World Citizen by Folio Weekly

2 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

THIS WEEK // 1.15.20-1.21.20 // VOL. 32 ISSUE 42

MAIN FEATURE

WORLD CITIZEN

Jorge Rivera brings global perspective to St. Augustine Story by Georgio Valentino, cover photo by Alex Harris

COLUMNS + CALENDARS MAIL GUEST EDITORIAL OUR PICKS SPORTS PICKS ART

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ARTS + EVENTS CONCERTS PETS CROSSWORD NEWS OF THE WEIRD

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ASTROLOGY WEED CLASSIFIEDS BACKPAGE

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EDITORIAL

EDITOR • Georgio Valentino georgio@folioweekly.com / ext. 115 COPY EDITOR • Courtney Stringfellow courtney@folioweekly.com CALENDAR EDITORS • Brianna Bostick, Tristan Komorny CARTOONISTS • Ed Hall, Jen Sorensen CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Susan Clark Armstrong, Nick Blank, Brianna Bostick, Rob Brezsny, Nicole Carroll, Davi, Julie Delegal, Chris Guerrieri, Laura Hampton, Janet Harper, Dan Hudak, Shelton Hull, Jason Irvin, Tristan Komorny, Mary Maguire, Sarah McLaughlin, Jennifer Melville, Lindsey Nolen, Dale Ratermann, Ryan Reno, Stephanie Thompson, Madeleine Peck Wagner, Jessica Leigh Walton

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MEDIA CONSULTANT Tracy Rigdon tracy@folioweekly.com FOLIO WEEKLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHES EVERY WEDNESDAY FOR DISTRIBUTION IN DUVAL, NASSAU, ST. JOHNS AND CLAY COUNTIES. It contains opinions of contributing writers that are not necessarily the opinion of this publication. Folio Weekly welcomes editorial and photographic contributions. Calendar items must be received two weeks in advance of event date. Copyright © Folio Publishing, Inc. 2020. All rights reserved. Advertising rates and information available on request. Advertiser purchases right of publication only. One free issue 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 $48/13 weeks, $96/26 weeks, $189/52 weeks. Folio Weekly is printed on 100 percent recycled paper, using soy-based inks. Please recycle issues of Folio Weekly. Application to mail at periodicals postage prices is pending at Jacksonville, Florida. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Folio Weekly, 45 W. Bay St., Ste. 103, Jacksonville, FL 32202-3632.

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JOIN THESE MASTHEAD MEMBERS AT FOLIOWEEKLY.COM/SUPPORTLOCALJOURNALISM Betsy McCall • Rose McCall • David Jaffee • Dave Graney • MRE of Jax • Mark S. Rowden • Tammy Lugenia Cherry Dr. Wayne Wood • Billie Bussard • Elizabeth Sams • Georgia R Pribanic JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 3

THE MAIL CHARTER SCHOOLS PROFIT OVER PUBLIC

THE FLORIDA LEGISLATURE, LAST YEAR, earmarked $2 million for the KIPP schools in Jacksonville. The money went to enhance salaries of teachers and administrators. The neighborhoods the KIPP schools serve are working-class and poor, and students are all too familiar with poverty, street and gang violence, and other pathological conditions. So, I have no problem rewarding the KIPP teachers with incentive pay. But how do KIPP teachers merit what other Duval teachers in similarly challenging neighborhood schools do not merit? (The educational results are much the same.) If the GOP charter school chorus lived in zip code 32209 for a month or two, exposed to the pathologies and disparities of daily life there, they might face the fact that even the best schools (the ones with wrap around services) serving chronically poor and violence-ridden neighborhoods can only do so much—even if Saturday classes are added. Wealthy whites in Florida abhor taxes, especially a state income tax, and their party (the GOP) treats the symptoms of Florida’s societal problems rather than the root causes: poverty due to low wages, inadequate and expensive housing and structural racism in health care services, employment and criminal justice. Florida GOP elected officials continue to oppose the expansion of Medicaid, in spite of racial disparities in health care and outcomes. Florida’s minimum wage is $8.46 per hour. Sadowski housing construction funds are being diverted for other purposes in Tallahassee, and the state’s prison system is primed for upheaval. The charter school chorus—Curry, Chartrand, Corcoran and Diamond—is ecstatic that the Texas charter school chain IDEA will be putting franchises in Florida, including Duval. It was no surprise to the chorus, of course, since they have been angling for this for some time. I assume IDEA’s management is aware of Jacksonville’s per capita homicide rate, but its 6 bondholders may be more averse. Meanwhile, Duval taxpayers await the terms of the deal the GOP has made with IDEA. Perhaps we’ll understand better how bonds for public schools work.

Michael Hoffmann via email

OUR BALLOONING NATIONAL DEBT

AFTER DECADES OF IGNORING DEFICITS AND accumulating national debt, some Democrats are starting to notice them. Of course, they’re blaming

them on Donald J. Trump, since they’re running out of things to blame on him. Problem is that each of the past three presidents has doubled the national debt, and guess which party two of them belonged to. Concerns about soaring deficits and national debt are valid, but Donald J. Trump is hardly the cause of it. The cause is deficit spending, which was espoused in the economic theories of John Maynard Keynes, who maintained it could counter recessions. Libertarian economists have thoroughly debunked these theories through cold, hard logic, but Keynesianism has dominated our economic policy since the advent of Franklin D. Roosevelt. For decades, beginning with the New Deal, it was the Republicans who warned about the debt. They were always derided because, “We owe it to ourselves.” If you really think we owe it to ourselves, just go to your local government office and try to collect what you’re owed. Both Democrats and Republicans share the blame for the national debt. The Constitution states that “All Bills for raising Revenue shall originate in the House of Representatives.” For 61 of the 87 years since FDR became president, the House has been under Democratic control, and the fact that deficit spending was at the heart and soul of their policies, it seems fair to place more of the blame on them. They’ll never admit it, however. At this point, it would take our total domestic product more than six years to pay off the debt. It is the burning fuse to tons of economic dynamite that could explode at any time but is being largely ignored. Think anyone will step forward to accept the blame if it does?

Roderick T. Beaman via email

ATTENTION, JOHN RUTHERFORD

TAR BABY IS AN AMERICAN FOLK TALE WHOSE original source is lost to history. It’s about a fox trapping a rabbit. The harder the rabbit fights, the more stuck he becomes and thus incapacitated. Vietnam was America’s last tar baby. Today, the Middle East and Iraq are the new tar baby. Sadly, our current leadership can’t see it. Maybe I’ll get lucky and U.S. Rep. John Rutherford will see this letter, read the story and explain the meaning to his peers. I’d hate to be stuck with leaders who can’t be insightful.

Ed Robertson via email

LEND YOUR VOICE If you’d like to respond to something you’ve read in the pages of Folio Weekly, please send an email (including name, address and phone number, for verification purposes only) to mail@folioweekly.com, go to folioweekly.com or follow us on Twitter or Facebook (@folioweekly) and join the conversation.

BRICKBATS + BOUQUETS BRICKBAT TO THE CITY OF JACKSONVILLE

For the second year in a row, city officials have organized a Martin Luther King Jr. Day breakfast in competition with that held by the city’s civil rights community. The event was founded more than 30 years ago by a coalition led by the Jacksonville Branch NAACP, who would later invite the city to participate. The branch’s president, Isaiah Rumlin, suggests that Mayor Lenny Curry unilaterally took over the event, forcing the NAACP to hold a parallel breakfast for the first time last year.

BOUQUET TO STEVEN LIBMAN

On January 9, the Jacksonville Symphony announced that Libman was selected as president and CEO after a year-long, nationwide search. The nonprofit veteran recently served as chief advancement officer at the Atlanta Ballet. During the course of his career, Libman has raised more than $150 million for cultural institutions across the country.

BRICKBAT TO JAMES GRIMES

The St. Augustine Beach resident caused a ruckus when he bulldozed the dune in front of his residence. Neighbors in the beachfront community say the move compromises the entire coastal dune system. Grimes first attempted the excavation in 2017, but he was forced to restore the sand when local and state authorities came after him. This time, however, he somehow managed to secure a permit from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection. DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE WHO DESERVES A BOUQUET? OR MAYBE A BRICKBAT? Submit your choice to mail@folioweekly. com; 50-word maximum, concerning a person, place, or topic of local interest.

