FREE! I JULY 9-15, 2014 I folioweekly.com
NORTHEAST FLORIDA’S INDEPENDENT VOICE SINCE 1987
2 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
CONTENTS //
JULY 9-15, 2014 • VOLUME 28 • NUMBER 15
10
06 MAIL FIGHTIN’ WORDS 2 MINUTES WITH FEATURE Cover Design: Shan Stumpf
4 4 6 7
8 10 12 13
MAGIC LANTERNS MOVIES ARTS BITE-SIZED
38 38 40 43
ASTROLOGY I SAW U CROSSWORD BACKPAGE
44 45 46 47
Photo: Dennis Ho
PUBLISHER • Sam Taylor staylor@folioweekly.com / 904.260.9770 ext. 111
EDITORIAL
OUR PICKS MUSIC THE KNIFE FIELD GUIDE
07
EDITOR • Jeffrey C. Billman jbillman@folioweekly.com / ext. 115 SENIOR EDITOR • Marlene Dryden mdryden@folioweekly.com / ext. 131 A&E EDITOR • David Johnson djohnson@folioweekly.com / ext. 128 WRITERS-AT-LARGE Susan Cooper Eastman seastman@folioweekly.com Derek Kinner dkinner@folioweekly.com CARTOONIST • Tom Tomorrow CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Rob Brezsny, Daniel A. Brown, John E. Citrone, Julie Delegal, AG Gancarski, Nicholas Garnett, Claire Goforth, Janet Harper, Dan Hudak, Shelton Hull, MaryAnn Johanson, Amanda Long, Heather Lovejoy, Nick McGregor, Cameron Meier, Jeff Meyers, Kara Pound, Merl Reagle, Scott Renshaw, Carley Robinson, Chuck Shepherd, Melody Taylor and Abigail Wright
VIDEOGRAPHER • Doug Lewis EDITORIAL INTERNS • Audreyonna Banks and Michaela Gugliotta
DESIGN
ART DIRECTOR • Shan Stumpf sstumpf@folioweekly.com / ext. 116 SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER • Dana Fasano dfasano@folioweekly.com / ext. 117 GRAPHIC DESIGNER • Allison Walsh awalsh@folioweekly.com / ext. 117 PHOTOGRAPHER • Dennis Ho dho@folioweekly.com / ext. 122 DESIGN INTERNS • Victoria Bona and Taylor Doran
BUSINESS & ADMINISTRATION BUSINESS MANAGER • Cherish Kelly fpiadmin@folioweekly.com / ext. 119 VICE PRESIDENT • T. Farrar Martin fmartin@folioweekly.com
DISTRIBUTION
Bobby Pendexter / cosmicdistributions@gmail.com
ADVERTISING
PUBLISHER Sam Taylor staylor@folioweekly.com / ext. 111 SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER CJ Allen callen@folioweekly.com / ext. 120 • Beaches, Ponte Vedra Beach, Amelia Island ACCOUNT MANAGERS Lee Ann Thornton lthornton@folioweekly.com ext. 127 • Mandarin, Orange Park Mary Pennington mpennington@folioweekly.com ext. 125 • Intracoastal West, St. Augustine ACCOUNT MGR. / SPECIAL EVENTS MANAGER Ro Espinosa respinosa@folioweekly.com ext. 129 • Southside, Avondale, Arlington MOBILE APP ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGER Kathrin Lancelle klancelle@folioweekly.com ext. 124 • Downtown, Riverside, Northside, San Marco
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. 2014. All rights reserved. Advertising rates and information are available on request. An advertiser purchases right of publication only. One free 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
BITE CLUB
facebook.com/folioweeklybiteclub
Download Layar and scan when you see the Layar symbol to discover interactive content.
This publication offers you great digital experiences using the Layar App.
thefolioweekly
@folioweekly
@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
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 3
MAIL Apathetic to Life
I just finished reading and dissecting your article in Folio Weekly [Cover Story, “Murder in the River City,” June 18, Derek Kinner]. At first glance, it seems to just be a list of deceased individuals with a little information about how they died. The style of the article lets the reader interpret the “unfiltered” information and draw their own conclusions. I appreciate that you did not interject your personal opinion or conclusions in the brief introduction. I read the article at least three times while making notes. It seems that most people today do not value or appreciate life very much. Each of the 50 deceased were living human beings who had family and friends who at a minimum cared for them at some point in their life. Only six of the murders were classified as justified — three by individuals and three by police, which represents approximately 12 percent of the cases. [Ed. note: There were four additional cases the police have deemed justified. See our correction on June 25. ] There have been arrests in 21 cases, but it will take time to observe the disposition of these cases, and I seriously doubt most Jacksonville residents will even remember when it’s reported in the news. In 23 cases, there have been no arrests or information provided by JSO, which represents 46 percent of the homicides. In the majority of these cases, there are no suspects and very little information. I have confidence that the investigators are doing everything possible to find the individual or individuals responsible, but they’re facing an uphill battle. I was very surprised to see how many individuals were killed by either friends, family or acquaintances over non-lifethreatening, petty issues that related to interpersonal relationships. It does make me pause to think about the next family or friends get-together, or any gathering of people I don’t know intimately. I think it’s fair to say that these were just plain stupid and senseless, as you state in your article. This is a people problem that’s not easily fixed, since we have become apathetic to life and living in general. I hope residents of Jacksonville read your article and give it the consideration it deserves. If they do, then your article will get us moving in the right direction.
I was very surprised to see how many individuals were killed by either friends, family or acquaintances over non-life-threatening, petty issues that related to interpersonal relationships. than a pit-stop on the way to somewhere better. Ashley Hietpas
Develop the dang Shipyards; make an entertainment complex down there. The Landing is under-utilized too. Jacksonville could do so much more — and even at the beaches. Get more restaurants on the beach. Develop the big black eye in Jax Beach cattycorner from Sneakers. It’s just a big open field with a fence around it. How has no hotel or restaurant gone in there? Joel Jess
Making a real Downtown. Affordable apartments and condos, have better incentives to get new businesses to open down there. Stores and restaurants open later than 5 p.m. during the week and open on the weekend. Have the Skyway open on the weekends and try building it to Riverside and the stadiums/ arena. Help bring the aquarium and the USS Adams to Downtown Jax; tourism is not a dirty word. Tourism dollars can help with infrastructure costs. WAKE UP, MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL: Let’s make Jacksonville a nicer place to visit. Dean Phifer
The eradication of crime. Once the crime element is eliminated, then more businesses and people who contribute to society will come. If the crime rates continue to be a problem, people (who contribute positively to society) may start to move to other areas. Freda Moore
Robert E. Davis
Don’t Believe Everything You Read
Thanks for clearing this up for many who thought it was our weatherman [News, “Anatomy of a Screw-Up,” Derek Kinner, June 25]. Just goes to prove, don’t believe everything you read; sometimes it’s just not true.
They should definitely spend it all on stadium renovations. Because education is for people who can’t catch a football. Jesse Henson
Cover up the 3 potholes on Baymeadows that lead in to the Taco Bell. It’s ridiculous. Yasmina White
Nick Deonas
The Big Question
Every week, we post a question on our website and/or Facebook page, and every so often, we post our favorite responses here. This week’s question: What are Jacksonville’s biggest needs that the city should spend money on? Containing sprawl, making communities walkable and bikeable (maybe go in on a bikesharing program like many other cities), beefing up public transportation. Basically, things that are important to young professionals and make Jacksonville an attractive and permanent place to live rather 4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
FIGHTIN’ WORDS
CORRECTION The caption for the photo in last week’s Dining Directory incorrectly identified the restaurant. It is The Brick Coffee House in Downtown, not the Brick Restaurant in Avondale. The two businesses are not related. We regret the error.
If you would like to respond to something that appeared in Folio Weekly, please send an email with your address and phone number (for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com.
THE MEME TAKES ROOT In defense (sort of) of Alvin Brown in the midst of an overhyped scandal
I
t seems that every week finds Alvin Brown losing control of the political narrative. Last week’s City Council audit of his travel expenses from a couple of years back provided further evidence that the mayor’s political enemies are calling the shots. The local media, in headlines across what passes for the political spectrum in these parts, made the audit out to be some watershed moment. First Coast News and WJXT said it “slams” the mayor. The Times-Union used the more restrained word “scrutinized.” Action News said the report claimed Brown “violated the law.” And so on. All of the pieces are more or less the same: a high-level overview of the document, treating it as some sui generis example of a Mayor Gone Wild, styling and profiling like Ric Flair across the global landscape on the taxpayer dime. As if the Council auditor (who just so happens to work for the Council, which doesn’t get along all that well with the mayor) doesn’t have an agenda in releasing this audit now, just as the Rummell Inc. juggernaut starts to pick up momentum. See, the travel expense audit is an old game, something long-toothed pros around here understand. It’s been dredged up, with varying degrees of impact, for at least a few decades — Travelgates were used to impact the Koch administration in New York City, the Poppy Bush administration and various mayoralties across the land. Handled well, they can wreck an incumbent, or force the resignation of an underling, as happened with John Sununu under Bush 41. Those scandals tended to be egregious, with obvious patterns of excess and power-drunk politicians making it rain like Ben Bernanke working quantitative easing. What happened in our mayor’s office, in comparison to the more extreme Travelgates, is really nothing — old news, and not particularly interesting at that. The mayor did not fly coach sometimes. There were times when he and his entourage may not have stayed at the cheapest hotels available, in accordance with municipal code, which apparently expects this mayor to sleep at a Motel 6, and not one with Magic
Fingers. There were moments when it would take more than five days to file an expense report. (Scandal!) And, most damningly, there were occasions when the mayor scrawled his initials instead of the required signature, something the audit tells us is “contrary to travel documentation for all other employees.” I talked to Bill Bishop, former Council president and current mayoral candidate, and even he recognized the weirdness of the release’s timing: “Everything is considered political,” he told me. Still, Bishop points to these old travel issues as an example of “lack of stewardship of public funds,” advocating for more transparency and clarity of reporting. In an email, Lenny Curry, the putative Republican frontrunner, said pretty much exactly what you’d expect him to say: “This report on travel expenditures, the legal questions surrounding the water taxi purchase, and the recent Moody’s downgrade all fit a consistent pattern of fiscal mismanagement.” And that is the root of all this: yet another attack on Mayor Brown’s competence, another weapon for his challengers to use against him. The meme put forth by the city’s Republican establishment is that the Brown administration simply cannot manage. Those who read the entire audit will notice that the mayor’s office agreed with all findings made by the Council auditor, and gave explanations (and resolutions) for most of the apparent discrepancies — but those weren’t headline-worthy to our local press. This is all just inside baseball, far from the election. The problem isn’t this moment alone, but in combination. Taken together, the travel discrepancies, the water taxi fiasco and the lingering pension problem boost the impression that Brown doesn’t know what he’s doing. None of them is of itself a decapitating blow. In tandem, though, a pattern emerges — death by a thousand paper cuts, the time-honored way to take aim at an embattled incumbent who seems to be past his sell-by date.
The municipal code apparently expects this mayor to stay at Motel 6, and not one with Magic Fingers.
AG Gancarski twitter/aggancarski mail@folioweekly.com
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5
2 MINUTES WITH … // DENNIS HO
BILLY MITCHELL, MIXED-MARTIAL ARTS INSTRUCTOR Folio Weekly: What’s your involvement with mixed-martial arts? Billy Mitchell: I’m an instructor, an MMA business owner, a former competitor. How do you explain what MMA is? Mixed martial arts is the combination of every combat sport in the world. All the rules from those combat sports apply. You can fight standing, you can use knees, you can use elbows, you can fight on the ground, you can do jujutsu, judo, wrestling, whatever there is that’s a hand-to-hand combat sport. Anything that’s legal in any fighting sport is legal in MMA. When did you get into it? When I was 11, after I got beat up. I was kind of a bully, and I was picking on a guy and I didn’t know he was doing MMA. He invited me to [an MMA] school. He beat me up again. And again. Finally he said, “You’ve got a lot of heart; you keep getting up again. So if you wanna learn, you’re more than welcome to train. When did you start competing? I was between 14 and 15. MMA was not big at all. There were no places to go train, it was actually held in karate studios. This was in the early ’90s. UFC didn’t come out until ’96. Were fights evenly matched back in the early days? It was hit-or-miss. Back then, there were no rounds, there were no rules, there were no gloves, no weight classes, and it was a tournament. I’ve been in tournaments where I was 145 pounds, and my first fight was against a guy who was 350. If I beat him, I’d go on to the next guy within the hour, and if I won that one, I’d go on to the finals. Generally you had to fight three times in one night to win the tournament. Have you seen fighting evolve since you got into the sport? Back then, my coach told me, “You’re gonna wrestle, you’re gonna do muay thai, and you’re gonna do jujitsu. You’re gonna be good at all of them. Not great at any one thing, but you’ll be good at everything.” When I first started, my opponent was more than likely a boxer who only knew boxing, or a guy who did jujitsu but only knew jujitsu. There was always some specialty. For the longest time that’s how it was. It wasn’t until my mid-pro-level career that I started fighting guys who were starting to understand that if they didn’t know all that stuff, they were going to lose. 6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
What changed? The [state MMA] commission got ahold of it. They put some safety buffers on it. Now there’s gloves. There’s amateur and pro levels with different rules that ensure that nobody gets severely hurt their first time coming out. It’s a sport now. Back then, we beat each other up. Which did you like better? They both have their pros and cons. Back then it was much more raw and much more to the point. The tougher guy won, always. Today, everybody knows everything. There’s not somebody that comes into the cage that doesn’t know all the skills and is willing to turn it on. Does that raw, lawless fighting still exist? I’m sure it does in other parts of the world. The United States has done a good job of keeping people safe, which is a good thing. When people think of cage fighting, they think it’s ruthless and nuts, two people fighting in a cage. What they don’t know is, you’re in a cage to keep it safe, which sounds crazy, but it’s there for your safety. How long did it take MMA to turn from fighting into a sport? It took a long time. It’s taken 21 years since I started to evolve to this point, which is pretty quick in the grand scheme of things, but it’s definitely the fasting growing sport still today. What was your most emotionally painful loss? My first loss. I won all my amateur fights and lost my first pro one because I got a big head. It was definitely a good checkpoint for me. Pro is a different level. These guys are a lot tougher. People are getting a paycheck. Back in the day, only the winner got a check. When did you retire? Shortly after I had my daughter. To fight at a competitive level, you have to dedicate your whole life to it. Everything. I had already accomplished a lot, I was already coaching and managing people. It was time to focus on them and less on myself. Describe your average MMA student. We have 60-something-year-olds come in. I’ve trained 3-year-olds. [It’s an] 80-20 ratio for men, but getting bigger by the day for women. What’s the worst injury you’ve ever witnessed? I broke a guy’s femur in two pieces. Like, separated it, not a fracture. It was not good. What was your reaction after you did that? I just won my fight. dho@folioweekly.com
MOVIES
Photos: Michaela Gugliotta
FASTER, CAMERAMAN! FILM! FILM!
laid down the ground rules and requirements to 37 registered teams: Each film must have a character named Bobby or Barbara Vincent who is a debt collector, as well as a balloon, and the inclusion of the line “It’s my turn.” Then, teams were randomly assigned one of 14 genres. The deadline is 7:30 p.m. Sunday. Heath and Wlodarczyk were hoping for comedy or sci-fi, but they drew romance, which unnerved them. They weren’t prepared for that one. As soon as Heath learned the genre, he and Wlodarczyk made a list of items they needed: a fish, a fishbowl, balloons, a dress for their 6-foot-4-inch fairy, a toga for Cupid, and a bow and arrow. Of the stories they’d brainstormed weeks before, the one that might work now is a concept for a fish out of water. Heath and Wlodarczyk agonize for two hours writing the script. They finally get it down. Barbara Vincent — played by Wlodarczyk’s wife Liz — is a debt collector who grows tired of the misogynistic men she’s dating. She throws a penny at her goldfish and makes a wish. A fairy arrives and turns her pet fish, Bubbles, into a hulking bodybuilder of a man (played by Benjamin Reeves), who wins Barbara’s heart. Cupid arrives near the end of the film and offers Barbara a choice. Bubbles must become a fish again, and Barbara can remain human or join him in the fishbowl. Barbara chooses life as a fish. Wlodarczyk and Heath are best friends who are both large and in charge, in height and width. Heath, especially, has an attitude befitting a director. Within the first few minutes of our meeting, he’s complained how irritated he is. A makeup artist arrived late, but Duquette’s girlfriend, Raiza Rangl, could do makeup as well. When the other makeup artist arrived, she didn’t think there was enough to do and so left. “There are a lot of prima donnas in this business,” says Heath, acting unfazed by all the drama. The living room stands in for a party scene,
Our intrepid embed braves filmmakers and prima donnas to chronicle the 48 Hour Film Project
C
o-producer Mike Wlodarczyk tosses director Mike Heath a Monster Energy Drink. Heath’s eyes light up. It’s his fifth since the clock started 19 hours ago. He relies on liquid energy more than he should, certainly more than food, with nothing else in his stomach aside from a slice of Little Caesars pizza this entire weekend. They don’t plan to sleep until this project is done. The 17-member team Most Dangerous has been filming for a seven-minute short, Something Fishy, for 14 hours when I join them on a Saturday afternoon. They’re shooting in a 5,400-square-foot house in St. Augustine that belongs to Will “Power” Duquette, a motivational speaker who travels around, promising to help people get rich. Heath met Duquette when Duquette was auditioning for a role in a TV pilot Heath is producing. In the 48 Hour Film Project, no one gets paid and the pace is fast. Heath sets a deadline of 5 p.m. Saturday for filming to be finished and postproduction to begin. It’s essentially Heath and Wlodarczyk’s vision, and they’re confident. “I believe we have everything it takes to be the most dangerous team in the competition and capable of winning everything,” Heath says. The 48 Hour Film Project is an international event with organizers setting up competitions in more than 100 cities in the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe and Oceania. At the kickoff Friday night, 48 Hour Film Project Jacksonville producer Chris Ackerman
attributes some problems to the distractions all DIY and low-budget, with balloons floating of production assistants and newcomers who everywhere and shot glasses with soda in couldn’t take direction. them. And it’s packed — with the lead actors, “Last year, we wrote our scripts in, like, an supporting players, a cameraman and his hour, we went out and got our props. On set at 17-year-old assistant, and a few people who 6, done filming by 2, done editing by 6 in the aren’t helping at all. They’re the production morning the next day, just hanging out, having assistants, but Heath tells me they aren’t a good time laughing. This time is the exact capable of assisting with much of anything. opposite,” Wlodarczyk says. The leading man, Reeves, is nervous. He hasn’t acted very much, and seems a little stiff. It’s after midnight, and editing has begun. Out on the balcony, filming continues as The footage freezes every so often, sending Liz Wlodarczyk kisses Reeves. It’s the first time Heath in the direction of a heart attack. He’s she’s kissed a man besides her husband since also getting sick from the stress, the lack of sleep and possibly whatever is in those her wedding day. Reeves is married as well, and Monster Energy drinks. Heath and Wlodarczyk as he plants his lips on Liz’s, Mike Wlodarczyk’s continue to edit through the next day. facial expression reveals his discomfort. Heath insists the filming must go on. By Sunday evening — with less than an hour left — Wlodarczyk is driving Heath to It’s 4:41 p.m., and it’s clear the deadline The Jacksonville Landing, where he has to Heath set, 5 p.m., won’t be met. drop off the final product. The film is nearly This is not Heath and Wlodarczyk’s first ready, but Heath’s still putting the finishing time working together. They own Eternity touches on it. Heath leaps out of the car with Captured, a production company that his laptop, running toward the Landing. specializes in wedding and event film and Then the computer freezes. photography. Currently, they’re also producing With the film turned in two minutes a pilot for an adult Hunger Games-type comedy late, Most Dangerous was disqualified from game show called Most Dangerous, the source of their team name. Their friendship grew while consideration for nationals. But they turned it in anyway; it was still eligible for an audience they worked together during last year’s 48 Hour choice award. competition. This is the fourth year Heath has Sun-Ray Cinema screened the completed competed, and part of the reason he’s so sure films in June. At the first of himself is the taste of premiere, Jacksonville success he had in 2011, 48 HOUR FILM PROJECT producer Ackerman when his team won an Best Of screening, 7 p.m. July 12, introduced 11 of the films, audience award. The Florida Theatre, Downtown, including Something By 6 p.m., an hour past $15, 355-5661 Fishy, which drew some Heath’s filming deadline, 48hourfilm.com/en/jacksonville big laughs from the they’ve returned to audience. Select films Wlodarczyk’s apartment will play at a “best of ” on Philips Highway — screening July 12 at The Florida Theatre. where filming began on Friday — to shoot Something Fishy failed to win the audience one last scene, planned as one of the first in award, so it won’t be shown there. film. The apartment is small, cluttered and “I have done this four years now. I don’t claustrophobic. want to retire from the competition unless I The tension has reached its apex. know I submitted the best-absolute-quality Wlodarczyk’s dog is disturbing the set and film on time, unless I have a chance to win it a phone conversation being conducted by one of the production assistants is being picked up all and say I’m done,” Heath says. Team Most Dangerous didn’t win anything, on audio. Heath screams at his cast and crew: but Heath says he’ll enter the competition next “We don’t have enough fucking time. We’ve year, with his best friend at his side. He’ll be got to get this done!” there the year after that, too, and for years to Then, videographer Bradley Hayes’ camera come, until he gets what he thinks he deserves. stops working; a frustrated Heath pulls out his lower-resolution Canon T3i SLR. Michaela Gugliotta Outside of his apartment, Wlodarczyk mail@folioweekly.com
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7
SCAN THIS PAGE WITH LAYAR APP TO VIEW THIS WEEK’S PICKS
Our Picks Reasons to leave the house this week
INDIE STAR JENNY LEWIS
Indie queen and former Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis tours this summer to promote her new solo album, The Voyager, dropping July 29. “Just One of the Guys,” a single from the album, is Jenny at her best, singing heartbreakingly honest, funny lyrics about getting older and hearing her biological clock tick. The song has Beck, its producer, on backup vocals. Lewis is a chameleon; in her new incarnation, she sings with a perfected gentle twang that complements her mostly autobiographical stories. She opens for boring-ass adult-contemporary folk artist Ray LaMontagne, who’s lucky to be in the same room with her. 7:30 p.m. July 15 at The Florida Theatre, Downtown, $39.50-$49.50.
GEEKS GAAM FANTASY
You may have no idea what a Chocobo is and you may not have cursed Sephiroth in the late ’90s after the biggest shocker in video game history. No worries. GAAM Fantasy is more than a gaming geek’s final fantasy. Games, Art and Music’s fourth production is the biggest yet, with cosplay, game exhibitors, arcade games, live music and a charity art auction (Juan Manuel’s piece, left) benefiting First Coast No More Homeless Pets and the Wounded Warrior Project. There’s free Aardwolf beer (wine and liquor also sold), food and surprises, too. Geeks unite. 6-11 p.m. July 12 at The Museum and Gardens, $30 for one, $50 for two in advance; $50 each at the door. Afterparty at Dive Bar, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.
BLACK & WHITE PHOTOJOURNALISM PANEL
RAP LIL’ BOOSIE
Baton Rouge’s Lil’ Boosie (a family nickname) has a rap name to match his rap sheet. Originally arrested for having a few joints on him, he’s since been indicted for first-degree murder (found not guilty, though he did threaten to kill the DA in one of his songs) and attempting to smuggle drugs into prison. According to Boosie, he needed a little escapism at the time. “I’m fighting the death penalty. I need drugs,” he said on the radio show Sway in the Morning. Boosie completed a self-help program while in prison and earned his GED, and became eligible for a shorter sentence. Since his release in May, he’s appeared on a 2 Chainz EP and launched a national tour. And for reasons that surpass understanding, he’s playing the Prime Osborn. 8 p.m. July 12 at Prime Osborn Convention Center, Downtown, $50-$250.
“It was military photographers who took pictures of the atomic bomb testing just as documentation, but someone could put a picture of a mushroom cloud on their wall and say it’s art,” says awardwinning photographer Jon M. Fletcher, a panelist for Black & White, a discussion debating aspects of The New York Times Magazine Photographs exhibit. Is photojournalism merely documentation or is it art? Fletcher debates the topic with a panel that includes Kelly Jordan, USA Today visuals editor, and Paul Karabinis, University of North Florida associate professor of photography. 7 p.m. July 10 at the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville, Downtown, free. Members-only reception at 6 p.m.
LEATHERFACE THE TEXAS CHAIN SAW MASSACRE
Forty years after it took shook theatergoers, The Texas Chain Saw Massacre has spawned several spinoffs and renditions of that chainsawlugging fiend with a face only a family of sadistic backwoods cannibals could love. But there’s only one original, and Sun-Ray Cinema is showing a newly restored version of the bloodcurdling thrasher with Gunnar Hansen, the Leatherface, in attendance. Try some Texas-style barbecue while chewing the fat (and maybe some of the Sawyer clan’s infamous headcheese) with the man who played the monster that changed the face of American horror. 9:30 p.m. July 12 (July 11 screening without Hansen) at Sun-Ray Cinema, 5 Points, $24. 8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
BIG SOUND THE LITTLE BOOKS
Five months after being featured in these pages, Robin Rütenberg will be heating up the summer with the long-anticipated arrival of Bridges and Empires, the debut album by The Little Books, her project with Rick “rickoLus” Colado. The album is already available online, with the official release (on CD and deluxe vinyl) slated for CoRK on Aug. 3, kicking off a mini-tour that covers 13 cities in nine states in its first 14 days, with more dates to be added. You don’t have to wait until then to hear the soft-spoken but passionate Rütenberg, though. The Little Books top a bill with Amythyst Kiah, Cougar Barrel and Nora Thomas 1964. 8:30 p.m. July 11 at Jack Rabbits, San Marco, $8 in advance. (Photo: Mark Pariani Productions)
Greyhound
CelebrATes 100 yeArs on The open roAd! Please join us for a free, family-friendly celebration where you can tour an interactive museum, experience our vintage fleet, play games, win prizes, and much more!
