano-line thing that’s so damn popular right now. I get it. Gotta stay relevant in the market, and it’s a guaranteed heartstring-puller. But this stuff has never appealed to me. (Yes, Grant, I hated this one.)

“Some Kind of Stranger” comes back with deep groove, thick guitars and Nielsen singing the way he does best — naturally and without affectation. It’s a simple, to-the-point midtempo rocker backed by spare synth line, you know, to keep it modern. Good stuff.

“Within Your Skin,” which Nielsen says will soon be made into a flip-book-style animated music video, borders on that indie band contrivance I mentioned earlier, but it’s too fetching to be hated. Blatantly McCartneyesque, this song is nearly a masterwork of pop balladry.

Melodic and smooth, lyrically strong, this is the kind of piece songwriters strive to write and so often fall short. I can’t write enough good things about this song without sounding mushy, so let’s just say it’s a must-listen — and the other contention for best song on the record.

“Now That’s My Home” winds things up with a rednecky blues, supported by a slinky slide guitar and some nasty tremolo guitars. Swampy and groovy, the tune is again enhanced by its background vocals. About halfway through, we are treated to a double-time hoedown, so you could even mosh to it, if the mood strikes.

If you pick up the album, be sure to dig into the liner notes. The list of players and production team reads like a roster of Jacksonville’s MVPs. Too many, again, to list here, but worthy of praise in their own right. Nielsen has made many friends on the local scene, and rightly so. He’s a hard worker and a genuine character.

And, to be clear, he sounds like Chad Kroeger for a total of only about 30 cumulative seconds on this record.

Don’t hold that against him.

John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com

JacksonVegas holds a release party for Someday Is as Good as Any Day with Master Radical and Pilotwave at 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, $10.

l

l

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

l

l

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31

A&E // MUSIC

BIG TIME A

Southeast tour circuit favorites The Revivalists sing to the majors

few years ago, The Revivalists got the chance to open a show for the Radiators, a group that since 1978 had became one of the most popular and enduring bands to ever emerge from New Orleans. As another New Orleans band member hoping to keep a band together for the long run, Revivalists bassist George Gekas had a specific question for Radiators guitarist/singer Dave Malone. “I remember I was talking to Mr. Malone — Dave — and I asked, ‘How have you guys done it, been able to stay together this long?’” Gekas recalls in a recent phone interview. “‘He goes, ‘If I have any word of advice, I’d say get your own hotel rooms.’ That’s always stuck with us.”

Seven-plus years down the road, the seven members of the Revivalists can take satisfaction in knowing they were eventually able to follow Malone’s advice.

“When [we] started on the road, if we knew somebody [in the town], we would all crash on their floors, or we would meet somebody [at a show] and we’d try and stay there, or we’d get a motel room and all seven of us would stay in it with air mattresses,” Gekas says. “Now we’re at the point where everybody can get their own hotel room.”

The ability to pay for separate hotel rooms says a lot about the growth The Revivalists have seen in their career since forming in New Orleans in 2007. The heavy tour schedule the group has maintained since around 2008 (when their self-titled debut EP dropped) has paid off. The band tours nationwide, and the growth of its audience is especially apparent in the Southeast, where crowds have really picked up over the past year.

“All of a sudden, like this last tour in particular, most of the places in the Southeast, we seem to be doing better than we’ve ever done,” Gekas says. “I think it’s a combination of us constantly touring and word of mouth … I remember years ago, there would be like maybe 20 or 30 or 50 people and they’d be up front, and now they’re in front of quadruple the number of people. They’re still able to get up front there. We’ve definitely grown exponentially in the past couple of years.”

The band — Gekas, David Shaw (vocals), Ed Williams (pedal steel guitar), Zack

Feinberg (guitar). Rob Ingraham (saxophone), Andrew Campanelli (drums) and Michael Girardot (keyboards/trumpet) — is now positioned for even bigger things, after being largely a do-it-yourself endeavor for most of its history. Last year, the group signed with Wind-Up Records, the label that’s home to Filter and Five For Fighting, and has released hit albums by Creed and Seether. This puts The Revivalists on a significantly bigger platform moving forward.

“We wanted to sign with a label to play with the big boys, to jump into the deep side of the pool, so to speak,” Gekas says.

What’s also helping the group is the musical growth that has occurred over the course of three releases — the self-titled EP, 2010’s fulllength Vital Signs and the current album, City of Sound, which was re-released last March on Wind-Up with a second disc of live tracks.

City of Sound, produced by the team of Ben Ellman (of the band Galactic) and Mikael “Count” Eldridge, reveals The Revivalists sharpening their songwriting, broadening their music stylistically and adding a variety of textures to music. Like it is for many bands from New Orleans, strong elements of funk and soul run through the tracks on City of Sound and are especially pronounced on “Upright,” whose measured pulse and dark overtones create a pleasant tension. But The Revivalists are first and foremost a rock band, which means songs like “Navigate Below” and “Criminal” have some snap, crackle and pop to go with their grooves.

The Revivalists are well into recording a new album, with Ellman and Eldridge once again producing.

“We probably had 30 [song] ideas that we were fishing around with [initially],” Gekas says. “Some were completely done, and some were literally a jam.”

Starting with around 20 tunes, the band winnowed that number down to 14, but Gekas says the band is considering returning to the studio to cut a few more tracks. “I’m just realizing it now — this is a process we’re going to have for the rest of our careers.”