4 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

FOLIO VOICES: GUEST EDITORIAL

ACCOUNTABILITY NOW

CURRY’S FINGERPRINTS ARE ALL OVER JEA SCANDAL FORMER MAYOR JAKE GODBOLD TOLD the world and anyone who would listen why this JEA scandal belongs to Mayor Lenny Curry: because Curry purged the JEA board and replaced its members “with his own hand-picked cronies.” The frightening reality, however, is that every board, commission and agency in Jacksonville today is occupied by Curry cronies. Joe Peppers, Dr. Barbara Darby and a few others are an exception. As for the JEA privatization scheme, Folio Weekly Editor Georgio Valentino wrote in a recent article, “…I reckon this merits federal attention. This isn’t a simple sweetheart demolition contract or a good-old-boy appointment; with a price tag of around $7 billion, if JEA were to sell under this cloud, it would be a staggering swindle, far above and beyond Jacksonville’s high standing tolerance for corruption.” Although everything remains to be seen, State Attorney Melissa Nelson was right to call in the feds. Nelson has multiple conflicts of interest involving the mayor and two top members of his administration: Brian Hughes and Tim Baker. Nelson must recuse herself from all JEA matters. Both Hughes and Baker served as political consultants in Curry’s re-election campaign and Nelson’s run for state attorney. Baker has earned a number of consulting contracts with several of our city’s independent agencies since Curry was elected mayor. Let’s not forget that he and Sam Mousa, another City Hall insider, pitched an unsolicited and scandalous lobbying service contract to Duval County Public Schools. Many citizens questioned if they were not peddling influence. The members of the current JEA

Board of Directors have close ties to Curry and his political influence peddlers. A review of the situation suggests it was Curry who started the train to sell our valuable public utility. It was Curry who recommended Aaron Zahn, a member of his church, without a day of utility experience, to lead JEA. It was Curry who purged the board. And it was Curry who pulled the plug on the operation when it got too hot to handle. The JEA board immediately complied with his December 23 statement and terminated the invitation to negotiate. This JEA scandal has a direct connection to Curry. The fiasco was conducted behind closed doors, avoiding the sunshine. It was perpetrated like a crime ring run from City Hall. After months of a steady drum beat and a loud chorus to form a grand jury investigation against the sale of JEA, Nelson finally made an official comment a few weeks ago: “This office is—and has been—looking into matters involving JEA.” Now she is handing the investigation to as-yet-unnamed federal authorities, who must investigate thoroughly and independently of Nelson’s office. Jacksonville has a high tolerance for corruption; it’s endemic. The pattern of corruption has endured thanks to prosecutorial discretion. The citizens deserve a root-and-branch investigation of Curry’s scheme to sell our public utility. Dr. Juan P. Gray mail@folioweekly.com

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Gray is a very concerned citizen. JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 5

OUR

WED

15 ‘90S REVIVAL

PICKS

RENT

Jonathan Larson’s surprise Broadway hit defined a decade for a generation of theater-lovers. Now RENT returns for a 20th anniversary run. 7:30 p.m. Wed. & Thur., Jan. 15 & 16; 8 p.m. Fri., Jan. 17; 2 & 8 p.m. Sat., Jan. 18; 1:30 & 7 p.m. Sun., Jan. 19, Times-Union Center, Downtown, fscjartistseries.org, $49.50-$134.50.

THIS WEEK’S BIGGEST

& BEST HAPPENINGS

THU

WED

CELLULOID SMORGASBORD

BLACK MOON

OTTMAR LIEBERT & LUNA NEGRA

SAINT AUGUSTINE FILM FESTIVAL

The German bandleader brings his world music ensemble to Northeast Florida. Added bonus: the event marks the premiere of Ponte Vedra Concert Hall’s new, state-of-the-art lighting system. 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, pvconcerthall.com, $40-$48.

Founded by the Fort Lauderdale International Film Festival’s Gregory von Hausch, SAFF returns for its 10th annual edition, complete with special guests and dozens of screenings at venues across the Ancient City. Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 16-19, St. Augustine, staugfilmfest.com, $8-$180.

TUE

SAT

WE LIVE AS WE DREAM—ALONE IN HERE

Jacksonville’s contemporary dance company showcases solo choreography by several performers including Jennifer Walker (pictured). 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, The Florida Ballet, Arlington, jacksonvilledancetheatre.org, $10-$20. 6 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

Photo by Katherine Richardson

21 BEYOND BORDERS JESSE COOK

Florida Theatre and WJCT join forces to present the Juno Award-winning fusion guitarist, whose latest studio album, Beyond Borders, borrows sounds from South America, Spain and the Middle East. 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, WJCT Soundstage, Downtown, wjct.org, $69.50.

JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 7

PICKS

BY DALE RATERMANN | SPORTS@FOLIOWEEKLY.COM

SAT

18 HOCKEY: JUST ADD ICE ICEMEN HOCKEY

The Jacksonville Icemen take on their rival, the Orlando Solar Bears, in an ECHL South Division matchup. It’s Military Appreciation Night, so show up and support our troops. 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, VyStar Veterans Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Sports Complex, jacksonvilleicemen.com, $10 and up.

SUN

19 PEDAL YOUR SOCKS OFF STATE CYCLOCROSS CHAMPIONSHIP

Watch the state’s best bicycle racers compete in the cyclocross championships. Prize money and championship jerseys are at stake for boys, girls, men, women and masters. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Willow Branch Park, 2870 Sydney St., Riverside, myfbra.org, free to watch.

MON

20 NEVER STOP DREAMING FLAGLER COLLEGE BASKETBALL

Catch the Flagler College men and women’s basketball teams in a special MLK Day matinee doubleheader. The Saints take on Peach Belt Conference foe Young Harris College. 1:30 p.m. (women), 3:30 p.m. (men) Monday, Jan. 20, Flagler Gym, 12 Granada St., St. Augustine, flaglerathletics.com, $5-$10 (free for St. Johns County residents). 8 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

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FOLIO: FEATURE

WORLD CITIZEN

Jorge Rivera brings global perspective to St. Augustine story by GEORGIO VALENTINO photos by ALEX HARRIS

t’s 6:59 p.m. Cameras are about to roll on the set of St. Augustine Tonight with Jorge Rivera. The YouTube talk show streams live every Tuesday evening through March 31. It’s now in its fourth season, and as Laurence Fishburne’s drug-dealing John Hull says in Deep Cover (check it out at your local video store), “Business is improving, from almost nothing to almost something.” Rivera, a New Yorkborn Puerto Rican, dove headfirst into video production five years ago and has since become St. Augustine’s de facto chronicler. He can be seen at every city event with a press pass around his neck and a camera in his hand. This show is Rivera’s chance to step in front of the camera, and he relishes the opportunity. It’s now 7 p.m. The talk-show host mounts the stage in his new, custombuilt studio situated within the Corazon Cinema & Café. He’s looking dapper in a pinstripe suit. The room is filled with friends and supporters, many of whom are wearing branded merch. Action. 10 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

“My formula is easy,” Rivera told Folio Weekly before the show. “Monologue, bad jokes, three guests and a band.” It’s the classic late-night setup, inspired by Johnny Carson. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. The only difference is that instead of Hollywood stars, Rivera’s guest list comprises local artists, musicians and personalities (even the occasional alt-weekly editor). Production values are high, but it’s been a steep learning curve. Rivera launched his production company, FirstCoast.TV, with nothing more than an iPhone, a whole lotta passion and Boricua ingenuity. The iPhone would soon be upgraded, but the passion remained. It’s the same drive that inspired Rivera to try his hand at professional acting in the 1980s and then travel the world for more than a decade. And the ingenuity, well, that’s how he’s been able to indulge his passion throughout the decades—both his artistic work and his travels have been supported by trade work and odd

jobs. You name it, and he’s probably done it. Firefighter? Check. Electrician? Check. Painter? Check. Truck driver? Check. Salesman? Check. Rivera’s youth was spent between his birthplace, New York City, and his parents’ homeland, Puerto Rico, giving him the quintessentially American experience of Anglo, Latin and AfricanAmerican cultures. By the late 1970s, he was settled in Orlando, married (for the first time) and with a daughter. On a whim, he accompanied a friend to Jacksonville to audition for talent scouts representing the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York. “I had done a little acting in high school,” he said. “I loved to write. I loved poetry. But I didn’t expect to hear anything back.” Months later, however, he did. In the meantime, marriage number one had fallen apart, and Rivera’s ex-wife and daughter had split to Connecticut. New York looked all the more attractive, especially since he could

be closer to his daughter. He attended the academy for one year, in 1982, and spent the rest of the decade taking workshops, auditioning and working the occasional gig. He was even invited to audition for the uber-prestigious Actors Studio, although he didn’t make the cut. “The fact that they even gave me a shot at it was a big deal,” he said. “It gave me confidence.” Alas, confidence doesn’t pay the rent, so Rivera supported himself with trade work. “Somehow, through a friend, I got into the New York Public Library as a helper painter, then as an electrician. I was in the union; the pay was great, and I got four weeks of vacation!” He used the opportunity to travel, making a grand tour of Europe— both West and East—in 1985. The experience expanded his community of friends and sowed the seeds of his future wanderlust. Before long, his New York apartment was a virtual hostel for international travelers, and Rivera himself would soon pack his bags.