Saturday, July 12, 2014 10 am - 6 pm The Avenues Mall 10300 Southside Blvd. Jacksonville, FL Located in the parking lot outside of Forever 21, off of Southside Boulevard. For more information about the Greyhound 100 Year Mobile Tour, please visit www.greyhound.com/tour or email social.dog@greyhound.com. JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 9
A&E // MUSIC
THE WEIRDEST RAPPER IN THE WORLD
Even at 50, Kool Keith hasn’t changed his sex-crazed, forward-thinking ways — and there’s not a damn thing wrong with that
M
“I went against the fake laws of hip-hop that usic superlatives are almost always said you had to sample a record from the 1960s subjective. But here’s one that’s iron or 1970s,” he says. “I’ll sample Jodeci, Miami proof: Kool Keith is the weirdest rapper on the planet. The man born Keith Thornton 50 bass, trap, jazz, R&B. I can loop anything I want because I don’t have any boundaries in my mind.” years ago in hip-hop’s Bronx-based epicenter possesses an eccentricity that follows the That was clear on 1999’s First Come, First strictures of no trend, belongs to no tribe, and Served, which served as Dr. Dooom’s debut. is transmitted to the world with little precedent. Keith’s new alter ego killed off Dr. Octagon on the album’s first track, then proceeded to rap But to Keith, there’s nothing weird about about cannibalism, rat-infested apartments, and his 30-year career, which began in the ’80s surreal street-level poverty with an authentic with experimental hip-hop pioneers the ferocity lacking in the bombastic rap world. At Ultramagnetic MCs. Nothing weird about the same time, Keith was working with another rapping under a dizzying array of nom de label, Ruffhouse/Columbia, to release Black plumes, include Dr. Octagon, Dr. Dooom, Elvis/Lost In Space. The intergalactic concept Ultra, Black Elvis, Keith Korg and Mr. album was the first for which Keith handled Nogatco. Nothing weird about delusional, 100 percent of production, even though he stream-of-consciousness rhymes exploring says the label tried to undermine that effort at the dark promise of outer space on one album every turn. “The width of and raunchy strip club my writing is so wide and perversions on the next. ranged out, and people Even in the early days, KOOL KEITH love my voice,” Keith says. when the Ultramagnetic with TOUGH JUNKIE and TWINKI “But when labels [were] in MCs made an intelligent, 8 p.m. July 11, Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., control of my music, they positivist impression Downtown, $20-$25, 699-8186, wanted to actually play my on a world increasingly underbellylive.com keyboards for me — really enamored with hardcore control my music. That just gangsta rap, Keith marched hurt ’em, though, because to the beat of his own they couldn’t do nothing about my magic internal drum. “I wasn’t really rushing music,” funky hand. They tried to make me work with Keith says. “I was watching what other people were doing, where a lot of rappers were rhyming producers who wanted to give me sunny bubble berry beats when my emotions were dark.” in people’s faces, like, ‘Yo, hear my rap! Please hear my demo!’ I was always calm, taking my At this point in the interview, specific time with music ... it was a long route.” questions about Kool Keith’s recent predilection for performing under sequined After the group disbanded in the mid-’90s, Keith took a sharp left turn, adopting the persona head scarves and mini-capes, his nonstop flow of sometimes-great and sometimes-terrible Dr. Octagon, a sex-crazed mad scientist, for his material, and his otherworldly, Sun Ra-like first solo project. But it was Keith’s collaboration zaniness started getting deflected in favor of with avant-garde producers like Dan The rambling treatises on funk, soul and his lifelong Automator and DJ Qbert that really set 1996’s Dr. Octagonecologyst apart. “That album had like pursuit of the futuristic. “I have thousands of songs that I listen to and I’m like, ‘I can’t four different dimensions and eight sides,” Keith believe I was so ahead of my time!’” Keith says. said. “It was pop, it was rock, it was even heavy “But I’m still writing current; only a few people metal. It was like Mozart mixed with funk.” made it across that bridge. I’ve always had a That album caught the attention of major vocal cadence that was ahead of time. Time label DreamWorks, which gave Keith a real caught up with me. mainstream break when it reissued Dr. Octagonecologyst in 1996. True to his baffling “So many people lost their funk,” he form, though, Kool Keith veered right for 1997’s continues. “Rap has gotten watered down; Sex Style, a self-described “pornocore” album funk has gotten watered down; R&B has gotten that celebrated the man’s love of all things watered down. Everybody trying to follow carnal while parodying rap’s bombastic visual the blueprint and intentionally break their style (the cover features Keith wearing a pink necks to make pop records. Everybody want fedora and striped Greek briefs alongside a to be like Pharrell and make the next ‘Happy’ scantily clad woman, a motel sign, a Cadillac, when they don’t have that funk, that soul, and and a bottle of champagne). Sex Style and future that rhythm in they bodies. Katy Perry, Miley pornocore releases like Spankmaster went Cyrus, Leann Rimes, Dolly Parton, Rihanna — further than just riffing on sex and featuring they all cool, but they don’t have soul.” barely dressed females in music videos; Keith Nick McGregor actually sampled porno movies for his beats. mail@folioweekly.com
10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
A&E // MUSIC CONCERTS THIS WEEK
LISA & THE MADHATTERS 8 p.m. July 9 at The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, free, 353-1188. MUSIC BY THE SEA: STEAM THE BAND 6 p.m. July 9 at St. Johns County Pier Park, 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine, free, thecivicassociation.org. CHAD SUGG, ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, SUMMIT 8 p.m. July 10 at Jack Rabbits, 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, $8, 398-7496. CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: ANCIENT CITY SLICKERS 7 p.m. July 10 at Plaza de la Constitución, 48 King St., St. Augustine, free. AARON LEWIS 6 p.m. July 11 at Mavericks, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, $25-$35, 356-1110. KOOL KEITH, TOUGH JUNKIE & the FFJBMUSIC TEAM, TWINKI 8 p.m. July 11 at Underbelly, 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, $20$25, 699-8186. THE LITTLE BOOKS, COUGAR BARREL, AMYTHYST KIAH, NORAH THOMAS 8 p.m. July 11 at Jack Rabbits, $8, 398-7496. THE BUNNY THE BEAR, I, OMEGA 8 p.m. July 11 at 1904 Music Hall, 19 N. Ocean St., Downtown, $12, 1904musichall.com. SET IT OFF, OUR LAST NIGHT, HEARTLIST, STAGES & STEREOS 6 p.m. July 11 at Murray Hill Theatre, 932 Edgewood Ave. S., $15, 388-3179. HIGHDRO VEGAS MMJ Rally, 8 p.m. July 11 at Freebird Live, 200 N. First St., Jax Beach, $15, 246-2473. THE NEW LEAVES, A BOTTLE VOLCANIC, BREAD & CIRCUS, KLN, JESSE MONTOYA 8 p.m. July 11, Burro Bar, 113 E. Bay St., $5, 353-6067. PERSONA NON GRATA 8 p.m. July 12 at The Jacksonville Landing, free, 353-1188. CANARY IN THE COALMINE, CHARLIE & THE FOXTROTS, FJORD EXPLORER 8 p.m. July 12, Burro Bar, $6-$8, 353-6067. LIL BOOSIE, WEBBIE 8 p.m. July 12 at Prime Osborn Convention Center, 1000 Water St., Downtown, $50-$250, 630-4000. LEGIT, G MAYN FROST, ASKMEIFICARE, ALCATRAZ, PINKYKILLA, SYLENT VYLENTZ 8 p.m. July 12 at Freebird Live, $8, 246-2473. KALIYL FAREWELL SHOW: KALIYL, SUMERLIN, I ANTHEM 8 p.m. July 12 at Murray Hill Theatre, $8-$10, 388-3179. MISTER PETERSON’S NEIGHBORHOOD 9 p.m. July 12 at 1904 Music Hall, 1904musichall.com. IMMERSION, MY FIRST CIRCUS, SOLOMON’S GHOST, MADHAUS 8 p.m. July 12 at Jack Rabbits, $8, 398-7496. RX BANDITS, THE DEAR HUNTER, FROM INDIAN LAKES 7 p.m. July 13 at Underbelly, $17-$20, 699-8186. TITANICS, DATADIAMOND, WISE RIVER, BAD BLOOD 8 p.m. July 13 at Burro Bar, $6-$8, 353-6067. DANGEROUS IDIOTS, BRENT BYRD 8 p.m. July 14 at Jack Rabbits, $8, 398-7496. JAX JAZZ COLLECTIVE 9 p.m. July 15, Underbelly, 699-8186, underbellylive.com. DAVE MATTHEWS BAND 7 p.m. July 15, Veterans Memorial Arena, 300 Randolph Blvd., Downtown, $38.50-$74, 630-3900. HANDGUNS 7 p.m. July 15, 1904 Music Hall, $10. RAY LAMONTAGNE, JENNY LEWIS, THE BELLE BRIGADE 7:30 p.m. July 15 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, $39.50-$49.50, 355-5661. COTTONTAIL, GUNTHER DOUG, KING DYLAN, JOSHUA ARTHUR TISON 8 p.m. July 15, Burro Bar, burrobarjax.com. MUSIC BY THE SEA: SMOKE ’N MIRRORS 6 p.m. July 16 at St. Johns County Pier Park, free.
UPCOMING CONCERTS
LDJ CLAY, ZUG IZLAND, RAZORZ EDGE July 17, Aqua JOSHUA BOWLUS QUARTET July 17, Mudville Music Room BEACH DAY July 17, Underbelly (N)CEPTION, ALL THINGS DONE, MINOR INFLUENCE, TOM BENNETT BAND July 17, Jack Rabbits CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: RICK LEVY & THE FALLING BONES July 17, Plaza de la Constitución HOLLIDAY FINGERS July 18, The Jacksonville Landing I LIKE I LIKE, SURVIVING SEPTEMBER, FIRE AT PLUTO, URSA MINOR, DEATH IS UPON US July 18, Jack Rabbits CLEAR CONVICTIONS, CONVALESCE July 18, Murray Hill Theatre RITUAL UNION CD Release Party July 18, Deep Search Records SIDEREAL, HOURS EASTLY, CLOUD 9 July 18, Freebird Live W STRANGERS, MIKE ZIECKAS July 18, Burro Bar WHETHERMAN July 18, Underbelly FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE: CHUCK COURTENAY July 18, Mavericks THI’SL, BRINSON, SECKOND CHAYNCE July 19, Murray Hill Theatre GROUNDATION July 19, Freebird Live LARRY MANGUM’S COWBOY ORCHESTRA July 19, Mudville Music Room LAWLESS HEARTS CD RELEASE: CHRYSALIS, GENERATOR, LOSE CONTROL July 19, Jack Rabbits HED PE, EYES SET TO KILL, DECEMBER IN RED July 19, Aqua SURF FEST II: KILL BABY KILL : !, THE MYSTERY MEN?, THE NOVARAYS, MOONBASE, THE SURGE!, TIDAL WAVE, THE CROWKEEPERS July 19, Underbelly THE BLACK CADILLACS, THOMAS WYNN & THE BELIEVERS July 20, Underbelly ALL NEW ATMOSPHERE July 20, Jack Rabbits AMERICAN IDOL LIVE! July 20, St. Augustine Amphitheatre
NSOM, EVICTION, OUTEREDGE, CORRUPTED SAINT July 20, Aqua SUMMERTIME IN THE CITY: SIMPLE COMPLEXITY, THE KATS DOWNSTAIRS, FFJB, DOPE SANDWICH July 20, 1904 Music Hall & Underbelly RADAR VS. WOLF, POETRY & MOTION July 21, Jack Rabbits VIRGIL DONATI, ARTILECT July 22, Murray Hill Theatre THE WOODGRAINS, SCOTT LOW, PIERCE EDENS July 22, Burro Bar MUSIC BY THE SEA: OH NO! July 23, St. Johns County Pier Park EVICTION, 100 WATT VIPERS July 23, Jack Rabbits THE VELDT, CASSIUS CLAYE & THE YOUNGBLOODS, MEMPHIBIANS, HEY MANDIBLE July 23, Burro Bar OPOSSUMHOLLER, POOR RICHARDS, THE SENSES, SNAKE BLOOD REMEDY July 24, Jack Rabbits WALTER PARKS July 24, Mudville Music Room THE CHELSEA SADDLER BAND, SOUL GRAVY, THE WILLOWWACKS, JESSE MONTOYA July 24, Underbelly CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: THE GRAPES OF ROTH July 24, Plaza de la Constitución THE WINTER SOUNDS July 24, Burro Bar JOHN LEGEND, MARSHA AMBROSIUS July 25, St. Augustine Amphitheatre CULTURAL PROFETICA July 25, Freebird Live YING YANG TWINS July 25, Jack Rabbits HANK3 & THE DAMN BAND, A.D.D. July 25, Underbelly TRAVIS DENNING July 25, Mavericks SHAKEN, JOHNNY GREENLIGHT, ALL THINGS DONE, BROOKE LOGAN July 25, Murray Hill Theatre JOHNNYSWIM July 25, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SPANKY THE BAND July 25, The Jacksonville Landing THE WOOLLY BUSHMEN July 26, Underbelly EMMYLOU HARRIS July 26, T-U Center CARRIE UNDERWOOD July 26, EverBank Field SARA BAREILLES July 26, St. Augustine Amphitheatre FALL OUT BOY, NEW POLITICS July 27, St. Aug. Amphitheatre WILSON, HE IS LEGEND, MAYLENE & THE SONS OF DISASTER July 27, Underbelly CRIMSON SHADOWS, BATTLECROSS July 28, 1904 Music Hall SOULSHINE TOUR: MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD, SOJA, BRETT DENNEN, TREVOR HALL July 30, St. Aug. Amphitheatre ABIOTIC, DEVIL IN THE OASIS July 30, Jack Rabbits MUSIC BY THE SEA: JIMMY PARRISH & THE OCEAN WAVES July 30, St. Johns County Pier Park CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: ROB ELLIS PECK & FRIENDS July 31, Plaza de la Constitución GAVIN DEGRAW, MATT NATHANSON July 31, St. Augustine Amphitheatre QUINCY MUMFORD July 31, Jack Rabbits THE LACS Aug. 1, Mavericks THE MUMBLES Aug. 1, Riverside Arts Market & Grape & Grain Exchange DIRTY HEADS, PEPPER, AER Aug. 2, St. Augustine Amphitheatre JAKIEM JOYNER Aug. 2, Ritz Theatre THE EARLY NOVEMBER Aug. 2, Jack Rabbits PARKER URBAN BAND Aug. 2, Mellow Mushroom Avondale FLAME, AUSTIN ADAMEC, SOCIAL CLUB, BRINSON, WORTH ROAD, FIFIELD, GREY FOX, RKITECT, THREE KNIGHTS & A ROSE, AARON RODRIGUEZ, DJ WILL Aug. 2, Murray Hill Theatre MAXWELL Aug. 3, T-U Center FILTER, HELMET, LOCAL H Aug. 5, Underbelly MUSIC BY THE SEA: RICK LEVY & THE FALLING BONES Aug. 6, St. Johns County Pier Park NAVY BAND SOUTHEAST Aug. 6, Clay County Library CRANFORD HOLLOW Aug. 7, Jack Rabbits CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: THE MIKE HART BAND Aug. 7, Plaza de la Constitución ELLIS PAUL, DONNY BRAZILE Aug. 8, Original Café Eleven SEAWAY, STICKUP KID, CANDY HEARTS, DRIVER FRIENDLY Aug. 8, Underbelly
KISHI BASHI Aug. 8, Jack Rabbits ULTIMATE ELVIS BASH Aug. 9, The Florida Theatre JORDAN POOLE, JACOB HUDSON, MICHAEL CRONIN Aug. 9, Murray Hill Theatre CROSBY, STILLS & NASH Aug. 10, St. Augustine Amphitheatre CHINA CAT SUNFLOWER FESTIVAL Aug. 10, Karpeles Museum MINIATURE TIGERS, THE GRISWOLDS, FINISH TICKET Aug. 11, Jack Rabbits BAM MARGERA Aug. 12, Underbelly OUTLINE IN COLOR, INDIRECTIONS, SYCAMOUR, HOLLOWEATH Aug. 12, Jack Rabbits MUSIC BY THE SEA: THE GRAPES OF ROTH Aug. 13, St. Johns County Pier Park ROCK ’N’ BLUES FEST: JOHNNY WINTER BAND, EDGAR WINTER BAND, VANILLA FUDGE, PETER RIVERA (Rare Earth), KIM SIMMONDS (Savoy Brown) Aug. 14, Florida Theatre GLASS CLOUD, SCALE THE SUMMIT Aug. 14, 1904 Music Hall RITTZ Aug. 14, Aqua CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: THE COMPANY Aug. 14, Plaza de la Constitución SLEEPING GIANT, THIS OR THE APOCALYPSE, PHINEAS, THOSE WHO FEAR Aug. 15, Murray Hill Theatre LENNY COOPER Aug. 15, Mavericks PANIC! AT THE DISCO, WALK THE MOON, YOUNGBLOOD HAWKE Aug. 16, St. Augustine Amphitheatre CUM STAIN, POOKIE, TWINKI, RIVERSIDE PARTY GIRLS Aug. 16, Shanghai Nobby’s JAMIE LYNN SPEARS Aug. 16, Mavericks CUM STAIN, POOKIE, TWINKI Aug. 17, Underbelly THE OFFSPRING, BAD RELIGION, PENNYWISE, FEAR Aug. 19, St. Augustine Amphitheatre THE CROCODILES, JAILL Aug. 19, Underbelly MUSIC BY THE SEA: BIG LONESOME Aug. 20, SJC Pier Park CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: THE RICK ARCUSA BAND Aug. 21, Plaza de la Constitución THE FRESH BEAT BAND Aug. 22, St. Augustine Amphitheatre THE BAMA GAMBLERS Aug. 22, Freebird Live PRIMER 55 Aug. 22, Jack Rabbits CASSADEE POPE Aug. 23, Mavericks at the Landing BOB WEIR, RATDOG, CHRIS ROBINSON BROTHERHOOD Aug. 24, St. Augustine Amphitheatre THIS FRONTIER NEEDS HEROES Aug. 24, Mellow Mushroom DOYLE (formerly of The Misfits) Aug. 24, Underbelly
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11
A&E // MUSIC
THE KNIFE
The Mystery Men?
RIDE THE WAVE S urf music is a pick-your-poison genre, split mainly into two camps. You’re either a fan of the Beach Boys/Jan and Dean hot-rod rock, which focused on vocal tunes singing the praises of West Coast surf culture, pretty girls in bikinis and the occasional surf run, or you’re a rabid consumer of the instrumental surf music of The Ventures, Dick Dale and the Del-Tones, Link Wray and the like. Though you might find some crossover in the older fans who grew up in the late ’60s listening to both, modern surf-rock audiences tend to see the divide as incisive. It’s either Twin-Reverb twangy instrumentals (see Dale’s version of “Misirlou”) or it ain’t surf music. These purists have kept the genre alive, while cheesy beach pop died with the era. Excepting the occasional PBS fundraiser, there is little call for original beach-blanket pop. The popularity of authentic surf has waxed and waned over the years, but now there’s a committed post-millennial wave of bands writing and performing original surf rock for an eager generation. Mask-wearing Los Straightjackets and Daikaiju are two notable examples of bands pushing surf music in new directions. And there’s the line-up of the upcoming Jax Surf Fest II to note, comprising original surf bands playing all-original surf music for old and new fans alike. Promoted by Bill Sims, guitarist for Jacksonville-based surf band The Crowkeepers, the annual show is set for 8 p.m. Saturday, July 19 at Underbelly in Downtown Jacksonville. The lineup includes Huntsville’s Kill Baby Kill!, Tallahassee’s The Intoxicators, Atlanta’s The Mystery Men?, The Surge and MOONBASE, Orlando’s The Novarays and Tampa’s The Tide. Kill Baby Kill! is of the hard-edged, quicktempo variety, while The Mystery Men?, also
mask-wearers, play slower, tremolo-soaked melodic surf rock. The Intoxicators, also very tremolo-oriented and speedy, add a bit of funky riffage and time shifts to the traditional framework. In this writer’s not-sohumble opinion, this is the band you should not miss. I mean, the guys wear three-piece suits and play at Tallahassee Roller Girls matches, for crying out loud. “Surf music is so underground, worldwide,” says Sims, “but is going off in a big way around the country. The bands playing Surf Fest II are a reflection of its reach, with several bands composed of 20-year-olds. So many bands these days label themselves as ‘surf.’ At the most, they are surf-influenced. What you will hear at Surf Fest II is real, original surf music in its third wave since the ’60s. I love it because it is so different from anything else going on, and it’s cool.” Sims’ band The Crowkeepers has experienced a recent lineup change, and there was a moment when Sims thought the band wouldn’t be able to play the festival. Then, in came multi-instrumentalist and Jax mainstay Jack Ringca to fill the second guitar spot. The Crowkeepers’ current roster includes bassist Pierre Andre, drummer Kirby Hamilton, Jeremy Nix on organ and trumpet, and Ringca and Sims on guitars. Sims says the band will, with any luck, head into the studio to record a new CD in the very near future.
There’s a committed postmillennial wave of bands performing original surf rock for an eager generation.
12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
John E. Citrone theknife@folioweekly.com
JAX SURF FEST II with KILL BABY KILL!, THE INTOXICATORS, THE MYSTERY MEN? and more 8 p.m. July 19, Underbelly, Downtown, $8, underbellylive.com
MUSIC BY THE SEA: BILLY BUCHANAN & FREE AVENUE Aug. 27, St. Johns County Pier Park SAM HUNT Aug. 28, Mavericks CONCERTS IN THE PLAZA: LONESOME BERT & THE SKINNY LIZARDS Aug. 28, Plaza de la Constitución BLACK KIDS Aug. 29, Underbelly CHARM CITY DEVILS Aug. 30, Jack Rabbits MUSIC BY THE SEA: MID-LIFE CRISIS Sept. 3, SJC Pier Park JEFF LORBER FUSION Sept. 6, Ritz Theatre PSYCHOSTICK, ONE EYED DOLL, WILD THRONE Sept. 6, Aqua THREE DOORS DOWN ACOUSTIC Sept. 7, The Florida Theatre ZZ TOP, JEFF BECK Sept. 7, St. Augustine Amphitheatre MUSIC BY THE SEA: GO GET GONE Sept. 10, SJC Pier Park FORTUNATE YOUTH, THE STEPPAS, ASHES OF BABYLON, EASE UP Sept. 12, Freebird Live JONNIE MORGAN BAND Sept. 12, Jack Rabbits CONNECTION FEST: KERMIT RUFFINS & the BBQ SWINGERS, LESS THAN JAKE, SURFER BLOOD, WHOLE WHEAT BREAD, TREME BRASS BAND, ORQUESTRA EL MACABEO, LA QUILOMBERA, THIS FRONTIER NEEDS HEROES, JACKIE STRANGER, WEEKEND ATLAS, NORTHE, EGO KILLER, JAH ELECT & THE I QUALITY BAND, UNIVERSAL GREEN, ORANGE AIR, ALEXIS RHODE, ASKMEIFICARE, DIRTY AUTOMATIC, WOVEN IN, GARRETT ON ACOUSTIC, TOM BENNETT BAND, MONDO MIKE & THE PO BOYS, ARTILECT, OSCAR MIKE, KANA KIEHM, PARKER URBAN BAND, KNOCK FOR SIX, NEVER ENDING STRUGGLE Sept. 12-14, Downtown Jacksonville 1964: THE TRIBUTE (Beatles tribute) Sept. 13, Florida Theatre J. BOOG Sept. 13, Jack Rabbits SHERYL CROW Sept. 14, The Florida Theatre ASKMEIFICARE, PLANETRAWK, SAMURAI SHOTGUN Sept. 14, Jack Rabbits JOEY CAPE (Lagwagon), CHRIS CRESSWELL (Flatliners), BRIAN WAHLSTROM Sept. 17, Jack Rabbits MUSIC BY THE SEA: NAVY PRIDE Sept. 17, SJC Pier Park PRETTY RECKLESS, ADELITA’S WAY Sept. 18, Freebird Live THE GET RIGHT BAND Sept. 19-20, The White Lion JACK WHITE Sept. 20, Times-Union Center HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS, THE RED JUMPSUIT APPARATUS, NEW EMPIRE, FAMOUS LAST WORDS, THE ONGOING CONCEPT, EVERYBODY RUN Sept. 21, Freebird Live EXPERIENCE HENDRIX Sept. 21, The Florida Theatre MUSIC BY THE SEA: PHOENIX Sept. 24, SJC Pier Park PETER FRAMPTON Sept. 30, The Florida Theatre EUGE GROOVE Oct. 4, Ritz Theatre THE VIBRATORS, POWERBALL Oct. 12, Jack Rabbits CLAUDE BOURBON Oct. 14, Mudville Music Room RINGO STARR & HIS ALL STARR BAND Oct. 18, T-U Center MOTLEY CRUE, ALICE COOPER Oct. 19, Vets Memorial Arena CROWDER, ALL SONS & DAUGHTERS, CAPITAL KINGS Oct. 19, Christ’s Church, Greenland ZIGGY MARLEY Oct. 19, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall LOS LONELY BOYS Oct. 21, The Florida Theatre ANDY McKEE Oct. 23, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall MIKE WATT & IL SOGNO DEL MARINAIO Oct. 23, Jack Rabbits ANJELAH JOHNSON Oct. 24, The Florida Theatre AMON AMARTH, SABATON, SKELETONWITCH Oct. 25, Freebird Live PAUL McCARTNEY Oct. 25, Veterans Memorial Arena DAVID COOK Oct. 31, Jack Rabbits MAYSA Nov. 1, Ritz Theatre SUSAN BOYLE Nov. 6, T-U Center’s Moran Theater CASTING CROWNS Nov. 6, Veterans Memorial Arena MATISYAHU Nov. 12, The Florida Theatre MANNHEIM STEAMROLLER CHRISTMAS Nov. 15, T-U Center AARON CARTER Nov. 25, Jack Rabbits PIERCE PETTIS Dec. 11, Mudville Music Room A PETER WHITE CHRISTMAS: PETER WHITE, RICK BRAUN, MINDI ABAIR Dec. 16, The Florida Theatre JOE BONAMASSA Dec. 17, The Florida Theatre
ARLO GUTHRIE ALICE’S RESTAURANT MASSACREE Jan. 20, The Florida Theatre KATHLEEN MADIGAN Jan. 22, The Florida Theatre ABBA THE CONCERT Jan. 24, The Florida Theatre TIME JUMPERS & VINCE GILL Feb. 7, The Florida Theatre JOHN HAMMOND Feb. 20, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall
CLUBS AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH
DAVID’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 802 Ash St., 310-6049 John Springer every Tue.-Wed. Aaron Bing 6 p.m. every Fri. & Sat. DOG STAR TAVERN, 10 N. Second St., 277-8010 Working Class Stiff 9:30 p.m. every Tue. PALACE SALOON, 117 Centre St., 491-3332 Buck Smith every Tue. THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave., 491-8999 Brent Byrd July 10. DJ Roc every Wed. Honey Badgers every Sat.
ARLINGTON, REGENCY
MVP’S SPORTS GRILLE, 12777 Atlantic Blvd., 221-1090 Live music 9 p.m. every Fri. & Sat.
AVONDALE, ORTEGA
CASBAH CAFE, 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., 387-3582 DJ Keith every Tue. DJ Free every Fri. DJ SuZi-Rok every Mon. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200 Live music every Sat. MOJO NO. 4, 3572 St. Johns Ave., 381-6670 Live music every Fri. & Sat.
BEACHES
(All venues in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted)
200 FIRST STREET, Courtyard, Neptune Beach, 249-2922 Chillakaya July 11. Just Jazz July 12. Live music Fri. & Sat. BILLY’S BOATHOUSE, 2321 Beach Blvd., 241-9771 Jimi Graves 5:30 p.m. July 10. Slickwater 6 p.m. July 11. Billy Bowers noon July 13. Open mic 5:30 p.m. every Wed. Live music every Thur.-Sun. CANTINA MAYA, 1021 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 2473227 Live music July 11 CASA MARINA HOTEL, 691 First St. N., 270-0025 Charlie Walker 2 p.m. July 13 CULHANE’S IRISH PUB, 967 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-9595 Irish music at 6:30 p.m. every Sun. FLYING IGUANA, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 8535680 Live music July 11 & 12. Red Beard & Stinky E at 10 p.m. every Thur. FLY’S TIE IRISH PUB, 177 E. Sailfish Dr., Atlantic Beach, 246-4293 The Accomplices 10 p.m. July 11. Wes Cobb every Thur. Charlie Walker every Mon. FREEBIRD LIVE, 200 N. First St., 246-2473 Highdro Vegas for MMJ Rally, 8 p.m. July 11. Legit, G Mayn Frost, Askmeificare, Alcatraz, Pinkykilla, Sylent Vylentz 8 p.m. July 12. Sidereal, Hours Eastly, Cloud 9, Resinated 8 p.m. July 18 JAXON SOCIAL, 1161 Beach Blvd., 595-5660 Live music at 9 p.m. every Sat. LANDSHARK CAFE, 1728 Third St. N., 246-6024 Husky Burnette 1 p.m. July 10 & 5 p.m. July 12. Open mic every Wed. Matt Still 1-4 p.m. every Sun. LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 N. First St., 249-5181 Live music 10 p.m. July 11 & 12. Barrett Jockers every Wed. Split Tone every Thur. Dirty Pete every Sun. Be Easy every Mon. Ryan Campbell every Tue. MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1018 N. Third St., 246-1500 Ryan Crary July 9. Barrett Jockers July 11. Spade McQuade July 12
WELCOME
TO WHEREVER YOU ARE I’m probably the last person who should be helming this Field Guide. After all, I’m a total noob — I moved up here in December, work about a billion hours a week, and haven’t explored nearly as much as I’d like to, much less satisfactorily captured the id of Northeast Florida. And yet. In the seven months since I arrived, I’ve been nearly overwhelmed by all that’s here: the parks and beaches and bars and restaurants and festivals and sports and all manner of events — in short, if you’re bored, you’re not trying very hard. What we’ve set out to do in these pages is provide you with an insider’s guide to Northeast Florida: suggestions for places to eat and drink and shop and play — which are, I should note, by no means comprehensive; see our Bite-by-Bite by Cuisine issue on Aug. 6 for a full listing of area restaurants, as well as our forthcoming Drink issue in December — along with short pieces on our many eclectic and diverse cities and neighborhoods by the writers who know them best. You’ll also find lists of museums and galleries, theater groups and parks, sports teams and music venues — basically, everything you need to know. I hope you’ll find it as useful and entertaining as I have. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a to-do list to make. — Jeffrey C. Billman FG2 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
Table of CONTENTS THE ESSENTIALS 3 4 5 6 7 7 8 8
Timeline Music Events/Festivals Parks Farmers Markets Community Gardens Museums and Galleries Sports
THE HOODS
10 5 Points/Riverside/ Avondale 12 Arlington/ ICW 12 Beaches 14 Downtown 16 Fernandina Beach/ Amelia Island 16 Orange Park/ Fleming Island 18 Ponte Vedra/ Palm Valley 18 San Marco/ St. Nicholas 20 St. Augustine 20 Southside 22 Springfield/Northside 22 Westside/Ortega/ Murray Hill
All Photos by Dennis Ho
Present Day: Utopia achieved! Clean beaches, clean rivers, safe streets, pension crisis solved, jet packs and flying cars right around the corner, the Jaguars – powered by their new massive scoreboards – widely expected to bring home the Lombardi Trophy. All is well with our soul.
2013: Progress: Duval County Public Schools votes to rename Nathan B. Forrest High School.
1987: Folio Weekly is
1988: The city passes
born. This is by far the most important event in the region’s history.
an anti-odor ordinance. The stink goes away. Now we’re good to the last sniff.
1995: Jacksonville gets an NFL franchise, making our lives complete.
2000
2012: Regress: The City Council rejects a bill to extend antidiscrimination protections to gays and lesbians.
1980: Because of the stink from the paper mills and a sewage treatment facility, Jacksonville has earned the nickname “the armpit of Florida.”
1963: Dr. Robert B. Hayling founds the St. Augustine Movement, which will play an important role in getting the Civil Rights Act passed. In response to protestors, the next year a white motel owner pours acid into a pool where black people are swimming.
1964: The Beatles play the Gator Bowl one day after Hurricane Dora struck the coast. The Times-Union reports that “Except for one near-riot about 7 p.m. … there were no incidents.”
2005: Jacksonville hosts the Super Bowl, has not shut up about it since.
1968: After Congress passes the Voting Rights Act, the city of Jacksonville consolidates with Duval County, helping whites stay in power. Not that we’re saying these events were related.
1977: To prove that Jacksonville is no
1950
1908: Jacksonville becomes the Southern epicenter of the film industry, until our moral crusaders run them out.
2011: Progress: Jacksonville elects its first black mayor.
1973: Lynyrd Skynyrd releases Lynyrd Skynyrd. Millions of rednecks burn their thumbs holding up lighters during “Free Bird.”
longer the “cesspool of Florida,” as a state official once called it, Mayor Hans Tanzler skis on the St. Johns.
1956: Elvis performs at The Florida Theatre. A judge monitored the concert to ensure his pelvic gyrations were not “too suggestive.” 1940: Jacksonville adds three naval bases in a decade, expanding our industry base beyond insurance. 1901: A fire destroys 146 city blocks. Work begins
1901 1900
1900: Ostrich farms, where the flightless birds are ridden like horses, are all the rage in Northeast Florida. Then we figure out that ostriches are nasty buggers.
immediately to rebuild the paradise we know today.
1865: After the Civil War, Jacksonville becomes a winter tourism resort for smug Yankees and carpetbagger shysters. Aside from the yellow fever epidemic, things go swimmingly. 1821: Florida becomes a U.S. territory, and
1800
Jacksonville gets its name from its provisional governor, Andrew Jackson. Even though he was never a resident. Or even set foot within city limits.