Alan Sculley mail@folioweekly.com

THE REVIVALISTS with BOBBY LEE RODGERS

8 p.m. Feb. 4 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, 246-2473, $15 ●

●

●

●

●

●

14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015

LIVE + LOCAL MUSIC

MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955 Charlie Walker 10 p.m. Jan. 29. Live music every Thur.-Sat. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Fat Cactus every Mon. Live music every night WILD WING CAFÉ, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley 7:30 p.m. Jan. 28. A1A North Jan. 30. Yankee Slickers Jan. 31 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 Kurt Lanham 8 p.m. Jan. 29. DCMS Jan. 30. 49 Winchester Jan. 31.

Live music every Fri. & Sat.

SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE

SHANTYTOWN PUB, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, 798-8222 Pre-International Noise Conference: Sharp Pain, Hell Garbage, Norse Shit Band, Ag Davis, Patrick Spurlock, Boob Dylan, Jamison Williams, Dorian Nins, Apocalyptic Noise Syndicate, No Face, Sepia Raven, Tim Albro, Con Rit, The Glyph, Scott Leonard Bazar, Joel Switzer, Charles Pagano, Yung Gloom 8 p.m. Jan. 31. Little Brooks, Crunk Witch Feb. 2 THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 The Groove Coalition 7 p.m. Jan. 29. Open mic every Thur.

THE KNIFE

A DAY IN THE LIFE

G

rant Nielsen is a nice guy. I mean, a really nice guy. Not the kind of nice guy who lends you his lawnmower, though I’m sure if he had one, he’d be happy to lend it to you. Nielsen spends a huge amount of his personal time promoting the local music scene in a number of different ways.

He’s an active producer of local concerts, usually at one of the clubs in the downtown Elbow area.

He’s always offering his graphic arts skills to local musicians for free or at cut rates. And, unlike this writer, he rarely has an unkind word regarding his musical brethren.

He’s just that kind of guy. Which makes it hard to remain objective when writing a review. His last words before I sat down to bang this thing out, sent to me via Facebook and in reference to his new release: “Hope you don’t hate it <<nervous laugh.>>” My response: “I will. Don’t worry sinister laugh.”

Good news is, I don’t hate it. Nielson, under the name JacksonVegas, officially releases Someday Is as Good as Any Day at a show on Saturday, Jan. 31 at Underbelly. Here’s my take on it, with the songs reviewed in order of appearance.

“Chip Away” is a breezy album-opener, underpinned by well-orchestrated acousticand-keyboard arrangement. It’s a strong piece, melodic as hell, if a bit Dixie Chicks in tone.

(OK, let me explain. With Nielsen’s voice, one might not initially think Dixie Chicks. Remove his vocals, however, and superimpose the female trio, and the song could easily fit on a Dixie Chicks album. For clarification, I love the Dixie Chicks, especially the work they did with Rick Rubin.)

Nielsen is a fantastic singer, when he avoids slipping into the Chad Kroeger zone. Yes, the loser frontman for Nickelback. It only happens once or twice on Someday, but most noticeably in “Chip Away” during the chorus. Otherwise, this contends for the best song on the record, moving from a mellow intro into a soaring mid-section.

In fact, other than the whole Kroeger thing, this song may be nearly flawless. Especially the arrangement. The band, whose members varied throughout the years-long recording process, strikes a perfect balance of power and grace. And the background vocals are just beautiful.

Track 2, “By My Side,” opens like The Cars’ “My Best Friend’s Girlfriend,” but we get past that quickly enough. Big, fat distorted guitars and a distant Rhodes fill the space while Nielsen sings about his girl. Nielson seems to write somewhere in between hard country and harder Americana. It is, for the most part, a great combination. Though “By My Side” isn’t my favorite track on the record, it certainly holds up until the last verse, when the straight fourrock feel morphs into a bouncy shuffle. That only lasts for a moment, but it took me out of the song. A minor quibble, but one I couldn’t deny.

Again, the background vocals are wonderful.

This is where I will break from popular opinion, but the third entry, “Only Your Soul,” is too formulaic to be liked. It’s got that intolerable

indie-band tom-tom groove paired with that unison-vocal-paired-with-the-piano-line thing that’s so damn popular right now. I get it. Gotta stay relevant in the market, and it’s a guaranteed heartstring-puller. But this stuff has never appealed to me. (Yes, Grant, I hated this one.)

“Some Kind of Stranger” comes back with deep groove, thick guitars and Nielsen singing the way he does best — naturally and without affectation. It’s a simple, to-the-point midtempo rocker backed by spare synth line, you know, to keep it modern. Good stuff.

“Within Your Skin,” which Nielsen says will soon be made into a flip-book-style animated music video, borders on that indie band contrivance I mentioned earlier, but it’s too fetching to be hated. Blatantly McCartneyesque, this song is nearly a masterwork of pop balladry.

Melodic and smooth, lyrically strong, this is the kind of piece songwriters strive to write and so often fall short. I can’t write enough good things about this song without sounding mushy, so let’s just say it’s a must-listen — and the other contention for best song on the record.

“Now That’s My Home” winds things up with a rednecky blues, supported by a slinky slide guitar and some nasty tremolo guitars. Swampy and groovy, the tune is again enhanced by its background vocals. About halfway through, we are treated to a double-time hoedown, so you could even mosh to it, if the mood strikes.

If you pick up the album, be sure to dig into the liner notes. The list of players and production team reads like a roster of Jacksonville’s MVPs. Too many, again, to list here, but worthy of praise in their own right. Nielsen has made many friends on the local scene, and rightly so. He’s a hard worker and a genuine character.

And, to be clear, he sounds like Chad Kroeger for a total of only about 30 cumulative seconds on this record.

Don’t hold that against him.

John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com

JacksonVegas holds a release party for Someday Is as Good as Any Day with Master Radical and Pilotwave at 10 p.m. Jan. 31 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, $10.

l

l

l

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 19

l

l

l

l

l

l

JANUARY 28-FEBRUARY 3, 2015 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 31