“

I realized that St. Augustine was being mistreated, neglected. Many people don’t even know this place exists. s

“By 1989, my acting career was going nowhere,” Rivera said. “My friends who were doing it longer than me were still starving, too, living on deli coffee and bagels. So I sold everything, found homes for my two cats, and gave the key to my landlord.” Then, he bought a car and drove. And drove. And drove, staying with friends old and new, doing odd jobs and humanitarian work for a few weeks at a time before moving on to the next town, the next country, the next continent. “One year turned into 14.” Fast forward to Maui, where Rivera found himself living for four years with a second wife: a French lass who eventually wanted to move closer to France. Rivera recalled the quaint village of San Agustín from his grade-school Spanish history books. It was a solid geographic compromise, and in a slight variant of the Tom T. Hall country classic, that’s how he got to St. Augustine. That was 2006. But marriages fall through, and so often they do. Within two years, Madame Rivera and their young son had left for La France. Monsieur remained in the Ancient City and worked his usual hustles to make ends meet. He assumed care of his ailing mother, who still lives with him in St. Augustine’s historic Abbott Tract neighborhood. Then he hatched his idea for a media and production outfit dedicated exclusively to his new town. “I realized that St. Augustine was being mistreated, neglected,” Rivera recalled. “Many people don’t even know this place exists. Jacksonville media doesn’t really cover St Augustine. I love

”

Melissa Ross; she’s one of the few that covers what happens here. So I started FirstCoast.TV with a friend: Fernando Bernall. After a few months, he felt it was too much work. He had a family to support, and there was no money in it. I was on my own, armed with only an iPhone 5s.” Rivera styled the company “The Gentle Voice of the Community” and set out documenting local events, accumulating professional gear—and learning how to use it—along the way. “I’ve always loved film. I’ve always had that aesthetic eye,” Rivera said. “It’s like someone who likes fashion but doesn’t sew; he knows where he wants to go but has to learn how to get there. Lots of tutorials, lots of Googling, lots of experimentation, and you just get better and better.” In 2017, he launched the first season of St. Augustine Tonight. “The idea came about from FirstCoast.TV just meeting these incredible people,” he explained. “For some of them, their glory years were over, but they had incredible stories to tell. And some were just beginning to live their dreams. I realized we could do a tonight show featuring these personalities.” Between his reporting for FirstCoast. TV and St. Augustine Tonight, Rivera’s work has become a digital library of city life: “I felt it was my duty to keep the city present in some sort of video format. Someone even told me, whether I know it or not, I’m creating a video archive of this city.” Subscribe to Folio Weekly’s Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 11

FOLIO A+E : ART

SWING FOR THE FENCES BABS’ LAB HOSTS GRAND SLAM OF STORYTELLING

12 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

n Friday, Jan. 17, Babs’ Lab will then perhaps their spirits sometimes take kick off the new year with its flight from dusty paperbacks. third semiannual Grand Slam Story slams might seem new, but competition. The event features the winners they’re as old as community, as old as the of the Riverside black box theater’s most art of telling a story. Erica Saffer, who won recent story slams. For the last several years, the November 2018 slam and competed the venue, situated in CoRK Arts District, in a previous grand slam, observed that has provided a home stage for playwrights, such events reflect “not only a historical poets, musicians and (since August 2018) aspect of culture,” but “an intimate aspect monthly story slams, in which storytellers of community building.” Slams bring the have eight minutes to tell a true story based community into the same space as the on that month’s theme. They must speak storyteller. “It puts the speaker and audience without notes and are allowed a two minute on the same plane of narrative existence,” grace period. Winners are chosen by Saffer said. “It closes the distance between audience members and guest judges—then and brings all participants into a shared they move on to the grand slam. experience, a collective consciousness.” The concept was conceived by the In September, Basma Alawee, founder venue’s eponymous founder, Barbara of Iraqi Activist Society in Jacksonville, “Babs” Colaciello. She’s a natural host. For came with a group of women refugees much of her life, Babs wanted only to fill who spoke about their experiences in war. her living room with friends, sing songs Alawee spoke about “home” and what the and tell stories. “In college, I was doing word means to her. “I was able to share that in my dorm room,” she said. “In fact, how one horrible night changed my vision I quit Andy Warhol in 1983 to pursue this about my own home, how one Friday lifelong ambition. My mom, of course, night in Baghdad, in a living room filled freaked out when I told her I was going to with my family and cousins, everything tell stories in clubs.” changed,” Alawee said. “I loved to spend You read that right. family time in that Colaciello worked in living room, eating and Warhol’s infamous playing board games. JANUARY GRAND SLAM Factory in New York. That night, our home 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, Babs’ Lab, Riverside, barbaracolaciello.com, $15. She served six years became a prison—no, as ad director for more like a grave—for Interview magazine. me and my family.” When she came to Jacksonville in 1993, Alawee’s own activism connects intimately she relied on her acting background to to her experience telling stories at Babs’ help make her new digs home, focusing on Lab. “Storytelling brings people in,” she improvisation and performance training. remarked. “It connects people and creates Among the Grand Slam contestants is the possibility for dialogue.” Johnny Masiulewicz, winner of December’s What you hear at Babs’ Lab resembles slam. He first became involved with poetry stories you might have heard on National slams in the movement’s early days, the Public Radio’s Moth Radio Hour, stories 1980s, when Marc Smith hosted them in that come from “curated story evenings” Chicago. Creator of the zine Happy Tapir, in venues around the country. Just as Moth staff help coach Moth storytellers, Masiulewicz also hosts monthly open-mic Colaciello offers weekly classes and story poetry at Chamblin’s Uptown. He likes the workshops “for those who want to get up challenge of telling stories without notes or for a slam but don’t feel confident enough.” props. As he’s become more comfortable Six storytellers will compete in doing it, he’s stopped memorizing his January’s Grand Slam. Anna Jacobson stories ahead of time. won in both October and August, tying “I like having the rhetorical freedom,” in August with Kaye Byrnes and Luke he said. “I know the outline, the Colaciello. Kate Gelbman won July’s parameters of the overall format, but if slam, Basma Alawee won September, I keep it flexible going in, I can change Willie Evans and Grant Nielsen tied in things depending on the audience and the November, and Johnny Masiulewicz won mood of the night.” the final slam of 2019. For December’s theme, “Angels and Sacraments,” Masiulewicz talked about Tim Gilmore how strange Chamblin Bookmine feels mail@folioweekly.com after hours, when books sometimes fly off Subscribe to the Folio Music Newsletter the shelves seemingly of their own accord. at folioweekly.com/newsletters If a writer’s “body of work” is their corpus,

JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 13

ARTS + EVENTS

One of Jacksonville’s newest craft breweries is exhibiting CHANGING SEASCAPES, a collection of five poignant aquatic life paintings by EDMARI HERNANDEZ-SILEN. Join the artist herself at the reception. 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, Lemonstreet Brewing Company, Rail Yard District, lemonstreetbrewing.com, free.

PERFORMANCE

ARTRAGEOUS Be a part of the show in this touring family-friendly interactive performance, which features music, dance, puppetry and, of course, art. 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, Nathan H. Wilson Center, 11901 Beach Blvd, Arlington, fscjartistseries.org, $21-$44. LOVE LETTERS This nostalgic, Pulitzer Prizenominated show of life-long friends continues to show at various times through February 9, Alhambra Theatre & Dining, 12000 Beach Blvd., Southside, alhambrajax.com, $38-$61.

CLASSICAL & JAZZ

KIKI PERRY The artist and her band make their debut 7:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, Jazzy’s Restaurant and Lounge, 901 King St., Riverside, facebook.com/Jazzys-Restaurant-andLounge-389937895072526, $5. THE DOO WOP PROJECT This music group joins Jacksonville Symphony for a journey back to the ‘50s and ‘60s. 8 p.m. Friday & Saturday, Jan. 17 & 18, Times-Union Center, 300 Water St., Ste. 200, Downtown, jaxsymphony.org, $34-$81. WOODWIND QUINTET Join the Jacksonville Symphony Woodwind Quintet for a reception and performance as a part of the Beaches Chamber Series 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, Beaches Museum Chapel, 381 Beach Blvd., Jacksonville Beach, jaxsymphony.org, $25.