1513: The Spanish are coming! Ponce de Leon arrives, somewhere, maybe St. Augustine — yeah, let’s call it St. Augustine. The Chamber of Commerce likes that.
1500
1700
1600
1763-’84: The Brits take over. They name us Cowford, so, uh, thanks for that.
1539-1763: Spanish explorers arrive en masse. (Bad news for the Indians.) Also, wars and disease and French people and stuff.
10,000 BCE: PaleoIndians move to Florida. The first artifacts placing Timucuan Indians on the First Coast date to 2,500 BCE.
KNOW YOUR LOCAL HISTORY! WORDS BY Jeffrey C. Billman and Shan Stumpf
ILLUSTRATIONS BY Shan Stumpf
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG3
SOUND CHECK/
From velvet-lined seats in marbled halls to dive bar floors that stink and stick with sweat and booze, our little music hub is totally underrated, and has one big thing going for it: great stages. Here’s the skinny on some of Northeast Florida’s best music stops.
1904 MUSIC HALL 19 N. Ocean St., Downtown, 1904musichall.com Telltale bookings: Rev Theory, Saving Abel, The Fritz Beer: Large selection of beer and wine. Sound: Great. The venue’s invested in a solid PA system and (more important) a sound guy who gives a damn. Sightlines: Good. The stage is tall, so you get a good view of the band wherever you’re standing. The Regulars: Definitely a younger crowd. Notes: This intimately sized venue books big talent and fills fast, so be prepared to pack in tight and sweat from places you didn’t know you could.
Larson ez n a h t a Jon ro Rodrigu cs by i r y L & lejand usic Book, M oreographed by A ey & Ch Jay Iv 9, 23, 24, Directed y b 1 n irectio July 18, 6, 30, 31, Music D age 25, 2 , 7, 8, & 9 ainst On our M 1, 2 August in: 8:00pm ay Curta d r u t a S 00 day Wednes dmission: $28./2 price tickedtsStautdtehnet ID A :1 ali Generalurs. are Student Nights door with v Th Weds. & esea.org North, h t y b s r ye eet www.pla 106 6th Stearch, FL 32250 89 Jacksonville B ent2014 2 0 . 9 4 2 904. #jaxforr Twitter ebook | s on Fac
s Follow u
on
Like u
BURRO BAR 100 E. Adams St., Downtown, 353-4686, burrobarjax.com Telltale bookings: Leverage Models, Diarrhea Planet, Glitterpiss Beer: Fresh from the can. Sound: Surprisingly good. Sightlines: If the average turnout was more than 15 to 20 people, it might be an issue. As is, there’s plenty of room to stand like strangers in an elevator. The Regulars: Young adults looking to stake listenership to a band before it blows up. Notes: It’s a neat little venue that books a very mixed bag of artists each week at a very low door charge (usually $5). The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed.
FREEBIRD LIVE 200 N. First St., Jacksonville Beach, 246-2473, freebirdlive.com Telltale bookings: Against Me!, Reel Big Fish, Underoath, The Supervillains Beer: Head upstairs. Sound: Very good. Sightlines: When the bottom floor fills up, it can be difficult to see the stage. There’s a balcony on the second floor that offers a great view, but you’ve got to show up early to claim that real estate. The Regulars: Younger crowd, depending on the act. Notes: This venue books a great mix of local and “big ticket” touring acts. It’s right on top of the beach but there’s no re-entry, so no hopping in the surf between sets.
JACK RABBITS 1528 Hendricks Ave., San Marco, 398-7496, jaxlive.com Telltale bookings: Aaron Carter, Ying Yang Twins, The Vibrators, The Dead Kennedys Beer: Beer and Wine. Sound: Sufficiently loud. Sightlines: The stage is tall, but also very small. There are poles and sound equipment that can hinder a view FG4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
of the band, depending on where you’re standing. The Regulars: Inked-up kids. Notes: If you can locate the joint, which is hidden behind a simple door in the wall, this venue features a great mix of local and touring talent with a typically low $10 door charge.
MURRAY HILL THEATRE 932 Edgewood Ave. S., Murray Hill, 388-3179, murrayhilltheatre.com Telltale bookings: Animals as Leaders, RED, Sent by Ravens Beer: No alcohol here, but they’ve got a café inside that serves about everything else. Sound: Great. Very professional sound system. Sightlines: Big stage with a show floor that slopes up, so you can mostly see from wherever you stand. Plenty of seating and stuff to lean against. The Regulars: Primarily teenagers and some young adults with an affinity for loud, aggressive music (probably a redundant statement). Notes: This all-ages nonprofit venue caters to the Christian modern music scene with a friendly, accessible staff, and regularly books a great mix of talent.
PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL 1050 A1A N., Ponte Vedra Beach, 209-0399, pvconcerthall.com Telltale bookings: Boston, The Zombies, Tegan and Sara Beer: Sure, if you tire of wine and liquor. Sound: Excellent, regardless of seat. The natural acoustics of the hall sound great; the place was built with music in mind. Sightlines: Assigned seats are strictly enforced, and the floor isn’t staggered by height. It can be difficult to see from the back few rows. The Regulars: The talent booked here often caters to an older, more affluent audience, but they do offer shows for those crazy kids, too (see Tegan and Sara). Notes: The venue’s staff can be strict, but they maintain a quality of sound inside the hall that is absolutely worth it.
ST. AUGUSTINE AMPHITHEATRE 1340C A1A, St. Augustine, 209-3759, sstaugamp.sjcvenues.com Telltale bookings: Fall Out Boy, Weezer, Kings of Leon, Switchfoot Beer: Yes. Sound: Great. Sightlines: Not a bad seat in the house. The Regulars: The big-ticket shows usually attract people from nearby cities. Notes: With beaches, parks and the old fort nearby, this outdoor venue is a great way to cap off a day trip to
The Ancient City.
SEAWALK PAVILION 75 N. First St., Jacksonville Beach, 247-6268, jacksonvillebeach.org Telltale booking: Selwyn Birchwood Beer: Hunt down the nearest trailer with a tap. Sound: For an outdoor venue, pretty good. Sightlines: If you pay extra for premium seating, great. Otherwise the public area feels removed. The Regulars: Just beach folk passing through. Notes: The festivals are usually free, and it’s hard to complain about the sound when you’re a few yards from the ocean.
THE FLORIDA THEATRE 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, 355-5661, floridatheatre.com Telltale bookings: John Legend, Queens of the Stone Age, Bill Maher, Merle Haggard Beer: Yep. Wine and some booze, too. Sound: Great. Sightlines: It’s a seated theater, so if the person in front of you stands, you’re staring at thighs. The regulars: Varies, depending on the artist. Notes: If it sells, it books; this scenic, historic venue hosts anything from orchestral music to thrashy stoner rock to The Wiggles.
THE T-U CENTER’S MORAN THEATER 300 W. Water St., Downtown, 633-6110, jaxevents.com Telltale bookings: Jack White, Ringo Starr Beer: Yes. Sound: Very good. Sightlines: Good. Standard theater seating gives a great view from most seats in the house. The Regulars: Young professionals and families. Most events here make a great night out. Notes: It’s interesting to see more music artists take the stage at this primarily performance arts venue.
UNDERBELLY 113 E. Bay St., Downtown, 699-8186, underbellylive.com Telltale bookings: SUNBEARS!, Brian Johnson (of AC/DC), David Dondero Beer: Suck back 25-cent PBRs on Tuesdays. Sound: Good, solid PA system that’s very accommodating for rock bands. Sightlines: The stage height is short, so show up early for a good spot. The Regulars: The bands and bar atmosphere attract young to middle-aged adults. Notes: There’s always something going on here, and shows can run late into the evening.
FESTIVALS/EVENTS GREATER JACKSONVILLE KINGFISH TOURNAMENT
GATE RIVER RUN March 14, start line on Gator Bowl Boulevard, finish line on Duval Street near EverBank Field, gate-riverrun.com.
RHYTHM & RIBS FESTIVAL
July 21-26 at Jim King Park & Boat Ramp, Sisters Creek, 8203 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, kingfishtournament.com.
Usually held the first weekend in April at Francis Field in St. Augustine, rhythmandribs.net.
GREAT SOUTHERN TAILGATE COOKOFF
ONE SPARK
Aug. 22 & 23 at Main Beach Access, South Fletcher Avenue and Atlantic Avenue, Fernandina Beach, gstailgatecookoff.com.
Usuallt the second weekend in April, Downtown, beonespark.com.
CONNECTION FESTIVAL
April 10-12, at SeaWalk Pavilion, Jax Beach, springingtheblues.com.
Sept. 12-14 at multiple stages and venues, Downtown Jacksonville, facebook.com/connectionfestjax/info.
SPRINGING THE BLUES
KATIE RIDE FOR LIFE
FLORIDA HERITAGE BOOK FESTIVAL & WRITERS CONFERENCE
April 18, at Atlantic Recreation Center, 2500 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach, katierideforlife.org.
Sept. 25-27 at Ringhaver Student Center, Flagler College, 50 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, fhbookfest.org.
BUTTERFLY FESTIVAL
SPOOKTACULAR
Usually held in late April at Tree Hill Nature Center, 7152 Lone Star Road, Arlington, treehill.org.
Late October at Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens, 370 Zoo Parkway, spooktacular.jacksonvillezoo.org/index.html.
WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE
Nov. 1 at EverBank Field, Downtown.
Rock festival usually held the last weekend of April at Metropolitan Park, Downtown, welcometorockvillefestival.com.
EMPTY BOWLS
SHRIMP FESTIVAL
FLORIDA-GEORGIA GAME
Luncheon held in November for the Food Bank of North Florida at Prime Osborn Convention Center, Downtown, wenourishhope.org.
The annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival is May 1-3, along Centre Street and the bayfront in Fernandina Beach, shrimpfestival.com.
BIG TICKET FESTIVAL
PLAYERS CHAMPIONSHIP
Expected to return in early December to Metropolitan Park.
May 7-10, at TPC Sawgrass Players Stadium Course in Ponte Vedra Beach, pgatour.com.
TAXSLAYER BOWL
COUNTRY SUPERFEST
Formerly known as the Gator Bowl, Jan. 2 at EverBank Field, taxslayerbowl.com.
Expected to return in June 2015 to EverBank Field.
26.2 WITH DONNA
June 22, Downtown.
GO SKATEBOARDING DAY
Feb. 15, with the start line at ATP Tour Boulevard and the finish line at Mayo Clinic, breastcancermarathon.com.
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG5
THE GREEN SCENE/ Weary of the loud, sloshy bar-and-club scene? Fed up with spending your hard-earned cash on nice dinners, blockbuster films, theater openings and hoity-toity museum tours? Great! Have we got a solution for you: parks-a-gazillion! Northeast Florida has a lot of parks, most of them free, most with amenities to make you smile. Get out in the sunshine and relax. You’re welcome.
A. PHILIP RANDOLPH HERITAGE PARK (1096 Randolph Blvd., Downtown) Picnic tables, playground equipment and a life-size bronze statue of Olympic Gold Medalist and Dallas Cowboy star Bob Hayes, who grew up less than a mile away.
ALPINE GROVES PARK (2060 S.R. 13, St. Johns) Canopy oaks, wildlife and birds are featured in the 54.5-acre park, home to a historic farmhouse and a shed, circa 1900, hiking trails, a river boardwalk, fishing and visitors’ center.
AMELIA ISLAND STATE PARK (12157 Heckscher Dr.) More than 200 acres of undeveloped sea island with beaches, salt marshes and coastal maritime forests. Fish, hike, sunbathe, birdwatch and ride horses; BYOH, y’all.
ANASTASIA STATE PARK (1340 A1A S., St. Augustine Beach) A bird sanctuary and natural preserve with coastal camping, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, hiking, biking, sailboarding, canoeing, fishing and boating.
BARNEY BROWNING PARK (6014 Norwood Ave., Northside) Browning Park offers a lighted basketball court, lighted softball diamond, grills, tables and playground equipment. It was named for a Northside business and community leader.
BLACK CREEK PARK & TRAIL (7890 U.S. 17, Fleming Island) These 15 acres are the staging area for the 8-mile bicycle/pedestrian trail between Green Cove and Orange Park.
BLACK CREEK RAVINES (5645 Green Rd., Middleburg) At the 973-acre resource-based park along Black Creek’s south bank, you can ride horses (BYOH here, too), hike, fish, boat and canoe.
BULL MEMORIAL PARK (716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach) Across from Adele Grage Cultural Center, there are tennis court, a full playground, picnic area, amphitheater area and restrooms.
CASTAWAY ISLAND PRESERVE (2921 San Pablo Rd. S., Intracoastal West) Its 235 acres encompass a canoe/kayak launch site, paved trails, a wildlife observation post, grills, tables and security lighting. Which is odd because it closes at dusk.
CEMETERY PARK
DAVID WAYNE PACK PARK (4871 Ocean St., Mayport Village) This little spot honors the late David Pack, a Mayport community advocate. It has a lighted basketball court, grills, a picnic pavilion and playground stuff.
ED AUSTIN REGIONAL PARK (11751 McCormick Rd., Arlington) There’s an 18-hole flying-disc golf course, basketball courts, baseball, softball and soccer fields in 140 acres.
FAVER-DYKES STATE PARK (100 Faver-Dykes Rd., St. Augustine) An aquatic preserve featuring a state canoe trail. More than 1,000 acres along Pellicer Creek for camping, fishing, picnics, birding, hiking and nature walks. Open daily from 8 a.m.-sunset.
(4000 Liberty St. N., Northside) Between Springfield and Panama Park, this little spot was deeded from Evergreen Cemetery to the city in 1921. It’s a quiet place amid the business bustle of Main Street. No noisy neighbors, ya know?
FERNANDINA BEACH SKATE PARK
CHARLES BOOBIE CLARK PARK & POOL
(Yukon Street off Park Street, Northside) Boasting a massive playground, a baseball diamond, basketball courts, all-purpose fields and a wetlands preservation project.
(8793 Sibbald Rd., Northside) Stanton grad and Bethune-Cookman FG6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
standout, the late Boobie Clark played pro football for the Cincinnati Bengals from 1972-’82. The community center and park honoring him has ball fields, a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, bleachers, concession stand, playground stuff and bathrooms on precisely 8.87899971008301 acres.
(25 Tarpon St.) Ramps and obstacles for skateboarders, inline skaters and bicyclists; 3-5 p.m. Mon.-Fri.; health waiver required.
FISHWEIR PARK
FORT CLINCH STATE PARK (2601 Atlantic Ave., Fernandina Beach) A restored Civil War fort has a visitor’s center, beaches, bathhouses, guided nature walks, campsites, mountain bike trails, ocean fishing pier, concessions and a gift shop. Because you don’t have enough useless crap on your shelves.
GUANA TOLOMATO MATANZAS NATIONAL ESTUARINE RESEARCH RESERVE (505 Guana River Rd., South Ponte Vedra) We just like to say the name; rolls right off the tongue, doesn’t it? Guana has 73,352 acres of freshwater and saltwater fishing, boating on the Guana and Tolomato rivers, nature study, ocean swimming and surfing, birding, hiking and mountain biking. The Environmental Education Center is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
GEORGE CRADY BRIDGE FISHING PIER STATE PARK (12157 Heckscher Dr., Northside) The mile-long, pedestrian-only fishing bridge spanning Nassau Sound is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Main access is on the north end through Amelia Island State Park.
HISTORIC KINGS ROAD PARK (1972 Kings Ave., San Marco) This wedge-shaped park was part of the 1918 plat of Fletcher Park, originally called Fulton Park, after Robert Fulton, who invented the steamship. Pure folly.
HUGUENOT MEMORIAL PARK (10980 Heckscher Dr., Northside)
You can drive on the beach here, 15 mph tops, 5 mph on the sand. Nearly 295 oceanfront acres for surfing, sailboarding, swimming, fishing, picnicking, wildlife observation, playgrounds, tent and RV camping. 8 a.m.-8 p.m. through October; $1 admission. Drive on the beach!
J. GARDNER NIP SAMS MEMORIAL PARK (6602 Richardson Rd., Northside) With 14-plus acres, Nip Sams has a lighted baseball field, softball field, lighted tennis hard court, bike racks, grills, picnic shelters and a prototype restroom with four unisex ADA toilets.
JACK RUSSELL PARK (800 Seminole Rd., Atlantic Beach) Home to Oceanside Rotary Skate Park, there’s also baseball and soccer fields, tennis and racquetball courts, basketball and volleyball courts, and a playground. And it’s extremely well lit, even late at night, much to the dismay of nearby residents.
JACKSONVILLE/BALDWIN RAIL-TRAIL (2 Imeson Rd., Northside) This serene 14.5-mile trail (converted from abandoned rail tracks) is perfect for biking, hiking, in-line skating and running.
KATHRYN ABBEY HANNA PARK (500 Wonderwood Rd., Jacksonville) The 447-acre oceanfront park, off Mayport Road, has a 1.5-mile beach, woods with off-road biking trails, campsites, laundry and shower facilities, picnic areas with grills, 60 acres of freshwater lakes and a
kids’ water park.
MIKE ROESS GOLD HEAD BRANCH STATE PARK (6239 S.R. 21, Keystone Heights) A 2,000-plus-acre park with camping, picnicking, swimming, fishing, nature trails, canoeing and lakefront cabins.
PECK RECREATION CENTER & PARK (Elm Street, Fernandina Beach) More than a century-old former schoolhouse has a gym, weight room, outdoor field, volleyball and basketball courts, aerobics room, computer lab, library, auditorium and reception room.
O.P. SKATE PARK (1006 Fromhart St., Orange Park) The free skate park for skaters of all ages and abilities is open every day. Helmet and notarized waiver required. Skateboards and in-line skates allowed.
FARMERS MARKETS BEACHES GREEN MARKET Jarboe Park, A1A and Florida Boulevard, Neptune Beach, beacheslocalfoodnetwork.org 2-5 p.m. every Sat. Fresh-picked mostly local and regional organic produce, grass-fed beef and goat and cow cheeses, as well as crafts and a children’s garden.
FERNANDINA BEACH MARKET PLACE Seventh Street North, fernandinabeachmarketplace.com 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Sat. A growers’ market, with farm-direct organic fruits and vegetables, goat and cow cheeses, honey, and natural lamb and goat meat, as well as demonstrations and workshops.
JACKSONVILLE FARMERS MARKET 1810 W. Beaver St., jaxfarmersmarket.com Open daily from pre-dawn to dusk, Florida’s oldest farmers market (since 1938) is also the biggest in town. A good source for hard-to-find Asian and Caribbean produce. Not primarily organic, but great deals can be found.
THE JACKSONVILLE LANDING MARKET 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, jacksonvillelanding.com 10 a.m.-2 p.m. every Fri. Local produce, flowers, crafts, jewelry and live entertainment are featured.
RONNIE VAN ZANT PARK & PLAYGROUND (2760 Sandridge Rd., Green Cove Springs) This 85-acre park has a playground, pavilions with picnic areas, softball and soccer fields, tennis courts, nature trails and a fishing pond with piers. ’Cause Ronnie loved to fish.
SOLOMON CALHOUN COMMUNITY CENTER & SWIMMING POOL
and hiking trails.
TILLIE K. FOWLER REGIONAL PARK (7000 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside) The 509-acre park named for the beloved congresswoman has nature and hiking trails, off-road biking, wildlife watchtower, outdoor classroom and nature center, library and an archery range.
TREE HILL NATURE CENTER
(1300 Duval St., St. Augustine) The 24,000-square-foot community center is located in the heart of West Augustine and includes a full-size gymnasium, swimming pool and splash park.
(7152 Lone Star Rd., Arlington) The 50-acre nature center has freshwater streams, gardens, nature trails, an amphitheater and exhibits. And the awesome annual Butterfly Festival!
TALBOT ISLANDS STATE PARK
WINGATE PARK/PAWS DOG PARK
(12157 Heckscher Dr., Northside) These beautiful oceanfront parks, Little and Big Talbot, are great for surfing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, camping, picnicking, hiking and fishing. Or just chillin’. Big T has canoe launch spots, fishing, boat ramps
(South Penman Road, Jax Beach) Wingate is 16 acres of ball fields – soft, foot, base, Tee – and a picnic area. Paws is an off-leash park for dogs and their responsible humans.
OLD CITY FARMERS MARKET
BEACHES ORGANIC COMMUNITY GARDEN
St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1304 A1A S., staugustinefm.com 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Sat. Freshly picked vegetables and fruits, home-baked breads, flowers, crafts, live music and eats. Free admission.
Beaches Green Market, Jarboe Park, Neptune Beach, beacheslocalfoodnetwork.org For $10 a month and three hours a month of volunteer time, gardeners are provided with a plot, water, soil, liability insurance and a basic introduction to organic gardening.
RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET 715 Riverside Ave., riversideartsmarket.com 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat., March to December. On the Riverwalk under the Fuller Warren Bridge. Local organic produce, breads, cheeses, local art, roving entertainers and live music by area artists.
THE WEDNESDAY MARKET 350 A1A Beach Blvd., St. Augustine Beach, thewednesdaymarket.com 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m. every Wed. in the Pier Parking Lot. Organic and conventionally grown produce, crafts and snacks.
COMMUNITY GARDENS ARLINGTON COMMUNITY GARDEN Tree Hill Nature Center, arlingtoncommunitygarden.org Founded by the Unitarian Universalist Church to improve the resiliency of the area by growing fresh, organic produce for local food pantries.
CITY SPROUT/LINCOLNVILLE COMMUNITY GARDEN 399 Riberia St., St. Augustine, citysprout.org Community memberships are offered in either an affiliate membership ($10/year) or a garden box membership ($50/year). Meetings are 8:45 a.m. most Sundays.
FRIENDS OF NORTHEAST FLORIDA COMMUNITY GARDENS fnfcg.org This source for information on community gardens, classes, seed swaps, and a Northeast Florida Community Gardening Conference can help those interested find a community garden in their area.
LAURA STREET GARDEN 1425 Laura St., Springfield, sustainablespringfield.net Sustainable Springfield’s garden membership offers a plot, water, soil, seeds, monthly workshops, membership in the Community Orchard and access to the communal grapes in the back of the garden for a $60 membership fee. JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG7
THE EXHIBITIONISTS From museums featuring the contemporary and the ancient to local artists pushing the limits of the area’s comfort zone, it’s fair to call Northeast Florida’s scene burgeoning. We’re growing up. This city’s not as sensitive as it was 20 years ago or even five, and artists have played a vital role in that change.
BIG BALLERS Northeast Florida loves it some sportsball. Here’s a rundown of our pro teams, from the minor leagues to the NFL JAGUARS National Football League Playing September-January (February in your wildest dreams) EverBank Field (1 EverBank Field Drive, Downtown) Tickets: Starting at $45., 633-2000, jaguars.com
SUNS Double-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins Playing April-September Bragan Field, the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville (301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.) Tickets: Starting at $7.50. 358-2846 (then press 3), jaxsuns.com
SHARKS Arena Football League Playing March-July Sea Best Field, Veterans Memorial Arena (300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.) Tickets: Starting at $12. 621-0700, jaxsharks.com
GIANTS American Basketball Association Playing November-March Home games played at Veterans Memorial Arena, UNF Arena and Bob Hayes Sports Complex Legends Center Tickets: Starting at $8., 355-6531, jacksonvillegiants.com
ARMADA CoRK ARTS DISTRICT Free, 2689 Rosselle St., Riverside, facebook.com/Corkartsdistrict As the epicenter of Northeast Florida’s creative talent, the district has long been a badge of pride for the city: We (finally) have an arts district! (Eventually, we dropped the exclamation point.) This Riverside neighborhood includes the east, north and west galleries of CoRK (corner of Rosselle and King streets) as well as King Street Studios and MetaCusp Studios. It’s both a venue and a loose collective with a diverse membership – painters, sculptors, glass artists, photographers, performance artists, writers and more. Some of the talent have moved on (Shaun Thurston to name one). Even so, there are more than 60 artists, and the roster goes deep: Jim Draper, Overstreet Ducasse, Doug Eng, Crystal Floyd, Liz Gibson, Al Letson, Morrison Pierce, Chip Southworth, Sharla Valeski, Jeff Whipple, Tony Wood. From local bands gigging to oyster roasts to July 12’s Summer Splash (starving artists in a tiny pool, they’ve billed it), CoRK still has it going on three years in. It’s not an unknown anymore; it’s a known known, and the spirit of the scene.
CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Free (closed for summer), 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu/crispellert Under the leadership of museum director Julie Dickover, CEAM has proved an underappreciated jewel in St. Augustine’s arts community, routinely exhibiting contemporary artists known nationally, as well as regional talent. It also gives Flagler College’s talented artists the chance to see their work in that setting. The 1,400-square-foot museum, donated to the college after artist JoAnn Crisp-Ellert’s death in 2007, remains an important cultural resource for students and St. Augustine residents alike.
CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS $10 for adults ($6 for seniors, military and students), 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside, cummer.org The Cummer’s permanent collection boasts pieces by Bernini, Pissarro and Rodin, among other legends. But it’s those serene gardens, renovated last year to truly maximize the museum’s location on Jacksonville’s riverfront, FG8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
that are the museum’s most talked-about treasure. In addition to the Olmsted Garden renovation, opening the sculpture garden with St. Augustine’s own Enzo Torcoletti’s The Human Figure exhibit (on display through Oct. 19) proved a crowd-pleaser. But no cheering in the museum. The permanent collection runs the gamut with ancient, medieval and Renaissance pieces in addition to American art from the 18th century to today. You’ll need several visits to truly see – and appreciate – it all.
FLORIDA MINING GALLERY Free, 5300 Shad Road, Southside, floridamininggallery.com To know Florida Mining Gallery, you must know owner Steve Williams. He’s an artist, curator, patron and social media beast. For many, he’s the face of arts in Jacksonville. FMG’s last two exhibits, Diogenes the Dog and Ryan Rummel and Awful & Others, demonstrated his gallery’s commitment to promote emerging and mid-career artists and Williams’ mission to fan the flames of the city’s vibrant arts community. He and his gallery will continue to sustain artists, helping them find their audience, for years to come.
J. JOHNSON GALLERY Free (closed for summer), 177 Fourth Ave. N., Jax Beach, jjohnsongallery.com Its reputation as the most beautiful gallery in Northeast Florida is well-earned – with stunning Spanish Renaissance Revival architecture and a prime location in Jacksonville Beach – but J. Johnson Gallery is more than a pretty face. Over more than a decade, the gallery has exhibited paintings, photographs and sculpture with a focus on contemporary and modern art, especially by Latin American and Caribbean artists. Owned by a Johnson & Johnson heir, the gallery is open, yet intimate. It serves the wine-and-cheese art collectors quite well, and the rest of us are also welcome to come in and dream.
MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE $8 for adults ($5 for seniors, military and students), 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, mocajacksonville.org.
A strong voice in the contemporary art world that’s gaining a national reputation, especially for its Andy Warhol Foundation-supported Project Atrium, MOCA has the resources and brain trust to excel across the spectrum. The New York Times Magazine Photographs exhibit, on display through Aug. 24, demonstrates its ability to reach a populist audience, while the upcoming Get Real: New American Painting will bring some of the country’s best realist artists to Downtown. That’s one of MOCA’s strongest selling points: These artists are living, still producing their best work, and many appear here so area art lovers can meet-and-greet them at member previews. During the Get Real exhibit, University of North Florida assistant professor Jason John, who’s gaining a national following for his hyperrealist pieces, will work out of a studio space on the third floor so that museum visitors may observe his methods. All that, and Café Nola is one of the best places to eat Downtown. Doesn’t really seem fair.
SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY Free, 201 N. Hogan St., Ste. 100, Downtown, southlightgallery.com Southlight continues to thrive despite three moves in five years and the still-unsolved burglary in March of two Enzo Torcoletti sculptures. That’s a credit not only to the 24 member artists but to Downtown Vision’s Off The Grid program for galleries, says artist-in-residence Pam Zambetti. The new location on Hogan is less than half the size of the previous site in the Dyal-Upchurch Building on Bay Street, but it’s near Hemming Plaza and on street level, which has led to an increase in visitor traffic. Southlight’s exhibits often include two- and three-dimensional painting, mixed-media works, photography and sculpture by emerging artists and its members, more than two-thirds of whom have 30 years of creative experience. Gallery membership includes Torcoletti, Paul Karabinis, Gary McElwee, Craig Monroe and Michael Dunlap, the gallery director. The second of three summer guest exhibits, Members’ Choice, continues through July, then on Aug. 6, Southlight presents The Augustines, with works by St. Augustine collaborative Butterfield Garage Art Gallery.
North American Soccer League Begin play in the 2015 season Venue and ticket prices TBA, 844-227-6232, armadafc.com
AXEMEN USA Rugby League Playing May-August Hodges Stadium at UNF (1 UNF Drive, Southside) Tickets: $8 (free for children 12 and younger). jaxaxe.com
DIXIE BLUES Women’s Football Alliance Playing April-June Sheffield Regional Park (3659 New Berlin Road) Tickets: $7 (free for children 12 and younger). jaxdixieblues.teamwebsitehosting.com
ROLLERGIRLS Women’s Flat Track Derby Association Playing January-October Mandarin Skate Station (3461 Kori Road) Tickets: $10 in advance, $12 at the door. jacksonvillerollergirls.com
EXPLORE CLAY
I'm a college student, an aspiring actress, an animal lover, and a 121 fan.
Fishing Kayaking Nature Trails F amily Friendly
Who are you?? We want to get to know all the wonderful people who make up our community. Please tell us who you are and what we can do for you. Connect with us and you may find your photo and caption on our Pinterest page! 121fcu.org/connect
~Lauren
www.exploreclay.com Banking Focused on You 121 Financial Credit Union, established in Jacksonville, FL in 1935 904.723.6300 | www.121fcu.org/connect
Fleming Island • Green Cove Springs Keystone Heights • Middleburg Orange Park • Penney Farms
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG9
5 POINTS/RIVERSIDE/AVONDALE: WHERE THE COOL KIDS GO
I
f you haven’t visited Riverside in a while, you might be surprised at what you find there now. The city’s cultural hub was hit hard during the economic downturn, and for years the main 5 Points strip along Park Street had more empty storefronts than businesses. Recently, however, the neighborhood has experienced a rapid rebirth, with new shops and housing projects popping up seemingly overnight. Whole blocks that had been abandoned for decades have been reclaimed, and new bakeries, art studios and pubs have set up shop in previously neglected buildings. The walkable commercial districts of Riverside and its slightly posher sister, Avondale, are the best the city of Jacksonville has to offer. The Shoppes of Avondale is a historic neighborhood center, with two blocks of swanky boutiques (e.g., Ellie Bing and Design Additions) and diverse dining options, from an upscale café with the best desserts in town (Biscottis) to an old-school diner (The Fox). At night, music pours out of the restaurants and bars, from live jazz to Middle Eastern, and the sidewalks are filled with families and couples young and old. The 5 Points Historic District is a local landmark, the ever-expanding and evolving core of the community. Hit up hippie-chic Midnight Sun for tarot card readings and Indian belly-dancing skirts, or spend some time crafting at Bead Here Now. Fans & Stoves Antique Mall has aisles and aisles of vintage furniture, memorabilia and knick-knacks, and Rainbows & Stars, formerly a gay pride novelty shop, carries antique and vintage
FG10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
finds as well. Dine in some of the best restaurants in the city (e.g., Black Sheep, an upscale Southern-inspired restaurant with a rooftop patio overlooking Memorial Park). Enjoy dinner and a flick at Sun-Ray Cinema. Newly remodeled, Sun-Ray features a locals-heavy selection, with locally made candies and brews, and a solid vegan menu to boot. They’ve recently expanded to two screens, showcasing everything from summer blockbusters to indie flicks. The nightlife in the newly formed King Street District attracts a mix of beach kids, yuppie townies and neighborhood locals. This strip has more than a half-dozen bars within walking distance of each other, making it an ideal place to bar-hop. Get your groove on at The Loft, which draws a mostly younger crowd wanting to dance to a solid rotation of Top-40, hiphop and indie pop. A few doors down, you can take a break at Park Place Lounge, traditionally a gay bar, but with a comfortable neighborhood bar vibe. A common nightcap spot for industry folk just finishing up their shifts, it’s one of several gay clubs in the Riverside area, probably the most gay-friendly ’hood in Northeast Florida. Riverside is also home to two local breweries (Intuition, Bold City), and several artist collectives housed in former factory and warehouse spaces, with the CoRK Arts District at the center. — Janet Harper
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS EAT
BISCOTTIS (3556 St. Johns Ave.) BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT 1534 Oak St.) CASBAH CAFÉ (3628 St. Johns Ave.) COOL MOOSE CAFÉ (2708 Park St.) THE FOX (3580 St. Johns Ave.) MELLOW MUSHROOM (3611 St. Johns Ave.) MOJO NO. 4 URBAN BBQ & WHISKEY BAR (3572 St. Johns Ave.) O’BROTHERS (1521 Margaret St.) PRIMI PIATTI (2722 Park St.) RESTAURANT ORSAY (3630 Park St.) SWEET THEORY BAKING CO. (1243 King St.)
DRINK
BIRDIES (1044 Park St.) BOLD BEAN COFFEE (869 Stockton St.) BOLD CITY BREWERY (2670 Rosselle St.) BREW FIVE POINTS (1024 Park St.) INTUITION ALE WORKS (720 King St.) PARK PLACE LOUNGE (931 King St.) RAIN DOGS (1045 Park St.) THE ROGUE (927 King St.) THE SILVER COW (1506 King St.)
SHOP
BEAD HERE NOW (1051 Park St.) COWFORD TRADERS (3563 St. Johns Ave.) DEEP SEARCH RECORDS (822 Lomax St.) EDGE CITY (1017 Park St.) FANS & STOVES ANTIQUE MALL (1059 Park St.) SUPERHERO HIVE COMICS (2724 Park St.) UNDERWOOD’S JEWELERS (3617 St. Johns Ave.) WILLIE’S FOR KIDS (3567 St. Johns Ave.) WOLFGANG CLOTHING (1038 Park St.) ZENCOG BICYCLE COMPANY (883 Stockton St.)
PLAY
MEMORIAL PARK (1515 Riverside Ave.) CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS (829 Riverside Ave.) SUN-RAY CINEMA (1028 Park St.) CoRK ARTS DISTRICT (2689 Rosselle St.)
GO
RIVER CITY PRIDE FEST (11 a.m. Oct. 15, Riverside Arts Market, 715 Riverside Ave.) RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET (Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.) SUNDAY AFTERNOON PICK-UP SOCCER GAMES, Memorial Park
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG11
ARLINGTON/ ICW: THE FORGOTTEN ’HOOD A
rlington gets a bum rap. Take it from a guy who spent many days as a teen playing hoops in Sin City and other courts in this neighborhood. We’re talking Arlington’s Sin City, not Robert Rodriguez’s. It’s not that bad. The area’s heyday — from the opening of the Mathews Bridge to the rise of Regency — has long since past. There was a time, in the ’60s and ’70s, when Arlington had a reputation as the place where the rich lived. Now, many newcomers to Jacksonville don’t give it a first thought, or if they do, the thought is “My friend told me I might be murdered in my sleep.” (The crime problem is overhyped.) The area’s rep got so bad that a few folks who live between Kernan and The Ditch began labeling themselves “Beaches West” — some thought “Land of a Thousand Mini-Malls” was more accurate, but I digress — which eventually morphed into Intracoastal West. Regardless, this area’s main attractions remain mostly outdoors, a welcome respite from the wasteland that’s become Regency Mall. Sure, you can sit in front of stacks of chips at bestbet Poker Room, but it proves far
cheaper to rest under the beautiful Arlington canopy. For those who love the outdoors, this is the place to chill out: Jacksonville Arboretum & Gardens, still one of the city’s best-kept secrets since its opening in 2008 and a great escape from the suburban sprawl, offers hiking, opportunities to shoot beautiful nature photography, and sweet serenity. There’s also Reddie Point Preserve, Tree Hill Nature Center, the oak-shrouded campus of Jacksonville University and the 140 acres of Ed Austin Regional Park. The undulating trails of Timucuan National Preserve are most enjoyable for those who take the time. And in Arlington, you won’t need riverfront property to gain access to the St. Johns River and many creeks. Also, there might be more buried history here than nearly anywhere in the U.S. (See the replica of the original French colony of Fort Caroline, though historians disagree on the fort’s actual location.) With all of this (and some amazing architecture) going for it, Arlington is begging for a comeback. And maybe we’ll bring ICW along for the ride. — David Johnson
THE BEACHES: WHY WE CROSS THE DITCH
D
espite the oceanfront mansions, the most common domicile around The Beaches — that’s Atlantic, Neptune and Jacksonville Beach, from north to south — is what’s quaintly called a “cottage.” Most cottages were built in the ’30s and ’40s; the postwar housing features ranches and split-levels that wouldn’t be out of place in Columbus, Ohio. A lot of the older houses have been split into apartments so even more folks can live by the sea. The neighborhoods are walkable and bikeable; some even allow skateboarding. Beach access is not much of an issue (if you can find a place to park), but lifeguard towers are getting fewer and are farther apart each summer. There are plenty of places to shop, eat, drink and listen to local and regional bands play day and night, along the main roads of Beach Boulevard and Atlantic Boulevard and on most of Third Street (aka A1A) in JB and north NB. (We use initials, see.) The Beaches Town Center spans several blocks of Atlantic and Neptune beaches, from the sand (where you’ll find joints like Lemon Bar, Pete’s and One Ocean) inward to Sherry Drive (Al’s Pizza, M Shack in AB) and Third (Mezza, Sliders in NB). The sleepy fishing village of Mayport (not to be confused with the massive U.S. naval base of the same name next door) offers just-off-the-boat-fresh seafood (hit up Singleton’s or Safe Harbor) and just east of the Intracoastal Waterway are spots we locals are loathe to share with townies and tourists, they’re that good (Nippers, TacoLu, Engine 15). While you’re in Mayport, take the ferry. Then come right back to The Beaches. And since The Beaches are … uh … on the beach, there’s the sparkling ocean and burning sand bringing in thousands of people and millions of dollars every season. Surf and kayak shops (e.g., Aqua East, Sunrise, Austin’s) offer every manner of recreational watersport device known to man, and there’s a great public fishing pier at Fifth Avenue North and First Street in Jax Beach. It’s easy, cheap and fun (just like us!) — as long you follow their rules. — Marlene Dryden
FG12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS ARLINGTON/ ICW EAT
BITTER SWEET BAKERY & EATERY (14286 Beach Blvd.) DONUT SHOPPE (1535 University Blvd. N.) MAHARLIKA HALL & SPORTS GRILL (14255 Beach Blvd.) MARKER 32 (14549 Beach Blvd.) MATT’S ITALIAN CUISINE (2771 Monument Road) THE MUDVILLE GRILLE (1301 Monument Road, Ste. 1) NERO’S CAFÉ (3607 University Blvd.) PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER (4765 Hodges Blvd.) THE SHEIK SANDWICH DELI (9720 Atlantic Blvd.) LILA’S SEAFOOD & STEAKS (7546 Beach Blvd.) UNIVERSITY DINER (5959 Merrill Road)
DRINK
CLIFF’S BAR & GRILL (3033 Monument Road) MILLER’S ALE HOUSE & RAW BAR (9541 Regency Square Blvd.)
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS THE BEACHES EAT
ANGIE’S SUBS (1436 Beach Blvd.) BUDDHA THAI BISTRO (301 10th Ave. N.) CRUISERS GRILL (319 23rd Ave. S.) RAGTIME TAVERN (207 Atlantic Blvd.) MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR (110 First St.) NIPPERS BEACH GRILLE (2309 Beach Blvd.) SAFE HARBOR (4378 Ocean St.) SINGLETON’S SEAFOOD SHACK (4728 Ocean St.) SLIDERS SEAFOOD GRILLE (218 First St.) TACOLU (1712 Beach Blvd.)
DRINK
CANTINA MAYA (1021 Atlantic Blvd.) CASA MARINA HOTEL (691 First St. N.) ENGINE 15 BREWING COMPANY (1500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 217) FLYING IGUANA (207 Atlantic Blvd.) FLY’S TIE IRISH PUB (177 E. Sailfish Dr.) LANDSHARK CAFÉ (1728 Third St. N.) LEMON BAR (120 Atlantic Blvd.) MONKEY’S UNCLE (1850 Third St. S.) PETE’S BAR (117 First St.)
YOUR PLACE BAR & GRILL (13245 Atlantic Blvd.)
SHOP
ARLINGTON FLOWER SHOP (7130 Merrill Road) CHAMPION CONSIGNMENT (9750 Regency Square Blvd.) DANCE ’N STUFF BOUTIQUE (8011 Merrill Road) PLANT PLACE (5611 Fort Caroline Road)
PLAY
BESTBET POKER ROOM (201 Monument Road) BLUE CYPRESS PARK (4012 University Blvd. N.) ED AUSTIN REGIONAL PARK (11751 McCormick Road) REDDIE POINT PRESERVE (4499 Yachtsman Way) TREE HILL NATURE CENTER (7152 Lone Star Road) WINDSOR PARKE GOLF CLUB (13823 Sutton Park Dr.)
GO
ALEXANDER BREST MUSEUM & GALLERY (2800 University Blvd.) JACKSONVILLE ARBORETUM & GARDENS (1445 Millcoe Road) JAZZLAND CAFÉ (1324 University Blvd. N.) TIMUCUAN NATIONAL PRESERVE (12713 Fort Caroline Road)
SHOP
AQUA EAST SURF SHOP (696 Atlantic Blvd.) AUSTIN’S SURF SHOP (615 Third St. S.) BEACHES TOWN CENTER (Atlantic Boulevard and Third Street) BEACHES GREEN MARKET (Jarboe Park, A1A/Florida Boulevard) SUNRISE SURF SHOP (834 Beach Blvd.)
PLAY
ADVENTURE LANDING (1944 Beach Blvd.) JAX BEACH FISHING PIER (503 N. First St.) JAX BEACH GOLF COURSE (605 S. Penman Road) SPRINGING THE BLUES (SeaWalk Pavilion, 75 First St. N.) PLAYERS BY THE SEA (106 N. Sixth St.)
GO
ATLANTIC BEACH EXPERIMENTAL THEATRE (Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd.) BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK (381 Beach Blvd.) FREEBIRD LIVE (200 N. First St.) NORTH BEACHES ART WALK (5-9 p.m. every third Thursday, Beaches Town Center) RHODA L. MARTIN CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTER (376 Fourth Ave. S.) SUPER GROM SURF FEST 2014 (July 12 and Aug. 9, south of Jax Beach Pier, 503 First St. N.) JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG13
DOWNTOWN JACKSONVILLE: BEYOND THE VERTICAL SUBURB D on’t panic, but we’ve heard Downtown Jacksonville “is on fire.” Or so says the group actually called “Downtown Is on Fire” and the hundreds of advocates assuring the rest of us that they’re rebuilding the urban core and are ready for the crowd. The first thing you need to understand about heading Downtown is that parking can be, shall we say, problematic; instead, park at a Skyway entrance and take the coolest ride in town — yeah, it’s air-conditioned (and sadly, it’s usually empty enough that body heat won’t be an issue, which perhaps makes it this city’s best-kept secret). Get off and get lost at Chamblin’s Uptown Books, where you’re likely to rub elbows with all kinds of folks, from button-down city government types to local artists. In the mood for some culture? Check out
FG14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
the Museum of Contemporary Art up the block on Laura. Inside MOCA is a highly regarded eatery, Café Nola, boasting some of the best lobster gnocchi in town. Or chill out in Hemming Plaza, smack in the center of Downtown, the first and oldest park in the city. You’ll find kickass retail shops, too — Grease Rags Clothing sells reasonably priced rockabilly/ retro style clothing and accessories. There’s also KAnthony Boutique, Downtown’s higher-end fashion spot. (Take that, Ponte Vedra Beach.) And while we’re on the subject of fancy, let’s journey to the Omni Hotel’s hidden gem, Juliette’s Bistro, for happy hour. It’s the standard in elegant imbibing. Feeling not so fancy? Hit up Chomp Chomp on East Adams. It’s not totally unlike an actual hole in the wall, offering sandwiches, salads
and stuff on the cheap. For the active people hitting the Downtown scene, there’s the Riverwalk. It stretches from Riverside all the way to the Northbank, and you can see the whole city while enjoying the breeze off the river on the extensive track. The tour is not complete without a stop at Burrito Gallery on East Adams. Seriously: The. Best. Burritos. Last but obviously not least, the historic and architecturally awesome Florida Theatre brings in international acts, packing in crowds on the regular. It may or may not be haunted. Oh, we have The Sports, too. The Jaguars (NFL), Suns (minor league baseball), Sharks (AFL) and (soon!) the Jacksonville Armada (NASL) all play Downtown during their seasons.
— Abigail Wright
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS EAT
ADAMS ST. DELI & GRILL (126 W. Adams St.) BURRITO GALLERY (21 E. Adams St.) CAFÉ NOLA (333 N. Laura St.) CASA DORA (108 E. Forsythe St.) CHOMP CHOMP (106 E. Adams St.) INDOCHINE (21 E. Adams St.) JULIETTE’S BISTRO (245 Water St.) KOJA SUSHI (2 Independent Drive) OLIO (301 E. Bay St.) ZODIAC GRILL (120 W. Adams St.)
DRINK
BURRO BAR (100 E. Adams St.) DIVE BAR (331 E. Bay St.) DOWNTOWN CIGAR LOUNGE (11 N. Ocean Drive) DOS GATOS (123 E. Forsyth St.) FIONN MACCOOL’S (2 Independent Drive) JAXX SPORTS BAR (225 E. Coastline Drive)
THE HOURGLASS PUB (345 E. Bay St.) THE VOLSTEAD (115 W. Adams St.)
SHOP
BUDGET RECORDS/LETTER SHOP (228 E. Forsyth St.) FRUGAL DIVA BOUTIQUE (2 Independent Drive) GREASE RAGS CLOTHING COMPANY (40 W. Monroe St.) GUS & COMPANY SHOE REPAIR (229 W. Adams St.) KANTHONY BOUTIQUE (209 N. Laura St.)
PLAY
BASEBALL GROUNDS OF JACKSONVILLE (301 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.) EVERBANK FIELD (1 EverBank Field Drive) VETERANS MEMORIAL ARENA (300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd.)
GO
CHAMBLIN’S UPTOWN BOOKS (225 N. Laura, info) FLORIDA THEATRE (128 E. Forsyth St.) MOCA (333 N. Laura St.)
BARK PARK ON
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG15
ORANGE PARK/ FLEMING ISLAND: OUR WEIRD LITTLE SUBURB
T
he first time I saw a pair of Truck Nutz was in Orange Park. But that makes sense, given the ratio of cars to trucks there. It was on Blanding Boulevard, heading north into Jacksonville’s Westside (I don’t get it either), near the thenbustling mall and the not-bustling-at-all cemetery where Lynyrd Skynyrd singer Ronnie Van Zant was once buried (his coffin was relocated to an undisclosed site after vandals retrieved it from its mausoleum). The driver was blasting Planet Radio out his window, and he was eating a Checkers burger as he drove. “Ah,” I said. “This is Orange Park.” Don’t get me wrong. I’m not hating on Orange Park, not in the least. A man and his truck do not a city make. On the contrary, Orange Park is very much, in its own weird way, worth a visit. From its broken-dreams beginnings as a failed citrusgrowing region (hence its name), through its weird phase as a pioneering center of major primate research (the groundskeeper’s house is a health food store now), Orange Park is a suburb with actual shades of character.
This is saying a lot compared to its homogenous, more sterile neighborhood to the south. Fleming Island, which isn’t even remotely an island, is unashamedly bland — beyond, that is, Whitey’s Fish Camp, which is an experience unto itself — having added little more than additional bedrooms for travelers to sleep in. No, the OP isn’t a tightly concentrated grid of churches, suburban condos and family homes (ahem, Fleming not-an-Island), nor is it strictly rebel flags, fishing poles and shotguns (side eyes, Middleburg), but perhaps a comfortable and toned-down marriage of both, with a touch of oddball history just to make it unique. Indeed, Orange Park is simply a different city from Jacksonville, fueled by Naval retirees, a large Filipino population and community college students living with their parents. With its own theater, weekly newspaper and golf course, there’s a good chance you’ll be surprised. You might even see Truck Nutz.
FERNANDINA BEACH/AMELIA ISLAND: WHERE WE GO DAY-TRIPPING F lorida’s first Atlantic Coast barrier island has been under eight countries’ flags in its history, but we are pleased to announce Amelia Island is now firmly under the U.S. control, and as such is safe to visit. Not only safe, it’s also full of adventures. The chunk of sand that holds Fernandina Beach is a treasure chest of attractions, including its 13 miles of beaches, a vast oak-canopied Fort Clinch State Park with the beach to the east and a beautiful marsh to the west, a multitude of locally owned bars, clubs and restaurants, the quaint Fernandina Beach downtown with Centre Street as it crown jewel, and local shop-owners who delight as much from visitors’ company as from their business. And we’re just getting started: Fort Clinch, which protected the island from invaders at the mouth of the channel that leads from the Atlantic to the Amelia River; the Amelia Island Lighthouse, built in 1838 and open for tours at various times; and two excellent fishing piers on each end — one at Fort Clinch State Park on the north end, the other traversing Nassau Sound on the south end. In between, there is great ocean fishing on the sand. A day trip could include a visit to the beach and lunch (and maybe a libation or two) at The Surf, Sliders or Sandy Bottoms, all of which provide outside seating with an ocean view. At night, there are too many excellent restaurants to name, but one that’s been around the longest is Marina Restaurant at the Amelia River end of Centre Street, right next to a marina that features shrimp trawlers and fishing boats alongside multimillion-dollar yachts docking for brief stays on long journeys. All day, and especially at night, there’s the Palace Saloon, also on Centre Street, which was constructed in the late 1880s and, as lore would have it, served pirate captains and their nemeses while they moored their ships in Fernandina Beach’s harbor on the Amelia River. It’s famous worldwide, mainly because it’s said to be “Florida’s oldest” continuously operated drinking establishment. More lore says Prohibition did not stop the owners from figuring out a way to serve customers on the sly. Plus it’s haunted. On the south end, you’ve got the Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island and Omni Amelia Island Plantation Resort with their clubs, many of which are open to the public but attract the wealthy and famous: John Travolta, Tanya Tucker, Jerry Jones and numerous others have been reported sidling up to the bar for a drink, or dancing with unsuspecting customers.
— Derek Kinner
FG16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
— Dennis Ho
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS ORANGE PARK/ FLEMING ISLAND EAT
BREWER’S PIZZA (14B Blanding Blvd.) BRICK OVEN PIZZERIA & GASTROPUB (1811 Town Center Blvd.) CAMICAKES CUPCAKES (1910 Wells Road) SORBELLOS RESTAURANT (195 Blanding Blvd.) THE PIG BAR-B-Q (1330 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 170)
DRINK
CHEERS PARK AVE. (1138 Park Ave.)
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS FERNANDINA BEACH/AMELIA ISLAND EAT
BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ (1 S. Front St.) CAFÉ 4750 (4750 Amelia Island Pkwy.) CAFÉ KARIBO (27 N. Third St.) CRAB TRAP (31 N. Second St.) JACK & DIANE’S (708 Centre St.) KABUKI JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE (1716 S. Eighth St.) MARINA SEAFOOD RESTAURANT (101 Centre St.) MOON RIVER PIZZA (925 S. 14th St.) THE PECAN ROLL BAKERY (122 S. Eighth St.) PLAE RESTAURANT (80 Amelia Village Circle) SALTY PELICAN BAR & GRILL (12 N. Front St.) SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL (1998 S. Fletcher Ave.) THE SURF RESTAURANT & BAR (3199 S. Fletcher Ave.) T-RAY’S BURGER STATION (202 S. Eighth St.)
DRINK
BARZIN BISTRO & WINE BAR (4924 First Coast Hwy.) FALCON’S NEST (39 Beach Lagoon, Omni Resort) HALFTIME SPORTS BAR & GRILL (320 S. Eighth St.) HAMMERHEAD BEACH BAR (2045 S. Fletcher Ave.)
PREVATT’S SPORTS BAR (2620 Blanding Blvd.) THE ROADHOUSE (231 Blanding Blvd.) WHITEY’S FISH CAMP (2032 C.R. 220)
SHOP
1ST PLACE SPORTS RUNNING (2186 Park Ave.) ORANGE PARK MALL (1910 Wells Road)
PLAY
AMC THEATRE 24 (1910 Wells Road) CLARKE HOUSE & PARK (1039 Kingsley Ave.) POOCHIE’S SWIM & PLAY PARK (21 Fountain Drive)
GO
THRASHER-HORNE CENTER FOR THE ARTS (283 College Drive)
OCEAN BAR & GRILL (4750 Amelia Island Pkwy., Ritz-Carlton) PALACE SALOON (117 Centre St.) SALTY PELICAN BAR & GRILL (12 N. Front St.) SANDY BOTTOMS BEACH BAR & GRILL (2910 Atlantic Ave.)
SHOP
AMELIA ISLAND TRADING CO. (3381 S. Fletcher Ave.) BOOK LOFT (214 Centre St.) HUNT’S ART & ARTIFACT GALLERY (316 Centre St.) ISLAND WALK SHOPPING CENTER (1525 Sadler Rd.) PALMETTO WALK SHOPPING VILLAGE (4924 First Coast Hwy.) THE SHOPS AT OMNI AMELIA ISLAND PLANTATION RESORT (6800 First Coast Hwy.)
PLAY
MAIN BEACH PARK (Atlantic and South Fletcher avenues) PETERS POINT (1974 S. Fletcher Ave.) FERNANDINA BEACH MUNICIPAL GOLF COURSE (2800 Bill Melton Rd.) FORT CLINCH STATE PARK (2601 Atlantic Ave.)
GO
AMELIA CONCOURS D’ELEGANCE (March 13-15 at the Ritz-Carlton, 4750 Amelia Island Pkwy.) AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY (233 S. Third St.) AMELIA COMMUNITY THEATRE (207/209 Cedar St.) FERNANDINA LITTLE THEATRE (1014 Beech St.) THE ISLE OF EIGHT FLAGS SHRIMP FESTIVAL (May 1-3, on Centre Street in Fernandina Beach) JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG17
PONTE VEDRA/ PALM VALLEY: HOME OF KINGS AND PLASTIC FLAMINGOS
I
used to live in Ponte Vedra; oceanfront, no less. Way back when, my father moved the whole famdamnly to where he’d spent blissful years, growing up in Palm Valley. By the time he could afford to return to the paradise of his youth, it was totally different. Gone were the families who made their living off the fertile land in northern St. Johns County. Gone were the tourists from the cold North and season-long visitors who summered here. Huge houses — not yet called McMansions, but you get the idea — strung along A1A, where neighbors did not comingle with neighbors and no one worked the soil, except to plow it up to make way for golf courses as far as the eye could see. We were assured the silver sand beaches would still be open to us all, resident or come-here. Fast-forward to the 21st century. When’s the last time you were able to park your car, stroll across the dunes and relax on the shores of Ponte Vedra Beach? I can’t
recall, either. Park in the lots of Mickler’s or Guana Reserve at your own peril; park anywhere else near A1A and you’ll be towed or ticketed or both, despite the tiny signs that indicate it’s a public beach access. Anyway. If you play the sport of kings or want to dine at a very fine restaurant, Ponte Vedra is the place for you. (And for the rest of you, the acoustically excellent Ponte Vedra Concert Hall frequently offers shows well worth the drive.) If you want to live a simple, easy life, fishing from your back porch, Palm Valley’s your spot. (Also worth the trip: The crazy-common juxtaposition along Roscoe Boulevard of million-dollar mansions abutting shacks owned by folks who just refuse to sell.) How can you tell the difference? Look for plastic flamingos in the yard.
SAN MARCO/ST. NICHOLAS: IMPORTED FROM VENICE S itting on a peninsula created by a curve in the St. Johns River, San Marco and St. Nicholas range widely in the type of urban landscapes they inhabit. Much of the area was once known as South Jacksonville, a separate city until it was annexed by its big brother in 1932. The north section of San Marco, Southbank, is directly south of the river from Downtown and north of I-95. It features a high-rise cornucopia of hospitals, insurance companies and restaurants connected to the rest of the city by three bridges (and the Skyway!). Highlights include the quite-excellent Museum of Science & History (MOSH) and Southbank Riverwalk, a 1.25-mile boardwalk across the river from The Jacksonville Landing. South of I-95, San Marco Square began as a wealthy, Venetian-styled subdivision in 1925. High-end shops (Olive Clothing, Rosie True), eateries (Taverna, Wine Cellar), bars (Grape & Grain Exchange) and a vintage movie theater attract yuppies and hipsters alike to the line of Mediterranean Revival storefront buildings. In the middle of it all is a well-landscaped square, complete with gazebo, and protected by a pair of largerthan-life bronze lion sculptures. East of San Marco Square is the more residential neighborhood of St. Nicholas, comprising both stately and working-class houses. Along Atlantic Boulevard is a series of shops and bars that look as if they might have been hermetically sealed in 1952. Belly up to some of Jacksonville’s finest dive bars — especially St. Nick’s Lounge, where the whiskey flows freely and smoke fills the air, as is fitting and proper — and make a night of it.
— Shan Stumpf
FG18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
— Marlene Dryden
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS PONTE VEDRA/ PALM VALLEY EAT
AQUA GRILL (950 Sawgrass Village Drive) JJ’S LIBERTY BISTRO (330 A1A N.) PALM VALLEY FISH CAMP (29 N. Roscoe Blvd.) RESTAURANT MEDURE (818 A1A N.)
DRINK
ALICE & PETE’S PUB (1000 PGA Tour Blvd., Sawgrass Marriott) BARBARA JEAN’S (15 S. Roscoe Blvd.) LULU’S WATERFRONT GRILLE (301 N. Roscoe Blvd.) PUSSERS BAR & GRILLE (816 A1A N.) TABLE 1 (330 A1A N.)
UNDERWOOD’S JEWELERS (330 A1A N.)
PLAY
FIRST COAST YMCA (170 Landrum Lane) PALM VALLEY GOLF CLUB (1075 Palm Valley Road) PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL (1050 A1A N.) SAWGRASS COUNTRY CLUB (10034 Golf Club Drive) TPC SAWGRASS (100 Championship Way)
GO
CULTURAL CENTER AT PONTE VEDRA BEACH (50 Executive Way) FAIRFAX GALLERY (1740 Sawgrass Village) STELLERS GALLERY (240 A1A N.)
SHOP
BLUETIQUE GOODWILL (832 A1A N., Ste. 2) FIFI’S FINE RESALE APPAREL (2 Fairfield Blvd.) HOT MAMA’S BOUTIQUE (1560 Sawgrass Village Drive)
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS SAN MARCO/ ST. NICHOLAS EAT
BB’S RESTAURANT & BAR (1019 Hendricks Ave.) BISTRO AIX (1440 San Marco Blvd.) EUROPEAN STREET CAFÉ (1704 San Marco Blvd.) HAVANA JAX CAFÉ/CUBA LIBRE CLUB (2578 Atlantic Blvd.) THE METRO DINER (3302 Hendricks Ave.) TAVERNA SAN MARCO (1986 San Marco Blvd.) THE GROTTO (2012 San Marco Blvd.) WINE CELLAR (1314 Prudential Drive)
(2024 San Marco Blvd.) SAN MARCO BOOKSTORE (1971 San Marco Blvd.) THE SNOB (1990 San Marco Blvd.)
PLAY
RIVERFRONT PARK (401 Riveredge Blvd.) SAN MARCO THEATRE (1996 San Marco Blvd.) SOUTHBANK RIVERWALK (1001 Museum Circle) TREATY OAK PARK (1123 Prudential Drive)
GO
MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM (3104 Atlantic Blvd.) SAN MARCO ART FESTIVAL (Every April and October, San Marco Square) THEATRE JACKSONVILLE (2032 San Marco Blvd.)