BOOKS & POETRY

DR. JON PAHL The author & historian will be in town signing copies of his book Fethullah Gulen: A Life of Hizmet. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown, jaxpubliclibrary.org, free. TIM DORSEY The New York Times bestselling author will be in town signing copies of his latest novel Naked Came the Florida Man. 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, The Bookmark, 220 First St., Neptune Beach, bookmarkbeach.com, free. CHARLAINE HARRIS The author is traveling to promote her novel A Longer Fall, a continuation of the Gunnie Rose series, and is making a stop in Duval. 7 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20, Books-A-Million, 1910 Wells Rd., Orange Park, booksamillion.com/ authorevents, free.

COMEDY

DEMETRI MARTIN WANDERING MIND TOUR The comedian, artist, writer and director makes a stop on his tour. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, Florida Theatre, 128 E. Forsyth St., Ste. 300, Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $27.50-$45. FABULOUSLY FUNNY COMEDY FESTIVAL Mike Epps, best known for his role as Day-Day Jones in Next Friday and his Netflix comedy special, “Only One Mike,” headlines. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, VyStar Veterans Arena, 300 A. Philip Randolph Blvd., Sports Complex, ticketmaster.com, $52 and up. POWDER KEG COMEDY SHOW Six comedians from various states perform. Ben Sweet hosts. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, Hyperion Brewing Company, 1740 N. Main St., Springfield, facebook.com/ HyperionBrewingCo, free. COMEDY ZONE LOL Comedy Night with Brian 14 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

Thomas 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, $10; Shuler King performs at various times Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 16-19, $20-$122.50, 3130 Hartley Rd., Mandarin, comedyzone.com.

FILM

SUN-RAY CINEMA Parasite, Star Wars The Rise of Skywalker & Uncut Gems continue to play. Special showing of Weathering with You 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 1028 Park St., Five Points, sunraycinema. com, 359-0049. THE CORAZON CINEMA & CAFÉ Parasite & Monos show Wednesday, Jan. 15; St. Augustine Film Festival Thursday-Sunday, Jan. 16-19; St. Augustine Tonight with Jorge Rivera dinner and show 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, 36 Granada St., St. Augustine, corazoncinemaandcafe.com, 679-5736.

ART WALKS, MARKETS

RIVERSIDE ARTS MARKET 10 a.m.–3 p.m. every Saturday, 715 Riverside Ave., riversideavondale. com, free. ATLANTIC BEACH ARTS MARKET Acrylic Pouring Class with Theresa Robertson 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, $40, 1805 Mayport Rd., Atlantic Beach, atlanticbeachartsmarket.com. ORANGE PARK FARMERS’ & ARTS MARKET This seasonal market provides a wide variety of handmade and homegrown goods 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, 2042 Park Ave., Orange Park, orangeparkmarket.com, free. The AMP FARMERS MARKET The weekly staple returns with more food, art and music. Bring your reusable bags and containers for green shopping. Remember to leave your pets at home. 8:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. every Saturday, The Amp, 1340C A1A S., St. Augustine, staugamphitheatre.com, free.

MUSEUMS

BEACHES MUSEUM & HISTORY PARK The historical exhibition Neptune Beach: A Cool Place to Live runs through March 1, 381 Beach Blvd., Jax Beach, beachesmuseum.org. CUMMER MUSEUM of ARTS & GARDENS Eclectic Ecology: Landscape Perspectives from Ponce de León to Florida Man runs through December 31; Carlos Rolón’s Lost in Paradise through February 29; Edmund Greacen & World War I through February 2, 829 Riverside Ave., Riverside, cummermuseum.org. MUSEUM of CONTEMPORARY ART JACKSONVILLE Jenn Peek’s (I)dentify as Phoenix is on display through April 12; A Moment in Beijing through February 2; The Fragility of the Promise through March 1. Lunch and Learn with Kedgar Volta 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 333 N. Laura St., Downtown, mocajacksonville.unf.edu. MUSEUM of SCIENCE & HISTORY Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code opens Saturday, Jan. 18, 1025 Museum Cir., Southbank, themosh.org. LIGHTNER MUSEUM Artist Pepi Herrmann and Lightner Museum Educator Alison SchaefflerMurphy discuss American Brilliant Cut Glass and give a private tour of the new Brilliant Cut Glass Gallery. 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, 75 King St., St. Augustine, lightnermuseum.org, free, must RSVP online.

KARPELES MANUSCRIPT LIBRARY MUSEUM Mickey Mouse: Disney Training Exhibit, showcasing character model sheets and animator sketches, runs through April, 101 W. First St., Springfield, karpeles.weebly.com, free.

GALLERIES

THE ART CENTER COOPERATIVE Lisa Lofton and Valentina Nedelcheva are January’s featured artists. 9501 Arlington Expy., Ste. 430, Regency Square Mall, tacjacksonville.org. CRISP-ELLERT ART MUSEUM Opening reception for painter Hilary Pecis’ exhibit The Space in Between 5-7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Exhibit runs through Feb. 29, Flagler College, 48 Sevilla St., St. Augustine, flagler.edu/crispellert, free. CUTTER & CUTTER FINE ART GALLERY New glass works by David Lotton are on display. 333 Village Main St., Ponte Vedra Beach, cutterandcutter.com. GRAY 1908 GALLERY Jenna Alexander’s The Flower Map of the United States is on display. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, 73 San Marco Ave., St. Augustine, jenna-alexander.com. HASKELL GALLERY Women Artists, Visual Experience, a year-long effort showcasing the work of more than 90 women in and around Northeast Florida, runs through April 6, Jacksonville International Airport, 2400 Yankee Clipper Dr., Northside, jiaarts.org. MAIN LIBRARY POP: Perceptions of Poverty exhibit features seven artists and several modes and mediums, highlighting and focusing on poverty and tackling stereotypes and generalizations. The exhibit runs through Sunday, Jan. 19, Main Library, 303 N. Laura St., Downtown, jaxpubliclibrary.org. ST. AUGUSTINE ART ASSOCIATION Cutting Edge, a 2D and 3D exhibit that breaks the conventional conception of art, runs through February 2, 22 Marine St., St. Augustine, staaa.org. THRASHER-HORNE CENTER Off the Beaten Path, an exhibit showcasing five local artists, runs through February 15. Thursdays at Thrasher 5:30-8 p.m., every Thursday, an opportunity for art exploration, shopping, food, & music. 283 College Dr., Orange Park, thcenter.org. YELLOW HOUSE Opening reception and artist meet and greet for Home is Here: A Return to Source with Ecofeminist Sarah Crooks. 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 577 King St., Riverside, yellowhouseart.org, free.

EVENTS

SMOKING WITH ABBQ FEAT. ALYA’S ACRES After a fire destroyed its Madison County location in December, the St. Augustine-based rescue organization is raising funds to rebuild. Join Beaches Local Market, ABBQ and more than 20 vendors in showing support. The event will feature music from The Head Cheese, contests, workshops and pet adoptions. Noon-5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, ABBQ Meat & Drink, 461 Atlantic Blvd., Atlantic Beach, facebook.com/beacheslocalmarketplace, free. AMELIA ISLAND RESTAURANT WEEK Enjoy ten days of Amelia Island’s delicious food from prixfixe menus, at participating restaurants. FridaySunday, Jan. 17-26, ameliaisland.com, $12-$41.

ARTS + EVENTS UNITED FOR CHANGE RALLY & MARCH An empowering women’s rally with music from Mama Blue and DJ Kiki, a march to the Courthouse, vendors and food trucks. Speakers include Senator Audrey Gibson, Representative Tracie Davis, Donna Deegan, John M. Phillips and more. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, Hemming Park, 135 W. Monroe St., Downtown, facebook. com/hemmingpark, free. 33RD ANNUAL MLK EMPOWERMENT BREAKFAST Celebrate one of the most influential civil rights activists. Jacksonville’s NAACP Branch hosts. 7:30-9:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, Hyatt Regency, 224 E. Coastline Dr., Downtown, eventbrite.com, 265-4702, $40 per person, $400 per table. JANUARY GRAND SLAM BAB’S LAB and CoRK Arts District North host this story slam, where several story tellers share and compete. The theme is “Gumption.” 8-11 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 603 King St., Riverside, barbaracolaciello.com, $15. ARTIST CLOSING RECEPTION Join Annelies Dykgraaf and The Art Center Cooperative as they gather for the end of the artist’s show. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, The Florida Ballet, 10131 Atlantic Blvd., Arlington, free. PUNK BRUNCH Enjoy live music, exclusive brunch cocktails and food at the favorite local dive. 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Shantytown Pub, 22 W. Sixth St., Springfield, facebook.com/ shantytownjax, $5. MOVIE NIGHT IN THE BEER GARDEN Concessions, beer and a showing of “Star Wars: New Hope.” 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Wicked Barley Brewing Company, 4100 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, wickedbarley.com, free. CONVERSATIONAL SPANISH MEETUP Join the minds behind Casita Yoga Studio for their first monthly meetup to practice conversational Spanish in a judgment-free zone. 8-9 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 21, Casita Yoga Studio, 937 Edgewood Ave., Murray Hill, casitayogastudio.com, free. SAUCY SUNDAY Enjoy live music and maybe even star in New Jax City: Uncut, which will be filming throughout the event. 3-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, The Manhattan Sports Bar & Lounge, 345 E. Bay St., Downtown, eventbrite.com, $10 after 5 p.m., RSVP online.