DRINK
AARDWOLF TAPROOM & BREWERY (1461 Hendricks Ave.) GRAPE & GRAIN EXCHANGE (2000 San Marco Blvd.) ST. NICK’S LOUNGE (3116 Atlantic Blvd.)
SHOP
REVE WOMEN’S CLOTHING BOUTIQUE (1958 San Marco Blvd.) ROSIE TRUE (1949 San Marco Blvd.) OLIVE CLOTHING (1988 San Marco Blvd.) PETERBROOKE CHOCOLATIER JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG19
ST. AUGUSTINE: ANCIENT BUT NOT OLD I should admit at the outset that I’m rather biased toward St. Augustine. My wife and I fell in love there. It was October 2008, a brief respite from the election season I was reporting on, and our first vacation together. We ate at Collage, one of those meals you remember for years afterward. We indulged at Spa Laterra in the World Golf Village, availing ourselves of the pool and the hot tub and the cabanas and copious amounts of wine. We drank and danced at Tini Martini Bar, where Sinatra filled the room and (too much) vodka filled our glasses. We walked around the über-quaint historic district’s seemingly endless array of shops. (And we stayed at a Days Inn well
outside of town, because we were poor.) We held hands and remarked on how at ease we felt. It was all very charming. In the years since, we’ve gone back many times, whenever the opportunity presented itself. We’ve sought out new places and experiences (the Ice Plant Bar, Sangrias Wine & Tapas Bar) and revisited favorite haunts. And it continues to be charming each and every time, in a way few tourist traps (and St. Augustine is most certainly a tourist trap) do. You can’t talk about the Ancient City without talking about its history, about the fact that it is the oldest
continually operated European-established settlement in the New World, about Castillo de San Marcos and the St. Augustine Lighthouse and even the seminal role this place and its people played in the Civil Rights Movement. You can sense that history on its streets and in its storefronts, almost like it’s infused in its very being, and maybe that’s part of it. But I like to think there’s something else, something almost magical about this little city, something that cues all the right endorphins, something that, as old as St. Augustine is, makes the world feel new again. Then again, I am biased.
SOUTHSIDE/BAYMEADOWS/MANDARIN: EVERYTHING’S NEW HERE T
he Southside is where you find the spanking new. Its large boulevards create an autocentric patchwork of super roads that connect the ’hood’s many housing developments and condo complexes to shopping like nowhere else in Northeast Florida. There’s huge corporate employers here as well, such as Blue Cross and CITI, which equate to healthy paychecks that fund the lifestyle. The St. Johns Town Center shopping mega-mecca is the place to find goods by Anthropologie, bebe, lululemon, West Elm, Urban Outfitters and the only Apple Store in Jacksonville. The neighborhood’s rep as a corporationengineered conspicuous consumer paradise is just stereotype-hype. The University of North Florida is on the Southside; its lectures and arts events and hiking trails and students add to the neighborhood’s cultural life and overall IQ. In addition, Jacksonville-owned Native Sun Natural Foods Market opened a second large organic grocery there, on Baymeadows Road near I-295. What’s more, the Southside draws dog lovers from all over the region to the 42-acre Dog Wood Park, where a remarkable 25 acres is fenced and completely leash-free. Oh, and because this mass of sprawling development was once mainly farm and timberland, at sunset on the edge of undeveloped wetlands, you might hear the eerie
FG20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
howling of wild coyotes. See? It’s not all strip malls. The Southside has also drawn large immigrant communities, including Indian, Korean, Russian, Vietnamese, Middle Eastern and Central American families, with restaurants and groceries and small stores supporting each; visit Three F(x) for freshmade ice cream or shop floor-to-ceiling-stuffed shelves of Indian and South Asian cookware and foodstuffs at the large Kalyaan Market. For freshbaked pita bread still warm from the oven, head over to Hala Café & Bakery. Further west in Mandarin, the beautiful and the quirky old Jacksonville coexist under the shade of scenic and historic giant live oaks on Mandarin Road. Named after the Mandarin orange, this is where abolitionist Harriet Beecher Stowe wintered and grew oranges. It’s also the site of Mandarin Historic Museum and one of the area’s nicest YMCAs, the Williams Family YMCA, featuring tennis courts and a large outdoor swimming pool. People who live on the Southside and in Mandarin love it. They say there’s lots to do in their off hours, and it’s just a quick drive to St. Augustine, the beaches, Riverside/Avondale and nearly everywhere else they need to go. And maybe they’ll even hear a coyote every once in a while.
— Susan Cooper Eastman
— Jeffrey C. Billman
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS ST. AUGUSTINE EAT
ACAPULCO MEXICAN RESTAURANT (12 Avenida Menendez) THE BLACK MOLLY BAR & GRILL (504 W. Geoffrey St.) CANDLELIGHT SOUTH (1 Anastasia Blvd.) COLLAGE (60 Hypolita St.) COLUMBIA RESTAURANT (98 St. George St.) THE FLORIDIAN (39 Cordova St.) GEORGIE’S DINER (100 Malaga St.) HURRICANE PATTY’S (69 Lewis Blvd.) MICHAEL’S TASTING ROOM (25 Cuna St.) SANGRIAS TAPAS & PIANO BAR (35 Hypolita St.)
DRINK
A1A ALE WORKS (1 King St., Ste. 101) THE ICE PLANT (110 Riberia St.) KINGS HEAD BRITISH PUB (6460 U.S. 1 N.) SAN SEBASTIAN WINERY (157 King St.) ST. GEORGE TAVERN (116 St. George St.)
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS SOUTHSIDE/ BAYMEADOWS/ MANDARIN EAT
AL’S PIZZA (8060 Philips Hwy., Ste. 105; 11190 San Jose Blvd.) CASA MARIA (14965 Old St. Augustine Road) CLARK’S FISH CAMP (12903 Hood Landing Road) CHECKER BBQ (3566 St. Augustine Road) FUSION SUSHI (1550 University Blvd. W.) HALA CAFÉ & BAKERY (4323 University Blvd. S.) MSHACK (10281 Midtown Pkwy.) NILE ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT (6715 Powers Ave., Ste. 3) TAVERNA YAMAS (9753 Deer Lake Court) THE FRENCH PANTRY (6301 Powers Ave.) THREE F(X) (9802 Baymeadows Road)
DRINK
HARMONIOUS MONKS (10550 Old St. Augustine Road) LATITUDE 360 (10370 Philips Hwy.)
TINI MARTINI BAR (24 Avenida Menendez)
SHOP
ANASTASIA BOOKS (81C King St.) ANTIQUE WAREHOUSE (6370 U.S. N. Highway 1) HIGH TIDE GALLERY (51 A&B Cordova St.) ST. AUGUSTINE OUTLETS (500 Outlet Mall Blvd.) ST. AUGUSTINE PREMIUM OUTLETS (2700 S.R. 16) THE WAY WE WERE (86 Charlotte St.)
PLAY
ANASTASIA STATE PARK SPA LATERRA @ WGV (500 S. Legacy Trail) ST. AUGUSTINE ALLIGATOR FARM (999 Anastasia Blvd.)
GO
CASTILLO DE SAN MARCOS (1 S. Castillo Drive) CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM (48 Sevilla St.) BASILICA CATHEDRAL OF ST. AUGUSTINE (38 Cathedral Place) LIGHTNER MUSEUM (75 King St.) MILL TOP TAVERN & LISTENING ROOM (19 1/2 St. George St.) ST. AUGUSTINE LIGHTHOUSE & MUSEUM (81 Lighthouse Ave.)
MONKEY’S UNCLE TAVERN (10503 San Jose Blvd.) SEVEN BRIDGES (9735 Gate Pkwy. N.) WORLD OF BEER (9700 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 1)
SHOP
AVENUES MALL (10300 Southside Blvd.) KALYAAN MARKET (9365 Philips Hwy.) CONCRETE CREATIONS (12637 Philips Hwy.) NATIVE SUN (10000 San Jose Blvd., 11030 Baymeadows Road) ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER (4663 River City Drive) TRAD’S GARDEN CENTER (8178 San Jose Blvd.) WHOLE FOODS MARKET (10601 San Jose Blvd.)
PLAY
CINEMARK AT TINSELTOWN (4535 Southside Blvd.) DOG WOOD PARK (7407 Salisbury Road) JULINGTON CREEK ANIMAL WALK (12075-300 San Jose Blvd.) REGAL CINEMA (9525 Philips Hwy.) WILLIAMS FAMILY YMCA (10415 San Jose Blvd.)
GO
MANDARIN MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY (11964 Mandarin Road) JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG21
J
acksonville’s Northside covers a massive chunk of land, including almost everything north of the St. Johns to the city’s edge and from I-10 to the Atlantic. That’s almost half of the city, and yet the neighborhood is largely (and unfairly) ignored by most Duval residents. Yes, large pockets are mostly industrial wastelands and residential sprawl, and you probably only make that hike up I-95 to get to the airport or maybe a day at the zoo. Dig a little, though, and you’ll find plenty to do. Rivers, creeks and inlets dominate the scenery east of I-95, and the local park system takes full advantage of the area’s natural beauty, offering hiking trails, kayaking, historical sites and camping on the water’s edge. Take the Heckscher Drive exit off I-95 for some of the best seafood restaurants in the city, with the day’s catch served up right on the water. Be sure to stop at Chowder Ted’s, a tiny shack famous for fish sandwiches and spicy chowder, then make the long trek down Heckscher to where the river meets the ocean for the best all-you-can-eat deal in town at Sandollar Restaurant & Marina. The Northside is also where you’ll find one of Florida’s oldest and largest historic districts. Lying just north of Downtown, Springfield was established in the 1860s. It’s seen many years of growth followed by many more years of decline, but in the past couple of decades, Springfield has become known as an up-and-comer — a little rough around the edges, sure, but so much charm. Despite — or probably because of — its setbacks, residents of Springfield are a tight-knit group. The neighborhood has an active neighborhood watch program, and residents throw monthly block parties and cookouts. There’s plenty for visitors, too. Score awesome vintage apparel at Vintage Gone Wild, buy or make your own handmade candies at Sweet Pete’s, or try out your open-mic skills at Three Layers Café, a unique coffee shop and wine bar in the heart of the ’hood. Or spend the afternoon in one of the neighborhood’s several historic parks, like Klutho Park, where you can challenge your friends to a free game of disc golf, or take your dog for a day at Confederate Park, one of the only dog parks in the area. And after the sun sets, you’ll find what may be the city’s best dive bar/underground music venue, Shantytown Pub, where you can catch live shows, from punk to metal to hip-hop, most nights of the week.
SPRINGFIELD/ NORTHSIDE: WHERE THE LIONS SLEEP
— Janet Harper
WESTSIDE/ORTEGA/ MURRAY HILL: OPULENCE AND STRIP MALLS T
he Westside covers some of the wealthiest and the poorest sections of Jacksonville, sometimes butted right up against each other. There are pockets of high crime where the Westside and Northside meet, and the landscape in many places is dominated by strip malls (and strip clubs), but there’s a lot to love about the Westside, especially in the distinct commercial districts of two of Jacksonville’s oldest neighborhoods: Murray Hill and Ortega. Murray Hill hugs the Riverside/Avondale area just west of where U.S. 17 meets I-10. Established at the turn of the century, the neighborhood has a traditional town center with buildings dating back to the 1930s. Both Edgewood Bakery and Dreamette Ice Cream Parlor, which opened in the 1940s, continue to draw crowds of locals out to satisfy their sweet tooth. The Murray Hill Theatre, once a premier movie house, now operates as a Christian music venue. You’ll also find some of the best pizza in the whole area right here at locally owned Moon River Pizza, which opened its Edgewood digs more than 10 years ago. Some of Jacksonville’s hoi polloi live in Ortega,
FG22 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
a mostly waterfront community bound by the St. Johns River to the east and the Ortega River to the north and west. Considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Jacksonville, this little peninsula has the feeling of a place lost in time. Plantation homes sit on quiet streets shaded by old mosscovered live oaks, and children ride their bikes and walk to school. You’ll find quaint shops and restaurants in Ortega Village, a small shopping center with a view of Cortez Park, located well off any major thoroughfare. Carter’s Pharmacy has occupied the same building here since 1955, and is the only pharmacy in the city with a lunch counter, known as “The Fountain” for its roots as a popular neighborhood soda fountain. Other sections include Lakeshore, where you’ll find Marina Mile, a large playground for the rich with yacht clubs and recreational boating supply stores, along the Ortega River. There’s also a dense accumulation of show bars and adult novelty stores further inland, and the longest-running alternative nightclub in the city, Eclipse.
— Janet Harper
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS SPRINGFIELD/ NORTHSIDE EAT
CHOWDER TED’S (5215 Heckscher Drive) HOLA! MEXICAN RESTAURANT (1001 N. Main St.) SANDOLLAR RESTAURANT & MARINA (9716 Heckscher Drive) SAVANNAH BISTRO (14670 Duval Road) TOBY’S BARBECUE (8483 New Kings Road) UPTOWN MARKET (1303 N. Main St.) WAFAA N’ MIKE’S (1544 N. Main St.)
DRINK
SHANTYTOWN PUB (22 W. Sixth St.)
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS WESTSIDE/ORTEGA/ MURRAY HILL EAT
DREAMETTE ICE CREAM PARLOR (3646 Post St.) EDGEWOOD BAKERY (1012 Edgewood Ave. S.) MONROE’S SMOKEHOUSE BAR-B-Q (4838 Highway Ave.) MOON RIVER PIZZA (1176 Edgewood Ave. S.) PUERTO PLATA (2045 Bayview Road) SIMPLY SARA’S (2902 Corinthian Ave.)
THREE LAYERS CAFÉ (1602 Walnut St.)
SHOP
HOWARD’S SEAFOOD MARKET (1315 Gandy St.) OLIVER’S OUTPOST ANTIQUES (10965 Main St.) SWEET PETE’S (1922 Pearl St.) VINTAGE GONE WILD (1736 N. Main St.)
PLAY
CONFEDERATE PARK (956 Hubbard St.) HUGUENOT MEMORIAL PARK (10980 Heckscher Drive) HENRY J. KLUTHO PARK (635 Third St.)
GO
JACKSONVILLE ZOO (370 Zoo Parkway) KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM (101 W. First St.)
DRINK
ECLIPSE (4219 St. Johns Ave.) THE ALIBI (1194 Edgewood Ave. S.) THE JUG SALOON (5301 Lenox Ave.)
SHOP
J&W DISCOUNT (4045 Post St.) GARDNER’S FLORIST (4208 Oxford Ave.) MAX & COMPANY (4128 Herschel St.) ORTEGA VILLAGE ANTIQUES (2935 Corinthian Ave.)
PLAY
STINSON PARK (4050 San Juan Ave.) STOCKTON PARK (4021 Ortega Blvd.) THE MUSEUM OF SOUTHERN HISTORY (4304 Herschel St.)
GO
JACKSONVILLE FARMERS MARKET (1810 W. Beaver St.)
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | FG23
FG24 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
A&E // MUSIC MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR, 110 First St., Neptune Beach, 249-5573 Neil Dixon 6 p.m. Tue. Gypsies Ginger 6 p.m. every Wed. Mike Shackelford & Steve Shanholtzer 6 p.m. every Thur. NIPPERS BEACH GRILLE, 2309 Beach Blvd., 247-3300 Cloud 9 7 p.m. July 9. King Eddie & Pili Pili 6 p.m. July 10. Monkey Wrench 3 July 12. Pili Pili & Chilly Rhino July 13. Live music every Wed.-Sun. NORTH BEACH BISTRO, 725 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 372-4105 Kurt Lanham 7 p.m. July 10. Larry & the Backtracks 51 7:30 p.m. July 12 RAGTIME TAVERN, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7877 Billy Bowers 7 p.m. July 9 THE SHIM SHAM ROOM, 333 First St. N., 372-0781 Live music every Mon. & Thur. DJ Nick Fresh every Fri. WIPEOUTS GRILL, 1589 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 247-4508 Billy Bowers 7:30 p.m. July 10. Mike Lyons 9:30 p.m. July 11 THE TAVERN ON FIRST, 401 N. First St., 435-4124 Charlie Walker 10:30 p.m. July 9
DOWNTOWN
1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. N. The Bunny The Bear, I, Omega, Sunspots 8 p.m. July 11. Mister Peterson’s Neighborhood 9 p.m. July 12. Handguns 7 p.m. July 15. Live music every Thur.-Sat. & Mon. BURRO BAR, 100 E. Adams St., 353-4686 Crying 7 p.m. July 9. The New Leaves, A Bottle Volcanic, Bread & Circus, KLN, Jesse Montoya 8 p.m. July 11. Canary in the Coal Mine, Charlie & the Foxtrots, Fjord Explorer 8 p.m. July 12. Titanics, Datadiamond, Wise River Bad Blood 8 p.m. July 13. Cottontail, Gunther Dog, King Dylan, Joshua Arthur Tison 8 p.m. July 15. Live music every Wed.-Sat. DIVE BAR, 331 E. Bay St., 359-9090 Live music Fri. & Sat. DOS GATOS, 123 E. Forsyth St., 354-0666 DJ NickFresh 9 p.m. every Sat. FIONN MacCOOL’S, Jax Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1247 Live music every Fri. & Sat. JACKSONVILLE LANDING, 2 Independent Dr., 353-1188 Lisa & the Madhatters 8 p.m. July 9. Persona Non Grata 8 p.m. July 12. Live music every Thur.-Sat. MARK’S DOWNTOWN, 315 E. Bay St., 355-5099 DJ Roy Luis every Wed. DJ Vinn Thur. DJ 007 every Fri. Bay Street every Sat. MAVERICKS, Jax Landing, 2 Independent Dr., 356-1110 Aaron Lewis 6 p.m. July 11. Joe Buck, Big Tasty every Thur.Sat. UNDERBELLY, 113 E. Bay St., 353-6067 Kool Keith, Tough Junkie & The FFJBmusic Team, Twinki 8 p.m. July 11. RX Bandits, The Dear Hunter, From Indian Lakes 7 p.m. July 13. Jax Jazz Collective 9 p.m. July 15
9:30 p.m. July 9
MANDARIN, JULINGTON
GATORS DOCKSIDE, 485 S.R. 13 N., Ste. 1, 230-4353 Live music every Fri. & Sat. HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., 880-3040 Open mic: Synergy 8 p.m. every Wed. World’s Most Talented Waitstaff 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 Stump Water 10 p.m. July 11 & 12. DJ Corey B 7 p.m. every Wed. Live music every Fri. & Sat.
PONTE VEDRA, PALM VALLEY
PUSSER’S GRILLE, 816 A1A N., 280-7766 Aaron Koerner 6 p.m. July 9. Rebecca Day 6 p.m. July 10. Rhythm Remedy 7 p.m. July 11. Jimmy Parrish & Ocean Waves 3 p.m. July 13 TABLE 1, 330 A1A N., Ste. 208, 280-5515 The Rubies 6 p.m. July 9. Gary Starling Jazz Band July 10. Paxton & Mike July 11
RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE
KICKBACKS, 910 King St., 388-9551 Ray & Taylor 8:30 p.m. every Thur. Robby Shenk every Sun. MURRAY HILL THEATRE, 932 Edgewood Ave. S., 388-7807 Set It Off, Our Last Night, Heartlist, Stages & Stereos 6 p.m. July 11. Kaliyl, Sumerlin, Jenni Reid, I Anthem 8 p.m. July 12. Live music every Fri. & Sat. RAIN DOGS, 1045 Park St., 379-4969 Old Time Jam at 7:30 p.m. every Tue. RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET, 715 Riverside Ave., 389-2449 You Rascal You! 10:30 a.m., Hannah Aldridge noon, Nathan Storey 2:45 p.m. on July 12
ST. AUGUSTINE
ANN O’MALLEY’S, 23 Orange St., 825-4040 Brent Byrd 8:30 p.m. July 11. Lonesome Bert July 12. Open mic with Smokin Joe every Tue. THE CELLAR UPSTAIRS, 157 King St., 826-1594 Mid-Life Crisis 7 p.m. July 11. Jim Asselta 2 p.m., Chillula 7 p.m. July 12. Vinny Jacobs 2 p.m. July 13
THE CONCH HOUSE, 57 Comares Ave., 829-8646 De Lions of Jah 3-7 p.m. July 13 MELLOW MUSHROOM, 410 Anastasia Blvd., 826-4040 Live music every Fri. MILL TOP TAVERN & LISTENING ROOM, 19-1/2 St. George St., 829-2329 David Russell & John Peyton 9 p.m. July 11 & 12. Colton McKenna 1 p.m. July 13. Bret Blackshear Wed. Aaron Esposito Thur. David Strom Mon. Donny Brazile Tue. TRADEWINDS, 124 Charlotte St., 829-9336 Live music 9 p.m. July 11 & 12. Matanzas every Sun.-Thur. Elizabeth Roth 1 p.m. every Sat.
SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK
JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave., 398-7496 Chad Sugg, Rookie of the Year, Black Pussy 8 p.m. July 10. Little Books, Cougar Barrel, Amythyst Kiah 8 p.m. July 11. Immersion, My First Circus, Madhaus 8 p.m. July 12. Dangerous Idiots, Brent Byrd 8 p.m. July 14. (N)Ception, All Things Done, Minor Influence, Tom Bennett Band July 17 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3104 Atlantic Blvd., 352-7008 Tommy Womack 7:30 p.m. July 9. After Midnight July 12
SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS
AQUA NIGHTCLUB & LOUNGE, 11000 Beach Blvd., Ste. 21, 334-2122 DJ Clay, Zug Izland, Razorz Edge July 17 LATITUDE 30, 10370 Philips Hwy., 365-5555 VJ Didactic 9 p.m. July 10. Boogie Freaks 9 p.m. July 11 & 12 MELLOW MUSHROOM, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., 997-1955 Live music every Fri. & Sat. MY PLACE BAR & GRILL, 9550 Baymeadows, 737-5299 Aaron Sheeks July 9. Dirty Pete July 10. Fat Cactus July 11 & 12. every Mon. Chuck Nash every Tue. WILD WING CAFE, 4555 Southside Blvd., 998-9464 Chris Brinkley July 9. Kurt Lanham 5 p.m., X-Hale 9 p.m. on July 11 WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 551-5929 DiCarlo Thompson 3 p.m. July 12
SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE
HWY. 17 ROADHOUSE, 850532 U.S. 17, Yulee, 225-9211 Live music at 9 p.m. Fri. & Sat. THREE LAYERS COFFEEHOUSE, 1602 Walnut St., 355-9791 Mama Blue at 6:30 p.m. on July 15. Open mic at 7 p.m. every Thur.
FLEMING ISLAND
MELLOW MUSHROOM, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999 Cameron One Man Band 9 p.m. July 11. Live music Fri. & Sat. MERCURY MOON, 2015 C.R. 220, 215-8999 Live music every Fri. & Sat. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198 Love Monkey 9:30 p.m. July 11 & 12. Open mic 9 p.m. every Thur. Deck music at 5 p.m. every Fri. & Sat., 4:30 p.m. Sun.
INTRACOASTAL WEST
CLIFF’S BAR & GRILL, 3033 Monument Rd., 645-5162 Set III July 9. Warning July 11. White Rhino July 12. Skewd July 16. DJ Big Rob every Thur., Sun. & Tue. Live music every Wed., Fri. & Sat. COPPER TAP HOUSE, 13500 Beach Blvd., 647-6595 Charlie Walker 9 p.m. July 12 SALSA’S MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 13500 Beach Blvd., 9928402 Live guitar music 6-9 p.m. every Tue. & Sat. YOUR PLACE, 13245 Atlantic Blvd., 221-9994 Clayton Bush
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 37
A&E // MOVIES
MAGIC LANTERNS
TRUE CORRUPTION
Your World Cup Soccer Headquarters
ALL
THE GAMES! KICKIN’ DRINK SPECIALS!
CONTESTS / GIVEAWAYS!
LOTS OF PRIZES! GET IN ON THE FUN!
Having finished HBO’s terrific mini-series True Detective, I was inspired to revisit 1981’s True Confessions, one of that decade’s finest films with strikingly similar themes and techniques. Each drama features a pair of male protagonists. In True Detective, it’s Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey as detectives embroiled in a particularly vicious case involving a serial killer preying on prostitutes and children in Louisiana. In True Confessions, Robert De Niro and Robert Duvall are brothers (the former, a priest; the latter, a detective) involved in the brutal murder of a Los Angeles hooker. Both features use chronological flashbacks, as characters age 20 years or more over the course of the narrative. True Confessions begins and ends with a meeting of the two brothers many years after the film’s central events. True Detective employs a more complicated process, flashing back and forth over a period of years in nearly every episode. Besides dealing with grisly crimes, both stories involve complex themes of political and religious corruption. Though True Detective has time to develop very tangled love/sexual relationships, True Confessions manages to incorporate an important subtext about human as well as divine love. Raw, violent, graphic and uncompromising, True Detective is sophisticated and intelligent, an example of the TV mini-series at its best. The acting, direction and production values are all first-rate. If you haven’t seen it, you should — with a caveat: It can be quite disturbing. True Confessions, on the other hand, is far more subdued and restrained. The graphic elements are minimal but effective, action sequences practically non-existent. Yet the film has a driving intensity, fueled in equal part by Duvall and De Niro at the top of their form. Equally noteworthy is the script by John Gregory Dunne and his wife Joan Didion, based on Dunne’s earlier novel, which in turn was inspired by the real-life case of the 1947 Black Dahlia murder in Los Angeles. Please don’t confuse this film with Brian DePalma’s vapid Black Dahlia (2006). Robert De Niro plays a prominent figure in Los Angeles Catholic hierarchy, a monsignor torn between the politics of his position and his conscience as a man of God. His life and his office seem to be devolving into one compromise after another, particularly when he’s forced to suck up to a corrupt Catholic businessman. What’s never questioned, however, is his priestly faith. As his worldlier brother, Robert Duvall is less patient and more irate with all levels of bureaucratic corruption. When his investigation into a heinous crime leads him to the web of the wealthy and prominent, he’s eager to pounce. Less pious and more realistic (or so he would think) than his sibling, the cop is nonetheless forced to reappraise the situation when his brother may be one of the collateral victims. Truth, it seems, might take on a different face inside and outside the confessional. Both features are true winners. You’ve probably heard of, if not already seen, True Detective. Don’t overlook True Confessions. Pat McLeod mail@folioweekly.com
38 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Opens Friday, July 11
FILM RATINGS **** KING KONG (1933) ***@ THE WIZARD OF OZ (FLYING MONKEYS) **@@ BEDTIME FOR BONZO *@@@ EVERY WHICH WAY BUT LOOSE
SCREENING AROUND TOWN SUMMER MOVIE CLASSICS “Hey, you guys!” The series continues with The Goonies, starring Sean Astin, Josh Brolin, Corey Feldman, Jonathan Ke Quan and John (Oakland Raiders defensive end) Matuszak as Sloth, at 2 p.m. on July 13 at The Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Downtown, $7.50 each; $45 for 10, 355-2787, floridatheatre.com. Who can forget that immortal line moaned by Mama Fratelli (the great character actress Anne Ramsey): “Kids suck”? NIGHT OWL CINEMA So good it’s here, too: The Goonies screens at 8 p.m. on July 13 at St. Augustine Amphitheatre, 1340 A1A S.; free, 209-0367, staugamphitheatre.com. So you can catch this twice in one day, and relive all of Data’s great gadgets, Chunk’s (Jeff Cohen) woes and Stef’s (Martha Plimpton, now playing a grandmother on TV!) sarcasm. SUN-RAY CINEMA Snowpiercer and We Are The Best! screen July 11-17. Obvious Child, Tammy and Chef are also shown at 1028 Park St., 5 Points, 359-0049, sunraycinema.com. The Texas Chainsaw Massacre screens 9:30 p.m. July 11 and 12; Gunnar Hansen appears July 12 (see page 8). Flight of the Navigator continues the Summer Kids Series at 11 a.m. on July 12. Cinema Camp for Gifted Kids, rising first-eighth graders, is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. July 9-11 and 14-18; for details, email shana@sunraycinema.com. LATITUDE 30 MOVIES Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Rio 2 screen at Latitude 30’s CineGrille Theater, 10370 Philips Hwy., Southside, 365-5555. WGHF IMAX THEATER Transformers: Age of Extinction, Island of Lemurs: Madagascar 3D, We the People, Great White Shark 3D and D-Day: Normandy 1944 screen at World Golf Village IMAX Theater, St. Augustine, worldgolfimax.com.
NOW SHOWING 22 JUMP STREET ***G Rated R The sequel is funnier, cleverer, wittier, snarkier and morer. Cops Schmidt (Jonah Hill) and Jenko (Channing Tatum) have “graduated” to going undercover at Metro City State College,
investigating a drug case that’s “just like last time.” This movie is as big, loud, actiony and goofy as an action comedy sequel can be, and yet it’s (mostly) not stupid, sexist or homophobic. There’s a running joke about how Jenko, who’s dumber than a bag of Glocks, sometimes realizes this. “Fuck you, brain,” he says, rather sadly, to himself, and it zings by before you realize how brilliant that is. — MaryAnn Johanson AMERICA Rated PG-13 Filmmaker, writer and political pundit and campaign-finance violator Dinesh D’Souza’s documentary poses the idea that factual American history is morphing into a story of rampant plunder and exploitation. — Marlene Dryden CHEF **G@ Rated R Writer-actor-director Jon Favreau’s pleasant dramedy is nice to look at, but shapeless and slight. Carl Casper (Favreau) is an average chef for an average restaurateur (Dustin Hoffman) who fires him when a critic pans the place. He gets a food truck, which reignites his passion for cooking. Costars Oliver Platt, John Leguizamo, Emjay Anthony, Scarlett Johansson, Amy Sedaris and a hilariously manic Robert Downey Jr. — Jeff Meyers DAWN OF THE PLANET OF THE APES Rated PG-13 For a while there, it looked as if Jonah Hill was going to be this summer’s runaway winner in the category of Saying Stupid Shit In Public Just As Your Big Movie Is About To Come Out. But then Gary Oldman unloaded to Playboy about the sheer, unendurable oppression of being unable to call a fag a fag and a Jew a Jew, and we had a new front-runner in the Emergency Hairshirt Olympics – and an answer to the question “What could possibly keep a Rob Ford apology off the front page?” Meanwhile, the apology I want to hear from Oldman is for mentioning David Bowie in the same breath as Charles Flippin’ Krauthammer when the question was “Who speaks the truth in this culture, in your opinion?” Anyway, Fox is hoping all the fags and Jews out there are sufficiently swayed by Oldman’s show of penance that they’ll still go see Dawn, the second installment in their grand quest to reboot aspects of the original Apes franchise nobody gave an especial shit about. In this one, Oldman is in a band of human relics trying to stay alive in a world fallen into the hands of filthy primates. Geez, what would a Krauthammer reader know about that feeling? (Deliciously unfortunate trailer moment: Oldman’s histrionically panicked “That’s a helluva lot more than eighty!” Yes, Harvey Weinstein, he’s talking about you people.) — Steve Schneider DELIVER US FROM EVIL Rated R
A&E // MOVIES “Inspired by the Actual Accounts of an NYPD Sergeant,” scream the promo materials. So it’s 90 minutes of selfies with strippers, arbitrary stop-and-frisk harassment runs and Sbarro farts? DON’T. I. WISH. It’s more demonic-possession hugger-mugger – this time culled from the memoirs of Ralph Sarchie, who teamed up with a Catholic priest to combat the sinister forces threatening the Big Apple. Of course, that little operation de-prioritized another sinister force that was threatening the Big Apple: the Catholic Church. The movie version stars Eric Bana, whose career has now literally gone to hell. — S.S. EARTH TO ECHO Rated PG If you’re ever worried that something you say or do might piss off Steven Spielberg – and yes, I know that’s probably a likelier element of my life than yours – remember his lawyers apparently couldn’t do anything to stop Earth to Echo, a family sci-fi adventure in which a bunch of concerned kids try to help a stranded alien find his way home. Wait, I’m not finished! The poster shows a human kid’s finger reaching toward the alien in a gesture of healing friendship, the scene bathed in a serene blue light. Jesus, all that Jurassic money, and his people can’t even get off a good cease-and-desist? Then again, the trogs on IMDb think it’s ripped off from Spielberg’s Super 8 instead. So maybe there’s some sort of legal loophole when you bite two of a guy’s properties at once? Guess I’ve got nothing to worry about, so here goes: Hey, Steve! The Terminal blew big dog! — S.S. EDGE OF TOMORROW ***G Rated PG-13 Filmmaker Doug Liman directs the sci-fi action drama with Tom Cruise as a smarmy Army major, Brendan Gleason as a hardcore Army general and Emily Blunt as a soldier with a weird backstory, embroiled in an alien invasion that brings out the worst in everybody. — M.J. THE FAULT IN OUR STARS Rated PG-13 John Green’s novel about young cancer patients in love yields a date movie/weeper. When the book came out, the critical praise it got was interrupted only by a Daily Mail pan that consigned it to the “Sick-Lit” subgenre of juvie fiction (yes, that’s a thing). One detail to watch: In the book, our heroes bond over V for Vendetta, and if that’s in the movie, it means someone’s finally going to see V for Vendetta. — S.S. HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2 ***G Rated PG The sequel picks up five years on; seaside Viking village Berk is experiencing a new normal of dragons as trusted companions. Costars the voices of Gerard Butler, Cate Blanchett, Jay Baruchel, Craig Ferguson, America Ferrera, Jonah Can’t-Stop-Starring Hill, Christopher Mintz-Plase and Kristen Wiig. — Scott Renshaw JERSEY BOYS *G@@ Rated R Director Clint Eastwood’s film adaptation of the Broadway and West End hit, about the rapid rise of the now-legendary Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons is a stodgy mess with a bland cast in a rags-to-riches story told before with far more emotional richness and cultural insight. Costars Vincent Piazza, John Lloyd Young, Steve Schirripa, Christopher Walken, Erich Bergen and Michael Lomenda. — M.J. MALEFICENT Rated PG When Wicked let grade-school girls and middle-aged homosexuals reimagine The Wizard of Oz from the villain’s point of view, the Disney Company’s rodent ears shot up: “Hah! We’ve got a buttload of public-domain baddies,” they chortled. We see the messy Sleeping Beauty deal played out according to its antagonist queen (Angelina Jolie) – the only original character we know. — S.S.
OBVIOUS CHILD ***G Rated R Crude Brooklyn standup comic Donna (Jenny Slate) gets dumped, gets sad and sloppy-drunk, sleeps with a stranger, gets pregnant, and decides to get an abortion. In between is the messy, funny, peripatetic business of waking up, going to work, having dinner, even when there’s a Planned Parenthood appointment circled on the calendar. Emotionally troubled but constitutionally tough, Donna goes about her days. What else can she do? — Kimberley Jones SNOWPIERCER Rated R • Opens July 11, Sun-Ray Cinema Director Bong Joon Ho’s sci-fi thriller is about a globalwarming experiment gone wrong — it’s destroyed almost all living things. There’s a perpetual-motion train, however, on which survivors travel the Earth — but just like in Lord of the Flies, a hierarchy evolves. Costars Chris Evans, Jamie “Billy Elliott” Bell, Ed Harris, John Hurt, Octavia Spencer and Tilda Swinton, actually playing a female. And the soundtrack features “Strange Brew,” by Cream – written by Eric Clapton, Felix Pappalardi and Gail Collins. Collins shot Pappalardi to death in 1983, so, strange indeed. — M.D. TAMMY Rated R The Fourth of July is a time to celebrate the shared experiences and attitudes that make us all American. This year, one tie that binds is that we sure do love to see Melissa McCarthy play Melissa McCarthy. In Tammy, her filter-less lowlife character is a downsized fast-food worker – whose response to unemployment is to take a road trip with grandma Susan Sarandon. If you saw the ads on mute and assumed Sarandon was playing McCarthy’s mother, pour yourself a shot and count the months since she was supposed to be only one generation removed from Andy Samberg. Motherlover, how the time does fly. — S.S. THINK LIKE A MAN TOO Rated PG-13 The first Think Like a Man answered one of modern society’s nagging questions: “Who in the name of all that’s holy would take relationship advice from Steve Harvey?” This one tackles a more pressing issue: “Who would take relationship advice from the guy twice?” Couples go to Las Vegas for a multiple wedding, but the lures of Sin City cause their best-laid plans to go astray. That’s a big “NO” to having your nuptials in America’s capital of toilet-derived syphilis and instant bankruptcy. Damn, this is priceless wisdom, playa! — S.S. TRANSFORMERS: AGE OF EXTINCTION Rated PG-13 Is there life after Shia LeBeouf? More to the point, is there life for Shia LeBeouf? Now that the tweeter ya love to hate decided his Joaquin Phoenix act wasn’t working for him, there’s a huge opp for another allegedly corporeal actor to line up with the uppity Datsuns that are the real stars of the franchise. The fourth Trannies flick has a whole new cast of humans, led by unencumbered-by-self-awareness Mark Wahlberg. Marky’s performance in Extinction is quite the meme thanks to the trailer which made the line “I tink we just found a Transfomah!” an instant target for our society’s Chris Hardwicks. (Note to Hollywood: He who loses Hardwick has lost the nation.) Director Michael Bay is back – what does the Orson Welles of tinting and detailing promise for No. 4? “This is a much more cinematic one,” Bay told Yahoo UK (distinguishing it from previous outings, apparently live radio plays). He said it’d be “less goofy.” It’s a new era for Autobots, as cars-that-turn-into-robots are joined by Dinobots, robots taking the form of dinosaurs. Yep, serious hard-nosed realism. — S.S. X-MEN: DAYS OF FUTURE PAST ***G Rated PG-13 Bryan Singer’s action-packed film costars Michael Fassbender and Nicholas Hoult.
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 39
A&E // ARTS PERFORMANCE
SHREK THE MUSICAL An ogre, a donkey and a princess try to save a swamp, (Doors, 5:30 p.m. Tue.-Sun.; matinees, 11 a.m. Sat., noon Sun.) through July 27 at Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, $38-$55, 641-1212, alhambrajax.com. 33 VARIATIONS Moisés Kaufman’s 33 Variations examines death and obsession jumping between Beethoven’s pursuit of the 33 Variations and a battle with ALS, in The 5 & Dime’s second collaboration with the Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, with a dinner option, 6 p.m. dinner (7:30 p.m. show) July 18 and 19 and 25 and 26 and matinees with 12:30 p.m. brunch (2 p.m. show) July 20 and 27 at 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside, $37 with dining, $15 without, the5anddime.org. SWAMP RADIO SUMMER PERFORMANCE A live radio show with stories, interviews, and music presents its summer edition, themed Summer in the Ancient City, including a performance by The WillowWacks, at 7:30 p.m. on July 18 and 19 in Flagler College’s Lewis Auditorium, 14 Granada St. St., Augustine, $25 for adults, $20 for students, swampradiojax.com. THE WIZ Stage Aurora Theatrical Company presents The Wiz as part of its Aurora Jacksonville Black Arts Festival, 7 p.m. July 18, and 2 and 6 p.m. July 19 at Stage Aurora, Gateway Town Center, 5188 Norwood Ave., Northside, $15-$25, 765-7373, stageaurora.org. Top Chef Extravaganza and Aurora Youth Talent Explosion are also featured. RENT Impoverished young bohemians negotiate dreams, loves and conflicts at 8 p.m. July 18, 19, 24, 25, 26 and 31, Aug. 1, 2, 7-9; 2 p.m. July 20, 27, Aug. 3 at Players by the Sea, 106 N. Sixth St., Jax Beach, $25-$28, 249-0289, playersbythesea.org. SID THE SCIENCE KID Award-winning, animated science kid of PBS Kids appears 10 a.m-3 p.m. July 19 at Museum of Science & History, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank, free with museum admission, 366-6674, themosh.org.
COMEDY
CHICAGO STACKED The all-female improv group appears at 8:04 p.m. July 9 at the Comedy Club of Jacksonville, 11000 Beach Blvd., 646-4277, jacksonvillecomedy.com. DOMINIQUE The Tom Joyner Morning Show comedian has been on Def Comedy Jam and Laffapalooza. She’s here at 8 p.m. July 10-12 and 10 p.m. July 12 at The Comedy Zone, 3130 Hartley Rd., $15-$18, 292-4242, comedyzone.com. TRAVIS HOWZE Comedian Howze does his standup at 8:04 p.m. July 10-12 and 10:10 p.m. July 12 at the Comedy Club of Jacksonville, $6-$15, jacksonvillecomedy.com. DANNY JOHNSON Comedian Johnson performs at 8 p.m. July 11 and 9:30 p.m. July 12 at Latitude 30, 10370 Philips Highway, Southside, 365-5555, latthirty.com. MIKE SPEENBERG The comedian is on at 8 p.m. July 17-19 at The Comedy Zone, Mandarin, $10-$12, comedyzone.com. KIER Comic Kier mixes comedy and music at 8:04 p.m. July 17-19 and 10:10 p.m. July 19 at the Comedy Club of Jacksonville, $6-$25, jacksonvillecomedy.com. MAD COWFORD COMEDY REVUE The Mad Cowford troupe performs Way Off Broadway, a comedy revue combining improve and sketch comedy, in celebration of Cowford’s eighth anniversary, 8 p.m. July 19 at Theatre Jacksonville, $20, theatrejax.com, madcowford.com.
CALLS & WORKSHOPS
FOOD AND CLIMATE The ongoing program Great Decisions is designed to engage citizens in learning about the world. Scholars from JU and UNF lead the discussion, 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 10 at Southeast Regional Library, 10599 Deerwood Park Blvd., Southside, free, 630-4655. BLACK & WHITE: PHOTOJOURNALISM PANEL DISCUSSION Experts from journalism, contemporary art and publishing debate aspects of The New York Times Magazine Photographs exhibit at 7 p.m. July 10 at MOCA, 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, free, 366-6911, mocajacksonville.org. THE BOY FROM OZ Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre auditions for The Boy from Oz, with more than 12 roles available as well as an ensemble of 6-8 males and females, 2 p.m. July 12 at ABET. Performance dates are Sept. 5-21. 249-7177, abettheatre.com. SAVE YOUR SANITY SUNDAYS Jennifer O’Donnell, Chamblin BookMine, leads a workshop on creating visual journals with a variety of media, materials and methods, 2 p.m. July 13, 20 and 27 at 229 N. Hogan St., Downtown, $20 for members, $15 for nonmembers. IMPROV FOR ADULTS Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre’s four-week course is led by actor/instructor Gary Baker; $85, 2-4 p.m. July 13, 20 and 27 at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., 249-7177, abettheatre.com. GET INTO THE CHARACTER ZONE This one-week camp, open to kids in grades 5-10, builds listening, blocking and projection skills, 9 a.m. July 14-18 at Players by the Sea, 106 N. Sixth St., Jax Beach, $175, 249-0289, playersbythesea.org. CAMP-A-GO-GO This one-week creative drama camp,
40 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
for kids in grades 1-4, that encompasses theater games, storytelling, dress up, pantomime, singing and dancing is held 9 a.m. July 14-18 at Players by the Sea, $175, 249-0289, playersbythesea.org. THEATRE CAMP The three-week program offers improv, theater games and scene work, teaching kids in grades 5-12 how to rehearse, culminating with a production. Spaces are limited, (9 a.m. Mon.-Fri.) July 14-Aug. 1 at Players by the Sea, $445, 249-0289, playersbythesea.org. CREATIVE DRAMA SUMMER CAMPS ABET offers kids in grades 3-7 games, music, dance, improv and storytelling, held July 14-25 (9 a.m. Mon.-Fri.) at ABET, abettheatre.com. THE ADDAMS FAMILY Auditions are held at 6 p.m. July 15 for the musical (staged Sept. 19-Oct. 19) at Limelight Theatre, limelight-theatre.org. NATURE DETECTIVE WORKSHOPS Children ages 6-12 play Nature Detectives and learn about bats and how the pollinators relate to gardening, 1 and 2:30 p.m. July 19, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd., sjcpls.org. ACTEEN STAGE LAB Kids in grades 6-12 learn street style and ambush theater at 6:30 p.m. every Wed. at Limelight Theatre, $80/session, 825-1164, limelight-theatre.org. CREATIVE DRAMA SUMMER CAMP Atlantic Beach Experimental Theatre’s camp, for kids in grades 3-7, lets campers explore their dramatic side through ageappropriate theater games, music and dance, improvisation and story-telling. It’s held July 14-25 (9 a.m. Mon.-Fri.) at Adele Grage Cultural Center, 716 Ocean Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 249-7177, abettheatre.com.
CLASSICAL & JAZZ
SUMMER JAZZ SERIES The final concert in the series, featuring Nick Colionne (pictured), Jessy J and Nate Mitchell, starts at 5 p.m. July 13 at SeaWalk Pavilion, Jax Beach, free, jacksonvillebeach.org.
ART WALKS, FESTIVALS & MARKETS
DOWNTOWN FRIDAY MARKET Arts and crafts and local produce are offered 10 a.m.-2 p.m. July 11 and every Fri. at The Jacksonville Landing, 2 Independent Dr., Downtown, 353-1188. FIRST FRIDAY ART WALK The tour of Art Galleries of St. Augustine is held July 11 (rescheduled from July 4), then returns every first Fri., with more than 15 galleries participating, 829-0065. RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET Local and regional art, local music – featuring You Rascal You! at 10:30 a.m., Hannah Aldridge at noon and Nathan Storey at 2:45 p.m. – food artists and a farmers market are featured, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 12 and every Sat. under the Fuller Warren Bridge, 715 Riverside Ave., free admission, 389-2449, riversideartsmarket.com. ARTRAGEOUS ART WALK Downtown Fernandina Beach galleries are open for self-guided tours, 5:30-8:30 p.m. July 12 and every second Sat., 277-0717, ameliaisland.com. NORTH BEACHES ART WALK Galleries of Atlantic and Neptune beaches are open 5-9 p.m. July 17 and every third Thur. from Sailfish Drive in Atlantic Beach to Neptune Beach and Town Center,753-9594, nbaw.org.
MUSEUMS
ALEXANDER BREST MUSEUM & GALLERY Jacksonville University, 2800 University Blvd. N., Arlington, 256-7371, arts.ju.edu. The permanent collection features carved ivory, Chinese porcelain, pre-Colombian artifacts and more. AMELIA ISLAND MUSEUM OF HISTORY 233 S. Third St., Fernandina Beach, 261-7378, ameliamuseum.org. The children’s exhibit Discovery Ship allows kids to pilot the ship, hoist flags and learn about the history of Fernandina’s harbor. CUMMER MUSEUM OF ART & GARDENS 829 Riverside Ave., 356-6857, cummer.org. Collector’s Choice: Inside the Hearts and Minds of Regional Collectors, through Sept. 14. The Human Figure: Sculptures by Enzo Torcoletti is on display through September. A Commemoration of the Civil Rights Movement: Photography from the High Museum of Art is on display through Nov. 2. MANDARIN MUSEUM & HISTORICAL SOCIETY 11964 Mandarin Rd., 268-0784, mandarinmuseum.net. The exhibit The Maple Leaf, which features artifacts and information from the Civil War era, runs through December. MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, 366-6911, mocajacksonville.com. The exhibit New York Times Magazine Photographs, curated by Kathy Ryan and Lesley Martin, runs through Aug. 24. Scott Ingram exhibits a survey collection of drawings and objects through Aug. 24. Admission is free from 5-9 p.m. every Thur., through Aug. 24. MUSEUM OF SCIENCE & HISTORY 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank, 396-6674, themosh.org. Uncovering the Past: Archaeological Discoveries of North Florida is on display through August. First Friday Cosmic Concerts feature the music of Jimmy Buffett, The Beatles, Laseropolis, Pink Floyd or Metallica every first Fri. (rotating bands’ music).
NICK COLIONNE with JESSY J and NATE MITCHELL July 13 at SeaWalk Pavilion VISITOR INFORMATION CENTER 10 W. Castillo Dr., St. Augustine, 825-1000, staugustine-450.com/journey. Journey: 450 years of the African-American Experience, through July 15. WORLD GOLF HALL OF FAME & MUSEUM Honoring the Legacy: A Tribute to African-Americans in Golf – an exhibit of photos, audio, video and memorabilia from the late 1800s to the present – is featured in the permanent collection.
GALLERIES
THE ART CENTER PREMIER GALLERY Bank of America Tower, 50 N. Laura St., Downtown, 355-1757. Sand and Sea: Two Elements, Infinite Visions features art that depicts water and water sports, on display July 10-Sept 2. BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS 869 Stockton St., Ste. 1, Riverside, 855-1181. Eric Gillyard’s exhibit of new collage works, Vagaries of Fiction, continues through August. BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS 2400 S. Third St., Ste. 201, Jacksonville Beach. CoRK Arts District’s Crystal Floyd displays mixed media, terrariums and special-edition screen prints created with Bold Bean espresso mixed with the ink – through August. FIRST STREET GALLERY 216-B First St., Neptune Beach, 241-6928, firststreetgalleryart.com. Painter Randy Pitts and glass artist Tracy Womack display their works at their exhibit’s opening reception 7-9 p.m. July 11. The exhibit is on display through Sept. 2. FLORIDA MINING GALLERY 5300 Shad Rd., Southside, 425-2845, floridamininggallery.com. A display of works by Diogenes The Dog & Ryan Rummel has been extended
through Aug. 1. LUFRANO INTERCULTURAL GALLERY 1 UNF Drive, Student Union, University of North Florida, Southside, 620-2475. Indigenous bird paintings are on display in Anthony Whiting: Florida’s Wild Birds, through Aug. 6. PLUM GALLERY 9 Aviles St., St. Augustine, 825-0069, plumartgallery.com. American Craftsmen – mixed-media sculptures, handcrafted furniture, stained glass and linocut prints – by Nicola Barsaleau, Meagan Chaney Gumpert, Jessie Cook, Duke Darnold and Rachel deCuba, is on display through August. ROTUNDA GALLERY St. Johns County Admin. Bldg., 500 San Sebastian View, St. Augustine. St. Augustine Camera Club’s third annual Juried Member Photography Show is on display through July 24. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION 22 Marine St., 824-2310, staaa.org. Nature in all its forms and the wildlife that inhabit the great outdoors are celebrated in the fifth annual Nature and Wildlife Exhibition, on display July 26Aug. 31. The Zen Garden Party opening is 5-8 p.m. July 26. Tickets are $50; RSVP by July 18. SOUTHLIGHT GALLERY 201 N. Hogan St., Ste. 100, Downtown, 553-6361, southlightgallery.com. Members’ Choice, an invitational exhibit juried by Southlight members, displays works by Diantha York-Ripley, Shellie Thies, Lucy Clark, Troy Eittreim, Cathy Berse, Daniel Kraus, Virginia Cantore, Jami Childers, Sully Fontaine, Jeffrey Luque, Jessica Becker, Michael D. Glinski, Raquel Tripp, Margo Buccini and Wendy Tatter. A reunion show – featuring new work by former gallery members – continues through July 18.
DINING DIRECTORY To have your restaurant listed, contact your account manager or Sam Taylor, 904.260.9770 ext. 111 staylor@folioweekly.com DINING DIRECTORY KEY
Average Entrée Cost $ = Less than 8 $$ = $8- $14 $$$ = $15- $22 $$$$ = $23 & up BW = Beer/Wine FB = Full Bar K = Kids’ Menu TO = Take Out B = Breakfast R = Brunch L = Lunch D = Dinner Bite Club = Hosted a free Folio Weekly Bite Club tasting. Join at fwbiteclub.com. BOJ = 2013 Best of Jax winner F = FW distribution spot $
AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA BEACH, YULEE
29 SOUTH EATS, 29 S. Third St., 277-7919. F In historic downtown, the popular bistro’s Chef Scotty Schwartz serves traditional world cuisine with a modern twist. $$ L Tue.-Sat.; D Mon.-Sat.; R Sun. BRETT’S WATERWAY CAFÉ, 1 S. Front St., 261-2660. F Southern hospitality in an upscale waterfront spot; daily specials, fresh local seafood, aged beef. $$$ FB K L D Daily CAFÉ KARIBO, 27 N. Third St., 277-5269. F In a historic building, family-owned spot serves worldly fare: homemade veggie burgers, fresh seafood, made-from-scratch desserts. Dine in or on oak-shaded patio. Karibrew Pub offers beer brewed onsite. $$ FB K TO R, Sun.; L D Daily CIAO ITALIAN BISTRO, 302 Centre St., 206-4311. Owners Luke and Kim Misciasci offer fine dining: veal piccata, rigatoni Bolognese, antipasto; house specialties are chicken Ciao, homemade-style meat lasagna. $ L Fri. & Sat.; D Nightly DAVID’S RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 802 Ash St., 310-6049. In Historic District. Fresh seafood, prime aged meats, rack of lamb served in an elegant, chic spot. $$$$ FB D Nightly DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 474313 E. S.R. 200, 491-3469. 450077 S.R. 200, Callahan, 879-0993. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily JACK & DIANE’S, 708 Centre St., 321-1444. F In a renovated 1887 shotgun house. Favorites: jambalaya, French toast, mac-n-cheese, vegan, vegetarian selections. Dine inside or on the porch. $$ FB K B L D Daily LULU’S at Thompson House, 11 S. Seventh St., 432-8394. F Creative lunch: po’boys, salads, little plates. Dinner: fresh local seafood, Fernandina shrimp. Reservations recommended. $$$ BW K TO R Sun.; L D Tue.-Sat. MOON RIVER PIZZA, 925 S. 14th St., 321-3400. F BOJ winner. Northern-style pizzas, with more than 20 toppings, are served by the pie or the slice. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. THE MUSTARD SEED CAFE, 833 TJ Courson Rd., 277-3141. Awarded Snail of Approval. Casual organic eatery and juice bar, in Nassau Health Foods. All-natural organic items, smoothies, juice, coffee, herbal tea. $$ TO B L Mon.-Sat. THE PECAN ROLL BAKERY, 122 S. Eighth St., 491-9815. Sweet and savory pastries, cookies, cakes and breads. Everything’s made from scratch. $ TO B L Wed.-Sun. PLAE, 80 Amelia Village Cir., 277-2132. Bite Club. Omni Plantation Spa & Shops. Bistro-style venue serves whole fried fish and duck breast. Outdoor dining. $$$ FB D Mon.-Sat. SALTY PELICAN BAR & GRILL, 12 N. Front St., 277-3811. F See ICW sunsets from second-story outdoor bar. Owners T.J. and Al offer local seafood, Mayport shrimp, fish tacos, po’boys, original broiled cheese oysters. $$ FB K L D Daily SLIDERS SEASIDE GRILL, 1998 S. Fletcher Ave., 277-6652. F BOJ winner. Oceanfront place serves awardwinning handmade crab cakes, fresh seafood, fried pickles. Outdoor dining, open-air 2nd floor, balcony. $$ FB K L D Daily TIMOTI’S FRY SHAK, 21 N. Third St., 310-6550. F Casual seafood place has blackboard specials and fresh, local wildcaught shrimp, fish and oysters, supporting local fishermen, farmers and brewers. $ BW K L D Daily T-RAY’S BURGER STATION, 202 S. 8th St., 261-6310. F This spot in an old gas station offers blue plate specials, burgers, biscuits & gravy, shrimp. $ BW TO B L Mon.-Sat.
ARLINGTON, REGENCY
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 9119 Merrill Rd., Ste. 19 & 20, 745-9301. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 8818 Atlantic Blvd., 720-0106. See Mandarin. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1301 Monument Rd., Ste. 5, 724-5802. F See Orange Park. $ K TO B L D Daily
AVONDALE, ORTEGA
THE CASBAH CAFÉ, 3628 St. Johns Ave., 981-9966. F BOJ winner. Middle Eastern/Mediterranean fare. Patio, hookah lounge. Wi-Fi, bellydancers. $$ BW L D Daily CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATES, 3543 St. Johns Ave., 829-5790. F In Green Man Gourmet. Wines, spices, fresh fruit ice pops and Belgian chocolates. See Ponte Vedra. $$ TO ESPETO BRAZILIAN STEAK HOUSE, 4000 St. Johns Ave., Ste. 40, 388-4884. F Churrascaria gauchos carve the meat onto your plate from serving tables. $$$ FB D Tue.-Sun. THE FOX RESTAURANT, 3580 St. Johns Ave., 387-2669. F Owners Ian & Mary Chase offer fresh diner fare: burgers, meatloaf, fried green tomatoes, desserts. Breakfast all day. Local landmark for 50+ years. $$ BW K L D Daily HARPOON LOUIE’S, 4070 Herschel St., Ste. 8, 389-5631. F Locally owned and operated for 20-plus years, the American pub serves 1/2-pound burgers, fish sandwiches,
pasta. Local beers. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 4530 St. Johns Ave., 388-8828. F See Mandarin. $$ FB K TO L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 3611 St. Johns Ave., 388-0200. F Bite Club. BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ BW K TO L D MOJO NO. 4 URBAN BBQ & WHISKEY BAR, 3572 St. Johns Ave., 381-6670. F BOJ. See Beaches. $$ FB L D Daily PINEGROVE MARKET & DELI, 1511 Pinegrove Ave., 389-8655. F BOJ winner. 40+ years. Cuban sandwiches, burgers, subs, wraps, homemade chicken salad, in a family spot. Onsite butcher cuts USDA choice prime aged beef. Craft beers. $ BW TO B L D Mon.-Sat. SIMPLY SARA’S, 2902 Corinthian Ave., 387-1000. F Down-home fare, from scratch: eggplant fries, pimento cheese, baked chicken, fruit cobblers, chicken & dumplings, desserts. BYOB. $$ K TO L D Mon.-Sat., B Sat.
BAYMEADOWS
AL’S PIZZA, 8060 Philips Hwy., Ste. 105, 731-4300. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ FB K TO L D Daily BROADWAY RISTORANTE & PIZZERIA, Ste. 3, 10920 Baymeadows Rd. E., 519-8000. F Family-owned-andoperated Italian pizzeria serves calzones, strombolis, wings, brick-oven-baked pizza, subs, desserts. Delivery. $$ BW K TO L D Daily INDIA’S RESTAURANT, 9802 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 8, 620-0777. F Authentic Indian cuisine, lunch buffet. Curries, vegetable dishes, lamb, chicken, shrimp, fish tandoori. $$ BW L Mon.-Sat.; D Nightly LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 8206 Philips Hwy., 732-9433. F See Mandarin. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 3928 Baymeadows, 737-7740. 8616 Baymeadows, 739-2498. F See Orange Park. $ TO L D Daily PIZZA PALACE RESTAURANT & PIZZERIA, 3928 Baymeadows Rd., 527-8649. F Relaxed, family-owned place serves homestyle cuisine. Local faves include spinach pizza, chicken spinach calzones, ravioli, lasagna, parmigiana. Outside dining; HD TVs. $$ BW K TO L D Daily SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE, 8133 Point Meadows Dr., 519-0509. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ FB K L D Daily ZESTY INDIA, 8358 Point Meadows Dr., 329-3676. Asian methodology melds with European template to create dishes like tandoori lamb chops, rosemary tikka. Vegetarian items cooked separately in vegetable oil. $ BW TO L D Tue.-Sun.
BEACHES
(Locations are in Jax Beach unless otherwise noted.)