SILENT PARTY: 2000’S VS NOW Party all night long and listen to DJs compete while you dance the night away. 9 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17, Layalina Restaurant & Hookah Lounge, 9375 Old St. Augustine Rd., Mandarin, millenniumage.com, $10-$135, 21 and older. JACKSONVILLE ANIME DAY This touring convention comes back to Jacksonville with a marketplace, costume contest, video rooms, and more for an action-packed day. Guests can even trade in some old manga to lower their admission fee. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Embassy Suites Jacksonville, 9300 Baymeadows Rd., Southside, animeday.net, $5. BEGINNERS BOTANICAL EMBROIDERY CLASS Learn this centuries-old simple and relaxing hobby, and take your beautiful creation home. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, Cultivate, 2766 Park St., Riverside, eventbrite.com, $40. VEGAN BREAKFAST COOKING CLASS TeaPosh Naturals shows guests how simple and delicious vegan dishes can be. 7-9 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, 1818 N. Davis St., Hogan’s Creek, teaposhnaturals. eventbrite.com, $50-$60. SAN MARCO NEW YEAR’S MIXER The San Marco Merchants Association and San Marco Preservation Society host this event on MOSH’s rooftop. 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, MOSH, 1025 Museum Circle, Southbank, themosh.org, free, 21 and older. SECOND ANNUAL SIP & SHOP WITH BABES WHO HUSTLE Network while you shop and support a local distribution company that’s dedicated to seeing the end of human trafficking. 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, Rethreaded, 820 Barnett St., New Town, eventbrite.com, $10. DANCING FOR A CAUSE Help raise money to complete the R.E.S.T.O.R.E House and dance the night away. The first hour and a half is dedicated to line dancing lessons. 6:30-10 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, 927 Events, 927 W. Forsyth St., Downtown, restoreduval.com, $20. 2020 PRSA KICKOFF SOCIAL North Florida PRSA hosts this networking event 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, Twenty 20 Creative, 6 E. Bay St., Ste. 301, Downtown, nfprsa.org, free to PRSSA members & students, $15 general admission, registration required.

Netflix comedy star Mike Epps (pictured) headlines the FABULOUSLY FUNNY COMEDY FESTIVAL. Also on the bill: Sommore, Gary Owen, Michael Blackson and HaHa Davis. 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17, VyStar Veterans Arena, Sports Complex, vystarveteransarena.com, $52 and up. JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 15

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With 30 million records sold across four decades, QUEENSRŸCHE is one of the most successful American heavy metal bands of all time–even after a high-profile vocalist change in 2012. The five-piece group is on the road presenting its 15th studio album, The Verdict. John 5 and Eve to Adam open. 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 19, Florida Theatre, Downtown, floridatheatre.com, $29.50-$39.50.

LIVE MUSIC VENUES

AMELIA ISLAND, FERNANDINA

SALTY PELICAN, 12 N. Front St. Hupp & Ray Jan. 17. Joe King Jan. 18. Jimmy Beats Jan. 19. Justin Spivey Jan. 21. Davis Turner every Wed. SJ BREWING COMPANY, 463646 S.R. 200, Ste. 13, Yulee Hupp & Ray Jan. 18 THE SURF, 3199 S. Fletcher Ave. Hupp Huppmann Jan. 15. Joe King Jan. 17. Justin Spivey Jan. 18 STORY & SONG BOOKSTORE, 1430 Park Ave. Rupert Wates Jan. 18

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

BLUE JAY LISTENING ROOM, 2457B S. Third St. Bay Kings Band Jan. 15. Dan Rodriguez Jan. 16. Carole Mayedo & Friends Jan. 17 & 18. The Band 3 & Friends Jan. 20. Blue Jay Jazz Jam Jan. 21 GUSTO, 1266 Beach Blvd. The Pinedas Jan. 17. Ventura Fusion Latin Band Jan. 18 LYNCH’S IRISH PUB, 514 N. First St. Austin Park Jan. 17. Spade McQuade Jan. 19 MEZZA, 110 First St., Neptune Beach Gypsies Ginger Jan. 15. Mike Shackelford Jan. 16. Mezza Shuffle Boxband Jan. 20. Trevor Tanner Jan. 21 MAVI BAR & GRILL, 2309 Beach Blvd. Smokestack Jan. 18 WHISKEY JAX, 950 Marsh Landing Pkwy. Green with Envy Jan. 16. Love Monkey Jan. 17. Monkey Wrench Jan. 18. Mojo Roux, Denton Elkins Jan. 19

DOWNTOWN

1904 MUSIC HALL, 19 Ocean St. Them Vagabonds, Grindstone Sinners, Ivan Pulley, The Reality, Colored Sound Jan. 16. Russ Liquid, Cofresi, Side Trakd, Vlad The Inhaler Jan. 17. Hawthorne Heights, Emery, Vagrants, Bad Luck, Adversaries Jan. 18. GA-20 Jan. 19 FLORIDA THEATRE, 128 E. Forsyth St. Grace Potter Jan. 15. The Righteous Brothers: Bill Medley & Bucky Heard Jan. 16. Queensrÿche, John 5, Eve to Adam Jan. 19 MYTH NIGHTCLUB, 333 E. Bay St. Valhalla, Stiltz, Trizzj Jan. 15. Trampa, Bad Color, Inner-G, Romeo Jan. 17. Micke, Mike Shea, Jon Kinesis, Tim Jarrell, Darren Parks Jan. 18 WJCT SOUNDSTAGE, 100 Festival Park Ave. Jesse Cook Jan. 21

FLEMING ISLAND, GREEN COVE

16 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

BOONDOCKS, 2808 Henley Rd. Mark Johns Jan. 17 DEE’S MUSIC BAR & GRILL, 2141 Loch Rane Blvd., Ste. 140 Live music every Thur. WHITEY’S FISH CAMP, 2032 C.R. 220 Dixie Highway Band Jan. 17. Blistur Jan. 18

INTRACOASTAL, ARLINGTON

CLIFF’S, 3033 Monument Rd. Big Engine Jan. 17 & 18 JERRY’S, 13170 Atlantic Blvd. Lucky Stiff Jan. 17. Sidewalk 65 Jan. 18 MUDVILLE MUSIC ROOM, 3105 Beach Blvd. Joe Mullins & the Radio Ramblers Jan. 17. Trials of Job Jan. 18

MANDARIN

CHEERS, 11475 San Jose Blvd. Julia Gulia Jan. 15. Vegas Gray Jan. 17. Neon Whiskey Jan. 18 ENZA’S, 10601 San Jose Blvd., Ste. 109 Brian Iannucci every Wed., Sun. & Tue. Carl Grant every Thur., Fri. & Sat. IGGY’S, 104 Bartram Oaks Walk, Ste. 101 Don’t Call Me Shirley Jan. 17. Jason Evans Band Jan. 18. Corbitt Clampitt Duo Jan. 19

PONTE VEDRA

PONTE VEDRA CONCERT HALL, 1050 A1A N. Rising Appalachia, Raye Zaragoza Jan. 16. Robert Cray Jan. 19. Gaelic Storm Jan. 21 TAPS, 2220 C.R. 210 W., Ste. 314 George Aspinall Jan. 15. Str8 Up Jan. 17. Vegas Gray Jan. 18

RIVERSIDE, WESTSIDE

NIGHTHAWKS, 2952 Roosevelt Blvd. Gnarly Posse, Godly Mafia, Iamaura, Jaiquan Tyre, Jung Money$, YoungVille Jan. 17. Magonlia Moon, Custard Pie, Cowford Town Band Jan. 18 THRASHER-HORNE CENTER, 283 College Dr. Remember When Rock Was Young: The Elton John Tribute Jan. 19

ST. AUGUSTINE

ARNOLD’S LOUNGE, 3912 N. Ponce de Leon Blvd. Live music every Sat. THE CELLAR UPSTAIRS, 157 King St. Vinny Jacobs Jan. 16 & 19. Gary Douglas Campbell, Billy Buchanan & His Rock ‘n Soul Revue Jan. 17. T.J. Brown, Ain’t Too Proud 2 Beg Jan. 18 COLONIAL QUARTER, 33 St. George St. I-Vibes Jan. 17 DOG ROSE BREWING, 77 Bridge St. Rock Bottom String Band Jan. 15. Brett Bass & the Melted Plectrum Jan. 18 MEEHAN’S IRISH PUB, 20 Avenida Menendez Bad Dog Mama Jan. 16. Those Guys Jan. 17. Ian Kelly Jan. 18. Brendan Nolan Jan. 19 PROHIBITION KITCHEN, 119 St. George St. Speak Easy Cure, Chris Thomas Band Jan. 15. Tom Mackell, Cover Boy Jan. 16. Ramona, The Swell Acoustics Jan. 17. Seventh Street Band, The Raisin Cake Orchestra Jan. 18. The Willowwacks Jan. 20. Aslyn & the Naysayers Jan. 21

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CONCERTS SHANGHAI NOBBY’S, 10 Anastasia Blvd. Half My Home, Nalani Proctor, Free Mace, Ghost Tropic Jan. 15. Vilano, Days Gone By, Gentleman’s Crow, Caleb’s Mountain Jan. 17. Sister Citrus, Dead Enders, Curious Markings, Noah Eagle Jan. 19. Dark Thoughts, Reels, Minimum Rage, 86hope, Mental Boy Jan. 20

CITIZEN COPE Jan. 27, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall THE TAJ MAHAL QUARTET Jan. 29, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall RODNEY CROWELL Jan. 30, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall THE GLORIOUS SONS, DES ROCS Jan. 31, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall SIDELINE Feb. 8, Mudville Music Room COLD WAR KIDS, OVERCOATS Feb. 10, Ponte SAN MARCO, SOUTHBANK Vedra Concert Hall JACK RABBITS, 1528 Hendricks Ave. Radkey, ABBA MANIA Feb. 12, Florida Theatre Whiskey Face, Scum Jan. 15. Eric Hutchinson, Matt VIVA LAS VEGAS: ELVIS TRIBUTE Feb. 12-16, Hires Jan. 16. The Cavemen, Jean Street Sound Alhambra Theatre Jan. 17. Dr. Fëëldirty, Highway to Hell’s Bells, Man WILLIE NELSON Feb. 15, The Amp of Fire Jan. 18. I Met A Yeti, Crashes Down, Good JOHN FOGERTY Feb. 23, The Amp Going Jan. 19. Allen, Mack, Myers, Moore, Frank NEIL DIAMOND: SWEET CAROLINE TRIBUTE Feb. Viele, Dalton Ammerman Jan. 20 24 & 25, Alhambra Theatre NEARLY NICKS Feb. 27, Thrasher-Horne Center SOUTHSIDE, BAYMEADOWS ALHAMBRA THEATRE, 12000 Beach Blvd. TUSK: REO SPEEDWAGON Mar. 3, Florida Theatre RICHARD SMITH Mar. 5, Mudville Music Room Fleetwood Mac Tribute Jan. 20 & 21 THE OUTLAWS Mar. 8, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall VETERANS UNITED CRAFT BREWERY, 8999 THE MCCARTNEY YEARS Mar. 9, Alhambra Theatre Western Way, Ste. 104 The Bald Eagles Jan. 17 WHISKEY JAX, 10915 Baymeadows Rd., Ste. 135 FRED EAGLESMITH, TIF GINN Mar. 12, Mudville Music Room Dalton Ammerman Jan. 15. Chris Thomas Band STEVE HACKETT Mar. 20, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall Jan. 17. Boogie Freaks Jan. 18 THE SOPHOMORE ATTEMPT, MODERN VIOLENCE, RUNNER’S HIGH Mar. 20, 1904 Music Hall SPRINGFIELD, NORTHSIDE COPPERTOP BAR & RESTAURANT, 12405-7 Main AGAINST ME! Mar. 25, The Amp JASON ISBELL, THE 400 UNIT, OLD CROW St. N. 1 Hot Mess Jan. 17 PALMS FISH CAMP, 6359 Heckscher Dr. Michael MEDICINE SHOW Mar. 27, The Amp THE EVERLY BROTHERS TRIBUTE Mar. 30 & 31, Ward Jan. 15 & 19. Taylor Shami Jan. 16. Billy Alhambra Theatre Bowers Jan. 17. Eric Alabiso, Lisa & the Mad VANILLA ICE & SIR MIX-A-LOT Apr. 7, Clay Hatters Jan. 18. Ryan Campbell Jan. 19 County Fair PCOMING ONCERTS MANDY MOORE Apr. 7, Florida Theatre SOUTHERN CULTURE ON THE SKIDS, THE VALLEY LEO KOTTKE Apr. 10, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall GHOULS Jan. 23, 1904 Music Hall MELISSA ETHERIDGE Apr. 30, Thrasher-Horne Center VERLON THOMPSON & JIM LAUDERDALE Jan. 24, LED ZEPPELIN TRIBUTE: ZOSO Apr. 30, Ponte Mudville Music Room Vedra Concert Hall TODD SNIDER Jan. 25, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall AJR May 6, Daily’s Place LUCINDA WILLIAMS & HER BAND BUICK 6 Jan. REBELUTION, STEEL PULSE June 21, The Amp 26, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall RINGO STARR, EDGAR WINTER June 26, The Amp BLACK FLAG, THE LINECUTTERS Jan. 26, 1904 Music Hall

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Sisters Leah and Chloe Smith have been harmonizing since birth. In 2005, they formed RISING APPALACHIA and set out to fuse their native Southern sounds with global music influences. Even better, the sisters are social activists and operate entirely outside of the traditional music industry. Raye Zaragoza opens. 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, Ponte Vedra Concert Hall, pvconcerthall.com, $25/$28. JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 17

FOLIO PETS

LOCAL PET EVENTS & ADOPTABLES PAINT YOUR PET Gogh Create hosts this art class for pet owners. Attendees are encouraged to leave their pups at home and bring in photos for inspiration. Cost includes supplies and a drink. 6:30-8:30 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17, Kanine Social, 580 College St., Brooklyn, facebook.com/KanineSocial, $35.

ADOPTABLES

CARROLL

DO RIGHT DOWN UNDER

LOCAL MAKERS RALLY TO HELP AUSTRALIAN ANIMALS

BUSHFIRES ARE ALL TOO COMMON IN Australia, but this season has set a grim record. Fires have raged for months across the continent, devastating wildlife and their habitats. As a result, koalas, kangaroos and even bats are injured, orphaned or homeless. When one local family heard about the catastrophe, they knew they wanted to help. That’s why Rebecca Hughes and her husband, Chris, are sewing wildlife pouches for animals and collecting material, supplies and handmade pouches from local makers. Davi: How did you become involved in the Australian wildlife relief effort? Rebecca: Seeing such devastation happening from afar, I felt the need to help and support Australia at a time when it needs it most. I give Steve Irwin credit for fueling my love for animals, and this love motivated me to act locally and get our community involved in supporting the relief efforts. What is your role in the relief effort? My husband and I have volunteered to be a donation hub for Northeast Florida, including Jacksonville and surrounding counties. We will collect all donations and ship one massive package to Australia, so donors won’t have to bear the cost of shipping abroad. Have you received a positive response from local supporters? Yes! We have had several individuals reach out who are interested in helping but unsure how they can contribute. I often say, “Time is the most valuable resource,” so if you can put your skills to work, like making homemade items for wildlife animals or cutting materials for other crafters, this is more intrinsically rewarding than giving money.

18 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

How can locals help animals in Australia? Donate! There’s a tendency to think that, if you don’t have money, you cannot make an impact, but that simply is not

true. People can donate fabric, time and skills to craft pouches for displaced wildlife. They can also donate supplies. What items can people make? Volunteers can knit or sew a variety of wildlife pouches and animal blankets. If you are not crafty, you can donate soft fabric (cotton, fleece and flannel) and supplies that can be used to make these items. What is one thing you’d want our readers to understand about supporting Australian wildlife relief efforts? We are all citizens of the same world. Many of the firefighters and animal rescuers are volunteers, just like those of us who are making koala mittens and bat wraps. You may not think your wildlife pouch is significant, but to the animal who receives it, it is the most significant gift of all. How can people contact you if they want to support the relief efforts? Anyone looking to help the animals can contact me at jbprmm@gmail.com or Instagram @catharsis_creative. Our shipping date is January 30. If you can knit, crochet or sew, wildlife organizations want your help to create special pouches and blankets for injured animals. Young wallabies, koalas and wombats require pouches to grow. Without their mothers, they rely on handmade products from donors. Other animals, such as flying foxes, also require pouches to help their recovery, and koalas need mittens for their burnt paws. Animals are always in need of these wraps, not just in the fire season. Despite the outpouring of supplies, experts say they do not expect to have an excess any time soon. Davi the Dachshund mail@folioweekly.com Subscribe to Folio Weekly Magazine’s Pets Newsletter at folioweekly.com/newsletters

Me: friendly, polite pup who loves new people, road trips and cuddle sessions on the couch. You: dog-loving human with room in your home and heart. Wanna meet? You’ll find me at 8464 Beach Blvd, seven days a week—just ask for Carroll!