AL’S PIZZA, 303 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Ctr., Atlantic Beach, 249-0002. F BOJ winner. Celebrating more than 20 years, Al’s is a repeat Best Pizza winner in our annual readers’ poll. New York-style and gourmet pizzas. All-day happy hour Mon.-Thur. $ FB K TO L D Daily BREEZY COFFEE SHOP CAFE, 235 Eighth Ave. S., 241-2211. F Casual, family-owned shop serves fresh-baked goods, espressos, locally roasted coffees, vegan and gluten-free options. Sandwiches, local beer. $ BW K TO B R L Daily BUDDHA THAI BISTRO, 301 10th Ave. N., 712-4444. The proprietors are from Thailand; every dish is made with fresh ingredients, beautifully presented. $$ FB TO L D Daily CANTINA MAYA SPORTS BAR & GRILLE, 1021 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 247-3227. F Great margaritas, great Latin food, burgers, sports on TVs. $$ FB K L D Tue.-Sun. CASA MARIA, 2429 S. Third St., 372-9000. F Familyowned-and-operated place offers authentic Mexican fare: fajitas and seafood dishes, hot sauces made in-house. The specialty is tacos de asada. $ FB K L D Daily CRUISERS GRILL, 319 23rd Ave. S., 270-0356. F BOJ winner. Locally owned and operated for 15+ years, this casual place serves half-pound burgers, fish sandwiches, award-winning cheddar fries and sangria. $ BW K L D Daily DELICOMB, 102 Sixth Ave. N., 372-4192. Beachfront spot’s sandwiches, paninis, wraps, kimchi, breakfast fare, espresso, seriously dank coffees are all made with natural and organic ingredients.$$ B, L & D Tue.-Sun. ENGINE 15 BREWING CO., 1500 Beach Blvd., Ste. 217, 249-2337. F BOJ winner. Gastropub fare: soups, flatbreads, sandwiches, including BarBe-Cuban and beer dip. Craft beers and brew groups. $ FB K L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly FLYING IGUANA TAQUERIA & TEQUILA BAR, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Neptune Beach, 853-5680. F Latin American fusion, Southwestern-influenced fare: tacos, seafood, carnitas, Cubana sandwiches. 100+ tequilas. Outdoor seating. $ FB L D Daily LANDSHARK CAFE, 1728 Third St. N., 246-6024. F Locally owned & operated. Fresh, off-the-boat local seafood, fish tacos, houseground burgers, wings, handcut fries, tater tots; daily specials. $$ FB K L D Daily; R Sun. LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 1222 Third St. S., 372-4495. F See Mandarin. $$ FB TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 657 N. Third St., 247-9620. F See Orange Park. $ K TO B L D Daily LILLIE’S COFFEE BAR, 200 First St., Beaches Town Ctr., Neptune Beach, 249-2922. F Locally roasted coffee, eggs, bagels, flatbreads, sandwiches, desserts. Dine indoors or out, patio and courtyard. $$ BW TO B L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 1018 Third St. N., Ste. 2, 241-5600. F Bite Club. BOJ winner. Hoagies, gourmet pizzas: Mighty Meaty, vegetarian, Kosmic Karma. 35 tap beers. Nonstop happy hour. $ BW K TO L D Daily METRO DINER, 1534 Third St. N., 853-6817. F BOJ winner. See San Marco. $$ R B L Daily
Mike Romano, Keith Waller and James Rench of Monroe’s Smokehouse Bar-B-Q show off their smoked wings, smoked beef brisket and spare ribs. Monroe’s has locations on the Westside and on Beach Boulevard on the Southside.
MEZZA RESTAURANT & BAR, 110 First St., Beaches Town Ctr., Neptune Beach, 249-5573. F Near-the-ocean eatery, 20+ years. Casual bistro fare: gourmet wood-fired pizzas, nightly specials. Dine inside or on the patio. Valet parking. $$$ FB K D Mon.-Sat. MOJO KITCHEN BBQ PIT & BLUES BAR, 1500 Beach Blvd., 247-6636. F BOJ winner. Funky Southern blues kitchen. Pulled pork, Carolina-style barbecue, Delta fried catfish, all the sides. $$ FB K TO L D Daily M SHACK, 299 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Ctr., Atlantic Beach, 241-2599. F BOJ winner. David and Matthew Medure flippin’ burgers, hot dogs, fries, shakes, familiar fare, moderate prices. Dine inside or outside. $$ BW L D Daily POE’S TAVERN, 363 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, 241-7637. F American gastropub named for the poet. 50+ beers, gourmet burgers, handcut fries, fish tacos, Edgar’s Drunken Chili, daily fish sandwich special. $$ FB K L D Daily RAGTIME TAVERN & SEAFOOD GRILL, 207 Atlantic Blvd., Beaches Town Ctr., Atlantic Beach, 241-7877. F For 30 years, popular seafood place has scored many awards in our BOJ readers poll. Blackened snapper, sesame tuna, Ragtime shrimp. Daily happy hour. $$ FB L D Daily SLIDERS SEAFOOD GRILLE & OYSTER BAR, 218 First St., Beaches Town Ctr., Neptune Beach, 246-0881. Beachcasual atmosphere. Faves: fish tacos, gumbo. Key lime pie, ice cream sandwiches. $$ FB K L Sat. & Sun.; D Nightly SNEAKERS SPORTS GRILLE, 111 Beach Blvd., 482-1000. F BOJ winner. Full-service bar (with more than 20 beers on tap), TV screens covering entire walls and cheerleaders serving the food. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. $ FB K L D Daily
DOWNTOWN
AKEL’S DELICATESSEN, 21 W. Church St., 665-7324. F New York-style deli offers freshly made fare: subs (3 Wise Guys, Champ), burgers, gyros, breakfast bowls, ranchero wrap, vegetarian dishes. $ K TO B L Mon.-Fri. AMERICAN GRILL, Jacksonville Landing, 353-7522. Fullservice restaurant serves traditional fare: pot pies, steaks, burgers, pizza, pot roast, vegetarian dishes. $$ BW L D Daily BENNY’S STEAK & SEAFOOD, Jax Landing, Ste. 175, 301-1014. Steak-and-seafood house serves Continental cuisine with such signature dishes as the Filet Christian. $$$ FB K L D Daily CAFÉ NOLA at MOCAJax, 333 N. Laura St., 366-6911. F Shrimp & grits, gourmet sandwiches, fresh fish tacos, homemade desserts. $$ FB L Mon.-Fri.; D Thur. & ArtWalk CASA DORA, 108 E. Forsyth St., 356-8282. F Chef Sam Hamidi has been serving genuine Italian fare for 36+ years: veal, seafood, gourmet pizza. The homemade salad dressing is a specialty. $$ BW K L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. CASA MARIA, 12961 N. Main St., Ste. 104, 757-6411. F See Beaches. $ FB K L D Daily CHICAGO PIZZA & SPORTS GRILL, Jax Landing, 354-7747. F Chicago-style deep-dish pizzas, hot dogs, Italian beef dishes from Chicago’s Comastro family. $$ FB K TO L D Daily CHOMP CHOMP, 106 E. Adams St., 762-4667. F Eats at moderate prices – most less than $10. Chef-inspired street food: panko-crusted chicken, burgers, chinois tacos, bahn mi and barbecue. $ L Tue.-Sat.; D Fri. & Sat. CINCO DE MAYO, Jax Landing, 329-2892. Authentic fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas. Dine in or outside. $$ FB L D Daily FIONN MacCOOL’S IRISH PUB & RESTAURANT, Jax Landing, Ste. 176, 374-1547. BOJ winner. This pub offers casual dining with an uptown Irish atmosphere, serving fish and chips, Guinness lamb stew and black-and-tan brownies. $$ FB K L D Daily HOOTERS, Jax Landing, Ste. 103, 356-5400. The chain, popular for its waitresses, features wings, steamed shrimp, oysters, burgers, seafood, sandwiches. $$ FB TO L D Daily KOJA SUSHI, Ste. 222, Jax Landing, 350-9911. F BOJ winner. Owners John and Tony, in the sushi game for 10+ years, offer sushi, sashimi, and Japanese, Asian, Korean cuisine. Hard-to-find items like baby octopus salad. Dine in
or out. $$ FB L Mon.-Fri.; D Nightly VILLAGE BREAD CAFE, Ste. 175, Jax Landing, 683-7244. Locally owned; bagels, omelets, sandwiches on homestyle bread, salads, pizzas, pastries. $ TO B L Mon.-Sat. VITO’S ITALIAN CAFE, Jax Landing, Ste. 174, 355-3002. Traditional Italian, Mediterranean fare: pasta, steak, seafood, tiramisu, cannoli. Daily happy hour. $ FB L D Daily ZODIAC GRILL, 120 W. Adams St., 354-8283. American favorites and Mediterranean fare in a casual atmosphere; panini, vegetarian dishes. Daily lunch buffet. Espressos, hookahs. Happy hour Mon.-Fri. $ FB L Mon.-Fri.
FLEMING ISLAND
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 1915 East-West Pkwy., 541-0009. F BOJ winner. See Riverside. $ BW TO Daily LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 1571 C.R. 220, Ste. 100, 215-2223. F See Mandarin. $$ FB TO L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 1800 Town Center Blvd., 541-1999. F Bite Club certified. BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ BW K TO L D Daily MOJO SMOKEHOUSE, 1810 Town Center Blvd., Ste. 8, 264-0636. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $$ FB TO L D Daily TAPS BAR & GRILL, 1605 C.R. 220, 278-9421. F 50+ premium tap domestic, imported beers. Starters, burgers, sandwiches, entrées, made to order with fresh ingredients. Lots of TVs for watching sports. $$ FB K L D Daily WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220, 269-4198. F Real fish camp serves gator tail, freshwater river catfish, daily specials, traditional meals, on Swimming Pen Creek. Outdoor Tiki bar. Come by boat, motorcycle or car. $ FB K TO L Tue.Sun.; D Nightly
INTRACOASTAL WEST
4 BONES BARBECUE, 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 20, 419-9855. Classic Southern barbecue: Pulled pork, brisket, chicken, turkey, ribs, chorizo served market-style by the pound. Mac ’n’ cheese, baked beans, cole slaw, green beans. Specialty sandwiches, banana pudding. $ K TO L D Tue.-Sat. AL’S PIZZA, 14286 Beach Blvd., Ste. 31, 223-0991. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ FB K TO L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 14286 Beach Blvd., 223-0115. F BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 14333 Beach Blvd., Ste. 39, 992-1666. F Tamales, fajitas, pork tacos. Some La Nops have a full bar. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., Ste. 14, 642-6980. F See Orange Park. $ K TO B L D Daily THE TENT HOOKAH LOUNGE, 12041 Beach Blvd., Ste. 4, 551-2962. Authentic fare, hookahs and flavored tobacco, specials and live belly dancing and floor seating, in keeping with that authenticity thing. Open late. $ BW L D Daily TIME OUT SPORTS GRILL, 13799 Beach Blvd., Ste. 5, 223-6999. F Locally-owned-and-operated grill serves hand-tossed pizzas, wings, wraps in a clean, sporty atmosphere. Daily drink specials, HD TVs, pool tables, darts, trivia. Late-night menu. $$ FB L Tue.-Sun.; D Nightly
JULINGTON CREEK
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 525 S.R. 16, Ste. 101, St. Johns, 825-4540. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily METRO DINER, 12807 San Jose Blvd., 638-6185. F BOJ winner. See San Marco. $$ R B L Daily TAPS BAR & GRILL, 2220 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 314, St. Johns, 819-1554. F See Fleming Island. $$ FB K L D Daily
MANDARIN
AL’S PIZZA, 11190 San Jose Blvd., 260-4115. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ FB K TO L D Daily ATHENS CAFÉ, 6271 St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 7, 733-1199. F From the dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) to the baby shoes (stuffed eggplant), Athens has all the favorites. Greek beers. $$ BW L Mon.-Fri.; D Mon.-Sat. DICK’S WINGS, 10391 Old St. Augustine, Ste. 1, 880-7087.
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 41
Watch all World Cup & MLB Games Here!
DINING DIRECTORY GRILL ME!
burgers, salads, sides and desserts – using locally sourced ingredients when possible. $$$ FB K L Mon.-Fri.; D Nightly MSHACK, 10281 Midtown Pkwy., 642-5000. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $$ BW L D Daily OVINTE, 10208 Buckhead Branch, 900-7730. BOJ winner. Tapas, small plates. Spanish and I talian flavors: ceviche fresco, pappardelle bolognese. 240-bottle wine list, 75 by the glass, craft spirits. Outdoor dining. $$ FB R, Sun.; D Nightly
A WEEKLY Q&A WITH PEOPLE IN THE FOOD BIZ
NAME: Carey Todd RESTAURANT: David’s Restaurant & Lounge, 802 Ash St., Fernandina Beach BIRTHPLACE: Myrtle Beach, South Carolina YEARS IN THE BIZ: 15
Mon tue wed
SAN JOSE, LAKEWOOD
FAVORITE RESTAURANT (other than mine): Amelia City Sushi, Fernandina
CRUISERS GRILL, 5613 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 1, 737-2874. BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ BW K L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 1610 University Blvd. W., 448-2110. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily FUSION SUSHI, 1550 University Blvd. W., 636-8688. F Upscale sushi spot serves fresh sushi, sashimi, hibachi, teriyaki, kiatsu. $$ K L D Daily MOJO BAR-B-QUE, 1607 University Blvd. W., 732-7200. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $$ FB K TO B L D Daily
BEST CUISINE STYLE: French GO-TO INGREDIENT: Fresh, local seafood IDEAL MEAL: Char-grilled ribeye over bleu cheese mashed potatoes, with grilled asparagus, served with a cold beer WILL NOT CROSS MY LIPS: Dover sole roe INSIDER’S SECRET: Keep it simple.
thur
fri
sat
sun
VISIT 13779 BEACH BLVD. (HODGES PLAZA) 904.223.6999 TIMEOUTSPORTSGRILL.COM
F BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily HARMONIOUS MONKS, 10550 Old St. Augustine Rd., Ste. 30, 880-3040. F American-style steakhouse features Angus steaks, gourmet burgers, ribs, wraps. $$ FB K L D Mon.-Sat. KAZU JAPANESE RESTAURANT, 9965 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 35, 683-9903. The new place has a wide variety of soups, dumplings, appetizers, salads, bento boxes, sushi, entrées, maki handrolls, sashimi. $$ FB TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA, 11700 San Jose Blvd., 288-0175. F Tamales, fajitas and pork tacos are customer favorites. Some locations offer a full bar. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 11365 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 3, 674-2945. F See Orange Park. $ K TO B L D Daily THE RED ELEPHANT PIZZA & GRILL, 10131 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 12, 683-3773. F This casual, family-friendly eatery serves pizzas, sandwiches, grill specials, burgers and pasta dishes. Gluten-free friendly. $ FB K L D Daily RENNA’S PIZZA, 11111 San Jose, Ste. 12, 292-2300. F Casual New York-style pizzeria serves calzones, antipasto, parmigiana, homemade breads. $$ BW K TO L D Daily
ORANGE PARK, MIDDLEBURG
ARON’S PIZZA, 650 Park Ave., 269-1007. F Family-owned restaurant has eggplant dishes, manicotti, New York-style pizzas. $$ BW K TO L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 1540 Wells Rd., 269-2122. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily THE HILLTOP, 2030 Wells Road, 272-5959. Southernstyle dining. Specialties: New Orleans shrimp, certified Black Angus prime rib, she-crab soup, desserts. $$$ FB D Tue.-Sat. KRISTIN’S ON THE RIVER, 2511 Blanding Blvd., 389-9455. This newly re-opened spot serves seafood and American favorites. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 9734 Crosshill Blvd., 908-4250. 2024 Kingsley Ave., 276-2776. F See Mandarin. $$ FB TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1330 Blanding Blvd., 276-7370. 1545 C.R. 220, 278-2827. 700 Blanding Blvd., Ste. 15, 272-3553. 1401 S. Orange Ave., Green Cove Springs, 284-7789. F All over the area, they pile ’em high and serve ’em fast. Hot/cold subs, soups, salads. $ K TO B L D Daily THE ROADHOUSE, 231 Blanding Blvd., 264-0611. F Wings, sandwiches, burgers, quesadillas; 35+ years. Pool tables, darts, foosball, TVs. 75+ imported beers. $ FB L D Daily
PONTE VEDRA, NW ST. JOHNS
AL’S PIZZA, 635 A1A N., 543-1494. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ FB K TO L D Daily CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATES, 145 Hilden Rd., Ste. 122, 829-5790. Hand-crafted in onsite factory; premium Belgian chocolate, fruits, nuts and spices. Cookies and popsicles. Your order shipped. $$ TO LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 830 A1A N., Ste. 6, 273-3993. F See Orange Park. $ K TO B L D Daily RESTAURANT MEDURE, 818 A1A N., 543-3797. Chef David Medure offers global flavors. Small plates, creative drinks, happy hour twice daily. $$$ FB D Mon.-Sat.
RIVERSIDE, 5 POINTS, WESTSIDE
AL’S PIZZA, 1620 Margaret St., Ste. 201, 388-8384. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ FB K TO L D Daily BLACK SHEEP RESTAURANT, 1534 Oak St., 355-3793. BOJ winner. New American favorites with a Southern twist, made with locally sourced ingredients. Awesome rooftop bar. $$$ FB R Sat. & Sun.; L D Daily BOLD BEAN COFFEE ROASTERS, 869 Stockton St., Stes. 1-2, 855-1181. F BOJ winner. Small-batch, artisanal coffee roasting. Organic, fair trade. $ BW TO B L Daily CORNER TACO, 818 Post St., 240-0412. Made-from-scratch “semi-swanky street food,” tacos, nachos, gluten-free and vegetarian options. $ BW L D Tue.-Sun. DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 5972 San Juan Ave., 693-9258. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily
42 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK, ST. NICHOLAS
CULINARY TREAT: Butter
GRASSROOTS NATURAL MARKET, 2007 Park St., 384-4474. F BOJ. Juice bar has cer tified organic fruit, vegetables. Artisanal cheese, 300+ craft/import beer, organic wines, produce, meats, wraps, raw, vegan. $ BW TO B L D Daily HAWKERS, 1001 Park St., 508-0342. The spot is based on Asian street vendors. A collection of hawker recipes is served under one roof. $ BW TO L D Daily LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 1509 Margaret St., 674-2794. 7895 Normandy Blvd., 781-7600. 5733 Roosevelt Blvd., Westside, 446-9500. 8102 Blanding Blvd., Westside, 779-1933. F See Orange Park. $ K TO B L D Daily METRO DINER, 4495 Roosevelt Blvd., Ortega, 999-4600. F BOJ winner. See San Marco. $$ R B L Daily MOON RIVER PIZZA, 1176 Edgewood Ave. S., 389-4442. F BOJ winner. See Amelia Island. $ BW TO L D Mon.-Sat. THE MOSSFIRE GRILL, 1537 Margaret St., 355-4434. F Southwestern dishes like fresh fish tacos and chicken enchiladas are popular. Happy hour runs Mon.-Sat. in the upstairs lounge, and all day Sun. $$ FB K L D Daily O’BROTHERS IRISH PUB, 1521 Margaret St., 854-9300. F Traditional Irish fare like shepherd’s pie with Stilton crust, Guinness mac-n-cheese and fish-n-chips. Outdoor patio dining is available. $$ FB K TO L D Daily SUN-RAY CINEMA, 1028 Park St., 359-0049. F Beer (Bold City, Intuition Ale Works), wine, pizza, hot dogs, hummus, sandwiches, popcorn, nachos, brownies. $$ BW Daily
ST. AUGUSTINE
AL’S PIZZA, 1 St. George St., 824-4383. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ FB K TO L D Daily AVILES RESTAURANT & LOUNGE, 32 Avenida Menendez, 829-2277. F Hilton Bayfront. Progressive European-flavored menu; made-to-order pasta night, wine dinners, chophouse nights, breakfast buffet. Sun. champagne brunch bot tomless mimosas. $$$ FB K B L D Daily CANDLELIGHT SOUTH, 1 Anastasia Blvd., 819-0588. F Brand-new on the island, the casual restaurant originally in Scarsdale, N.Y., offers fish tacos, sandwiches, wings, desserts and sangria. Daily specials. $ BW K TO L D Daily CARMELO’S MARKETPLACE & PIZZERIA, 146 King St., 494-6658. F New York-style brick-oven-baked pizza, fresh sub rolls, Boar’s Head meats, cheeses, garlic herb wings. Outdoor seating, Wi-Fi. $$ BW TO L D Daily CLAUDE’S CHOCOLATES, 6 Granada St., 829-5790. In The Market. Wine and chocolate pairings, soft-serve ice cream, a coffee bar, fresh fruit ice pops, cookies. $$ TO CRUISERS GRILL, 3 St. George St., 824-6993. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ BW K L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 4010 U.S. 1 S., 547-2669. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily THE FLORIDIAN, 39 Cordova St., 829-0655. Updated Southern fare: fresh, local ingredients from area farms. Vegetarian, gluten-free, too. Fried green tomato bruschetta, grits with shrimp, fish or tofu. $$$ BW K TO L D Wed.-Mon. GYPSY CAB COMPANY, 828 Anastasia Blvd., Anastasia Island, 824-8244. F A mainstay for a quarter-century, Gypsy’s menu changes twice daily. Signature dish is Gypsy chicken. Seafood, tofu, duck, veal. $$ FB R Sun.; L D Daily HARRY’S SEAFOOD BAR & GRILLE, 46 Avenida Menendez, 824-7765. F Cajun, Creole, Southern flavors: fresh seafood, steaks, pork, jambalaya, shrimp. $$ FB K TO L D Daily LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 155 Hampton Point Dr., 230-7879. F See Mandarin. $$ FB K TO L D Daily MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 410 Anastasia Blvd., 826-4040. F Bite Club. BOJ winner. See Beaches. $ BW K TO L D Daily MOJO OLD CITY BBQ, 5 Cordova St., 342-5264. F BOJ winner. See Beaches. $$ FB K TO L D Daily PACIFIC ASIAN BISTRO, 159 Palencia Village Dr., Ste. 111, 808-1818. F BOJ winner. Chef Mas Lui creates 30+ unique sushi rolls; fresh sea scallops, H awaiian-style poke tuna salad. $$-$$$ BW L D Daily TEMPO, 16 Cathedral Place, 547-0240. Fusion spot offers healthy American fare with a Latin flair. $$ BW L D Tue.-Sun.
ST. JOHNS TOWN CENTER
MOXIE KITCHEN + COCKTAILS, 4972 Big Island Dr., 998-9744. Chef Tom Gray’s place features innovative contemporary American cuisine – seafood, steaks, pork,
BASIL THAI & SUSHI, 1004 Hendricks Ave., 674-0190. F Pad Thai, curries, sushi. Dine indoors or on the patio. $$ FB L D Mon.-Sat. THE GROTTO WINE & TAPAS BAR, 2012 San Marco Blvd., 398-0726. F Varied tapas menu of artisanal cheese plates, empanadas, bruschettas, homestyle cheesecake. 60+ wines by the glass. $$$ BW Tue.-Sun. LA NOPALERA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 1631 Hendricks Ave., 399-1768. F See Mandarin. $$ FB K TO L D Daily MATTHEW’S, 2107 Hendricks Ave., 396-9922. Chef Matthew Medure’s flagship restaurant. Fine dining, European-style atmosphere. Artfully presented cuisine, small plates, extensive martini/wine lists. Reservations. $$$$ FB D Mon.-Sat. METRO DINER, 3302 Hendricks Ave., 398-3701. F BOJ winner. Original upscale diner in a historic 1930s-era building. Meatloaf, chicken pot pie, homemade soups. $$ B R L Daily PIZZA PALACE 1959 San Marco Blvd., 399-8815. F See Baymeadows. $$ BW TO L D Daily
SOUTHSIDE
360° GRILLE, LATITUDE 30, 10370 Philips Hwy., 365-5555. F Seafood, steaks, burgers, chicken, sandwiches, pizza. Dine inside, on patio. Games, movie theater. $$ FB TO L D Daily ALHAMBRA THEATRE & DINING, 12000 Beach Blvd., 641-1212. Longest-running dinner theater. Executive Chef DeJuan Roy’s menus coordinated with stage productions. Reservations suggested. $$ FB D Tue.-Sun. CASA MARIA, 14965 Old St. Augustine Rd., 619-8186. F See Beaches. $ FB K L D Daily DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 10750 Atlantic Blvd., 619-0954. BOJ winner. See Northside. $ FB K TO L D Daily THE DIM SUM ROOM, 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D, 363-9888. Dim sum favorites: shrimp dumplings, beef tripe, sesame ball; plus traditional Hong Kong noodles and barbecue. $ FB K L D Daily. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 3611 St. Johns Bluff S., 641-6499. 4479 Deerwood Lake Pkwy., 425-4060. F See Orange Park. BOJ winner. $ K TO B L D Daily MANGIA! ITALIAN BISTRO & BAR, 3210 St. Johns Bluff Rd. S., 551-3061. F Chef/owner Tonino DiBella offers fine dining – fresh seafood, veal, steaks, New York-style pizza, desserts. Happy hour Mon.-Sat. Patio. $$$ FB K TO L D Mon.-Sat. MELLOW MUSHROOM PIZZA BAKERS, 9734 Deer Lake Ct., Ste. 1, 997-1955. F See Beaches. Bite Club. BOJ winner. $ BW K TO L D Daily SEVEN BRIDGES GRILLE & BREWERY, 9735 Gate Pkwy. N., 997-1999. F Local seafood, steaks, pizzas. Brewer Aaron Nesbit handcrafts award-winning freshly brewed ales and lagers. Inside, outdoors. $$ FB K TO L D Daily TAVERNA YAMAS, 9753 Deer Lake Court, 854-0426. F Bite Club. BOJ winner. Char-broiled kabobs, seafood, wines, desserts. Belly dancing. $$ FB K L D Daily WATAMI BUFFET, 9041 Southside Blvd., Ste. 138D, 363-9888. All-you can-eat sushi, plus choice of two items from teppanyaki grill. $ FB K L D Daily. WORLD OF BEER, 9700 Deer Lake Court, Ste. 1, 551-5929. F Apps and bar food: German pretzels, hummus, pickle chips, flatbreads. Craft drafts from Germany, Cali, Florida (Bold City brews), Ireland, Belgium. $$ BW L D Daily
SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE
DICK’S WINGS & GRILL, 12400 Yellow Bluff Rd., Ste. 101, 619-9828. F BOJ winner. NASCAR-themed spot has 365 kinds of wings, half-pound burgers, ribs. $ FB K TO L D Daily HOLA MEXICAN RESTAURANT, 1001 N. Main St., 356-3100. F Fresh Mexican fare: fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, daily specials. Happy hour daily; sangria. $ BW K TO L D Mon.-Sat. LARRY’S GIANT SUBS, 12001 Lem Turner, 764-9999. See Orange Park. $ K TO B L D Daily SAVANNAH BISTRO, 14670 Duval Rd., 741-4404. F Low Country Southern fare, taste of Mediterranean and French. Crowne Plaza Airport. Crab cakes, New York strip, she crab soup, mahi mahi. Rainforest Lounge. $$$ FB K B L D Daily
FOLLOW US AT folioweekly.com.
BITE-SIZED
DRUNKEN NOODLE
MASTER
Serving the
CREAMIEST
Soft Ser ve Ice Cream In Avondale
(Next to Target) Photos by Caron Streibich
Make this eerily quiet Thai gem, tucked away in a Mandarin strip mall, your next to-go adventure
3566 ST. JOHNS AVE. 904-619-5386
BINGO FUN!
PAD KEE MAO WITH SHRIMP AKA “DRUNKEN NOODLES”
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS
I
what to expect, we were pleased with the don’t get out to Mandarin often, but a recent marinated and grilled pieces of bite-sized find, Thai Cuisine & Noodle House, in a strip mall set off the road, gives me reason to return. steak that mingled with sautéed onions, scallions and chili peppers. We began with a few appetizers. The Prices are reasonable, and the menu has dumpling-like pan-fried chicken and vegetable lots of options, from Thai curries with steamed pot stickers ($5.95) were adequate, but the jasmine rice to a crispy standout starter was fried whole fish. skewered chicken satay ($6.95 for 4) served with When we ate dinner, Thai Cuisine & Noodle House a creamy peanut dipping there was only one other 11701 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 28, sauce and a fiery-red sweet patron seated in a booth 701-9090 Thai chili sauce. Each bite behind us, and the owner, of chicken was delightfully who was busy fielding moist, and the marinade made it both tender take-out orders. It was eerily quiet — no music and flavorful. playing, just the occasional clink and clack of Despite the steadily climbing mercury pans from neighboring Papa John’s. It made for outside, it felt like a soup night, so I secured a a slightly awkward experience, but the food was cup of Thai-style hot-and-sour tom-yum soup great, the space was immaculately clean and the ($2.95), and added seafood for $1.30, a savvy call-in orders kept coming. Make this your next move, I thought. The broth had just the right to-go adventure. amount of spice, and the fragrant herbs — Caron Streibich lemongrass and cilantro — really boosted the biteclub@folioweekly.com flavor (as did the scallions and lime juice). facebook.com/folioweeklybitesized From the noodles and rice section, I landed on the pad kee mao with shrimp ($12.95), NIBBLES which translates to “drunken noodles.” Items from these sections are available with • CORRADO’S BAKERY ’N BISTRO vegetables, tofu, chicken, pork, beef, krab is now open at 813 Lomax St. in meat, shrimp or calamari. There were ample 5 Points, serving lunch Tuesday-Saturday. shrimp tossed among the vegetable pieces They’re planning to expand into dinner and an abundance of thin, flat noodles. Easy service soon. enough for leftovers or sharing, these noodle dishes are massive. Next time, I’m trying the • SIMPLY SARA’S in Ortega is now pad Thai with tofu. serving breakfast from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Of the many chef ’s specials, we sampled every Saturday. jungle steak ($12.95) with rice. Unsure of
WIN PRIZES! FREE TO PLAY BEER SPECIALS
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 43
NEWS OF THE WEIRD ROCKIN’ MESSIAH
Prominent theoretical chemist David Glowacki was ejected from a classical music concert at England’s Bristol Old Vic in June for disrupting a performance of Handel’s “Messiah.” He was trying to crowd-surf in front of the stage. Dr. Glowacki, an expert in non-equilibrium molecular reaction dynamics who’s a visiting scientist at Stanford University, was at a special “informal” performance; the audience was encouraged to stand and cheer loudly instead of the usual demure appreciation. He said afterward he couldn’t control himself when the performance moved to the “Hallelujah Chorus.”