PIT SISTERS MONTHLY ADOPTION EVENT The Jacksonville Beach-based nonprofit specializes in helping harder-to-adopt dogs find their forever homes. Expand your family and enjoy deals on pet food and supplies. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, EarthWise Pet Supply, 3846 Third St. S., Jax Beach, pitsisters.org.

ADOPTABLES

PETUNIA

Me: elegant, independent feline who appreciates the finer things in life like catnip wine and a good scratching post. You: feline fanatic willing to pet me until I tell you to stop. Visit jaxhumane.org to learn more about me— or just stop by JHS!

HELP ALYA’S ACRES The St. Augustine-based rescue organization continues to raise funds for a new shelter after a fire destroyed its Madison County facility and 11 animals in December. The team put a down payment on a manufactured home on January 4, but it will ultimately need to purchase a new septic system, storage area, permits and more in addition to rebuilding a permanent structure. Ayla’s Acres is asking for community donations through its website, aylasacres.org, and social media, facebook.com/AylasAcres.

DALE RATERMANN’s Folio Weekly Crossword presented by

Serving Excellence Since 1928 Member American Gem Society

San Marco 2044 San Marco Blvd. 398-9741

Avondale 3617 St. Johns Ave. 388-5406

Ponte Vedra

THE SHOPPES OF PONTE VEDRA

330 A1A North 280-1202

Voted Best Jeweler in FW’s Best of Jax readers’ poll!

FOLIO WEEKLY CROSSWORD 1

25 31 35

32 36

61 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70

60 64

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NEWS OF THE WEIRD

FREEWILL ASTROLOGY

PEOPLE WITH ISSUES Police in Wichita Falls, Texas, say they responded to a report on Jan. 5 that Christopher Ragsdale choked and headbutted his unnamed girlfriend after she complained about his odorous gas. “She told Christopher that his fart smelled horrible and he got mad and grabbed her by the hair and pulled her to the ground,” the Associated Press quoted the arrest affidavit. The altercation took place at a friend’s house, and that friend called police. Ragsdale was held on $10,000.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): John Cleese has an insight to consider. He says, “It’s easier to do trivial things that are urgent than it is to do important things that are not urgent. It’s also easier to do little things we know we can do than to start on big things that we’re not so sure about.” You’ll be wise to prioritize important tasks, even those that aren’t urgent, as you de-emphasize trivial matters that tempt you to think they’re crucial. Focus on big things that are challenging, rather than on little things that are a snap.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Honoré Balzac (1799–1850) was born with sun and Mercury in Taurus and in the tenth house. Astrologers might hypothesize from these placements that he was ambitious, productive, tenacious, diligent, realistic and willful. The evidence supporting this theory is strong. You could cultivate a Balzac-like approach in your own sphere. But here’s a caveat: Balzac didn’t take good care of his body. He drank far too much coffee and had a careless approach to eating and sleeping. As you hone your drive for success, be impeccable in tending to your health.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Before he was 21 years old, William Shakespeare and his wife had birthed three kids. When he was 25, while the brood was still young, he started churning out literary masterpieces. By the time Will became a grandfather at age 43, he had written many of the works that ultimately made him one of history’s most illustrious authors. From this evidence, we might speculate that being a parent and husband heightened his creative flow. What role will commitment and duty and devotion play in your life during the coming months? (I suspect it’ll be a good one.)

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Painter Stanley Spencer (1891–1959) didn’t align himself with any artistic movement. Early on, his work was an odd blend of French PostImpressionism and 14th-century Italian painting. Draw inspiration from his stylistic independence. Another unique aspect of Spencer’s art was its mix of eroticism and religiosity. Your spiritual and sexual longings could be quite synergistic, too. There’s one part of Spencer’s quirky nature I don’t recommend you imitate, however. He often wore pajamas beneath his clothes, even on formal occasions.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in the 1440s. In subsequent decades, millions of mass-produced books became available for the first time, making their contents available to a far wider audience than ever before. The printing press caused other changes, too—some not as positive. Climate change, the internet, smart phones, automation, and human-like robots are just a few examples. What are you doing to adjust to the many innovations? And what will you do in the future? Now is an excellent time to meditate on these issues.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): You’re skilled at the art of self-editing. When bright new ideas well up in you, you understand they need to be honed and finessed. When your creativity overflows, tantalizing you with fresh perspectives and novel approaches, you know that you’ll have to harness the raw surge. However, it’s also true that sometimes you go too far in your efforts to refine your imagination’s breakthroughs; you over-think and over-polish. But I have a good feeling about the coming weeks. I suspect you’ll find the sweet spot, self-editing with just the right touch. 20 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | JANUARY 15-21, 2020

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Thomas Love Peacock was a satirical author whose novels featured people sitting around tables arguing about opinions and ideas. He was not renowned for cheerful optimism. And yet he did appreciate sheer beauty. “There is nothing perfect in this world,” he said, “except Mozart.” So much did Peacock love Mozart’s music that during one severalmonth stretch he attended six performances of Don Giovanni. In this spirit, make a list of your own perfect things—and spend extra time communing with them in the coming weeks.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): JeanMichel Basquiat started his career as a graffiti artist. When he evolved into being a full-time painter, he incorporated words amidst his images. On many occasions, he’d draw lines through the words. “I cross out words so you will see them more,” he said. “The fact that they are obscured makes you want to read them.” You might benefit from discreetly using this strategy in your own life. In other words, draw attention to the things you want to emphasize by downplaying them or being mysterious about them or suggesting they are secret. Reverse psychology can be an asset for you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Because of the onslaught of the internet and social media, lots of people no longer read books. But in 2020, I highly recommend that you not be in that crowd. You need more of the slow, deep wisdom that comes from reading books. You will also benefit from other acts of rebellion against the Short Attention Span Era. Crucial blessings will flow in your direction as you honor the gradual, incremental approach to everything.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “I love to be surprised by something I have never thought of,” declares actor Ralph Fiennes. You’ll be wise to make that one of your top mottoes in 2020. Life is likely to bring to your attention a steady stream of things you’ve never imagined, and your ability to make good use of surprises will be at an all-time high. Set aside as many of your dogmas and expectations as possible, so that you can be abundantly receptive to things you’ve never thought of. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “I love fools’ experiments. I am always making them.” So said one of the most famous and influential scientists who ever lived, Charles Darwin. In accordance with upcoming astrological factors, draw inspiration from his approach. Allow yourself to explore playfully as you conduct fun research. Just assume that you have a mandate to drum up educational experiences, and that a good way to do that is to amuse yourself with improvisational adventures. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “How do you get your main pleasure in life?” That question was posed to author Evelyn Waugh and social reformer William Beveridge. Waugh said, “I get mine spreading alarm and despondency.” Beveridge said, “I get mine trying to leave the world a better place than I found it.” I hope you will favor Beveridge’s approach over Waugh’s in 2020. The world already has plenty of alarm and despondency; it doesn’t need even a tiny bit more. And aspiring to be like Beveridge will be the best possible strategy for fostering your mental and physical health.

Rob Brezsny freewillastrology@freewillastrology.com

PRECOCIOUS The father of a three-year-old girl in Guilin, China, is paying the price for his toddler’s creative expression. On Nov. 24, the man, identified only as Mr. Zhao, his wife and daughter visited an Audi dealership, Oddity Central reported. As the adults looked around, the bored girl scratched “artwork” into 10 automobiles, including one valued at more than $140,000. The dealership sued the father for $28,400 over the damage caused. Eventually, Mr. Zhao and the dealership settled on a payment of $10,000. ACT OF DESPERATION After Dona Maria Schiave failed her driver’s license test three times in the Novo Mutum Parana district of Brazil, her son, Heitor Marcio Schiave, 43, decided to take matters into his own hands. On Dec. 10, he donned a stuffed bra, long skirt and makeup and showed up at the State Department of Traffic, claiming to be his mother, ready to take the test again. Aline Mendonca, the examiner, became suspicious and summoned the military police. “I thought she was drunk at first,” she told globo.com. “When I realized that the student was actually a man, I decided to proceed normally” and wait for officers. “I think he pitied his mother for failing three times.” Schiave was arrested for fraudulent misrepresentation and released; he may face a fine. THE WAY THE WORLD WORKS Kari and Dustin Drees bought their first home In Atlanta’s Buckhead district in December and shortly thereafter left on vacation to visit family. While they were gone, an alarm went off, and friends reported nothing was amiss, but when the Dreeses returned home, they discovered an uninvited visitor had moved in: a squirrel. The animal had apparently fallen down the chimney and become trapped inside, where it did a lot of damage—defecating, scratching floors, chewing baseboards and building a nest in the couch. No worries, the couple thought: “This is why you have homeowner’s insurance,” Kari told the Associated Press. Not so fast: The couple’s

insurance “explicitly stated” it doesn’t cover damage done by rodents, and a squirrel is a rodent. Small comfort: The company did offer to provide housing for the couple for up to two weeks. ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT Mike Parrish of Woodfin, North Carolina, is making fantasy a reality with a “Lord of the Rings” hobbit home he’s building to offer on Airbnb. “I’m not just a casual fan. I’m a huge fan,” Parrish said as he guided WLOS through the 800-squarefoot “Unexpected Journey,” built 90 percent underground with one bedroom, one bathroom, a kitchen and round doorways crafted by local woodworker John Fenwick. “What we want is to just have an area where people can come and bring their kids and just leave with an unforgettable experience,” Parrish said. The home should be ready to rent in February or March; Parrish and his wife have not set a per-night rate yet. BRIGHT IDEA Firefighters in Las Vegas discovered what they say is an illegal, homemade gas station in a backyard on Jan. 7. The setup comprised two yellow tanks in the corner of a walled yard and a gas pump nozzle on the end of a hose long enough to reach from the backyard to the curb out front, the Associated Press reported, for “possible curbside fill-ups.” “This is not only illegal in the city,” Las Vegas Fire and Rescue wrote on social media, “it is a hazard to neighbors (and) first responders who may respond there for an emergency, like a fire.” Las Vegas Metropolitan Police are investigating and believe it is part of a scheme to purchase gasoline with stolen credit cards and stash the fuel in storage containers at private homes. WAIT, WHAT? Finally. Lizard owners who want to dress like their reptilian pets have a source for trendy looks: Fashion Brand Company of Los Angeles has been making clothes for lizards for a while, but now you can match your bearded dragon. The current collection, according to OK Whatever, includes velvet jumpsuits and Western fringe jackets that come with a tiny white cowboy hat. The clothes are handmade and go for up to $125—and that doesn’t include whatever you order for yourself. Founder Penelope Gazin says the ideas “come to me in my dreams,” adding that lizards need clothes because “their bodies are disgusting and should be covered up.” (Gazin doesn’t own a lizard herself; “I dislike lizards,” she admits.) weirdnewstips@amuniversal.com

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ILLINOIS EXPERIENCES SALES SURGE AFTER LEGALIZATION

JANUARY 1 MARKED THE START OF something big in Illinois, as it became the 11th state in the U.S. to legalize the use of recreational marijuana. As Folio Weekly has noted many times before, there are essentially two routes to legalization. One route involves organizers getting voters to sign petitions and vote in favor of a bill via the ballot (which seems to be a dead issue in Florida, for now). The other route, the one that has proven perhaps even more popular, involves a state’s legislature approving a bill and sending it to the state’s governor, who has the option of signing it into law. That was the route our neighbors up in the Prairie State took, and the results have been spectacular. Under the Cannabis Regulation and Tax Act, which the Illinois General Assembly passed on May 31, 2019, adults are now able to purchase up to 30 grams of flower or buy edibles with a maximum THC count of 500 milligrams; they can even buy as much as five grams of concentrate, also known as “wax” or “shatter.” Similar amounts would have resulted in felony charges in the past, but an estimated 116,000 residents with prior convictions will now be eligible to have their records cleared. Governor J.B. Pritzker, who signed the bill into law on June 25, 2019, has already issued pardons to 11,000 of them, and the rest are lining up. Day one saw more than $3 million in sales; that number had doubled to $5 million within two days and soared to nearly $11 million within the first five days. Sales had stopped by January 7, because dispensaries had run out of weed for the general population. That has happened in several states in recent years, but it has never happened nearly as quickly. It will be a while before we can clearly see what effect this will have on general conditions

there, but one may assume it will be similar to those states that preceded: fewer arrests, less crime and an overall improvement in quality of life. This is even better news than usual, since Illinois’ most famous city, Chicago, has been plagued by a brutal and dramatic spike in violent crime that has captured the morbid fascination of an entire nation. Murder is on the rise from coast to coast; our own city, Jacksonville, saw a historic high in 2019, and the new year is already off to a bloody start. Legalizing weed will likely have no noticeable effect, since the bulk of that crime is driven by the illicit trade in cocaine, opiates and other drugs that even the most libertarian-minded among us will admit are illegal for good reason. But any little bit helps, and the elimination of criminal penalties will, at the very least, prevent many young people from being saddled with the kinds of records that can block their entry into honest work, which then increases their likelihood of crossing over to the dark side. Could this happen here? Nope. Illinois has 176 legislators, a healthy quorum (113) of whom are Democrats—as is the governor. In Florida, 96 of our 160 legislators are Republicans. So even though Florida Governor Ron DeSantis seems more open to the idea than most of his peers, he will probably never be presented with the option to legalize recreational marijuana. As our state struggles to move in the right direction, one can only hope that conservatives will see the tidal wave of free money washing in from Lake Michigan and consider following the lead.

Shelton Hull mail@folioweekly.com

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BUILDING AN ALLIANCE ST. AUGUSTINE ORGANIZATION SEEKS TO ESTABLISH PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

DO YOU ENJOY ALL THE WONDERFUL activities St. Augustine has to offer? Dining, shopping, gallery hopping, pubcrawling, carriage rides or museums? And what about all the concerts, plays, shows, exhibits, nightlife and festivals that seem to never end? If you do, we need your help. Did you know that even though St. Augustine has a population of roughly 14,000, it has more than 50 performing and visual arts nonprofit organizations that present delightful events all year round? That’s because this accessible and affordable arts, culture and heritage scene attracts people like you from across the region, the nation and even around the world. Demand for events keeps growing, but our talented and expanding arts community has literally run out of performance space in this small town. St. Augustine does not have a dedicated indoor performance space with more than 250 seats, aside from schools, which are also outgrowing their facilities. A performing arts center can be a hub of artistic and educational activity, a centerpiece of an existing arts district, a catalyst for economic development and new investment, and a cultural legacy for many generations to come. It can attract high-value commerce and enjoyment to Downtown year round. That’s why we need your help. Who’s “we”? The EpiCentre Alliance: a nonprofit coalition formed to promote, build and sustain a visual and performing arts center in the St. Augustine area. Its founding members include: A Classic Theatre (ACT), EMMA Concert Series and Guild, First Coast Opera, Hispanic Culture Film Festival, St. Augustine’s Romanza, St. Augustine Chamber Singers, St. Augustine Community Chorus, St. Augustine Concert Band, St. Augustine Film Society, St. Augustine Lighthouse and Maritime Museum, St. Augustine Music Festival, St. Augustine Orchestra and several individual community leaders who support the arts. The members have already contributed significant funds for incorporation and nonprofit administration. In addition, the St. Johns County Tourist Development

Council recently authorized payment for two closely related and expensive professional studies. An independent consulting firm completed the first study in July 2019. It found that an arts center in St. Johns County would not only be viable, but it would have a significant economic impact on the county. The second study, to be commissioned this year, will identify and rank a number of specific site locations for consideration, as well as what range of facility costs may be feasible. If we are going to build a performing arts center, we also need a formal business plan with operational and fundraising strategies to complement the results of those studies. This is where you come in. First, look up St. Augustine EpiCentre for Arts & Culture. Follow us on social media and leave your thoughts and suggestions. The EpiCentre Alliance will use your input as it develops its professional business plan. The Alliance has engaged Vavarde Consulting for that purpose. Later this month, Vavarde will begin by researching our community— including many arts and culture organizations, who will put a performing arts center to good use, and the public, residents and visitors alike, who will enjoy and support our performing and arts center for decades to come. The EpiCentre Alliance will need to raise $8,000 by March to pay for that professional business plan development. That’s the second thing you can do: donate. To spur that along, St. Augustine’s Romanza, one of the Alliance’s founders, has pledged to match funds up to $2,000 to help reach our goal. Any amount is greatly appreciated. The Alliance doesn’t expect the county or the city to build and manage a performing arts center. It needs to be managed by a nonprofit, which is one of the reasons the EpiCentre Alliance was created. We are going to build something. We just don’t know quite how big, yet. That depends on you. Albert Syeles mail@folioweekly.com __________________________________ Syeles is president of the EpiCentre Alliance.

FOLIO WEEKLY welcomes Backpage submissions. They should be 1,200 words or fewer and on a topic of local interest and/or concern. Send your submissions to mail@folioweekly.com. Opinions expressed on the Backpage are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Folio Weekly. JANUARY 15-21, 2020 | FOLIOWEEKLY.com | 23