CULTURAL DIVERSITY
A formal-dress rental store in Fukui, Japan, with a side business making keepsake portraits of brides, was surprised at the number of men who requested a similar service — to be outfitted just like the women, in wedding gowns and other frills, like full makeup and hairstyling for portraits. The store, Marry Mariee, charges about $400 ($600 on weekends). Said the manager, “We want to provide opportunities for people to enjoy showing their real selves, whether they are men or women.”
HAVE I GOT A GIRL FOR YOU
Parental fear of having raised girls and boys who will never marry, plus China’s boy-heavy gender imbalance, have caused the government to fund matchmaking conventions with opportunities and incentives for matrimony. But because of singles’ widespread disinterest, many attendees at a recent Shanghai Matchmaking Expo were parents touting their kids’ credentials to other unmarrieds. A dispatch from Vice.com reported “notice boards” full of cards (resembling baseball trading cards) and makeshift posters attached to umbrellas, reciting age, education and salary. Success of the expos was hard to predict, wrote Vice, because (as is so often the case with social mixers) many singles sat in silence, and many desirable candidates were no-shows.
PRIORITIES
San Francisco’s activist Board of Supervisors, among the boldest in the country to rid their cities of obnoxious goods and services, added
disposable plastic water bottles to the list in March (joining circumcision, plastic shopping bags and nutrition-challenged “Happy Meals” that have toys). The water bottle vote was unanimous (covering distribution on citycontrolled property), compared to a cliffhanging 2012 vote (6-5), in which the board finally banned unclothed people from the streets (mostly men), where until then, some freely wandered downtown sidewalks stark naked.
HOT CHICK
In a bizarre animal beauty contest, in June, the tiny serama chicken pageant was celebrated on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Seramas (which are thought by natives to have aphrodisiac powers) have richly colored plumage and a bearing — protruding, heartshaped chest, wings hanging to the ground — more resembling a goose-stepping soldier than a bird, reported Agence France-Presse.
DEMOCRACY IN ACTION!
Jordan Haskins, 24, is Michigan Republicans’ best hope for the open state House seat in Saginaw in November, but he’s burdened by a teenage past of being “young and stupid,” he told the Saginaw News in June. Haskins has been in prisons in two states (and is still on parole) stemming from trespassing and breaking-and-entering charges yearly from 2006-’11, most involving vehicles he used for sex (by himself). “I was in a messed-up state of mind, mentally and emotionally,” he said, but now is proud of the man he has become. “You may not respect my policies [or] my ideas, but you at least have to respect me as a person.”
YOU MISSED A SPOT
The leader of Romania’s Orthodox church was shown in June on the church’s website performing a traditional blessing of a newly inaugurated facility, in this case the churchowned Trinitas Radio and Television studios. The rooms are big and the walls are tall, and Patriarch Daniel is pictured applying holy oil to the facilities with a long-armed commercial paint roller. Chuck Shepherd weirdnews@earthlink.net
ASTROLOGY
BIRDS’ NESTS, EXORCISMS & GROUCHO MARX ARIES (March 21-April 19): What sources that heal and nourish you? Where do you go to renew yourself? Who are the people and animals that treat you best and are most likely to boost your energy? Next week, give special attention to these founts of love and beauty. Treat them with respect and reverence. Express gratitude and bestow blessings on them. It’s the perfect time to summon an outpouring of generosity. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Why do birds fly? First, that’s how they look for and procure food. Second, when seasons change and weather is cooler, they may migrate to warmer areas where there’s more to eat. Third, zipping around in midair is how birds fi nd materials to build nests. Fourth, it helps avoid predators. Ornithologists believe there’s one more reason: Birds fly because it’s fun. In fact, up to 30 percent of the time, that’s their main motivation. Match the birds’ standard in the weeks ahead. See if you can have a good time at least 30 percent of the time. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Is there an important resource you don’t have in suffi cient abundance? Are you suffering from lack of an essential fuel or tool? Not a luxury it’d be nice to have or a status symbol to boost your ego; rather, an indispensable asset you need to create your life story’s next chapter. Identify this crucial treasure, make or obtain an image of it, and put it on a shrine in your sanctuary. Pray for it. Vividly visualize it for a few minutes several times a day. Sing little songs about it. The time is now to be more serious about getting that valuable thing. CANCER (June 21-July 22): Since 1981, Chinese law has stipulated that every healthy person between the ages of 11 and 60 should plant three to five trees each year. This is a favorable week for Chinese Cancerians to do that. For that matter, it’s a great time for all Cancerians, regardless of where you live, to plant trees, sow seeds, launch projects, or do stuff to animate fertility and creativity. You have more power to initiate long-term growth. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The weeks before your birthday are often a good time to engage the services of an exorcist. No need to hire a pricey priest with dubious credentials; I offer my expert demon-banishing skills free. Let’s begin. I call on the spirits of smart heroes you love best to be here with us right now. With help from their inspirational power, I hereby dissolve any curse or spell ever placed on you, even if done inadvertently, even if you cast it. The holy laughter unleashed as I carry out this purification expunges useless feelings, delusional desires, bad ideas or irrelevant dreams you may have. Make it so! Amen and hallelujah! VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You know what it’s like to get your mind blown. I’m sure that more than once, you’ve had your heart stolen. Have you ever had your mind stolen or your heart blown? Have two rare events like that ever happened around the same time? I predict a comparable milestone sometime in the next three weeks. Have no fear! Changes set in motion ultimately bring blessings. Odd and unexpected blessings, but blessings nonetheless. I’m sure you’re familiar with the tingling sensation that wells up in your elbow when you hit your funny bone. Imagine that rippling through your soul.
44 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Since 2008, Marvel Studios has produced nine movies based on Marvel Comics characters. They’re doing well. The Avengers earned $1.5 billion; the third-highestgrossing film of all time. Iron Man 3 brought in over a billion dollars, too, and Thor: The Dark World grossed $644 million. Now Marvel execs are on schedule to release two movies every year through 2028. Be inspired by that. To start, dream and scheme about what you want to be doing in the near and the far future. Then formulate a fl exible, invigorating master plan for the next 14 years. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): While in Chicago to do a series of shows, comedian Groucho Marx was invited to a séance. He decided to go even though he was skeptical. Incense burned. The lights dimmed. The trance medium worked herself into a supernatural state then announced, “I am in touch with the Other Side. Does anyone have a question?” Groucho wasn’t shy. “What is the capital of North Dakota?” he asked. As amusing as his irreverence is, it’s an example of how to NOT proceed next week. If you get a chance to converse with higher powers or mysterious forces, seek information you’d truly like to know. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In one of her poems, Adrienne Rich addresses her lover: “That conversation we were always on the edge / of having, runs on in my head.” Is there a similar phenomenon in your life? Have you been longing to thoroughly discuss important issues with a loved one or ally, but haven’t? If so, a breakthrough is imminent. All of life will be conspiring for you to speak and hear the words not yet spoken or heard which very much need to be. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): This is a fun time to brainstorm about everything you’ve never been and will never be. Fantasize about goals you don’t want to accomplish, qualities you won’t cultivate and the people you’ll never seek as allies. This exercise will have a healthy effect on your future development. It will discipline your willpower and hone motivation as it eliminates extraneous desires. It’ll imprint your deep self with a clarification of pursuits that waste precious energy and valuable time. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Expect nothing even as you ask for everything. Rebel against tradition with witty compassion, not cynical rage. Is there a personal taboo that no longer needs to remain taboo? Break it with tender glee. Everywhere you go, carry gifts in case you encounter beautiful souls who aren’t lost in their fantasies. You know that old niche you got stuck in as a way to preserve the peace? Escape it. At least for now, live without experts or leaders – with no teachers other than what life brings you moment by moment. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Every year, the U.S. government spends $25,455 per capita on senior citizens’ programs. Meanwhile, it allocates $3,822 for programs to help children. In the weeks ahead, reverse your priorities. Give most of your energy, time and money to the young, innocent parts of your life. According to my astrological omen-reading, you need to care intently for those things that grow most vigorously. Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com
ATTENTION, HOPEFUL ISU WRITERS: The word limit for ISU notices is now 40 words ONLY. NO ISU submissions with more than 40 words will be accepted. Please keep messages short & sweet. Count before you submit! Thanks! SEXY PANHANDLER You: Sweet, sweaty old guy panhandling for spare change on a hot day. Me: Mousey-haired, 30-year-old in gray primered, Bondo’d Hyundai. Your rheumy eyes seemed to be asking me for more than spare change... call me! When: July 4. Where: Corner Kernan & Beach. #1382-0709
GORGEOUS GROCERY SHOPPER Standout even in Publix. Blue jeans, black top, red hair. Carrying yourself like a princess. Infatuated still, but probably nothing compared to the possibility of meeting you. Looked forward to passing you in the aisles. When: Sat., May 31. Where: Publix Lakewood. #1371-0604
STUNNING SLICE SLINGER ISU bouncing around Al’s Pizza. You: Tall blonde bartender serving drinks and slinging slices. Me: Dark and dredded, lurking from afar. Next time, come out from behind the bar so I can give you a slice of me! When: June 28. Where: Al’s Pizza, Ponte Vedra. #1381-0709
STUNNING CHICK Me: Handsome Latino buying DVDs, gray South Pole shirt, black shorts, speechless when ISU. You: Sexy chick, long black-and-white dress, getting iPhone or something upgrade, at counter. Can we meet, chat? Hope to hear from you soon. When: 2 p.m. May 31. Where: San Jose Radio Shack. #1370-0604
SPORTING GOODS Me: Tall, shorts/shirt, red hair, red SUV. You: Taller, extremely handsome, shorts/T-shirt, orange-shirted friend; huge white lifted truck. You smiled; should’ve talked then and behind you in line. Maybe Navy boys? Forgive me for being chicken. :) When: July 2. Where: Academy Sports, Kernan. #1380-0709
SURFER NURSE WORKS 3 DAYS/WEEK ISU two mornings; pier dawn patrol. Wanted you to know how much I enjoyed your company. Hope I see you before I leave for Michigan. Like to ask you to coffee, breakfast. Perhaps surf safari to Poles? Enjoy the ride! When: May 25. Where: Jax Beach Pier. #1369-0604
BLUE-EYED BRUNETTE You: Brunette with stunning blue eyes. Me: Older guy leaving to go get dessert. You asked about the Key lime pie. No time to get acquainted; but I’d like to. When: June 28. Where: Singleton’s Mayport. #1379-0709
TRULIA WHAT A HUNK! You: Shirtless, by your truck in front of your house, on Trulia. com. Me: Heart m watching from across the street. WOW! Wish u would buy me a hamburger and a tea! When: May 15. Where: Arlington. #1368-0604
BEAUTIFUL BLONDE IN RED DRESS ISU at COE22 this a.m.; want to get to know you. Me: Across the aisle, yellow shirt, with my mother. We caught eyes once. You have an excellent voice; I’d like to sing with you. Think you said you were on-call nurse. When: June 29. Where: COE22. #1378-0702
HE TALKED FIRST Wanted to speak with you when ISU in weird chef pants, pizza night. Your best friend talked first. Two years later, one broken engagement; still wonder. Really embarrassed myself with email, didn’t I? Here I go again. When: 2012. Where: Breakthroughs San Jose. #1367-0604
YOU LIKED MY BOOTS You: Talking about bad guys; you were sooo cute. I told you you were cute but it was really the way you said what you said that I found truly gorgeous. I was mystified; cannot remember what you were wearing. When: June 25. Where: Park behind library. #1377-0702
HATED CIDERS, LIKED YOUR SMILE You: Serving SweetWaters. Me: Green-eyed brunette drinking them. Met three times; I blushed in Fans & Stoves. ISU again same day, said hello. You said you were creeping. We exchanged names; didn’t ask numbers. When: May 17. Where: Eco-Fest. #1366-0528
MEET FOR PIZZA & BEER You: Shaved head, awesome blue eyes, T-shirt, shorts, having dinner with who I assume were your children. Me: Ponytail, gray T-shirt having dinner with male friends. Our booth was next to your table. Our eyes met twice as you left! When: June 24. Where: Al’s Pizza Atlantic Beach. #1376-0702
ROGUE MEN MUSCLE HOTTIE Young Adonis-like dude in corner of Aardwolf with friends. Tight T-shirt, dark eyes, biceps. U guys were rockin’ but I caught you lookin’. Me: Tall guy, Jags cap. Hit me up or meet at next Rogue Men. When: May 16. Where: Aardwolf/Rogue Men. #1365-0521
WHITE DOGGIE STYLE You: Shirtless, sweating, man-child drinking a draft beer and trimming bushes on Third Street in Neptune Beach. You paused to adjust your shark-tooth necklace. Me: Nosy neighbor peering through the window. Wanna come take a bite outta me? When: June 16. Where: Neptune Beach. #1375-0625 DENIM 4 DAYS You: Wearing denim seemingly all over. Perhaps Apple Bottoms? Me: Looking for my friends when I bumped into you. Let’s meet again. I really like your genes. When: June 13. Where: Mellow Mushroom Avondale. #1374-0625
I SAW U Connection Made! FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION You: Cool Ameri-Asian hipster tooling around Riverside in sweet souped-up ride. Me: Athletic brunette often seen jogging; liking what I see. Put your soy in my sauce already? Let’s get fast and furious! When: June 4. Where: Post and King streets. #1373-0618 SECOND SIGHT CONNECTION @ ARTWALK Me: long dress, faerie necklace, blonde and pink. You: Taller than me, dark hair? A shining person. We talked about my necklace. You see what I see. I feel less alone now. Meet me in the park? When: June 4. Where: Art Walk Downtown. #1372-0611
STATUESQUE BEAUTY WAITING In pharmacy line. You: Tall, gorgeous dress, flats. I asked if you wore heels. Beautiful laugh. Me: Not as tall, scruffy off work; clean up well. You left, said you’d be back. Date slightly shorter? I’m your RX. When: May 14. Where: CVS Blanding Blvd. #1364-0521 HOT-N-READY BABY You: Tall, bald, sexy; in white Mercedes. Enthralled when I saw your 10 pizzas. Love a man who eats. I’ll be waiting in a leopard shirt every Wed. 8 p.m. Forget pizzas; get Hot-N-Ready with me. When: May 14. Where: Little Caesars Pizza, Southside. #1363-0521 BEAUTIFUL BLONDE AT APPLEBEE’S ISU with fellow workers. I was at bar watching TVs above you, with my daughter and son-in-law. Our eyes met; I felt the attraction. I want to meet the lady who made my heart jump! When: May 9. Where: The Loft, Riverside. #1362-0521
I SAW U Connection Made! SPACED-OUT SMURF SHIRT, RED CONVERSE ISU dancing your dance, apologized for male gender, took glasses off to dance. You: Retirement home server near Sawgrass; discussed labyrinth of suffering. Told me to wait; never returned. Me: Vest, purple shirt. When: May 9. Where: The Loft, Riverside. #1361-0514 TATTOOS & TRUCK You: Hot, tattooed boy, black truck. Me: Red lips, silver Rodeo. Drove side-by-side, JTB to Riverside. I turned on Park, lost you. Should’ve rolled my window down when you said hi at the light. Go for a drive? When: May 6. Where: JTB to I-95N. #1360-0514
JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 45
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
SOUTHSIDE
AVONDALE 3617 St. Johns Ave. 10300 Southside Blvd. 388-5406 394-1390 AVENUES MALL
Near-Miss Film Classics 78 “Yes, Yvette”
79 With 19 Down, proportionally 1 Palindromic cry 80 Word before horse or 4 Metal in pennies cow 8 Thing on a string 81 Pelley’s place 12 Self-conscious smile 84 Near-miss Stanley 18 Diesel’s first Kubrick classic? 19 Soprano Fleming 90 Detest 20 Word after graft, often 93 Latin I word 21 Stored in a database, 94 Bank-sign word say 95 Scorsese film of 2011 22 ___-appropriate 96 Duct output 23 Wise as ___ 97 El Prado hangings 24 Near-miss E.M. Forster 99 Skillful classic? 100 ___ New Guinea 26 Near-miss Dr. Seuss 101 Bit of resistance? classic? 102 With 106 Across, near29 Horse race rarity miss Southern classic? 30 Narrow furrow 106 See 102 Across 31 Indiana hates them 32 Art stop in the desert 108 The Beatles, once 109 “___ open!” 33 Amy’s Weekend 111 More level Update partner 112 Kansas City daily 34 “Moneyball” star 113 Misdialed, e.g. 35 Heart chart part 114 Utmost 37 His or her, to Henri 115 Conducive to 38 ___ and operated meditation 39 Near-miss Tim Burton 116 Grub classic? 117 Since, in a famous 44 Top-level suit? song 45 Airline in old movies 118 46 Across, backward 46 Brain scan, briefly 47 Head overseas? DOWN 48 “___ we’re back” 1 Eggs in labs 51 Deck chair wood 2 The Rolling Stones’ first greatest hits 52 Near-miss Bill Murray classic? album, “___ and 56 Near-miss Sir Walter Green Grass” Scott classic? 3 Hardly any 59 Impulse conductor 4 Paradoxical Greek 60 “O patria mia” singer 5 Part of, as a plot 61 Squirrel’s find 6 One of Bob’s shows 62 Chi-town transports 7 Sugar Plum Fairy’s 64 Mexican Mrs. instrument 65 Oktoberfest mug 8 Father-and-son Nobelists in physics 66 Defier of Stalin 9 Early space chimp 67 Mast extensions 10 ’80s GOP strategist Lee 70 Near-miss Charlton Heston classic? 11 Get started on laundry day 73 Near-miss Frank Capra classic? 12 Ice cream treats 76 Claim otherwise 13 Research ctr. 77 Bruins legend 14 Co. that makes stuff
ACROSS
HELP WANTED AFRICA, BRAZIL WORK/STUDY! Change the lives of others while creating a sustainable future. 6, 9, 18 month programs available. Apply today! www. OneWorldCenter.org (269) 591-0518. info@OneWorldCenter.org
VEHICLES WANTED CASH FOR CARS: Any Car/Truck. Running or Not! Top Dollar Paid. We Come To You! Call For Instant Offer: 1-888-420-3808. www.cash4car.com
ROOMS/SHARED
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
ALL AREAS - ROOMMATES.COM. Browse hundreds of online listings with photos and maps. Find your roommate with a click of the mouse! Visit: www.Roommates.com.
$1,000 WEEKLY!! MAILING BROCHURES From Home. Helping home workers since 2001. Genuine Opportunity. No Experience required. Start Immediately www.mailingmembers.com
DOWNTOWN APARTMENTS AND ROOMS Fully furnished. Utilities included. $100-$150 weekly or $400-600 monthly, plus deposit. Contact from 9am6pm. (904) 866-1850.
HEALTH & BEAUTY ANEW VIEW HAIR & BUSINESS EXPO Tickets Guests will be given the opportunity to invest and network with diverse premium companies. There are still opportunities available for interested investors, vendors and competitors! Contact Tay at 904-300-7684.
SERVICES ON TIME PRESSURE WASHING Home, Driveways, Patios, Walkways and much more. At On Time Pressure Washing we are focused on providing top-notch service. Call to find out about our summertime special. On time with a great price and a great job. Why call us? Call because we care about our work and your satisfaction. Over 30 years’ experience. Michael McKewon at 904401-4592 or Marcos Bressanutti at 904-568-6130
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 True Gift Adoptions. 866-413-6293. Void in Illinois/New Mexico/Indiana
BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES BUSINESS FOR SALE in 8130 Baymeadows Circle W. Jacksonville FL 32256. Call 904-739-1486.
LOSE UP TO 30 POUNDS in 60 Days! Once daily appetite suppressant burns fat and boosts energy for healthy weightloss. 60 day supply - $59.95. Call 877-761-2991. VIAGRA 100MG, CIALIS 20MG. 40 PILLS + 4 FREE for only $99. #1 Male Enhancement! Discreet Shipping. Save $500. Buy the Blue Pill Now! 1-800-404-1271.
PETS CALICO HERITAGE KITTENS, healthy and happy, welltrained and good companions. Ready for adoption! Call 904-642-7961.
MOVIES AND MUSIC MOVIE “SPINE CHILL” Movie Trailers and Movie.Visit the website https://ikedabull.pivotshare.com/
CHAT LINES ¿HABLAS ESPAÑOL? HOT LATINO CHAT. Call Fonochat now & 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. Urban women and 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! Uncensored live 1-on-1 HOT phone Chat. Calls in YOUR city! Try FREE! Call 1-800-261-4097.
1
2
3
4
5
6
19
20
22
23
24
26
27
35
39
40
44
45
9
12
13
14
66
42
73
74
77
78
54
63
64 70
71
86
88
94
81
82
83
95 100
103
107
50
89
99
102
49
76
87
98
48
72
80
93 97
17
65
79
92
16
60
69
85
15
55
59
75
84
T S I N OW L Y A I R E S E T E S N C A O O K C I D B O N E R A G S E L I E F C E L M E L Y E R D S
43
47 53
68
I S E F O R I N G
38
46
67
A N T H I L E L D W L I E B T H E D A G B E E T I T T O O R O
33
37
58
H O S T S
25
41
57
101
11
I G C R A T I A D C A B O M M Y R E B A U D S O E R B O D O U Z Z L O A S T O T U O L I N E U L A R B E D A U T B U E R B L A S T
32
62
91
10
T O G O R P O C B R O S O B A E P I E R B L Y Y E S P A R K L I O R D P B O P R I C E A D Y T O P O P E S P O S I P E A N N P E T I R S
21
52
96
46 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014
A C D C
O H B E
29
36
61
106
E C O
Solution to 3-Character Play
W S E C L I L F A L E S U D I L L L A OW S S W S T S P P E R A R E C O A R B C H U N K Y C A P T A I I T I S N T
31
34
90
D E C
B T P U I E S S T H A R A M A I A M I R E C R O H I S C U T A O N T R O N O S T
63 “___ the rear” 65 French legislature 67 Motown genre 68 TV advice man McGraw 69 Blood fluids 71 Pele’s first name 72 Swerves 74 Soup du ___ 75 Earthquake type 81 Linking 82 Long, thin loaf 83 Athenian porch 84 Word in Grafton titles 85 “La Danse” painter 86 Retired professor’s title 87 Easily swayed types 88 Dabs with a towel 89 Shoot the breeze 90 Makes amends 91 Mind Mom, e.g. 92 Spillane gumshoe 97 Steffi married him 98 “Norma ___” 99 Action figures? 100 Shell shock’s cousin, briefly 102 Gulf of ___ 103 Fall intro 104 Gunpowder holder 105 Movie beekeeper 107 Trav. direction 110 Pronoun containing another pronoun
28
30
56
FOR SALE
8
18
51
KILL BED BUGS! Buy Harris Bed Bug Killer Complete Treatment Program/ Kit. (Harris Mattress Covers Add Extra Protection). Available: Hardware Stores, Buy Online: homedepot.com
7
15 Frisbee prototype 16 Friend of Jerry and George 17 Check again for typos 19 See 79 Across 25 Plato’s P 27 Funny Rudner 28 Excellently done bit of homework 30 What some film scripts are written on 33 Abbr. on a pocket Scrabble board 35 All-out fight waged by candidates in ads 36 Home of Sharp or Sanyo 37 Smooth transitions 38 Old shrimp has one 40 Abbr. after Lamar Alexander’s name 41 Ex-CIA chief Panetta 42 Pet-food brand 43 Palindromic time 48 Parting word 49 Zenith’s opposite 50 Hollywood Cannon 51 Seer’s card 52 Very cold 53 Patient person 54 G-rated oath 55 Bates or Griffin 56 Less cordial 57 Campaign target 58 “Ol’ Man River” composer 61 Intro to sphere
104 105 108
109
111
112
113
114
115
116
117
118
110
BACKPAGE EDITORIAL
VIVA FÜTBOL!
Why we should make the rest of the world’s football our new national pastime
L
ike most Americans, I grew up on football. I was never big enough or athletic enough to play in high school or college, but our neighborhood’s vacant lots always had football games played by an improbable assortment of kids of widely varying sizes, shapes, ages and aptitudes, utilizing a bewildering and shifting assortment of locally developed rules and regulations. In all likelihood, this pastime was a major factor in developing us into acceptable citizens, teaching us the value of a rough-hewn form of democratic decision-making, (mostly) peaceful dispute resolution, and willingness to endure hardship (e.g., sandspurs in the back) in the pursuit of team victory. Lacking helmets and pads, we as children played a naturally protective form of football. We blocked, and we tackled the ball carrier, but we had to do both in ways that avoided serious injury to ourselves. In the process, we avoided seriously injuring our opponent. There were lots of bruises and skinned knees and elbows, and even an occasional sprain, but each party to the transaction was equally likely to suffer, and so each exercised a measure of restraint. Today, however, we confront irrefutable scientific proof of the devastating effects of playing football organized at high school and college levels, and even in Pop Warner leagues, to say nothing of the pros. The use of high-tech padding and helmets with visors has created a false sense of invulnerability, the feeling that one could neither injure the adversary nor suffer injury oneself in what appears to an outside observer to be a bone-jarring collision. In fact, the significant injuries were not to bones, which usually heal uneventfully, but, ironically, to an organ encased in bone: the brain. With each passing revelation from medical science, it’s more difficult to deny or ignore the grave risk of profound damage to the brain resulting from numerous concussions endured by players, even in practice, and even in high school, as well as college and professional football. Sooner or later, we can expect wise parents, whose hopes for their children are lives and careers that require an unimpaired brain, to start forbidding the kids to participate. In living rooms and around kitchen tables across the country, especially (but not exclusively) in the South, these won’t be peaceful discussions. But faced with the possibility of their child being forced to drop out in the middle of the third year of medical school, many parents are going to make the tough call. I contend that all is not lost. The middle of an election year is probably not the best time for this discussion, but European
football, known here in the U.S. as soccer, may turn out to be the saving alternative. Some things to consider: Soccer is much better exercise than football, and one must be in much better shape to play. There are several reasons. First, a soccer field is between 65 to 90 percent larger than a football field, and all of it is in constant use, so players must run much farther than in football, where 100 yards is the theoretical maximum. Second, soccer games are 90 minutes long, as opposed to football’s 60 minutes. Third, soccer is played continuously. Everyone runs up and down the field, in more or less constant motion, for 45 minutes. The clock doesn’t stop for injuries, substitutions or when the ball changes hands. (Players’ only respite is when one of the rare — and rarely serious — injuries requires trainers to examine the injured player, who then usually gets up and resumes play.) Then, after a 15-minute halftime intermission, there’s another 45 minutes of uninterrupted play. In football, a play is run, lasting between three and maybe 10 or 12 seconds, after which players stand around and rest and hold a meeting for 25 seconds. Finally, every player in soccer must “cover the field.” By contrast, there are positions in American football that the longest run required by the player is from the locker room to the field before the game. Typically, a defensive tackle’s activity is not radically different from that of a sumo wrestler’s. While backs, receivers and defensive ends run numerous sprints during the game (interspersed with huddles), linemen often take only a few steps per play all game long. Soccer requires all players to have more skills than does football. This is because the football players’ positions are far more specialized. A lineman in football need not be particularly adept at passing the ball, receiving a pass, handing off the ball or functioning in the open field. Unless he recovers a fumble, he’ll never touch the ball during regulation play. Kickers are seldom on the field except to kick, and often the punter’s not the same person as the field goal kicker or the kick-off specialist. All members of a soccer team, on the other hand, must be able to move the ball in the open field, protect it from opposing players, pass to and receive passes from teammates, attempt to steal the ball from opponents and, if the opportunity presents itself, shoot a goal. In addition, soccer discourages obesity. “Bulking up” is encouraged for at least five of the 11 positions in football. A 350-pound lineman is obviously more formidable, all other
things being equal, than a 280-pound opponent. As the potential rewards of playing the game (college scholarships, lucrative pro contracts) increase, so does the temptation to place immediate playing advantage above ultimate physical health. In soccer, there’s no advantage to extra bulk, and the prospect of carrying it up and down the field for 90 minutes may be enough motivation to pass on extra fries. Mounting a soccer program costs much less than a football program. A field marked with paint, two goals of PVC pipe and some netting, shin guards, shoes, shirts and shorts, and you’re good to go. In the present recessionary climate, when even teachers of essential substantive courses are being laid off, such cost savings may appeal to school boards eager to avoid liability for graduating brain-impaired students. And truly comparable programs in soccer for men and women are quite feasible. In an age when discrimination, even entirely rational discrimination, is questionable, it will be cheaper and easier to start equivalent men’s and women’s programs in soccer than to constantly justify enormous expenditures on men’s football by pointing to the massive TV revenues it generates. It may be possible to read something into two current trends. First, some efforts have been made recently to interest the Europeans and the British in American football. They’ve been somewhat successful, but it’s something of a curiosity, and can be said to be catching on gradually. (Witness the recent World Cup fanaticism.) Yet the popularity of soccer the world over is well-known. Soccer seems to be gaining popularity in America at a much higher rate. It can be played inexpensively, girls and boys (or men and women) can both play, injury risks are trivial by comparison, and it’s better exercise. The only problem may be that it will be fiendishly difficult to figure out how to profitably extract TV revenues from soccer. No commercial network is likely to broadcast 45 minutes of interrupted play (twice!) in return for airing 15 minutes of ads all at one time. Maybe the rules will be modifi ed to install some 60-second timeouts during each half, or maybe games can be videotaped, then aired with cut-ins for ads. Given the ingenuity of American broadcasters and cable operators, I’m betting they’ll find a way. Joque Soskis A version of this essay originally appeared in the First Coast Freethought Society Newsletter
Folio Weekly welcomes Backpage Editorial submissions. Essays should be no more than 1,200 words and on a topic of local interest or concern. Email your Backpage to mail@folioweekly.com. Opinions expressed on the Backpage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of the editors or management of Folio Weekly. JULY 9-15, 2014 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 47
48 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JULY 9-15, 2014